The state Assembly has passed a bill by a Santa Barbara legislator intended to protect government researchers who become whistleblowers over controversial scientific issues.
SB 51 is intended to help insure the jobs of scientists, and others who speak out on research. It's also intended to prevent censorship of scientific data on controversial issues like climate change.
Democratic State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson of Santa Barbara says she introduced the bill as a response to threats made by the Trump Administration. The bill now goes back to the State Senate for a final vote.
