The new bill filed by State Rep. Celeste C. Cairns aims to increase veterans’ access to alternative treatment options for traumatic brain injuries and posttraumatic stress disorder, according to the North Carolina State House.
The bill, filed as HB 1081 on April 28 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Funds for Veterans/HBOT.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill directs $3 million in nonrecurring General Fund money for the 2026-27 fiscal year to the Department of Health and Human Services to provide a grant to HBOT 4 HEROES, a nonprofit, to deliver hyperbaric oxygen therapy to eligible North Carolina veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury or posttraumatic stress disorder at no cost to the veteran. The program must include clinical intake, treatment delivery, and pre- and post-treatment outcome assessments and follow existing state standards for such care. The bill aims to expand access to non-drug treatment options and requires a report by June 30, 2027, on services, outcomes and use of state funds. The act takes effect July 1, 2026.
A related bill, SB 870, was also filed in the North Carolina Senate, introduced by Sen. Kevin Corbin (and two others) on April 28, 2026.
Of the four sponsors of this bill, Grant L. Campbell, MD proposed the most bills (62) 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.
Cairns graduated from the University of Georgia with a BBA.
Cairns, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 13th House district, replacing previous state representative Patricia McElraft.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celeste C. Cairns, Allen Chesser, Grant L. Campbell, MD, and Timothy Reeder, MD | HB 1081 | 04/28/2026 | Funds for Veterans/HBOT. |
| Celeste C. Cairns, A. Reece Pyrtle, Jr., Charles W. Miller, and Heather H. Rhyne | HB 1075 | 04/28/2026 | Persistent D.V. Offender Registry. |
| Celeste C. Cairns | HB 1041 | 04/22/2026 | Deannex Certain Prop. from City of Morehead. |
| Celeste C. Cairns, A. Reece Pyrtle, Jr., and Ray Pickett | HB 921 | 04/10/2025 | ABC & Gaming Omnibus Bill. |
| Celeste C. Cairns, A. Reece Pyrtle, Jr., Allen Chesser, and Carla D. Cunningham | HB 928 | 04/10/2025 | Allow PTs in School Concussion Protocol. |
| Celeste C. Cairns, Matthew Winslow, Stephen M. Ross, and Steve Tyson | HB 992 | 04/10/2025 | Timeshare Foreclosures. |
| Celeste C. Cairns, Karl E. Gillespie, Phil Shepard, and Steve Tyson | HB 869 | 04/09/2025 | Dynamic Symbol of Access. |
| Celeste C. Cairns and Charles W. Miller | HB 887 | 04/09/2025 | Address Abandoned and Derelict Vessels. |
| Celeste C. Cairns, Carson Smith, Charles W. Miller, and Steve Tyson | HB 597 | 03/31/2025 | Adopt Osprey as State Raptor. |
| Celeste C. Cairns, Brenden H. Jones, Howard Penny, Jr., and William D. Brisson | HB 296 | 03/05/2025 | Corn Farmer Recovery Act – Phase I. |
| Celeste C. Cairns, A. Reece Pyrtle, Jr., Charles W. Miller, and Donna McDowell White | HB 275 | 03/04/2025 | Failure to Yield Penalties. |
| Celeste C. Cairns, Brenden H. Jones, Kyle Hall, and Mike Clampitt | HB 276 | 03/04/2025 | Align Benefits for Firefighters with Cancer. |
| Celeste C. Cairns | HB 281 | 03/04/2025 | Restore Down-Zoning/Multiple Municipalities. |
| Celeste C. Cairns, Bill Ward, Carson Smith, and Charles W. Miller | HB 206 | 02/25/2025 | Mod. Gun Retrieval – DVOs/Juvenile 911 Calls. |
| Celeste C. Cairns, Matthew Winslow, and Steve Tyson | HB 159 | 02/21/2025 | Orphan Roads Maintenance Program Grant. |
| Celeste C. Cairns, Brian Biggs, Erin ParĂ©, and Keith Kidwell | HB 4 | 01/29/2025 | Sam’s Law. |
| Celeste C. Cairns, Ben T. Moss, Jr., David Willis, and Keith Kidwell | HB 7 | 01/29/2025 | NC REACH Act. |
