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Chapter 34
TExAS WHISTLEBLOWER ACT
By Laura M. Franze
34:1. OVERVIEW
A. Purpose and Scope
1. Goals of the Whistleblower Act
2. Scope of Coverage
B. Venue
C. Posting Requirement
34:2. ELEMENTS OF WHISTLEBLOWER ACTION
A. Good Faith Report of Violation of Law
1. Report of Violation of Law
a. What Constitutes a “Report”?
b. Has a “Law” Been Violated?
2. By the Employing Governmental Entity or Another Public Employee
3. Good Faith
B. Appropriate Law Enforcement Agency
C. Adverse Action and Causation
34:3. DEFENSES
A. Failure to Prove “But For” Causation
B. Statute of Limitations/Internal Grievance Procedures
C. Sovereign Immunity
34:4. DAMAGES AND LIABILITY
A. Damages Available
B. Exemplary Damages Not Available
C. Civil Penalties
