Bill > HB49

This bill, known as the Georgia Anti-Corruption Act, significantly expands whistleblower protections by broadening the scope of who can report misconduct to include not just public employees, but also independent contractors. The bill revises the definition of "retaliation" to cover a wider range of adverse actions and extends protection to individuals who report potential violations of laws, rules, regulations, or other duties. It requires public employers to receive and investigate complaints about fraud, waste, and abuse, and prohibits them from disclosing the identity of the person reporting the issue without their written consent. The bill removes the previous statute of limitations on filing retaliation claims and allows individuals who experience retaliation to seek legal remedies, including reinstatement, compensation for lost wages, and other damages. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision making it a misdemeanor for any agent of a public employer to violate the whistleblower protection guidelines. The key innovation is the expansion of protections beyond traditional public employees to include independent contractors and a broader range of reporting scenarios, with the goal of encouraging more transparent and accountable government operations.

Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69346