Texas Government Code - GOV'T § 2261.307. Retaliation Against Employees and Whistleblowers Prohibited

(a) In this section, “employee” means a person who is an employee of a:

(b) An employee or other person with knowledge of a violation of this subchapter has a cause of action against an employer or entity who suspends or terminates services, contracts, or employment of or otherwise disciplines or discriminates or retaliates against the employee or other person in any manner for:

(c) The petitioner may recover:

(d) In addition to the amounts that may be recovered under Subsection (c), a person whose employment is suspended or terminated is entitled to appropriate injunctive relief, including, if applicable:

(e) The petitioner, not later than the 90th day after the date on which the person's employment is suspended or terminated, must bring suit or notify the Texas Workforce Commission of the petitioner's intent to sue under this section.  A petitioner who notifies the Texas Workforce Commission under this subsection must bring suit not later than the 90th day after the date of the delivery of the notice to the commission.  On receipt of the notice, the commission shall notify the employer of the petitioner's intent to bring suit under this section.

(f) The petitioner has the burden of proof, except that there is a rebuttable presumption that the person's employment was suspended or terminated for reporting abuse, neglect, or exploitation if the person is suspended or terminated within 120 days after the date the person:

(g) A suit under this section may be brought in the district court of the county in which:

(h) The state auditor's office shall provide legal assistance to a petitioner who brings suit under this section.

(i) For purposes of this section, retaliation includes harassment, blacklisting, changes or impact to a contract or state services an individual may be receiving, and any other adverse action that affects an individual's livelihood, employment, or access to services.