§ 126-14.1. Threat to obtain political contribution or support.
§126‑14.1. Threat to obtain political contribution or support.
(a) It is unlawful forany person to coerce:
(1) a State employeesubject to the Personnel Act,
(2) a probationary Stateemployee,
(3) a temporary Stateemployee, or
(4) an applicant for aposition subject to the Personnel Act
to support or contribute to apolitical candidate, political committee as defined in G.S. 163‑278.6, orpolitical party or to change the party designation of his voter registration byexplicitly threatening that change in employment status or discipline orpreferential personnel treatment will occur with regard to any person listed insubdivisions (1) through (3) of this subsection.
(b) Any personviolating this section shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.
(c) A State employeesubject to the Personnel Act, probationary State employee, or temporary Stateemployee, who without probable cause falsely accuses a person of violating thissection shall be subject to discipline or change in employment status inaccordance with the provisions of G.S. 126‑35, 126‑37, and 126‑38and may, as otherwise provided by law, be subject to criminal penalties forperjury or civil liability for libel, slander, or malicious prosecution. (1985,c. 469, s. 3; 1991, c. 505, s. 2; 1993, c. 539, s. 932; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24,s. 14(c).)