H478 - Nondiscrimination in State/Employment

• Adds "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to protected classes in state employment discrimination provisions, alongside existing protections for race, religion, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, and handicapping condition.

• Extends sexual orientation and gender identity protections to all discrimination contexts including denial of employment, promotion, transfer, training, demotion, suspension, harassment, and retaliation.

• Clarifies that the bill does not require preferential treatment, special rights, or affirmative action policies based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

• Updates G.S. 126-16, 126-34.1, and 126-36 to incorporate sexual orientation and gender identity as protected categories under the State Personnel Act.

• Takes effect upon passage into law.