Transcript Highlights:

• Even "retaliation" is a word that's been thrown around, and that obviously counters what you've said
• We have been told, again, by whistleblowers, that there's a lot of people who talk to us, obviously.
• They are retaliated against. Their jobs are threatened. Their livelihoods are threatened.
• over months and months of talking to whistleblowers within DHS.
• We are not looking for whistleblowers. Retaliation is not acceptable in any form.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill minimizes the risk of retaliation and makes it more likely that ethics complaints are legitimate
• Under this bill, a whistleblower could complain that he has been retaliated against, and the Ethics Commission
• If the Commission finds there is probable cause, the whistleblower can pursue an administrative remedy
• If the Commission finds there is probable cause, the whistleblower can pursue an administrative remedy
• This amendment clarifies that it is a violation of the code of ethics to retaliate against an employee

Bills: S0092 , S0110 , S0192 , S0212 , S0260 , S0350 , S0394 , S0422 , S0434 , S0442 , S0484 , S0546 , S0556 , S0684 , S0696 , S0706 , S0748 , S0786 , S0820 , S0824 , S0838 , S0840 , S0848 , S0856 , S0962 , S1000 , S1014 , S1036 , S1050 , S1054 , S1080 , S1118 , S1134 , S1338 , S1480 , S1500 , S1506 , S1622 , S1724

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: employee protections, whistleblower, retaliation, public trust, ethics complaint, Commission on Ethics, Public Employees Relations Commission, public employee, local government attorney, public officer, adverse personnel action, protected disclosure, whistleblower retaliation, state agency, independent contractor, public employment, civil service, reinstatement, back pay, front pay

