Two senators will introduce legislation aimed at rewarding automotive industry whistleblowers who report faulty parts or other potential safety problems before they cause death or serious injuries.

The Thune-Nelson Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblower Act would give the U.S. Department of Transportation the discretion to award whistleblowers as much as 30% of the total monetary penalties resulting from DOT or Justice Department enforcement actions totaling more than $1 million.

The whistleblower status would cover employees or contractors of motor vehicle manufacturers, parts suppliers and dealerships. It would also grant anonymity to those who report the issue.

The bill is to be introduced by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) Thursday with Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) and Dean Heller (R-Nevada) signing on as co-sponsors.

“By encouraging employees in the auto sector to speak up about auto safety problems, we can help prevent injuries and even deaths for American drivers,” Mr. Thune said in a statement. “This bill will ensure that more Americans are aware of faulty parts in their vehicles sooner and better protect the traveling public.”