Federal Employees Civil Relief Act
1/4/2024, 1:45 AMSummary of Bill HR 1301
Bill 118 hr 1301, also known as the Federal Employees Civil Relief Act, is a piece of legislation aimed at providing certain 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, apartment leases, and car 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 obligations while serving their country.
Congressional Summary of HR 1301
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.
Under the bill, a shutdown is a period in which (1) there is more than a 24-hour lapse in appropriations for any federal agency or department because a regular appropriations bill or a continuing resolution has not been enacted, or (2) the debt of the federal government is greater than the statutory limit.
A federal worker (i.e., an employee of a government agency or contractor) who is furloughed or required to work without pay during a shutdown may apply to a court for a temporary stay, postponement, or suspension with respect to any payment of rent, mortgage, tax, fine, penalty, insurance premium, student loan repayment, or other civil obligation or liability that the worker owes or would owe during the duration of the shutdown.
The bill includes related provisions that restrict evictions, foreclosures, the enforcement of liens, and the termination of insurance policies during a shutdown. It also provides for the deferral of federal income taxes and student loan payments during a shutdown.
The Department of Justice may 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.
