Bill > S3865

This bill, known as the BE HEARD in the Workplace Act, aims to prevent and reduce workplace discrimination and harassment by strengthening protections and enhancing accountability. Key provisions include mandating that employers with 15 or more employees establish and disseminate comprehensive nondiscrimination policies, requiring employers to provide training on preventing and responding to discrimination, and directing the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to develop resource materials for small businesses. The bill also mandates a national survey on harassment prevalence, clarifies that discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is unlawful sex discrimination, expands the types of individuals protected by employment discrimination laws to include independent contractors, interns, and volunteers, and prohibits mandatory arbitration and nondisclosure agreements that silence victims of harassment or discrimination. Furthermore, it extends statutes of limitations for filing complaints, clarifies standards of proof for discrimination claims, and establishes employer liability for supervisor harassment. The bill also authorizes grants for legal assistance to low-income workers and for state-level advocacy systems to protect workers' rights.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3865/all-info