Summary: Servicemembers' Protection Act of 2012 - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (the Act) concerning the protection of servicemembers against default judgments to require a plaintiff, before filing an affidavit, to conduct a diligent and reasonable investigation to determine whether or not the defendant is in military service, including a search of available records of the Department of Defense (DOD) and any other available information. Provides that, for purposes of establishing residency for voting eligibility, a family member of a servicemember who is absent from a state because the servicemember is absent from the state due to military service shall not be considered to have lost residency in that state. Increases the civil penalties for violations of the Act. Authorizes the Attorney General (AG) to issue and serve a civil investigative demand for the production of documentary material relevant to an investigation under the Act. Makes a private right of action for a violation of the Act retroactive to the date of enactment of the Act. Makes related changes to the Fair Housing Act with respect to the increase in civil penalties, and to the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act with respect to the authority for civil investigative demands. Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (Voting Act) to require a state to submit to the AG and the Presidential Designee, at least 55 days before any election for federal office in that state, a certification that absentee ballots are, or will be, available for transmission by 46 days before such election. Requires certification that absentee ballots requested by absent servicemember voters within 46 days before a state election are being transmitted to such voters. Repeals a provision allowing a state to request a waiver of absentee ballot requirements due to undue hardship. Provides that, in Voting Act enforcement actions brought by the AG, local election officials need not be named as defendants. Provides civil penalties for Voting Act violations, and authorizes a private right of action. Allows absentee ballot requests to be treated as requests for subsequent elections held in that state through the next regularly scheduled general election. Makes Voting Act requirements applicable to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Makes related changes to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Education Amendments of 1972 with respect to prohibited discrimination, private rights of action, and available relief. Allows a veteran on whose behalf a complaint of a violation of employment or reemployment rights is made by the AG to intervene in such action, and to obtain appropriate relief. Requires the AG, within 60 days after receiving a referral of an unsuccessful attempt to resolve a complaint relating to a state or private employer, to notify the person on whose behalf the complaint is submitted of either the decision to commence such an action or of when such decision is expected to be made. Requires, in the latter case, such decision to be made within an additional 30 days. Requires the AG to commence such an action when there is reasonable cause to believe that a state or private employer is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of such employment and reemployment rights and benefits, and that the pattern or practice denies the full exercise of such rights and benefits. Authorizes the AG, in employment or reemployment rights investigations, to issue and serve a civil investigative demand for the production of documentary material. Makes related changes to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with respect to such civil investigative demands.

servicemembers protection act amends servicemembers_civil_relief_act act concerning protection servicemembers default judgments require plaintiff filing affidavit conduct diligent reasonable investigation determine defendant military service including search available records department_of_defense dod available information provides purposes establishing residency voting eligibility family member servicemember absent state servicemember absent state military service shall considered lost residency state increases civil penalties violations act authorizes attorney general issue serve civil investigative demand production documentary material relevant investigation act makes private right action violation act retroactive date enactment act makes related changes fair housing act respect increase civil penalties fair housing act equal_credit_opportunity_act respect authority civil investigative demands amends uniformed overseas citizens absentee voting act voting act require state submit presidential designee days election federal office state certification absentee ballots available transmission days election requires certification absentee ballots requested absent servicemember voters days state election transmitted voters repeals provision allowing state request waiver absentee ballot requirements undue hardship provides voting act enforcement actions brought local election officials need named defendants provides civil penalties voting act violations authorizes private right action allows absentee ballot requests treated requests subsequent elections held state regularly scheduled general election makes voting act requirements applicable commonwealth_of_the_northern_mariana_islands makes related changes civil rights act education_amendments respect prohibited discrimination private rights action available relief allows veteran behalf complaint violation employment reemployment rights intervene action obtain appropriate relief requires days receiving referral unsuccessful attempt resolve complaint relating state private employer notify person behalf complaint submitted decision commence action decision expected requires case decision additional days requires commence action reasonable cause believe state private employer engaged pattern practice resistance enjoyment employment reemployment rights benefits pattern practice denies exercise rights benefits authorizes employment reemployment rights investigations issue serve civil investigative demand production documentary material makes related changes civil rights act respect civil investigative demands


Summary: Protection of Homes, Small Businesses, and Private Property Act of 2012 - Declares that the power of eminent domain shall be available only for public use, which shall not include economic development. Applies such limitation to all exercises of eminent domain by the federal government or by state and local governments using federal funds.

Civil rights and liberties, minority issues

protection homes small businesses private property act declares power eminent domain shall available public use shall include economic development applies limitation exercises eminent domain federal_government state local governments federal funds


Summary:
John Hope Franklin Tulsa-Greenwood Race Riot Claims Accountability Act of 2013 - Declares that any person (including the state of Oklahoma) who, in connection with the Greenwood community of Tulsa, Oklahoma, race riot of 1921 and its aftermath, acted under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage of the state of Oklahoma to subject, or cause to be subjected, any person to the deprivation, on account of race, of any right secured at the time of the deprivation by Oklahoma law, shall be liable to the party injured in a civil action for redress (thereby allowing claims for damages notwithstanding the federal court decision in Alexander v. State of Oklahoma, which found that such claims were time-barred and not to be determined on the merits).

Prohibits the commencement of such a civil action more than five years after enactment of this Act.

john hope franklin tulsa race claims accountability_act declares person including state oklahoma connection community tulsa oklahoma race acted color statute ordinance regulation custom usage state oklahoma subject cause subjected person deprivation account race right secured time deprivation oklahoma law shall liable party injured civil action redress allowing claims damages notwithstanding federal court decision state oklahoma found claims time barred determined merits prohibits commencement civil action years enactment act


Summary:
Veterans, Women, Families with Children, Race, and Persons with Disabilities Housing Fairness Act of 2013 or Housing Fairness Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to conduct a nationwide testing program to: (1) detect and document differences in the treatment of persons seeking to rent or purchase housing or obtain or refinance a home mortgage loan; (2) measure patterns of adverse treatment because of the race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability status, or national origin of a renter, home buyer, or borrower; and (3) measure the prevalence of such discriminatory practices across housing and mortgage lending markets.

 Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 to require that only qualified private nonprofit fair housing enforcement organizations receive funds under the fair housing initiatives program for investigations of violations of the rights granted under the Civil Rights Act of 1968.

Requires the design of the national education and outreach program to provide for the development and dissemination of websites and other media outlets among its fair housing media products.

Requires private entities that formulate or carry out programs to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices to be nonprofit in order to be eligible for contracts to establish or support education and outreach programs and to support community-based education and outreach activities.

Requires the Secretary to establish minimum standards for the training of testers of organizations funded with any amounts made available under this Act.

Directs the Secretary to implement a competitive matching grant program to assist public and private nonprofit organizations in: (1) conducting comprehensive studies of the causes and effects of housing discrimination and segregation on education, poverty, and economic development or on veterans and military personnel; and (2) implementing pilot projects that test solutions to help prevent or alleviate housing discrimination and segregation.

veterans women families children race persons disabilities housing fairness act housing fairness act directs secretary housing_and_urban_development hud conduct nationwide testing program detect document differences treatment persons seeking rent purchase housing obtain refinance home_mortgage loan measure patterns adverse treatment race color religion sex familial status disability status national origin home buyer borrower measure prevalence discriminatory practices housing mortgage lending markets amends housing_and_community_development_act require qualified private nonprofit fair housing enforcement organizations receive funds fair housing initiatives program investigations violations rights granted civil rights act requires design national education outreach program provide development dissemination websites media outlets fair housing media products requires private entities formulate carry programs prevent eliminate discriminatory housing practices nonprofit order eligible contracts establish support education outreach programs support community based education outreach activities requires secretary establish minimum standards training organizations funded amounts available act directs secretary implement competitive matching grant program assist public private nonprofit organizations conducting comprehensive studies causes effects housing discrimination segregation education poverty economic development veterans military personnel implementing pilot projects test solutions help prevent alleviate housing discrimination segregation


Summary:
Fair Pay Act of 2013 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit discrimination in the payment of wages on account of sex, race, or national origin. (Allows payment of different wages under seniority systems, merit systems, systems that measure earnings by quantity or quality of production, or differentials based on bona fide factors that the employer demonstrates are job-related or further legitimate business interests.)

