RALEIGH (AP) — The Humane Society says a North Carolina bill is designed to stop activists and journalists from exposing abuses and violations among food producers.
The Humane Society spoke against the bill Thursday at a state Senate committee meeting.
The provision that has sparked controversy makes it a crime for an employee to lie during the application process to later capture undercover footage of the workplace.
The Humane Society is part of a coalition of 25 worker, animal welfare and watchdog groups opposing the bill.
The North Carolina Chamber of Commerce says current employees who become whistleblowers are still protected and the public interest is better served by law enforcement, not third-party activists.
The committee decided to form a subcommittee to explore legal issues and refine the bill.