Public Safety Free Speech Act

Protection of Free Speech for Public Safety Workers: Covered employees can bring an action against employers if they face termination or adverse actions for expressing personal opinions on topics such as compensation, benefits, or working conditions (Section 3(a)).

Legal Recourse and Financial Relief: Employees who prevail in a lawsuit against an employer may receive actual damages, compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief, and attorneys' fees (Section 3(b)).

Broad Range of Protected Topics: The bill allows employees to express opinions on a variety of professional matters, including employer policies, procedures, and even political and religious opinions (Section 3(a)).

Restrictions on Speech While on Duty: The right to bring an action for speech violations does not apply to comments made while the covered employee is on duty (Section 3(c)(1)).

Prohibition on Speech Regarding Essential Services: Employees are not protected if they suggest, advocate for, or communicate that essential services should be withheld, delayed, or diminished as a form of protest or job action (Section 3(c)(5)).

Prohibition on Certain Types of Comments: Legal protections do not cover comments that express an intent to commit violence or illegal actions, or that advocate for discrimination or favoritism (Section 3(c)(2) and (3)).

Privacy Restrictions: The bill does not apply to comments that intentionally disclose confidential or personally identifiable information about individuals the employee interacted with during their work (Section 3(c)(4)).