WASHINGTON — The Senate on Thursday voted to approve bipartisan legislation that would ban private companies from forcing employers and customers into arbitration to resolve sexual harassment and assault allegations, a victory for advocates and sex assault victims who have long complained that such legal agreements have enabled powerful men to evade accountability.
The legislation, which passed in a voice vote, next goes to President Joe Biden for his expected signature.
Earlier this week, the House of Representatives passed the bill in a 335-97 vote, with 113 Republicans joining all Democrats in approving the measure.
An estimated 60 million workers have contracts that contain provisions requiring those alleging sexual harassment and assault by bosses or coworkers to enter arbitration to resolve the claims. The law will nullify those contract clauses, according to Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., primary co-sponsor of the House version.
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