legislation
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163 rows where congress = 105 and policy_area = "Law" sorted by introduced_date descending
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| bill_id | congress | bill_type | bill_number | title | policy_area | introduced_date ▲ | latest_action_date | latest_action_text | origin_chamber | sponsor_name | sponsor_state | sponsor_party | sponsor_bioguide_id | cosponsor_count | summary_text | update_date | url |
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| 105-s-2654 | 105 | s | 2654 | Protecting American Small Business Trade Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-10-21 | 1998-10-21 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Torricelli, Robert G. [D-NJ] | NJ | D | T000317 | 0 | Protecting American Small Business Trade Act of 1998 -Provides that any person who has entered into a contract, license, or other agreement (contract) with a foreign entity before July 1, 1985, that contains a provision to settle any controversy by arbitration shall not be barred from bringing an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States, including any Federal or State court, or from seeking appropriate relief from any U.S. agency to resolve any controversy. Requires actions to be brought under this Act before 180 days after its enactment. | 2025-08-21T16:11:21Z | |
| 105-s-2641 | 105 | s | 2641 | Federal Agency Compliance Act | Law | 1998-10-20 | 1998-10-20 | Referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Campbell, Ben Nighthorse [R-CO] | CO | R | C000077 | 0 | Federal Agency Compliance Act - Requires a Federal agency and its officers and employees, in administering a statute, rule, regulation, program, or policy (statute) within a judicial circuit, to adhere to the existing precedent respecting the interpretation and application of such statute, as established by the decisions of the U.S. court of appeals for that circuit, with exceptions. Allows an agency to take a position, either in administration or litigation, that is at variance with such precedent if: (1) it is uncertain whether the administration of the statute will be subject to review by the appeals court that established that precedent or a court of appeals for another circuit; (2) the Government did not seek further review of the case in which that precedent was first established in that appeals court or the U.S. Supreme Court because neither the United States nor any agency or officer thereof was a party to the case or the decision establishing that precedent was otherwise substantially favorable to the Government; or (3) it is reasonable to question the continued validity of that precedent in light of a subsequent decision of that appeals court or the U.S. Supreme Court, a subsequent change in any pertinent statute or regulation, or any other subsequent change in the public policy or circumstances on which that precedent was based. | 2025-08-21T16:12:07Z | |
| 105-s-2645 | 105 | s | 2645 | Global Legal Information Network Participation Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-10-20 | 1998-10-20 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. | Senate | Sen. Thomas, Craig [R-WY] | WY | R | T000162 | 0 | Global Legal Information Network Participation Act of 1998 - Finds or declares that: (1) it is U.S. policy to promote the reasonable, timely, and authentic exchange of official legal information between parliaments of nations of the world; (2) U.S. participation in an international, cooperative, noncommercial legal database contributed to by governments of member nations, the Global Legal Information Network (GLIN), which would be available over the Internet, contributes to the promotion of security and international understanding, promotes the rule of law, and is in U.S. interests; (3) the timely and accurate availability of laws and regulations of the United States and other legislatures around the world is of the utmost importance to the Congress; and (4) the centralization of the function and control of participation by the United States in such an international legal database will assist in establishing uniformity for the electronic exchange and retrieval of legal information. Requires: (1) the U.S. station for the GLIN to be the Law Library in the Library of Congress; and (2) the Director of the U.S. GLIN station to be the Law Librarian of Congress. | 2025-08-21T16:13:45Z | |
| 105-hr-4785 | 105 | hr | 4785 | Fairness in Punitive Damage Awards Act | Law | 1998-10-10 | 1998-10-10 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Hyde, Henry J. [R-IL-6] | IL | R | H001022 | 1 | Fairness in Punitive Damage Awards Act - Limits punitive damage awards in civil actions brought in Federal or State court that affect interstate commerce or implicate rights or interests that may be protected by the Congress under the 14th Amendment where such damages are sought under any theory for harm. Permits punitive damages, to the extent permitted by applicable State law, to be awarded against a person in such an action only if the claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that conduct of such person was carried out with a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of others and was the proximate cause of the harm that is the subject of the action. Makes this Act inapplicable to any person in such action if the misconduct for which punitive damages are awarded: (1) caused harm that resulted in death, serious and permanent physical scarring or disfigurement, loss of a limb or organ, or serious and permanent physical impairment of an important bodily function; (2) occurred at a time when the defendant was under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or any drug that may not lawfully be sold without a prescription or had been taken by the defendant other than in accordance with the terms of a lawful prescription, and if the defendant so being under the influence caused the harm for which the civil action was brought; or (3) constitutes a crime of violence, an act of terrorism, a hate crime, or a felony sexual offense, for which the defendant has been convicted in any court. (Sec. 5) Limits the amount of punitive damages that may be awarded to a claimant in any civil action that is subject to this Act: (1) to the greater of three times the amount awarded for economic loss or $250,000; or (2) for an individual whose net worth does not exceed $500,000 or against an owner of an unincorporated business, or any partnership, corporation, association, unit of local government, or organization that has fewer than 25 full-time employees, to the lesser of three times the amount awarded for eco… | 2025-08-21T16:12:01Z | |
| 105-hr-4791 | 105 | hr | 4791 | To establish rules for the payment of damage awards for future losses in certain health care liability actions. | Law | 1998-10-10 | 1998-10-10 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Barton, Joe [R-TX-6] | TX | R | B000213 | 0 | Provides that in a health care liability action brought under Federal law or in Federal court in which damages awarded to a claimant for future economic and noneconomic loss combined exceed $50,000, the claimant shall not be required to receive such damages in a single, lump-sum payment. Entitles such claimant to request the court to order payment in whole or in part on a periodic basis. Requires a court awarding periodic payments to attempt to ensure that the amount of such payments, along with any lump-sum payment, constitute a full recovery of the claimant's future loss and that the payment schedule is in the best interests of the claimant. (Sec. 2) Makes such provisions inapplicable to any such action: (1) for damages arising from a vaccine-related injury or death to the extent that provisions of the Public Health Service Act (regarding the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program) apply; or (2) under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. (Sec. 3) Provides that, except where specifically authorized by statute, the judgment of a court awarding periodic payments may not, in the absence of fraud, be reopened at any time to contest, amend, or modify the schedule or amount of the payments. (Sec. 4) Directs that a court awarding such periodic payments, upon request of the claimant to receive the award, require the person ordered to make the payments to make assurances that satisfy the court that the payments will be made by: (1) making a qualified assignment of the periodic payment liability; (2) purchasing an annuity contract issued by a company licensed to do business as an insurance company under the laws of any State; (3) purchasing obligations of the United States; or (4) providing other assurances. (Sec. 5) Specifies that this Act shall not be construed to preclude a settlement that provides for a single, lump-sum payment. | 2025-01-02T17:51:41Z | |
| 105-hr-4764 | 105 | hr | 4764 | To require any Federal or State court to recognize any notarization made by a notary public licensed by a State other than the State where the court is located when such notarization occurs in or affects interstate commerce. | Law | 1998-10-09 | 1998-10-13 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4] | AL | R | A000055 | 0 | Requires each: (1) Federal court to recognize any notarization made by a notary public licensed under the laws of a State other than the State where the Federal court is located when such notarization occurs in or affects interstate commerce; and (2) State court to recognize any notarization made by a notary public licensed under the laws of a State other than the State where the court is located when such notarization occurs in or affects interstate commerce. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 105-hres-591 | 105 | hres | 591 | Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Supreme Court of the United States should improve its employment practices with regard to hiring more qualified minority applicants to serve as clerks to the Justices. | Law | 1998-10-09 | 1998-10-13 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-6] | NY | D | M001137 | 2 | Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Supreme Court should: (1) move in an expeditious manner to improve its employment practices with regard to hiring more qualified minority applicants to serve as clerks; and (2) implement recruiting procedures to ensure that diversity is emphasized and not undermined. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 105-s-2546 | 105 | s | 2546 | Fairness in Asbestos Compensation Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-10-02 | 1998-10-02 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 5 | TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Asbestos Resolution Corporation Title II: Medical Eligibility Determinations Title III: Alternative Dispute Resolution Title IV: Civil Actions Title V: Rules Applicable to Arbitrations and Civil Actions Title VI: Funding Title VII: Applicability; Pending Civil Action Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions Fairness in Asbestos Compensation Act of 1998 - Title I: Asbestos Resolution Corporation - Establishes the Asbestos Resolution Corporation which shall: (1) have exclusive authority to adopt rules for cost recovery, physician qualifications, alternative dispute resolution, exceptional medical cases, and disease eligibility; and (2) appoint a Medical Advisory Board. Title II: Medical Eligibility Determinations - Sets forth claimant medical eligibility determination criteria for: (1) nonmalignant conditions; (2) mesothelioma; (3) lung cancer; and (4) other cancer. (Sec. 205) Sets forth procedures for Corporation determination of a claimant's certificate of medical eligibility. (Sec. 206) Directs the Corporation to establish one or more exceptional medical claims panels. Sets forth application and acceptance provisions. (Sec. 207) Provides for: (1) confidentiality; and (2) U.S. district court review of Corporation determinations of eligibility. Title III: Alternative Dispute Resolution - Directs the Board to establish procedural rules for an alternative dispute resolution process. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) motions officers; (2) respondent notification; (3) additional respondents; (4) grace period; (5) mediation and arbitration; and (6) subpoena powers. Title IV: Civil Actions - Prohibits: (1) a civil asbestos action unless the plaintiff has obtained a certificate of medical eligibility and release from mediation; and (2) a class action or other collective action without the consent of each defendant. (Sec. 404) Requires a penalty for a final offer made by a respondent in mediation if such offer is below a certain a… | 2025-08-21T16:13:54Z | |
| 105-s-2516 | 105 | s | 2516 | Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-09-24 | 1998-10-01 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 676. | Senate | Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] | IA | R | G000386 | 1 | TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Judicial Financial Administration Title II: Judicial Process Improvements Title III: Judiciary Personnel Administration, Benefits, and Protections Title IV: Federal Public Defenders Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1998 - Title I: Judicial Financial Administration - Amends Federal judicial code provisions regarding the Judiciary Information Technology Fund to repeal provisions subjecting information technology procurement to provisions of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 applicable to executive agencies. (Sec. 102) Authorizes the Judicial Conference of the United States to require the debtor in a chapter 11 bankruptcy case in a district that is not part of a United States trustee region to pay fees equal to those imposed in districts that are part of such a region. (Sec. 103) Requires, for FY 1999 and thereafter, any portion of miscellaneous fees collected by the Judicial Conference from Federal courts of appeals, district courts, bankruptcy courts, the Court of Federal Claims, and the Judicial Panel of Multi-district Litigation, that exceeds the amount of such fees established on the date of enactment of this section, to be deposited into the special fund. Title II: Judicial Process Improvements - Provides authority for the appointment of magistrate judges in the district courts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. (Sec. 202) Amends the Federal Magistrates Act to grant U.S. magistrate judges the power to exercise contempt authority within his or her territorial jurisdiction, including summary criminal contempt authority and criminal and civil contempt authority in civil consent and misdemeanor cases. (Sec. 203) Amends the Federal criminal and judicial codes to remove certain limitations on the authority of magistrate judges to try petty offense cases. (Sec. 205) Authorizes judges retired from regular active service to serve as members of the judicial council of the circuit. (Sec. 206) Provides for the sunset of provisions requiring a ci… | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 105-s-2456 | 105 | s | 2456 | A bill to convert a temporary Federal judgeship in the district of Hawaii to a permanent judgeship, extend statutory authority for magistrate positions in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, and for other purposes. | Law | 1998-09-10 | 1998-09-10 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Inouye, Daniel K. [D-HI] | HI | D | I000025 | 0 | Converts a temporary Federal judgeship in the district of Hawaii to a permanent judgeship. Provides permanent statutory authority for magistrate positions in the district courts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 105-s-2434 | 105 | s | 2434 | Motor Vehicle Franchise Control Arbitration Fairness Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-09-02 | 1998-10-13 | Referred to Subcommittee on Oversight and Courts. | Senate | Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] | IA | R | G000386 | 1 | Motor Vehicle Franchise Control Arbitration Fairness Act of 1998 - Provides that each party to a motor vehicle franchise contract providing for the use of arbitration to resolve a controversy arising out of or relating to the contract shall have the option, after the controversy arises and before both parties commence an arbitration proceeding, to reject arbitration as the means of settling the controversy. Requires that any such rejection be in writing. Requires the arbitrator, whenever a party elects arbitration, to provide the parties a written explanation of the factual and legal basis for the award. | 2025-08-21T16:12:58Z | |
