legislation
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160 rows where congress = 108 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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| 108-s-3032 | 108 | s | 3032 | United States Court of Federal Claims Special Trial Judges Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-12-07 | 2004-12-07 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 1 | United States Court of Federal Claims Special Trial Judges Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal judicial code to establish within the U.S. Court of Federal Claims special trial judges (currently, special masters) to conduct proceedings on petitions under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services' participation in such proceedings. Establishes an office of special trial judges within the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Requires the judges of such court to appoint special trial judges, one of whom shall serve as chief special trial judge. Establishes guidelines for the conduct of proceedings on petitions. Authorizes review of special trial judge decisions by the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and further appeal by the Secretary or an aggrieved petitioner to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Amends the Public Health Service Act to reflect the above changes to the Program. Sets forth transition provisions for: (1) persons exempted from specified civil service programs by operation of this Act; and (2) persons currently serving as special masters. Establishes a retirement annuity system for special trial judges and addresses their participation in existing retirement programs. Amends the Federal judicial code, the Organic Act of Guam, the Act of November 8, 1977, and the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to include bankruptcy, magistrate, and territorial judges in the definition of "judge" for purposes of Federal employees' life insurance benefits. | 2023-01-14T22:48:28Z | |
| 108-hconres-526 | 108 | hconres | 526 | Expressing the sense of Congress that the President should grant a posthumous pardon to John Arthur "Jack" Johnson for the 1913 racially motivated conviction of Johnson, which diminished his athletic, cultural, and historic significance, and tarnished his reputation. | Law | 2004-11-19 | 2004-11-19 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. King, Peter T. [R-NY-3] | NY | R | K000210 | 1 | Calls for the President to grant a pardon, posthumously, to Jack Johnson, the first African-American professional boxer to hold the title of Heavyweight Champion of the World. | 2023-01-14T22:48:33Z | |
| 108-s-12 | 108 | s | 12 | Class Action Fairness Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-11-19 | 2004-11-19 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] | IA | R | G000386 | 0 | Class Action Fairness Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal judicial code to specify the calculation of contingent and other attorney's fees in proposed class action settlements that provide for the award of coupons to class members. Prohibits a Federal district court from approving: (1) a proposed coupon settlement absent a finding that the settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate; (2) a proposed settlement involving payments to class counsel that would result in a net monetary loss to class members, absent a finding that the loss is substantially outweighed by nonmonetary benefits; or (3) a proposed settlement that provides greater sums to some class members solely because they are closer geographically to the court. Specifies requirements for notices of proposed settlements. Grants district courts original jurisdiction of any civil action in which the matter in controversy exceeds $5 million, exclusive of interest and costs, and is between citizens of different States, or citizens of a State and a foreign State or its citizens or subjects. Lists those factors pursuant to which a district court may decline to exercise jurisdiction over a class action, and specifies those circumstances in which a district court must decline jurisdiction. Sets forth provisions governing the removal of interstate class actions to Federal district court and the review on appeal of remand orders. Directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to report on class action settlements, incorporating recommendations for best court practices to ensure fairness for class members and appropriate fees for counsel. | 2023-01-14T22:48:31Z | |
| 108-s-3018 | 108 | s | 3018 | A bill to direct the Inspector General of the Department of Justice to submit semi-annual reports regarding settlements relating to false claims and fraud against the Federal Government. | Law | 2004-11-19 | 2004-11-19 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] | IA | R | G000386 | 0 | Amends the Inspector General Act to require the Inspector General (IG) of the Department of Justice (DOJ), in preparing semiannual reports on the activities of the IG's office, to describe each settlement or compromise of any claim, suit, or other action entered into with the DOJ that: (1) related to an alleged violation of statutory provisions prohibiting major fraud or false claims against the United States; and (2) results from a claim of damages in excess of $500,000. Specifies the required elements of each such description. | 2023-01-14T22:48:29Z | |
| 108-s-2996 | 108 | s | 2996 | A bill to provide for an additional place of holding court in the northern district of New York, and for other purposes. | Law | 2004-11-18 | 2004-11-18 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY] | NY | D | S000148 | 0 | Amends the Federal judicial code to add Plattsburgh, New York, to the list of places for holding court in the Northern District of New York. | 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z | |
| 108-hr-5363 | 108 | hr | 5363 | To authorize salary adjustments for Justices and judges of the United States for fiscal year 2005. | Law | 2004-11-16 | 2004-12-23 | Became Public Law No: 108-491. | House | Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5] | WI | R | S000244 | 1 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Authorizes U.S. justices and judges to receive a salary adjustment during FY 2005 (in accordance with specified Federal judicial code provisions). | 2023-01-14T22:48:33Z | |
| 108-s-2979 | 108 | s | 2979 | Federal Regulatory Improvement Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-10-11 | 2004-11-16 | Held at the desk. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 1 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Federal Regulatory Improvement Act of 2004 - Revises the purpose of the Administrative Conference of the United States to include: (1) promoting more effective public participation and efficiency in the rulemaking process; (2) reducing unnecessary litigation in the regulatory process; (3) improving the use of science in the regulatory process; and (4) improving the effectiveness of laws applicable to the regulatory process. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through FY 2007. | 2023-01-14T22:48:34Z | |
| 108-s-2943 | 108 | s | 2943 | A bill to convert certain temporary judgeships to permanent judgeships, to create an additional judgeship for the district of Nebraska, and for other purposes. | Law | 2004-10-08 | 2004-10-08 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA] | CA | D | F000062 | 5 | Requires the conversion from temporary to permanent status the existing district judgeships for the eastern district of California, the district of Hawaii, the district of Kansas, and the eastern district of Missouri. Directs the President to appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, one additional district judge for the district of Nebraska. | 2023-01-14T22:48:35Z | |
| 108-hr-5273 | 108 | hr | 5273 | To convert certain temporary judgeships to permanent judgeships, to create an additional judgeship for the district of Nebraska and for the eastern district of California, and for other purposes. | Law | 2004-10-07 | 2004-11-05 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Thomas, William M. [R-CA-22] | CA | R | T000188 | 20 | Requires the conversion from temporary to permanent status of the existing district judgeships for the district of Hawaii, the district of Kansas, and the eastern district of Missouri. Directs the President to appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate: (1) one additional district judge for the district of Nebraska; and (2) one additional district judge for the eastern district of California. | 2023-01-14T22:48:41Z | |
| 108-hr-5274 | 108 | hr | 5274 | To create an additional judgeship for the eastern district of California, and for other purposes. | Law | 2004-10-07 | 2004-11-05 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Thomas, William M. [R-CA-22] | CA | R | T000188 | 9 | Directs the President to appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, one additional district judge for the eastern district of California. | 2023-01-14T22:48:41Z | |
