Amends GS 15A-401 (Arrest by law-enforcement officer) by creating new subsection (d2) (Protection from Retaliation), which protects law enforcement officers who report what they believe to be excessive use of force under subsection (d1) (Duty to Intervene and Report Excessive Use of Force) from termination or retaliation. Makes filing a knowingly false report under subsection (d1) a Class 2 misdemeanor. 

Creates new GS 17C-17, prohibiting a public employer from retaliating against a criminal justice officer for disclosing a violation of or noncompliance with a law, rule, or regulation to a supervisor or government agency. Specifies that the employer retains the right to investigate and take appropriate disciplinary action for any policy violation, misconduct, or performance issue, regardless of whether the employee has filed a protected disclosure. Makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor to knowingly file a false report. 

Applies to offenses committed and retaliatory actions taken on or after December 1, 2025.