NC S344

Expands public records requirements for state employees by adding performance records and reasons for all position changes (promotions, demotions, transfers, suspensions, separations) to existing disclosure requirements for name, salary, employment dates, and contracts.

Applies identical transparency requirements to local boards of education, community colleges, county mental health authorities, county employees, city employees, and other public authorities.

Modifies attorney's fees provisions in public records disputes to allow prevailing parties to recover reasonable attorney's fees when successfully enforcing public records compliance, with exceptions when governmental bodies reasonably relied on court judgments, appellate opinions, or Attorney General guidance.

Prohibits assessment of attorney's fees against public hospitals in public records cases brought by competing health care providers seeking competitive advantage.

Becomes effective December 1, 2011.