Prohibits the discharge of, or any other discrimination against, an individual for opposing any act or practice made unlawful by this Act, or for assisting in an investigation or proceeding under it. Directs courts, in any action brought under this Act for violation of such prohibition, to allow expert fees as part of the costs awarded to prevailing plaintiffs. Allows any such action to be maintained as a class action. Directs the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to: (1) undertake studies and provide information and technical assistance to employers, labor organizations, and the general public concerning effective means available to implement this Act; and (2) carry on a continuing program of research, education, and technical assistance with specified components related to the purposes of this Act. Makes conforming amendments relating to congressional and executive branch employees to the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 and the Presidential and Executive Office Accountability Act.

fair pay act amends fair labor standards act prohibit discrimination payment wages account sex race national origin allows payment different wages seniority systems merit systems systems measure earnings quantity quality production differentials based bona fide factors employer demonstrates job related legitimate business interests prohibits discharge discrimination individual opposing act practice unlawful act assisting investigation proceeding directs courts action brought act violation prohibition allow expert fees costs awarded prevailing plaintiffs allows action maintained class action directs equal_employment_opportunity_commission eeoc undertake studies provide information technical assistance employers labor organizations general public concerning effective means available implement act carry continuing program research education technical assistance specified components related purposes act makes conforming amendments relating congressional executive branch employees congressional_accountability_act presidential executive_office accountability_act


Summary:
Bankruptcy Nondiscrimination Enhancement Act of 2013 - Amends the federal bankruptcy code to prohibit private employers from denying employment to: (1) an individual who is or has been a debtor under either the bankruptcy code or the Bankruptcy Act, or (2) an individual associated with such debtor or bankrupt.

Eliminates from such prohibition the limitation applying it to a denial or termination of employment solely on the basis of debtor status (thus applying the prohibition to any case in which debtor status is not the sole basis for discrimination).

bankruptcy nondiscrimination enhancement_act amends federal bankruptcy code prohibit private employers denying employment individual debtor bankruptcy code bankruptcy act individual associated debtor eliminates prohibition limitation applying denial termination employment solely basis debtor status applying prohibition case debtor status sole basis discrimination


Summary:
English Language Unity Act of 2013 - Makes English the official language of the United States.

Requires, subject to exceptions and rules of construction, that: (1) official functions of the U.S. government be conducted in English, and (2) all naturalization ceremonies be conducted in English.

Establishes a uniform English language rule for naturalization.

Makes English language requirements and workplace policies, whether in the public or private sector, presumptively consistent with the laws of the United States. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to issue for public notice and comment a proposed rule for uniform testing of English language ability of candidates for naturalization based upon the principles that: (1) all citizens should be able to read and understand generally the English language text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the laws of the United States; and (2) any exceptions to this standard should be limited to extraordinary circumstances, such as asylum.

english language unity act makes english official language united_states requires subject exceptions rules construction official functions government conducted english naturalization ceremonies conducted english establishes uniform english language rule naturalization makes english language requirements workplace policies public private sector presumptively consistent laws united_states directs secretary homeland_security dhs issue public notice comment proposed rule uniform testing english language ability candidates naturalization based principles citizens able read understand generally english language text declaration independence constitution laws united_states exceptions standard limited extraordinary circumstances asylum


Summary:
Military Judicial Reform Act of 2013 - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to require a convening authority (the person taking action on the findings of a court-martial), as soon as practicable after receipt of the findings and sentence of a court-martial, to approve the sentence in whole. Prohibits such authority from modifying such findings or sentence. (Under current law, modifying findings or a sentence is a command prerogative involving the sole discretion of such authority.) Allows certain other officials to act in place of the convening authority.

Allows the accused in a court-martial to submit to the convening authority matters for inclusion in the final record of trial. (Under current law, such accused may submit matters for consideration with respect to the findings and sentence.) Removes the requirement that a convening authority obtain and consider the recommendation of his/her staff judge advocate or legal officer.

Repeals the authority of a convening authority to suspend the execution of any sentence or part thereof other than a death sentence.

military judicial reform_act amends uniform code military justice ucmj require convening authority person taking action findings court martial soon practicable receipt findings sentence court martial approve sentence prohibits authority modifying findings sentence current law modifying findings sentence command involving sole discretion authority allows certain officials act place convening authority allows accused court martial submit convening authority matters inclusion final record trial current law accused submit matters consideration respect findings sentence removes requirement convening authority obtain consider recommendation staff judge advocate legal officer repeals authority convening authority suspend execution sentence thereof death sentence


Summary:
Repeal Existing Policies that Encourage and Allow Legal HIV Discrimination Act of 2013 or the REPEAL HIV Discrimination Act of 2013 - Expresses the sense of Congress that federal and state laws, policies, and regulations regarding people living with HIV/AIDS should: (1) not place unique or additional burdens on such individuals solely as a result of their HIV status; and (2) demonstrate a public health-oriented, evidence-based, medically accurate, and contemporary understanding of HIV transmission, health implications, treatment, and the impact of punitive HIV-specific laws, policies, regulations, and judicial precedents and decisions on public health and on affected people, families, and communities.

Directs: (1) the Attorney General (AG), Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Secretary of Defense (DOD) to initiate a national review of federal (including military) and state laws, policies, regulations, and judicial precedents and decisions regarding criminal and related civil commitment cases involving people living with HIV/AIDS; and (2) the AG to transmit to Congress and make publicly available the results of such review with related recommendations.

Requires the AG and HHS Secretary to: (1) develop and publicly release guidance and best practice recommendations for states, and (2) establish an integrated monitoring and evaluation system to measure state progress.

Directs the AG and HHS and DOD Secretaries to transmit to the President and Congress any proposals necessary to implement adjustments to federal laws, policies, or regulations.

Prohibits this Act from being construed to discourage the prosecution of individuals who intentionally transmit or attempt to transmit HIV to another individual.

repeal existing policies encourage allow legal hiv discrimination act repeal hiv discrimination act expresses sense congress federal state laws policies regulations people living hiv aids place unique additional burdens individuals solely result hiv status demonstrate public health oriented evidence based medically accurate understanding hiv transmission health implications treatment impact punitive hiv specific laws policies regulations judicial decisions public health affected people families communities directs attorney general secretary health_and_human_services hhs secretary defense dod initiate national review federal including military state laws policies regulations judicial decisions criminal related civil commitment cases involving people living hiv aids transmit congress publicly available results review related recommendations requires hhs secretary develop publicly release guidance best practice recommendations states establish integrated monitoring evaluation system measure state progress directs hhs dod secretaries transmit president congress proposals necessary implement adjustments federal laws policies regulations prohibits act construed discourage prosecution individuals intentionally transmit attempt transmit hiv individual


Summary: Right to Counsel and Taxpayer Protection Act - Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to apply provisions that prohibit any governmental authority from engaging in a pattern or practice of conduct by law enforcement officers or by officials or employees of a governmental agency with responsibility for the administration of juvenile justice or the incarceration of juveniles that deprives persons of rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States to such conduct relating to adults as well as juveniles.

right counsel taxpayer protection act_-_amends violent_crime_control_and_law_enforcement_act apply provisions prohibit governmental authority engaging pattern practice conduct law enforcement officers officials employees governmental agency responsibility administration juvenile justice incarceration juveniles persons rights privileges immunities secured protected constitution laws united_states conduct relating adults juveniles


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) require the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to terminate the employment of any IRS employee for discrimination against any taxpayer on the basis of political affiliation or for threatening to audit a taxpayer for arbitrary or capricious politically-motivated reasons, and (2) award administrative and litigation costs to taxpayers who prevail against the IRS in any legal or administrative proceeding for wrongful discrimination.

amends_the_internal_revenue_code require commissioner internal_revenue_service irs terminate employment irs employee discrimination taxpayer basis political affiliation threatening audit taxpayer arbitrary capricious politically motivated reasons award administrative litigation costs taxpayers prevail irs legal administrative proceeding wrongful discrimination


Summary: Justice for Wards Cove Workers Act - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1991 to remove a provision excluding from application of the Act any disparate impact case filed before March 1, 1975, and decided after October 30, 1983. (Wards Cove Packing Co. v. Atonio, 1989, held that, in cases brought under title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the burden is on the plaintiff to prove an employer had no business necessity for a practice with discriminatory effects.) Applies the amendments made by the Civil Rights Act of 1991 to a case that is subject to the removed provision in the same way such amendments apply to any other case brought under the employment discrimination provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

justice cove workers act_-_amends civil rights act remove provision excluding application act disparate impact case filed march decided october cove packing held cases brought title vii civil rights act burden plaintiff prove employer business necessity practice discriminatory effects applies amendments civil rights act case subject removed provision way amendments apply case brought employment discrimination provisions civil rights act


Summary:
Freedom from Discrimination in Credit Act of 2013 - Amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to prohibit discrimination on account of sexual orientation or gender identity when extending credit.