| 105-hconres-323 | 105 | hconres | 323 | Expressing the sense of the Congress that the Attorney General should be an elected officer of the Federal Government. | Law | 1998-08-06 | 1998-08-26 | Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution. | House | Rep. Hall, Ralph M. [D-TX-4] | TX | D | H000067 | 1 | Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Attorney General should be an elected officer of the Federal Government; and (2) the Congress should propose an amendment to the Constitution providing for the independent election of the Attorney General. | 2025-01-02T17:43:37Z | |
| 105-hjres-127 | 105 | hjres | 127 | Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to establish an elected Officer of the United States with the responsibilities of the Attorney General. | Law | 1998-08-06 | 1998-08-26 | Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution. | House | Rep. Hall, Ralph M. [D-TX-4] | TX | D | H000067 | 1 | Constitutional Amendment - Requires election of an officer of the United States with the responsibilities of the Attorney General whenever an election for the President is held. | 2025-01-02T17:44:42Z | |
| 105-hr-4428 | 105 | hr | 4428 | To amend title 28, United States Code, to provide for an additional place of holding court in the Austin Division of the western judicial district of Texas. | Law | 1998-08-06 | 1998-08-13 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Paul, Ron [R-TX-14] | TX | R | P000583 | 0 | Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize court for the Austin Division of the western district of Texas to be held at Bastrop, Texas. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 105-hr-4455 | 105 | hr | 4455 | Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure Act | Law | 1998-08-06 | 1998-08-26 | For Further Action See S.2392. | House | Rep. Dreier, David [R-CA-28] | CA | R | D000492 | 31 | Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure Act - Provides that, in any civil action arising under Federal or State law, no Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure (a statement concerning Year 2000 computer compliance information) (Y2K problem) shall be admissible unless the proponent of admissibility establishes that the Disclosure was material and: (1) the Disclosure was made with knowledge of its being false and misleading and with an intent to deceive; or (2) where the Disclosure was a republication of a third party, the republication was made without a disclosure by the maker that the Disclosure is based on a republication and that the maker has not verified the original statement. Provides similar requirements for an action based on an allegedly false, inaccurate, or misleading Year 2000 statement. Provides that, in any covered action in which the adequacy of notice about Year 2000 processing is at issue, and except as provided by contract, the posting of notice by the entity purporting to have provided such notice on that entity's Year 2000 Internet Website shall be presumed to be an adequate mechanism for providing such notice. Prohibits in any covered action a Year 2000 Disclosure from being interpreted or construed as an amendment to or alteration of a written contract or warranty, whether entered into by a public or private party (with exceptions). Authorizes a Federal entity, agency, or authority to expressly designate requests for the voluntary provision of information relating to Year 2000 processing as "Special Year 2000 Data Gathering Requests," thereby protecting information received from such requests from: (1) disclosure to any third party, including disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act; and (2) use in any civil action arising under any Federal or State law (with an exception). Provides exclusions from this Act. Makes this Act applicable to any Year 2000 Disclosure made on or after January 1, 1998, through December 31, 2001. Provides for the treatment of prior written disclosures. | 2025-08-21T16:14:06Z | |
| 105-hr-4355 | 105 | hr | 4355 | Year 2000 Information Disclosure Act | Law | 1998-07-30 | 1998-08-26 | For Further Action See S.2392. | House | Rep. Burton, Dan [R-IN-6] | IN | R | B001149 | 27 | Year 2000 Information Disclosure Act - Provides that, in any covered civil action based on an allegedly false, inaccurate, or misleading statement concerning Year 2000 computer compliance information (Y2K problem), the maker of such statement shall not be liable unless the claimant establishes that the statement: (1) was material; (2) where not a republication, was made with knowledge that it was false, inaccurate, or misleading, with an intent to mislead or deceive, or with a grossly negligent failure to determine or verify its accuracy; and (3) where it was a republication of a statement regarding a third party, was made with knowledge that it was false, inaccurate, or misleading and without disclosure that it was based on information supplied by another and that the maker has not verified the statement. Provides that, in any covered action in which the adequacy of notice about Year 2000 processing is at issue and no clearly more effective method of notice is practicable, the posting of notice by the entity purporting to have provided such notice on that entity's Year 2000 Internet website shall be presumed to be an adequate mechanism for providing such notice. Provides that, in any covered action arising under any Federal or State defamation law or law relating to trade disparagement or a similar claim, to the extent such action is based on an allegedly false Year 2000 statement, the maker shall not be liable unless the claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the statement was made with knowledge that it was false or with reckless disregard of its truth. Prohibits in any covered action a Year 2000 statement from being interpreted or construed as an amendment to or alteration of a written contract or warranty, whether entered into by a public or private party (with exceptions). Authorizes a Federal entity, agency, or authority to expressly designate requests for the voluntary provision of information relating to Year 2000 processing as "Special Year 2000 Data Gathering Requests," thereby pro… | 2025-08-21T16:11:48Z | |
| 105-s-2373 | 105 | s | 2373 | Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-07-30 | 1998-10-13 | Referred to Subcommittee on Oversight and Courts. | Senate | Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] | IA | R | G000386 | 1 | Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 1998 - Replaces Federal judicial code arbitration provisions with alternative dispute resolution (ADR) provisions. Directs each United States district court to: (1) authorize the use of ADR processes in all civil actions, with specified limitations on the use of arbitration; (2) devise and implement its own ADR program to encourage and promote the use of ADR in its district; (3) examine the effectiveness of existing ADR programs and adopt appropriate improvements; and (4) designate an employee or judicial officer who is knowledgeable in ADR practices and processes to implement, administer, oversee, and evaluate the court's ADR program. Authorizes the Federal Judicial Center and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to assist the district courts in the establishment and improvement of ADR programs. (Sec. 4) Directs each district court to require that litigants in all civil cases consider the use of an ADR process at an appropriate stage in the litigation and provide litigants in all civil cases with at least one ADR process. Allows any district court that elects to require the use of ADR in certain cases to do so only with respect to mediation, early neutral evaluation, and, if the parties consent, arbitration. Sets forth provisions regarding actions exempted from consideration of ADR, authority of the Attorney General, and confidentiality. (Sec. 5) Requires each district court that authorizes the use of ADR processes to adopt appropriate processes for making neutrals available for use by the parties for each category of process offered. Sets forth provisions regarding neutral selection, qualifications, and training. (Sec. 6) Authorizes a district court to allow the referral to arbitration of any civil action pending before it when the parties consent, except where: (1) the action is based on an alleged violation of a right secured by the Constitution; (2) jurisdiction is based on Federal civil rights and elective franchise provisions; or (3) the relief s… | 2025-08-21T16:14:33Z | |
| 105-s-2392 | 105 | s | 2392 | Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure Act | Law | 1998-07-30 | 1998-10-19 | Became Public Law No: 105-271. | Senate | Sen. Bennett, Robert F. [R-UT] | UT | R | B000382 | 10 | Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure Act - Provides that no Year 2000 (Y2K problem) readiness disclosure (a statement concerning Year 2000 computer compliance information) shall be admissible in any civil action arising under Federal or State law against the maker of the disclosure to prove the accuracy or truth of any year 2000 statement in such disclosure, except: (1) as the basis for a claim for anticipatory breach or repudiation or a similar claim against the maker; and (2) when a court determines that the maker's disclosure amounts to bad faith or fraud or is otherwise unreasonable. Provides that the maker of such a statement shall not be liable in an action based on an allegedly false, inaccurate, or misleading year 2000 statement unless the claimant establishes that the statement was material and, to the extent that the statement was not a republication of another's original statement, was made with: (1) knowledge of it being false, inaccurate, or misleading; and (2) an intent to deceive or mislead or with reckless disregard of its accuracy. Precludes maker liability in such an action to the extent that the statement was a republication of another party, unless the claimant establishes that the maker made the statement: (1) with knowledge of it being false, inaccurate, or misleading and with the intent to deceive or mislead; or (2) without notice in such statement that the maker has not verified the contents of the republication or that the maker is not the source of the republication and that the republication is based on information supplied by another person or entity identified in that statement or republication. Provides that the maker of a year 2000 statement shall not be liable in an action for defamation or trade disparagement to the extent such action is based on an allegedly false, inaccurate, or misleading statement, unless the claimant establishes that the statement was made with knowledge of it being false or with reckless disregard as to its truth or falsity. Provides that the po… | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 105-s-2343 | 105 | s | 2343 | Radiation Exposure Compensation Improvement Act | Law | 1998-07-22 | 1998-10-07 | Committee on Judiciary. Hearings held. | Senate | Sen. Bingaman, Jeff [D-NM] | NM | D | B000468 | 1 | Radiation Exposure Compensation Improvement Act - Amends the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to add to the definition of "affected area" the parts of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico comprising the Navajo Nation Reservation that were subjected to fallout from nuclear weapons testing in Nevada. Modifies the definition of "specified disease." Amends provisions regarding claims relating to uranium mining to expand their applicability to include any individual employed to transport or handle uranium ore. Includes as eligible such individuals in currently-specified States and in any other State in which uranium was mined, milled, or transported. Includes as a uranium mine above-ground mines, open pit mines, and uranium mills. Expands the dates between which exposure must have taken place. Increases the amount of compensation provided, decreases the required period of exposure, eliminates the distinction between smokers and nonsmokers, and expands the compensable conditions to include any condition associated with uranium mining, milling, or transport. Mandates compensation for individuals employed in uranium mining, milling, or transport and who: (1) were, without the individual's knowledge or informed consent, intentionally exposed to radiation for research by the Federal Government; or (2) in the course of the individual's employment suffered death, injury, or disability but were barred from the worker's compensation system or civil actions available to similarly situated employees in nonuranium mines or mills. Modifies and establishes various definitions. Changes procedures and requirements regarding the determination and payment of claims, including setting forth certain requirements relating to Native Americans. Declares that payment of an award under any provision of the Act does not preclude an award under any other provision of the Act, but that no individual may receive more than one award for any compensable cancer or other disease. Allows claims to be filed for 20 years after the enactment of this Act … | 2025-08-21T16:13:46Z | |
| 105-hr-4286 | 105 | hr | 4286 | Parent-Child Privilege Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-07-21 | 1998-07-31 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Andrews, Robert E. [D-NJ-1] | NJ | D | A000210 | 0 | Parent-Child Privilege Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to provide that, in a civil or criminal proceeding, a parent shall not be compelled to testify against his or her child, and a child shall not be compelled to testify against his or her parent, unless the parent or child who is the witness voluntarily and knowingly waives the privilege to refrain from giving such adverse testimony. Provides that a parent shall not be compelled to divulge any confidential communication with his or her child during the course of their parent-child relationship, and a child shall not be compelled to divulge any confidential communication with his or her parent during the course of such relationship, unless both the child and the parent or parents who are privy to the confidential communication voluntarily and knowingly waive the privilege against the disclosure of the communication. Makes the privilege applicable even if, at the time of the proceeding, the parent or child who made or received the confidential communication is deceased or the parent-child relationship has terminated. Sets forth exceptions to the privilege, such as in civil actions by the child against the parent, or by the parent against the child, or in any action in which the custody, abuse, or neglect of the child, or the termination of parental rights with respect to the child, is at issue. Authorizes the court to appoint a guardian, attorney, or other legal representative to represent the child's interests with respect to the privilege when a child who appears to be the subject of the privilege is below the age of majority at the time of the proceeding. | 2025-08-21T16:11:42Z | |
| 105-hr-4292 | 105 | hr | 4292 | Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-07-21 | 1998-08-26 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims. | House | Rep. Saxton, Jim [R-NJ-3] | NJ | R | S000097 | 18 | Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal judicial code to subject property of foreign states located in the United States to attachment or execution on a judgment in cases where money damages are sought against the foreign state for personal injury or death or economic harm caused by an act of torture, extrajudicial killing, aircraft sabotage, hostage taking, or the provision of material support or resources to terrorists. | 2025-08-21T16:13:05Z | |
