Whistleblower rights and definitions expanded

OLYMPIA — The state Whistleblower Protection Program was created to give state employees a safe, confidential place to report violations within the work place. An employee can “blow the whistle” on a co-worker who violates policies or laws, wastes public funds, and/or acts in a way that could be a danger to public health or safety.

Today, the Senate unanimously passed legislation that strengthens the protections for whistleblowers. The bill expands the definition of abuse of authority, gross mismanagement, public official, reprisal or retaliatory action, and the whistleblower’s right to confidentiality. And, expands the definition of “improper governmental actions” to include gross mismanagement, or alters technical findings without a scientifically valid justification.

Senate Bill 6776, sponsored by Sen. Adam Kline, D-Seattle, also expands the places an employee can go to report an incident, and directs state agencies and institutions to annually inform all employees of their rights under the Whistleblower Protection Act.

“This bill tightens up definitions and requires, at the request of the Attorney General, that they be added to the list of places whistleblowers can go to report the actions,” said Kline.

SB 6776 passed the Senate on a 48 to 0 vote and now moves to the House for consideration.

Return to Sen. Kline's home page