NC H1094

Establishes an Ombud's Office under the State Human Resources Commission to provide independent review of state employee workplace complaints and train supervisors and employees in dispute resolution techniques.

Prohibits state employees from mistreating contract employees or retaliating against them for reporting labor violations, testifying in proceedings, exercising employee rights, or complaining about workplace bullying.

Prohibits private third-party employers from taking adverse actions against contract employees in retaliation for making complaints to labor departments, testifying, exercising protected rights, or reporting workplace bullying.

Authorizes the North Carolina Department of Labor to investigate violations and assess civil penalties of $1,000 to $20,000 per violation, and renders violators ineligible for state contracts for five years.

Appropriates $180,000 in recurring funds for two new Ombud's Office positions, $100,000 in nonrecurring funds for enforcement and training efforts, and $77,000 in recurring funds for one Department of Labor investigator position for fiscal year 2020-2021.