Summary: The Committee on Rules met with a quorum and considered a long agenda of bills, many of them retained from the prior week. The most debated measure was CS for SB 706, which would preempt naming of major commercial service airports to the state and designate Palm Beach International Airport as the Donald J. Trump International Airport, subject to FAA approval and a trademark agreement. Amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to prevent private financial benefit from the naming. Several senators spoke in opposition, citing concerns about naming an airport after a sitting president, lack of local input, and the trademark/licensing arrangement; supporters argued there was no cost to the airport and that the bill simply set a state naming policy. The committee reported the bill favorably after a roll call vote. The committee also reported favorably CS for SB 546 on conservation land notice requirements, CS for CS for SB 1014 on municipal utility service to properties outside city limits, CS for SB 1500 on uncontested probate proceedings, SB 962 on excluding farms from certain zoning definitions, and CS for SB 820 on problem-solving court reporting requirements. The committee then approved several bills from Senator DiCeglie and Senator Arrington. SB 840, addressing land-use regulations for local governments affected by natural disasters, was supported by local-government and environmental advocates who said it would restore local control after SB 180’s hurricane-related restrictions; the sponsor said it was intended to correct unintended consequences of last year’s law. CS for SB 856, requiring online listing platforms to show estimated ad valorem taxes on residential listings, was amended to exclude social media platforms and broaden liability protections; the sponsor and a county property appraiser described it as a consumer-transparency measure. CS for SB 110, clarifying homestead exemption treatment for long-term leases that end at death, was also reported favorably. The committee took up a controversial strike-all amendment to SB 212, which focused on public swimming pools and added residency and related restrictions for certain sex offenders and offenders on community control or probation. The amendment drew strong opposition from advocates and affected families, who argued it would worsen homelessness, impose broad geographic restrictions, and lack evidence of improving child safety; supporters said it was a targeted public-safety measure. Despite the objections, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also approved SB 684 on electronic signatures for total-loss vehicle and vessel titles, SB 394 on reinsurance intermediary managers, SB 434 on property tax assessment treatment for wind-hardening improvements, CS for CS for SBs 658 and 608 on water-safety requirements for rental properties with pools or nearby water, SB 748 on adding voting-rights restoration information to sentencing score sheets, and CS for SB 824 requiring school districts to inventory unimproved real property. The meeting ended while the committee was beginning SB 848 on stormwater treatment, with an amendment being introduced as the transcript cut off.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> minute because multiple whistleblower minute because multiple whistleblower reports<00:54:03.200
• been retaliated against already.
• been retaliated against already.
• </c> you, we would not have whistleblowers. you, we would not have whistleblowers.
• </c> from whistleblowers, we meet with them. from whistleblowers, we meet with them.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• do things the proper way, but we have had some issues with people making the right decision, whistleblowing
• , and having... ...people making the right decision, whistleblowing, and having pushback or being retaliated
• I represent over four dozen clients: victims, families of victims, and educators who have been retaliated
• making sure that we have the proper protections in place in our schools during hiring, and that whistleblowers
• who do the right thing are protected and not retaliated against.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first approved minutes from March 17, 19, 20, and 23, 2026, and briefly recognized a page who spoke about his experience and future plans. The main item of business was Senate Bill 1412, presented by Senator Tammy Nichols and Representative Barbara Ehart, which aims to strengthen student safety in schools by requiring suspected abuse to be reported to law enforcement, standardizing hiring disclosures about prior investigations or misconduct, and referring certain resignations or terminations during investigations to the Professional Standards Commission. Supporters said the bill closes loopholes, improves consistency across schools, and helps protect students and whistleblowers. Testimony in support came from Dr. Loretta Bolton, who described years of mandatory reporting that she said were not properly investigated and alleged retaliation after reporting misconduct, and from Moses Espinoza, who said his autistic, nonverbal son was affected by a school employee later identified in the discussion and that the school did not notify his family. Both urged stronger reporting and accountability for school personnel. The sponsor also said the bill was developed with input from the Department of Education, State Board of Education, and Attorney General’s Office. Members asked several technical questions about possible loopholes, including whether an employee could avoid disclosure by resigning before an investigation or by being placed on leave, and whether districts would have to continue paying employees while Professional Standards Commission proceedings are pending. Superintendent Debbie Critchfield responded that the bill’s definitions and other provisions were intended to cover those scenarios and that districts would still have reporting and disclosure obligations. After discussion, Representative Hostetler moved to send Senate Bill 1412 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and the committee approved the motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• do things the proper way, but we have had some issues with people making the right decision, whistleblowing
• , and having... ...people making the right decision, whistleblowing, and having pushback or being retaliated
• I represent over four dozen clients, victims, families of victims, and educators who have been retaliated
• making sure that we have the proper protections in place in our schools during hiring, and that whistleblowers
• who do the right thing are protected and not retaliated against.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then section seven is whistleblower protection.
• reporter and how I was retaliated against by the Boise School District.
• Last week about being a whistleblower and a reporter and how I was retaliated against by the Boise School
• Teachers need to be protected for being whistleblowers and reporters.
• I have been retaliated against. I lost my entire 30-year career.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under this bill, if a whistleblower suffers retaliation, gets fired, gets moved, loses pay, he or she
• And if the Commission finds that an employee has suffered retaliation because he or she blew the whistle
• on an ethics violation, under this bill, a whistleblower can pursue a remedy, an administrative remedy
• or file a civil action to recover the job, the pay, or the position that he or she lost due to retaliation
• The bill provides that the act of retaliation itself is an ethics violation, which the Commission would

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several election- and ethics-related bills, along with a block of gubernatorial confirmations. Senate Bill 572, by Senator Harrell, updated ethics statutes so the definition of “relative” would include foster parents and foster children; the Commission on Ethics supported the change as a recommendation, and the bill passed unanimously. Senate Bill 414, by Senator Bracey Davis, would have allowed campaign funds to be used for campaign-related child care expenses, but the sponsor said it lacked the votes to advance and temporarily postponed it. The committee also heard Senate Bill 500, by Senator Avila, which would provide FDLE protective security details for major-party nominees for governor, lieutenant governor, and cabinet offices through the election and transition period. Senators raised questions about definitions, current protections, and public disclosure of travel information; despite some opposition over taxpayer funding, the bill was reported favorably. Senate Bill 620, by Senator Mayfield, required candidates to disclose any non-U.S. citizenship when qualifying for office; testimony from a dual citizen criticized the bill as unnecessary and stigmatizing, while supporters framed it as transparency. The bill also passed favorably. Chair Gates then presented CS for SB 92, creating whistleblower-style protections for public employees who file ethics complaints based on firsthand knowledge, including remedies for retaliation; the Commission on Ethics supported it and it passed favorably. The committee also approved a slate of gubernatorial appointments en bloc. Finally, Senate Bill 564, by Senator Yarborough, would allow registered or pre-registered high school students to volunteer at polling places for community service hours; testimony from a supervisor of elections and advocacy groups supported the civics benefit, a senator asked about how it would interact with existing community service requirements, and the bill passed favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And either of you can speak to that. have had um whistleblowers from within have had um whistleblowers
• We are not looking for whistleblowers. Retaliation is not acceptable in any form.
• </c> I've been talking to whistleblowers I've been talking to whistleblowers non-stop<01:51:09.119><c
• They are retaliated wrong there."
• </c> not looking for whistleblowers. not looking for whistleblowers.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Under this bill, if a whistleblower suffers retaliation, gets fired, gets moved, or loses pay, he or
• And if the Commission finds that an employee has... ...suffered retaliation because he or she blew the
• whistle on an ethics violation, under this bill, a whistleblower can pursue a remedy, an administrative
• or file a civil action to recover the job, the pay, or the position that he or she lost due to retaliation
• The bill provides that the act of retaliation itself is an ethics violation, which the commission would

