(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 an adverse action is not 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, a 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 them 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 attorneyâs fees as provided by law.
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