| 108-hr-5278 | 108 | hr | 5278 | Community Pharmacy Preservation Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-10-07 | 2004-10-25 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. | House | Rep. Weiner, Anthony D. [D-NY-9] | NY | D | W000792 | 2 | Community Pharmacy Preservation Act of 2004 - Provides that antitrust laws shall apply to negotiations between groups of independent pharmacies and health plans and health insurance issuers in the same manner as such laws apply to collective bargaining by labor organizations under the National Labor Relations Act. Prohibits any pharmaceutical drug manufacturer from having a controlling interest in an entity that is a pharmacy benefit manager. Requires pharmacy benefit managers to disclose all compensation from drug manufacturers. Prohibits pharmacy benefit managers from making certain drug interchanges: (1) to a drug with a greater cost; (2) without disclosure to the individual; or (3) from a drug with generic equivalents to a drug without generic equivalents, unless the latter is lower in cost than each of the generic equivalents of the drug from which the prescription would be changed. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to apply specified standards for community pharmacy access under the Medicare outpatient prescription drug program. | 2023-01-14T22:48:41Z | |
| 108-s-2903 | 108 | s | 2903 | Nonprofit Athletic Organization Protection Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-10-06 | 2004-10-06 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Lugar, Richard G. [R-IN] | IN | R | L000504 | 0 | Nonprofit Athletic Organization Protection Act of 2004 - Exempts a nonprofit athletic organization from liability for harm caused by an act or omission in the adoption of rules for sanctioned or approved athletic competitions or practices if: (1) the organization was acting within the scope of its duties; (2) the organization was properly licensed, certified, or authorized for the competition or practice; and (3) the harm was not caused by the organization's willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, or reckless misconduct. Allows exceptions to such protection where State law: (1) requires such an organization to adhere to risk management procedures, including mandatory training; (2) makes the organization liable for the acts or omissions of its employees, agents, and volunteers to the same extent as an employer is liable for its employees; and (3) makes a limitation of liability inapplicable if the civil action was brought by an officer of a State or local government. | 2023-01-14T22:48:36Z | |
| 108-s-2873 | 108 | s | 2873 | A bill to extend the authority of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa to hold court in Rock Island, Illinois. | Law | 2004-09-30 | 2004-12-10 | Became Public Law No: 108-455. | Senate | Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] | IA | R | G000386 | 9 | (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on November 19, 2004. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Amends the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act to extend through July 1, 2006, the authority of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa to hold court in Rock Island, Illinois, with regard to cases filed in specified districts and with the consent of the parties, and to summon jurors from the Southern District of Iowa to hear such cases. Amends the Federal judicial code to require the holding of court for the Northern District of Mississippi, Delta Division, at Cleveland, Mississippi, in addition to Clarksdale. Authorizes the holding of court for the Western District of Arkansas, Texarkana Division, and for the Eastern District of Texas, Texarkana Division, anywhere within the Federal courthouse in Texarkana located on the State line between Texas and Arkansas. Adds Plattsburgh, New York, to the list of places for holding court in the Northern District of New York. Adds Colorado Springs, Colorado, to the list of places for holding court in the District of Colorado. | 2023-01-14T22:48:30Z | |
| 108-hr-5126 | 108 | hr | 5126 | Patients' Privacy Protection Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-09-22 | 2004-11-05 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-8] | NY | D | N000002 | 22 | Patients' Privacy Protection Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to declare that a patient has a privilege with respect to any evidence consisting of a confidential communication or record made in the course of medical treatment by a duly licensed health care provider. Authorizes a court to order the disclosure of such a communication or record to the extent the court determines that the public interest in disclosure significantly outweighs the patient's privacy interests. Requires the court to ensure that personally identifiable information is redacted and that the patient's communications and records remain under seal. | 2023-01-13T22:01:46Z | |
| 108-s-2827 | 108 | s | 2827 | Patients' Privacy Protection Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-09-22 | 2004-09-22 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Clinton, Hillary Rodham [D-NY] | NY | D | C001041 | 7 | Patients' Privacy Protection Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to declare that a patient has a privilege with respect to any evidence consisting of a confidential communication or record made in the course of medical treatment by a duly licensed health care provider. Authorizes a court to order the disclosure of such a communication or record to the extent the court determines that the public interest in disclosure significantly outweighs the patient's privacy interests. Requires the court to ensure that personally identifiable information is redacted and that the patient's communications and records remain under seal. | 2023-01-14T22:48:46Z | |
| 108-hr-5076 | 108 | hr | 5076 | Victim Compensation Fund Extension Act | Law | 2004-09-14 | 2004-11-05 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims. | House | Rep. Maloney, Carolyn B. [D-NY-14] | NY | D | M000087 | 5 | Victim Compensation Fund Extension Act - Amends the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act to extend the deadline (currently, December 22, 2003) for filing claims under the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 (Fund) for: (1) three years following enactment of this Act if the Special Master determines that the claimant was unaware that he or she had suffered physical harm as the result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist-related aircraft crashes until after the deadline and before enactment or was unaware of his or her eligibility to file a claim; and (2) three years after the claimant first knew that he or she had suffered physical harm as the result of such crashes if the Special Master determines that the claimant was unaware that he or she had suffered physical harm until on or after enactment of this Act. Defines "immediate aftermath" for purposes of provisions concerning the determination of eligibility for compensation under the Fund. | 2023-01-13T22:01:47Z | |
| 108-s-2793 | 108 | s | 2793 | Good Samaritan Volunteer Firefighter Assistance Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-09-13 | 2004-09-13 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Santorum, Rick [R-PA] | PA | R | S000059 | 1 | Good Samaritan Volunteer Firefighter Assistance Act of 2004 - Provides that a person (including any governmental or other entity) who donates fire control or fire rescue equipment to a volunteer fire company shall not be liable for personal injuries, property damage or loss, or death proximately caused by the equipment after the donation. Waives such liability protection if: (1) the person's act or omission proximately causing the injury, damage, loss, or death constitutes gross negligence or intentional misconduct; or (2) the person is the manufacturer of such equipment. Preempts State laws to the extent they are inconsistent with this Act, with the exception of those that provide additional protection from liability. | 2023-01-14T22:48:46Z | |
| 108-hconres-478 | 108 | hconres | 478 | Expressing the sense of Congress that the Supreme Court of the United States should act expeditiously to resolve the confusion and inconsistency in the Federal criminal justice system caused by its decision in Blakely v. Washington, and for other purposes. | Law | 2004-07-22 | 2004-08-04 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. | House | Rep. Coble, Howard [R-NC-6] | NC | R | C000556 | 4 | Expresses the sense of Congress that the Supreme Court should act expeditiously to resolve the current confusion and inconsistency in the Federal criminal justice system by promptly considering and ruling on the constitutionality of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. | 2023-01-15T04:49:24Z | |
| 108-hr-4917 | 108 | hr | 4917 | Federal Regulatory Improvement Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-07-22 | 2004-10-30 | Became Public Law No: 108-401. | House | Rep. Cannon, Chris [R-UT-3] | UT | R | C000116 | 35 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Federal Regulatory Improvement Act of 2004 - Revises the purpose of the Administrative Conference of the United States to include: (1) promoting more effective public participation and efficiency in the rulemaking process; (2) reducing unnecessary litigation in the regulatory process; (3) improving the use of science in the regulatory process; and (4) improving the effectiveness of laws applicable to the regulatory process. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through FY 2007. | 2023-01-14T22:48:20Z | |
