CT SB00306

Establishes that employees of state agencies, quasi-public agencies, and large state contractors may report corruption, unethical practices, legal violations, mismanagement, waste of funds, abuse of authority, or public safety dangers to the Auditors of Public Accounts or Attorney General without fear of retaliation.

Requires the Auditors of Public Accounts and Attorney General to develop a joint memorandum of understanding to manage and assign complaints, with authority to reject complaints that are trivial, frivolous, involve other available remedies, or lack sufficient resources for investigation.

Prohibits state officers, employees, and appointing authorities from taking or threatening personnel actions against employees in retaliation for whistleblowing; establishes a rebuttable presumption of retaliation if adverse action occurs within one year of disclosure.

Provides remedies for retaliation claims including complaints to human rights referees (with awards for reinstatement, back pay, attorneys' fees), appeals to the Employees' Review Board, or civil actions; establishes civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation for large state contractors who retaliate.

Protects whistleblower identity unless disclosure is unavoidable and requires annual reporting to the General Assembly on matters received and their disposition; effective October 1, 2010.