CA SB419

Expands the definition of "protected disclosure" under the Legislative Employee Whistleblower Protection Act to include complaints made at the request of a legislative employee and complaints against nonemployees whose behavior affects Members or legislative employees engaged in work-related activities.

Prohibits either house of the Legislature from retaliating against legislative advocates or employees who oppose practices forbidden under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Unruh Civil Rights Act, or who file complaints, testify, or assist in proceedings related to discriminatory harassment complaints.

Establishes civil liability with fines up to $10,000 for violations of the retaliation prohibition, in addition to any other remedies available under federal or state law.

Requires each house of the Legislature to maintain records of all discriminatory harassment complaints for at least 12 years after the complaint is made.

Takes effect immediately as an urgency statute to enable victims and witnesses of discriminatory harassment to come forward without fear of retaliation.