# Plain Language Summary: Enhancing Protections for Whistleblower Anonymity Act

This bill makes it a federal crime for government employees and contractors to reveal the identity of a whistleblower. If someone who works for the federal government or a federal contractor intentionally discloses who a whistleblower is, they could face up to a year in prison and fines. The bill also lets whistleblowers sue in federal court for money damages if their identity gets leaked, and they can ask a judge to stop someone from revealing their identity before it happens.

The law applies to a broad range of people who report wrongdoing. This includes regular federal employees who report violations of law or misuse of government funds, members of the military who report misconduct, intelligence community employees, and even contractors who work for the government. The bill protects anyone legally protected to blow the whistle on things like illegal activity, waste of taxpayer money, abuse of power, or dangers to public safety.

There are a few situations where revealing a whistleblower's identity wouldn't be illegal. If the whistleblower gives written permission beforehand, it's allowed. Also, if the disclosure goes to other government employees at the federal, state, or local level, or if another law specifically permits the disclosure, then it's not a crime. The bill doesn't protect classified national security information or nuclear secrets—those remain subject to other laws.

In practical terms, this bill aims to make whistleblowers safer by creating serious legal consequences for anyone in government who tries to out them. This could encourage more people to report problems they see at work without fear that their identity will be exposed and used against them.

Enhancing Protections for Whistleblower Anonymity Act

Swalwell, Eric

Enhancing Protections for Whistleblower Anonymity Act This bill establishes a new criminal offense related to the disclosure of a whistle-blower's identity. Specifically, the bill prohibits a federal employee or contractor from disclosing the identity of a whistle-blower or identifying information about a whistle-blower. A violator is subject to criminal penalties&#8212;a fine, a prison term of up to one year, or both. Additionally, the bill authorizes a whistle-blower to file a civil suit against a federal employee or contractor who discloses or threatens to disclose the whistle-blower's identify. The bill includes exceptions for disclosures that are made to other government employees and permitted under current law.