H.R. 3685 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Agriculture, Jun 3, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryStrengthens USDA civil rights oversight and enforcement
This bill gives the Department of Agriculture stronger tools to address discrimination and civil rights violations by USDA staff. It creates new positions—including a permanent Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights—and establishes offices dedicated to civil rights oversight. The bill also changes how disputes between farmers and USDA are handled, putting the burden on USDA to prove its decisions were correct rather than requiring farmers to prove otherwise.
How it affects you
Farmers and ranchers who believe they've been treated unfairly by USDA—whether through discrimination, denial of loan information, or other civil rights issues—may find it easier to challenge those decisions and receive help. People who've experienced discrimination or retaliation from USDA officials may see stronger enforcement action against those officials. If you don't work in agriculture or interact with USDA farm programs, this change won't directly affect you.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Jun 3, 2025)
Just USDA Standards and Transparency Act of 2025 or the JUST Act of 2025
This bill increases Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversight and enforcement of civil rights-related violations and actions.
USDA must take appropriate corrective action regarding any USDA official or employee who engages in certain discriminatory actions, retaliatory actions, harassment, or civil rights violations (e.g., failure to provide appropriate information regarding relevant USDA programs and services). A corrective action (1) is any action that would enhance civil rights at USDA, including policy or programmatic changes; and (2) may include disciplinary actions (e.g., removal from federal service or a letter of reprimand).
The bill shifts the burden of proof from a farmer or rancher to USDA in an appeal to the USDA National Appeals Division. Specifically, USDA must prove by substantial evidence the validity of a USDA adverse decision.
Further, a farmer or rancher who fails to comply fully with the requirements to receive a loan may be eligible for equitable relief if the USDA determines the individual made a good faith effort to comply with the loan requirements.
The bill also
• directs USDA to establish an Office of the Legal Advisor for Civil Rights and Office of the Civil Rights Ombudsperson;
• creates the required position of Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Civil Rights (currently an optional USDA position); and
• allows the Assistant Secretary to grant relief, without prior approval, to farmers or ranchers who file certain civil rights complaints, including complaints regarding direct farm ownership, operating, or emergency loans.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 3685
A BILL
JUST Act of 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL-1) · Introduced Jun 3, 2025 · Agriculture and Food · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jun 3, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.”
Sections
Sections · 6
- Sec. 1Short titleNo change
- Sec. 2Civil rights accountability for USDA employeesNo change
- Sec. 3Improvements to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil RightsNo change
- Sec. 4Equitable reliefNo change
- Sec. 5Office of the Civil Rights OmbudspersonNo change
- Sec. 6Burden of proof for national appeals division hearingsNo change