Texas Whistleblower Act

• Author: Laura M. Franze
• Pages: 535-548

34-1

Chapter 34

TEXAS WHISTLEBLOWER ACT

By Laura M. Franze

34:1. OVERVIEW

A. Purpose and Scope

1. Goals of the Whistleblower Act

2. Scope of Coverage

B. Venue

C. Posting Requirement

34:2. ELEMENTS OF WHISTLEBLOWER ACTION

A. Good Faith Report of Violation of Law

1. Report of Violation of Law

a. What Constitutes a “Report”?

b. Has a “Law” Been Violated?

2. By the Employing Governmental Entity or Another Public Employee

3. Good Faith

B. Appropriate Law Enforcement Agency

C. Adverse Action and Causation

34:3. DEFENSES

A. Failure to Prove “But For” Causation

B. Statute of Limitations/Internal Grievance Procedures

C. Sovereign Immunity

34:4. DAMAGES AND LIABILITY

A. Damages Available

B. Exemplary Damages Not Available

C. Civil Penalties