North Carolina Updates Whistleblower Retaliation Complaint Process

Raleigh, NC — The Worker Safety Act of 2026 (H.B. 258) was signed by Gov. Josh Stein (D) on June 22 and amends the procedures and required information for whistleblower retaliation complaints under the Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act.

According to Safety+Health Magazine, the North Carolina Department of Labor press release states the law modernizes the Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act.

Required Information and Complaint Corrections

The new law requires complainants to provide basic information necessary for the NC DOL to conduct a timely investigation. Individuals who submit incomplete complaints receive an opportunity to correct deficiencies.

Respondent Position Statements and Evidence Limits

Respondents may submit position statements outlining potential defenses. The statute clarifies that materials unrelated to a REDA complaint investigation will not be considered.

Deadline Calculation and Official Statements

A uniform method for calculating deadlines under the statute is established. North Carolina Labor Commissioner Luke Farley stated in the release that the legislation brings common-sense reform to ensure retaliatory employment discrimination claims are handled fairly, consistently, and efficiently.

According to Safety+Health Magazine, Farley added that North Carolina workers deserve a transparent, quick and responsive process and job-creators deserve a process that allows all relevant facts to be heard.

Implementation Details

The changes apply to the handling of complaints filed with the North Carolina Department of Labor under the updated Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act.

According to Safety+Health Magazine, the law was enacted to strengthen the process for both workers and employers.