A bill for an act relating to disclosure to the general assembly of information concerning nongovernmental employers and providing remedies.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bill Gustoff and 1 co-sponsor

HF 465 protects employees disclosing nongovernmental employer misconduct by ensuring confidentiality and allowing legal action against retaliation, with significant remedies.

Introduced, referred to Labor and Workforce.

#disclosure #generalassembly #laborandemployment

Bill Information

Bill Number: HF 465

Title: A bill for an act relating to disclosure to the general assembly of information concerning nongovernmental employers and providing remedies.

Status: Introduced, referred to Labor and Workforce.

Introduced Date: February 19, 2025

Classification: Bill

Subject: Disclosure, General Assembly, Labor and Employment

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HF 465 is to establish a framework for employees to disclose information regarding nongovernmental employers to members of the General Assembly. The bill aims to protect employees who make such disclosures by ensuring confidentiality and providing legal remedies against employers who retaliate or engage in deceptive practices.

Key Provisions

Confidentiality of Disclosures:

Any information disclosed by an employee to a member or employee of the General Assembly is deemed confidential.
Neither the employee nor the member of the General Assembly can be compelled to disclose this information in legal proceedings.

Protection Against Retaliation:

Employees are protected from retaliation by their employers for making disclosures.
If an employer violates this provision, aggrieved employees can seek civil action for injunctive relief.

Remedies for Violations:

Employees who face retaliation may be entitled to:
- Reinstatement with or without back pay.
- Civil damages up to three times their annual wages and benefits prior to the violation.
- Other equitable relief as determined by the court, including attorney fees and costs.

Disclosure to Law Enforcement:

Employees may choose to provide disclosed information to law enforcement or other government agencies for official duties.

Impact

Affected Parties:

The bill primarily affects employees of nongovernmental employers who may wish to report misconduct or illegal activities.
Employers will need to be aware of the legal implications of retaliating against employees who disclose information.

Legal Framework:

The bill establishes a legal framework that empowers employees while holding employers accountable for deceptive practices and retaliation.

Procedural Aspects

The bill was introduced on February 19, 2025, and has been referred to the Labor and Workforce committee for further consideration. The timeline for subsequent actions or votes has not yet been established.

This summary provides an overview of HF 465, highlighting its intent, key provisions, and potential impact on employees and employers within the labor market.

Bill