National Commission to Combat Workplace Sexual Harassment Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9198
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Labor and Employment
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-08: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T15:11:32Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 9198: National Commission to Combat Workplace Sexual Harassment Act
Purpose
This legislation establishes a temporary national commission to investigate workplace sexual harassment, sexual assault, and related misconduct across the United States. It aims to gather information through public input and produce recommendations for addressing these issues.
Key Provisions
- Establishment and Duties: Creates the National Commission to Combat Workplace Sexual Harassment. The Commission must conduct a broad study by holding hearings and collecting testimony from workers, employers, experts, the public, and advocates. The study covers:
- Causes and effects of workplace misconduct.
- How factors like race, gender, age, income, or job type (such as gig work or seasonal roles) increase vulnerability.
- Impacts of tools like social media.
- Trends despite existing laws.
- Reporting processes and their effectiveness.
- Unreported cases and gaps between complaints and resolutions.
- Review of private, state, and local policies.
- Evaluation of current federal, state, and local laws.
- Reporting Requirements: Within 18 months of enactment, the Commission must submit a comprehensive report to the President and Congress with findings, conclusions, and recommendations, followed by a public hearing on the report.
- Membership: Consists of 11 members (at least 6 women), appointed within 45 days by Senate and House leaders (two each from majority and minority) and the President (three). Members must have relevant knowledge in workplace discrimination. Appointments last for the Commission's duration, with vacancies filled similarly.
- Operations: Includes selection of a chairperson and vice chairperson, a quorum of six members, unpaid service with travel reimbursements, and authority for meetings, hearings, information requests from agencies, office space, contracts, and use of U.S. mails.
- Staff and Support: Allows appointment of a director and staff (with pay limits tied to executive schedules), experts, consultants, detailed federal employees, and volunteers.
- Termination: The Commission ends 60 days after submitting its report.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces no direct amendments to current statutes on employment discrimination or sexual harassment. Instead, it creates a new, short-term federal commission tasked with evaluating and potentially recommending updates to existing laws, regulations, and policies.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Requires cooperation from federal departments for data and may involve the General Services Administration for office space and support; it uses taxpayer resources for a temporary body without creating permanent structures.
- Citizens and Workplaces: Could lead to future policy changes affecting reporting mechanisms, prevention efforts, and accountability in industries like hospitality, retail, technology, and law enforcement, potentially improving protections for vulnerable workers.
- International Relations: No direct effects outlined.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Workers, employers, and contractors in various sectors.
- Congressional leaders and the President (responsible for appointments).
- Federal agencies providing information or support.
- Experts, advocates, and members of the public involved in testimony or recommendations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill raises no apparent constitutional concerns, as it focuses on a fact-finding commission rather than regulatory authority. Legally, it emphasizes evaluation of reporting gaps and policy effectiveness without altering enforcement powers. Politically, it highlights ongoing workplace issues by mandating diverse input and a public report, which could influence future legislative debates on employment discrimination.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-08: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2026-06-08: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-08: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- National Commission to Combat Workplace Sexual Harassment Act — issued 2026-06-08 — PDF (11 pages)