What is the Whistleblower Rights and Protection Act?

The Whistleblower Rights and Protection Act is a law that protects people from retaliation when they publicly expose activities or policies that are illegal, dangerous, or against public policy. This law, which was passed in Washington in 2019, makes it illegal for employers to take negative action against someone for reporting wrongdoing. It also requires employers to create an internal process for handling whistleblower claims. The Whistleblower Rights and Protection Act protects Washington state residents and public employees from job termination, demotion, suspension, transfer, and other retaliatory actions if they disclose, or threaten to disclose, information that they reasonably believe is evidence of a violation of a law, rule, or regulation; gross mismanagement; an abuse of power; a danger to health or safety; or a violation of ethical standards. It also prohibits employers from taking any personnel action against an employee if they provide information to a government or law enforcement agency, file a complaint, seek legal advice, refuse to commit an illegal act, or even provide information to support or oppose a legislative or administrative action. Whistleblowers are protected from civil or criminal prosecution for their disclosures, and employers must provide employees with information about their rights and protections. The Whistleblower Rights and Protection Act provides a valuable resource for employees in Washington, helping to ensure that employees can speak up without fear of retaliation and that employers will take appropriate action upon receiving whistleblower reports.

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What is the Whistleblower Rights and Protection Act?

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