2010 California Code
Public Utilities Code
Article 3. Use Of "spotter" Reports

8251.  It is unlawful for any public service corporation, or agent,
superintendent, or manager thereof, employing any special agent,
detective, or person commonly known as a "spotter," for the purpose
of investigating, obtaining, and reporting to the employer
information concerning its employees, to discipline or discharge any
employee, where such act of discipline or the discharge is based upon
a report by such special agent, detective, or spotter, which report
involves a question of integrity, honesty, or a breach of rules of
the employer, unless such employer, its agent, superintendent, or
manager, gives notice and accords a hearing to the employee thus
accused, when requested by the employee. At such hearing the employer
shall state specific charges on which act of discipline or discharge
is based, and the accused employee shall have the right to furnish
testimony in his defense.



8252.  Each violation of this article by any person, firm,
association, or corporation is a misdemeanor, and upon conviction
thereof shall be punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred
dollars ($100) and not more than six hundred dollars ($600), or by
imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not more than one (1)
year, or by both such fine and imprisonment. In case of a public
service corporation committing any violation of this article, the
imprisonment when imposed shall be imposed upon the officers or
agents thereof committing such offense.