HB 5800 Summary

• Prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who criticize or raise concerns about the employer's response to or management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

• Defines retaliation to include sanctioning, reducing pay, denying promotions, terminating employment, public demeaning, or other intimidation.

• Allows employees to file civil actions for injunctive relief and/or damages (including actual injury, attorney fees, court costs, and punitive damages) within 90 days of an alleged violation in circuit court.

• Protects employees who oppose violations, file complaints, or participate in civil actions under this act from further retaliation or discrimination.

• Does not apply to collective bargaining agreements or contracts inconsistent with the act until those agreements expire, are amended, extended, or renewed.