Legis Daily

Military Sexual Trauma Accountability Act

USA119th CongressS-4877| Senate 
| Updated: 6/24/2026
Jeanne Shaheen

Jeanne Shaheen

Democratic Senator

New Hampshire

Cosponsors (1)
John Kennedy (Republican)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill amends federal law to allow members of the Armed Forces to sue the United States for injuries or death resulting from military sexual trauma. It specifically permits claims against the government for sexual misconduct committed by a service member and for the government's negligent failure to prevent or investigate such misconduct, or other negligent actions that contributed to it, thereby expanding accountability beyond individual perpetrators. The legislation defines "covered individuals" who can bring suit, encompassing active duty, National Guard, and reserve members, and provides a comprehensive definition of "sexual misconduct" referencing various Uniform Code of Military Justice offenses. A key provision establishes a five-year statute of limitations for these claims, which can be tolled during related investigations or proceedings, and ensures compensation will not be reduced by existing VA or DoD benefits. The act ensures that certain exceptions to the Federal Tort Claims Act do not apply, enabling these specific lawsuits against the United States. It applies to claims arising both on or after its enactment date, and to prior claims, with the limitation period for older claims beginning on the enactment date.

Bill Text Versions

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2 versions available

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Timeline
Jun 24, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Jun 24, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • June 24, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 24, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Law

Military Sexual Trauma Accountability Act

USA119th CongressS-4877| Senate 
| Updated: 6/24/2026
This bill amends federal law to allow members of the Armed Forces to sue the United States for injuries or death resulting from military sexual trauma. It specifically permits claims against the government for sexual misconduct committed by a service member and for the government's negligent failure to prevent or investigate such misconduct, or other negligent actions that contributed to it, thereby expanding accountability beyond individual perpetrators. The legislation defines "covered individuals" who can bring suit, encompassing active duty, National Guard, and reserve members, and provides a comprehensive definition of "sexual misconduct" referencing various Uniform Code of Military Justice offenses. A key provision establishes a five-year statute of limitations for these claims, which can be tolled during related investigations or proceedings, and ensures compensation will not be reduced by existing VA or DoD benefits. The act ensures that certain exceptions to the Federal Tort Claims Act do not apply, enabling these specific lawsuits against the United States. It applies to claims arising both on or after its enactment date, and to prior claims, with the limitation period for older claims beginning on the enactment date.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
2 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jun 24, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Jun 24, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • June 24, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 24, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Jeanne Shaheen

Jeanne Shaheen

Democratic Senator

New Hampshire

Cosponsors (1)
John Kennedy (Republican)

Judiciary Committee

Law

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted