CA AB2317

Extends whistleblower protections under Labor Code Section 1102.5 to county patients' rights advocates appointed or under contract to provide mental health advocacy services.

Prohibits retaliation by state or local contracting agencies against county patients' rights advocates, applying the same protections afforded to employees who report legal violations.

Adds Section 1102.51 to the Labor Code and amends Section 5550 of the Welfare and Institutions Code to establish these protections and civil penalties of $100-$1,000 for violations.

Creates a new crime, making violations of whistleblower protections criminal offenses, with no state reimbursement required to local agencies under Article XIII B of the California Constitution.