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, employee retaliation whistleblower concerns, a settlement involving a former communications
• officer, Seth Stevens, followed by a reported Title VI retaliation complaint.
• employee retaliation.
• There has been no whistleblower or retaliation cases brought against the board.
• There has been no whistleblower or retaliation cases brought against the board.

Committee: Senate Joint Legislative Audit

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Then, I have had so many whistleblower meetings.
• I've had meetings with Chair Robbins (member_12497) and whistleblowers.
• Whistleblower after whistleblower, who were, by the way, state agency frontline workers.
• They got retaliated against. The Inspector General within the DHS.
• They're being retaliated against; their reputations are being destroyed.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a part of that process, we do have a protection against retaliation.
• As a part of that process, we do have a protection against retaliation.
• A lawsuit that was filed, and within it, the word 'retaliation' was used over and over again—whistleblower
• retaliation.
• And some of the themes included discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower, and hostile work environments

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules first handled several routine items, including governor’s appointments not required to appear, references to bills, and floor acknowledgments. The committee approved the appointments of Heather Lynn Gonzalez and Allison Salton-Sall to the Court Reporters Board, and then moved on to appointments required to appear from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, both proposed associate directors in CDCR’s Division of Adult Institutions, testified about their backgrounds and emphasized staff safety, rehabilitation, trauma-informed practices, and the California model. Senators focused heavily on the rollout of the California model, the August 2024 use-of-force incident at Central California Women’s Facility, sexual abuse prevention, retaliation concerns, and prison visitation. Both nominees said the department had improved communication and training, had disciplined or removed staff in response to misconduct, and was working to strengthen PREA reporting, investigations, and family visiting consistency. Public testimony was strongly supportive, and the committee voted 4-0 to send both nominations to the Senate floor. The committee then heard from Jason Johnson, nominated as CDCR Undersecretary of Operations. Johnson framed his work around rehabilitation, public safety, and culture change, and addressed concerns raised in late opposition letters and a lawsuit alleging retaliation, hostile work environment, discrimination, and whistleblower issues. He said he could not discuss pending litigation in detail, but described his leadership as focused on accountability, professional standards, and improving relationships with staff and community partners. Senators questioned him about parole supervision, risk assessment, contraband interdiction, and the Prison Rape Elimination Act response; Johnson said adult parole uses risk-based supervision and GPS for registered sex offenders, operations is working with correctional safety and law enforcement on contraband and drone interdiction, and CDCR continues to expand reporting channels and training. The committee also discussed the importance of rehabilitation and reentry programs, with Johnson saying most people return to the community and that CDCR must prepare them for successful reintegration.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm curious where you see this fitting in with whistleblower protections.
• I'm curious where you see this fitting in with whistleblower protections.
• And we also have some whistleblower in there, so there's no retaliation as well.
• And we also have some whistleblower in there, so there's no retaliation as well.
• And that's where you start looking at a whistleblower concept that I like.

