“No Veteran Left Behind Act”
North Carolina has the third-largest military presence in the county and is home to more than 720,000 veterans.  State legislators say they want to ensure the state stays the most military-friendly in the nation. HB370, the “No Veteran Left Behind Act,” includes efforts to train first responders using veteran-centric crisis intervention. On Wednesday, the NC House unanimously approved the bill, which is now in the Senate’s hands. View article here.

Additional COVID Restrictions to Be Lifted
NC Gov. Roy Cooper anticipates being able to lift mandatory social distancing, capacity and mass gathering restrictions by June 1. Mask wearing will continue for now. After June 1, Cooper hopes the mask mandate will only be required in indoor public places. The governor plans to issue an executive order next week outlining safety restrictions for the month of May. View article here.

Sprayberry Retiring
Mike Sprayberry, the head of North Carolina’s emergency management operations since 2013, will retire Aug. 1, the Department of Public Safety has announced. After Gov. Roy Cooper, Sprayberry has been the most visible face for state government’s efforts to prepare for and recover from hurricanes, snowstorms and other natural emergencies. Sprayberry, with more than 40 years of state service, has led the State Emergency Response Team in 19 state-declared disasters and 11 federally declared disasters, including Hurricane Florence in 2018. View article here.