NC H299

Establishes Chapter 17F requiring municipalities to dismiss career law enforcement officers only for "just cause," which must be defined by the employing agency and approved by the municipality's governing authority.

Requires employing agencies to provide notice of charges and opportunity to be heard before disciplinary action, including minimum procedures such as a hearing before an impartial board, right to representation, right to question witnesses, and right to present evidence with all proceedings recorded.

Mandates all municipalities establish an impartial hearing officer or review board to review appealed disciplinary actions, with officers having the right to call witnesses, present evidence, and cross-examine adverse witnesses.

Applies to municipal law enforcement agencies and unified city-county government police agencies, but excludes state employees, county officers, school board police, and other special police agencies.

Becomes effective December 1, 2013, and applies to disciplinary actions taken on or after that date; existing civil service systems or personnel boards that meet minimum due process requirements are compliant.