Ethical Investigations and Integrity Act
Latest action (22 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 9859, the Ethical Investigations and Integrity Act, would require the Secretary of Labor to enter into a written "adverse interest agreement" before providing certain assistance to individuals connected to potential civil lawsuits. Specifically, if the Department of Labor shares information or advice directed toward an attorney for possible use in a civil action under a law enforced by the department's Wage and Hour Division, the Secretary must first sign an agreement describing the nature and scope of that assistance and give a copy to any employer or contractor who could be directly and adversely affected. The bill also requires annual reports to Congress detailing such agreements, including logs of communications and meetings, though personally identifying information about affected employers or other potential defendants would be redacted.
The bill primarily affects the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division, individuals who receive assistance from the Secretary related to potential wage-and-hour lawsuits, and employers or contractors who could become defendants in such cases. Existing arrangements would need to comply within 60 days of enactment.
The bill was introduced on July 22, 2026, by Rep. Mark Messmer and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. It has not yet been voted on, and no further action has occurred beyond introduction.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 22, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9859 do?
- H.R. 9859, the Ethical Investigations and Integrity Act, would require the Secretary of Labor to enter into a written "adverse interest agreement" before providing certain assistance to individuals connected to potential civil lawsuits. Specifically, if the Department of Labor shares information or advice directed toward an attorney for possible use in a civil action under a law enforced by the department's Wage and Hour Division, the Secretary must first sign an agreement describing the nature and scope of that assistance and give a copy to any employer or contractor who could be directly and adversely affected. The bill also requires annual reports to Congress detailing such agreements, including logs of communications and meetings, though personally identifying information about affected employers or other potential defendants would be redacted. The bill primarily affects the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division, individuals who receive assistance from the Secretary related to potential wage-and-hour lawsuits, and employers or contractors who could become defendants in such cases. Existing arrangements would need to comply within 60 days of enactment. The bill was introduced on July 22, 2026, by Rep. Mark Messmer and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. It has not yet been voted on, and no further action has occurred beyond introduction.
- Has H.R. 9859 become law?
- Not yet. As of 22 Jul 2026, H.R. 9859 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9859?
- H.R. 9859 was sponsored by Rep. Mark Messmer [R-IN8] (Republican-IN), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9859?
- Introduced (22 Jul 2026).
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