This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 181.932, subdivision 1, to enhance whistleblower protections for public employees. It prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for various actions, including reporting violations of laws, participating in investigations, refusing unlawful orders, and reporting healthcare quality concerns. The bill specifically adds a new provision that protects public employees who, in good faith, report gross mismanagement or waste of funds to various authorities, including employers, governmental bodies, law enforcement officials, and members of the legislature.

Additionally, the bill removes the previous language that limited protections for employees in the classified service of state government who communicate information related to state services. The updated language broadens the scope of protected disclosures, ensuring that public employees can report concerns without fear of retaliation, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in government operations. The bill also clarifies that these protections do not permit the disclosure of data that is otherwise protected by law.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 181.932