Jacobs proposes more expansive 'Whistle Blower' law for Nassau County

Nassau County Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) and members of the Majority Caucus today proposed a local law that expands already existing federal and state "Whistle Blower" laws by clarifying for employees how and to whom to report any improper governmental misconduct.

"We are going to let our employees know that we support them and want them to be proactive in reporting waste, fraud and abuse," she said "If they take that action, they will have protection of the law. We want to make it clear to employees that their communications will be confidential and we will also tell employees who and how they can make contact on an issue, two aspects not exiting under the state law."

Under the law, procedures for reporting an allegation of misconduct will include notifying any of the following: the County's Commissioner of Investigations, the District Attorney, the County's Compliance Officer, the County Boards of Ethics, the Director of Human Resources, the County Executive or Deputy County Executive, the County Attorney, the County Comptroller if the matter involves misuse of public funds, the employees' department head and any proper federal, state or other authority if the employee reasonably believes the matter cannot be resolved at the county level.

"This will send our employees a strong message," said Deputy Presiding Officer Roger Corbin (D-Westbury).

The proposed "Whistle Blower" legislation was drafted following a recent report by the County's Office of Legislative Budget Review entitled, "A Report on Rules Committee Hearing: Economic Development Vertical and Related Matters," which suggested that perhaps the county could better protect employees with its own "whistle blower" law.

"As leader of the majority delegation, I am dedicated to creating an atmosphere of open government, where anyone can feel safe and comfortable speaking the truth, without fear of retaliation," Jacobs said. "This new law will also serve as a tool to educate employees on their rights."