CA SB947

Expands California's whistleblower protection law to include employees of private entities awarded large state contracts worth $5 million or more (down from previous $25 million threshold).

Removes the requirement that contracts be "no-bid" to qualify for whistleblower protections, now applying to all large state contracts.

Employees of covered private entities may file complaints alleging reprisal, retaliation, threats, or coercion for making protected disclosures about improper governmental activities.

Establishes criminal penalties (up to $10,000 fine and one year county jail) and civil liability (including punitive damages and attorney's fees) for retaliation against whistleblowing employees.

Shifts burden of proof to supervisors/managers to prove by clear and convincing evidence that adverse employment actions had legitimate, independent reasons unrelated to protected disclosures.