Bill > SB921

This bill establishes and strengthens the Office of the Inspector General within California's Military Department, aiming to mirror federal protections for whistleblowers and ensure accountability. The Inspector General, appointed by the Governor for a four-year term and removable only for good cause, will have broad access to department employees and documents to conduct inspections, audits, investigations, and training, with a specific focus on addressing waste, fraud, abuse of authority, and threats to public health and safety. The bill also formally enacts the "California Military Whistleblower Protection Act," which prohibits retaliation against department members for reporting such issues to various officials, including members of Congress, the Governor, legislators, or the Inspector General, and mandates that the Inspector General investigate these allegations and report findings. Furthermore, the Military Department will be required to provide annual training to its civil service employees on the Inspector General's role and whistleblower rights, and the bill declares an urgency to take effect immediately to ensure fair processes for personnel on state active duty.