Bill · S. 4877· Senate(119-S-4877)
Military Sexual Trauma Accountability Act
- Introduced
- 6/24/2026
- Last activity
- 6/24/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Jeanne Shaheen
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Military Sexual Trauma Accountability Act," aims to amend title 28 of the United States Code. It would allow individuals to bring lawsuits against the United States for injuries or death resulting from sexual misconduct while they were members of the Armed Forces. This includes claims involving the negligent failure to prevent or investigate such misconduct. The bill defines specific types of sexual misconduct and clarifies which service members are covered. It also establishes a five-year statute of limitations for these claims.
Yes· 3 of 5
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+8
The bill provides a mechanism for veterans to seek compensation for injuries or death resulting from sexual trauma experienced during service.
Would women be better off under this?+7
The bill addresses sexual misconduct and harassment which disproportionately affects women in the military.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+7
The bill ensures that legal recoveries for sexual trauma are not reduced by health care or benefits provided by the VA or DoD.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Accountability for Sexual Misconduct: The bill allows for claims against the United States due to sexual misconduct committed by a covered individual, specifically including the negligent failure to prevent or investigate such acts (Section 2, subsection b).
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Protection of Legal Recoveries: A claim brought under this act will not be reduced by the amount of health care or benefits provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or the Secretary of Defense (Section 2, subsection c).
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Extended Timeframes for Filing Claims: The bill establishes a 5-year statute of limitations for these claims, and this period is paused while any investigation or proceeding regarding the alleged misconduct is ongoing (Section 2, subsection d and e).
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Expanded Application for Past Claims: The act applies to claims arising before the date of enactment, provided the period of limitations is deemed to begin on the date of the act's enactment (Section 2, subsection d).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly detailed in the provided text.
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 Veterans+8Good For Women+7
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+7
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Gender Equality+7
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+6
- 6/24/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
John KennedyRepublican · Louisiana