OH HB426

Employees in classified or unclassified civil service may file written reports identifying violations or misuse of public resources with their supervisor, appointing authority, office of internal audit, auditor of state's fraud-reporting system, or inspector general.

Appointing authorities are prohibited from taking disciplinary action against employees for making reports, indicating intent to report, providing information during investigations, or participating in administrative or judicial proceedings related to reported violations or misuse of public resources.

Disciplinary action is defined to include removal, suspension, withholding salary increases or benefits, transfer, denial of promotion, reduction in pay or position, or discrimination against the employee.

Employees remain subject to disciplinary action for purposely, knowingly, or recklessly reporting false information.

Employees alleging retaliation must file an appeal with the state personnel board of review within 30 days, with the board's decision appealable under Chapter 119 of the Revised Code.