The proposed bill establishes a new section, 112.3242, in the Florida Statutes, aimed at protecting employees from adverse personnel actions taken by agencies or independent contractors in retaliation for disclosing certain information to the Commission on Ethics. The bill defines "adverse personnel action" to include actions such as discharge, suspension, or demotion, and outlines the types of violations that can be reported, including breaches of public trust and violations of specific constitutional provisions. It prohibits agencies and independent contractors from retaliating against employees who disclose such information and provides a framework for employees to file complaints and seek remedies.

Additionally, the bill allows employees or applicants for employment to pursue administrative remedies or civil actions if they experience retaliation. It specifies that local public employees can file complaints with local governmental authorities under certain conditions and outlines the procedures for handling these complaints. The bill also includes provisions for relief, such as reinstatement and compensation for lost wages, and establishes an affirmative defense for employers if the adverse action was based on grounds unrelated to the protected disclosure. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.