RALEIGH, N.C. — At the North Carolina General Assembly, two lawmakers are working to bring their firsthand experience in law enforcement to the legislative process.

What You Need To Know

  • Two North Carolina lawmakers, both former law enforcement officers, are championing a new bill to protect police

  • The "Protect Those Who Serve and Protect Act of 2025" aims to strengthen protections for officers and hold offenders accountable

  • The legislation follows a shooting in Charlotte last year in which four officers were killed and four others wounded

  • House Bill 52 has passed the House and is now under consideration in the Senate

Republican state Reps. Charles Miller of Brunswick County and Reece Pyrtle of Rockingham County each spent more than 30 years in law enforcement before running for office. Now, they are among the primary sponsors of the "Protect Those Who Serve and Protect Act of 2025" — a bill aimed at improving safety for officers across the state.

The effort comes nearly a year after a shooting in Charlotte, where four killed and four others wounded while serving a warrant.

“It is such a tragedy,” Miller said. “I don't care if you're retired or not, it still affects every one of us. As legislators, we look at how we can prevent these situations, and how we can get the equipment officers need to do their job safely.”

The proposed legislation focuses on holding individuals accountable who harm law enforcement officers and ensuring officers have greater protections while on duty.

“Every time I go to a funeral for a fallen officer, I think: We have to do something more. We have a responsibility to stand with those who serve us.”“You know, unfortunately, law enforcement officers today are subject to getting hurt on the job — some even losing their lives,” Pyrtle said. “Every time I go to a funeral for a fallen officer, I think: We have to do something more. We have a responsibility to stand with those who serve us.”

In addition to that measure, the two lawmakers are working on broader efforts to support law enforcement careers, including House Bill 50, a measure designed to help with officer recruitment and retention.

The legislation would allow officers to defer their special separation allowance, a supplement they receive after 30 years of service, without penalty. The change is aimed at encouraging veteran officers to remain on the force longer without risking a financial loss.

“I had a guy that worked with me in Brunswick County that worked a year past his 30 year. We convinced him to stay on for one more year, and it cost him $24,000 in his supplement,” Miller said.

If passed, they said House Bill 50 will help retain seasoned officers who still have years left to work, while training new generations. 

Both Miller and Pyrtle said that drawing on their real-world experience helps them craft policies that directly impact those in the law enforcement field.

House Bill 52 has passed the House and is moving through the Senate. Lawmakers say they hope both bills, and others addressing justice reforms, will move swiftly this session.

For more on how lawmakers are working to support law enforcement, watch this week’s special episode of In Focus North Carolina.

Special Coverage: Fallen Officers Anniversary