Defines: (1) "gender identity" as the gender-related identity, appearance, or mannerisms or other gender-related characteristics of an individual with or without regard to the individual's designated sex at birth; (2) "person" as a natural person, corporation, government or governmental subdivision or agency, trust, estate, partnership, cooperative, or association; and (3) "sexual orientation" as homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality.

freedom discrimination credit act amends equal_credit_opportunity_act prohibit discrimination account sexual orientation gender identity extending credit defines gender identity gender related identity appearance mannerisms gender related characteristics individual regard individual designated sex birth person natural person corporation government governmental subdivision agency trust estate partnership cooperative association sexual orientation homosexuality bisexuality


Summary: Civil Justice Tax Fairness Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) an exclusion from gross income for amounts received on account of a judgment or settlement resulting from a claim of unlawful discrimination, (2) income averaging for backpay and frontpay amounts received from such claims, and (3) an exemption from the alternative minimum tax (AMT) for any tax benefit resulting from the income averaging of amounts received from an unlawful discrimination claim.

civil justice tax fairness act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow exclusion gross income amounts received account judgment settlement resulting claim unlawful discrimination income averaging backpay amounts received claims exemption alternative minimum tax amt tax benefit resulting income averaging amounts received unlawful discrimination claim


Summary:
Veterans and Servicemembers Employment Rights and Housing Act of 2013 - Prohibits employment practices that discriminate based on an individual's military service and amends the Fair Housing Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to prohibit housing discrimination against members of the uniformed services.

Declares that it shall be an unlawful employment practice for an employer to fail to hire, to discharge, or to otherwise discriminate against individuals because of their military service. Prohibits employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, and job training programs from engaging in specified practices that adversely affect an applicant or employee because of such service.

 Exempts certain hiring and employment practices from being considered unlawful if the occupancy of the position is subject to national security requirements that an individual does not fulfill.

Permits an employer to apply different standards of compensation or terms of employement pursuant to a bona fide seniority or merit system, a system which measures earnings by quantity or quality of production or to employees who work in different locations, or a professionally developed ability test.

Declares that an unlawful employment practice based on disparate impact is established only if: (1) the complaining party demonstrates that a respondent uses a particular employment practice that causes a disparate impact on the basis of military service and the respondent fails to demonstrate that the challenged practice is job-related and consistent with business necessity, or (2) the complaining party makes a demonstration with respect to an alternative employment practice and the respondent refuses to adopt such practice.

Prohibits business necessity from being used as a defense against a claim of intentional discrimination.

Declares that an unlawful employment practice is established when the complaining party demonstrates that military service was a motivating factor for any employment practice, even though other factors also motivated such practice.

Grants enforcement powers, remedies, and procedures under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Attorney General (DOJ), and persons alleging such discrimination. Amends the Fair Housing Act to prohibit housing discrimination against a member of the uniformed services with respect to: (1) the sale or rental of housing, (2) residential real estate-related transactions, and (3) the provision of brokerage services.

Prohibits religious organizations engaging in housing transactions from giving preferences to persons of the same religion in cases where membership in such religion is restricted to persons who are not members of the uniformed services.

Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to impose a fine, imprisonment, or both on persons who violate prohibitions on housing discrimination under such Act against members of the uniformed services.

veterans servicemembers employment rights housing act prohibits employment practices discriminate based individual military service amends fair housing act civil rights act prohibit housing discrimination members uniformed_services declares shall unlawful employment practice employer fail hire discharge discriminate individuals military service prohibits employers employment agencies labor organizations job training programs engaging specified practices adversely affect applicant employee service exempts certain hiring employment practices considered unlawful occupancy position subject national security requirements individual fulfill permits employer apply different standards compensation terms pursuant bona fide seniority merit system system measures earnings quantity quality production employees work different locations professionally developed ability test declares unlawful employment practice based disparate impact established complaining party demonstrates respondent uses particular employment practice causes disparate impact basis military service respondent fails demonstrate challenged practice job related consistent business necessity complaining party makes demonstration respect alternative employment practice respondent refuses adopt practice prohibits business necessity defense claim intentional discrimination declares unlawful employment practice established complaining party demonstrates military service motivating factor employment practice factors motivated practice grants enforcement powers remedies procedures civil rights act equal_employment_opportunity_commission eeoc attorney general doj persons alleging discrimination amends fair housing act prohibit housing discrimination member uniformed_services respect sale rental housing residential real estate related transactions provision brokerage services prohibits religious organizations engaging housing transactions giving preferences persons religion cases membership religion restricted persons members uniformed_services amends civil rights act impose fine imprisonment persons violate prohibitions housing discrimination act members uniformed_services


Summary:
Fair Employment Protection Act of 2014 - Sets forth employer liability standards to be applied in employee harassment claims under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Revised Statutes, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991, employment discrimination laws relating to certain executive branch employees, and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995.

Declares employers under such Acts liable for the acts of any individual whose harassment of an employee has created or continued an unlawful hostile work environment if, at the time of the harassment: (1) such individual was authorized by that employer to undertake or recommend tangible employment actions affecting the employee or to direct the employee's daily work activities, or (2) the negligence of the employer led to the creation or continuation of that hostile work environment (thus modifies the liability standards provided by the Supreme Court in Vance v. Ball State University, which limited the category of supervisors for whom an employer may be held vicariously liable to those individuals who have authority to take tangible employment actions).

fair employment protection act sets forth employer liability standards applied employee harassment claims specified provisions civil rights act age discrimination employment act americans disabilities act rehabilitation act revised_statutes genetic information nondiscrimination act government employee rights act employment discrimination laws relating certain executive branch employees congressional_accountability_act declares employers acts liable acts individual harassment employee created continued unlawful hostile work environment time harassment individual authorized employer undertake recommend tangible employment actions affecting employee direct employee daily work activities negligence employer led creation continuation hostile work environment modifies liability standards provided supreme_court state university limited category supervisors employer held liable individuals authority tangible employment actions


Summary:
EEOC Transparency and Accountability Act - Directs the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to provide information on its public website regarding each case brought in court by the EEOC after a judgment is made with respect to any cause of action.

Requires such information to include: (1) instances in which the EEOC was ordered to pay fees and costs; (2) cases in which a sanction was imposed on the EEOC; (3) the total number of charges of an alleged unlawful employment practice filed under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; and (4) cases of systemic discrimination, including pattern or practice discrimination.

Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit the EEOC from bringing a suit unless it exhausts its obligation to engage in an informal conciliation and certifies that conciliation is at impasse.

Makes the determination as to whether the EEOC has engaged in a bona fide conciliation subject to judicial review.

Directs the EEOC Inspector General to notify Congress of any sanctions, fees, or costs imposed on the EEOC by a court. Requires the Inspector General to investigate such cases and the EEOC to report to Congress regarding the steps being taken to reduce such instances.

eeoc transparency accountability act_-_directs equal_employment_opportunity_commission eeoc provide information public website case brought court eeoc judgment respect cause action requires information include instances eeoc ordered pay fees costs cases sanction imposed eeoc total number charges alleged unlawful employment practice filed specified provisions civil rights act americans disabilities act age discrimination employment act fair labor standards act cases systemic discrimination including pattern practice discrimination amends civil rights act prohibit eeoc bringing suit obligation engage informal certifies impasse makes determination eeoc engaged bona fide subject judicial review directs eeoc inspector_general notify congress sanctions fees costs imposed eeoc court requires inspector_general investigate cases eeoc report congress steps taken reduce instances


Summary:
National Hate Crimes Hotline Act of 2014 - Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to: (1) private, nonprofit entities to establish and operate a national, toll-free telephone hotline and an Internet website to assist victims of hate crimes; and (2) state and local law enforcement entities for educational and training programs on solving hate crimes and establishing dialogues with members of communities who are at-risk of being victims of hate crimes.

