HB455 Summary

• Creates a private right of action allowing military service members to sue employers who violate military leave of absence protections under Alabama law.

• Prohibits employers from discriminating against or taking adverse employment actions against uniformed service members based on their military membership, service performance, or obligations.

• Establishes reemployment rights for service members absent up to five years, with specific notification and application timelines ranging from 14 to 90 days depending on length of service.

• Permits courts to award compensatory damages for lost wages or benefits, liquidated damages if employer violation was willful, and attorney fees to prevailing claimants with private counsel.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.