Governor Perdue Signs HB 16

Georgia’s Whistleblower Law (OCGA 45-1-4) now applies to city and county government employees. HB 16 was part of PBA of Georgia’s 2007 Legislative Agenda. State Representative Rich Golick of Smyrna sponsored the legislative that brought about this change. Prior to the passage of this bill, only state employees were protected.

Under OCGA 45-1-4 any public employees may bring to the attention of their employer their concerns about fraud, waste, or abuse. The identity of the employee shall be protected, unless it becomes necessary and unavoidable during the course of the investigation. Also the employer may not retaliate against the employee by means of termination, suspension, or demotion. The law also addresses the civil remedies available to the employee.

The picture below shows Governor Perdue signing HB 16 into law. Representative Rich Golick is standing to the Governor’s left. Joe Stiles and Grady Dukes of SSPBA are standing behind Representative Golick. The others people in the picture belong to the state teachers associations which were the only groups besides PBA support this legislation.