This bill establishes protections for state employees in South Dakota who report improper governmental conduct or crimes. It introduces definitions for key terms such as "adverse employment action," "good faith report," and "reporter," and outlines the conditions under which state employees can report misconduct without fear of retaliation. Specifically, it prohibits state agencies from taking adverse employment actions against employees who make good faith reports, file complaints, or participate in related proceedings. However, protections do not extend to employees who knowingly make false reports or act with reckless disregard for the truth.

Additionally, the bill grants immunity to reporters from civil or criminal liability for making good faith reports and allows them to bring civil actions against their supervisors or state agencies for violations of these protections. Remedies available to reporters include injunctions, reinstatement, back pay, and attorney fees. The bill emphasizes that reporters are not required to exhaust internal procedures before pursuing legal action and sets a two-year statute of limitations for bringing such actions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/10/2025: 3-6C-1