Summary of Senate Bill 789

• Expands whistleblower protections to cover employees reporting violations to the press or state employee ombudsman, in addition to public bodies.

• Adds requirement that protection applies only when employee does not know the report is false, establishing a good faith standard for whistleblower claims.

• Allows whistleblower civil actions in circuit court to seek injunctive relief and actual damages (including attorney fees) within 90 days of alleged violation.

• Requires employees alleging violations to prove by clear and convincing evidence that they reported or were about to report a suspected law violation.

• Takes effect 90 days after enactment, contingent upon Senate Bill 788 being enacted into law.