House Bill 1799 passed the Virginia General Assembly in 2009. Effective July 1, 2009, it amends Va. Code Ann. §2.2-3705.3.
The amendment adds the Virginia Fraud and Abuse Whistle Blower Protection Act. A “whistle blower” is a state employee who reports or testifies about fraud or abuse.
The act prohibits employers from retaliating or otherwise discriminating against a whistle blower. State employers also are required to post notices of the protections.
Progressively, the Act creates a Reward Fund. Whistle blowers who disclose information of fraud or abuse saving at least $10,000.00 are entitled to a monetary award of 1% of the cost savings (up to a total reward of $5,000.00).
