NC S480

Establishes uniform standards prohibiting school employees (local boards, charter schools, and regional schools) from engaging in political activity while on duty, using school resources for political purposes, or using authority of position to influence elections.

Prohibits school and state employees from utilizing public funds, supplies, equipment, or vehicles for partisan or political purposes, with exceptions for employees invited to address policymaking bodies or those whose positions involve advocacy as a job duty.

Allows employees to engage in political activity during off-duty time and protects their right to civic participation; makes willful violations of employee political restrictions a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Permits school employees to teach civic literacy and democratic processes without using their position to influence student advocacy on candidates or policy issues.

Prohibits employees from being required as a condition of employment to contribute funds for political or partisan purposes; effective July 1, 2015.