| 108-hr-4946 | 108 | hr | 4946 | United States Court of Federal Claims Termination Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-07-22 | 2004-08-04 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Hefley, Joel [R-CO-5] | CO | R | H000444 | 5 | United States Court of Federal Claims Termination Act of 2004 - Prohibits the filing of claims in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (the Court) upon enactment of this Act and terminates the Court effective one year from enactment. Requires the Chief Justice of the United States to promulgate regulations for the orderly transfer of all claims pending before the Court to appropriate U.S. courts. Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to submit a report to Congress containing recommendations for legislation to carry out this Act. | 2023-01-14T22:48:19Z | |
| 108-s-2742 | 108 | s | 2742 | A bill to extend certain authority of the Supreme Court Police, modify the venue of prosecutions relating to the Supreme Court building and grounds, and authorize the acceptance of gifts to the United States Supreme Court. | Law | 2004-07-22 | 2004-10-21 | Became Public Law No: 108-356. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 2 | (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on September 28, 2004. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Extends to December 29, 2008, the authority of the Marshal of the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court Police to protect the Justices and official guests of the court away from the court building and grounds. Adds the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to venue provisions governing prosecutions relating to the Supreme Court building and grounds (currently, venue lies only in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia). Authorizes the Chief Justice to accept, hold, administer, and use gifts and bequests of personal property pertaining to the history of the Supreme Court or its justices. Requires gifts or bequests of money to be covered into the Treasury. | 2023-01-14T22:48:26Z | |
| 108-s-2757 | 108 | s | 2757 | Judicial Branch Financial Accountability Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-07-22 | 2004-07-22 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S8748) | Senate | Sen. Fitzgerald, Peter [R-IL] | IL | R | F000442 | 0 | Judicial Branch Financial Accountability Act of 2004 - Requires the Federal Judiciary annually to have financial statements prepared and independently audited covering judicial branch activities. Directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to determine whether to have separate financial statements for specified components of the Federal Judiciary. Requires the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to prepare the financial statements required by this Act and to have such statements independently audited. Requires the Judicial Conference to submit an implementation plan and recommendations to the Senate Judiciary and Governmental Affairs Committees and the House Judiciary and Government Reform Committees. | 2023-01-14T22:48:25Z | |
| 108-sconres-130 | 108 | sconres | 130 | A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the Supreme Court of the United States should act expeditiously to resolve the confusion and inconsistency in the Federal criminal justice system caused by its decision in Blakely v. Washington, and for other purposes. | Law | 2004-07-21 | 2004-11-05 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 15 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Expresses the sense of Congress that the Supreme Court should act expeditiously to resolve the current confusion and inconsistency in the Federal criminal justice system by promptly considering and ruling on the constitutionality of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. | 2023-01-14T22:48:24Z | |
| 108-hr-4875 | 108 | hr | 4875 | To amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify that persons may bring private rights of actions against foriegn states for certain terrorist acts, and for other purposes. | Law | 2004-07-20 | 2004-08-04 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims. | House | Rep. Saxton, Jim [R-NJ-3] | NJ | R | S000097 | 18 | Amends the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976 (FSIA) to require that a foreign state designated as a state sponsor of terrorism under specified laws, or an official, employee, or agent of such a foreign state, shall be liable to a U.S. national for the national's personal injury or death caused by acts of that state or official, employee, or agent acting within the scope of his or her duties. Authorizes U.S. courts to exercise jurisdiction over such actions for money damages under a FSIA provision concerning acts of torture, extrajudicial killing, aircraft sabotage, hostage taking, and material support for such acts. Mandates that property interests of foreign states, or agencies or instrumentalities of foreign states, against which judgment is entered pursuant to such provision are subject to attachment execution. Requires foreign states to be held vicariously liable for the actions of their officials, employees, or agents. Revives previously dismissed causes of action that would be cognizable under this Act by retroactively tolling the applicable statute of limitations from the date of initial filing to 60 days after enactment of this Act. | 2023-01-14T22:48:17Z | |
| 108-hr-4726 | 108 | hr | 4726 | To prevent discriminatory taxation of natural gas pipeline property by the States. | Law | 2004-06-25 | 2004-08-04 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law. | House | Rep. Carter, John R. [R-TX-31] | TX | R | C001051 | 0 | Describes the following as acts that unreasonably burden and discriminate against interstate commerce, and prohibits States, political subdivisions, and any other taxing authority from: (1) assessing natural gas pipeline property at a value that has a higher ratio to its true market value than the ratio used to assess other commercial and industrial property in the same assessment jurisdiction; (2) levying or collecting a tax on such an assessment; (3) levying or collecting an ad valorem property tax on natural gas pipeline property at a rate that exceeds the rate applicable to commercial and industrial property in the same assessment jurisdiction; or (4) imposing any other tax that discriminates against a natural gas pipeline providing transportation subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Grants jurisdiction to U.S. District Courts over cases involving violations of such prohibitions. | 2023-01-15T04:49:18Z | |
| 108-hr-4646 | 108 | hr | 4646 | To amend title 28, United States Code, to provide for the holding of Federal district court in Plattsburgh, New York, and for other purposes. | Law | 2004-06-22 | 2004-07-21 | Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 376. | House | Rep. McHugh, John M. [R-NY-23] | NY | R | M000472 | 0 | Amends the Federal judicial code to add Plattsburgh, New York, to the list of places for holding court in the Northern District of New York. | 2023-01-15T04:49:15Z | |
| 108-hconres-454 | 108 | hconres | 454 | Commemorating over half a century of adjudication under the McCarran Amendment of rights to the use of water. | Law | 2004-06-17 | 2004-06-28 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims. | House | Rep. McInnis, Scott [R-CO-3] | CO | R | M000477 | 0 | Reaffirms the policies and principles of the McCarran Amendment (which waived the sovereign immunity of the United States so that it could be joined in comprehensive State general adjudications of the rights to use water) that have been recognized by Supreme Court decisions. Recognizes that, as a matter of practice, the United States should adhere and defer to State water law. Commends Western States that maintain comprehensive systems for the quantification of rights to use water for all beneficial purposes. | 2023-01-15T04:49:09Z | |
