NC S596

Establishes protection for municipal law enforcement officers who report improper or unlawful government activity, including violations of law, fraud, misappropriation of funds, public health dangers, or gross mismanagement.

Prohibits employing agencies from discharging, threatening, or discriminating against officers for making good-faith written reports of illegal or improper activity to supervisors or appropriate authorities.

Prohibits fellow municipal law enforcement officers from retaliating against officers who make such reports.

Allows officers to bring civil actions in superior court for damages, injunctions, or other remedies within one year of alleged violations, with courts authorized to award injunctions, back wages, reinstatement, attorneys' fees, and costs.

Requires employing agencies to post notice informing officers of their protections and obligations under the law, with the State paying for production of postings; establishes that knowingly filing false reports is a Class 2 misdemeanor.