(SACRAMENTO) – With a 7-0 vote, Assemblymember Swanson's AB 2001 passes out of Assembly Local Government today.  AB 2001 was introduced to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in state government.  Current law, California Labor Code Section 1102.7, recognizes the need for the Attorney General to maintain the confidence of information disclosed through its whistleblower hotline.

"Whistleblower hotlines give employees a confidential avenue to report possible misuses of government resources," Assemblymember Swanson said.  AB 2001 authorizes local governments to maintain a whistleblower hotline and provide anonymity to callers.

Oakland's City Auditor Courtney Ruby has partnered with Assemblymember Swanson to help ensure that those who report fraud and theft against a City or County in California will be protected.  Ms. Ruby testified before the committee that "The most effective method to detect fraud or improper behavior by a government employee is through a "tip" from a co-worker, but legislation is needed to protect them." 

Other City auditors testifying in support of AB 2001 were Laura Doud from Long Beach and Marie Hogan from Berkeley.  Although Laura Chick was unable to attend today's hearing she has sent in a letter of support. 

AB 2001 is a way of encouraging and supporting a transparent government.  During the initial review of a call received on the hotline, the auditor or controller, will confidentially hold the information disclosed including the identity of the caller and the employer identified.  This information, at no time, shall be revealed without the written permission of the caller unless it is to a law enforcement agency conducting a criminal investigation.

Assemblymember Swanson stated "I am pleased that another hurdle has been reached with the passage of AB 2001 out of committee today.  Now the public is one step closer to having the ability to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in government.