Federal Employees Civil Relief Act

Federal Employees Civil Relief Act

This bill establishes a framework to temporarily suspend certain judicial and administrative proceedings against a federal employee or contractor during a shutdown (i.e., any period in which there is more than a 24-hour lapse in appropriations affecting any federal agency or department).

A federal worker who is furloughed or required to work without pay during a shutdown may apply to a court for a temporary stay, postponement, or suspension of any payment of rent, mortgage, tax, fine, penalty, insurance premium, student loan repayment, or other civil obligation or liability that the worker or individual owes or would owe during the duration of the shutdown.

The Department of Justice many commence a civil action against any person who engages in (1) a pattern or practice of violating the requirements of this bill, or (2) a violation that raises an issue of significant public importance. A person aggrieved by a violation of this bill's requirements may also bring a private right of action.

Bill 117 HR 5456, also known as the Federal Employees Civil Relief Act, is a piece of legislation aimed at providing protections and benefits to federal employees who are called to active duty military service. The bill seeks to alleviate some of the financial and legal burdens that federal employees may face when they are deployed for military service.

Under this bill, federal employees who are called to active duty military service would be entitled to certain benefits, such as the ability to terminate or suspend certain contracts or leases without penalty. This includes things like cell phone contracts, car leases, and residential leases. Additionally, federal employees would be protected from default judgments in civil lawsuits while they are on active duty.

The bill also includes provisions for the protection of federal employees' credit ratings while they are on active duty, as well as protections against foreclosure on their homes. It aims to ensure that federal employees can focus on their military service without having to worry about financial or legal issues back home. Overall, the Federal Employees Civil Relief Act is designed to support and protect federal employees who are called to active duty military service, ensuring that they are not unduly burdened by financial or legal concerns while serving their country.