§ 126A-10-2.  Promise or threat to obtain political contribution or support.

(a) It is unlawful for an employee or a person appointed to State office, other than elective office or office on a board, commission, committee, or council whose function is advisory only, whether or not subject to this Article, to coerce (i) an employee in a position subject to this Article or (ii) an applicant for a position subject to this Article to support or contribute to a political candidate, political committee as defined in G.S. 163-278.6, or political party, or to change the party designation of the individual's voter registration by threatening that change in employment status, discipline, or preferential personnel treatment will occur.

(b) It is unlawful for a public servant as defined in G.S. 138A-3(70)a. to coerce a person as described in G.S. 138A-32(d)(1), (2), or (3) to support or contribute to a political candidate, a political committee as defined in G.S. 163-278.6, or a political party by threatening discipline or promising preferential treatment with regard to that person's business with the individual's State office or that person's activities regulated by the individual's State office.

(c) Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

(d) An employee subject to this Article who without probable cause falsely accuses an employee or a person appointed to State office of violating this section shall be subject to discipline or change in employment status in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 126A-8-2 and may be subject to criminal penalties for perjury or civil liability for libel, slander, or malicious prosecution.  (2026-40, s. 1.)