| 108-hr-4571 | 108 | hr | 4571 | Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-06-15 | 2004-09-15 | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Smith, Lamar [R-TX-21] | TX | R | S000583 | 31 | (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on September 13, 2004. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2004 - (Sec. 2) Amends Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to: (1) require courts to impose sanctions on attorneys, law firms, or parties who file frivolous lawsuits (currently, discretionary); (2) disallow the withdrawal or correction of pleadings to avoid Rule 11 sanctions; (3) require courts to award parties prevailing on Rule 11 motions reasonable expenses and attorney's fees, if warranted; (4) authorize courts to impose Rule 11 sanctions that include reimbursement of a party's reasonable litigation costs in connection with frivolous lawsuits; and (5) make the discovery phase of litigation subject to Rule 11 sanctions. (Sec. 3) Makes Rule 11 applicable to State civil actions where the court determines, upon motion, that the action affects interstate commerce. (Sec. 4) Requires personal injury claims (defined to exclude class actions) filed in State or Federal court to be filed in the county or Federal district in which: (1) the person bringing the claim resides at the time of filing or resided at the time of the alleged injury; (2) the alleged injury or circumstances giving rise to the injury occurred; or (3) the defendant's principal place of business is located. Directs the trial court to determine which county or Federal district is the most appropriate forum in those situations where the alleged injury occurred in more than one county or district. (Sec. 6) Requires a mandatory one-year suspension for attorneys determined by a Federal district court to have violated Rule 11 three or more times in that court during the attorney's career. Authorizes the court to suspend such attorneys for an additional period as the court considers appropriate. Gives suspended attorneys the right to appeal and stays suspensions pending appeal. Requires suspended attorneys to petition the court for reinstatement under procedures and conditions pr… | 2023-01-15T04:49:13Z | |
| 108-hr-4430 | 108 | hr | 4430 | Legal Expense Equity Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-05-20 | 2004-06-28 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Chocola, Chris [R-IN-2] | IN | R | C001052 | 54 | Legal Expense Equity Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize parties in civil diversity litigation to serve written settlement offers on an adverse party at any time not less than 10 days before trial. Authorizes the court, at any time before judgment is entered, to exempt from settlement any claim that presents a novel and important question of law or fact that substantially affects nonparties. Voids all settlement offers made by the parties with respect to such exempted claims. Authorizes an offeror whose proposed settlement was declined by an offeree to file a petition with the court seeking payment by the offeree of costs and fees, including attorney's fees, from the date of the last settlement offer by either party if the ultimate judgment or order is not more favorable to the offeree than the proposed settlement. Requires the court to order payment by the offeree in such circumstances unless requiring payment would be manifestly unjust. Limits attorney's fees ordered under this Act to: (1) the actual attorney's fees incurred by the offeree in connection with the claim; or (2) if no such cost was incurred due to a contingency fee agreement, a reasonable cost that would have been incurred by the offeree absent a contingency fee agreement. States that this Act does not apply to claims seeking equitable remedies. | 2023-01-15T04:49:02Z | |
| 108-hr-4388 | 108 | hr | 4388 | Special Exposure Cohort Fairness Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-05-18 | 2004-08-25 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections. | House | Rep. Udall, Tom [D-NM-3] | NM | D | U000039 | 0 | Special Exposure Cohort Fairness Act of 2004 - Amends the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to include within its Special Exposure Cohort for compensation purposes certain employees who, during their employment at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, during the period 1945 through 2000: (1) were monitored through the use of dosimetry badges for exposure at the plant of the external parts of an employee's body to radiation; (2) were monitored through the use of bioassays, in vivo monitoring, or breath samples for exposure at the plant to internal radiation; or (3) worked in a job that had exposures comparable to a job that is monitored under certain DOE standards through the use of dosimetry badges for monitoring external radiation exposures, or bioassays, in vivo monitoring, for internal radiation exposures. Defines Cohort-Eligible Los Alamos Worker as one employed: (1) as a security guard or construction worker; (2) in Area G or at the linear accelerator; or (3) in any area of Los Alamos National Laboratory and in any capacity, if all records necessary for radiation dose reconstruction with respect to such employee have not been received by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health from the Department of Energy or its contractors within 200 days after receipt of a claim under this Act. | 2023-01-15T04:49:01Z | |
| 108-s-2404 | 108 | s | 2404 | Fairness in School Discipline Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-05-11 | 2004-05-11 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Miller, Zell [D-GA] | GA | D | M001141 | 0 | Fairness in School Discipline Act of 2004 - Sets forth Federal minimum due process requirements in cases of suspensions of public school students. | 2023-01-15T04:49:06Z | |
| 108-s-2405 | 108 | s | 2405 | Restoring Authority to Schools Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-05-11 | 2004-05-11 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Miller, Zell [D-GA] | GA | D | M001141 | 0 | Restoring Authority to Schools Act of 2004 - Requires prospective relief in any civil action for violations of Federal law in public schools to be narrowly drawn, to extend no further than necessary, and to reflect the least intrusive means necessary to correct the violation. Requires the court to give substantial weight to any adverse impact on other students or the school community caused by such relief. Prohibits the court from ordering prospective relief that requires or permits government officials to exceed their authority under State or local law or otherwise violates such law unless Federal law so requires, the relief is necessary, and no other relief will correct the violation. Authorizes the court to enter a temporary restraining order or an order for preliminary injunctive relief with respect to violations of Federal law in public schools to the extent otherwise authorized by law if the order complies with the limitations on prospective relief set forth in this Act. Requires the termination of prospective relief upon the motion of any party or intervener at specified times. Entitles defendants or interveners to the immediate termination of such relief if it was approved or granted in the absence of a finding that the limitations set forth in this Act were met. Prohibits the court from entering or approving a consent decree absent compliance with such limitations. Sets forth procedures for motions affecting prospective relief. Authorizes the court to appoint a special master in those civil actions addressed by this Act. | 2023-01-15T04:49:06Z | |
| 108-s-2396 | 108 | s | 2396 | Federal Courts Improvement Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-05-10 | 2004-05-10 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S5080-5084) | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 5 | Federal Courts Improvement Act of 2004 - Sets forth or amends various judicial, criminal, and bankruptcy code provisions to address the Federal judicial process, including: (1) bankruptcy administrator authority to appoint and serve as bankruptcy trustees; (2) places of holding court in, and changes in the composition of, specified districts; (3) jury matters; (4) conditions of probation and supervised release; (5) the scope of diversity citizenship for resident aliens and corporations with foreign contacts; (6) wiretap order reporting requirements; (7) emergency authority to conduct court proceedings outside a court's territorial jurisdiction; and (8) certain privacy concerns in bankruptcy cases. Amends various Federal judicial code, Higher Education Act, Organic Act of Guam, Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands, civil service, and other provisions to address Federal judicial personnel matters, including: (1) annuities for territorial judges; (2) compensation for Federal Judicial Center employees; (3) annual leave limits for judicial branch executives; (4) supplemental benefits for judicial branch employees; (5) student loan forgiveness for Federal defenders and student loan deferment for law clerks; (6) inclusion of judicial branch personnel in the organ donor leave program; (7) transportation and subsistence expenses for Criminal Justice Act defendants; (8) compensation in excess of the statutory maximum for defense counsel and for services other than counsel; (9) judicial branch security requirements; (10) life insurance for bankruptcy, magistrate, and territorial judges; and (11) health insurance for surviving family and spouses of judges. Prohibits knowingly recording fictitious liens against the property of Federal judges. | 2023-01-15T04:49:05Z | |
| 108-hr-4301 | 108 | hr | 4301 | To authorize an additional district judgeship for the district of Nebraska. | Law | 2004-05-06 | 2004-05-20 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Terry, Lee [R-NE-2] | NE | R | T000459 | 2 | Requires the President to appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, one additional district judge for the district of Nebraska. | 2023-01-15T04:48:58Z | |
