Bill · H.R. 8888· House(119-HR-8888)
Ending Passenger Rail Forced Arbitration Act
- Introduced
- 5/19/2026
- Last activity
- 5/19/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Sponsored by
- Christopher Deluzio
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Ending Passenger Rail Forced Arbitration Act," seeks to amend title 49 of the United States Code. It aims to prohibit Amtrak from using predispute arbitration agreements that force consumer and civil rights disputes into arbitration. Additionally, it prohibits agreements that prevent customers from participating in joint, class, or collective actions. The act targets disputes involving services, accommodations, or carriage on Amtrak trains. These protections apply to all customers, regardless of whether they are minors or have paid for transportation.
Yes· 3 of 12
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+6
The bill prohibits Amtrak from using mandatory arbitration clauses that prevent customers from pursuing consumer and civil rights disputes in court.
Would children be better off under this?+5
The bill specifies that protections apply to customers regardless of whether they are minors.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+5
The bill ensures that older customers retain their right to judicial recourse for consumer and civil rights disputes.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection of Rights: The bill prohibits arbitration agreements that force consumer and civil rights disputes into arbitration, which protects the ability of customers to pursue these issues through other means (Section 2(a)(1)).
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Preservation of Collective Action: It prohibits practices that interfere with a customer's right to participate in joint, class, or collective actions related to consumer or civil rights disputes (Section 2(a)(2)).
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Broad Coverage of Civil Rights: The bill defines civil rights disputes to include alleged violations of the Constitution or laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, sex, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or national origin, among other protected statuses (Section 2(b)(2)(A)).
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Consumer Safety and Injury Claims: The definition of a consumer dispute includes all claims related to personal injuries between Amtrak and its customers (Section 2(b)(3)).
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Court Oversight: The bill ensures that whether an agreement to arbitrate is valid or applicable is determined by a court rather than an arbitrator (Section 2(c)(2)(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Exclusion of Certain Disputes: This section does not apply to predispute arbitration agreements or joint-action waivers invoked in connection with disputes subject to the Railway Labor Act (Section 2(c)(2)(C)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For African Americans+5Good For Children+5Good For Hispanic Americans+5Good For Low Income Households+5Good For People With Disabilities+5Good For Seniors+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+5Improves Gender Equality+5Improves L G B T Q Rights+5Improves Racial Equity+5
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+6
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+5
- 5/19/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Brendan BoyleDemocrat · Pennsylvania