St. Clair Today

House Oversight Chair Jay DeBoyer (R-Clay Township) and House Oversight Committee member Jason Woolford (R-Howell) have announced plans to introduce new legislation aimed at strengthening protections for whistleblowers in Michigan state government.

The proposed bill seeks to address what the lawmakers describe as gaps in current law that discourage state employees from reporting violations, participating in investigations, or communicating with representatives about potential misconduct within state agencies. According to DeBoyer, these shortcomings result in less transparency and fewer opportunities to correct problems.

“Our role on the House Oversight Committee is to hold government accountable to the people and investigate potential instances where public dollars are being misused or there has been a violation of the public’s trust,” DeBoyer said. “I can tell you, our committee – and Oversight panels before us – have had numerous people who work for state departments say that they’d love to come and talk about what’s happening and what’s gone wrong, but they can’t do so on the record out of fear for their job or even their well-being. I’ve had people tell me they can’t meet with me at the state Capitol or our House Office Building to talk about some of these things. That’s not right, and it’s unacceptable to hit those types of roadblocks when we are trying to get answers for hardworking taxpayers and the people of our state. That is not how government should work.”

The bill would amend Michigan's Whistleblowers’ Protection Act by allowing courts greater authority in cases involving retaliation against whistleblowers. Remedies could include reinstatement of employment, payment of triple back wages owed, restoration of fringe benefits and seniority rights, damages, or a combination thereof. The proposal also increases penalties for violators from $500 to $2,000 per incident; fines collected would be deposited into the state's general fund.

Woolford emphasized that protecting those who report wrongdoing is essential for maintaining accountability in government operations. “People who want to step up and do the right thing when they feel a wrong thing has occurred should not fear retaliation or feel like they’re risking their career to speak up,” Woolford said. “They deserve real protection. With this bill, we’re sending a resounding message that we will protect whistleblowers that expose waste, fraud and abuse. My duty as an elected official and a member of the House Oversight Committee is to hold our state government accountable and ensure every tax dollar is spent wisely, ethically, and transparently.”

Both legislators noted that current legal protections have not sufficiently encouraged employees with concerns about misuse of resources or illegal acts within state agencies to come forward without fear. They also referenced previous reductions in whistleblower protections during past budget cycles.

“This will put it in law,” DeBoyer said. “Not negotiated away at the last minute. Not pushed to another year. People are tired of government acting superior to them and acting as if government is above the law. This will protect individuals who seek to do the right thing and disclose acts of wrongdoing within government when they have occurred.”

The legislation is expected to be formally introduced soon.