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HR 1474 111th Congress House Armed Forces and National Security Alternative dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration Civil actions and liability Congressional oversight Employment discrimination and employee rights Government information and archives Government liability Public contracts and procurement State and local government operations Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation Wages and earnings

Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2009

Introduced: March 12, 2009 See on congress.gov
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This bill died when the 111th Congress ended
It never became law before the 111th Congress (2009–2010) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 7 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Apr 27, 2009
Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
Mar 13, 2009
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
Mar 12, 2009
Referred to House Oversight and Government Reform
Mar 12, 2009
Referred to House Armed Services
Mar 12, 2009
Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and Oversight and Government Reform, 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.
Mar 12, 2009
Referred to House Veterans' Affairs
Mar 12, 2009
Introduced in House
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2009 - Waives a state's sovereign immunity with respect to the enforcement of uniformed services members' employment or reemployment rights or benefits under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA).

Makes unenforceable agreements between an employer and employee requiring arbitration of disputes arising under USERRA. Provides exceptions. Requires the validity and enforceability of such an agreement to be determined by a court (as opposed to the arbitrator).

Provides increased liquidated damages, and authorizes punitive damages, against state or private employer violations of USERRA. Provides a right to a jury trial in such cases.

Requires (under current law, authorizes) the award of attorney fees in actions to enforce USERRA.

Defines "successor in interest" for USERRA purposes.

Prohibits wage discrimination against members covered under USERRA.

Requires (under current law, authorizes) a court to use equitable relief, including injunctions and restraining orders when appropriate, for USERRA violations.

Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require federal procurement contracts to include a notice that the contractor may have USERRA obligations.

Requires a Comptroller General study on the effectiveness of federal education and outreach programs on employer obligations under USERRA.

What's happening now April 27, 2009

Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

 Related & companion bills 1
  • S 263 Identical bill Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2009
 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 5
 Cosponsors 7
All 7 Democratic 6
D
Cohen, Steve
Tennessee · Sep 22, 2009
 D
Tonko, Paul
New York · Jul 23, 2009
 D
Green, Al
Texas · May 19, 2009
 D
Van Hollen, Chris
Maryland · May 12, 2009
 D
McGovern, James P.
Massachusetts · May 5, 2009
 D
Courtney, Joe
Connecticut · Apr 28, 2009
Boccieri, John
· Mar 12, 2009
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 1474: Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2009. 111th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/111-HR-1474/
MLA
"H.R. 1474: Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2009." 111th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/111-HR-1474/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 1474, 111th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/111-HR-1474/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 1474: Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2009](https://openamerica.io/bill/111-HR-1474/)
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