Kinston/Jones Free Press (kfp)
A bill filed last month in the North Carolina Legislature that would allow the public greater access to the personnel files of state and local government employees — including teachers, law enforcement and city and county workers — moved one step closer to passage this week.
Senate Bill 355, which would grant public access to information concerning terminations, suspensions and other disciplinary actions, passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 27 and now heads to the Rules Committee.
If approved by the General Assembly, SB 355 will become effective Dec. 1, 2021 and will directly affect local stories covered by The Free Press involving law enforcement, the school system, and local government personnel.