MO HB3454

Creates new section 386.1150 establishing whistleblower protections for public utility employees who report unlawful acts, serious misconduct, or regulatory violations to authorities, or who refuse directives that would violate laws or commission rules

Requires both the Missouri Public Service Commission and Office of Public Counsel to designate ombudsmen to receive complaints from protected persons, with whistleblower identity kept confidential as a closed record under Chapter 610

Protected persons include employees, board members, executives, managers, supervisors, applicants, former employees, and contractors subject to commission authority

Mandates the commission and public counsel confirm receipt of complaints, allow whistleblowers to meet with investigators, rebut utility denials, comment on preliminary investigative reports, and receive notification of final investigation results

Grants protected persons the same remedies available under section 285.575 (Missouri's existing whistleblower statute) and requires the commission to promulgate enforcement rules, with any rules adopted after August 28, 2026 invalid if rulemaking authority is held unconstitutional