Directs the Attorney General to establish a program for awarding grants to local organizations to establish or expand programs that provide services to victims of hate crimes.

national hate crimes hotline act authorizes attorney general award grants private nonprofit entities establish operate national toll free telephone hotline internet website assist victims hate crimes state local law enforcement entities educational training programs solving hate crimes establishing members communities risk victims hate crimes directs attorney general establish program awarding grants local organizations establish expand programs provide services victims hate crimes


Summary:
Litigation Oversight Act of 2014 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to require the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to approve or disapprove by majority vote whether the EEOC shall commence or intervene in litigation involving: (1) multiple plaintiffs, or (2) an allegation of systemic discrimination or a pattern or practice of discrimination. Provides EEOC members with the power to require the EEOC to approve or disapprove by majority vote whether the EEOC commences or intervenes in any litigation.

Requires the EEOC, within 30 days after commencing or intervening in litigation pursuant to such an approval, to post on its public website: (1) information regarding the case, including the allegations and causes of action; and (2) each Commissioner's vote on commencing or intervening in the litigation.

litigation oversight act amends civil rights act require equal_employment_opportunity_commission eeoc approve disapprove majority vote eeoc shall commence intervene litigation involving multiple plaintiffs allegation systemic discrimination pattern practice discrimination provides eeoc members power require eeoc approve disapprove majority vote eeoc commences litigation requires eeoc days commencing intervening litigation pursuant approval post public website information case including allegations causes action commissioner vote commencing intervening litigation


Summary: Certainty in Enforcement Act of 2014 - Amends equal employment opportunity requirements under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide that it shall not be an unlawful employment practice for an employer, labor organization, or employment agency (or a joint labor management committee controlling apprenticeships or other training or retraining opportunities) to engage in an employment practice that is required by federal, state, or local law in areas such as health care, childcare, in-home services, policing, security, education, finance, employee benefits, and fiduciary duties.

certainty enforcement act amends equal employment opportunity requirements civil rights act provide shall unlawful employment practice employer labor organization employment agency joint labor management committee controlling apprenticeships training retraining opportunities engage employment practice required federal state local law areas health_care childcare home services policing security education finance employee benefits fiduciary duties


Summary:
James Boulet National Language Act of 2014 - Amends federal law to: (1) make English the official language of the United States, (2) require that official U.S. government functions be conducted in English, and (3) require the U.S. government to preserve and enhance the role of English as the official language of the United States.

Declares that, unless specifically stated in applicable law, no person has a right, entitlement, or claim to have the U.S. government or any of its officials or representatives act, communicate, perform or provide services, or materials in any language other than English.

Makes exceptions to these requirements the use of a language other than English for: (1) religious purposes, (2) language training for international communication, or (3) school programs designed to encourage students to learn foreign languages.

Amends the the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to repeal bilingual voting and related voting qualification requirements.

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require that all public naturalization ceremonies in which the oath of allegiance is administered be conducted solely in the English language.

james national language act amends federal law english official language united_states require official government functions conducted english require government preserve enhance role english official language united_states declares specifically stated applicable law person right entitlement claim government officials representatives act communicate perform provide services materials language english makes exceptions requirements use language english religious purposes language training international communication school programs designed encourage students learn foreign languages amends voting rights act repeal bilingual voting related voting qualification requirements amends immigration_and_nationality_act require public naturalization ceremonies oath allegiance administered conducted solely english language


Summary:
Fair Pay Act of 2013 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit discrimination in the payment of wages on account of sex, race, or national origin. (Allows payment of different wages under seniority systems, merit systems, systems that measure earnings by quantity or quality of production, or differentials based on bona fide factors that the employer demonstrates are job-related or further legitimate business interests.)

Prohibits the discharge of, or any other discrimination against, an individual for opposing any act or practice made unlawful by this Act, or for assisting in an investigation or proceeding under it. Directs courts, in any action brought under this Act for violation of such prohibition, to allow expert fees as part of the costs awarded to prevailing plaintiffs. Allows any such action to be maintained as a class action. Directs the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to: (1) undertake studies and provide information and technical assistance to employers, labor organizations, and the general public concerning effective means available to implement this Act; and (2) carry on a continuing program of research, education, and technical assistance with specified components related to the purposes of this Act. Makes conforming amendments relating to congressional and executive branch employees to the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 and the Presidential and Executive Office Accountability Act.

fair pay act amends fair labor standards act prohibit discrimination payment wages account sex race national origin allows payment different wages seniority systems merit systems systems measure earnings quantity quality production differentials based bona fide factors employer demonstrates job related legitimate business interests prohibits discharge discrimination individual opposing act practice unlawful act assisting investigation proceeding directs courts action brought act violation prohibition allow expert fees costs awarded prevailing plaintiffs allows action maintained class action directs equal_employment_opportunity_commission eeoc undertake studies provide information technical assistance employers labor organizations general public concerning effective means available implement act carry continuing program research education technical assistance specified components related purposes act makes conforming amendments relating congressional executive branch employees congressional_accountability_act presidential executive_office accountability_act


Summary:
English Language Unity Act of 2013- Makes English the official language of the United States.

Requires, subject to exceptions and rules of construction, that: (1) official functions of the U.S. government be conducted in English, and (2) all naturalization ceremonies be conducted in English.

Establishes a uniform English language rule for naturalization.

Makes English language requirements and workplace policies, whether in the public or private sector, presumptively consistent with the laws of the United States. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to issue for public notice and comment a proposed rule for uniform testing of English language ability of candidates for naturalization based upon the principles that: (1) all citizens should be able to read and understand generally the English language text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the laws of the United States; and (2) any exceptions to this standard should be limited to extraordinary circumstances, such as asylum.


Summary: Civil Justice Tax Fairness Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) an exclusion from gross income for amounts received (whether by judgment or settlement, as lump sums or periodic payments) on account of a claim of unlawful discrimination; (2) income averaging for backpay and frontpay amounts received from such claims; and (3) an exemption from the alternative minimum tax (AMT) for any tax benefit resulting from the income averaging of amounts received from an unlawful discrimination claim.

civil justice tax fairness act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow exclusion gross income amounts received judgment settlement lump sums periodic payments account claim unlawful discrimination income averaging backpay amounts received claims exemption alternative minimum tax amt tax benefit resulting income averaging amounts received unlawful discrimination claim


Summary:
Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2014 - Declares it an unlawful practice for certain employers with at least 15 employees for each working day in each of at least 20 calendar weeks in the current or preceding calendar year to: (1) fail or refuse to consider for employment or to hire an individual as an employee based on present or past unemployment regardless of the length of time such individual was unemployed; (2) publish an advertisement or announcement for any job with provisions indicating that such an unemployed status disqualifies an individual and that an employer will not consider or hire an individual based on such status; and (3) direct or request that an employment agency account for such status when considering, screening, or referring applicants.

Prohibits an employment agency (including agents and persons maintaining a website publishing job advertisements or announcements), based on such an individual's status as unemployed, from: (1) failing or refusing to consider, screen, or refer an individual for employment; (2) limiting, segregating, or classifying individuals in any manner limiting access to job information; or (3) publishing an advertisement or announcement for any job vacancy that includes provisions indicating that such an individual is disqualified and that an employer will not consider or hire such individuals.

Prohibits similar employment practices by defined federal employing agencies covered under specified family and medical leave provisions for certain government employees.

Allows consideration of an individual's status as unemployed if an individual's employment in a similar or related job for a period of time reasonably proximate to the hiring of such individual is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to successful performance of the job being filled.

Authorizes, subject to possible termination upon the filing of certain complaints by the Secretary of Labor, one or more persons for and on behalf of the affected individual, or the affected individual and other individuals similarly situated, to bring actions in federal or state court for specified actual damages, punitive damages, and equitable relief, including employment.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) receive, investigate, and attempt to resolve complaints according to specified provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; and (2) pay directly to each affected individual applicable sums recovered in any civil actions brought by the Secretary under this Act.

Requires, with respect to the Government Printing Office (GPO) and the Library of Congress (LOC), that the Secretary's authority be exercised respectively by the Public Printer and Librarian of Congress.

