SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Melissa A. Melendez (R-Lake Elsinore) announced Monday Governor Jerry Brown has signed her bill to create the Legislative Employee Whistleblower Protection Act, AB 403.
“This is a momentous occasion for all of California, and particularly legislative staff. The foundation to any government by and for the people is one rooted in transparency and accountability. And today, the Legislature, with the stroke of the Governor’s pen, just became the example for the nation for whistleblower protection,” said Melendez. “Victims can now feel empowered that the system is there to protect them for speaking out rather than punishing them.”
Assembly Bill 403 received overwhelming bipartisan support having the bill joint-authored by Assembly Republican Leader Brian Dahle (R-Bieber), Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens), chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus; and Assemblywoman Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), Chair of the Joint Committee on Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response, along with 61 coauthors in the Senate and Assembly.
“Without hesitation Governor Brown gave victims peace of mind and clearly signaled #TimesUp for those who’d retaliate against the voices of truth,” said Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens). “Assemblymember Melendez is to be commended for her foresight and persistence that will usher in a new era of trust and accountability that the Capitol community demands and deserves.”
Within hours of the California State Assembly unanimously passing AB 403 and sending it to the Governor, it was signed into law.
Click here to see the Governor’s bill signing announcement for AB 403.
Assemblywoman Melissa A. Melendez represents the 67th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, Murrieta, Menifee, Wildomar and a portion of Hemet. It also includes the Riverside County unincorporated areas of Lake Mathews, Good Hope, Nuevo, and Winchester. Follow her on Twitter: @asmMelendez
3 comments
Whistleblowers will never have the protection they deserve. That’s why most people won’t do it. It’s not worth it.
So the street code of “snitches get stitches” is also relatable to professional discourse.
No – You just destroy yourself professionally. Like never being able to get a job in your profession. We all have bills to pay, and not too many of us can get through life without a paycheck. NO company is worth destroying your own career. Whistleblowing benefits the company. The whistleblower gets screwed. No, thank you.
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