| 105-s-2336 | 105 | s | 2336 | A bill to amend chapter 5 of title 28, United States Code, to transfer Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, from the Eastern Judicial District of Pennsylvania to the Middle Judicial District of Pennsylvania. | Law | 1998-07-21 | 1998-07-21 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Santorum, Rick [R-PA] | PA | R | S000059 | 1 | Amends the Federal judicial code to transfer Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, from the State's Eastern Judicial District to its Middle Judicial District. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 105-hr-4240 | 105 | hr | 4240 | Y2K Liability and Antitrust Reform Act | Law | 1998-07-16 | 1998-07-31 | For Further Action See S.2392. | House | Rep. Dreier, David [R-CA-28] | CA | R | D000492 | 9 | Y2K Liability and Antitrust Reform Act - Provides that an action resulting from a computer date failure which is brought in Federal or State court shall be deemed to be based solely in contract and shall only allow recovery for consequential business loss and costs of repair or replacement resulting from the failure if the plaintiff has not suffered any personal injury, excluding emotional harm, as a result and the defendant is: (1) a person who is engaged in commerce to design, develop, or manufacture a computer system, program, software, or component, has given specified notice to buyers, has made available at no charge repair or replacement of hardware and software for products sold after December 31, 1994, and has made available to the buyer a repair or replacement for a computer program or software or hardware that was introduced for sale before January 1, 1995; or (2) any other person who has made reasonable efforts to protect its system, program, or software from computer date failure, has conducted reasonable tests to prevent a computer date failure by July 1, 1999, and has notified its customers and the President's Council on the Year 2000 Conversion by August 1, 1999, of efforts to avoid such failure. (Sec. 3) Makes the antitrust laws inapplicable to conduct engaged in between the enactment date of this Act and December 31, 2001, solely for the purpose of establishing responses designed to mitigate the impact of computer date failure in a computer system, with an exception for conduct that results in a boycott. | 2025-08-21T16:11:53Z | |
| 105-hr-4245 | 105 | hr | 4245 | Civil RICO Clarification Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-07-16 | 1998-07-23 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime. | House | Rep. Shadegg, John B. [R-AZ-4] | AZ | R | S000275 | 3 | Civil RICO Clarification Act of 1998 - Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) to prohibit any action from being commenced under civil RICO provisions based on any racketeering activity consisting of an act or threat involving extortion. Applies this Act to pending cases, including those pending in appellate proceedings. | 2025-08-21T16:13:02Z | |
| 105-hr-4221 | 105 | hr | 4221 | To amend Rule 30 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to restore the stenographic preference for recording depositions. | Law | 1998-07-15 | 1998-07-23 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Coble, Howard [R-NC-6] | NC | R | C000556 | 5 | Amends rule 30 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to require that depositions be recorded by stenographic or stenomask means unless the court upon motion orders, or the parties stipulate in writing, to the contrary. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 105-s-2271 | 105 | s | 2271 | Property Rights Implementation Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-07-07 | 1998-07-13 | Cloture on motion to proceed not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 52-42. Record Vote No: 197. (consideration: CR S8048-8049) | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 2 | Property Rights Implementation Act of 1998 - Authorizes an owner of private property to challenge the validity of any Federal agency action as a violation of the fifth amendment to the U.S. Constitution in a district court or the United States Court of Federal Claims (Claims court). Grants such courts concurrent jurisdiction over claims for monetary relief and claims seeking invalidation of any Act of Congress or any Federal regulation affecting private property rights. Authorizes the plaintiff to elect to file an action under this Act in a district court or the Claims court. Waives U.S. sovereign immunity with respect to such an action and grants the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit exclusive jurisdiction. Sets a six-year statute of limitations. Directs the court to award litigation costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to any prevailing plaintiff. (Sec. 6) Modifies Federal judicial code provisions to grant the Claims court jurisdiction to render judgment upon any claim under this Act against the United States for monetary relief founded either upon the Constitution, any Act of Congress, or any regulation of an executive department, or upon any express or implied contract with the United States in cases not sounding in tort, or for invalidation of any Act of Congress or any regulation of an executive department. Sets forth provisions regarding the Claims court's: (1) supplemental jurisdiction; and (2) jurisdiction which constitutes judicial review of agency action. Makes any claim brought under this Act founded upon a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution but allegedly infringed or taken by the United States ripe for adjudication upon a final decision rendered by the United States that causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. Sets forth guidelines as to what constitutes a final decision. Repeals provisions regarding pendency of claims in other courts. Grants the district courts original jurisdiction, concurrent with the Claims court, over… | 2025-08-21T16:12:06Z | |
| 105-hr-4161 | 105 | hr | 4161 | To amend title 28, United States Code, to provide for an additional place of holding court for the Western Division of the Central Judicial District of California. | Law | 1998-06-25 | 1998-07-07 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Capps, Lois [D-CA-22] | CA | D | C001036 | 0 | Amends the Federal judicial code to provide for an additional place of holding court for the Western Division of the Central Judicial District of California in Santa Barbara. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 105-hr-4164 | 105 | hr | 4164 | To amend title 28, United States Code, with respect to the enforcement of child custody and visitation orders. | Law | 1998-06-25 | 1998-11-12 | Became Public Law No: 105-374. | House | Rep. Coble, Howard [R-NC-6] | NC | R | C000556 | 1 | Amends the Federal judicial code to modify full faith and credit guidelines governing court determinations of: (1) child custody and visitation; and (2) modification of sister State court determinations. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 105-s-2223 | 105 | s | 2223 | Mortgage Litigation Reform Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-06-25 | 1998-10-13 | Referred to Subcommittee on Oversight and Courts. | Senate | Sen. Grams, Rod [R-MN] | MN | R | G000367 | 18 | Mortgage Litigation Reform Act of 1998 - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to provide a moratorium between the date of enactment of this Act and July 1, 1999, on class certification orders, discovery, sanctions, or other proceedings with regard to civil actions alleging improper payments by one lender to another lender or mortgage broker. | 2025-08-21T16:14:15Z | |
| 105-hr-4061 | 105 | hr | 4061 | For the relief of the survivors of the 14 members of the Armed Forces and the one United States civilian Federal employee who were killed on April 14, 1994, when United States fighter aircraft mistakenly shot down 2 helicopters in Iraq. | Law | 1998-06-16 | 1998-06-30 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims. | House | Rep. Collins, Mac [R-GA-3] | GA | R | C000640 | 8 | Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified amount to the survivors of 14 military personnel and one civilian Federal employee who were killed on April 14, 1994, when U.S. F-15 fighter aircraft mistakenly shot down two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters in Iraq. Limits attorney's fees in connection with such survivor claims. Requires a report from the Secretary to the Congress on payments made. | 2025-01-02T17:50:34Z | |
| 105-hr-4049 | 105 | hr | 4049 | Regulatory Fair Warning Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-06-11 | 1998-07-23 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Gekas, George W. [R-PA-17] | PA | R | G000121 | 17 | Regulatory Fair Warning Act of 1998 - Prohibits a Federal agency or court from imposing a sanction for a violation of a rule if the agency or court finds that: (1) the rule was not printed in the Code of Federal Regulations or in the Federal Register, was not known to the person, or was not knowable to a person who has engaged in a reasonable, good faith investigation of the rules applicable to the conduct that allegedly violated the rule; (2) the rule failed to give the person fair warning of the conduct that it prohibits or requires; or (3) with respect only to a retrospective sanction, official representations to the person about what the rule prohibits or requires were misleading and were reasonably relied upon by the person. | 2025-08-21T16:11:21Z | |
| 105-s-2163 | 105 | s | 2163 | Judicial Improvement Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-06-11 | 1998-06-11 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 5 | Judicial Improvement Act of 1998 - Prohibits the granting of any interlocutory or permanent injunction restraining the enforcement or execution of a State law adopted by referendum or an Act of the Congress by a U.S. district court upon the ground that the State law conflicts with the Constitution, Federal law, or a U.S. treaty unless the application for the injunction is heard and determined by a court of three judges in accordance with the Federal judicial code. Limits such interlocutory injunctions to 60 days. Bars Federal courts from granting additional interlocutory relief after the expiration of an injunction. Prescribes time limits for the filing of appeals from orders granting such injunctions. Requires the Court of Appeals to dispose of such appeals within 100 days after issuance of the original order granting interlocutory relief. Makes orders upheld on appeal effective until 60 days after the date of appellate decision or until replaced by a permanent injunction. (Sec. 3) Terminates prospective relief in civil actions in which relief binds State or local officials or in which parties entered a consent judgment binding such officials upon the motion of any party or intervener: (1) five years after the date the court granted such relief; (2) two years after the court has entered an order denying termination of relief; or (3) in the case of an order issued on or before this Act's enactment, two years after the enactment date. Sets forth conditions under which such relief shall not terminate. Terminates orders or consent judgments binding such officials automatically if a court does not rule on a motion to terminate within 60 days. Authorizes Federal courts to appoint special masters in such actions during the remedial phase and upon a finding that the phase will be sufficiently complex to warrant such appointment. Limits special master powers and authorizes their removal by the judge at any time. Bars Federal courts from ordering a unit of Federal, State, or local government to increase taxes as par… | 2025-08-21T16:13:20Z | |
| 105-s-2143 | 105 | s | 2143 | A bill to amend chapter 45 of title 28, United States Code, to authorize the Administrative Assistant to the Chief Justice to accept voluntary services, and for other purposes. | Law | 1998-06-09 | 1998-08-13 | Became Public Law No: 105-233. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 1 | Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize the Administrative Assistant to the Chief Justice, with the Chief Justice's approval, to accept voluntary personal services to assist with public and visitor programs. Prohibits any person from volunteering such services without first agreeing in writing to waive any claim against the United States arising out of or in connection with such services. Provides that no person volunteering such services shall be considered to be an employee of the United States except for purposes of provisions governing Federal workers' compensation and tort claims against the United States. Directs the Administrative Assistant to ensure that the acceptance of personal services shall not result in the reduction of pay or displacement of any employee of the Supreme Court. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 105-hr-3961 | 105 | hr | 3961 | Administrative Law Judge Conference of the United States Act | Law | 1998-05-22 | 1998-05-29 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law. | House | Rep. Gekas, George W. [R-PA-17] | PA | R | G000121 | 0 | Administrative Law Judge Conference of the United States Act - Establishes the Administrative Law Judge Conference of the United States to consist of all administrative law judges. Makes the chief administrative law judge the chief administrative officer and presiding judge of the Conference. Requires the chief judge to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and to have served as an administrative law judge for at least five years before the date of appointment. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the chief judge's term of office, rate of pay, and service as an administrative law judge after expiration of that term; and (2) powers of the chief judge (including to enhance the administrative law process, develop training programs, and encourage the efficient use of administrative law judges through temporary reassignment based upon workload). Transfers all administrative law judge functions currently performed by the Office of Administrative Law Judges of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management to the Conference. Directs that the chief judge assign administrative law judges to agencies for the adjudication of agency cases. Makes each agency responsible for providing all administrative law judge budget, resources, and support requirements, for maintaining administrative law judge finance records, and for appointing the chief administrative law judge for the agency. Declares that the advisory body on policy of the Conference shall be the Council of the Administrative Law Judge Conference of the United States, with the chief judge presiding over the Council. Sets forth provisions regarding Council membership, responsibilities, public member compensation, administrative law judge duties, case referrals, and application of agency policy. Directs the chief judge, upon the Council's recommendation and after providing notice and a period for comment, to adopt and issue rules of judicial conduct for administrative law judges. Prohibits an administrative law judge from being r… | 2025-08-21T16:14:57Z | |
| 105-hr-3926 | 105 | hr | 3926 | To provide that a person closely related to a judge of a court exercising judicial power under article III of the United States Constitution (other than the Supreme Court) may not be appointed as a judge of the same court, and for other purposes. | Law | 1998-05-21 | 1998-06-02 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Dunn, Jennifer [R-WA-8] | WA | R | D000549 | 0 | Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit the appointment, as a judge of a court exercising judicial power under article III of the Constitution (other than the Supreme Court), of any person who is related by affinity or consanguinity within the degree of first cousin to any judge who is a member of the same court. Defines "member" as an active judge or one retired in senior status. | 2025-04-07T15:23:55Z | |
| 105-hr-3931 | 105 | hr | 3931 | Wisconsin Federal Judgeship Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-05-21 | 1998-05-21 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Johnson, Jay W. [D-WI-8] | WI | D | J000149 | 0 | Wisconsin Federal Judgeship Act of 1998 - Provides for the appointment of an additional Federal district judge for the eastern district of Wisconsin. Directs the chief judge of that district to designate a judge to hold court for such district in Green Bay, Wisconsin. | 2025-08-21T16:12:41Z | |
