§ 27-54-7. Whistleblower protections. (a) Prohibition against discrimination. No person subject to the provisions of this chapter may discharge, demote, threaten or otherwise discriminate against any person or employee with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment as a reprisal because the person or employee (or any person acting pursuant to the request of the employee) provided or attempted to provide information to the director or his or her designee regarding possible violation of this chapter.

(b) Enforcement. Any person or employee or former employee subject to the provisions of this chapter who believes that he or she has been discharged or discriminated against in violation of subsection (a) of this section may file a civil action within three (3) years of the date of the discharge or discrimination.

(c) Remedies. If the court determines that a violation has occurred, the court may order the person who committed the violation to:

(1) Reinstate the employee to the employee's former position;

(2) Pay compensatory damages, costs of litigation and attorneys' fees; and/or

(3) Take other appropriate actions to remedy any past discrimination.

(d) Limitation. The protections of this section shall not apply to any person or employee who:

(1) Deliberately causes or participates in the alleged violation of law or regulation; or

(2) Knowingly or recklessly provides substantially false information to the director or his or her designee.

History of Section. (P.L. 1994, ch. 86, § 1.)