CA AB1749

Extends whistleblower protection coverage to employees of the Supreme Court, courts of appeal, superior courts, and the Administrative Office of the Courts under the California Whistleblower Protection Act.

Allows judiciary employees and applicants to file written complaints of retaliation with the State Personnel Board within 12 months of alleged reprisal acts, accompanied by a sworn statement.

Requires the State Personnel Board to investigate complaints and recommend remedial actions to the hiring entity regarding alleged retaliation.

Establishes criminal penalties of up to $10,000 fine and one year county jail time for intentional reprisal or retaliation against employees who make protected disclosures, plus civil liability for damages and potential punitive damages if malicious.

Provides that once protected disclosure activity is shown as a contributing factor in retaliation, the burden shifts to supervisors and managers to prove by clear and convincing evidence that adverse actions had legitimate, independent reasons.