SB1205 Summary

• Amends whistleblower protection law to increase civil penalty for employees who commit prohibited personnel practices against whistleblowers from $5,000 to $10,000, and requires dismissal and permanent bar from government employment for such violations.

• Mandates that employers dismiss employees who knowingly retaliate against whistleblowers disclosing violations of law, with the retaliating employee (not the government entity) paying the civil penalty.

• Modifies state personnel board appeal procedures by extending the hearing timeline from 30 days to 60 days after receipt of appeal and requiring 20 days advance notice to both parties before initial hearing date.

• Clarifies notification requirements in personnel board hearings, specifying that covered employees and employing agencies must receive notice at least 20 days before initial hearing and 10 days before board meetings.

• Allows covered employees to present and cross-examine witnesses at hearings, with authority for the state personnel board to appoint a hearing officer to conduct proceedings and take evidence.