summary
Introduced
01/03/2019
01/03/2019
In Committee
11/06/2019
11/06/2019
Crossed Over
01/16/2019
01/16/2019
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020
12/31/2020
Introduced Session
116th Congress
Bill Summary
Federal Employee Antidiscrimination Act of 2019 Federal Employee Antidiscrimination Act of 2019 This bill requires each federal agency to establish a model Equal Employment Opportunity Program that is independent of the agency's Human Capital or General Counsel office, and it establishes requirements related to complaints of discrimination and retaliation in the workplace. An agency must publish a notice of any final agency action or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) appellate decision involving a finding of prohibited discrimination or retaliation, and it must report certain data with respect to specified equal opportunity complaints. Each agency must establish a system to track complaints of discrimination and include a notation of any adverse action taken against an employee for discrimination or retaliation in the employee's personnel record. The EEOC must refer to the Office of Special Counsel a matter about which it issues an appellate decision involving a finding of discrimination or retaliation within a federal agency, and the Office of Special Counsel shall accept and review such referral for purposes of seeking disciplinary action. An employee who has authority to take, recommend, or approve any personnel action shall not implement or enforce a nondisclosure policy that prohibits or restricts an employee from disclosing information relating to (1) a violation of any law, rule, or regulation; (2) mismanagement, gross waste of funds, or abuse of authority; (3) a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety; or (4) any other whistle-blower protection.
AI Summary
This bill, the Elijah E. Cummings Federal Employee Antidiscrimination Act of 2019, aims to strengthen federal anti-discrimination laws and increase accountability within the federal government. Key provisions include:
- Requiring each federal agency to establish an independent Equal Employment Opportunity Program to ensure fair and efficient resolution of discrimination and retaliation complaints.
- Mandating that agencies publish a notice on their website for at least one year whenever a final finding of discrimination or retaliation is made, and report data on discrimination complaints and disciplinary actions.
- Allowing the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to refer findings of discrimination to the Office of Special Counsel for potential disciplinary action against the responsible federal employee.
- Prohibiting federal agencies from enforcing non-disclosure agreements that restrict employees from disclosing certain types of information, such as violations of law or dangers to public health and safety.
Overall, the bill seeks to enhance protections for federal employees against discrimination and retaliation, and improve transparency and accountability around how agencies address such issues.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs, Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (5)
Elijah Cummings (D)*,
Sheila Jackson-Lee (D),
Mark Meadows (R),
Eleanor Holmes Norton (D),
F. James Sensenbrenner (R),
Last Action
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 330. (on 12/16/2019)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...