(a) Any employee who is subject to a personnel action in violation of § 11- 303 of this subtitle may institute a civil action in the county where:
(1) the alleged violation occurred;
(2) the employee resides; or
(3) the employer maintains its principal office in the State.
(b) The action shall be brought within 1 year after the alleged violation of § 11-303 of this subtitle occurred or within 1 year after the employee first became aware of the alleged violation of § 11-303 of this subtitle.