This bill, known as the AI Whistleblower Protection Act, establishes robust protections against employment discrimination for individuals who report concerns related to artificial intelligence. Its primary purpose is to safeguard employees and independent contractors who disclose information about AI security vulnerabilities or AI violations, preventing employers from retaliating against them.

An AI security vulnerability is defined as a security lapse that could allow emerging AI technology to be acquired by theft, while an AI violation includes breaches of federal law related to AI development or use, or failures to address substantial dangers posed by AI to public safety, health, or national security. The Act broadly defines "artificial intelligence" to cover various advanced artificial systems.

Employers are prohibited from discharging, demoting, harassing, or otherwise discriminating against a covered individual (including current and former employees and independent contractors) for lawful acts of reporting. These protected acts include providing information or reasonably believed information about AI security vulnerabilities or violations to appropriate regulatory officials, law enforcement agencies, Members or committees of Congress, or internal supervisory personnel.

Aggrieved individuals can seek relief by filing a complaint with the Secretary of Labor. If the Secretary does not issue a final decision within 180 days, the individual may bring an action in an appropriate U.S. district court, with a right to a jury trial and specific statutes of limitations.

Successful whistleblowers are entitled to comprehensive relief, which includes reinstatement to their prior position with the same seniority, double back pay with interest, and compensatory damages covering litigation costs, expert witness fees, and reasonable attorneys' fees. The Act also explicitly states that these rights and remedies cannot be waived or altered by any contract, agreement, or condition of employment, including mandatory arbitration clauses.