Community Emergency Response Training.

SB 305 allocates $3 million in recurring state funds to North Carolina's Department of Public Safety for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The bill directs the Division of Emergency Management to use these funds to expand CERT training and actively promote community participation through partnerships with local organizations. Key provisions include establishing new training sessions and developing outreach strategies to encourage broader community engagement in emergency preparedness. This funding directly supports residents and local groups participating in CERT programs, focusing on practical disaster response skills. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025.