| 108-hr-4265 | 108 | hr | 4265 | To provide that when a company makes a charitable donation of equipment, the company is generally not liable for harm later caused by that equipment, and for other purposes. | Law | 2004-05-04 | 2004-05-04 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Green, Mark [R-WI-8] | WI | R | G000545 | 0 | Protects business entities from civil liability under Federal and State law for any injury or death resulting from: (1) the use of equipment donated to nonprofit organizations by such entities; (2) the authorized use of facilities made available to nonprofit organizations by such entities where the use occurs outside the scope of business; or (3) the authorized operation of aircraft or motor vehicles loaned to nonprofit organizations by such entities for use outside the scope of business. Creates an exception for injuries or death resulting from a business entity's gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Preempts inconsistent State laws unless such laws provide additional protection for business entities or the State elects not to be covered by this Act. Makes the provisions of this Act inapplicable to civil actions in State court where all parties are citizens of the State and the State has opted out of coverage by such election. | 2023-01-15T04:48:58Z | |
| 108-s-2379 | 108 | s | 2379 | A bill to authorize an additional district judgeship for the district of Nebraska. | Law | 2004-05-04 | 2004-05-04 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Hagel, Chuck [R-NE] | NE | R | H001028 | 1 | Requires the President to appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, one additional district judge for the district of Nebraska. | 2023-01-15T04:49:05Z | |
| 108-hr-4247 | 108 | hr | 4247 | Ninth Circuit Judgeship and Reorganization Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-04-29 | 2004-05-20 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Renzi, Rick [R-AZ-1] | AZ | R | R000574 | 1 | Ninth Circuit Judgeship and Reorganization Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal judicial code to divide the Ninth Judicial Circuit into the Ninth Circuit (to be composed of California, Guam, Hawaii, and the Northern Marianas Islands), the Twelfth Circuit (to be composed of Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, and Montana), and Thirteenth Circuit (to be composed of Alaska, Oregon, and Washington State). Requires the President to appoint, with the advise and consent of the Senate, five additional circuit judges for the new Ninth Circuit (not before January 21, 2005) and two temporary judges for the former Ninth Circuit. Specifies the locations where the new circuits are to hold regular sessions. Assigns active circuit judges of the former Ninth Circuit to the new circuits based on their current duty station. Allows senior circuit judges of the former Ninth Circuit to elect assignment to any of the three new circuits. Specifies the disposition of cases pending in the former Ninth Circuit before the effective date of this Act as follows: (1) proceedings in matters that have been submitted for decision shall continue without regard to this Act; (2) matters not yet submitted for decision must be transferred to the court to which they would have been submitted under this Act; and (3) proceedings on petitions for rehearing or rehearing en banc that have been submitted or decided shall continue without regard to this Act. Authorizes the temporary assignment of the circuit and district judges of the former Ninth Circuit among the new circuits. Authorizes administrative coordination among any two contiguous circuits among the new circuits. Directs that the former Ninth Circuit shall cease to exist for administrative purposes two years after enactment of this Act. | 2023-01-15T04:48:34Z | |
| 108-s-2373 | 108 | s | 2373 | A bill to modify the prohibition on recognition by United States courts of certain rights relating to certain marks, trade names, or commercial names. | Law | 2004-04-29 | 2004-04-29 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Domenici, Pete V. [R-NM] | NM | R | D000407 | 14 | Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to prohibit a U.S. court from recognizing, enforcing, or otherwise validating the assertion of rights, including treaty rights, by an individual (currently, by a designated Cuban national) of a mark, trade name, or commercial name that was used in connection with a business or assets that were confiscated unless the original owner of such mark or name, or their bona fide successor, has expressly consented thereto. Makes such prohibition applicable only if the individual asserting the rights knew or had reason to know at the time of of acquiring the rights asserted that the mark or name was the same or substantially similar to the mark or name used in connection with the business or assets that were confiscated. | 2023-01-15T04:48:54Z | |
| 108-hr-4225 | 108 | hr | 4225 | To modify the prohibition on recognition by United States courts of certain rights relating to certain marks, trade names, or commercial names. | Law | 2004-04-28 | 2004-05-20 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Smith, Lamar [R-TX-21] | TX | R | S000583 | 39 | Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to prohibit a U.S. court from recognizing, enforcing, or otherwise validating the assertion of rights, including treaty rights, by an individual (currently, by a designated Cuban national) of a mark, trade name, or commercial name that was used in connection with a business or assets that were confiscated unless the original owner of such mark or name, or their bona fide successor, has expressly consented thereto. Makes such prohibition applicable only if the individual asserting the rights knew or had reason to know at the time of of acquiring the rights asserted that the mark or name was the same or substantially similar to the mark or name used in connection with the business or assets that were confiscated. | 2023-01-15T04:48:35Z | |
| 108-s-2323 | 108 | s | 2323 | Constitution Restoration Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-04-20 | 2004-04-20 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Shelby, Richard C. [R-AL] | AL | R | S000320 | 7 | Constitution Restoration Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit the U.S. Supreme Court and the Federal district courts from exercising jurisdiction over any matter in which relief is sought against an entity of Federal, State, or local government or an officer or agent of such government by reason of that entity's, officer's, or agent's acknowledgment of God as the sovereign source of law, liberty, or government. Prohibits a court of the United States from relying upon any law, policy, or other action of a foreign state or international organization in interpreting and applying the Constitution, other than the constitutional law and English common law. Provides that any Federal court decision relating to an issue removed from Federal jurisdiction by this Act is not binding precedent on State courts. Provides that any Supreme Court justice or Federal court judge who exceeds the jurisdictional limitations of this Act shall be deemed to have committed an offense for which the justice or judge may be removed, and to have violated the standard of good behavior required of Article III judges by the Constitution. | 2023-01-15T04:48:55Z | |
| 108-s-2290 | 108 | s | 2290 | FAIR Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-04-07 | 2004-04-22 | Cloture on the motion to proceed not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 47. Record Vote Number: 69. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 8 | Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2004 or FAIR Act of 2004 - Establishes within the Department of Labor the Office of Asbestos Disease Compensation, to be headed by an Administrator responsible for processing claims for compensation for asbestos-related injuries and managing the Asbestos Injury Claims Resolution Fund (Fund) (established within such Office). Authorizes the Administrator to establish a Medical Advisory Committee. Requires the Administrator to: (1) establish an Advisory Committee on Asbestos Disease Compensation; (2) establish a comprehensive asbestos claimant assistance program that includes legal assistance; and (3) appoint physicians to claim-specific Physicians Panels. Establishes: (1) procedures for handling claims of asbestos-related disease and injury; (2) medical evidence auditing and review procedures and applicable medical criteria; and (3) award amounts and payment methods. Imposes a general four-year statute of limitations for filing claims, with special provisions for pending claims and multiple injuries. Allows certain asymptomatic claimants to receive medical monitoring reimbursement. Specifies the funding allocation for asbestos defendants required to pay into the Fund. Establishes the Asbestos Insurers Commission to determine Fund payment obligations of insurers up to a specified aggregate amount. Vests exclusive jurisdiction to review: (1) final determinations regarding fund obligations and actions for declaratory and injunctive relief under this Act in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia; and (2) award decisions in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the circuit in which the claimant resides. Amends the criminal code to prohibit and establish penalties for fraud and false information in connection with Fund claims. Amends the bankruptcy code to state that Fund contribution obligations are not subject to an automatic stay or dischargeable in bankruptcy. Requires remedies provided by this Act to be the exclusive remedy for asbestos claims. Address… | 2021-09-29T22:20:46Z | |
