(a)        For the purposes of this Chapter, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, “career State employee” means a State employee or an employee of a local entity who is covered by this Chapter pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 126-5(a)(2) who:

(1)        Is in a permanent position with a permanent appointment, and

(2)        Has been continuously employed by the State of North Carolina or a local entity as provided in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 126-5(a)(2) in a position subject to the North Carolina Human Resources Act for the immediate 12 preceding months.

(b)        As used in this Chapter, “probationary State employee” means a State employee who is in a probationary appointment and is exempt from the provisions of the North Carolina Human Resources Act only because the employee has not been continuously employed by the State for the time period required by subsection (a) or (c) of this section.

(c)        Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) above, employees who are hired by a State agency, department or university in a sworn law enforcement position or forensic scientist position and who are required to complete a formal training program prior to assuming law enforcement or forensic scientist duties with the hiring agency, department or university shall become career State employees only after being employed by the agency, department or university for 24 continuous months. ?(1995, c. 141, s. 1; 2007-372, s. 1; 2013-382, ss. 3.1, 9.1(c); 2015-260, s. 1; 2016-87, s. 7.)