HR 7583 would broadly expand federal workplace harassment protections
Officially: BE HEARD in the Workplace Act
This bill would expand federal workplace discrimination and harassment protections to far more workers and employers. It also adds policy, training, reporting, contractor, research, and grant requirements, while phasing out the lower tipped minimum wage. Some of its biggest effects would depend on future agency rules and enforcement.
Where it stands
Sitting in Education and Workforce
No vote scheduled. Constituent contact is what moves bills out of committee.
- Requires employers with 15 or more employees to adopt, hand out, and post a full written nondiscrimination and anti-harassment policy within 1 year after enactment. Fines can reach $1,000 per violation and at least $5,000 for repeated or willful violations.
- Tells the EEOC to issue rules requiring interactive anti-discrimination and anti-harassment training for employees, plus specialized training for supervisors, based on research about what training works best.
- Requires the EEOC to create model policies and trainings in multiple languages and accessible formats, specifically for employers with fewer than 15 employees.
↓ Why your message matters here
This bill is sitting in committee with no scheduled vote — which means a small number of constituent messages can decide whether it moves forward or quietly dies.
The debate
What people are saying about this bill
- Empowers Victims: By lowering the proof standard, it becomes easier for victims of discrimination to win their cases.
- More Time for Justice: Extending the filing deadline gives victims more time to come forward without fear of missing their chance.
- Prevents Secret Settlements: Limiting forced arbitration means more cases can be heard in public court, promoting transparency.
- Increased Litigation Costs: Businesses might face higher legal fees, which could lead to increased prices for consumers.
- Slower Dispute Resolution: Banning arbitration could slow down the resolution of disputes, which are often quicker and cheaper than court cases.
- Risk of Frivolous Claims: Lowering the proof standard might lead to an increase in weak or unfounded lawsuits.
Where this bill is in the process
Legislative timeline
Introduced
Introduced in House
House Committee
Under House committee consideration
Latest: Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, House Administration, Oversight and Government Reform, and Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (2/13/2026)
House Floor Vote
Voted on by House
Passed House
Approved by House
Senate Review
Sent to Senate for consideration
Passed Both Chambers
Approved by both House and Senate
Signed into Law
Signed by the President
For more detail