NC H739

Creates an Ombud's Office under the State Human Resources Commission to provide independent review of state employee workplace complaints and assistance in resolving workplace issues.

Establishes educational programs on employee rights and dispute resolution training for supervisors and employees in state government workplaces.

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

Authorizes the North Carolina Department of Labor to investigate violations and assess civil penalties of $1,000 to $20,000 against private third-party employers for retaliatory adverse actions against contract employees.

Allows contract employees to bring civil lawsuits for violations in superior court within two years, with courts authorized to order reinstatement, back pay, and attorney fees if the employee prevails; violating employers become ineligible for state contracts for five years.