HB2381 Summary

• Adds Section 4.1 to the Public Officer Prohibited Activities Act to prohibit units of local government and their agents from retaliating against employees who report improper governmental actions, cooperate with investigations, or testify in related proceedings.

• Requires employees to file written reports of improper governmental action with an auditing official within 60 days of discovering retaliation; reports may be filed with the State's Attorney if the auditing official is the subject of the complaint.

• Defines "improper governmental action" as conduct violating federal, state, or local law; abuse of authority; breach of public trust; substantial danger to public health or safety; or gross waste of public funds, excluding standard personnel actions unless they constitute retaliation.

• Provides remedies for retaliated employees including reinstatement, wage reimbursement, promotion, or other restitution, and allows auditing officials to share investigation findings to support employee legal action.

• Establishes penalties for prohibited retaliation including fines of $500-$5,000, suspension without pay, demotion, discharge, or criminal prosecution, and requires employers to provide all employees written notice of these protections and reporting procedures annually.