Relating to disclosure to the general assembly of information concerning nongovernmental employers and providing penalties and remedies

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 reasonably believes the information evidences a violation of law or rule, mismanagement, a gross abuse of funds, an abuse of authority, 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. An employer violating these provisions commits a simple misdemeanor. These provisions do not apply if the disclosure of the information is prohibited by statute. An employee may enforce the prohibition on adverse employment action through a civil action. An employer who violates the prohibition is liable to an aggrieved employee for relief as provided in the bill, and an aggrieved employee may also seek injunctive relief. 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 requires the legislative services agency to post a notice of the provisions of the bill on the general assembly’s internet site.