| 105-hr-3905 | 105 | hr | 3905 | Fairness in Asbestos Compensation Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-05-20 | 1998-05-20 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Hyde, Henry J. [R-IL-6] | IL | R | H001022 | 13 | TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Asbestos Resolution Corporation Title II: Medical Eligibility Determinations Title III: Alternative Dispute Resolution Title IV: Civil Actions Title V: Rules Applicable to Arbitrations and Civil Actions Title VI: Funding Title VII: Applicability; Pending Civil Action Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions Fairness in Asbestos Compensation Act of 1998 - Title I: Asbestos Resolution Corporation - Establishes the Asbestos Resolution Corporation which shall: (1) have exclusive authority to adopt rules for cost recovery, physician qualifications, alternative dispute resolution, exceptional medical cases, and disease eligibility; and (2) appoint a Medical Advisory Board. Title II: Medical Eligibility Determinations - Sets forth claimant medical eligibility determination criteria for: (1) nonmalignant conditions; (2) mesothelioma; (3) lung cancer; and (4) other cancer. (Sec. 205) Sets forth procedures for Corporation determination of a claimant's certificate of medical eligibility. (Sec. 206) Directs the Corporation to establish one or more exceptional medical claims panels. Sets forth application and acceptance provisions. (Sec. 207) Provides for: (1) confidentiality; and (2) U.S. district court review of Corporation determinations of eligibility. Title III: Alternative Dispute Resolution - Directs the Board to establish procedural rules for an alternative dispute resolution process. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) motions officers; (2) respondent notification; (3) additional respondents; (4) grace period; (5) mediation and arbitration; and (6) subpoena powers. Title IV: Civil Actions - Prohibits: (1) a civil asbestos action unless the plaintiff has obtained a certificate of medical eligibility and release from mediation; and (2) a class action or other collective action without the consent of each defendant. (Sec. 404) Requires a penalty for a final offer made by a respondent in mediation if such offer is below a certain amount a… | 2025-08-21T16:11:35Z | |
| 105-s-2083 | 105 | s | 2083 | Class Action Fairness Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-05-14 | 1998-09-10 | Subcommittee on Oversight and Courts. Approved for full committee consideration with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably. | Senate | Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] | IA | R | G000386 | 2 | Class Action Fairness Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal judicial code to require that, no later than ten days after a proposed settlement in a class action is filed in court, the attorneys representing the class in a class action serve the attorney general of each State (State AGs) in which a class member resides and the Department of Justice (DOJ) with specified information, including notice of a proposed settlement. Prohibits the holding of a hearing to consider final approval of a proposed settlement earlier than 120 days after the date on which the State AGs and DOJ are served notice. Requires any court with jurisdiction over a plaintiff class action to require that: (1) any written notice provided to the class through the mail or publication in printed media contain a short summary written in plain, easily understood language describing the subject matter of the class action, the legal consequences of joining such action, the ability of a class member to seek removal of the action to Federal court if the action is filed in a State court and Federal jurisdiction would apply, and, if the notice is informing class members of a proposed settlement agreement, specified information; and (2) any notice provided through television or radio to inform class members of their rights to be excluded from a class action or a proposed settlement describe, in plain, easily understood language, the persons who may potentially become class members and explain that the failure of persons falling within the definition of the class to exercise their right to be excluded from a class action will result in such persons' inclusion in such action. Authorizes a class member to refuse to comply with, and choose not to be bound by, a settlement agreement or consent decree in a class action if the class member resides in a State where the State AG has not been provided notice and materials under this Act. Limits attorney's fees and expenses awarded to counsel for plaintiffs in class actions to a reasonable percentage of: (1) any damages… | 2025-08-21T16:12:57Z | |
| 105-hr-3848 | 105 | hr | 3848 | Foreign Sovereign Immunity Technical Corrections Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-05-12 | 1998-05-21 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims. | House | Rep. Yates, Sidney R. [D-IL-9] | IL | D | Y000013 | 0 | Foreign Sovereign Immunity Technical Corrections Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal judicial code to revise the exemption from foreign sovereign immunity when money damages are sought against a foreign state for personal injury or death caused by a specified kind of violent act engaged in or materially supported by an official, employee, or agent of such foreign state. Extends the exemption from foreign sovereign immunity to foreign states which are not designated state sponsors of terrorism, but which have no treaty of extradition with the United States at the time the act occurred, and no adequate and available remedies conforming with fundamental fairness and due process. Sets forth a statute of limitations for actions against such a state, declaring that no action may be brought for a cause of action that arose more than 20 years before the enactment of this Act. | 2025-08-21T16:15:00Z | |
| 105-hr-3789 | 105 | hr | 3789 | Class Action Jurisdiction Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-05-05 | 1998-10-01 | Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 560 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3789 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. The bill shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary now printed in the bill. Measure will be read by section. Bill is open to amendments. Each section of the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read. During consideration of the bill for amendment, the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may accord priority in recognition on the basis of whether the Member offering an amendment has caused it to be printed in the Congressional Record. The Chairman may... | House | Rep. Hyde, Henry J. [R-IL-6] | IL | R | H001022 | 10 | Class Action Jurisdiction Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal judicial code to grant the district courts original jurisdiction of any civil action, regardless of the sum or value of the matter in controversy, which is brought as a class action in which any member of a proposed plaintiff class is: (1) a citizen of a State different from any defendant; (2) a foreign state or a citizen or subject of a foreign state and any defendant is a citizen of a State; or (3) a citizen of a State and any defendant is a citizen or subject of a foreign state. Directs the district court to abstain from hearing any such action in which: (1) the substantial majority of the members of all proposed plaintiff classes are citizens of a single State of which the primary defendants are also citizens; and (2) the claims asserted will be governed primarily by the laws of that State. Authorizes the district court to abstain from hearing any such action in which: (1) all matters in controversy asserted by the individual members of all proposed plaintiff classes in the aggregate do not exceed the sum or value of $1 million, exclusive of interest and costs; (2) the number of members of all proposed plaintiff classes in the aggregate is less than 100; or (3) the primary defendants are States, State officials, or other governmental entities against whom the district court may be foreclosed from ordering relief. Makes provisions of this Act regarding district court jurisdiction and removal of class actions (see sec. 3) inapplicable to any class action that is brought under the Securities Act of 1933 and to specified other securities-related class actions. Considers a member of a proposed class to be a citizen of a State different from a defendant corporation only if that member is a citizen of a State different from all States of which the defendant corporation is deemed a citizen. (Sec. 3) Authorizes a class action to be removed to a United States district court by any: (1) defendant without the consent of all defendants; or (2) plaintiff class … | 2025-04-07T15:32:55Z | |
| 105-hr-3718 | 105 | hr | 3718 | To limit the jurisdiction of the Federal courts with respect to prison release orders. | Law | 1998-04-23 | 1998-05-20 | Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | House | Rep. DeLay, Tom [R-TX-22] | TX | R | D000217 | 0 | Amends the Federal judicial code to deny jurisdiction to a Federal court, in a civil action regarding prison conditions, to enter or carry out any order that would result in the release from, or non-admission to, a prison of any person subject to incarceration, detention, or admission because of a felony conviction or a violation of the terms or conditions of parole, probation, pretrial release, or a diversionary program on the basis of prison conditions. Terminates any consent decree that was entered into before this Act's enactment date, that is in effect on the day before such date, and that provides for remedies relating to prison conditions. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 105-hr-3642 | 105 | hr | 3642 | Judicial District of the Virgin Islands Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-04-01 | 1998-06-26 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property. | House | Del. Christian-Green, Donna M. [D-VI-At Large] | VI | D | C000380 | 0 | Judicial District of the Virgin Islands Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal judicial code to establish a Federal judicial district in the Virgin Islands, composed of two divisions, one for Saint Croix and the other for Saint Thomas and Saint John. Provides two judges for such district. Repeals provisions of the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands regarding judicial divisions, trial by jury, and the U.S. attorney for the Virgin Islands. Vests judicial power of the Virgin Islands in trial or appellate courts established by local law. (Currently, such power is also vested in the District Court of the Virgin Islands.) Requires the local courts of the Virgin Islands to have jurisdiction over all causes of action in the Islands over which any court established by the Constitution and U.S. laws does not have exclusive jurisdiction. (Currently, the Virgin Islands legislature may vest such jurisdiction in such courts.) Replaces references to the District Court of the Virgin Islands in provisions regarding jurisdiction over income tax matters and appellate jurisdiction with references to the U.S. District Court for the District of the Virgin Islands. Removes provisions regarding judges of the District Court of the Virgin Islands. Authorizes the temporary assignment of additional judges to the U.S. District Court for the Virgin Islands. Requires all pleadings and proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the Virgin Islands to be conducted in English. Permits pending complaints or proceedings to be pursued to final determination in such court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and the Supreme Court. Deems references to the District Court of the Virgin Islands in any law to be references to the United States District Court for the Virgin Islands. | 2025-08-21T16:14:52Z | |
| 105-s-1892 | 105 | s | 1892 | A bill to provide that a person closely related to a judge of a court exercising judicial power under article III of the United States Constitution (other than the Supreme Court) may not be appointed as a judge of the same court, and for other purposes. | Law | 1998-03-31 | 1998-10-27 | Became Public Law No: 105-300. | Senate | Sen. Kyl, Jon [R-AZ] | AZ | R | K000352 | 0 | Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit the appointment, as a judge of a court exercising judicial power under article III of the Constitution (other than the Supreme Court), of any person who is related by affinity or consanguinity within the degree of first cousin to any judge who is a member of the same court. Defines "member" as an active judge or one retired in senior status. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 105-hr-3577 | 105 | hr | 3577 | Confidence in the Family Act | Law | 1998-03-27 | 1998-06-26 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-16] | CA | D | L000397 | 21 | Confidence in the Family Act - Amends rule 501 of the Federal Rules of Evidence to prohibit a witness in a Federal proceeding from being compelled to testify against, or disclose the content of a confidential communication with, his or her child or parent. Provides that such privileges shall be governed by principles of the common law similar to those that apply to similar privileges of a witness with respect to a spouse. | 2025-08-21T16:12:40Z | |
| 105-hr-3578 | 105 | hr | 3578 | Protecting American Small Business Trade Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-03-27 | 1998-06-11 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-13] | NJ | D | M000639 | 6 | Protecting American Small Business Trade Act of 1998 -Provides that any person who has entered into a contract, license, or other agreement (contract) with a foreign entity before July 1, 1985, that contains a provision to settle any controversy by arbitration shall not be barred from bringing an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States, including any Federal or State court, or from seeking appropriate relief from any U.S. agency to resolve any controversy. Requires actions to be brought under this Act within 180 days after its enactment. | 2025-08-21T16:13:40Z | |
| 105-hr-3557 | 105 | hr | 3557 | Water Adjudication Fee Fairness Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-03-25 | 1998-06-26 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Smith, Robert [R-OR-2] | OR | R | S000607 | 6 | Water Adjudication Fee Fairness Act of 1998 - Subjects the United States to administrative fees, claiming fees, and the imposition of judicial costs in any administrative or judicial proceeding for the adjudication or administration of water use rights to the same extent as a private party to the proceeding. | 2025-08-21T16:14:47Z | |
| 105-hr-3539 | 105 | hr | 3539 | Radiation Workers Justice Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-03-24 | 1998-06-25 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Redmond, Bill [R-NM-3] | NM | R | R000567 | 5 | Radiation Workers Justice Act of 1998 - Amends the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to extend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Trust Fund to 22 years after the date of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 3) Includes within the purview of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act those parts of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico composing the Navajo National Reservation which were subjected to fallout from nuclear weapons testing conducted in Nevada. (Sec. 4) Prescribes eligibility guidelines for claims relating to: (1) uranium milling; (2) any State in which uranium was either milled or mined; (3) a mine located above ground; (4) an open pit mine worked by uranium miners; and (5) a uranium mill. Extends the timeframe for filing claims to include the period from January 1, 1942, to December 31, 1990. Identifies claims eligibility criteria for uranium employees who: (1) were exposed to 40 or more working level months of radiation; (2) worked in uranium mines or mills for at least one year; and (3) submit written medical documentation of either lung cancer or a nonmalignant respiratory medical condition associated with uranium mining or milling. Provides for up to $200,000 for such a claim. Mandates money damages of $50,000 for any uranium mine or mill employee: (1) who was exposed to radiation (without knowledge or informed consent) by a Federal agency for human use research purposes; or (2) who suffered death from nonradiological causes arising out of or in the course of employment. Mandates money damages of $20,000 for injury or disability from nonradiological causes arising out of or in the course of employment. (Sec. 5) Modifies claims payment procedures to mandate that: (1) all reasonable doubt whether a claim meets the requirements of this Act be resolved in favor of the claimant; (2) the Attorney General permit the introduction and use of affidavits and other documentary or medical evidence to the same extent as permitted by the Federal Rules of Evidence; (3) specified radiograph interpretive reports be consid… | 2025-08-21T16:12:58Z | |
