H.B. 741 Summary

• Expands whistleblower protections for state civil service employees to report violations verbally or in writing to supervisors, internal audit offices, the auditor of state's fraud-reporting system, law enforcement, or ethics commissions.

• Prohibits disciplinary or retaliatory action against employees for making protected reports or refusing to participate in illegal activities or activities posing unreasonable safety risks.

• Defines retaliatory action to include removal, suspension, withheld benefits, transfers, denied promotions, pay reduction, discipline, threats, or discrimination.

• Allows employees injured by retaliation to file civil actions for legal or equitable relief within one year, with courts authorized to award treble damages if violation was willful, malicious, or involved criminal conduct.

• Extends whistleblower protections to transportation network company drivers reporting violations under section 4113.52, though drivers remain non-employees unless agreed by written contract.