115638-1:n:12/10/2009:LCG/th LRS2009-5128
| SYNOPSIS: | This bill would provide that no public employee may be discriminated against or disciplined for communications with an elected public official. |
| This bill would provide for damages and attorney's fees for an injured employee. |
To establish the Public Employee Representative Political Freedom Act of 2010; to provide that no public employee may be disciplined for communicating with an elected public official; and to provide for damages.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
Section 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as "The Public Employee Representative Political Freedom Act of 2010."
Section 2. As used in this act, public employee representative shall mean any person given the authority by election or appointment to represent a collective body of employees within the state including state agencies, counties, municipalities, and subdivisions of governmental bodies.
Section 3. (a) No public employee representative shall be prohibited from communicating with an elected public official for any job-related purpose.
(b) It shall be unlawful for a public employer to discipline, threaten to discipline, or discriminate against an employee for communicating with an elected public official.
(c) If a court of competent jurisdiction determines an employee has suffered a violation of this act, the employee shall be entitled to damages and reasonable attorney's fees.
Section 4. This act shall become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.