Bills: SB1415 , SB1714 , SB1962 , SB26 , SB172

Committee: Senate Retirement and Government Resources

Keywords: nondisclosure agreements, state employment, employee rights, transparency, government accountability, employee suggestions, cost savings, state agencies, incentives, performance awards, efficiency, Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act, state procurement, state purchasing, State Purchasing Director, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, OMES, exempt entities, purchasing exemptions, state contracts

Summary: The Committee on Retirement and Government Resources heard several bills dealing with state employment, purchasing, and retirement policy. Senate Bill 1415, by Senator Brooks, would prohibit nondisclosure agreements when a state employee resigns or is terminated, with exceptions for statutorily protected confidentiality such as physician or attorney privilege. Members questioned how the bill would interact with whistleblower protections and sensitive information, but the bill passed 6-1. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1714, by Senator Jett, which would expand an existing state employee suggestion/incentive program to encourage agencies to identify cost savings and efficiencies, require agencies to review recommendations in good faith, and report back on accepted or rejected ideas. Members raised concerns about open meetings, employee notification, written documentation of suggestions, and possible disputes over the value of savings. The author agreed to work on amendments, the title was struck, and the bill passed as amended 5-2. Senate Bill 1962, by Senator Bullard, would move certain purchasing exemptions out of statute and into the administrative rules process so exemptions must be periodically renewed and justified. Supporters said this would reduce personality-driven exemptions and improve oversight, while concerns were raised about ongoing needs and emergency situations. The bill passed unanimously 7-0. The committee also passed Senate Bill 26, which would allow retired teachers to return to work after a 90-day break with a salary set by local districts and a 3% contribution back to the retirement system, and Senate Bill 172, which would tie cost-of-living adjustments for pension systems to funding benchmarks and a rolling average, rather than legislative discretion; both bills passed, with SB 26 passing 7-0 and SB 172 passing 6-1. The chair noted the committee expected at least one more meeting and hoped to finish the following week.

Bills: HF3806 , HF2687 , HF497

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: housing, infrastructure bonds, funding, appropriation, Minnesota Statutes, HF2687, single-family homes, corporate landlords, corporate ownership, real estate investment trust, REIT, landlord registry, landlord database, tenant transparency, housing affordability, homeownership, deed tax, transfer tax, property tax, affordable housing

Transcript Highlights:

• As a part of that process, we do have protection against retaliation.
• Retaliation is considered serious misconduct.
• A lawsuit that was filed, and within it, the word ‘retaliation’ was used over and over and over again—whistleblower
• retaliation.
• And some of the themes included discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower, and hostile work environments

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's both laws have anti-retaliation provisions embedded within them.
• </c> there's both laws have anti- retaliation there's both laws have anti- retaliation provisions<00:
• You had the retaliation complaint data.
• </c><00:31:43.600><c> against,</c> concern about being retaliated against, concern about being retaliated
• Um the retaliation provisions thank you.

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm very serious about how we respond to ill-treated whistleblowers.
• I've also been told that they haven't stopped retaliating against Shapley and Ziegler.
• You'd agree with me that retaliation is a violation of federal law and has no place in government.
• And so then if confirmed, give me concrete steps that you would take to put an end to this retaliation
• I hope you'll review it, make full use of it and don't leave a bunch of whistleblowers out there that

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Keywords: nomination, Deputy Secretary of Treasury, economic policy, inflation, tariffs, tribal nations, government relations

Summary: The meeting convened to consider the nomination of Mike Falkender for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. During the session, multiple members voiced concerns regarding current economic policies under the Trump administration, particularly around inflation, tariffs, and the impact on small businesses. Discussions frequently centered on the administration's approach to tariffs and taxation, and how these factors contribute to the rising cost of living and potential job losses. Additionally, the importance of bolstering government-to-government relationships with tribal nations was emphasized, highlighting the need for specialized offices focused on tribal affairs within the Treasury Department.

Transcript Highlights:

• I now represent courageous whistleblowers in Washington who come forward with information about fraud
• But because those whistleblowers come forward in the name of the state, it's actually a suit on behalf
• So courts have determined that a whistleblower has to be represented by an attorney in order to pursue
• in righteous. important provision because it allows private attorneys to represent whistleblowers in
• But because those whistleblowers come forward in the name of the state, it's actually a suit on behalf

