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.
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Timeline
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in Senate
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.