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: the alleged violation occurred; the employee resides; or the employer maintains its principal office in the State. 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.