On Thursday, February 13, the Wyoming Senate introduced a whistleblower bill that allows potential whistleblowers across the state to report any unlawful activities.
The Bill, SF 70, would require the Wyoming Department of Audit to establish and maintain a reporting system which consists of a toll-free number and an online form for Wyoming residents to report government abuse, fraud or waste. Under the bill, abuse is defined as “excessive or improper use of a thing or to use something in a manner contrary to the natural or legal rules for its use.” Fraud is “wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in personal or financial gain.” Waste is “the thoughtless or careless expenditure, mismanagement or abuse of resources to the detriment of the government agency or incurring unnecessary costs.”
The reporting system will allow anonymous reporting and ensure the identity of whistleblowers to be kept confidential.
The audit director will initially review the reports submitted through the system and will refer the information to the appropriate government entity. The director will also oversee posting the results of reviews, verifications, and referrals conducted to the department’s website.
The bill received unanimous support to send it to the Judiciary Committee.