Senate Bill 1086 Summary

• Prohibits public employers (local units of government, school districts, and other political subdivisions) from discharging, threatening, or discriminating against employees based on compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because the employee communicates with an elected official.

• Defines "public employee" to include direct employees and indirect employees working through employment agencies, and "elected official" to include any person holding an elective office in federal, state, or local government.

• Does not diminish rights under collective bargaining agreements or protect disclosures that violate state or federal law or breach confidentiality protections.

• Allows employees alleging violations to bring civil actions within 90 days for injunctive relief and damages, including reasonable attorney fees and witness fees.

• Courts may order reinstatement, back wages, restoration of fringe benefits and seniority rights, and may award all or part of litigation costs to prevailing complainants.