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This bill requires certain issuers of securities to report to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), during a global pandemic, information related to risks faced by the issuer. Specifically, if the World Health Organization declares a pandemic, an issuer must disclose to the SEC * risks faced by the issuer, including risks to health and safety faced by employees and independent contractors; * mitigation measures, including those taken to protect the workforce's wages, health care, and leave; and * the effect the pandemic may have on the issuer's business, solvency, and workforce. The SEC must make such reports publicly available on its website.

SEC Disclosure Effectiveness Testing Act This bill requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to assess the usefulness of certain disclosure rules to retail investors. Specifically, the SEC must make these assessments regarding both current and new securities rules and regulations that require the disclosure of documents or information to retail investors.

SEC Data Protection Act This bill directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to adopt regulations to protect from unlawful use or disclosure sensitive nonpublic proprietary information the SEC receives from investment advisers.

Ensuring Quality Information and Transparency for Abroad-Based Listings on our Exchanges of 2019 or the EQUITABLE Act of 2019 This bill generally restricts the use of a foreign public accounting firm by a foreign issuer of securities. The bill requires certain disclosures from a foreign issuer of securities that uses, for its required audit report to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a foreign public accounting firm that is not subject to inspection by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. If an issuer uses such a foreign public accounting firm, the issuer is generally prohibited from listing its securities on a national securities exchange. Specifically, an issuer that is not currently listed on an exchange and uses such a firm may not be listed. A currently-listed issuer will be delisted beginning in 2025 if the issuer uses such a firm for three consecutive years.

Securities Fraud Enforcement and Investor Compensation Act of 2019 This bill provides statutory authority for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to seek disgorgement (i.e., repayment) as a remedy for unjust enrichment that a person gained through a securities law violation. It also allows the SEC to seek restitution for an investor's loss as a result of a securities law violation by a person registered as or associated with a securities dealer, broker, or other specified financial advisor. The bill establishes a 5-year statute of limitations for disgorgement and a 10-year statute of limitations for equitable remedies, including restitution.

This bill directs the Securities and Exchange Commission to prevent the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority from enforcing that authority's rule requiring member brokers and dealers to annually inspect their offices for compliance with securities laws and regulations.

This resolution (1) supports the efforts of state securities regulators to promote capital investment and educate investors, and (2) urges collaboration between the Securities and Exchange Commission and state securities regulators.

Due Process Restoration Act of 2019 This bill specifies that a person against whom the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) brings an administrative proceeding may compel the SEC to terminate the proceeding. The SEC may then bring a civil action against that person.

Strengthening Fraud Protection Provisions for SEC Enforcement Act of 2019 This bill establishes a 10-year statute of limitations for an action or proceeding by the Securities and Exchange Commission for a civil monetary penalty. The statute of limitations is tolled any time an alleged violator is either absent from the United States or has no reasonably ascertainable place of abode or work within the United States.

Cyber Security Exchange Act This bill provides for the establishment of voluntary employee exchange programs relating to cybersecurity positions between the private sector and certain federal agencies. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Justice must each submit to Congress a plan for implementing an exchange program at the agency and an evaluation of the benefits. If an agency determines that it is unable to establish the program, it shall submit a notification describing the legal basis for that inability and any other specific factor that prevents its establishment.

Investor Protection and Capital Markets Fairness Act This bill provides statutory authority for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to seek disgorgement (i.e., repayment) as a remedy for unjust enrichment gained through a securities law violation. It also allows the SEC to seek certain injunctive relief.

This bill requires the Securities and Exchange Commission to report on the feasibility, benefits, and costs of using a distributed ledger system (such as blockchain technology) in the clearing and settlement process after a securities trade is complete.

This bill requires the Federal Reserve Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission to jointly report on the racial gap in stock ownership and to provide recommendations for legislative or administrative changes to raise stock ownership among African Americans and any other group less likely to own stocks.

Ensuring Quality Information and Transparency for Abroad-Based Listings on our Exchanges Act or the EQUITABLE Act This bill generally restricts the use of a foreign public accounting firm by a foreign issuer of securities. The bill requires certain disclosures from a foreign issuer of securities that uses, for its required audit report to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a foreign public accounting firm that is not subject to inspection by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. If an issuer uses such a foreign public accounting firm, the issuer is generally prohibited from listing its securities on a national securities exchange. Specifically, an issuer that is not currently listed on an exchange and uses such a firm may not be listed. A currently-listed issuer will be delisted beginning in 2025 if the issuer uses such a firm for three consecutive years.

