Bill > HB4396

This bill amends the Whistleblowers' Protection Act by modifying the definition of "employee" to include independent contractors and prospective employees, expanding the protected activities for which an employer cannot retaliate, increasing the statute of limitations for filing a civil action from 90 days to 2 years, allowing jury trials for such civil actions, and increasing the maximum civil fine for violations from $500 to $10,000 per violation. The bill aims to strengthen whistleblower protections and encourage the reporting of violations, planned violations, or suspected violations of laws or regulations to supervisors or public bodies.