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Rep. DeBoyer seeks larger fines and expanded remedies in Whistleblower Protection Act update
Summary
Representative DeBoyer presented Bill 4781 to amend the 1980 Whistleblower Protection Act, proposing to raise the civil fine from $500 to $2,000 and allow judges discretion to award up to triple back wages and attorney fees to make victims whole.
Representative DeBoyer told the committee Bill 4781 would amend the Whistleblower Protection Act to strengthen remedies for employees who report illegal or unethical activity. DeBoyer said the current $500 civil fine dates to 1980 and proposed raising it to $2,000; he also said the bill permits a judge to award three times back wages and reasonable attorney fees in appropriate cases.
DeBoyer framed the amendment as a deterrent intended to make employees "whole" and to provide meaningful remedies beyond reinstatement and lost wages. Committee members welcomed the bill and discussed possible expansions, including extending the statute of limitations and covering additional classes of employees or applicants. DeBoyer said he is open to integrating ideas from a related bill introduced previously and to further committee discussion.
No vote was taken on Bill 4781 in this session; the committee moved on to other agenda items after questions about outreach and enforcement.