This bill prohibits an issuer of securities from purchasing their own securities during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency period and for 120 days thereafter. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may terminate the ban before the end of this period if the SEC (1) determines doing so is in the public interest, and (2) provides notice.

Investment Adviser Regulatory Flexibility Improvement Act This bill directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to revise the definitions of "small business" and "small organization" for the purpose of analyzing the impact of certain regulations. Specifically, the SEC must provide alternative methods through which a business or organization may qualify under such definitions.

Transparency in Chinese Government Investment Act of 2020 This bill requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to report on whether certain disclosures by an issuer of securities organized under the laws of China are necessary or appropriate under investor protection and fair dealing requirements. Specifically, the SEC must report on the necessity of disclosures by these issuers regarding their material financial support for certain Chinese policies or plans, material financial support received from China, and certain individuals' involvement with the Chinese government. If these disclosures are found to be necessary or appropriate, the SEC must prescribe regulations requiring such disclosures.

Whistleblower Programs Improvement Act This bill expands whistleblower protections with regard to commodities and securities law violations. Specifically, the bill extends protections from retaliation to individuals who (1) assist in a Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) or in a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation of these violations, (2) make disclosures that are required or protected under any law subject to the CFTC's or the SEC's jurisdiction, or (3) provide information to supervisors or other employees with the authority to investigate potential misconduct. Currently, these protections apply only to individuals who report information directly to the CFTC or the SEC. The bill also provides for the processing of these whistleblower awards no later than one year after the deadline to file a claim.

Whistleblower Protection Reform Act of 2019 This bill expands the definition of a whistleblower with regard to securities law violations. Specifically, the bill extends protections from retaliation to individuals who (1) make disclosures to certain individuals at their place of employment regarding conduct in violation of any law under Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) jurisdiction, (2) assist in an SEC investigation of these violations, or (3) make disclosures that are required or protected under any law subject to SEC jurisdiction. Currently, these protections apply only to individuals who report information directly to the SEC.

Registration for Index-Linked Annuities Act of 2020 This bill requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to create a new form for the registration of index linked annuities. The bill defines a registered index linked annuity as an annuity that is deemed a security, that must be registered with the SEC, and that is issued by an insurance company subject to state supervision. Furthermore, the returns of these annuities (1) are based on the performance of a specified index rate or other financial tracking vehicle, (2) are subject to modification by a financial calculation mechanism, and (3) may be subject to a market value adjustment if amounts are withdrawn early.

Registration for Index-Linked Annuities Act This bill requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to create a new form for the registration of index linked annuities. The bill defines a registered index linked annuity as an annuity that is deemed a security, that must be registered with the SEC, and that is issued by an insurance company subject to state supervision. Furthermore, the returns of these annuities (1) are based on the performance of a specified index rate or other financial tracking vehicle, (2) are subject to modification by a financial calculation mechanism, and (3) may be subject to a market value adjustment if amounts are withdrawn early.

Promoting Transparent Standards for Corporate Insiders Act This bill directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to study and report on possible revisions to regulations regarding Rule 10b5-1 trading plans. (Such plans allow certain employees of publicly traded corporations to sell their shares without violating insider trading prohibitions.) The SEC must revise regulations consistent with the results of the study.

Stronger Enforcement of Civil Penalties Act of 2019 This bill increases civil and administrative monetary penalties for securities laws violations. The bill also adds a fourth tier of monetary penalties for violations by a person that, within the five-year period preceding the violation (1) was criminally convicted for securities fraud; or (2) became subject to a judgment or order imposing monetary, equitable, or administrative relief in a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) action alleging fraud. In addition, the bill expands penalties for violations of certain federal court injunctions or SEC orders.

Protecting National Security in Financial Investments Act This bill requires the Securities and Exchange Commission to determine whether issuers of securities must disclose investments in certain persons reasonably believed to be involved, or to pose a significant risk of being or becoming involved, in activities contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States. The Department of State must annually submit to Congress a list of Chinese entities associated with specified military activities.

Promoting Transparent Standards for Corporate Insiders Act This bill directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to study and report on possible revisions to regulations regarding Rule 10b5-1 trading plans. (Such plans allow certain employees of publicly traded corporations to sell their shares without violating insider trading prohibitions.) The SEC must revise regulations consistent with the results of the study.