A new bill filed by State Sen. Lazzara seeks to regulate licensing and permitting for individuals and firms handling portable fire extinguishers and suppression systems, according to the North Carolina State Senate.
The bill, filed as SB 374 on March 20 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill mandates licensing and permitting for individuals and firms that install, inspect, repair, service, or test portable fire extinguishers and fire suppression systems in North Carolina, effective Oct. 1, 2025. The State Fire Marshal will oversee the implementation, setting standards and granting licenses and permits. Firms and individuals must comply with specific requirements, such as evidence of competence and insurance, and are subject to fees. The bill also outlines penalties for non-compliance, including civil fines and potential misdemeanor charges. Certain exemptions apply, such as for government employees and routine visual inspections by fire inspectors.
Of the two sponsors of this bill, Lazzara proposed the most bills (23) during the 2025 regular session.
Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.
You can read more about the bills and other measures here.
Lazzara, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2021 to represent the state’s 6th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Harry Brown.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael A. Lazzara and Lisa S. Barnes | SB 374 | 03/20/2025 | Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Lisa S. Barnes, and Todd Johnson | SB 368 | 03/20/2025 | Office of State Fire Marshal Omnibus Bill.-AB |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Dana Jones | SB 346 | 03/19/2025 | Good Samaritan Law/Immunity. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Brad Overcash, and Danny Earl Britt, Jr. | SB 321 | 03/18/2025 | Accounting Workforce Development Act. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Dana Jones | SB 328 | 03/18/2025 | Underground Safety Revisions. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Amy S. Galey, and Warren Daniel | SB 309 | 03/17/2025 | Changes to Estates and Trusts Statutes. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Brent Jackson, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 295 | 03/13/2025 | Clarify Motor Vehicle Dealer Laws. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Danny Earl Britt, Jr., and Todd Johnson | SB 265 | 03/11/2025 | Protecting Our Community Act. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Todd Johnson, and Warren Daniel | SB 248 | 03/06/2025 | Birth Certificates for Persons Adopted. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Bob Brinson, and Buck Newton | SB 245 | 03/05/2025 | The Rakim Shackleford Embalming Fluid Act. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Lisa S. Barnes, and Todd Johnson | SB 226 | 03/03/2025 | Align Benefits for Firefighters with Cancer. |
| Michael A. Lazzara and Brent Jackson | SB 183 | 02/26/2025 | Funds for VSO in Jones County. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 188 | 02/26/2025 | Financial Support to NC4ME. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 172 | 02/25/2025 | STIP Grant Anticipation Notes. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Todd Johnson | SB 128 | 02/21/2025 | Heroes Homestead Act. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Vickie Sawyer, and Warren Daniel | SB 118 | 02/18/2025 | Reduce Veteran CCW Fee/Expand CCW Notice. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 106 | 02/17/2025 | Funds/Onslow Water and Sewer Authority. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Michael V. Lee | SB 109 | 02/17/2025 | Veterans Appreciation Act. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Eddie D. Settle, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 113 | 02/17/2025 | Removal of Squatters from Private Property. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Eddie D. Settle, and Timothy D. Moffitt | SB 71 | 02/11/2025 | Expedited Removal of Unauthorized Persons. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 73 | 02/11/2025 | Richlands Occupancy Tax Authorization. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Bill Rabon, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 63 | 02/06/2025 | Board of Motor Vehicles/Authority Study. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 29 | 01/30/2025 | Onslow – Delegate Rezoning Authority. |
