Establishes protections for whistleblowers against retaliation by covered entities.
Prohibits adverse actions such as discharge, demotion, or harassment against individuals making covered disclosures.
Allows whistleblowers to bring legal actions for retaliation, with specific procedures and burdens of proof outlined.
Sets a statute of limitations for whistleblower actions, generally allowing up to 6 years after a violation or 3 years after the whistleblower becomes aware of the violation.
Ensures that rights and remedies for whistleblowers cannot be waived by employment policies or agreements.
Prohibits covered entities from impeding communication between whistleblowers and qualified entities regarding disclosures.
Mandates confidentiality for whistleblower identities, with exceptions for legal requirements.
Establishes a whistleblower award program, providing financial incentives for original information leading to successful enforcement actions.
Awards can range from 10% to 30% of collected monetary sanctions from covered actions.
Outlines criteria for determining awards and conditions under which awards may be denied.
Creates the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Protection Fund to pay whistleblower awards.
Requires annual reporting to Congress on the whistleblower award program and fund status.
Defines key terms such as “covered action,” “covered disclosure,” “whistleblower,” and “qualified entity” to clarify the scope of the legislation.
Allows the Federal Trade Commission to issue regulations necessary for implementing the act.
