NC H7

Cities without existing binding personnel policies, codes of conduct, or retaliation protections must adopt rules and regulations encouraging employees to report violations of federal, state, or city laws; fraud; misappropriation of government resources; activities posing danger to public health and safety; and gross mismanagement or waste of public funds.

City councils must establish binding policies prohibiting retaliation, discharge, threats, or discrimination against employees who report improper or unlawful activity, and must inform employees of their rights through publication or other appropriate means.

City officials retain authority to impose disciplinary action against employees for violations, fraud, misappropriation, or gross mismanagement that occurred prior to the employee's report.

Filing a false report by a municipal employee under this section constitutes a Class 2 misdemeanor.

The act becomes effective December 1, 2021, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.