Sets forth a two-year statute of limitations period (three years for willful violations) for specified civil actions to be filed under this Act, except that the limitation period for filing an action by an individual is tolled during the period when the Secretary is considering a complaint against the defendant involved.

fair employment opportunity act declares unlawful practice certain employers employees working day calendar weeks current preceding calendar year fail refuse consider employment hire individual employee based present past unemployment regardless length time individual unemployed publish advertisement announcement job provisions indicating unemployed status disqualifies individual employer consider hire individual based status direct request employment agency account status considering screening referring applicants prohibits employment agency including agents persons maintaining website publishing job advertisements announcements based individual status unemployed failing refusing consider screen refer individual employment limiting classifying individuals manner limiting access job information publishing advertisement announcement job vacancy includes provisions indicating individual disqualified employer consider hire individuals prohibits similar employment practices defined federal employing agencies covered specified family medical leave provisions certain government employees allows consideration individual status unemployed individual employment similar related job period time reasonably proximate hiring individual bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary successful performance job filled authorizes subject possible termination filing certain complaints secretary labor persons behalf affected individual affected individual individuals similarly situated bring actions federal state court specified actual damages punitive damages equitable relief including employment directs secretary receive investigate attempt resolve complaints according specified provisions fair labor standards act pay directly affected individual applicable sums recovered civil actions brought secretary act requires respect government_printing_office gpo library_of_congress loc secretary authority exercised respectively public printer librarian congress sets forth year statute limitations period years willful violations specified civil actions filed act limitation period filing action individual tolled period secretary considering complaint defendant involved


Summary:
Hate Crime Reporting Act of 2014 - Directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to update a report for Congress concerning the role of telecommunications in the commission of hate crimes.

Requires such report to include: (1) an analysis of the use of telecommunications (including the Internet, broadcast television and radio, cable television, public access television, commercial mobile services, and other electronic media) to advocate and encourage violent acts and the commission of hate crimes as specified in the Hate Crime Statistics Act; (2) NTIA recommendations; and (3) updates concerning the role of telecommunications in crimes of hate and violent acts against ethnic, religious, and racial minorities.

hate crime reporting act directs national_telecommunications_and_information_administration ntia update report congress concerning role telecommunications commission hate crimes requires report include analysis use telecommunications including internet broadcast television radio cable television public access television commercial mobile services electronic media advocate encourage violent acts commission hate crimes specified hate crime statistics act ntia recommendations updates concerning role telecommunications crimes hate violent acts ethnic religious racial minorities


Summary:
Preserving Religious Freedom and a Woman's Access to Contraception Act - Prohibits employers from restricting employees from purchasing any drug or medical device regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Repeals sections of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 to: (1) allow health savings accounts, medical savings accounts, and health flexible spending accounts to be used to pay for non-prescription drugs; and (2) remove the annual limit for salary reduction contributions to a health flexible spending arrangement under a cafeteria plan.

preserving religious freedom woman access contraception act prohibits employers restricting employees purchasing drug medical device regulated food_and_drug_administration fda repeals sections patient_protection affordable care act health_care_and_education reconciliation act allow health savings_accounts medical savings_accounts health flexible spending accounts pay non prescription drugs remove annual limit salary reduction contributions health flexible spending arrangement cafeteria plan


Summary:
David Ray Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2015 or David's Law

 Amends the federal criminal code to impose penalties for willfully causing bodily injury to any person or, through the use of fire, a firearm, or an explosive device, attempting to cause such injury, whether or not acting under color of law, because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability of any person, where the offense is in or affects interstate or foreign commerce.

Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to study the issue of adult recruitment of juveniles to commit hate crimes and, if appropriate, to amend the federal sentencing guidelines to provide sentencing enhancements for such an offense.

Requires the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to make grants to state and local programs designed to combat hate crimes committed by juveniles.

Authorizes appropriations for the Department of the Treasury and DOJ for FY2015-FY2017 to increase the number of personnel to protect against criminal interference with federally-protected activities.

david ray hate crimes prevention act david law amends federal criminal code impose penalties willfully causing bodily injury person use fire firearm explosive device attempting cause injury acting color law actual perceived race color religion national origin gender sexual orientation disability person offense affects interstate foreign commerce directs sentencing commission study issue adult recruitment juveniles commit hate crimes appropriate amend federal sentencing guidelines provide sentencing enhancements offense requires administrator office_of_juvenile_justice delinquency_prevention department_of_justice doj grants state local programs designed combat hate crimes committed juveniles authorizes appropriations department_of_the_treasury doj fy2015 fy2017 increase number personnel protect criminal interference federally protected activities


Summary:
Veterans, Women, Families with Children, Race, and Persons with Disabilities Housing Fairness Act of 2015 or the Housing Fairness Act of 2015

Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to conduct a nationwide testing program to: (1) detect and document differences in the treatment of persons seeking to rent or purchase housing or obtain or refinance a home mortgage loan; (2) measure patterns of adverse treatment because of the race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability status, or national origin of a renter, home buyer, or borrower; and (3) measure the prevalence of such discriminatory practices across housing and mortgage lending markets.

 Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 to require that only qualified private nonprofit fair housing enforcement organizations receive funds under the fair housing initiatives program for investigations of violations of the rights granted under the Civil Rights Act of 1968.

Requires the design of the national education and outreach program to provide for the development and dissemination of websites and other media outlets among its fair housing media products.

Requires private entities that formulate or carry out programs to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices to be nonprofit in order to be eligible for contracts to establish or support education and outreach programs and to support community-based education and outreach activities.

Requires the Secretary to establish minimum standards for the training of testers of organizations funded with any amounts made available under this Act.

Directs the Secretary to implement a competitive matching grant program to assist public and private nonprofit organizations in: (1) conducting comprehensive studies of the causes and effects of housing discrimination and segregation on education, poverty, and economic development or on veterans and military personnel; and (2) implementing pilot projects that test solutions to help prevent or alleviate housing discrimination and segregation.

veterans women families children race persons disabilities housing fairness act housing fairness act directs secretary housing_and_urban_development conduct nationwide testing program detect document differences treatment persons seeking rent purchase housing obtain refinance home_mortgage loan measure patterns adverse treatment race color religion sex familial status disability status national origin home buyer borrower measure prevalence discriminatory practices housing mortgage lending markets amends housing_and_community_development_act require qualified private nonprofit fair housing enforcement organizations receive funds fair housing initiatives program investigations violations rights granted civil rights act requires design national education outreach program provide development dissemination websites media outlets fair housing media products requires private entities formulate carry programs prevent eliminate discriminatory housing practices nonprofit order eligible contracts establish support education outreach programs support community based education outreach activities requires secretary establish minimum standards training organizations funded amounts available act directs secretary implement competitive matching grant program assist public private nonprofit organizations conducting comprehensive studies causes effects housing discrimination segregation education poverty economic development veterans military personnel implementing pilot projects test solutions help prevent alleviate housing discrimination segregation


Summary:
Veterans and Servicemembers Employment Rights and Housing Act of 2015

Prohibits employment practices that discriminate based on an individual's military service and amends the Fair Housing Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to prohibit housing discrimination against members of the uniformed services.

Declares that it shall be an unlawful employment practice for an employer to fail to hire, to discharge, or to otherwise discriminate against individuals because of their military service. Prohibits employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, and job training programs from engaging in specified practices that adversely affect an applicant or employee because of such service.

Exempts certain hiring and employment practices from being considered unlawful if the occupancy of the position is subject to national security requirements that an individual does not fulfill.

Permits an employer to apply different standards of compensation or terms of employement pursuant to a bona fide seniority or merit system, a system which measures earnings by quantity or quality of production or to employees who work in different locations, or a professionally developed ability test.

Declares that an unlawful employment practice based on disparate impact is established only if: (1) the complaining party demonstrates that a respondent uses a particular employment practice that causes a disparate impact on the basis of military service and the respondent fails to demonstrate that the challenged practice is job-related and consistent with business necessity, or (2) the complaining party makes a demonstration with respect to an alternative employment practice and the respondent refuses to adopt such practice.

Prohibits business necessity from being used as a defense against a claim of intentional discrimination.

Declares that an unlawful employment practice is established when the complaining party demonstrates that military service was a motivating factor for any employment practice, even though other factors also motivated such practice.

Grants enforcement powers, remedies, and procedures under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Attorney General, and persons alleging such discrimination.

