National Transit Systems Security Act of 2007

Signed into law by George W. Bush
August 03, 2007

The Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 included a smaller law, the National Transit Systems Security Act of 2007 (NTSSA), that outlined a framework for a national transit system strategy. As part of that plan, Congress passed whistleblower protections for public transportation employees, recognizing that an effective way to ensure disclosure and reporting of noncompliance with safety regulations for public transportation agencies was to create employee protections for whistleblowers. The NTSSA whistleblower protections are for employees who report certain safety violations and it forbids punishing employees for their efforts to stop violations.

Enforcement & Remedies

Under the National Transit Systems Security Act of 2007 (NTSSA), employees who suffer illegal workplace retaliation must file a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), part of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), within 180 days. OSHA will investigate complaints and can order remedies; employees who are unhappy with the result can appeal to an administrative judge at the DOL, with additional levels of review available within the DOL and in the federal courts. Remedies may include reinstatement, back pay, and compensatory damages, as well as punitive damages and special damages (including litigation costs, expert witness fees, and reasonable attorney fees).

Notable sponsors: Bennie Thompson