The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee in Florida has advanced legislation that aims to amend whistleblower protections for employees of private employers. The bill, introduced by Sen. Stan McClain, seeks to prevent retaliation against employees who report illegal activities by their employers to the government. The measure includes provisions for advanced notice to cure alleged violations, consistency in statute of limitations, and specificity requirements for claims under Florida’s Whistleblower Act.
During the committee hearing, Sen. Carlos Smith raised concerns about the requirement for employees to report illegal activity to their employer, fearing it may give the employer an opportunity to destroy evidence. Sen. McClain clarified that the employer may not be aware of the illegal activity, and the process aims to streamline reporting while ensuring employees have options to report to other agencies like OSHA.
The bill passed the committee by a vote of 6 to 3 and will move to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further review. Sen. McClain emphasized the importance of employees reporting illegal activities to the proper authorities to ensure accountability and prevent retaliation. The aim is to protect whistleblowers and save taxpayer dollars by avoiding duplication of resources. The legislation aims to create a more streamlined process for reporting illegal activities and seeking remedies under Florida’s Whistleblower Act.
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