"Dole Act" Amends the USERRA

"Dole Act" Amends the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act

On January 2, President Biden signed the "Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act," which expands protections under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act (USERRA). USERRA provides certain health insurance protections and reemployment rights for covered service members. It also prohibits employers from discriminating against, harassing, or retaliating against veterans and service members. The new law makes several important changes that expand these rights and protections, including:

• Added Retaliation Protections
• Increase in Damages for Violations
• Injunctive Relief
• Set Interest Rate for Lost Wages & Benefits
• Award for Attorney’s Fees
• Clarification that USERRA Applies to All Service Members

The new law may not require employers to make many adjustments to their existing military leave policies, but it creates a perfect opportunity to ensure any policies are up-to-date. Be reminded that USERRA is a federal law, and most employers likely have additional obligations under numerous local or state laws.

If your military leave policies need to be reviewed, MRA can help. Contact us today to learn more.