US SB575 | 2019-2020 | 116th Congress
Status
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: Introduced on February 27 2019 - 25% progression, died in committee
Action: 2019-02-27 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Pending: Senate Health, Education, Labor, And Pensions Committee
Text: Latest bill text (Introduced) [PDF]
Status: Introduced on February 27 2019 - 25% progression, died in committee
Action: 2019-02-27 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Pending: Senate Health, Education, Labor, And Pensions Committee
Text: Latest bill text (Introduced) [PDF]
Summary
Prohibits the use of nondisparagement and nondisclosure clauses that cover workplace harassment in employment contracts and directs the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to take certain actions related to workplace harassment. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of nondisparagement and nondisclosure clauses in employment contracts if such clauses cover workplace harassment, including sexual harassment or retaliation for reporting harassment. It also prohibits the enforcement or attempted enforcement of such clauses. Notwithstanding signing any nondisparagement or nondisclosure clause, an employee or applicant retains any right that person would otherwise have had to report a concern about workplace harassment to the EEOC and other specified agencies and any right that person would otherwise have had to bring an action in a court of the United States. Additionally, the bill prohibits state immunity under the Eleventh Amendment to the Constitution from an action in a federal court for a violation related to workplace harassment. The bill also directs the EEOC to (1) establish a confidential tip line that supplements its existing process for submitting a charge of discrimination; and (2) disseminate workplace training programs and information regarding workplace harassment, including sexual harassment.
Title
EMPOWER Act—Part 1 Ending the Monopoly of Power Over Workplace harassment through Education and Reporting Act—Part 1
Sponsors
Sen. Kamala Harris [D-CA] | Sen. Lisa Murkowski [R-AK] |
History
Date | Chamber | Action |
---|---|---|
2019-02-27 | Senate | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. |
Same As/Similar To
HB1521 (Related) 2019-04-08 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.
Subjects
Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Administrative remedies
Assault and harassment offenses
Civil actions and liability
Congressional officers and employees
Contracts and agency
Corporate finance and management
Crime victims
Employment and training programs
Employment discrimination and employee rights
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government information and archives
Government liability
Government studies and investigations
Labor and employment
Labor-management relations
Library of Congress
Marketing and advertising
Merit Systems Protection Board
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Sex offenses
Sex, gender, sexual orientation discrimination
State and local government operations
Administrative remedies
Assault and harassment offenses
Civil actions and liability
Congressional officers and employees
Contracts and agency
Corporate finance and management
Crime victims
Employment and training programs
Employment discrimination and employee rights
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government information and archives
Government liability
Government studies and investigations
Labor and employment
Labor-management relations
Library of Congress
Marketing and advertising
Merit Systems Protection Board
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Sex offenses
Sex, gender, sexual orientation discrimination
State and local government operations
US Congress State Sources
Type | Source |
---|---|
Summary | https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/575/all-info |
Text | https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/s575/BILLS-116s575is.pdf |