H.R. 7583In committeeJobs & the economy
BE HEARD Act would extend harassment protections to millions of U.S. workers
Data as of July 11, 2026
HR 7583 would broaden who is protected from workplace harassment and make it easier to prove and win discrimination claims.55-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
HR 7583, the BE HEARD in the Workplace Act, would require employers with 15 or more employees to adopt written anti-harassment policies and provide workplace training. It lowers the legal standard for proving harassment, removes caps on lawsuit damages, gives workers more time to file complaints, and limits forced arbitration and nondisclosure agreements. It also explicitly classifies discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity as illegal sex discrimination.
Who does it affect?
The bill covers a broad range of workers including regular employees, independent contractors, interns, volunteers, trainees, tipped workers, and federal government employees. Employers of all sizes are affected, with mandatory requirements applying to those with 15 or more employees and voluntary resources available to smaller businesses.
Why does it matter?
Lowering the legal standard for harassment and removing damage caps could lead to more workers filing and winning discrimination claims, changing how employers manage workplace conduct. Extending protections to contractors, interns, and tipped workers would shift existing legal obligations for a large share of the workforce that currently lacks those rights.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee — You are here
- House vote
- Senate
- President's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
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Official title
BE HEARD in the Workplace Act
- Introduced:
- February 13, 2026
- Latest action:
- February 13, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, House Administration, Oversight and Government Reform, and Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.