AN ACT TO CLARIFY STATE AGENCIES' OBLIGATIONS TO REFRAIN FROM INTERFERENCE WITH STATE EMPLOYEES' DUTY TO REPORT VIOLATIONS OF STATE OR FEDERAL LAW, FRAUD, MISAPPROPRIATION OF STATE RESOURCES, AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL IMPROPRIETIES; AND MAKE OTHER CHANGES TO FOSTER GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY TO PREVENT VIOLATIONS OF STATE OR FEDERAL LAW, FRAUD, MISAPPROPRIATION OF STATE RESOURCES, AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL IMPROPRIETIES. SL 2019-80. Enacted July 4, 2019. Effective July 4, 2019.
Bill Summaries: S 127 PROTECT GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY.
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Bill S 127 (2019-2020)Summary date: Jul 8 2019 - View Summary
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Bill S 127 (2019-2020)Summary date: Mar 7 2019 - View Summary
Senate amendments make the following changes to the 2nd edition.
Amendment #1 amends the proposed language in GS 126-84, GS 126-85, and GS 120-19 to require that the legislative panels be duly appointed by the President Pro Tem and/or the Speaker of the House.
Amendment #2 adds the requirement that, effective when the act becomes law, the head of each State agency, department, and institution notify its employees of the changes made by the act.
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Bill S 127 (2019-2020)Summary date: Mar 5 2019 - View Summary
Senate committee substitute makes the following changes to the 1st edition.
Makes a technical correction to the proposed changes to GS 126-85(c) concerning the scope of Article 14's protections.
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Bill S 127 (2019-2020)Summary date: Feb 25 2019 - View Summary
Amends GS 126-84, expanding the state policy set out in Article 14 regarding the protection of state employees for reporting improper government activities. Now includes that state employees be free of intimidation or harassment when providing testimony or statements to agents or employees of legislative panels designated to conduct inquiries on behalf of legislative panels.
Amends GS 126-85, regarding protections from retaliation for reporting improper government activity described in GS 126-84 or refusing to carry out a directive that constitutes a violation of State or federal law. Expands the protections of Article 14 set out in GS 126-85 to include State employees who report any activity described in GS 126-84 to a legislative panel or an agent or employee of a legislative panel authorized by GS 120-19 (requires State officers, agents, and entities to furnish data and information to legislative committees or commissions upon request).
Amends GS 120-19, expanding the clarifying provision which specifies those with authority to request State officers, agents, and entities to furnish all information and data within their possession or ascertainable from their records. Adds any legislative panel or an agent or employee of a legislative panel to those who may request such data or information be furnished to the General Assembly, as specified (currently specifies any individual member, a standing committee, or a standing committee chair).