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Enhanced Worker Protection: Safety, Whistleblower Rights, and Penalties

This act expands worker protection in the workplace, increasing penalties for health and safety violations. It introduces new rights for accident victims and strengthens whistleblower protections. The goal is to improve working conditions and increase employer accountability.
Key points
Extends coverage to public employees and volunteer emergency responders.
Strengthens whistleblower protections: employees can refuse unsafe work without retaliation, and the reporting process is streamlined.
Increases financial penalties and introduces prison sentences for severe safety violations, especially those leading to death or serious injury.
Grants new rights to victims of accidents and their families, including the right to information and participation in proceedings.
Requires reporting of all serious incidents and hospitalizations, and prohibits discouraging employees from reporting injuries.
Employees participating in safety inspections will not lose pay.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Expired
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_2876
Sponsor: Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2]
Process start date: 2021-04-28
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Protecting America’s Workers Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_2876.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-04-28.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Extends coverage to public employees and volunteer emergency responders.
  • Strengthens whistleblower protections: employees can refuse unsafe work without retaliation, and the reporting process is streamlined.
  • Increases financial penalties and introduces prison sentences for severe safety violations, especially those leading to death or serious injury.
  • Grants new rights to victims of accidents and their families, including the right to information and participation in proceedings.
  • Requires reporting of all serious incidents and hospitalizations, and prohibits discouraging employees from reporting injuries.
  • Employees participating in safety inspections will not lose pay.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-27.

CATEGORIES

Labor Courts and Law Security