The JUST Act of 2023 strengthens civil rights protections and enforcement within the Department of Agriculture by establishing new accountability measures for USDA employees who commit discrimination, harassment, or civil rights violations. The bill creates a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary position dedicated to civil rights compliance across all USDA programs and agencies, supported by a new Office of Legal Advisor for Civil Rights that will investigate complaints and provide independent legal guidance. The legislation also establishes an independent Office of the Civil Rights Ombudsperson to help farmers and program participants navigate the civil rights complaint process and raises awareness about USDA appeals procedures. Additionally, the bill grants the Assistant Secretary authority to provide equitable relief to individuals and farmers who file civil rights complaints regarding loans and program benefits, without requiring approval from other department officials. The law authorizes funding for these new offices through fiscal year 2026, with an annual report required to Congress on the ombudsperson's findings regarding equitable access to USDA programs.
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