AB 403 Protects Whistleblowers In Riverside

Our Whistleblowers Attorneys at Rager & Yoon – Employment Lawyers believe in the power of telling the truth. Working in the legal field we have seen our clients suffer from name calling to retaliation tactics that endanger their livelihood and family. Whistleblowers play a vital role in businesses and the public at larger. Whistleblowers are often burdened with the truth and the nagging responsibility of telling the truth. Telling the truth oftentimes means a business has to change its practices. The changes often mean that those responsible must give up whatever benefits they got from the misbehaviors. If you or someone you love is dealing with the negative repercussions of telling truths then our Whistleblowers Attorneys at Rager & Yoon – Employment Lawyers are here to help you and so is Riverside County.

What Is AB403

The best way to ensure that employees are protected is to make sure that there is legislation in place to protect those who start to speak the truth. Riverside County Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez helped to create legislation that will protect “legislative staffers who report ethics or other breaches related to sexual harassment and similar misconduct y their bosses”. This new law was signed by Governor Jerry Brown beginning of 2018.

AB403 is a kind of legislation that reinforces the message that whistleblowers have a place in our government and businesses. It also signals to employers that any form of retaliation will not be accepted. The workplace must not only be a safe place but an ethical place. Providing a way for whistleblowers to speak their truths without worrying about their fate is a way to regulate the behaviors of employers. It specifically empowers those who are suffering from sexual harassment.

AB403 will help employees find the courage to speak up and those who choose intimidation tactics or threatens someone for speaking will be held accountable; justice will be served. The bill protects the victim from being fired and allows the victim the right to sue and seek damages. The accused will also have to face a $10,000 fine and a year in county jail. The laws that are in place now for whistleblowers are for state agencies only. AB403 extends those rights to any employee.

AB403 was signed after it was discovered that Assemblyman Matt Dabaneh was accused of masturbating in front of a female lobbyist as well as 18 separate other cases of sexual harassment that included sharing of pornographic images. The details of these cases were shared publicly after they were hidden from the public for more than a decade. Melendez is quoted stating “the foundation to any government by and for the people is rooted in transparency and accountability…. victims can now feel empowered that the system is there to protect them for speaking out rather than punishing them”.

What To Do

If you or someone you love is suffering from telling their truths or attempting to tell their truths then our Riverside Whistleblowers lawyers at Rager & Yoon – Employment Lawyers are here to help you seek justice. Call 310-527-6994 or click here to speak with our professional staff at Rager & Yoon – Employment Lawyers today.