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Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2008

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Aug 1, 2008

Servicemembers Access to Justice Act of 2008 - 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: (1) any statute of limitations from applying to USERRA proceedings; and (2) 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.

Read the summary on Congress.gov
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Who introduced it

Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA] · D–PA

Committees

  • Veterans' Affairs Committee
2 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

  2. Introduced in Senate

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Dec 5, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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