Summary: The Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. House Bill 2445, requested by the Attorney General, would curb “probate for profit” schemes by extending the waiting period before a “suitable person” can be appointed, limiting non-intervention powers and repeat appointments, tightening venue rules, and restricting self-dealing by estate administrators. The sponsor and Attorney General’s Office described cases in which strangers used probate loopholes to control estates, sell property, and profit from heirs; the Northwest Justice Project and other witnesses strongly supported the bill. Members raised questions about whether the bill would complicate probate for laypeople and about the timeline changes, and the sponsor said she was open to amendments. No vote was taken. The committee also heard House Bill 2386, which would replace a statutory garnishment answer form with a form developed by the Washington Pattern Forms Committee or a substantially similar form. The sponsor and a district court judge said the current form causes calculation errors, especially for fluctuating wages, and that the change would make garnishments more accurate and transparent. A collectors’ association supported updating the form but asked for a longer implementation period and flexibility for employers to use their own forms; the judge said a rollout period would not be a problem. The bill was heard but not voted on. House Bill 2585 would create a Washington State False Claims Act modeled on the federal act, allowing the Attorney General and private relators to pursue fraud against state programs, with treble damages, civil penalties, and whistleblower protections. Supporters said it would recover stolen public dollars and deter fraud in areas such as wages, housing, education, and environmental programs. Contractors warned that the bill could sweep in good-faith construction change orders, and a wireless industry group asked for a tax exemption; the Attorney General’s Office said it supported the concept but would provide technical and substantive feedback. The bill was heard without action. Finally, House Bill 2590 would exempt limited equity cooperatives from the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act unless they elect coverage, while keeping the tax exemption framework for those cooperatives. The sponsor and housing advocates said WUCIOA imposes requirements that do not fit cooperative ownership and can hinder permanently affordable housing, while lenders already impose appropriate reserve and governance standards. Witnesses from cooperative development organizations and community land trusts supported the bill, and committee members asked about resale limits, reserve obligations, and who benefits from appreciation. The hearing concluded without a vote. The committee also heard House Bill 2453, which would allow board-certified psychiatric pharmacists to participate in certain involuntary treatment proceedings and provide concurring medical opinions for involuntary medication under less restrictive alternative orders. Supporters said it would improve workforce capacity and continuity of care; opponents argued it could weaken civil-liberty protections and that pharmacists lack authority for diagnosis and treatment. The hearing ended with no final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The purpose of the bill is to expand the protections granted to potential whistleblowers in the state
• The other section that I would like to see addressed going forward is what is considered retaliation,
• </c><00:09:13.000><c> act</c> um contracts The Whistleblower act um contracts The Whistleblower act states
• You can't discharge, discipline, penalize, or otherwise retaliate or discriminate against them.
• </c> and expanding our whistleblower and expanding our whistleblower protection<00:27:05.320><c> so</

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, employee retaliation whistleblower concerns, a settlement involving a former communications
• officer, Seth Stevens, followed by a reported Title VI retaliation complaint.
• Objective seven has us focus on the board's whistleblower program. ...and how it handles complaints of
• employee retaliation.
• There has been no whistleblower or retaliation cases brought against the board.

Summary: The committee met as a subcommittee for much of the hearing because it initially lacked a quorum, then later established one and began taking votes. The state auditor gave a status update on ongoing audits, including several JALAC-requested audits in progress, other statutory audits, staffing growth in his office, and the number of new JALAC audits his office could start in the coming months. The committee also heard that one audit request on Prop. 28 was held, and another PUC-related request was moved off consent and heard on the regular calendar. Members then heard and discussed several audit requests. Senator Cervantes presented a request to audit California fusion centers, with witnesses from the FBI and ACLU supporting the need for transparency and oversight; opponents argued the request was politically motivated and could interfere with counterterrorism work. Senator Allen presented a request on CPUC enforcement of Rule 21 interconnection timelines for solar and storage projects, supported by industry and school representatives who described long delays and financial harm, while CPUC staff said the issue was being addressed through workshops and a formal proceeding. Senator Perez presented a request to audit Caltrans’ administration of the former SR 710 extension properties and affordable sales program, citing tenant complaints about maintenance, pricing, and transparency; Caltrans said it was working to complete sales and improve administration. Senator Umberg presented a request to audit the Orange County Board of Education over transparency, contracting, litigation spending, charter oversight, and whistleblower issues, while board representatives said there was no factual basis for an audit and that existing legal remedies had not been invoked. After quorum was established, the committee approved the consent-calendar DMV license revocation audit and then approved the PUC utility timeliness audit and the Caltrans SR 710 audit. The fusion center audit was left on call after a split vote, and the Orange County Board of Education audit continued with testimony from the board’s representatives after the committee had already moved on to other business.