SB 1715 - The act creates provisions relating to public utility employees and agents' whistleblower protections. Under the act the Public Service Commission and the Missouri Office of the Public Counsel shall each designate counsel to stand as ombudsman who shall accept any complaint or information provided by a protected person, as defined in the act, as to any act or omission by a public utility that violates current law or any rule or regulation promulgated by the Commission. Any information provided to the ombudsman pertaining to the identity of the protected person shall be kept confidential and a closed record. Any information pertaining to the rate case shall be placed in an official rate case file. The Commission and Public Counsel shall each have the power to investigate or make an inquiry into any allegation against a public utility contained in the complaint or information provided by the protected person. After receiving the complaint or information, the Commission and Public Counsel shall: (1) Confirm receipt of the complaint to the protected person; (2) Provide an opportunity for the protected person to meet with an investigator; (3) Provide an opportunity for the protected person to rebut any denial by a public utility; and (4) Provide an opportunity for the protected person to comment on a preliminary investigative report. Any denial, rebuttal, or comment shall be included into the record of the complaint. The Commission and Public Counsel shall both send notification to the protected person of the final result of the investigation. A protected person under the act shall be entitled to the remedies under the Whistleblower's Protection Act. The act is similar to SB 366 (2025). JULIA SHEVELEVA

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tracy McCreery

Expands legal protections for public utility employees reporting safety violations or wrongdoing without facing job retaliation or adverse employment actions.

Second Read and Referred S Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy & the Environment Committee

Legislative bill overview

SB 1715 establishes or expands whistleblower protections specifically for employees of public utilities in Missouri. The bill creates legal safeguards for utility workers who report violations of law, safety concerns, or other irregularities without fear of retaliation. These protections would cover complaints made internally or to external authorities.

Why is this important

Whistleblower protections encourage employees to report genuine safety hazards, financial misconduct, or regulatory violations without risking their jobs. For public utilities—critical infrastructure providers handling electricity, water, and gas—employee reporting can prevent accidents, service disruptions, and public safety failures. This addresses an information asymmetry where workers directly observe operational issues but may fear losing employment.

Potential points of contention

Scope and definitions: Disagreement over which reports qualify for protection (safety concerns vs. policy disagreements vs. management decisions)

Employer burden: Utilities may argue extensive protections create litigation costs and limit their ability to manage performance or make legitimate employment decisions

Remedies and enforcement: Questions about what compensation or reinstatement employees can receive, and which agencies enforce violations

Balancing public interest with company operations: Tension between protecting reporters and preserving utilities' operational discretion