Under current law, a state agency or state official may not prohibit a state employee from communicating with his or her State Representative or Senator or require the employee to provide a record of such communication. This substitute applies this provision to communications of state employees with the State Auditor. The hospital and ambulatory surgical center whistleblowing provisions of the substitute are effective January 1, 2001. No impact on state funds.
Supporters say that the bill gives employees a place to go when they have complaints.
They would be able to report fraud, waste, and abuse. They would not have a fear of reprisal. There was no opposition voiced to the committee.