Amends the Fair Housing Act to prohibit housing discrimination against a member of the uniformed services with respect to: (1) the sale or rental of housing, (2) residential real estate-related transactions, and (3) the provision of brokerage services.

Prohibits religious organizations engaging in housing transactions from giving preferences to persons of the same religion in cases where membership in such religion is restricted to persons who are not members of the uniformed services.

Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to impose a fine, imprisonment, or both on persons who violate prohibitions on housing discrimination under such Act against members of the uniformed services.

veterans servicemembers employment rights housing act prohibits employment practices discriminate based individual military service amends fair housing act civil rights act prohibit housing discrimination members uniformed_services declares shall unlawful employment practice employer fail hire discharge discriminate individuals military service prohibits employers employment agencies labor organizations job training programs engaging specified practices adversely affect applicant employee service exempts certain hiring employment practices considered unlawful occupancy position subject national security requirements individual fulfill permits employer apply different standards compensation terms pursuant bona fide seniority merit system system measures earnings quantity quality production employees work different locations professionally developed ability test declares unlawful employment practice based disparate impact established complaining party demonstrates respondent uses particular employment practice causes disparate impact basis military service respondent fails demonstrate challenged practice job related consistent business necessity complaining party makes demonstration respect alternative employment practice respondent refuses adopt practice prohibits business necessity defense claim intentional discrimination declares unlawful employment practice established complaining party demonstrates military service motivating factor employment practice factors motivated practice grants enforcement powers remedies procedures civil rights act equal_employment_opportunity_commission attorney general persons alleging discrimination amends fair housing act prohibit housing discrimination member uniformed_services respect sale rental housing residential real estate related transactions provision brokerage services prohibits religious organizations engaging housing transactions giving preferences persons religion cases membership religion restricted persons members uniformed_services amends civil rights act impose fine imprisonment persons violate prohibitions housing discrimination act members uniformed_services


Summary:
Defense of Property Rights Act

Prohibits federal or state agencies from taking private property in whole or in part (including by physical invasion, regulation, exaction, or condition) except for public purpose and with just compensation to the property owner.

Requires a property owner to receive just compensation if, as a consequence of an agency's decision, the property has been physically invaded or taken without the owner's consent in an action that:

 does not substantially advance the stated governmental interest; exacts the owner's lawful right to use the property, or a portion of the property, as a condition for an agency's action (including the granting of a permit, license, or variance) without a rough proportionality between the stated need for the property and the impact of the proposed use; deprives the owner, either temporarily or permanently, of substantially all economically beneficial or productive use of the property, or of a part of the property, without a showing that the deprivation of value inheres in the title; diminishes the property's fair market value by at least 20% or $20,000; or constitutes any other taking within the meaning of the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution. Includes an agency's decision that interferes with an owner's investment-backed expectations to water rights or to rents, issues, or profits of land (including minerals, timber, fodder, crops, oil and gas, coal, or geothermal energy) among the categories of actions that may require payment of just compensation.

Defines "just compensation" to include the property's fair market value, business losses, and compounded interest from the date of the taking until the agency's payment.

Allows adversely affected property owners to challenge agency actions in either a U.S. district court or the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (USCFC). Provides persons adversely affected by an agency action with standing to challenge or seek judicial review.

Amends the federal judicial code to allow the USCFC to: (1) render judgment upon a claim against an agency for monetary relief, (2) invalidate federal laws or regulations that violate Fifth Amendment property rights, (3) grant injunctive and declaratory relief, and (4) have concurrent jurisdiction with other courts.

Establishes a six-year statute of limitations for actions to be brought after a taking.

Requires courts to award litigation costs, attorney's fees, and expert witness fees to prevailing plaintiffs.

Allows takings disputes to be resolved through settlement or arbitration.

defense property rights act prohibits federal state agencies taking private property including physical invasion regulation condition public purpose compensation property owner requires property owner receive compensation consequence agency decision property physically taken owner consent action substantially advance stated governmental interest owner lawful right use property portion property condition agency action including granting permit license variance stated need property impact proposed use owner temporarily permanently substantially economically beneficial productive use property property showing deprivation value title diminishes property fair market value constitutes taking meaning fifth amendment constitution includes agency decision interferes owner investment backed expectations water rights rents issues profits land including minerals timber crops oil gas coal geothermal energy categories actions require payment compensation defines compensation include property fair market value business losses compounded interest date taking agency payment allows adversely affected property owners challenge agency actions district_court court federal claims provides persons adversely affected agency action standing challenge seek judicial review amends federal judicial code allow render judgment claim agency monetary relief invalidate federal laws regulations violate fifth amendment property rights grant injunctive declaratory relief concurrent jurisdiction courts establishes year statute limitations actions brought taking requires courts award litigation costs attorney fees expert witness fees prevailing plaintiffs allows takings disputes resolved settlement arbitration


Summary:
Certainty in Enforcement Act of 2015

Amends equal employment opportunity requirements under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to deem an employer's, labor organization's, employment agency's, or joint labor management committee's consideration or use of credit or criminal records or information, as mandated by federal, state, or local law, to be job related and consistent with business necessity.

Declares that such use of credit or criminal records shall not be the basis of liability under any theory of disparate impact. (Currently, an unlawful employment practice based on disparate impact is established if a complaining party demonstrates that a respondent uses a particular employment practice that causes a disparate impact on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and the respondent fails to demonstrate that the challenged practice is job related for the position in question and consistent with business necessity.)

certainty enforcement act amends equal employment opportunity requirements civil rights act deem employer labor organization employment agency joint labor management committee consideration use credit criminal records information mandated federal state local law job related consistent business necessity declares use credit criminal records shall basis liability theory disparate impact currently unlawful employment practice based disparate impact established complaining party demonstrates respondent uses particular employment practice causes disparate impact basis race color religion sex national origin respondent fails demonstrate challenged practice job related position question consistent business necessity


Summary:
Litigation Oversight Act of 2015

Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to require the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to approve or disapprove by majority vote whether the EEOC shall commence or intervene in litigation involving: (1) multiple plaintiffs, or (2) an allegation of systemic discrimination or a pattern or practice of discrimination. Provides EEOC members with the power to require the EEOC to approve or disapprove by majority vote whether the EEOC commences or intervenes in any litigation.

Requires the EEOC, within 30 days after commencing or intervening in litigation pursuant to such an approval, to post on its public website: (1) information regarding the case, including the allegations and causes of action; and (2) each Commissioner's vote on commencing or intervening in the litigation.


Summary:
EEOC Transparency and Accountability Act

Directs the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to provide information on its public website regarding each case brought in court by the EEOC after a judgment is made with respect to any cause of action.

Requires such information to include: (1) instances in which the EEOC was ordered to pay fees and costs; (2) cases in which a sanction was imposed on the EEOC; (3) the total number of charges of an alleged unlawful employment practice filed under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; and (4) cases of systemic discrimination, including pattern or practice discrimination.

Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit the EEOC from bringing a suit unless it exhausts its obligation to engage in an informal conciliation and certifies that conciliation is at impasse.

Makes the determination as to whether the EEOC has engaged in a bona fide conciliation subject to judicial review.

Directs the EEOC Inspector General to notify Congress of any sanctions, fees, or costs imposed on the EEOC by a court. Requires the Inspector General to investigate such cases and the EEOC to report to Congress regarding the steps being taken to reduce such instances.

eeoc transparency accountability_act directs equal_employment_opportunity_commission eeoc provide information public website case brought court eeoc judgment respect cause action requires information include instances eeoc ordered pay fees costs cases sanction imposed eeoc total number charges alleged unlawful employment practice filed specified provisions civil rights act americans disabilities act age discrimination employment act fair labor standards act cases systemic discrimination including pattern practice discrimination amends civil rights act prohibit eeoc bringing suit obligation engage informal certifies impasse makes determination eeoc engaged bona fide subject judicial review directs eeoc inspector_general notify congress sanctions fees costs imposed eeoc court requires inspector_general investigate cases eeoc report congress steps taken reduce instances


Summary:
English Language Unity Act of 2015

Establishes English as the official language of the United States.

Requires naturalization ceremonies and official functions of the U.S. government, subject to exceptions, to be conducted in English.

Declares that all citizens should be able to read and understand generally the English language text of U.S. laws.

Allows a person injured by a violation of this Act to obtain relief, including a declaratory judgment, in a civil action.

