Senate Passes Overhaul of Workplace Sexual Misconduct Laws

Yesterday the Senate voted on an overhaul of workplace sexual misconduct laws. Senators passed the bill by voice vote which now heads to President Biden’s desk for signature. Earlier this week, the bill was approved in the House of Representatives by a vote of 335 to 97. The legislation will end the use of forced arbitration clauses for sexual harassment and assault claims which according to lawmakers, over 60 million Americans are subjected to in their employment contracts. The bill also bans forced arbitration in cases involving sexual misconduct and allows victims the option of bringing up the dispute in federal, tribal or state court. The ‘Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act,’ was introduced in 2017 during the #metoo movement.