| 105-hr-3528 | 105 | hr | 3528 | Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-03-23 | 1998-10-30 | Became Public Law No: 105-315. | House | Rep. Coble, Howard [R-NC-6] | NC | R | C000556 | 0 | Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 1998 - Replaces Federal judicial code arbitration provisions with alternative dispute resolution (ADR) provisions. Directs each U.S. district court to: (1) authorize the use of ADR processes in all civil actions; (2) devise and implement its own ADR program to encourage and promote the use of ADR in its district; (3) examine the effectiveness of existing ADR programs and adopt appropriate improvements; and (4) retain or designate an employee or judicial officer who is knowledgeable in ADR practices and processes to implement, administer, oversee, and evaluate the court's ADR program. Authorizes the Federal Judicial Center and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to assist the district courts in the establishment and improvement of ADR programs. (Sec. 4) Directs each district court to: (1) require that litigants in all civil cases consider the use of an ADR process at an appropriate stage in the litigation; and (2) provide litigants in all civil cases with at least one ADR process. Allows any district court that elects to require the use of ADR in certain cases to do so only with respect to mediation, early neutral evaluation, and, if the parties consent, arbitration. Authorizes each court to exempt from requirements of this section cases in which arbitration would not be appropriate. Requires each court to provide for the confidentiality of ADR processes and to prohibit disclosure of confidential dispute resolution communications. (Sec. 5) Requires each district court that authorizes the use of ADR processes to adopt appropriate processes for making neutrals available for use by the parties for each category of process offered. Sets forth provisions regarding neutral selection, qualifications, and training. (Sec. 6) Authorizes a district court to allow the referral to arbitration of any civil action pending before it, when the parties consent, except where: (1) the action is based on an alleged violation of a right secured by the Constitution; (2) jurisd… | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 105-hr-3484 | 105 | hr | 3484 | Gulf War Veterans' Iraqi Claims Protection Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-03-18 | 1998-04-29 | Referred to the Subcommittee on International Economic Policy and Trade. | House | Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-10] | TX | D | D000399 | 15 | Gulf War Veterans' Iraqi Claims Protection Act of 1998 - Authorizes the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States (U.S. Commission) to receive and determine the validity of claims by U.S. nationals against the Government of Iraq, giving first priority to non-commercial claims of members of the U.S. armed forces and other individuals arising out of Iraq's invasion and occupation of Kuwait, or out of the 1987 attack on the USS Stark. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to establish in the Treasury an Iraq Claims Fund for the payment of such claims. Authorizes the President, subject to specified limitations, to vest and liquidate Iraqi Government assets in the United States that have been blocked pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and allocate the proceeds to the Fund to satisfy claims against the Government of Iraq by U.S. nationals, as well as claims of the U.S. Government that are outside the jurisdiction of the United Nations Compensation Commission. Provides for the reimbursement to the U.S. Government of expenses incurred in administering this Act. Establishes an order of priority for payment of claims. Directs the U.S. Commission to certify to the Secretary each award made under this Act. Sets forth a ten-year statute of limitations on any demand or claim for the payment of such an award. | 2025-08-21T16:14:52Z | |
| 105-s-1794 | 105 | s | 1794 | Gulf War Veterans' Iraqi Claims Protection Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-03-18 | 1998-05-15 | Referred to Subcommittee on Oversight and Courts. | Senate | Sen. Harkin, Tom [D-IA] | IA | D | H000206 | 0 | Gulf War Veterans' Iraqi Claims Protection Act of 1998 - Authorizes the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States (U.S. Commission) to receive and determine the validity of claims by U.S. nationals against the Government of Iraq, giving first priority to non-commercial claims of members of the U.S. armed forces and other individuals arising out of Iraq's invasion and occupation of Kuwait, or out of the 1987 attack on the USS Stark. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to establish in the Treasury an Iraq Claims Fund for the payment of such claims. Authorizes the President, subject to specified limitations, to vest and liquidate Iraqi Government assets in the United States that have been blocked pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and allocate the proceeds to the Fund to satisfy claims against the Government of Iraq by U.S. nationals, as well as claims of the U.S. Government that are outside the jurisdiction of the United Nations Compensation Commission. Provides for the reimbursement to the U.S. Government of expenses incurred in administering this Act. Establishes an order of priority for payment of claims. Directs the U.S. Commission to certify to the Secretary each award made under this Act. Sets forth a ten-year statute of limitations on any demand or claim for the payment of such an award. | 2025-08-21T16:11:26Z | |
| 105-s-1721 | 105 | s | 1721 | A bill to provide for the Attorney General of the United States to develop guidelines for Federal prosecutors to protect familial privacy and communications between parents and their children in matters that do not involve allegations of violent or drug trafficking conduct and the Judicial Conference of the United States to make recommendations regarding the advisability of amending the Federal Rules of Evidence for such purpose. | Law | 1998-03-06 | 1998-03-06 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT] | VT | D | L000174 | 0 | Directs the Attorney General to: (1) evaluate the manner in which the States have taken measures to protect the confidentiality of communications between children and parents and whether such measures have been taken in matters that do not involve allegations of violent or drug trafficking conduct; (2) develop guidelines for Federal prosecutors that will provide the maximum protection possible for the confidentiality of communications between children and parents in matters that do not involve such allegations, within any applicable constitutional limits and without compromising public safety or the integrity of the judicial system; (3) disseminate such guidelines and findings to Federal prosecutors; and (4) report to the Congress on such findings and guidelines and recommendations based on the findings on the need for and appropriateness of further action by the Federal Government. Requires the Judicial Conference of the United States to complete a review and report to the Congress on: (1) whether the Federal Rules of Evidence should be amended to guarantee that the confidentiality of communications by a child to his or her parent in matters that do not involve allegations of violent or drug trafficking conduct will be adequately protected in Federal court proceedings; and (2) if so, a proposal for amendments that provide the maximum protection possible within constitutional limits and without compromising public safety or the integrity of the judicial system. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 105-s-1728 | 105 | s | 1728 | Federal Regulatory Risk Assessment Act of 1997 | Law | 1998-03-06 | 1998-03-06 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs. | Senate | Sen. Lott, Trent [R-MS] | MS | R | L000447 | 0 | Federal Regulatory Risk Assessment Act of 1997 - Amends Federal law concerning Government organization and employees to provide for the risk assessment of major regulatory rules by Federal agencies which address health, safety, or environmental risk. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) principles for risk assessments; (2) deadlines for rule making; and (3) judicial review. | 2025-08-21T16:14:13Z | |
| 105-s-1729 | 105 | s | 1729 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to create two divisions in the Eastern Judicial District of Louisiana. | Law | 1998-03-06 | 1998-05-15 | Referred to Subcommittee on Oversight and Courts. | Senate | Sen. Breaux, John B. [D-LA] | LA | D | B000780 | 0 | Amends the Federal judicial code to create within the Eastern Judicial District of Louisiana the New Orleans Division and the Houma Division. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 105-hr-3382 | 105 | hr | 3382 | Small Business Lawsuit Abuse Protection Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-03-05 | 1998-03-05 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Inglis, Bob [R-SC-4] | SC | R | I000023 | 19 | Small Business Lawsuit Abuse Protection Act of 1998 - Provides that, in any civil action against a small business (fewer than 50 full-time employees), punitive damages may be awarded against such business only if the claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that conduct carried out by the defendant through willful misconduct or with a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of others was the proximate cause of the harm that is the subject of the action. Prohibits, in any action against a small business, punitive damages from exceeding the lesser of: (1) twice the amount awarded for economic and noneconomic losses; or (2) $250,000. Provides that, in such an action, the liability of each defendant small business shall be limited to the amount of noneconomic loss allocated to that defendant in direct proportion to its percentage of responsibility for the harm that is the subject of the action. Requires the court to render a separate judgment against each such defendant. Provides as exceptions to the small business liability limitations under this Act any misconduct: (1) that constitutes a crime of violence, international terrorism, or a hate crime; (2) that involves a sexual offense or a violation of a Federal or State civil rights law; or (3) if the defendant was under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or a drug at the time of the misconduct and that fact causes any of the harm alleged. | 2025-08-21T16:11:56Z | |
| 105-s-1674 | 105 | s | 1674 | Legal Reform Commission Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-02-25 | 1998-10-13 | Referred to Subcommittee on Oversight and Courts. | Senate | Sen. Faircloth, Lauch [R-NC] | NC | R | F000437 | 0 | Legal Reform Commission Act of 1998 - Establishes the Legal Reform Commission to study, develop recommendations regarding, and report to the President and the Congress on the reform and simplification of the U.S. legal system. Requires matters studied by the Commission to include reform of: (1) Federal, State, criminal, and civil law; (2) judicial, trial and appellate processes; and (3) the Federal Rules of Evidence, Civil Procedure, and Criminal Procedure. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-21T16:12:33Z | |
| 105-hr-3182 | 105 | hr | 3182 | Judicial Mandate and Remedy Clarification Act | Law | 1998-02-11 | 1998-03-11 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Manzullo, Donald A. [R-IL-16] | IL | R | M001138 | 0 | Judicial Mandate and Remedy Clarification Act - Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit any district court from entering any order or approving any settlement that: (1) requires a State or political subdivision to impose, increase, levy, or assess a tax; or (2) has the effect of imposing, increasing, levying, or assessing any tax. Permits a district court to issue an order or approve a settlement that requires a State or political subdivision to implement a spending measure for the purpose of enforcing any Federal or State common law or statutory or constitutional right or law only if the court finds that specified conditions exist, including that: (1) there are no other means available to remedy the violation; (2) the spending measure is narrowly tailored to remedy the violation; and (3) plans submitted by State and local authorities will not effectively redress the violation. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) judicial review of the court's findings; (2) a right of certain aggrieved persons, corporations, or unincorporated associations to intervene in proceedings concerning implementation of a spending measure; and (3) termination of any such order or settlement after one year or earlier if the court determines that the violation of rights has been cured to the extent practicable. | 2025-08-21T16:13:23Z | |
| 105-hr-3183 | 105 | hr | 3183 | To impose certain conditions with respect to the appointment of masters in Federal actions. | Law | 1998-02-11 | 1998-02-20 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Manzullo, Donald A. [R-IL-16] | IL | R | M001138 | 0 | Prescribes conditions for the appointment of a master to carry out functions with respect to an action before a Federal court. Requires the individual appointed to be a resident of the State in which the action is pending. Permits any party to the action to petition the court for removal of the master: (1) without cause (but no party may file more than one petition) within ten days after receiving notice of the appointment; and (2) at any time for misfeasance or malfeasance in office, for noncompliance with the residency requirement, or if the master's duties are duplicative of those of an existing official of the political subdivision with respect to which the action was brought. Directs the court, within 21 days after such petition is filed, to hold a hearing for the purpose of ruling on such a petition. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 105-s-1612 | 105 | s | 1612 | Equal Access to Justice for Taxpayers Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-02-05 | 1998-02-05 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT] | VT | D | L000174 | 1 | Equal Access to Justice for Taxpayers Act of 1998 - Amends Federal law to authorize taxpayers' recovery of fees, costs, and expenses in administrative and judicial proceedings under the Equal Access to Justice Act. | 2025-08-21T16:13:07Z | |
| 105-s-1613 | 105 | s | 1613 | Equal Access to Justice Reform Amendments of 1998 | Law | 1998-02-05 | 1998-02-05 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Feingold, Russell D. [D-WI] | WI | D | F000061 | 0 | Equal Access to Justice Reform Amendments of 1998 - Authorizes the adjudicative officer (in administrative proceedings) and the court (in judicial proceedings) to ask a party to declare whether such party intends to seek an award of fees and expenses against a Federal agency should it prevail. Limits the amount of attorney's fees that may be awarded to $125 per hour unless the agency (in administrative proceedings) or the court (in judicial proceedings) determines that an increase in the cost-of-living based on the date of final disposition justifies a higher fee. Prohibits payment of fees and expenses awarded in such proceedings from appropriated funds of the Treasury's claims and judgements account. Specifies that: (1) at any time after the filing of an application for fees and other expenses an agency may offer a settlement of the claims made (and, if within ten days, the applicant accepts, either party may file the offer and notice of acceptance); (2) an offer not accepted shall be deemed withdrawn (but shall not preclude a subsequent offer); and (3) if any award finally obtained by the applicant is not more favorable than the offer, the applicant shall not be entitled to receive an award for attorney's fees or other expenses incurred in relation to the application for fees and expenses after the date of the offer. Deletes requirements that a court find or a party allege that the position of the agency or of the United States was or was not substantially justified. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States and the Department of Justice to report to the Congress on fee awards paid by Federal districts and agencies. | 2025-08-21T16:11:52Z | |
| 105-hr-3154 | 105 | hr | 3154 | Florida Federal Judgeship Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-02-04 | 1998-02-09 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Canady, Charles T. [R-FL-12] | FL | R | C000107 | 5 | Florida Federal Judgeship Act of 1998 - Directs the President to appoint the following numbers of additional district judges in Florida: (1) three for the middle district and two for the southern district, on a permanent basis; and (2) one for the middle district, on a temporary basis. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-21T16:13:57Z | |
