(a) Applicability. The provisions of this section do not apply to a complainant or an employee acting on behalf of a complainant who knowingly makes a false report.
(b) Retaliation prohibited. A County agency or appointing authority may not discharge, threaten, or otherwise discriminate against a complainant or employee acting on behalf of a complainant regarding compensation, terms, conditions, location, or privilege of employment because:
(1) the complainant or employee acting on behalf of a complainant reports or is about to report, verbally or in writing, a violation or a suspected violation of this article; or
(2) a complainant or employee acting on behalf of a complainant is requested by the Ethics Commission to participate in an investigation, hearing, or inquiry held by the Ethics Commission or in any related court action.
(c) Civil action for retaliation. A complainant or employee acting on behalf of a complainant who alleges a violation of subsection (b) may bring a civil action for appropriate injunctive relief or actual damages, or both, within one year after the occurrence of the alleged violation.
(d) Remedies. In an action brought under subsection (c), the court may order any of the following:
(1) reinstatement of a complainant or employee acting on behalf of a complainant;
(2) payment of back wages and full reinstatement of fringe benefits and seniority rights;
(3) an award of actual damages; and
(4) an award of all or a portion of the costs of litigation, including reasonable attorney fees.
(1985 Code, Art. 9, § 4-109) (Bill No. 95-94; Bill No. 38-03)