OH HB238

Amends section 124.341 of the Revised Code to extend whistleblower protections to employees reporting violations to the Inspector General under the Public Employee Whistleblower Law.

Allows classified and unclassified civil service employees to file complaints with the Inspector General in accordance with section 121.46 of the Revised Code regarding state officers or state employees over whom the Inspector General has investigational authority.

Protects employees from disciplinary action including removal, suspension, salary withholding, transfer, denial of promotion, or pay reduction for making authorized reports or complaints under the law.

Requires employees to make reasonable efforts to determine accuracy of reported information and subjects employees to discipline for purposely, knowingly, or recklessly reporting false information.

Establishes that the sole remedy for retaliation is filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board of Review within thirty days, which may affirm, disaffirm, or issue other appropriate orders appealable under Chapter 119 of the Revised Code.