California Code, Government Code - GOV § 9149.35

(b)(1) In any civil action, once it has been demonstrated by a preponderance of the evidence that an activity protected by this article was a contributing factor in the alleged retaliation against a legislative employee, the burden of proof is on the offending party to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the alleged action would have occurred for legitimate, independent reasons even if the legislative employee had not made a protected disclosure.

(2) If liability is established under paragraph (1), the prevailing plaintiff is entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

(3) Punitive damages may be awarded by the court if the acts of the offending party are proven to be fraudulent, oppressive, or malicious.