EMPOWER Act
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary introduced in house (Mar 5, 2019)
Ending the Monopoly of Power Over Workplace harassment through Education and Reporting Act or the EMPOWER Act
This bill addresses policies and procedures related to claims of workplace harassment.
Specifically, the bill makes it an unlawful practice (with exceptions regarding certain settlement or separation agreements) for an employer to (1) enter into a contract with an employee or applicant, as a condition of employment, promotion, compensation, benefits, or change in employment status or contractual relationship, if that contract contains a nondisparagement or nondisclosure clause that covers workplace harassment; and (2) enforce, or attempt to enforce, a nondisparagement clause or nondisclosure clause that covers workplace harassment.
Under the bill, an employee or applicant retains any right they would otherwise have had to report a concern about workplace harassment to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and other specified agencies, regardless of whether they have signed a nondisparagement or nondisclosure clause. Employees or applicants also retain the right to pursue legal action regardless of signing such clauses.
The bill sets forth (1) enforcement powers of the EEOC and other entities, and the jurisdiction of U.S. courts, regarding workplace harassment; and (2) the applicable procedures and remedies for employees' claims.
The EEOC must (1) establish a confidential tip-line that supplements its process for submitting a charge of discrimination, and (2) provide for the development and dissemination of workplace training programs and information regarding workplace harassment.
The bill modifies the tax treatment of expenses and payments related to workplace harassment and employment discrimination.
What just happenedApr 8, 2019
Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.
Who’s behind it
- Introduced in HouseMar 5, 2019
- Apr 8, 2019Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.
Constitution and Limited Government Subcommittee - Mar 5, 2019IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Financial Services, House Administration, Oversight and Reform, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Judiciary Committee - Mar 5, 2019IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Financial Services, House Administration, Oversight and Reform, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Oversight and Accountability Committee - Mar 5, 2019IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Financial Services, House Administration, Oversight and Reform, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Committee on House Administration - Mar 5, 2019IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Financial Services, House Administration, Oversight and Reform, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Financial Services Committee - Mar 5, 2019IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Financial Services, House Administration, Oversight and Reform, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Ways and Means Committee - Mar 5, 2019IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Financial Services, House Administration, Oversight and Reform, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Education and the Workforce Committee - Mar 5, 2019IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- Mar 5, 2019IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House