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FL H0495
Bill
Status
Failed
6/16/2025
Primary Sponsor
Yvette Benarroch
Click for details
AI Summary
- Creates s. 112.3242, F.S., prohibiting agencies and independent contractors from taking adverse personnel actions (discharge, suspension, transfer, demotion, salary/benefit reduction) against employees who disclose violations of ethics standards or Art. II, s. 8(f) of the State Constitution to the Florida Commission on Ethics
- Protected disclosures must involve violations or suspected violations of standards of conduct under the ethics code, Art. II s. 8 of the State Constitution, or specified statutes (ss. 11.062, 350.031, 350.04, 350.041, 350.042, 350.0605), and must be submitted via sworn written complaint to the Commission on Ethics
- State agency employees may file retaliation complaints under s. 112.31895 and elect to pursue administrative remedies or bring a civil action within 180 days; local public employees may file complaints with their local governmental authority within 60 days or bring civil action within 180 days
- Available relief includes reinstatement to the same or equivalent position, back pay and benefits, reasonable costs and attorney fees, injunctive relief, and temporary reinstatement pending final outcome (except for municipal employees)
- Protections do not apply to employees who knowingly disclose false information or who committed or participated in the violation being reported, and employers may assert an affirmative defense that the adverse action was based on independent, non-retaliatory grounds
- Effective date is July 1, 2025
Legislative Description
Adverse Personnel Actions Against Employees
Last Action
Died in Government Operations Subcommittee
6/16/2025
Committee Referrals
Government Operations Subcommittee2/19/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available