S. 2527: FBI Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2025

This bill is called the FBI Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2025. It aims to improve the protections for whistleblowers working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The main points include:

Enhanced Protections for FBI Employees

The bill amends existing laws to prevent any retaliatory actions against FBI employees or applicants based on their participation in whistleblower activities. This includes:

• Prohibiting Personnel Actions: FBI employees with authority over personnel decisions cannot take negative actions against individuals for exercising their rights to file complaints, provide testimony, or disclose information to oversight authorities.
• Political Activity: It prevents coercing employees into political activities, safeguarding their rights to refuse such actions without facing repercussions.
• Nondisclosure Agreements: Employees cannot be forced to comply with nondisclosure policies that violate their rights to disclose wrongdoing.

Clarification of the Appeals Process

The bill clarifies the appeals process for whistleblowers who feel they have faced reprisals. Key changes include:

• Adjustments to the language governing how appeals and corrective actions are processed.
• Appeals must follow specific legal burdens of proof, making it clearer how cases should be adjudicated.

Employee Rights Awareness

The legislation places responsibility on the Attorney General to ensure that FBI employees are informed about their rights regarding whistleblower protections. This includes:

• Providing clear information on rights to new employees within 180 days of their hiring.
• Making whistleblower protection information available on the FBI's public website and any internal online portals.

Conflicts of Interest in Investigations

The bill addresses potential conflicts of interest in the investigation and adjudication of whistleblower complaints. It mandates:

• Creation of consistent policies to ensure that investigations are free from conflicts of interest.
• Implementation of these policies within a specific time frame after the bill's enactment.

Exclusions from Disclosure Restrictions

The legislation specifies that certain disclosures cannot be excluded from protection simply because of factors such as:

• Previous disclosures of the same information.
• The disclosure being made informally or while off-duty.

Definition of Personnel Actions

The bill clarifies what constitutes a personnel action, establishing a clear framework regarding actions taken against FBI employees or applicants related to their whistleblower activities.

Relevant Companies

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