Bill would strip Amtrak of power to block passengers from suing

What does this do?

HR 8888 would prohibit Amtrak from including mandatory arbitration clauses or class action bans in its passenger contracts. The bill covers consumer disputes such as personal injury and service problems, as well as civil rights disputes involving discrimination based on race, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Courts, not arbitrators, would have authority to determine whether the law applies in a given case.

Who does it affect?

The bill protects anyone who rides or attempts to ride Amtrak, including minors and passengers who did not personally pay for their ticket. Amtrak employees are explicitly not covered.

Why does it matter?

Passengers who sign Amtrak contracts currently may be bound by fine print requiring private arbitration and barring class action participation. If enacted, the bill would take effect immediately and apply to any dispute arising after that date, regardless of what a signed contract states.

Where does it stand?