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Bill > SF20

IA SF20

A bill for an act relating to disclosure to the general assembly of information concerning nongovernmental employers and providing remedies.(See SF 308.)

summary

Introduced
01/14/2025
In Committee
01/14/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

91st General Assembly

Bill Summary

This bill relates to disclosure to the general assembly of information concerning nongovernmental employers. The bill provides that an employer, as defined in the bill, cannot prohibit an employee from disclosing any information to a member or employee of the general assembly if the employee, in good faith, reasonably believes the information evidences a violation of law or rule, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety. The employer additionally cannot require an employee to inform the employer that the employee made such a disclosure. The bill further prohibits the employer from discharging from employment, demoting or failing to promote, or taking other adverse employment action against an employee as a reprisal for such actions. The bill specifies that these provisions do not apply when disclosure of information by an employee is required by statute or when the employee engages in certain deceptive actions. An employee may enforce the prohibition on adverse employment action through a civil action. An aggrieved employee may seek injunctive relief. An employer who violates the prohibition is liable to an aggrieved employee for affirmative relief as provided in the bill. If an employee makes a permitted disclosure of information to a member or employee of the general assembly, such disclosure, any information disclosed, and any communication between the employee and the member or employee of the general assembly relating to the disclosure are confidential. Such matters are not subject to compelled disclosure under any provision of law. The employee or the member or employee of the general assembly may choose to provide information disclosed as permitted by the bill to a law enforcement agency or other government agency for use in the agency’s official duties. The bill shall not be construed to permit an employee to retaliate against an employer. The bill requires the legislative services agency to post a notice of the provisions of the bill on the general assembly’s internet site.

AI Summary

This bill establishes protections for employees who disclose information to members of the general assembly about potential legal violations or substantial public health and safety dangers. The bill defines an employer as a person who employs workers in the state, excluding government entities. It prohibits employers from preventing employees from making such disclosures, requiring employees to inform the employer about these disclosures, or taking adverse employment actions (like firing, demoting, or failing to promote) in retaliation. The protections do not apply if the information disclosure is legally prohibited or if the employee uses deception to gain access to a workplace with intent to cause harm. Employees who experience retaliation can file a civil action seeking injunctive relief and potential damages up to three times their annual wages, along with attorney fees and costs. The bill ensures that any such disclosures and related communications remain confidential and cannot be compelled to be revealed under public records laws. Additionally, the legislative services agency is required to post a notice about these provisions on the general assembly's website. The bill explicitly states that it does not permit employees to neglect their job duties or violate employer rules as a form of retaliation.

Committee Categories

Labor and Employment

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 308. S.J. 274. (on 02/13/2025)
(2 Companion Bills)

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