HB 742

Abstract

Amends the Whistleblower Act. Provides that "employer" includes the State or any political subdivision of the State, and a unit of local government, school district, or authority including a department, division, bureau, board, commission, or other agency of these entities; any person acting within the scope of his or her authority express or implied on behalf of those entities in dealing with its employers: a school district, combination of school districts, or governing body of a joint agreement of any type formed by two or more school districts; a community college district, State college or university, and any State agency whose major function is providing educational services (at present, the definition excludes any governmental entity). Provides that the State is preempting home rule units from the exercise of power in this area. Amends the Whistleblower Reward and Protection Act. Provides that "State" includes any unit of local government, school district, community college district, State college or university, or any entity created by an intergovernmental cooperation agreement (at present, the State, any State agency, and other governmental entities that adopted provisions of the Act). In both Acts, provides that it is unlawful for an employer to knowingly take an adverse action against an employee for disclosing information in a court or administrative hearing, legislative proceeding, or other type of proceeding if the employee has reasonable cause to believe the information discloses a violation of State or federal law or regulation.