Summary of HR 1076 - WARN Act

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HR 1076

Title: WARN Act

Status: Introduced in House

Introduced Date: February 06, 2025

Classification: Bill

The WARN Act (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act) aims to enhance protections for workers facing layoffs and plant closures by requiring employers to provide advance notice of such actions. This legislation is designed to help employees prepare for job loss and seek alternative employment or retraining opportunities.

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of the WARN Act is to ensure that employees are informed well in advance of significant layoffs or facility closures. By mandating advance notice, the bill seeks to:
- Provide workers with time to adjust to the impending loss of employment.
- Allow employees to seek new job opportunities or retraining programs.
- Mitigate the economic impact on communities affected by sudden job losses.

Key Provisions

While the specific text of the bill is not provided, typical provisions in similar legislation may include:
- Notice Requirement: Employers with a certain number of employees (often 100 or more) must provide at least 60 days' notice before mass layoffs or plant closures.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to provide adequate notice may face penalties, including back pay for affected employees.
- Exceptions: Certain circumstances, such as natural disasters or unforeseen business circumstances, may exempt employers from the notice requirement.

Affected Parties

The WARN Act would primarily affect:
- Employees: Workers in companies that meet the threshold for notice requirements would benefit from advance warning of layoffs.
- Employers: Businesses would need to comply with the notice requirements, which may involve administrative changes and potential financial implications if they fail to comply.
- Communities: Local economies may be impacted positively by providing workers with time to transition to new employment opportunities.

Legislative Process

• Introduced: February 06, 2025
• Referred to Committees: The bill has been referred to the following committees for further consideration:
  • Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management
  • House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors and Support

The bill is sponsored by Nicholas A. Langworthy and has a diverse group of cosponsors, including notable representatives such as:
- Michael Lawler
- Joe Neguse
- Kristen McDonald Rivet
- Chris Pappas
- Jared Moskowitz
- And many others, totaling over 30 cosponsors.

Related Legislation

HR 1076 has a companion bill, HR 4669, which may address similar issues or provide additional context for the WARN Act.

Conclusion

The WARN Act represents a significant effort to protect workers from sudden job losses by ensuring they receive timely notice of layoffs and closures. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it will be important to monitor its developments and potential impacts on both employees and employers.