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One to Keep An Eye On: FAIR Act (U.S. Congress)


As with many employment and labor law related cases (and bills) being litigated around the country, there are always a few that stand out.  This is one to keep an eye on.


H.R. 1423 (116), also known as the FAIR Act, is working its way through Congress with a vote in the House of Representatives expected next week.  For those unfamiliar with the FAIR Act, it would prohibit companies from imposing mandatory arbitration in employment and consumer disputes.

It is expected that the Committee on Rules will meet at the start of next week to set the guidelines for a floor debate on the FAIR Act before a vote occurs.  As with much of the legislation working its way through Congress, I would expect this bill to clear the House.  (After all, there are over 200 co-sponsors of H.R. 1423 with all but one being a Democratic Representative.)  That would lead to the Senate being next in line to consider the legislation.  With the Senate being in majority control by Republicans, I would be a bit surprised to see this legislation get very far.  However, as always, if there is significant pressure on Republicans to take up H.R. 1423 (with an upcoming general election), this bill might get to the floor of the Senate for a vote.  Now whether it could find enough support to also clear the Senate is a whole other matter.


For additional information:  https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1423

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