SB 177 — An Act amending the act of December 12, 1986 (P.L.1559, No.169), known as the Whistleblower Law, further providing for definitions.

PRINTER'S NO.    116

                     THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA



                        SENATE BILL
                        No. 177
                                               Session of
                                                 2025

     INTRODUCED BY COSTA, SAVAL, KEARNEY, PENNYCUICK, FONTANA,
        TARTAGLIONE, PISCIOTTANO, HAYWOOD, KANE, BAKER AND BROWN,
        JANUARY 24, 2025

     REFERRED TO LABOR AND INDUSTRY, JANUARY 24, 2025


                                    AN ACT
 1   Amending the act of December 12, 1986 (P.L.1559, No.169),
 2      entitled "An act providing protection for employees who
 3      report a violation or suspected violation of State, local or
 4      Federal law; providing protection for employees who
 5      participate in hearings, investigations, legislative
 6      inquiries or court actions; and prescribing remedies and
 7      penalties," further providing for definitions.
 8      The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
 9   hereby enacts as follows:
10      Section 1.    The definition of "public body" in section 2 of
11   the act of December 12, 1986 (P.L.1559, No.169), known as the
12   Whistleblower Law, is amended and the section is amended by
13   adding a definition to read:
14   Section 2.   Definitions.
15      The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
16   have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
17   context clearly indicates otherwise:
18      * * *
19      "Judicial agency."    The Supreme Court and any other court of
20   the Commonwealth or any other entity or office of the unified
 1   judicial system under Article V of the Constitution of
 2   Pennsylvania, including the Administrative Office of
 3   Pennsylvania Courts.
 4      "Public body."   All of the following:
 5          (1)   A State officer, agency, department, division,
 6      bureau, board, commission, council, authority or other body
 7      in the executive branch of State government.
 8          (1.1)    The General Assembly and its agencies.
 9          (1.2)    A judicial agency.
10          (2)   A county, city, township, regional governing body,
11      council, school district, special district or municipal
12      corporation, or a board, department, commission, council or
13      agency.
14          (3)   Any other body which is created by Commonwealth or
15      political subdivision authority or which is funded in any
16      amount by or through Commonwealth or political subdivision
17      authority or a member or employee of that body.
18      * * *
19      Section 2.   This act shall take effect in 60 days.




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