Bill > HB4397

This bill creates the Office of the State Employee Ombudsman within the Legislative Council. The Ombudsman is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Council. The Ombudsman can investigate complaints from state employees regarding administrative acts, including violations of law, threats to public health or safety, and gross mismanagement of public funds. The Ombudsman has the authority to access state department or agency records and can request that individuals appear before them. The Ombudsman must submit annual reports to the Council and the Legislature, and the Council can forward the Ombudsman's findings and recommendations to the relevant state department or agency and the complainant. The bill also prohibits state departments or agencies from penalizing complainants and requires compliance with the Ombudsman's lawful demands.