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Senate passes whistleblower-protection amendments to clarify reporting and sanctions
Summary
Senate approved second substitute SB 95 to strengthen protections for employees who report misconduct, add sanctions for false reporting and provide reporting mechanisms; the measure passed unanimously and will be sent to the House for signature.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Senate on March 14 approved second substitute SB 95, a package of whistleblower amendments that sponsors described as expanding protections and enforcement mechanisms for employees who report misconduct.
Sen. Reid, presenting the bill, said the measure provides protections so "there cannot be any retaliation" against employees who blow the whistle and gives them a method to report retaliation if it occurs. The substitute restores most original language after the House receded from an amended provision; only a narrow change remained concerning attorneys’ fees at the appellate level (striking "party" and adding "employee"). Reid said the administration supported the conference outcome and judged the remaining change to have "very little impact."
There was no prolonged floor debate. After sponsor remarks, the Senate moved to a roll-call final vote: the bill received 26 yea votes, 0 nays and 3 absences and was sent to the House for the signature of the Speaker.
What happens next: The measure will be transmitted to the House. If the House concurs and the governor signs, the clarified whistleblower protections and the sanctions provisions will take effect as specified in the final enrolled bill.
Votes: Final roll call recorded 26–0 with three absences.