| 108-s-2293 | 108 | s | 2293 | United States Court of Federal Claims Termination Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-04-07 | 2004-04-07 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Dorgan, Byron L. [D-ND] | ND | D | D000432 | 1 | United States Court of Federal Claims Termination Act of 2004 - Prohibits the filing of claims in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (the Court) upon enactment of this Act and terminates the Court effective one year from enactment. Requires the Chief Justice of the United States to promulgate regulations for the orderly transfer of all claims pending before the Court to appropriate U.S. courts. Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to submit a report to Congress containing recommendations for legislation to carry out this Act. | 2023-01-15T04:48:33Z | |
| 108-hr-4106 | 108 | hr | 4106 | NOPEC | Law | 2004-04-01 | 2004-04-02 | Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E508) | House | Rep. Conyers, John, Jr. [D-MI-14] | MI | D | C000714 | 2 | No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels Act of 2004 or NOPEC - Amends the Sherman Act to declare it to be illegal and a violation of the Act for any foreign state or instrumentality thereof to act collectively or in combination with any other foreign state or any other person, whether by cartel or any other association or form of cooperation or joint action, to limit the production or distribution of oil, natural gas, or any other petroleum product (petroleum), to set or maintain the price of petroleum, or to otherwise take any action in restraint of trade for petroleum, when such action has a direct, substantial, and reasonably foreseeable effect on the market, supply, price, or distribution of petroleum in the United States. Denies a foreign state engaged in such conduct sovereign immunity from the jurisdiction or judgements of U.S. courts in any action brought to enforce this Act.States that no U.S. court shall decline, based on the act of state doctrine, to make a determination on the merits in an action brought under this Act.Authorizes the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to bring an action in U.S. district court to enforce this Act.Amends the Federal judicial code to make an exception to the jurisdictional immunity of a foreign state in an action brought under this Act. | 2023-01-15T04:48:38Z | |
| 108-hr-4118 | 108 | hr | 4118 | American Justice for American Citizens Act | Law | 2004-04-01 | 2004-05-20 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Paul, Ron [R-TX-14] | TX | R | P000583 | 1 | American Justice for American Citizens Act - Prohibits the Supreme Court and other Federal courts, in the purported exercise of judicial power to interpret and apply the Constitution, from employing the constitution, laws, administrative rules, executive orders, directives, policies, or judicial decisions of any international organization or foreign state, except for English constitutional and common law or other sources of law relied upon by the framers of the Constitution. | 2023-01-15T04:48:38Z | |
| 108-s-2270 | 108 | s | 2270 | No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-04-01 | 2004-04-22 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 474. | Senate | Sen. DeWine, Mike [R-OH] | OH | R | D000294 | 14 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels Act of 2004 or NOPEC - Amends the Sherman Act to declare it to be illegal and a violation of the Act for any foreign state or instrumentality thereof to act collectively or in combination with any other foreign state or any other person, whether by cartel or any other association or form of cooperation or joint action, to limit the production or distribution of oil, natural gas, or any other petroleum product (petroleum), to set or maintain the price of petroleum, or to otherwise take any action in restraint of trade for petroleum, when such action has a direct, substantial, and reasonably foreseeable effect on the market, supply, price, or distribution of petroleum in the United States. Denies a foreign state engaged in such conduct sovereign immunity from the jurisdiction or judgements of U.S. courts in any action brought to enforce this Act.States that no U.S. court shall decline, based on the act of state doctrine, to make a determination on the merits in an action brought under this Act.Authorizes the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to bring an action in U.S. district court to enforce this Act.Amends the Federal judicial code to make an exception to the jurisdictional immunity of a foreign state in an action brought under this Act. | 2023-01-15T04:48:33Z | |
| 108-s-2278 | 108 | s | 2278 | Ninth Circuit Judgeship and Reorganization Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-04-01 | 2004-04-07 | Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Administrative Oversight and the Courts. Hearings held. | Senate | Sen. Ensign, John [R-NV] | NV | R | E000194 | 8 | Ninth Circuit Judgeship and Reorganization Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal judicial code to divide the Ninth Judicial Circuit into the Ninth Circuit (to be composed of California, Guam, Hawaii, and the Northern Marianas Islands), the Twelfth Circuit (to be composed of Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, and Montana), and Thirteenth Circuit (to be composed of Alaska, Oregon, and Washington State). Requires the President to appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, five additional circuit judges for the new Ninth Circuit (not before January 21, 2005) and two temporary judges for the former Ninth Circuit. Specifies the locations where the new circuits are to hold regular sessions. Assigns active circuit judges of the former Ninth Circuit to the new circuits based on their current duty station. Allows senior circuit judges of the former Ninth Circuit to elect assignment to any of the three new circuits. Specifies the disposition of cases pending in the former Ninth Circuit before the effective date of this Act as follows: (1) proceedings in matters that have been submitted for decision shall continue without regard to this Act; (2) matters not yet submitted for decision must be transferred to the court to which they would have been submitted under this Act; and (3) proceedings on petitions for rehearing or rehearing en banc that have been submitted or decided shall continue without regard to this Act. Authorizes the temporary assignment of the circuit and district judges of the former Ninth Circuit among the new circuits. Authorizes administrative coordination among any two contiguous circuits among the new circuits. Directs that the former Ninth Circuit shall cease to exist for administrative purposes two years after enactment of this Act. | 2023-01-15T04:48:33Z | |
| 108-hr-4071 | 108 | hr | 4071 | To extend the time within which claims may be filed under the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. | Law | 2004-03-30 | 2004-04-02 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims. | House | Rep. McHugh, John M. [R-NY-23] | NY | R | M000472 | 0 | Extends by an additional year the time period for filing claims under the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001. | 2023-01-15T10:47:56Z | |
| 108-hres-568 | 108 | hres | 568 | Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Judicial determinations regarding the meaning of the laws of the United States should not be based on judgments, laws, or pronouncements of foreign institutions unless such foreign judgments, laws, or pronouncements inform an understanding of the original meaning of the laws of the United States. | Law | 2004-03-17 | 2004-05-13 | Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 7 - 3. | House | Rep. Feeney, Tom [R-FL-24] | FL | R | F000447 | 74 | Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that judicial determinations regarding the meaning of U.S. laws should not be based on foreign judgments, laws, or pronouncements unless such foreign judgments, laws, or pronouncements are incorporated into the legislative history of laws passed by the House and Senate or otherwise inform an understanding of the original meaning of U.S. laws. | 2023-01-15T10:47:55Z | |
| 108-s-2191 | 108 | s | 2191 | A bill to provide the venue for the judicial review of actions by certain Federal agencies. | Law | 2004-03-10 | 2004-07-08 | Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7778-7779) | Senate | Sen. Thomas, Craig [R-WY] | WY | R | T000162 | 0 | Amends the Federal judicial code to permit any civil action seeking judicial review of a final agency action by the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or the Director of the National Park Service, or the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, relating to the use of land administered by the Secretary to be brought only in: (1) the U.S. district court for the district in which the land is located; or (2) any of the districts in which the land is located (if the land is located in more than one district). | 2023-01-15T11:03:08Z | |