Declares that English language requirements and workplace policies, whether in the public or private sector, shall be presumptively consistent with U.S. laws. Requires any ambiguity in U.S. laws to be resolved in accordance with the rights retained by the people and the powers reserved to states under the Bill of Rights.

Directs the Department of Homeland Security to issue a proposed rule for uniform testing of the English language ability of candidates for naturalization based upon the principles that: (1) all citizens should be able to read and understand generally the English language text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the laws of the United States; and (2) any exceptions to this standard should be limited to extraordinary circumstances, such as asylum.

english language unity act establishes english official language united_states requires naturalization ceremonies official functions government subject exceptions conducted english declares citizens able read understand generally english language text laws allows person injured violation act obtain relief including declaratory judgment civil action declares english language requirements workplace policies public private sector shall presumptively consistent laws requires laws resolved accordance rights retained people powers reserved states bill rights directs department_of_homeland_security issue proposed rule uniform testing english language ability candidates naturalization based principles citizens able read understand generally english language text declaration independence constitution laws united_states exceptions standard limited extraordinary circumstances asylum


Summary:
American Civil Rights Cities Act

Requires the National Park Service to designate at least one city in the United States each year as an "American Civil Rights City" based on the city's: (1) contributions to protect civil rights by preventing discrimination; and (2) efforts to highlight the struggle of the United States to secure civil rights and liberties through preservation and celebration, including the establishment of historical organizations or museums and recognition of civil rights leaders.

Designates Greensboro, North Carolina, and Selma, Alabama, as the first cities to have that designation.

american civil rights cities act requires national_park_service designate city united_states year american civil rights city based city contributions protect civil rights preventing discrimination efforts united_states secure civil rights liberties preservation including establishment historical organizations museums recognition civil rights leaders designates north_carolina alabama cities designation


Summary:
Repeal Existing Policies that Encourage and Allow Legal HIV Discrimination Act of 2015 or the REPEAL HIV Discrimination Act of 2015

Expresses the sense of Congress that federal and state laws, policies, and regulations regarding people living with HIV/AIDS should: (1) not place unique or additional burdens on such individuals solely as a result of their HIV status; and (2) demonstrate a public health-oriented, evidence-based, medically accurate, and contemporary understanding of HIV transmission, health implications, treatment, and the impact of punitive HIV-specific laws, policies, regulations, and judicial precedents and decisions on public health and on affected people, families, and communities.

Directs: (1) the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of Defense (DOD) to initiate a national review of federal (including military) and state laws, policies, regulations, and judicial precedents and decisions regarding criminal and related civil commitment cases involving people living with HIV/AIDS; and (2) DOJ to transmit to Congress and make publicly available the results of such review with related recommendations.

Requires DOJ and HHS to: (1) develop and publicly release guidance and best practice recommendations for states, and (2) establish an integrated monitoring and evaluation system to measure state progress.

Directs DOJ, HHS, and DOD to transmit to the President and Congress any proposals necessary to implement adjustments to federal laws, policies, or regulations.

Prohibits this Act from being construed to discourage the prosecution of individuals who intentionally transmit or attempt to transmit HIV to another individual.

repeal existing policies encourage allow legal hiv discrimination act repeal hiv discrimination act expresses sense congress federal state laws policies regulations people living hiv aids place unique additional burdens individuals solely result hiv status demonstrate public health oriented evidence based medically accurate understanding hiv transmission health implications treatment impact punitive hiv specific laws policies regulations judicial decisions public health affected people families communities directs department_of_justice doj department_of_health_and_human_services hhs department_of_defense dod initiate national review federal including military state laws policies regulations judicial decisions criminal related civil commitment cases involving people living hiv aids doj transmit congress publicly available results review related recommendations requires doj hhs develop publicly release guidance best practice recommendations states establish integrated monitoring evaluation system measure state progress directs doj hhs dod transmit president congress proposals necessary implement adjustments federal laws policies regulations prohibits act construed discourage prosecution individuals intentionally transmit attempt transmit hiv individual


Summary:
Fair Pay Act of 2015

 Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit discrimination in the payment of wages on account of sex, race, or national origin. (Allows payment of different wages under seniority systems, merit systems, systems that measure earnings by quantity or quality of production, or differentials based on bona fide factors that the employer demonstrates are job-related or further legitimate business interests.)

Prohibits the discharge of, or any other discrimination against, an individual for opposing any act or practice made unlawful by this Act, or for assisting in an investigation or proceeding under it. Directs courts, in any action brought under this Act for violation of such prohibition, to allow expert fees as part of the costs awarded to prevailing plaintiffs. Allows any such action to be maintained as a class action. Directs the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to: (1) undertake studies and provide information and technical assistance to employers, labor organizations, and the general public concerning effective means available to implement this Act; and (2) carry on a continuing program of research, education, and technical assistance with specified components related to the purposes of this Act. Makes conforming amendments relating to congressional and executive branch employees to the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 and the Presidential and Executive Office Accountability Act.

fair pay act amends fair labor standards act prohibit discrimination payment wages account sex race national origin allows payment different wages seniority systems merit systems systems measure earnings quantity quality production differentials based bona fide factors employer demonstrates job related legitimate business interests prohibits discharge discrimination individual opposing act practice unlawful act assisting investigation proceeding directs courts action brought act violation prohibition allow expert fees costs awarded prevailing plaintiffs allows action maintained class action directs equal_employment_opportunity_commission undertake studies provide information technical assistance employers labor organizations general public concerning effective means available implement act carry continuing program research education technical assistance specified components related purposes act makes conforming amendments relating congressional executive branch employees congressional_accountability_act presidential executive_office accountability_act


Summary:
Strengthening Privacy, Oversight, and Transparency Act or the SPOT Act

Amends the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to expand the functions of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) to include reviews of legislation, regulations, policies, and executive branch actions relating to foreign intelligence.

Allows intelligence community employees, contractors, or detailees to submit to the PCLOB a whistleblower complaint or information believed to be related to a privacy or civil liberties concern. Permits the PCLOB to: (1) investigate such complaints, or (2) transmit such complaints to any other executive agency or the congressional intelligence committees.

Authorizes the PCLOB to subpoena persons (other than agencies and elements of the executive branch) to produce documentary or testimonial evidence. (Currently, the PCLOB submits a request for the Attorney General to issue a subpoena.)

Permits the PCLOB, at the direction of the majority of its members, to exercise the authority of the PCLOB chairman to appoint and fix compensation of Board staff when the position of chairman is vacant.

Provides for members of the PCLOB to serve in a full-time capacity. Removes exceptions to the requirement that members continue to serve after the expiration of their term of office until a successor has been appointed and qualified. Revises the compensation of the PCLOB chairman, members, and staff.

Directs the Attorney General to fully inform the PCLOB about government activities under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA), including by providing to the PCLOB copies of: (1) FISA reports submitted to Congress; and (2) FISA court decisions, orders, and opinions that include significant construction or interpretation of FISA.

strengthening privacy oversight transparency_act spot act amends intelligence_reform_and_terrorism_prevention_act expand functions privacy_and_civil_liberties_oversight_board include reviews legislation regulations policies executive branch actions relating foreign intelligence allows intelligence_community employees contractors submit whistleblower complaint information believed related privacy civil liberties concern permits investigate complaints transmit complaints executive agency congressional intelligence committees authorizes subpoena persons agencies elements executive branch produce documentary evidence currently submits request attorney general issue subpoena permits direction majority members exercise authority chairman appoint fix compensation board staff position chairman vacant provides members serve time capacity removes exceptions requirement members continue serve expiration term office successor appointed qualified revises compensation chairman members staff directs attorney general fully inform government activities foreign_intelligence_surveillance_act fisa including providing copies fisa reports submitted congress fisa_court decisions orders opinions include significant construction interpretation fisa


Summary:
Private Property Rights Protection Act of 2015

Prohibits a state or political subdivision from exercising its power of eminent domain, or allowing the exercise of such power by delegation, over property to be used for economic development or over property that is used for economic development within seven years after that exercise, if the state or political subdivision receives federal economic development funds during any fiscal year in which the property is so used or intended to be used.

Prohibits the federal government from exercising its power of eminent domain for economic development.

Establishes a private cause of action for any private property owner or tenant who suffers injury as a result of a violation of this Act. Prohibits state immunity in federal or state court. Sets the statute of limitations at seven years.

Requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to bring an action to enforce this Act in certain circumstances, but prohibits an action brought later than seven years following the conclusion of any condemnation proceedings.

Requires DOJ to disseminate to states and the public information on: (1) the rights of property owners and tenants under this Act, and (2) the federal laws under which federal economic development funds are distributed.

Prohibits the federal government, or a state or political subdivision receiving federal economic development funds during any fiscal year, from exercising the power of eminent domain over property of a religious or other nonprofit organization because of the organization's nonprofit or tax-exempt status or any related quality.

Directs DOJ, if a court determines that a violation of this Act has a disproportionately high impact on the poor or minorities, to make efforts to locate former owners and tenants to inform them of the violation and any possible remedies.

private property rights protection act prohibits state political subdivision exercising power eminent domain allowing exercise power delegation property economic development property economic development seven years exercise state political subdivision receives federal economic development funds fiscal year property intended prohibits federal_government exercising power eminent domain economic development establishes private cause action private property owner tenant suffers injury result violation act prohibits state immunity federal state court sets statute limitations seven years requires department_of_justice doj bring action enforce act certain circumstances prohibits action brought later seven years following conclusion condemnation proceedings requires doj disseminate states public information rights property owners tenants act federal laws federal economic development funds distributed prohibits federal_government state political subdivision receiving federal economic development funds fiscal year exercising power eminent domain property religious nonprofit organization organization nonprofit tax exempt status related quality directs doj court determines violation act disproportionately high impact poor minorities efforts locate owners tenants inform violation possible remedies


Summary:
Grants Oversight and New Efficiency Act or the GONE Act

(Sec. 2) This bill directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to instruct the head of each federal agency (excluding Congress, U.S. courts, and the governments of U.S. territories or possessions and the District of Columbia), in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to submit to Congress and HHS, not later than December 31 of the first calendar year beginning after enactment of this Act, a report that: (1) lists each covered grant held by such agency; (2) provides the total number of covered grants, including the number of grants by time period of expiration, with zero dollar balances, and with undisbursed balances; (3) describes the challenges leading to delays in grant closeout; and (4) for the 30 oldest covered grants, explains why each covered grant has not been closed out. Agencies may use existing multiagency data systems to prepare their reports. Agency heads who are unable to submit all required information must include an explanation in their reports of why the information was not available, including any shortcomings with and plans to improve existing grant systems, including data systems.

Agencies must provide notice to HHS within one year after the agency head submits the report required by this Act, specifying whether grant awards associated with all of the covered grants have been closed out. HHS must compile and report to Congress on such notices not later than 90 days after all of the required notices have been provided, or by March 31 of the calendar year following the first calendar year beginning after enactment of this Act, whichever is sooner. The Inspector General of each agency with more than $500 million in grant funding must conduct a risk assessment to determine if an audit or review of the agency's grant closeout process is warranted. The OMB must submit to Congress a report on recommendations for legislation to improve accountability and oversight in grants management, including the timely closeout of a covered grant.

The bill defines "covered grant" to mean a grant in a federal agency cash payment management system held by the U.S. government for which: (1) the grant award period of performance, including any extensions, has been expired for at least two years; and (2) the grant has not been closed out.

grants oversight new efficiency_act act sec bill directs office_of_management_and_budget omb instruct head federal agency excluding congress courts governments territories possessions district_of_columbia coordination department_of_health_and_human_services hhs submit congress hhs later december calendar year beginning enactment act report lists covered grant held agency provides total number covered grants including number grants time period expiration zero dollar balances undisbursed balances describes challenges leading delays grant covered grants explains covered grant closed agencies use existing multiagency data systems prepare reports agency heads unable submit required information include explanation reports information available including plans improve existing grant systems including data systems agencies provide notice hhs year agency head submits report required act specifying grant awards associated covered grants closed hhs compile report congress notices later days required notices provided march calendar year following calendar year beginning enactment act whichever sooner inspector_general agency million grant funding conduct risk assessment determine audit review agency grant process warranted omb submit congress report recommendations legislation improve accountability oversight grants management including timely covered grant bill defines covered grant mean grant federal agency cash payment management system held government grant award period performance including extensions expired years grant closed


Summary:
Rebuilding Urban Inner Cities Is Long Overdue Act of 2015 or the REBUILD Act

Provides FY2015 supplemental appropriations for the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Department of Labor, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Designates each amount provided by this bill as an emergency requirement, pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Provides that the funds are only available if the President subsequently designates the amounts. (Emergency spending is exempt from discretionary spending limits and other budget enforcement rules.)

Provides appropriations to DOJ for: the Office of Justice Programs, including State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance and Juvenile Justice Programs; and Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS).

Provides appropriations to the SBA for Entrepreneurial Development Programs and the Business Loans Program Account.

Provides appropriations to Labor for the Employment and Training Administration.

Provides appropriations to HHS for the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Provides appropriations to HUD for Public and Indian Housing, Community Planning and Development, and the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes.

Requires HUD to extend current Moving to Work agreements of previously designated participating agencies until the end of FY2028, subject to specified requirements and restrictions. (Moving to Work is a demonstration program that provides HUD and local Public Housing Authorities flexibility to test alternative policies for providing housing assistance through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program and the public housing program.)

rebuilding urban inner cities long overdue act rebuild act provides fy2015 supplemental appropriations department_of_justice doj small_business_administration sba department_of_labor department_of_health_and_human_services hhs department_of_housing_and_urban_development hud designates provided bill emergency requirement pursuant balanced_budget emergency deficit control act provides funds available president subsequently designates amounts emergency spending exempt discretionary spending limits budget enforcement rules provides appropriations doj office_of_justice_programs including state local law enforcement assistance juvenile justice programs community oriented policing services cops provides appropriations sba entrepreneurial development programs business loans program account provides appropriations labor employment_and_training_administration provides appropriations hhs health_resources_and_services_administration substance_abuse_and_mental_health_services_administration provides appropriations hud public indian housing community planning development office lead hazard control healthy homes requires hud extend current moving work agreements previously designated participating agencies end subject specified requirements restrictions moving work demonstration program provides hud local public housing authorities flexibility test alternative policies providing housing assistance section housing choice voucher program public housing program


Summary:
Civil Justice Tax Fairness Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) an exclusion from gross income for amounts received on account of a judgment or settlement resulting from a claim of unlawful discrimination, (2) income averaging for backpay and frontpay amounts received from such claims, and (3) an exemption from the alternative minimum tax (AMT) for any tax benefit resulting from the income averaging of amounts received from an unlawful discrimination claim.

civil justice tax fairness act bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow exclusion gross income amounts received account judgment settlement resulting claim unlawful discrimination income averaging backpay amounts received claims exemption alternative minimum tax amt tax benefit resulting income averaging amounts received unlawful discrimination claim


Summary:
Foreign Affairs Inclusion Reporting Act or the FAIR Act

This bill directs the Department of State to report to Congress within 180 days and quadrennially thereafter on State Department efforts to promote equal opportunity for all American employees in direct hire and personal service contractors status, particularly Foreign Service employees.

Beginning in FY2016, the State Department shall: (1) increase by 10 the number of fellows selected for the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program, and (2) increase by 10 the number of fellows selected for the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program.

 The State Department is urged to provide oversight to the employment, retention, and promotion of underrepresented groups to promote a diverse ethnic representation among mid- and senior-level career professionals through programs such as: (1) the International Career Advancement Program, (2) Seminar XXI at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Center for International Studies, and (3) other international leadership programs.

The State Department is also urged to review past programs designed to increase minority representation in international affairs positions, including: (1) the Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship Program, and (2) the Institute for International Public Policy Fellowship Program.

foreign affairs inclusion reporting act fair act bill directs department_of_state report congress days state_department efforts promote equal opportunity american employees direct hire personal service contractors status particularly foreign_service employees beginning fy2016 state_department shall increase number fellows selected charles international affairs program increase number fellows selected thomas foreign affairs fellowship program state_department provide oversight employment retention promotion underrepresented groups promote diverse ethnic representation mid- senior level career professionals programs international career advancement program seminar xxi massachusetts institute technology center international studies international leadership programs state_department review past programs designed increase minority representation international affairs positions including public policy international affairs fellowship program institute international public policy fellowship program