NC H589

Prohibits termination, discipline, or retaliation against criminal justice officers and justice officers who report violations of federal, State, city, or county laws, ordinances, or regulations.

Extends whistleblower protections to reports of fraud, misappropriation of public resources, activities posing substantial danger to public health and safety, gross mismanagement, and unauthorized use of excessive force.

Permits employers to discipline or terminate employees for legitimate, nondiscriminatory, non-retaliatory reasons despite prior protected reporting activity, with determination based on the facts.

Establishes that making a knowingly false report under this section constitutes a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Becomes effective December 1, 2023, and applies to offenses committed and retaliatory actions taken on or after that date.