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Committee hears bill to strengthen Whistleblower Protection Act; sponsor seeks larger penalties and remedies
Summary
Representative DeBoer presented House Bill 4781 to expand remedies under the 1980 Whistleblower Protection Act, including possible treble back wages, attorney‑fee awards and a higher civil fine; members signaled openness to further changes on limitations and coverage.
Representative DeBoer presented House Bill 4781 to the House Judiciary Committee, proposing amendments to Michigan’s Whistleblower Protection Act (1980) to expand remedies for employees who report wrongdoing.
Under the bill as described, judges could award up to three times a prevailing plaintiff's back wages and order reasonable attorney fees. The bill would also raise the statutory civil fine for a violation from $500 to $2,000, Representative DeBoer said, arguing the original $500 penalty dates to 1980 and no longer provides an effective deterrent.
"The bill is actually that simple," DeBoer told committee members, characterizing the draft as focused on making victims whole and deterring retaliation. He said the changes mirror common civil remedies available in other statutes.
Members welcomed the proposal and offered possible improvements. Representative Breen asked whether the sponsor would consider expanding the statute of limitations and coverage to applicants or subsequent employees who come forward; DeBoer said he was open to discussion. Representative Johnson suggested outreach plans so the public would know the law’s protections if it is strengthened.
DeBoer said he had been approached by another legislator who introduced a related bill in a prior term and expects further conversations to integrate additional ideas. No committee vote on House Bill 4781 was recorded during the hearing.
