§ 2-270. Whistleblowing.

(a)

No unified government representative shall retaliate against any employee or any other person for making a good faith report of violation of state or federal law, rules, or regulations, or other misconduct by unified government representatives, including violations of this division.

(b)

No unified government representative shall prohibit unified government representative from reporting any violation of law or rules or regulations to any person, agency, or organization.

(c)

No unified government representative shall require any unified government representative to give notice to any other unified government representative before reporting a violation of law or rules or regulations or misconduct by unified government representatives, including violations of this division.

(d)

This section shall not be construed as:

(1)

Permitting a unified government representative to leave the unified government representative's assigned work areas during normal work hours without following applicable rules and regulations and policies pertaining to absences;

(2)

Authorizing a unified government representative to represent the unified government representative's personal opinions as the opinions of the unified government; or

(3)

Prohibiting disciplinary action of a unified government representative who discloses information which:

a.

The unified government representative knows to be false or which the unified government representative discloses with reckless disregard for its truth or falsity;

b.

The unified government representative knows to be prohibited from disclosure under state law or in violation of privacy rights; or

c.

Is confidential or privileged under statute or court rule.

(e)

Nothing in this division shall be construed to add to, diminish, or otherwise modify rights or remedies available under the law.

(f)

Any violation of this section by a unified government employee shall be addressed as a violation of the human resources guide or other policies governing personnel.

(g)

Any employee who alleges that disciplinary action was taken against him in violation of this section shall be entitled to file a grievance under the human resources guide or other policies governing personnel.

(Ord. No. O-75-09, § 1, 10-1-2009)