Rules Committee advances bill to expand whistleblower protections

Tallahassee — The Rules Committee approved HB 139 on Thursday, a bill introduced by Representative Mainy to broaden Florida’s whistleblower protections and move the investigation function to the Florida Commission on Human Relations.

Representative Mainy told the committee the current whistleblower statute “doesn't protect everybody that makes reports” and described HB 139 as a targeted expansion to include additional reporters and clarify investigative authority. According to Mainy, the bill transfers the investigation portion of complaints to the Florida Commission on Human Relations (as described to the committee).

Public testimony was limited. A representative of the Florida Commission on Ethics submitted a public comment form and waived in support of the bill. Committee members raised no questions and offered no amendments.

The committee proceeded to a roll call. Members recorded affirmative responses in sequence; the chair announced the bill passed. The transcript records multiple members answering “Yes” during the roll call; Fabricio and Placencia were noted as excused in committee proceedings.

Next steps: With committee approval, HB 139 will be placed on the calendar for further House consideration under the chamber’s rules for special orders and scheduling.