Bill > S548

This bill strengthens protections for law enforcement officers (LEOs) who report excessive force or other improper conduct by their colleagues. Specifically, the bill requires LEOs who observe excessive use of force to attempt to intervene if safe to do so, and to report such incidents to a superior within 72 hours. The bill adds a new provision explicitly protecting these officers from retaliation, such as termination or disciplinary action, for making such reports. However, the law still allows employers to investigate and take disciplinary action for other policy violations or misconduct unrelated to the report. The bill also establishes that making a knowingly false report is a Class 2 misdemeanor, which is a criminal offense typically punishable by a fine and/or up to 60 days in jail. These protections apply to both local law enforcement officers and criminal justice officers more broadly, ensuring they can report violations of laws, rules, or regulations without fear of professional consequences. The bill will become effective on December 1, 2025, and will apply to offenses and retaliatory actions occurring on or after that date.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S548