(a) Definition. In this section, a "personnel action" means an act, a refusal to act, or an omission by an appointing authority which has a significant adverse impact on the employee or a change in the employee's responsibilities that is inconsistent with the employee's grade and salary.
(b) Action by appointing authority. Unless a disclosure is specifically prohibited by law, an employee may not be subject to a personnel action by an appointing authority as a reprisal for seeking any remedy under this section or for a disclosure to a federal, State, or County official or employee that the employee reasonably believes, in good faith, provides evidence of:
(1) retaliation for a refusal to obey an instruction of an appointing authority or supervisor involving an illegal act or a refusal to participate in an illegal act;
(2) an illegal action in County government;
(3) an unauthorized use of County funds;
(4) a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety; or
(5) a violation of the County's policy against discrimination and harassment based on gender, age, religion, race, national origin, disability, color, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, or veteran status as set forth in the Anne Arundel County Employee Relations Manual.
(c) Other action authorized. This section does not prohibit a personnel action that otherwise would have been taken regardless of the disclosure.
(d) Grievances. An employee who believes they have been the subject of a personnel action under subsection (b) may file a grievance pursuant to § 6-4-104 or with the Personnel Board .
(e) Disclosures to State officers. An employee has the same protections provided in subsection (b) of this section regarding a disclosure that is specifically prohibited by law, if the disclosure is made to the Office of the State's Attorney, the Office of the Attorney General of Maryland, or the Office of the Maryland State Prosecutor.
(f) Other remedies. This section does not preclude the aggrieved employee from seeking any legal action or other remedies available.
(Bill No. 17-11; Bill No. 47-13)