SEC Whistleblower Reform Act of 2025

This bill, titled the "SEC Whistleblower Reform Act of 2025," significantly strengthens anti-retaliation protections for whistleblowers under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. It expands the definition of a whistleblower for anti-retaliation purposes to include individuals who make internal disclosures of potential violations to supervisors or other authorized personnel within their company. These protections also now explicitly cover post-employment retaliatory actions, ensuring continued safeguard for former employees. Furthermore, the bill grants whistleblowers the explicit right to a jury trial in retaliation cases, enhancing their legal recourse. It also addresses the timeliness of award processing, requiring the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to make an initial disposition on award claims within one year of the claim deadline or final resolution of related litigation. While extensions are possible for complex cases, they require specific approvals and notification to the whistleblower. A crucial provision of the Act renders certain agreements unenforceable, stipulating that whistleblower rights and remedies under this section cannot be waived by any employment agreement, policy, or condition. This includes making predispute arbitration agreements invalid and unenforceable for disputes arising under these whistleblower protections. These changes apply to both pending and future claims, aiming to foster a more secure environment for individuals reporting securities violations.