6025.E AMH MYEH LYNC 1

ESB 6025 - H AMD TO LOCAL GOV COMM AMD(H4486.1)1328 ADOPT3494

By Representatives H. Myers and Edmondson

     On page 4, after line 22 of the amendment, insert the following:

     "NEW SECTION.  Sec. 9.  A new section is added to chapter 42.41 RCW to read as follows:

     (1) It is unlawful for a city or town official or employee to directly or indirectly use or attempt to use his or her official authority or influence for the purpose of intimidating, threatening, coercing, or influencing an employee not to disclose information concerning improper governmental action to a person designated under RCW 42.41.030(3).

(2) Nothing in this section authorizes an employee to disclose

information otherwise prohibited by law."

Renumber the remaining sections consecutively and correct internal references accordingly.

EFFECT:  Makes local government whistleblower law consistent with state government whistleblower law by prohibiting coercion of employees who wish to report wrongdoing.