HB 115 Summary

• Expands Alabama's application of federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) to include Naval Militia, Alabama State Guard, Civil Air Patrol, National Disaster Medical System, and other reserve components of uniformed services during war, armed conflict, or declared emergencies.

• Prohibits employers from denying initial employment, reemployment, retention, promotion, or any employment benefit to members of uniformed services based on their membership, application for membership, or service obligation.

• Prevents employer discrimination or adverse employment action against employees who enforce protections under the law, provide testimony, participate in investigations, or exercise rights under the statute.

• Creates a private cause of action allowing current or former employees and uniformed service members to sue employers for violations, with courts authorized to award back pay, liquidated damages for willful violations, and attorney fees.

• Establishes reemployment rights with notification requirements based on length of service (30+ consecutive days required for eligibility), maximum five-year cumulative service absence, and recovery period extensions for service-related illness or injury up to two years.