SB 374
Codifies the employment-at-will doctrine
Sponsor:
LR Number:
1897S.01I
Committee:
Last Action:
2/16/2009 - Second Read and Referred S General Laws Committee
Journal Page:
S313
Title:
Calendar Position:
Effective Date:
August 28, 2009

Current Bill Summary

SB 374 - Under this act, the employment-at-will doctrine shall not control when elements of a whistle-blower cause of action for wrongful discharge are established. This cause of action is established if an employee proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the employee reported to the proper authorities conduct that the employee had a good faith and reasonable belief violated a statute, constitutional provision, or regulation and a clearly mandated public policy; the employee was discharged; and the act of reporting was the exclusive factor in the discharge.

Similarly, the employment-at-will doctrine shall not control when elements of a refusal to commit an illegal act cause of action for wrongful discharge in violation of public policy are established. This cause of action is established if an employee proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the employer directed the employee to perform conduct that would, if completed, violate a statute, constitutional provision, or regulation and a clearly mandated public policy; the employee specifically refused to perform the act; the employee was discharged; and the refusal to perform the act was the exclusive factor in the discharge.

This act is similar to HB 1456 (2006), SB 168 (2007), and SB 1046 (2008).

CHRIS HOGERTY

Amendments