| 108-hr-3920 | 108 | hr | 3920 | Congressional Accountability for Judicial Activism Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-03-09 | 2004-04-02 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Lewis, Ron [R-KY-2] | KY | R | L000293 | 26 | Congressional Accountability for Judicial Activism Act of 2004 - Authorizes Congress, if two thirds of each House agree, to reverse a judgment of the United States Supreme Court: (1) if that judgment is handed down after the date of the enactment of this Act; and (2) to the extent that judgment concerns the constitutionality of an Act of Congress. | 2023-01-15T10:18:05Z | |
| 108-hr-3893 | 108 | hr | 3893 | We the People Act | Law | 2004-03-04 | 2004-06-28 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Paul, Ron [R-TX-14] | TX | R | P000583 | 1 | We the People Act - Prohibits the Supreme Court and each Federal court from adjudicating any claim or relying on judicial decisions involving: (1) State or local laws, regulations, or policies concerning the free exercise or establishment of religion; (2) the right of privacy, including issues of sexual practices, orientation, or reproduction; or (3) the right to marry without regard to sex or sexual orientation where based upon equal protection of the laws. Allows the Supreme Court and the Federal courts to determine the constitutionality of Federal statutes, administrative rules, or procedures in considering cases arising under the Constitution. Prohibits the Supreme Court and the Federal courts from issuing any ruling that appropriates or expends money, imposes taxes, or otherwise interferes with the legislative functions or administrative discretion of the States. Authorizes any party or intervener in matters before any Federal court, including the Supreme Court, to challenge the jurisdiction of the court under this Act. Provides that the violation of this Act by any justice or judge is an impeachable offense and a material breach of good behavior subject to removal. Negates as binding precedent on the State courts any Federal court decision that relates to an issue removed from Federal jurisdiction by this Act. | 2023-01-15T10:18:06Z | |
| 108-hr-3851 | 108 | hr | 3851 | To authorize an additional permanent judgeship for the district of Hawaii. | Law | 2004-02-26 | 2004-04-02 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Abercrombie, Neil [D-HI-1] | HI | D | A000014 | 1 | Directs the President to appoint one additional permanent district judge for the district of Hawaii. | 2023-01-15T09:47:44Z | |
| 108-hr-3843 | 108 | hr | 3843 | Rocky Flats Special Exposure Cohort Act | Law | 2004-02-25 | 2004-04-02 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims. | House | Rep. Udall, Mark [D-CO-2] | CO | D | U000038 | 1 | Rocky Flats Special Exposure Cohort Act - Amends the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to provide compensation for employees of the Department of Energy (DOE) or of a DOE contractor employed for an aggregate number of at least 250 work days before January 1, 2006, at the Rocky Flats site in Colorado. | 2023-01-15T09:47:44Z | |
| 108-s-2128 | 108 | s | 2128 | Natural Born Citizen Act | Law | 2004-02-25 | 2004-10-05 | Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held. | Senate | Sen. Nickles, Don [R-OK] | OK | R | N000102 | 2 | Natural Born Citizen Act - Defines the constitutional term "natural born citizen," to establish eligibility for the Office of President, as: (1) any person born in, and subject to the jurisdiction of, the United States; and (2) any person born outside the United States who derives citizenship at birth from U.S. citizen parents, or who is adopted by the age of 18 by U.S. citizen parents who are otherwise eligible to transmit citizenship. | 2023-01-15T10:03:16Z | |
| 108-s-2082 | 108 | s | 2082 | Constitution Restoration Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-02-12 | 2004-02-12 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Shelby, Richard C. [R-AL] | AL | R | S000320 | 5 | Constitution Restoration Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit the U.S. Supreme Court and the Federal district courts from exercising jurisdiction over any matter in which relief is sought against an element of Federal, State, or local government or officer of such government by reason of that element's or officer's acknowledgment of God as the sovereign source of law, liberty, or government. Prohibits a court of the United States from relying upon any law, policy, or other action of a foreign state or international organization in interpreting and applying the Constitution, other than the constitutional law and English common law. Provides that any Federal court decision relating to an issue removed from Federal jurisdiction by this Act is not binding precedent on State courts. Provides that any Supreme Court justice or Federal court judge who exceeds the jurisdictional limitations of this Act shall be deemed to have committed an offense for which the justice or judge may be removed, and to have violated the standard of good behavior required of Article III judges by the Constitution. | 2023-01-15T10:03:18Z | |
| 108-hr-3799 | 108 | hr | 3799 | Constitution Restoration Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-02-11 | 2004-09-13 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4] | AL | R | A000055 | 37 | Constitution Restoration Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit the U.S. Supreme Court and the Federal district courts from exercising jurisdiction over any matter in which relief is sought against an element of Federal, State, or local government or officer of such government by reason of that element's or officer's acknowledgment of God as the sovereign source of law, liberty, or government. Prohibits a court of the United States from relying upon any law, policy, or other action of a foreign state or international organization in interpreting and applying the Constitution, other than the constitutional law and English common law. Provides that any Federal court decision relating to an issue removed from Federal jurisdiction by this Act is not binding precedent on State courts. Provides that any Supreme Court justice or Federal court judge who exceeds the jurisdictional limitations of this Act shall be deemed to have committed an offense for which the justice or judge may be removed, and to have violated the standard of good behavior required of Article III judges by the Constitution. | 2023-01-15T09:47:46Z | |
| 108-s-2062 | 108 | s | 2062 | Class Action Fairness Act of 2004 | Law | 2004-02-10 | 2004-07-08 | Cloture not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 44 - 43. Record Vote Number: 154. (consideration: CR S7818-7819) | Senate | Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] | IA | R | G000386 | 34 | Class Action Fairness Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal judicial code to specify the calculation of contingent and other attorney's fees in proposed class action settlements that provide for the award of coupons to class members. Prohibits a Federal district court from approving: (1) a proposed coupon settlement absent a finding that the settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate; (2) a proposed settlement involving payments to class counsel that would result in a net monetary loss to class members, absent a finding that the loss is substantially outweighed by nonmonetary benefits; or (3) a proposed settlement that provides greater sums to some class members solely because they are closer geographically to the court. Specifies requirements for notices of proposed settlements. Grants district courts original jurisdiction of any civil action in which the matter in controversy exceeds $5 million, exclusive of interest and costs, and is between citizens of different States, or citizens of a State and a foreign State or its citizens or subjects. Lists those factors pursuant to which a district court may decline to exercise jurisdiction over a class action, and specifies those circumstances in which a district court must decline jurisdiction. Sets forth provisions governing the removal of interstate class actions to Federal district court and the review on appeal of remand orders. Directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to report on class action settlements, incorporating recommendations for best court practices to ensure fairness for class members and appropriate fees for counsel. | 2021-09-29T22:20:04Z | |
| 108-hr-3754 | 108 | hr | 3754 | Fraudulent Online Identity Sanctions Act | Law | 2004-02-03 | 2004-06-09 | Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 310. | House | Rep. Smith, Lamar [R-TX-21] | TX | R | S000583 | 2 | Fraudulent Online Identity Sanctions Act - Amends the Trademark Act of 1946 and Federal copyright law to make it a violation of trademark and copyright law if a person knowingly provided, or caused to be provided, materially false contact information in making, maintaining, or renewing the registration of a domain name used in connection with the violation. Amends the Federal criminal code to require the maximum imprisonment otherwise provided for a felony offense to be doubled or increased by seven years, whichever is less, if the defendant knowingly falsely registers a domain name and uses that domain name in the course of the felony offense. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and amend sentencing guidelines with respect to a conviction for the false registration and use of a domain name during the course of a felony offense. | 2023-01-15T09:47:47Z | |
