Government Whistleblower Expansion Moves to Senate Floor

The bill is expected to be voted on by the full Senate by the end of the week.

Courtesy: static.soxfirst.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - Priority legislation of Senator Martha Schrader (D-Canby) received unanimous support in the Senate Commerce and Workforce Development Committee this afternoon. Senate Bill 996 expands protections for public employees who want to report waste, fraud, or safety hazards.

“Employees should be able to report fraud or waste without fear of retribution,” said Schrader. “Senate Bill 996 will increase transparency across all levels of government because workers will have more options to air concerns they may have.”

Current Oregon law protects public employees from disciplinary action if they “whistleblow” on a topic related to the state of Oregon or any state agency to a State Legislator.

Senate Bill 996 extends that protection if they whistleblow to an elected official at any other level of government, including local officials, city officials and county commissioners.

“This legislation is a natural extension of the whistleblower protections already provided to public sector employees,” said Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian.

“Public employees need to feel safe when they report legal violations, financial misuse or when they talk with elected officials about these issues. SB 996 will ensure additional protection for public sector whistle-blowers.”

The bill is expected to be voted on by the full Senate by the end of the week.

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Source: Oregon Legislature