CA AB1666

Authorizes city, county, or city and county auditors or controllers to maintain whistleblower hotlines to receive reports of fraud, waste, or abuse by local government employees.

Requires appointed auditors or controllers to obtain legislative body approval before establishing a whistleblower hotline, whereas elected auditors or controllers may establish one without approval.

Allows auditors or controllers to provide substantiated audit reports with employee identities to appropriate appointing authorities for disciplinary purposes, while keeping other investigation details confidential.

Defines "fraud, waste, or abuse" to include violations of local, state, or federal law relating to corruption, bribery, theft, fraud, misuse of government property, and economically wasteful or grossly negligent activities.

Protects the confidentiality of callers and subjects during initial review and investigation, except when disclosure is necessary for law enforcement or public interest purposes.