Section 73.7 Of Chapter 2. Department Of Veterans Affairs From California Military And Veterans Code >> Division 1. >> Chapter 2.
73.7
. (a) Any state officer or employee who intentionally engages
in acts of reprisal, retaliation, threats, coercion, or similar acts
against an employee of any state department, board, or authority for
having disclosed what the employee, in good faith, believed to be
improper activities regarding veterans programs that are supported by
the state shall be disciplined by adverse action as provided in
Section 19572 of the Government Code. If no adverse action is
instituted by the appointing power, the State Personnel Board shall
take adverse action in the same manner as provided in Section 19583.5
of the Government Code.
(b) In addition to all other causes of action, penalties, or other
remedies provided by law, any state officer or employee who
intentionally engages in acts of reprisal, retaliation, threats,
coercion, or similar acts against an employee for having disclosed
what the employee, in good faith, believed to be improper activities
regarding veterans programs that are supported by the state shall be
liable in an action for damages brought against him or her by the
injured party. Punitive damages may be awarded by the court if the
acts of the offending party are proven to be malicious. If liability
has been established, the injured party also shall be entitled to
reasonable attorney's fees as provided by law.