California 2011-2012 Regular Session Status: In Committee

AB 1197 — Whistleblower protection.

Last action — From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Assembly
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2011-2012 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Under existing law, the Public Utilities Commission has regulatory authority over public utilities. The California Constitution authorizes the commission to establish rules for all public utilities, subject to control by the Legislature. This bill would require the commission to establish a comprehensive whistleblower protection program to protect public utility employees, former employees, and third-party contractors and subcontractors from retaliation for bringing information to the commission or other public entities, as defined, regarding, but not limited to, safety issues. Under existing law, a violation of any order, decision, rule, direction, demand, or requirement of the commission is a crime. Because the bill would require the commission to adopt rules for the protection of whistleblowers and a violation of these rules would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program by creating a new crime. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Bill Text

Action History

  1. From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.

  2. Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.

  3. In committee: Set, first hearing. Held under submission.

  4. In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.

  5. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

  6. Read second time and amended.

  7. From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 10. Noes 0.) (January 10).

  8. Re-referred to Com. on JUD. pursuant to Assembly Rule 96.

  9. Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.

  10. From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. Read second time and amended.

  11. In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.

  12. Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.

  13. From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. Read second time and amended.

  14. Referred to Com. on PUB. S.

  15. From printer. May be heard in committee March 22.

  16. Read first time. To print.

Sponsors

  • Hill · Primary

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 121 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

  • Hill

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (121)

121 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Votes

Subjects

public-safety labor
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Frequently asked questions

What does AB 1197 do?
Under existing law, the Public Utilities Commission has regulatory authority over public utilities. The California Constitution authorizes the commission to establish rules for all public utilities, subject to control by the Legislature. This bill would require the commission to establish a comprehensive whistleblower protection program to protect public utility employees, former employees, and third-party contractors and subcontractors from retaliation for bringing information to the commission or other public entities, as defined, regarding, but not limited to, safety issues. Under existing law, a violation of any order, decision, rule, direction, demand, or requirement of the commission is a crime. Because the bill would require the commission to adopt rules for the protection of whistleblowers and a violation of these rules would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program by creating a new crime. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Who sponsors AB 1197?
AB 1197 is sponsored by Hill.
What is the current status of AB 1197?
This bill died with 2011-2012 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track AB 1197?
Track AB 1197 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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Last checked for changes 3 months ago · updated continuously

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