IA SF20

Private sector employers cannot prohibit employees from disclosing information to General Assembly members or staff if the employee reasonably believes the information shows a violation of law or rule, or a substantial danger to public health or safety

Employers cannot require employees to report that they made such a disclosure, and cannot take adverse employment actions (termination, demotion, failure to promote) as reprisal for disclosures or failure to report them

Protections do not apply when disclosure is prohibited by statute or when an employee uses deception to gain access to a workplace with intent to cause physical or economic harm to the employer

Aggrieved employees may bring civil actions for injunctive relief and damages up to three times their annual wages and benefits, plus reinstatement, back pay, attorney fees, and costs

Disclosures to the General Assembly, the information disclosed, and related communications are confidential and cannot be compelled under open records laws, though parties may voluntarily share information with law enforcement or other government agencies