Labor & Employment

HB 171 prohibits North Carolina state agencies from implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, including in hiring, employment practices, or training. It defines DEI broadly as any initiative influencing hiring or benefits based on protected characteristics (like race or gender) beyond merit-based processes. The bill mandates state auditor compliance audits, imposes civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation, and allows employees to file lawsuits after submitting a grievance to their agency. It explicitly excludes compliance with existing anti-discrimination laws (such as Title IX and the ADA) and protects First Amendment rights.

This bill amends North Carolina's workplace violence prevention laws to include "mass picketing" as a form of unlawful conduct. It defines mass picketing as any picketing that obstructs entry to or exit from a workplace or public roads. The bill expands the definition of "unlawful conduct" to include hindering work or blocking access through mass picketing. This allows employers to seek civil no-contact orders against individuals engaging in these newly defined unlawful acts. The legislation explicitly states it does not apply to union activities or labor disputes protected by federal law.

House Bill 859 proposes to prohibit counties and cities in North Carolina from establishing or enforcing guaranteed income programs. This directly affects local governments by restricting their ability to implement certain types of financial aid programs for their residents. The bill defines a "guaranteed income program" as one that issues unconditional cash payments to individuals on a regular basis for any purpose. However, it clarifies that programs requiring recipients to seek reemployment, perform work, or attend training are not included in this prohibition. This restriction would apply unless such programs are specifically authorized by other general or local laws.

HB 37 standardizes monthly pension benefits for North Carolina firefighters and rescue squad workers under the state pension fund. It sets a uniform $175 monthly pension for members with 20+ years of service who reach age 55, replaces the previous $180 amount, and maintains $175 for disability benefits and line-of-duty death benefits. The bill also allows members affected by city annexations or department closures to continue contributing $15 monthly until they reach 20 years of service for pension eligibility. These changes apply to current and future members of the pension fund who meet the service requirements. The bill does not alter contribution rates or eligibility for most members but adjusts benefit amounts and extends certain provisions.