NC H817

Creates "Safe Workplace Act" establishing confidential reporting and investigation process for sexual harassment and improper workplace behavior in the North Carolina General Assembly.

Applies to legislators, employees, unpaid volunteers, and pages of the General Assembly, including conduct at legislature-sponsored events and activities involving legislative business.

Requires Legislative Services Commission and Legislative Ethics Committee to develop and adopt "zero tolerance" policies by December 31, 2019, including mandatory annual ethics training for all legislators and employees focusing on prevention of sexual harassment, abuse, misconduct, and gender bias.

Establishes three-tier resolution process: informal resolution attempts, investigation by independent third party if informal resolution fails, and appeal to presiding officer within 10 days of resolution notice.

Appropriates $250,000 for fiscal years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 ($50,000 for training materials and infrastructure, $200,000 for independent third-party contractor services); effective July 1, 2019.