Equal Remedies Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]
Introduced
Summary
Equalize and expand legal remedies for people who face discrimination. It would broaden compensatory damages under 42 U.S.C. 1981a and align Age Discrimination in Employment Act remedies with Title VII.
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- People bringing claims under 42 U.S.C. 1981a would be able to seek compensatory damages for past and future pecuniary losses, emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-pecuniary losses, and any party could demand a jury trial.
- People alleging age discrimination would be able to use the powers, remedies, and procedures tied to Title VII, including any legal or equitable relief that Title VII provides.
- Employers and other defendants would face broader potential liability in civil rights and age cases because of expanded damage categories, jury trials, and the full range of Title VII remedies.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
More legal remedies for workplace discrimination
If enacted, this bill would broaden compensatory damages under Section 1977A (42 U.S.C. 1981a) to cover past and future pecuniary losses, emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-pecuniary losses. It would also let any party demand a jury trial in proceedings under that section. If enacted, the bill would align age-discrimination remedies in the ADEA with Title VII by applying the powers, remedies, and procedures in sections 705, 706, 707, 709, and 710 and by allowing any legal or equitable relief available under Title VII, subject to specified exceptions. These changes would likely increase the types and size of awards a successful plaintiff could get and raise potential liability and legal and insurance costs for employers. The changes would take effect upon enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]
OR • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [D-VA-3]
VA • D
Sponsored 6/3/2026
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
DC • D
Sponsored 6/3/2026
Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7]
WA • D
Sponsored 6/3/2026
Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22]
FL • D
Sponsored 6/10/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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