Judiciary panel advances bill to expand whistleblower remedies, 14–12

House Bill 603, sponsored by Representative Isaacson and described to the committee by counsel, would amend the state's whistleblower statute to give complainants a right to a jury trial, increase the statute of limitations from 180 days to two years and allow punitive damages. Counsel said the bill would take effect in 90 days if enacted.

The changes would broaden remedies available to people who allege retaliation or other adverse actions after reporting misconduct. "This bill amends our whistleblower law to strengthen its protections by providing complainants with a right to a trial by jury, increasing the statute of limitations from 180 days to 2 years and allowing for punitive damages," counsel told the committee.

Representative Bonner told the committee he had three objections. He said the right to a jury trial should be mutual so defendants could also demand juries, that punitive damages are rarely allowed against government entities and could conflict with the Sovereign Immunity Act, and otherwise expressed reservation about the bill's approach. "Punitive damages are seldom, if ever, allowed against a governmental entity," Bonner said, and he noted potential conflict with sovereign‑immunity rules.

After discussion, the committee voted to report HB 603 to the full House by a 14–12 margin. The committee record shows the bill will be reported as committed and move to the next legislative step; the bill text indicates an effective date 90 days after enactment.

Supporters say the bill gives workers stronger, time‑limited tools to pursue alleged retaliation; critics warn it may raise sovereign‑immunity and procedural questions that could require technical fixes on the floor or in conference.