§2165.12. Whistleblower protection and cause of action

A. No employee shall be discharged, demoted, suspended, threatened, harassed, or discriminated against in any manner in the terms and conditions of his employment because of any lawful act engaged in by the employee or on behalf of the employee in furtherance of any action taken pursuant to this Chapter in regard to a person from whom recovery is or could be sought. Such an employee may seek any and all relief for his injury to which he is entitled under state or federal law.

B. No individual shall be threatened, harassed, or discriminated against in any manner by a business organization, government agency, or other person because of any lawful act engaged in by the individual or on behalf of the individual in furtherance of any action taken pursuant to this Chapter in regard to a person from whom recovery is or could be sought. Such an individual may seek any and all relief for his injury to which he is entitled under state or federal law.

C.(1) An employee of a private entity may bring his action for relief against his employer in the same court as the action or actions were brought pursuant to this Chapter.

(2) A person aggrieved of a violation of Subsection A or B of this Section shall be entitled to treble damages.

D. A qui tam plaintiff shall not be entitled to recovery pursuant to this Section if the court finds that the qui tam plaintiff instituted or proceeded with an action that was frivolous, vexatious, or harassing.

Acts 2010, No. 658, §1.