A state Senate committee advanced legislation Tuesday that would provide whistleblower protections for police officers in Louisiana who report the malfeasance of other officers.
House Bill 745, sponsored by Rep. Kyle Green, D-Marrero, cleared the Senate Judiciary B Committee without opposition and next heads to the Senate floor for consideration. The bill has so far had unanimous support at every step of the legislative process.
“We want to shed light on what happens in police departments,” Green said during Tuesday’s hearing.
Green’s proposal would add provisions to the state’s so-called “officer bill of rights” statutes, prohibiting local police departments from discriminating, harassing, demoting, suspending or terminating employees who report malfeasance. It would also establish a civil cause of action, meaning police whistleblowers could sue the law enforcement agency for punitive damages associated with any action taken against the employee who reports the misconduct.
Sen. Mike Reese, R-Leesville, questioned the need for punitive damages versus just making the employee whole through job reinstatement and a return of any lost wages.
“Is it necessary that you have these other relief functions in here?” Reese asked, adding that Louisiana is such a litigious state that the bill could create a financial incentive for employees to make whistleblower allegations.
Green said punitive damages are important to encourage whistleblowers to come forward and to discourage any...
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