For Immediate Release:
April 9, 2025
Contact:
Grace Hoge
[email protected]
Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill Expanding Whistleblower Protections to Local Government Employees
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has signed House Bill 2160, which establishes the Municipal Employee Whistleblower Act to extend legal protections for municipal employees who report or reveal unlawful or dangerous conduct.
“This bipartisan bill will enhance transparency and accountability in local government, ensuring that municipal employees can report wrongdoing without fear of retaliation,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Protecting whistleblowers is vital for maintaining public trust, safeguarding taxpayer resources, and promoting ethical governance.”
Historically, whistleblower protections have been limited to state and federal employees. These protections are aimed at protecting those who report misconduct or corruption from retaliatory actions. House Bill 2160 expands these protections, allowing government employees at the local level to report issues without fear of retaliation.
“I am pleased that stakeholders worked together on House Bill 2160 so that municipal employees will have the same whistleblower protections as state employees,” said Representative for House District 16 Linda Featherston. “This will help increase confidence in local government, which is a win for both Kansans and local government.”
By defining malfeasance and misappropriation as unlawful conduct, the legislation more effectively protects genuine whistleblowers who report legal violations. This clarification distinguishes whistleblowers from malcontents or disgruntled employees who are merely dissatisfied with an otherwise lawful decision or appropriation.
"Municipal employees don’t have to fear reprisal any more for exposing wrongdoing, unlawful behavior, or misappropriation of funds,” said Senate Vice President Tim Shallenburger. “This piece of legislation gives the necessary protection to those, who in good faith, bring to light what the government wants to keep in the dark."
In addition to House Bill 2160, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:
Substitute for House Bill 2149: Modernizes state law around parallel generation, which entails the installation of solar panels on one’s home or business for the purpose of energy generation. The bill creates consumer protections for Kansas businesses and residents that are interested in installing rooftop solar, provides certainty to the solar industry and utilities, and will ultimately allow Kansans the opportunity for more energy independence.
Senate Substitute for House Bill 2054: Adjusts certain campaign contribution limits under the Campaign Finance Act.
House Bill 2206: Renames the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission to the Kansas Public Disclosure Commission and modernizes election law around political committees, cooperation and consent, and other topics.
Senate Bill 114: Authorizes nonpublic and virtual school students to participate in ancillary public-school activities.
House Bill 2050: Renames the Kansas Insurance Department to the Kansas Department of Insurance and makes the necessary updates in statute to implement this change. The bill also implements a number of technical changes impacting the insurance industry.
House Bill 2134: Updates the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) and Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA) to ensure transparency and public accountability for government entities.
Senate Bill 241: Promotes workforce stability and protects employees and business owners from overly broad non-solicitation covenants.
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