NC H244

Sterling Montessori Academy and Charter School (Morrisville) and Casa Esperanza Montessori Charter School (Raleigh) are authorized to elect participation in the State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees, with election required within 30 days of the act's effective date.

Contract provisions that prohibit employees or contractors from reporting wrongdoing related to the State Health Plan are declared void and against public policy.

Employees and contractors are protected from retaliation when reporting violations of state or federal law, fraud, misappropriation of state resources, or gross mismanagement related to the State Health Plan.

Persons injured by retaliation violations may sue in superior court within one year for damages, injunctions, reinstatement, back wages, and attorney's fees; willful violations result in treble damages.

Sections 2 and 3 (whistleblower protections) become effective October 1, 2012, and apply to causes of action arising on or after that date.