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S. 3233 112th Congress Senate

Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2012

Official title: A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the enforcement of employment and reemployment rights of members of the uniformed services, and for other purposes.

Introduced: May 23, 2012 See on congress.gov
Armed Forces and National Security Alternative dispute resolution, mediation, arbitrationCivil actions and liabilityCongressional oversightEmployment discrimination and employee rights
More subjectsShow fewer subjects
Government information and archivesGovernment liabilityLegal fees and court costsPublic contracts and procurementState and local government operationsVeterans' education, employment, rehabilitationWages and earnings
This bill died when the 112th Congress ended
It never became law before the 112th Congress (2011–2012) 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 4 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jun 13, 2012
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 112-567.
May 23, 2012
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
May 23, 2012
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3518-3519)
May 23, 2012
Introduced in Senate
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 Latest action June 13, 2012

Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 112-567.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2012 - 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.

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

Requires 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.

 Related & companion bills 1
 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). S. 3233: Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2012. 112th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/112-S-3233/
MLA
"S. 3233: Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2012." 112th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/112-S-3233/.
Bluebook (legal)
S. 3233, 112th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/112-S-3233/.
Markdown link
[S. 3233: Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2012](https://openamerica.io/bill/112-S-3233/)
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