| 105-hjres-107 | 105 | hjres | 107 | Expressing the sense of the Congress that the award of attorneys' fees, costs, and sanctions of $285,864.78 ordered by United States District Judge Royce C. Lamberth on December 18, 1997, should not be paid with taxpayer funds. | Law | 1998-02-03 | 1998-02-05 | Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | House | Rep. Hayworth, J. D. [R-AZ-6] | AZ | R | H000413 | 20 | Expresses the sense of the Congress that a specified award of attorney's fees, costs, and sanctions that Judge Royce C. Lamberth ordered the defendants to pay in Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, Inc., et al. v. Hillary Rodham Clinton, et al., should not be paid with taxpayer funds. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 105-s-1585 | 105 | s | 1585 | Florida Federal Judgeship Act of 1998 | Law | 1998-01-29 | 1998-10-13 | Referred to Subcommittee on Oversight and Courts. | Senate | Sen. Mack, Connie, III [R-FL] | FL | R | M000019 | 1 | Florida Federal Judgeship Act of 1998 - Directs the President to appoint the following numbers of additional district judges in Florida: (1) three for the middle district and two for the southern district, on a permanent basis; and (2) one for the middle district, on a temporary basis. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-21T16:12:35Z | |
| 105-hres-343 | 105 | hres | 343 | Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the award of attorneys' fee, costs, and sanctions of $285,864.78 ordered by United States District Judge Royce C. Lamberth on December 18, 1997, should not be paid with taxpayer funds. | Law | 1998-01-28 | 1998-02-04 | For Further Action See H.J.Res.107. | House | Rep. Hayworth, J. D. [R-AZ-6] | AZ | R | H000413 | 12 | Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that a specified award of attorney's fees, costs, and sanctions that Judge Royce C. Lamberth ordered the defendant to pay in Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, Inc., et al. v. Hillary Rodham Clinton, et al., should not be paid with taxpayer funds. | 2025-01-02T17:44:07Z | |
| 105-s-1570 | 105 | s | 1570 | Public Health Funds Preservation Act | Law | 1998-01-27 | 1998-02-05 | Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S443) | Senate | Sen. Faircloth, Lauch [R-NC] | NC | R | F000437 | 1 | Public Health Funds Preservation Act - Limits attorney's fees to $125 per hour, plus out-of-pocket expenses approved by the court, for attorneys acting on behalf of a State or political subdivision of a State or other plaintiff in connection with the settlement of a State action against one or more tobacco companies to recover tobacco-related Medicaid expenditures or for other causes of action involved in the settlement agreement dated June 20, 1997. Prohibits the award of attorney's fees under any national tobacco settlement until the attorneys have: (1) provided to the Congress a detailed time accounting regarding the work performed; and (2) made public disclosure of such time accounting and fee arrangements. Requires each attorney whose fees are subject to this Act to submit to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees a comprehensive record of the time and expenses for which the fees are to be paid. Provides that this Act shall not be construed to limit attorney's fees paid by manufacturers of tobacco products in connection with such actions. | 2025-08-21T16:11:22Z | |
| 105-s-1554 | 105 | s | 1554 | Fairness in Punitive Damage Awards Act | Law | 1997-11-13 | 1998-07-29 | Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 105-928. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 2 | Fairness in Punitive Damage Awards Act - Limits punitive damage awards in civil actions brought in Federal or State court that affect interstate commerce, charitable or religious activities, or implicate rights or interests that may be protected by the Congress under the 14th Amendment, where such damages are sought for harm that did not result in death, serious and permanent physical scarring or disfigurement, loss of a limb or organ, or serious and permanent physical impairment of an important bodily function. Permits punitive damages, to the extent permitted by applicable State law, to be awarded against: (1) a person in such a case only if the claimant establishes that the harm that is the subject of the action was proximately caused by such person; and (2) a qualified charity only if the claimant established by clear and convincing evidence that the harm was proximately caused by an intentionally tortious act of such charity. Makes this Act inapplicable to any person in such action if the misconduct for which punitive damages are awarded: (1) occurred at a time when the defendant was under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or any drug that may not lawfully be sold without a prescription and had been taken by the defendant other than in accordance with the terms of a lawful prescription; or (2) constitutes a crime of violence, an act of terrorism, a hate crime, or a felony sexual offense, for which the defendant has been convicted in any court. (Sec. 5) Limits the amount of punitive damages that may be awarded to a claimant in any civil action that is subject to this Act: (1) to the greater of three times the amount awarded to the claimant for economic loss or $250,000; or (2) for an individual whose net worth does not exceed $500,000 or against an owner of an unincorporated business, or any partnership, corporation, association, unit of local government, or organization that has fewer than 25 full-time employees, to the lesser of three times the amount awarded to the claimant for economic loss or $250… | 2025-08-21T16:11:22Z | |
| 105-hr-3026 | 105 | hr | 3026 | To amend title 28, United States Code, relating to jurisdictional immunities of the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, to grant jurisdiction to the courts of the United States for claims arising out of the destruction of Pan American World Airways Flight 103. | Law | 1997-11-12 | 1997-11-25 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims. | House | Rep. Fox, Jon D. [R-PA-13] | PA | R | F000332 | 20 | Amends the Federal judicial code to provide an exception to the jurisdictional immunity of foreign states by granting jurisdiction to the U.S. courts for claims in which money damages are sought against the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya arising out of the destruction of Pan American World Airways Flight 103. Specifies that such a cause of action shall survive the death, and pass to the estate, of the claimant. Makes an exception to immunity from attachment in such cases. | 2025-01-02T17:49:06Z | |
| 105-s-1523 | 105 | s | 1523 | A bill to allow for the investment of joint Federal and State funds from the civil settlement of damages from the Exxon Valdez oil spill. | Law | 1997-11-12 | 1998-06-03 | Referred to Subcommittee on Oversight and Courts. | Senate | Sen. Murkowski, Frank H. [R-AK] | AK | R | M001085 | 1 | Authorizes the deposit, upon joint motion of the United States and the State of Alaska, and the issuance of an appropriate order by the United States District Court for the District of Alaska, of the joint trust funds or any portion thereof, including any interest accrued thereon, received or to be received by the United States and Alaska under the Agreement and Consent decree issued in United States v. Exxon Corporation (i.e., the Exxon Valdez oil spill consent decree), in appropriate accounts outside the Court Registry, including the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Fund. Allows any interest accrued under the authority of this Act to be used only for grants for marine research and monitoring (including applied fisheries research) and for community and economic restoration projects (including projects proposed by the fishing industry and facilities). Authorizes the Federal trustees to administer such grants. Terminates the authority provided in this Act on September 30, 2002, unless by September 30, 2001, the trustees have submitted to the Congress a proposal to authorize in Federal statute a board to administer funds invested, interest received, and grants awarded from such interest. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 105-hr-2986 | 105 | hr | 2986 | For the relief of the survivors of the 14 members of the Armed Forces and the one United States civilian who were killed on April 14, 1994, when United States fighter aircraft mistakenly shot down 2 helicopters in Iraq. | Law | 1997-11-09 | 1998-06-18 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Collins, Mac [R-GA-3] | GA | R | C000640 | 0 | Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified amount to the survivors of 14 military personnel and one civilian who were killed on April 14, 1994, when U.S. F-15 fighter aircraft mistakenly shot down two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters in Iraq. Limits attorney fees in connection with such survivor claims. Requires a report from the Secretary to the Congress on payments made. | 2025-04-07T15:23:55Z | |
| 105-sres-146 | 105 | sres | 146 | A resolution establishing an advisory role for the Senate in the selection of Supreme Court Justices. | Law | 1997-11-07 | 1997-11-07 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA] | PA | R | S000709 | 1 | Provides for the Senate Committee on the Judiciary to establish a pool of possible Supreme Court nominees for the President to consider, based on suggestions from Federal and State judges, distinguished lawyers and law professors, and specified others. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 105-s-1361 | 105 | s | 1361 | Wisconsin Federal Judgeship Act of 1997 | Law | 1997-11-04 | 1998-10-13 | Referred to Subcommittee on Oversight and Courts. | Senate | Sen. Kohl, Herb [D-WI] | WI | D | K000305 | 1 | Wisconsin Federal Judgeship Act of 1997 - Provides for the appointment of an additional Federal district judge for the eastern district of Wisconsin. Directs the chief judge of that district to designate a judge to hold court for such district in Green Bay, Wisconsin. | 2025-08-21T16:14:45Z | |
| 105-s-1352 | 105 | s | 1352 | A bill to amend Rule 30 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to restore the stenographic preference for depositions. | Law | 1997-10-31 | 1998-04-02 | Subcommittee on Oversight and Courts. Approved for full committee consideration with an amendment favorably. | Senate | Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] | IA | R | G000386 | 3 | Amends rule 30 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to require that depositions be recorded by stenographic means unless the court upon motion orders, or the parties stipulate in writing, to the contrary. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 105-hr-2747 | 105 | hr | 2747 | To provide for limited circumstances under which compliance with a subpoena issued in connection with certain civil actions in a court of the United States shall not be required. | Law | 1997-10-28 | 1998-02-04 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Canady, Charles T. [R-FL-12] | FL | R | C000107 | 0 | Prohibits the head of an executive department from ordering an employee not to comply with a subpoena issued pursuant to a civil action in a U.S. court in connection with such person's employment unless the department head provides a written statement to the court certifying that: (1) the information sought may be reasonably obtained from another source; (2) the information is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act; or (3) compliance by the employee would result in a waste of departmental resources. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 105-hr-2739 | 105 | hr | 2739 | Judicial Conduct Reform Act of 1997 | Law | 1997-10-24 | 1997-10-29 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. McDade, Joseph M. [R-PA-10] | PA | R | M000399 | 1 | Judicial Conduct Reform Act of 1997 - Establishes in the judicial branch: (1) a Judicial Conduct Board; and (2) a Court of Judicial Discipline. Sets forth provisions regarding functions, composition and terms, termination, compensation, personnel, and administrative services. Revises Federal judicial code provisions regarding judicial discipline to authorize any person alleging that a circuit, district, bankruptcy, or magistrate judge or a judge of the Court of Federal Claims or of the Court of International Trade has engaged in conduct prejudicial to the effective and efficient administration of the business of the courts, or alleging that such judge is unable to discharge all the duties of the office by reason of mental or physical disability, to file with the Board a written complaint containing a brief statement of the facts constituting such conduct. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) investigations, the conduct of proceedings (including confidentiality of information or evidence acquired), and the filing of formal charges against a judge by the Board; (2) Court hearings, decisions and sanctions, and certifications of grounds for impeachment; (3) appeals of Court decision; and (4) reimbursement for reasonable expenses, including attorney's fees, incurred by a judge following dismissal of a complaint. | 2025-08-21T16:14:47Z | |
| 105-hr-2740 | 105 | hr | 2740 | To limit attorneys' fees in the tobacco settlement. | Law | 1997-10-24 | 1997-10-29 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. McInnis, Scott [R-CO-3] | CO | R | M000477 | 24 | Limits attorney's fees paid in connection with the settlement of a State action against one or more tobacco companies to recover tobacco-related Medicaid expenditures or for other causes of action involved in the settlement agreement dated June 20, 1997, to $150 per hour plus out-of-pocket expenses approved by the court. Prohibits the award of attorney's fees under any national tobacco settlement until the attorneys have: (1) provided to the Congress a detailed time accounting regarding the work performed; and (2) made public disclosure of such time accounting and fee arrangements. Requires each attorney whose fees are subject to this Act to submit to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees a comprehensive record of the time and expenses for which the fees are to be paid. | 2025-04-07T15:31:27Z | |
| 105-s-1302 | 105 | s | 1302 | Foreign Sovereign Immunity Technical Corrections Act of 1997 | Law | 1997-10-21 | 1997-10-21 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Faircloth, Lauch [R-NC] | NC | R | F000437 | 1 | Foreign Sovereign Immunity Technical Corrections Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal judicial code to revise the exemption from foreign sovereign immunity when money damages are sought against a foreign state for personal injury or death caused by a specified kind of violent act engaged in or materially supported by an official, employee, or agent of such foreign state. Extends the exemption from foreign sovereign immunity to foreign states which are not designated state sponsors of terrorism, but which have no treaty of extradition with the United States at the time the act occurred, and no adequate and available remedies conforming with fundamental fairness and due process. Sets forth a statute of limitations for actions against such a state, declaring that no action may be brought for a cause of action that arose more than 20 years before the enactment of this Act. | 2025-08-21T16:12:37Z | |
| 105-s-1256 | 105 | s | 1256 | Citizens Access to Justice Act of 1997 | Law | 1997-10-06 | 1997-10-06 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 11 | Citizens Access to Justice Act of 1997 - Authorizes a property owner to file a civil action to challenge the validity of any Federal agency action that adversely affects the owner's interest in private property in a district court or the United States Court of Federal Claims (claims court). (Sec. 5) Grants the district court and the claims court concurrent jurisdiction over both claims for monetary relief and claims seeking invalidation of any Act of Congress or any regulation of a Federal agency affecting private property rights. Authorizes the plaintiff to elect to file an action under this section in a district court or the claims court. Waives sovereign immunity of the United States regarding such an action. (Sec. 6) Grants: (1) any person adversely affected by a Federal agency action standing to challenge and seek judicial review of that action without first exhausting administrative remedies, subject to specified limitations; and (2) the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit exclusive jurisdiction of any action filed under this Act. (Sec. 8) Modifies Federal judicial code provisions to grant the claims court jurisdiction to render judgment upon certain claims against the United States for monetary relief and for invalidation of any Act of Congress or regulation of an executive department under this Act. Grants the claims court the power to grant injunctive and declaratory relief in any case within its jurisdiction. Repeals a provision limiting the claims court's jurisdiction with respect to the pendency of claims in other courts. Expands the district court's jurisdiction to include concurrent jurisdiction over civil actions filed under this Act. Specifies that any claim or action brought to redress the deprivation of a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution shall be ripe for adjudication by the district courts upon a final decision by any person acting under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage of any U.S. State or territory that causes actual … | 2025-08-21T16:14:24Z | |
