AZ HB2784

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 38-532 to expand protections for public employees who disclose information about improper government action, including violations of law or professional ethical rules, mismanagement, gross waste of funds, or abuse of authority.

Adds protections for employees who participate in court actions, investigations, hearings, or inquiries held by public bodies on matters of public concern, or who communicate findings of scientific or technical studies they reasonably believe to be truthful and accurate.

Creates a new prohibited practice making it illegal for employees with authority to use official influence to threaten, intimidate, coerce, or attempt to interfere with another employee's disclosure of information concerning improper government action.

Extends the complaint filing deadline from 10 days to one year after a personnel action is taken against an employee for making protected disclosures, and establishes a presumption that personnel actions within 90 days of disclosure are retaliatory unless rebutted.

Requires public employers to post notices in conspicuous places informing employees of their disclosure protections and establishes civil penalties up to $5,000 for violations and up to $25,000 for knowingly false accusations.