1. (a) As used in this section, "state employee" means:

   1. (1) an employee (as defined in IC 4-2-6-1 );
   2. (2) a special state appointee (as defined in IC 4-2-6-1 ); or
   3. (3) a state officer (as defined in IC 4-2-6-1 ).

2. (b) A state employee who knowingly or intentionally retaliates or threatens to retaliate against another state employee or former state employee for:

   1. (1) filing a complaint with the state ethics commission or the inspector general;
   2. (2) providing information to the state ethics commission or the inspector general; or

   3. (3) testifying at a state ethics commission proceeding;

      commits retaliation for reporting to the inspector general, a Class A misdemeanor.

3. (c) It is a defense to a prosecution under this section that the reporting state employee or former state employee:

   1. (1) did not act in good faith; or
   2. (2) knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly provided false information or testimony to the state ethics commission or the inspector general.

As added by P.L.126-2012, SEC.55. Amended by P.L.9-2022, SEC.78.