MN HF542

Adds definitions to Minnesota whistleblower law: "good faith" means conduct not violating section 181.932, subdivision 3; "penalize" includes post-termination conduct that might dissuade reporting; "report" includes verbal, written, or electronic communications about actual, suspected, or planned violations.

Expands protected whistleblower activities to include reports of suspected violations and planned violations (previously only actual violations), extending to violations of federal or state law or common law.

Adds new protection for state classified service employees who communicate truthful and accurate information about state services or their financing to legislators, the legislative auditor, or constitutional officers.

Maintains existing protections for employees who refuse unlawful orders, report health care quality violations, or communicate findings of scientific or technical studies.

Clarifies that protected disclosures do not authorize disclosure of data otherwise protected by law; provision is effective the day following final enactment.