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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 25, 2019 10:35 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Art Haywood |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Amending the PA Whistleblower Law |
| In the near future, I will reintroduce SB 1150 of last session, amending the PA Whistleblower Law to make sure whistleblowers are protected and encouraged to come forward to report misconduct. This legislation is part of a multi-bill package intended to address the all-too-common workplace harassment employees face both in the Commonwealth and nationally. The #MeToo movement has provided victims the opportunity to bring their stories forward and educate the public on the pervasiveness of this issue. Now is the time to turn this momentum into action to foster safe, equitable, and accountable workplaces where jobs and promotions are not leveraged for sexual favors or people are shamed for their background or identity. My legislation will ensure that all whistleblowers can avoid arbitration by providing them a right to a jury trial. Whistleblowers will also have up to 2 years to pursue a claim, instead of the current 6 months. Finally, a successful whistleblower may recover punitive damages for any unlawful, malicious, or reckless acts of retaliation or discrimination. These employee-first protections will serve to support and protect individuals coming forward to report workplace misconduct. Please join me in sponsoring this important legislation. |
Introduced as SB638