Rep. Cleveland files whistleblower protection bill

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Bobby Cleveland introduced legislation this week aimed at strengthening the rights of whistleblowers.

House Bill 2528 amends current statute to give state employees who have reported wrongdoings the right to file a civil action against the agency and individuals employed by or acting on behalf of the agency for all damages suffered from a retaliatory discharge of employment or other adverse employment action. The whistleblower also will be entitled to recover the costs and attorney fees for successful prosecution.

“This bill is meant to give employees more power,” said Cleveland, R-Slaughterville. “After listening to agency employees across the state express fear of retaliation, I realized our current laws just aren’t strong enough.

“State employees are our eyes and ears for what’s happening on the ground at agencies. These hardworking Oklahomans are the backbone of our government, and we depend on them to report when something goes off the rails. Men and women should be able to come forward with a solid, protective law on their side.”

If passed, the law will take effect Nov. 1, 2018.