Bill > SB117

This bill amends existing Georgia law to strengthen protections for public employees who report potential fraud, waste, or abuse within government agencies. The bill clarifies definitions of terms like "public employee" and "retaliation" and explicitly prohibits public employers from retaliating against employees who disclose violations of laws, rules, or regulations to supervisors or government agencies. It establishes that if an employee faces retaliation, they can file a civil action within one year of discovering the retaliation, seeking remedies such as reinstatement, compensation for lost wages, and other damages. Importantly, the bill introduces a new provision making it a misdemeanor offense for any agent of a public employer to violate the anti-retaliation provisions. The bill also mandates that courts shall (rather than may) award reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, and expenses to a prevailing public employee, which provides additional protection and incentive for employees to report potential misconduct without fear of professional or financial repercussions.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70038