Senate Bill 788 Summary

• Creates the office of the state employee ombudsman within the legislative council, with an ombudsman appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the council.

• Authorizes the ombudsman to investigate complaints from state employees concerning administrative acts, violations of law, conduct endangering public health or safety, and gross mismanagement of public funds.

• Establishes procedures for receiving complaints, conducting investigations, holding hearings, and requiring state departments and agencies to provide access to records and information necessary for investigations.

• Requires the ombudsman to provide resolution reports to complainants within 30 days of completing investigations and submit findings reports to the council, with recommendations regarding violations of law, public safety dangers, mismanagement, and administrative acts requiring modification.

• Protects complainants from retaliation by state agencies and makes violations of the act a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment or $1,000 fine; act takes effect 90 days after enactment.