The state senate is considering a bill that would forbid secrecy in the settlement of certain whistleblower lawsuits that involve government agencies or public officials.
The state’s assembly already passed the legislation unanimously. It moved to the senate on Monday.
The proposed law would prevent public entities and government employees from agreeing to confidentiality when they settle an action brought under the state’s Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA). The bill also calls for a public listing of all such settlements — including the amount of taxpayer money paid to outside attorneys.