A bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced the Artificial Intelligence Whistleblower Protection Act on May 14, aiming to shield employees at AI firms from retaliation when reporting security lapses to the federal government.

Led by Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), the bill has support from Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). A companion bill will be introduced in the House by Reps. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) and Ted Lieu (D-Calif.).

“Transparency brings accountability. Today, too many people working in AI feel they’re unable to speak up when they see something wrong. Whistleblowers are one of the best ways to ensure Congress keeps pace as the AI industry rapidly develops. We need to act to make these protections crystal clear,” Sen. Grassley said in a statement.

The legislation would override nondisclosure and severance agreements that prevent employees from disclosing AI-related risks to public safety or national security. It mandates compensation for whistleblowers, including double back pay and damages.