CA Gov't Code Section 19251.5

All state employees and employees of the University of California and the California State University shall have the right to communicate with Members and employees of the Legislature. A state employee, employee of the University of California, or employee of the California State University may raise as a defense, at an adverse action hearing, the right to communicate with Members and employees of the Legislature as provided for in this section whenever he or she believes that the basis for that adverse action is retaliation for that communication.