HB178 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mac McCutcheon

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Randy WoodDuwayne BridgesRichard J. Laird

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Public employees, discrimination or discipline for communicating with elected public official, prohibited, Public Employee Representative Political Freedom Act

Summary

HB178 would shield public employee representatives and employees who talk with elected officials from retaliation, and it would allow damages if violated.

What This Bill Does

The bill would bar public employers from disciplining, threatening to discipline, or discriminating against an employee for communicating with an elected public official about job-related matters. It defines who counts as a public employee representative (someone authorized to represent a collective body of state, county, municipal employees and related subdivisions). If a court finds a violation, the employee would be entitled to damages and reasonable attorney's fees. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and approval by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• Public employee representatives and employees who communicate with elected public officials would be protected from discipline or discrimination for such communications, in connection with job-related purposes.
• Public employers, including state agencies, counties, municipalities, and subdivisions, would be prohibited from disciplining, threatening to discipline, or discriminating against employees for these communications.

Key Provisions

• Public employers cannot discipline, threaten to discipline, or discriminate against an employee for communicating with an elected public official for any job-related purpose.
• Defines 'public employee representative' as any person authorized to represent a collective body of employees within the state, including state agencies, counties, municipalities, and subdivisions of governmental bodies.
• If a court finds a violation, the employee is entitled to damages and reasonable attorney's fees.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Public Officers and Employees