NC H419

Adds new protections for municipal law enforcement officers who report improper or unlawful government activity, including violations of state or federal law, fraud, misappropriation of resources, public health dangers, and gross mismanagement.

Prohibits employing agencies from discharging, threatening, or discriminating against officers based on compensation, terms, conditions, location, or privileges of employment for making such reports, and prohibits officer-to-officer retaliation for reporting.

Protects officers who refuse to carry out directives that violate state or federal law or pose substantial danger to public health and safety from adverse employment actions or retaliation.

Allows officers to file civil actions in superior court within one year of alleged violations, with available remedies including injunctions, damages, reinstatement, back wages, costs, and reasonable attorneys' fees.

Requires employing agencies to post notice or use other means to inform officers of their protections and obligations under the law; effective October 1, 2015.