LANSING — A new proposal from state House Republicans would create stronger protections for whistleblowers in state agencies.
Rep. Jay DeBoyer, chair of the House Oversight Committee, says he’s had dozens of state employees want to testify about potentially unethical behavior — but he says some are afraid to go on the record with their claims.
Currently, the penalty for a state agency retaliating against a whistleblower is $500.
The bill would raise that penalty to $2,000, as well as allow a court to award up to three times the wages that a whistleblower loses as a result of their actions.
“What a shame we’re in a position that individuals who want to do the right thing that are government employees are afraid and actually fear for their job and their well-being, by coming forward and sharing that information with one of the bodies at least that has some oversight authority,” said DeBoyer, (R) District 63, Clay Twp.
Current law also allows for whistleblowers to be re-hired to their position if they’re fired or reassigned because of their actions.
DeBoyer did not detail which agencies those employees may be a part of, but the committee has examined the Department of State, Attorney General’s office and Department of Natural Resources, among others.