Sen. Corbin files bill in North Carolina Senate to expand veterans’ access to oxygen therapy

The new bill filed by State Sen. Kevin Corbin seeks to support North Carolina veterans with traumatic brain injuries or PTSD by expanding access to specialized treatment, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 870 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 the nonprofit HBOT 4 HEROES to provide free hyperbaric oxygen therapy to eligible North Carolina veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury or posttraumatic stress disorder. It appropriates $3 million in nonrecurring General Fund money for the 2026-27 fiscal year to the Department of Health and Human Services to issue a directed grant for an estimated 15,000 treatments for about 350 veterans. The bill requires a structured program with clinical intake, pre- and post-treatment assessments, and compliance with existing mental health statutes. It also mandates a report by June 30, 2027, on services, outcomes and use of funds. The act takes effect July 1, 2026.

A related bill, HB 1081, was also filed in the North Carolina House, introduced by Rep. Celeste C. Cairns (and three others) on April 28, 2026.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Michael A. Lazzara proposed the most bills (43) 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.

Corbin graduated from Appalachian State University in 1983 with a BS.

Corbin, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2021 to represent the state’s 50th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Jim Davis.