NC H178

Repeals G.S. 143-422.3 and establishes the Human Relations Commission as North Carolina's deferral agency for employment discrimination cases referred by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Authorizes the Commission to contract with the EEOC to investigate and resolve employment discrimination complaints from employers with 15 or more employees, with charges filed in either agency considered timely if filed within statutory deadlines.

Creates comprehensive complaint procedures including 180-day filing deadlines, 90-day investigation timelines, conciliation processes, and multiple dispute resolution pathways through right-to-sue letters, civil court actions, or administrative hearings before the Office of Administrative Hearings.

Establishes civil penalties for unlawful employment discrimination ranging from $10,000 for first offenses to $50,000 for repeat offenders within specified time periods, with authority to award compensatory and punitive damages.

Appropriates $788,076 for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019, including $242,669 for four new positions (Program Assistant IV, two Human Relations Specialists I, and an Administrative Assistant), effective July 1, 2017.