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H.R.595 / 117th Congress

COVID–19 Justice and Accountability Act

Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jan 28, 2021

COVID-19 Justice and Accountability Act

This bill provides a cause of action for harm suffered as a result of a violation of certain federal laws relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and suspends certain predispute arbitration agreements and joint-action waivers during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Specifically, individuals may bring a cause of action in U.S. district court against any person for harm suffered as a result of a violation of, or a failure to comply with, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, or the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021.

Further, during the COVID-19 public health emergency period and 180 days thereafter, no predispute arbitration agreement or joint-action waiver (an agreement to waive the right to participate in a joint, class, or collective action) is valid or enforceable with respect to employment, consumer, antitrust, or civil rights disputes.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9] · D–IL

Committees

  • Judiciary Committee
13 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

  2. Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

  3. Introduced in House

  4. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Jan 3, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

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Institutions and government scope

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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