(1) Upon final resolution of any proceeding related to the provisions of this article, if it is found that the personnel action from which the proceeding arose or the appeal of such action was instituted frivolously, in bad faith, maliciously, or as a means of harassment or was otherwise groundless, the employee bringing the appeal or the department, agency, board, or commission taking such personnel action shall be liable for any attorney fees and other costs incurred by the employee or agency against whom such appeal or personnel action was taken, including the cost of any transcript together with interest at the legal rate. Reimbursement of such attorney fees and other costs shall be made by the employee or the department, agency, board, or commission upon presentation by the employee or agency of a statement of the attorney fees and other costs incurred which has been approved by the state personnel board, and any such claim approved by the state personnel board against an agency shall be a charge on moneys appropriated to the department, agency, board, or commission. Each department, agency, board, or commission shall report to the joint budget committee each year concerning the number of claims made and the amount of moneys paid by the department, agency, board, or commission under this section during the previous fiscal year.
(2) Repealed.
Source: L. 79: Entire section added, p. 949, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: (1) amended and
repealed, p. 1203, §§ 22, 23, effective July 1. L. 84: (1) amended, p. 713, § 12, effective July 1.