NC H737

Allows employers a tax credit equal to 5% of salary for hiring individuals who were unemployed for 12 continuous months, available for two taxable years beginning January 1, 2014.

Prohibits public and private employers from denying employment based on unemployment status or publishing job advertisements that exclude unemployed applicants.

Prohibits employers from directing personnel services or job listing services to screen out applicants based on current employment status, defining "unemployed" as lacking a job while actively searching for 12+ continuous months.

Allows individuals denied employment in violation of these provisions to file civil lawsuits within one year and recover actual damages plus civil penalties of $1,000 to $5,000 per violation, plus court costs and attorney fees.

Protects employees from retaliation for filing complaints or providing information related to unemployment discrimination provisions.