| 105-hr-2603 | 105 | hr | 2603 | Alternative Dispute Resolution and Settlement Encouragement Act | Law | 1997-10-02 | 1997-10-09 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Coble, Howard [R-NC-6] | NC | R | C000556 | 1 | Alternative Dispute Resolution and Settlement Encouragement Act - Amends the Judicial Improvements and Access to Justice Act with respect to Federal district court arbitration programs to: (1) authorize permanent appropriations; (2) require all district courts to establish by local rule such programs for civil and bankruptcy actions; and (3) increase the monetary ceiling of actions that courts may require to be arbitrated. Amends the Federal judicial code to set forth an offer of settlement procedure in Federal civil diversity litigation. | 2025-08-21T16:14:38Z | |
| 105-s-1204 | 105 | s | 1204 | Property Owners Access to Justice Act of 1997 | Law | 1997-09-23 | 1997-10-07 | Committee on Judiciary. Hearings held. | Senate | Sen. Coverdell, Paul [R-GA] | GA | R | C000813 | 31 | Property Owners Access to Justice Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal judicial code to provide that whenever a district court has jurisdiction in civil rights cases it shall not abstain from exercising or relinquishing its jurisdiction to a State court in an action where no claim of a violation of a State law, right, or privilege is alleged. Authorizes the district court, in such cases that cannot be decided without resolution of a significant but unsettled question of State law, to certify such question to the highest appellate court of that State (and after the State appellate court resolves the question certified to it, the district court shall proceed with resolving the merits). Bars the district court from certifying a question of State law unless such question will significantly affect the merits of the injured party's Federal claim and is so unclear and obviously susceptible to a limiting construction as to render premature a decision on the merits of the constitutional or legal issue in the case. Requires that any claim or action brought to redress the deprivation of a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution be ripe for adjudication by the district courts upon a final decision rendered by any person acting under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of any State or territory of the United States, that causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. Provides that any claim brought under provisions regarding the United States as defendant and regarding the jurisdiction of the Court of Federal Claims, that is founded upon a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution but allegedly infringed or taken by the United States, shall be ripe for adjudication upon a final decision rendered by the United States that causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. Sets guidelines for what constitutes a "final decision" for purposes of this Act. | 2025-08-21T16:12:44Z | |
| 105-s-1188 | 105 | s | 1188 | Court Consistency in Communications Act of 1997 | Law | 1997-09-17 | 1998-10-13 | Referred to Subcommittee on Oversight and Courts. | Senate | Sen. Kohl, Herb [D-WI] | WI | D | K000305 | 1 | Court Consistency in Communications Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal judicial code to grant the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction to review determinations made with regard to local and long distance network telecommunications agreements under the Communications Act of 1934. Grants the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit exclusive jurisdiction of appeals of such reviews. Provides the same review and appeal authority in any case in which a State communications commission makes such a determination. | 2025-08-21T16:13:11Z | |
| 105-s-1166 | 105 | s | 1166 | Federal Agency Compliance Act | Law | 1997-09-11 | 1998-10-13 | Referred to Subcommittee on Oversight and Courts. | Senate | Sen. Campbell, Ben Nighthorse [R-CO] | CO | R | C000077 | 2 | Federal Agency Compliance Act - Requires a Federal agency, in administering a statute, rule, regulation, program, or policy (statute) within a judicial circuit, to adhere to the existing precedent respecting the interpretation and application of such statute, as established by the decisions of the United States court of appeals for that circuit, with exceptions. Allows an agency to take a position, either in administration or litigation, that is at variance with such precedent if: (1) it is uncertain whether the administration of the statute will be subject to review by the appeals court that established that precedent or a court of appeals for another circuit; (2) the Government did not seek further review of the case in which that precedent was first established in that appeals court or the U.S. Supreme Court because neither the United States nor any agency or officer thereof was a party to the case or because the decision establishing that precedent was otherwise substantially favorable to the Government; or (3) it is reasonable to question the continued validity of that precedent in light of a subsequent decision of that appeals court or the U.S. Supreme Court, a subsequent change in any pertinent statute or regulation, or any other subsequent change in the public policy or circumstances on which that precedent was based. Requires: (1) the officers of any Federal agency supervising the conduct of litigation to ensure that the initiation, defense, and continuation of proceedings in the U.S. courts within, or subject to the jurisdiction of, a particular judicial circuit avoids unnecessarily repetitive litigation on questions of law already consistently resolved against the U.S. position in precedents established by the U.S. courts of appeals for three or more other judicial circuits; and (2) decisions on whether to initiate, defend, or continue litigation to take into account specified factors, including the effect of intervening changes in pertinent law or the public policy or circumstances on which the esta… | 2025-08-21T16:13:20Z | |
| 105-hr-2440 | 105 | hr | 2440 | To make technical amendments to section 10 of title 9, United States Code. | Law | 1997-09-09 | 1998-10-21 | Message on Senate action sent to the House. | House | Rep. Gekas, George W. [R-PA-17] | PA | R | G000121 | 1 | Makes technical amendments to Federal provisions concerning vacating arbitration awards where the award was procured by fraud and under other specified circumstances. Modifies provisions of the Missing Children's Assistance Act to direct the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to annually make a grant to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which shall be used for specified purposes, such as to: (1) operate the official national resource center and information clearinghouse for missing and exploited children; (2) coordinate public and private programs that locate, recover, or reunite missing children with their families; (3) disseminate on a national basis information relating to innovative and model programs, services, and legislation that benefit missing and exploited children; and (4) provide assistance to families and law enforcement agencies in locating and recovering missing and exploited children, both nationally and internationally. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2003. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 105-hconres-140 | 105 | hconres | 140 | Expressing the sense of Congress that before the consideration of any legislation regarding the comprehensive tobacco settlement each plaintiff attorney shall fully disclose the attorney's anticipated fees as a result of such settlement agreement. | Law | 1997-07-31 | 1997-08-05 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. McInnis, Scott [R-CO-3] | CO | R | M000477 | 0 | Calls for each plaintiff attorney, before the consideration of any legislation regarding the comprehensive tobacco settlement, to fully disclose his or her anticipated fees as a result of such settlement agreement. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 105-hjres-93 | 105 | hjres | 93 | Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to the power of the several States to propose amendments to the Constitution. | Law | 1997-07-31 | 1997-08-05 | Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution. | House | Rep. Goode, Virgil H., Jr. [D-VA-5] | VA | D | G000280 | 0 | Constitutional Amendment - Provides that if the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States, in a seven-year period, adopt and submit to the Clerk of the Supreme Court an identical amendment to the Constitution related to but one subject, that amendment shall be valid as a part of the Constitution, without any action being required by the Congress. Provides that: (1) each State shall retain the power to rescind its amendment until the earlier of expiration of the seven-year period or the date of receipt of the identical amendment from three-fourths of the several States; and (2) no State shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate without its consent. Requires the Supreme Court to rule whether the amendment is related to one subject only within 60 days after receiving the amendment from ten States. Provides that if the Court fails to rule on the issue within such period, the amendment shall be conclusively presumed to meet the-one subject standard. Invalidates the amendment if the Court rules that it fails to meet such standard. | 2019-11-15T21:34:08Z | |
| 105-s-1113 | 105 | s | 1113 | A bill to extend certain temporary judgeships in the Federal judiciary. | Law | 1997-07-31 | 1998-05-15 | Referred to Subcommittee on Oversight and Courts. | Senate | Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] | IA | R | G000386 | 13 | Amends the Judicial Improvements Act of 1990 to strike provisions relating to the temporary appointment of one additional district judge for the northern district of Alabama. Extends temporary judgeships in: (1) the eastern district of California, the northern district of New York, the eastern district of Virginia, the southern and central districts of Illinois, the eastern district of Missouri, the northern district of Ohio, and the districts of Hawaii, Nebraska, and Kansas until the first vacancy occurring 10 years or more after the confirmation of the judge named to fill such judgeships; and (2) the eastern district of Pennsylvania until the first vacancy occurring five years or more after the confirmation date of the judge named to fill such judgeship. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 105-s-1135 | 105 | s | 1135 | Trade and Professional Association Free Flow of Information Act of 1997 | Law | 1997-07-31 | 1998-10-13 | Referred to Subcommittee on Technology, Terrorism, Government. | Senate | Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY] | KY | R | M000355 | 2 | Trade and Professional Association Free Flow of Information Act of 1997 - Exempts a trade or professional association from civil liability relating to harm caused by the provision of specified information by the trade or professional association to a member of the trade or professional association. Authorizes a trade or professional association to file a special motion to strike any claim in a judicial proceeding against the trade or professional association on the ground that the claim is based on an act with respect to which the association is exempt from liability under this Act. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) procedures with respect to a special motion to strike; (2) qualified exemption of such associations from third-party discovery; (3) a special motion to quash a subpoena on the grounds that the trade or professional association is exempt from any third-party discovery request; (4) procedures with respect to a special motion to quash; (5) the right of such associations to object under rule 45 of the Federal Rules of Procedure or any similar rule or procedure under applicable State law; (6) a qualified association member privilege not to disclose confidential information received from the association relating to litigation involving the quality, performance, or defect of a product; (7) election of a State to be exempt from the requirements of this Act with respect to any civil action in a State court in which all of the parties are citizens of that State; and (8) preemption of State laws. | 2025-08-21T16:12:24Z | |
| 105-hr-2293 | 105 | hr | 2293 | Environmental Litigation Abuse Prevention Act of 1997 | Law | 1997-07-30 | 1997-08-11 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. | House | Rep. Taylor, Charles H. [R-NC-11] | NC | R | T000067 | 2 | Environmental Litigation Abuse Prevention Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide that, in issuing any final order in any action brought pursuant to such Act, the court shall not award litigation costs (including any attorney's fees or expert witness fees) against any municipality (including the District of Columbia). | 2025-08-21T16:12:26Z | |
| 105-hr-2294 | 105 | hr | 2294 | Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1998 | Law | 1997-07-30 | 1998-05-15 | Referred to Subcommittee on Oversight and Courts. | House | Rep. Coble, Howard [R-NC-6] | NC | R | C000556 | 0 | TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Judicial Financial Administration Title II: Judicial Process Improvements Title III: Judiciary Personnel Administration, Benefits, and Protections Title IV: Criminal Justice Act Amendments Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1998 - Title I: Judicial Financial Administration - Provides for the annual transfer of specified sums, subject to specified limitations, from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund and the Department of the Treasury Forfeiture Fund to the judiciary into the special Treasury fund available to offset funds appropriated for the operation and maintenance of the U.S. courts for expenses incurred in: (1) adjudication of civil and criminal forfeiture proceedings; (2) representation of offenders whose assets have been seized in such proceedings; and (3) supervision by U.S. probation officers of offenders under home detention or other forms of confinement outside of Bureau of Prisons' facilities. (Sec. 102) Provides for the transfer to such special fund of the accrued employer contributions and accrued interest on those contributions made on behalf of a bankruptcy judge or a magistrate to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund upon election by such judge or magistrate of an annuity under the Retirement and Survivors' Annuities for Bankruptcy Judges and Magistrates Act of 1988. (Sec. 103) Amends provisions regarding the Judiciary Information Technology Fund to repeal provisions subjecting information technology procurement to provisions of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 applicable to executive agencies. (Sec. 104) Authorizes the Judicial Conference of the United States to require the debtor in a chapter 11 bankruptcy case in a district that is not part of a United States trustee region to pay fees equal to those imposed in districts that are part of such a region. (Sec. 105) Requires, for FY 1999 and thereafter, any portion of miscellaneous fees collected by the Judicial Conference from Federal courts of appeals, district… | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 105-s-1078 | 105 | s | 1078 | Guam War Restitution Act | Law | 1997-07-29 | 1998-05-15 | Referred to Subcommittee on Oversight and Courts. | Senate | Sen. Inouye, Daniel K. [D-HI] | HI | D | I000025 | 0 | Guam War Restitution Act - Amends the Organic Act of Guam to set forth award and benefit eligibility requirements for living Guamanians, or the heirs or next of kin of deceased Guamanians, who suffered a compensable injury during the occupation of Guam in World War II. Defines "compensable injury" as: (1) death; (2) personal injury; or (3) forced labor, forced march, or internment. Establishes the Guam Trust Fund and the Guam Trust Fund Commission. Authorizes the Commission to make disbursements from the Fund to: (1) make awards available to Guamanians who personally received the compensable injury, or to their heirs or next of kin in claims for death; (2) make benefits (including scholarships, medical expenses, or first-time home ownership grants) available to Guamanians who are heirs or next of kin of the decedent Guamanian who received the compensable injury that is the basis for a claim if the claim is for a compensable injury other than death; (3) sponsor research and public educational activities to commemorate the events surrounding the wartime experiences and losses of the Guamanian people; and (4) pay the Commission's administrative expenses. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the President to submit to the Congress a list of recommended spending cuts or other measures that would provide, over the next five years, enough savings to carry out this Act. | 2025-08-21T16:12:46Z | |
