11—66.5(8A) Prohibitions relating to certain actions by state employees.

1. 66.5(1)  Employees shall not be prohibited from disclosing any information to members or employees of the general assembly, or to any other public official or law enforcement agency if the employee believes the information is evidence of the violation of a law, rule, mismanagement, a gross abuse of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety. An employee need not inform the appointing authority about such disclosure unless the employee presented the information as the official position of the appointing authority.

   1. a. This subrule does not apply to the disclosure of information prohibited by statute.
   2. b. Agencies are prohibited from any reprisals in the form of a disciplinary action or failure to appoint or promote an employee who discloses information, fails to inform the appointing authority of the disclosure of information, or who declines to contribute to a charity or organization. Reprisals for disclosing information shall be subject to civil action.
2. 66.5(2)  Employees may contact the office of ombudsman to report violations of this rule.

[ARC 4053C, IAB 10/10/18, effective 11/14/18]