Rep. Obernolte and Rep. Lieu Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect AI Whistleblowers
This bill is currently sitting in the House Committee on Education and Workforce. No action has been taken on the proposal since May 2025, which means it has been stalled for 13 months. The committee must review the bill before it can move forward, but most bills do not receive a vote at this stage.
The bill has strong bipartisan support from tech-focused leaders, but it must still pass through committees where industry groups may raise concerns about new lawsuits.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Small AI companies and startups would face new legal obligations not to retaliate against employees or contractors who report AI concerns. While the protections serve the public interest, smaller firms could face disproportionate legal costs if hit with whistleblower complaints, since the law provides for double back pay, attorney fees, and compensatory damages. However, the law also creates incentives for better internal reporting and compliance.
“The term ``employer'' means any person (including any officer, employee, contractor, subcontractor, agent, company, partnership, or other individual or entity) engaged in commerce or an industry or activity affecting commerce”
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Senator Chuck Grassley introduced the bipartisan AI Whistleblower Protection Act (S. 1792) to prohibit companies from retaliating against employees who report AI security vulnerabilities or federal law violations. The bill includes remedies like reinstatement and double back pay.
Introduced by Sen. Grassley, the AIWPA aims to protect current and former employees and contractors who act in good faith to flag AI security vulnerabilities. It comes as industry leaders push for 'light touch' regulation, making insider information more critical for oversight.
No votes recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
AI Whistleblower Protection Act
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