Title 23. Labor and Workers’ Compensation

Chapter 9. Miscellaneous Provisions

Part III. Interference with Individual Rights

 

23:968      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 to report the sexual abuse of a minor child by any fellow employee to law enforcement, whether such fellow employee is a co-worker, supervisor or subordinate. 

 

B. (1) An employee of a public or private entity may bring action for relief against his or her employer, in a court of competent jurisdiction, for damages associated with any action taken by the employee which is in furtherance of the protection of a minor child as is provided for in Subsection A of this Section. 

 

(2) A person aggrieved of a violation of Subsection A of this Section shall be entitled to treble damages plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees. 

 

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

 

Added by Acts 2012, No. 148, § 1.