Idaho lawmakers are advancing legislation limiting whistleblower lawsuits against the state to $370,000 in non-economic damages.
The House on Tuesday voted 56-9 to send to the Senate the measure that has no limit for economic damages, such as loss of income and legal fees. Non-economic damages include such things as pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
The bill follows a whistleblower lawsuit the Idaho State Police settled in 2019 for $1.3 million after a whistleblower claimed ISP retaliated against him because he testified against another officer in a court hearing.
Republican Representative Greg Chaney says the legislation tries to find a balance setting limits on non-economic damages to protect taxpayers, while also considering the equally serious responsibility the state has to protect whistleblowers.(AP)
