§ 9149.33

(a) A Member of the Legislature or legislative employee shall not directly or indirectly use or attempt to use that individual’s official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with the right of a legislative employee to make a protected disclosure.

(b) An individual who violates this section is subject to a fine not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and imprisonment in a county jail for a period not to exceed one year.

(c) In addition to all other penalties, rights, or remedies provided by law, an individual or entity that uses or attempts to use its official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with the right of a legislative employee to make a protected disclosure is liable in a civil action for damages brought by a legislative employee.

(d) This section shall not be construed to authorize an individual to disclose information the disclosure of which is prohibited by law.

(Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 2, Sec. 1. (AB 403) Effective February 5, 2018.)