SPONSOR: Mackey
This bill amends the definition of an "employer" so that the state of Missouri, its agencies, and political subdivisions are considered employers for the purposes of the Whistleblower's Protection Act.
The bill also amends the definition of "protected person". Currently, employees in supervisory or managerial positions who report unlawful acts or serious misconduct that concerns matters upon which that employee is employed to report on or provide a professional opinion on are not considered protected persons. Neither are employees who report unlawful acts or violations of a clear mandate of public policy to the person the employee claims to have committed the act. This bill removes these exceptions from the definition of "protected person".
The bill removes the current prohibition for aggrieved persons to seek punitive damages.
This bill contains an emergency clause.
The bill is similar to HB 2393 (2020).
Statutes affected: