S.Amdt. 6115

This amendment, submitted by Mr. Grassley and Mr. Coons, aims to add a section to bill S. 4784 that provides anti-retaliation protection for AI whistleblowers.

The purpose of this addition is to stop employers from punishing "covered individuals"—which includes current and former employees, independent contractors, subcontractors, or agents—for reporting AI violations.

What it changes or adds:

• Prohibits Retaliation: Employers cannot fire, demote, suspend, threaten, blacklist, harass, or discriminate against people who provide information about AI violations to regulatory officials, the Attorney General, law enforcement, Congress, or supervisors.
• Defines AI Violations: This includes breaking Federal laws regarding AI, failing to respond to dangers posed by AI to national security, public health, or public safety, or security lapses that could allow AI technology to be stolen.
• Establishes Enforcement: People who are retaliated against can file a complaint with the Secretary of Labor or, in certain cases, bring a lawsuit in U.S. district court.
• Provides Remedies: Those who win their case can receive reinstatement, two times the back pay owed with interest, compensatory damages (including legal and expert fees), and other remedies.
• Protects Rights: The amendment ensures that these protections cannot be waived by contracts or employment agreements and makes "predispute arbitration agreements" invalid for disputes under this section.