Equal Remedies Act of 2026

This bill, known as the Equal Remedies Act of 2026, aims to significantly expand and equalize the remedies available for certain discrimination claims. It amends Section 1977A of the Revised Statutes to explicitly allow for a broader range of compensatory damages, including those for emotional pain and suffering, and guarantees the right to a jury trial for any party under that section.

Furthermore, the bill makes substantial changes to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA). It stipulates that the powers, remedies, and procedures available under specific sections of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 will now apply to age discrimination claims. This critical change ensures that individuals alleging age discrimination can seek any type of legal or equitable relief, including compensatory and punitive damages, mirroring the remedies available for other forms of discrimination under Title VII.