Bill > HR1443

This bill, known as the Public Safety Free Speech Act, aims to protect public safety officers' right to free speech by allowing them to bring legal action against employers who take adverse employment actions (like termination) for expressing personal opinions on specific work-related matters. The bill defines "covered employees" as law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical service workers, and "employers" as the agencies and public entities that employ them. Specifically, the bill enables covered employees to speak freely about public safety service delivery, compensation, working conditions, employer policies, job expectations, and political and religious opinions without fear of retaliation. Employees who successfully sue their employers can receive damages, attorneys' fees, and other relief. However, the bill does not protect speech made while on duty, speech that encourages violence or illegal actions, speech advocating discrimination, disclosure of confidential personal information, or communications suggesting the withholding of essential services. The legislation is designed to preserve existing legal protections under federal and state law while providing additional safeguards for public safety workers' free speech rights.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1443/all-info