SB 650 Summary

• Extends California Whistleblower Protection Act protections to University of California employees and job applicants, allowing them to file complaints of reprisal, retaliation, threats, or coercion for making protected disclosures

• Establishes penalties of up to $10,000 fine and one year county jail imprisonment for anyone intentionally engaging in retaliatory acts against UC employees or applicants; university employees also subject to disciplinary action

• Authorizes civil damages actions against those committing retaliation, including punitive damages if acts are proven malicious and reasonable attorney's fees if liability is established; requires injured party to first file complaint with university and allow 18 months for resolution

• Places burden of proof on supervisors, managers, or appointing authorities to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that adverse employment actions would have occurred regardless of protected disclosures

• Effective date of January 1, 2011 for damages actions and other legal remedies arising on or after that date