Rep. Blust files bill in North Carolina House to restructure State Fire Marshal office

A new bill filed by State Rep. John M. Blust proposes to eliminate the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s independence by shifting control to the Department of Insurance commissioner, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 899 on April 10 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Return Oversight of OSFM to DOI Commissioner.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill seeks to eliminate the independence of the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) in North Carolina by transferring authority back to the Commissioner of the Department of Insurance. It repeals specific sections of previous statutes, maintaining that all employees of the OSFM as of Oct. 1, 2025, may continue in their roles unless directed otherwise by the Commissioner. Current regulations and issued identification numbers will remain effective until amended by the Commissioner, and existing designees and trustees appointed by the State Fire Marshal will continue their roles at the Commissioner’s discretion. Upon expiration of current board members’ terms, appointees will be appointed by the Commissioner. The bill becomes effective on Oct. 1, 2025.

Blust proposed another 21 bills 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.

Blust graduated from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill in 1979 with a BS and again in 1982 from University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill with a JD.

Blust, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2024 to represent the state’s 62nd House district, replacing previous state representative John Faircloth Jr..