Overview

Title

To address Federal employees and contractors who commit sexual misconduct.

ELI5 AI

The "CREEPS Act" says that if people working for the government or companies that work with the government do bad things like hurting others, they have to lose their jobs and can't get better pay or promotions for five years. It also makes sure these rules are part of contracts, so everyone knows they have to be good at work.

Summary AI

S. 3480, also known as the “CREEPS Act”, addresses the issue of sexual misconduct by federal employees and contractors. It mandates that federal employees convicted of sexual assault while on duty must be removed from service after a hearing. The legislation also prohibits pay raises, bonuses, or promotions for federal employees or contractors' employees who have either sustained complaints of sexual assault or sexual misconduct for a period of five years from the final judgment. Furthermore, it requires federal contracts to contain clauses that enforce similar penalties for contractors' employees.

Published

2023-12-13
Congress: 118
Session: 1
Chamber: SENATE
Status: Introduced in Senate
Date: 2023-12-13
Package ID: BILLS-118s3480is

Keywords AI

creeps act federal employees sexual misconduct sexual assault contractors employment termination pay restrictions misconduct policy enforcement hearing procedures legislation

Sources

Bill Statistics

Size

Sections:
2
Words:
1,271
Pages:
7
Sentences:
15

Language

Nouns: 378
Verbs: 98
Adjectives: 85
Adverbs: 3
Numbers: 36
Entities: 60

Complexity

Average Token Length:
4.23
Average Sentence Length:
84.73
Token Entropy:
4.88
Readability (ARI):
44.45

AnalysisAI

Summary of the Bill

The bill titled "Compulsory Requirement to Eliminate Employees who are Perpetrators of Sexual misconduct Act of 2023," or the "CREEPS Act," aims to address issues related to sexual misconduct among Federal employees and contractors. The legislation establishes specific definitions for terms like "sexual misconduct" and "sexual assault" and outlines the consequences for individuals found guilty of these behaviors. Key measures include the removal of Federal employees convicted of sexual assault and restrictions on pay increases, bonuses, and promotions for those involved in misconduct. The bill also mandates that Federal contractors implement similar policies for handling employees implicated in such offenses.

Summary of Significant Issues

Several issues arise in the language and provisions of this bill:

  1. Inappropriate Title: The short title "CREEPS Act" may carry negative connotations, potentially leading to misunderstandings or backlash from the public and stakeholders. The use of colloquial language can detract from the seriousness of the legislation.

  2. Complex Definitions: The bill relies on legal jargon that might be difficult for non-experts to understand. Simplifying terms like "sexual misconduct" and "sexual assault" could enhance clarity and aid in proper enforcement.

  3. Proportionality of Penalties: The provision preventing salary increments, bonuses, or promotions for five years could be seen as either too lenient or overly harsh, raising questions about the appropriate balance of consequences for misconduct.

  4. Lack of Enforcement Mechanisms: The bill does not specify how contractors' compliance with these requirements will be monitored or enforced, which may result in inconsistent application across different entities.

  5. Ambiguity in Procedures: The bill lacks specificity regarding what constitutes "notice and an opportunity for a hearing," which could lead to varying interpretations and enforcement practices among agencies and contractors.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, this bill aims to reinforce accountability and integrity among Federal employees and contractors in matters related to sexual misconduct. It is a step towards creating safer work environments by imposing clear repercussions for inappropriate behaviors. However, the effectiveness of these measures may depend significantly on how they are communicated and enforced.

Impact on Stakeholders

Federal Employees: For employees, this bill represents both a compulsory standard of conduct and a potential source of anxiety due to the proposed repercussions, which, depending on individual views, may seem either insufficient or unduly punitive.

Federal Contractors: Contractors are also held to account through mandated policies. While these requirements promote necessary worker protection, they could impose additional administrative burdens, particularly if enforcement mechanisms are unclear.

Victims of Misconduct: The bill ostensibly provides stronger protection to employees by deterring misconduct and ensuring that perpetrators face consequences. However, the effectiveness of these protections relies on proper implementation and oversight.

In conclusion, while the "CREEPS Act" appears committed to addressing sexual misconduct in substantial ways, the concerns raised about its terminology, clarity, and enforcement could shape its reception and effectiveness. It is crucial for lawmakers to address these ambiguities to ensure the bill serves its intended purpose of fostering safer work environments.

Issues

  • The short title 'CREEPS Act' may be considered inappropriate or pejorative, potentially leading to misunderstandings or backlash from the public and stakeholders. This is found in Section 1.

  • The definitions of 'sexual misconduct' and 'sexual assault' in Section 2 use complex legal terms that may be difficult for non-experts to understand, potentially affecting clarity and enforcement.

  • The provision in Section 2 allowing a period of five years during which a Federal employee or contractor found guilty of sexual misconduct or assault cannot receive a pay increase, bonus, or promotion may be considered too lenient or overly punitive, raising ethical concerns about proportionality of the penalties.

  • The bill does not specify how the requirement for contractors to have policies dealing with employees convicted of sexual misconduct or assault will be monitored or enforced, which could lead to non-compliance without consequences. This is indicated in Section 2 (c).

  • There is a lack of specificity regarding what constitutes 'notice and an opportunity for a hearing' in the procedures for addressing sexual misconduct and assault. This ambiguity in Section 2 could lead to inconsistencies in enforcement across different agencies and contractors.

  • The term 'eliminate' in the title could be ambiguous or harsh since it may not clearly specify actions related to termination of employment or other deterrent measures. This issue is part of Section 1.

  • The phrase 'Perpetrators of Sexual Misconduct' should explicitly define what constitutes sexual misconduct under this Act to avoid ambiguity, as highlighted in Section 1.

Sections

Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.

1. Short title Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Act is officially titled the “Compulsory Requirement to Eliminate Employees who are Perpetrators of Sexual misconduct Act of 2023” and can also be referred to as the “CREEPS Act.”

2. Sexual misconduct by Federal employees and contractors Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

This section of the bill defines key terms related to sexual misconduct by federal employees and contractors. It outlines the consequences for federal employees and contractors convicted of sexual offenses or found to have engaged in sexual misconduct, including restrictions on pay raises, bonuses, promotions, and, in some cases, termination of employment.