NY A03603

Expands whistleblower protections in Labor Law Section 740 to cover employees reporting any "improper business activity" in violation of law, rule, or regulation, removing the requirement that violations pose a "substantial and specific danger" to public health or safety.

Eliminates the requirement that employees first notify their employer before disclosing violations to a public body, allowing employees to report directly based on good faith reasonable belief that improper activity has or will occur.

Increases maximum civil penalty for retaliatory actions from $10,000 to $30,000 when employer acts in bad faith, and adds compensatory damages for economic loss as a remedy.

Extends whistleblower protections to healthcare workers under Labor Law Section 741 by adding right to testify before public bodies investigating violations and broadening definition of "retaliatory action."

Amends Civil Service Law Section 75-b to protect public employees who report or refuse to participate in "improper governmental action" based on good faith reasonable belief, and allows employees to pursue civil court remedies equivalent to private sector protections; requires all employers to post notices informing employees of their whistleblower rights.