(A) An employer must not dismiss, demote, suspend, or otherwise discipline or discriminate against an employee who is required or permitted to report child abuse or neglect pursuant to § 63-7-310 based on the fact that the employee has made a report of child abuse or neglect.

(B) An employee who is adversely affected by conduct that is in violation of subsection (A) may bring a civil action for reinstatement and back pay. An action brought pursuant to this subsection may be commenced against an employer, including the State, a political subdivision of the State, and an office, department, independent agency, authority, institution, association, or other body in state government. An action brought pursuant to this subsection must be commenced within three years of the date the adverse personnel action occurred.

(C) In an action brought pursuant to subsection (B), the court may award reasonable attorney’s fees to the prevailing party; however, in order for the employer to receive reasonable attorney’s fees pursuant to this subsection, the court must make a finding pursuant to § 63-7-2000 that:

(1) the employee made a report of suspected child abuse or neglect maliciously or in bad faith; or

(2) the employee is guilty of making a false report of suspected child abuse or neglect pursuant to § 63-7-440.