| 105-hr-2200 | 105 | hr | 2200 | Guam War Restitution Act | Law | 1997-07-17 | 1997-07-17 | Referred to the House Committee on Resources. | House | Del. Underwood, Robert A. [D-GU-At Large] | GU | D | U000014 | 22 | Guam War Restitution Act - Amends the Organic Act of Guam to set forth award and benefit eligibility requirements for living Guamanians, or the heirs or next of kin of deceased Guamanians, who suffered a compensable injury during the occupation of Guam in World War II. Defines "compensable injury" as: (1) death; (2) personal injury; or (3) forced labor, forced march, or internment. Establishes the Guam Trust Fund and the Guam Trust Fund Commission. Authorizes the Commission to make disbursements from the Fund to: (1) make awards available to Guamanians who personally received the compensable injury, or to their heirs or next of kin in claims for death; (2) make benefits (including scholarships, medical expenses, or first-time home ownership grants) available to Guamanians who are heirs or next of kin of the decedent Guamanian who received the compensable injury that is the basis for a claim if the claim is for a compensable injury other than death; (3) sponsor research and public educational activities to commemorate the events surrounding the wartime experiences and losses of the Guamanian people; and (4) pay the Commission's administrative expenses. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the President to submit to the Congress a list of recommended spending cuts or other measures that would provide, over the next five years, enough savings to carry out this Act. | 2025-08-21T16:11:24Z | |
| 105-hr-2123 | 105 | hr | 2123 | To amend title 28, United States Code, to transfer Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, from the Eastern Judicial District of Pennsylvania to the Middle Judicial District of Pennsylvania. | Law | 1997-07-09 | 1997-07-23 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Holden, Tim [D-PA-6] | PA | D | H000712 | 0 | Amends the Federal judicial code to transfer Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, from the State's Eastern Judicial District to its Middle Judicial District. | 2025-04-07T15:23:55Z | |
| 105-s-996 | 105 | s | 996 | A bill to provide for the authorization of appropriations in each fiscal year for arbitration in United States district courts. | Law | 1997-07-08 | 1997-10-06 | Became Public Law No: 105-53. | Senate | Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] | IA | R | G000386 | 1 | Amends the Judicial Improvements and Access to Justice Act to extend permanently (currently ends after FY 1997) the authorization of appropriations for arbitration in U.S. district courts. Amends the Civil Justice Reform Act of 1990 to make permanent (currently expires on December 1, 1997) the requirement for the semiannual publication and dissemination of a list of each Federal judge's: (1) motions that have been pending for more than six months; (2) bench trials that have been submitted for more than six months; and (3) cases that have not been concluded within three years. Amends the Judicial Improvements Act of 1990 to strike provisions relating to the temporary appointment of one additional district judge for the northern district of Alabama. Extends temporary judgeships in: (1) the eastern district of California, the northern district of New York, the eastern district of Virginia, the southern and central districts of Illinois, the eastern district of Missouri, the northern district of Ohio, and the districts of Hawaii, Nebraska, and Kansas until the first vacancy occurring ten years or more after the confirmation of the judge named to fill such judgeships; and (2) the eastern district of Pennsylvania until the first vacancy occurring five years or more after the confirmation date of the judge named to fill such judgeship. Amends the Federal judicial code to transfer one Federal court judgeship from the eastern to the middle district of Louisiana. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 105-s-997 | 105 | s | 997 | A bill to amend chapter 44 of title 28, United States Code, to authorize the use of certain arbitration procedures in all district courts, to modify the damage limitation applicable to cases referred to arbitration, and for other purposes. | Law | 1997-07-08 | 1998-05-15 | Referred to Subcommittee on Oversight and Courts. | Senate | Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] | IA | R | G000386 | 0 | Amends the Federal judicial code to require all U.S. district courts to authorize the use of arbitration in civil actions. (Currently, the use of arbitration is limited to certain judicial districts.) Permits district courts to require actions in which the maximum amount of money damages sought is $150,000 (currently, $100,000) to be referred to arbitration. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 105-hjres-85 | 105 | hjres | 85 | Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to give citizens of the United States the right to propose amendments to the Constitution by an initiative process. | Law | 1997-06-25 | 1997-07-01 | Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution. | House | Rep. Hoekstra, Peter [R-MI-2] | MI | R | H000676 | 0 | Constitutional Amendment - States that the people shall have the right to propose amendments to the Constitution through an initiative process. | 2019-11-15T21:33:52Z | |
| 105-hjres-84 | 105 | hjres | 84 | Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide a procedure by which the States may propose constitutional amendments. | Law | 1997-06-24 | 1998-03-25 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Bliley, Tom [R-VA-7] | VA | R | B000556 | 8 | Constitutional Amendment - Provides that: (1) two-thirds of the legislatures of the several States may propose an amendment to the Constitution by enacting identical legislation; and (2) the legislature first proposing the amendment shall submit it to the Congress. Deems such proposed amendment to be submitted to the several States for their consideration if, before the date of the second adjournment of the Congress sine die occurring after the amendment is submitted to the Congress two-thirds of each House: (1) vote against legislation expressly disapproving the amendment; or (2) have not voted for legislation expressly disapproving the amendment. | 2025-04-07T15:23:55Z | |
| 105-hr-1901 | 105 | hr | 1901 | To clarify that the protections of the Federal Tort Claims Act apply to the members and personnel of the National Gambling Impact Study Commission. | Law | 1997-06-17 | 1997-07-25 | Became Public Law No: 105-30. | House | Rep. Hyde, Henry J. [R-IL-6] | IL | R | H001022 | 0 | Amends the National Gambling Impact Study Commission Act to designate the National Gambling Impact Study Commission as a "Federal agency" and each of its members and personnel as an "employee of the Government" for purposes of the Federal Tort Claims Act and the Federal judicial code. | 2025-04-07T15:33:28Z | |
| 105-hr-1857 | 105 | hr | 1857 | Multiparty, Multiforum Jurisdiction Act of 1997 | Law | 1997-06-10 | 1997-06-20 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-9] | WI | R | S000244 | 0 | Multiparty, Multiforum Jurisdiction Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal judicial code to grant Federal district courts original jurisdiction over civil actions arising out of a single accident that results in the death or injury of 25 or more natural persons, provided the amount in controversy exceeds $50,000 per person and minimal diversity of citizenship exists. Authorizes venue in any district in which a defendant resides or in which a substantial part of the accident occurred. Expands district court authority over such transferred actions (previously covered only pretrial proceedings) to permit joint trial of liability and punitive damage issues. Calls for remand of damage determinations (other than punitive damages), including the possibility of remand to State courts in which actions were originally filed, unless the Federal court finds that it would serve the convenience of parties and witnesses and the interests of justice to retain the damages phase of the action as well. Permits removal of actions from State to U.S. district courts to invoke the proposed jurisdiction and to join actions within the jurisdiction pending before the Federal court. Authorizes removal before trial within 30 days of a defendant's becoming a party to a suit under this Act, or at a later time with leave of the district court. Establishes a presumption in favor of discretionary remand to State courts for damages determinations after rulings on liability. Provides that the district court in which an action under this Act is pending shall determine the source of the applicable substantive law and is not bound by the choice of law rules by any State. Requires the responsible district court to issue an order designating the jurisdiction whose law is to be applied in all actions under this Act arising from the same incident. Identifies factors that may be relevant in such choice of law determinations. Authorizes nationwide service of process and, upon a showing of good cause, nationwide service of subpoenas with regard to actions unde… | 2025-08-21T16:11:13Z | |
| 105-s-836 | 105 | s | 836 | Small Business Lawsuit Abuse Protection Act of 1997 | Law | 1997-06-05 | 1998-05-15 | Referred to Subcommittee on Oversight and Courts. | Senate | Sen. Abraham, Spencer [R-MI] | MI | R | A000355 | 11 | Small Business Lawsuit Abuse Protection Act of 1997 - Provides that, in any civil action against a small business (fewer than 25 full-time employees), punitive damages may be awarded against such business only if the claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that conduct carried out by the defendant through willful misconduct or with a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of others was the proximate cause of the harm that is the subject of the action. Prohibits, in any action against a small business, punitive damages from exceeding the lesser of: (1) twice the amount awarded for economic and noneconomic losses; or (2) $250,000. Provides that, in such an action, the liability of each defendant small business shall be limited to the amount of noneconomic loss allocated to that defendant in direct proportion to its percentage of responsibility for the harm that is the subject of the action. Requires the court to render a separate judgment against each such defendant. Provides as exceptions to the small business liability limitations under this Act any misconduct: (1) that constitutes a crime of violence, international terrorism, or a hate crime; (2) that involves a sexual offense or a violation of a Federal or State civil rights law; or (3) if the defendant was under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or a drug at the time of the misconduct and that fact causes any of the harm alleged. | 2025-08-21T16:14:01Z | |
| 105-hr-1790 | 105 | hr | 1790 | To amend title 28, United States Code, to create two divisions in the Eastern Judicial District of Louisiana. | Law | 1997-06-04 | 1997-06-10 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Tauzin, W. J. (Billy) [R-LA-3] | LA | R | T000058 | 0 | Amends the Federal judicial code to create within the Eastern Judicial District of Louisiana the New Orleans Division and the Houma Division. | 2025-04-07T15:23:55Z | |
| 105-hr-1745 | 105 | hr | 1745 | Forfeiture Act of 1997 | Law | 1997-05-22 | 1997-08-06 | For Further Action See H.R.1965. | House | Rep. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY-9] | NY | D | S000148 | 0 | TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Administrative Forfeitures Title II: Judicial Forfeitures Title III: Property Subject to Forfeiture Title IV: Miscellaneous Forfeiture Amendments Title V: Criminal Forfeiture Forfeiture Act of 1997 - Title I: Administrative Forfeitures - Rewrites provisions regarding seizures, claims, and judicial condemnation under the Tariff Act of 1930 (the Act). Allows any person claiming seized property to file a claim with the appropriate customs officer at any time after the seizure if filed within 30 days after the final publication of notice of seizure. Directs that the claim be signed by the claimant under penalty of perjury and contain a statement of the nature and extent of the claimant's ownership interest in the property and how and when it was acquired. Specifies that no bond shall be required if the property is seized by the Attorney General and consists of monetary instruments, or if the claim is filed in forma pauperis with the required supporting information. Authorizes the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury to waive or reduce the bond requirement under specified circumstances. Provides for condemnation in the manner prescribed in the Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims (Rules). (Sec. 102) Modifies a provision regarding summary forfeiture and sale to require the appropriate customs officer, if any vessel, vehicle, aircraft, merchandise, or baggage is not subject to seizure provisions of the Act, to transmit specified information to the United States attorney for a district in which a forfeiture action could be filed under the Federal judicial code. (Sec. 103) Amends the Act to provide that where no timely claim to seized property is filed and a declaration of forfeiture is entered pursuant to the Act by the seizing agency, the declaration shall be final and not subject to judicial review, with an exception where a claimant establishes that: (1) the seizing agency failed to take reasonable steps to provide th… | 2025-08-21T16:11:41Z | |
| 105-hr-1596 | 105 | hr | 1596 | Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 1997 | Law | 1997-05-14 | 1998-05-15 | Referred to Subcommittee on Oversight and Courts. | House | Rep. Gekas, George W. [R-PA-17] | PA | R | G000121 | 15 | Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize appointments to: (1) additional permanent bankruptcy judgeships in specified districts of California, Maryland, New Jersey, and Tennessee; and (2) additional temporary bankruptcy judgeships in California, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia (provides that the first vacancy occurring in such a district five years or more after a judge is appointed under this Act shall not be filled). Extends a temporary bankruptcy judgeship position authorized for the district of Delaware. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z |
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CREATE TABLE legislation (
bill_id TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
congress INTEGER,
bill_type TEXT,
bill_number INTEGER,
title TEXT,
policy_area TEXT,
introduced_date TEXT,
latest_action_date TEXT,
latest_action_text TEXT,
origin_chamber TEXT,
sponsor_name TEXT,
sponsor_state TEXT,
sponsor_party TEXT,
sponsor_bioguide_id TEXT,
cosponsor_count INTEGER DEFAULT 0,
summary_text TEXT,
update_date TEXT,
url TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_congress ON legislation(congress);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_type ON legislation(bill_type);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_policy ON legislation(policy_area);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_date ON legislation(introduced_date);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_sponsor ON legislation(sponsor_name);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_sponsor_bioguide ON legislation(sponsor_bioguide_id);