Security standards

A new law (P.L. 110-322) amends the Federal Rules of Evidence, altering when and how information is covered by attorney-client privilege. Under the new law, if a disclosure is made in a federal proceeding or to a federal office or agency, and the owner of the information waives attorney-client privilege or work-product protection, the waiver extends to undisclosed communication or information in a federal or state proceeding under certain circumstances.

A law (P.L. 110-432) designed to improve railroad safety will reduce stress on workers by decreasing overall work hours and increasing the amount of time off between shifts. The measure also provides whistleblower protections for those employees who cooperate with a safety investigation, furnish rail accident information, or refuse to authorize the use of safety equipment, tracks, or structures that are in a hazardous condition. Employees will be entitled to damages if subjected to mistreatment because of their whistleblower activity. Those guilty of safety violations under the bill would face criminal penalties.