| 108-s-2047 | 108 | s | 2047 | A bill to amend the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to include certain former nuclear weapons program workers in the Special Exposure Cohort under the compensation program established by that Act. | Law | 2004-02-02 | 2004-02-02 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S376) | Senate | Sen. Bond, Christopher S. [R-MO] | MO | R | B000611 | 1 | Amends the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to include within its Special Exposure Cohort certain employees who during their employment at a facility operated under contract to the Department of Energy (DOE) by Mallinkrodt Incorporated: (1) were monitored through the use of dosimetry badges for exposure at the plant of the external parts of an employee's body to radiation; (2) were monitored through the use of bioassays, in vivo monitoring, or breath samples for exposure at the plant to traternal radiation; or (3) worked in a job that had exposures comparable to a job that is monitored under DOE standards through the use of dosimetry badges for monitoring external radiation exposures, or bioassays, in vivo monitoring, or breath samples for internal radiation exposures. | 2023-01-15T10:03:19Z | |
| 108-s-2011 | 108 | s | 2011 | A bill to convert certain temporary Federal district judgeships to permanent judgeships, and for other purposes. | Law | 2004-01-21 | 2004-01-21 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S118) | Senate | Sen. Hagel, Chuck [R-NE] | NE | R | H001028 | 6 | Converts temporary Federal district judgeships for the eastern district of California, the district of Hawaii, the district of Kansas, the eastern district of Missouri, and the district of Nebraska to permanent judgeships | 2023-01-15T09:32:49Z | |
| 108-s-1981 | 108 | s | 1981 | A bill to amend the Constitution Heritage Act of 1988 to provide for the operation of the National Constitution Center. | Law | 2003-12-09 | 2003-12-09 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. | Senate | Sen. Santorum, Rick [R-PA] | PA | R | S000059 | 0 | Amends the Constitution Heritage Act of 1988 to set forth requirements for cooperative agreements between the Secretary of the Interior and the National Constitution Center for the operation of the Center, including a requirement that revenues from the operation of the Center be made available to the Center (without further appropriation) to offset its operating expenses, and requirements that the Center: (1) maintain appropriate risk insurance; (2) maintain its tax-exempt status; and (3) report annually to the Secretary or Congress on its activities, goals and plans. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate a cooperative agreement in the public interest. Exempts agreements, leases, contracts or other arrangements entered into under this Act from certain requirements for leases of buildings by the Federal Government and for the award of concession contracts in units of the National Park System. | 2023-01-15T09:17:37Z | |
| 108-s-2001 | 108 | s | 2001 | A bill to authorize an additional permanent judgeship for the district of Hawaii, and for other purposes. | Law | 2003-12-09 | 2003-12-09 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Inouye, Daniel K. [D-HI] | HI | D | I000025 | 1 | Directs the President to appoint one additional permanent district judge for the district of Hawaii. | 2023-01-15T09:17:37Z | |
| 108-hr-3689 | 108 | hr | 3689 | To amend the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to provide for certain additional former nuclear weapons program workers to be included in the Special Exposure Cohort under the compensation program established by that Act. | Law | 2003-12-08 | 2004-01-30 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections. | House | Rep. Quinn, Jack [R-NY-27] | NY | R | Q000016 | 2 | Amends the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to include within its Special Exposure Cohort certain employees engaged in the nuclear weapons program at the Bethlehem Steel plant in Lackawanna, New York, who were directly exposed to material (including residual material) that emitted radiation beginning January 1, 1949, and ending on the date (to be determined by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the Department of Health and Human Services) by which all such residual material was removed. | 2023-01-15T09:17:38Z | |
| 108-hr-3581 | 108 | hr | 3581 | Small Business Bankruptcy Venue Relief Act of 2003 | Law | 2003-11-21 | 2003-12-10 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law. | House | Rep. Baker, Richard H. [R-LA-6] | LA | R | B000072 | 0 | Small Business Bankruptcy Venue Relief Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal judicial code to require a bankruptcy trustee to commence a proceeding against a small business concern only in the district in which the defendant resides if the proceeding is intended to avoid prohibited preferential transfers to or for the benefit of certain non-insider small business creditors for an antecedent non-consumer debt. Defines small business as a commercial or business concern having fewer than 25 full-time employees as of the date on which the proceeding commenced. | 2023-01-15T08:33:23Z | |
| 108-hres-468 | 108 | hres | 468 | Expressing disapproval of the consideration by Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States of foreign laws and public opinion in their decisions, urging the end of this practice immediately to avoid setting a dangerous precedent, and urging all Justices to base their opinions solely on the merits under the Constitution of the United States. | Law | 2003-11-21 | 2003-12-10 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Graves, Sam [R-MO-6] | MO | R | G000546 | 0 | Expresses disapproval of the Supreme Court's consideration of foreign laws and opinions in its decisions. Advises the Justices not to incorporate foreign laws or opinions in future decisions and not to incorporate public opinion when performing their duty to uphold the Constitution. Urges all Justices to base their opinions solely on the merits under the Constitution. | 2023-01-15T08:48:06Z | |
| 108-s-1921 | 108 | s | 1921 | A bill to amend chapter 3 of title 28, United States Code, to provide for 11 circuit judges on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. | Law | 2003-11-21 | 2003-11-21 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] | IA | R | G000386 | 1 | Amends the Federal judicial code to reduce the number of judges on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia circuit from 12 to 11. | 2023-01-15T09:03:29Z | |
| 108-hres-446 | 108 | hres | 446 | Constitutional Preservation Resolution | Law | 2003-11-18 | 2003-12-10 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Ryun, Jim [R-KS-2] | KS | R | R000566 | 23 | Constitutional Preservation Resolution - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Supreme Court should base its decisions on the Constitution and the laws of the United States, and not on the law of any foreign country or international law or agreement not made under the authority of the United States. | 2023-01-15T08:48:07Z | |
| 108-s-1871 | 108 | s | 1871 | A bill to authorize salary adjustments for Justices and judges of the United States for fiscal year 2004. | Law | 2003-11-17 | 2003-11-17 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 4 | Authorizes salary adjustments for U.S. justices and judges for FY 2004 concurrently with increases in the General Schedule of Compensation for Federal employees. | 2023-01-15T09:03:30Z | |
| 108-hr-3486 | 108 | hr | 3486 | To create 4 new permanent judgeships for the eastern district of California. | Law | 2003-11-12 | 2003-12-10 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Thomas, William M. [R-CA-22] | CA | R | T000188 | 8 | Directs the President to appoint three additional district judges and provides for the conversion of a temporary judgeship to a permanent judgeship for the eastern district of California. | 2023-01-15T08:33:26Z | |
| 108-hr-3461 | 108 | hr | 3461 | To bar Federal agencies from accepting for any identification-related purpose a State-issued driver's license, or other comparable identification document, unless the State has in effect a policy requiring presentation of acceptable forms of identification prior to issuance of the license or document, and the State requires the license or document, if issued to a nonimmigrant alien, to expire upon the expiration of the alien's authorized period of stay in the United States, and for other purposes. | Law | 2003-11-06 | 2003-12-10 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims. | House | Rep. Flake, Jeff [R-AZ-6] | AZ | R | F000444 | 0 | Prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for any identification-related purpose a State-issued driver's license or other comparable identification document unless the application process for licenses or documents include presentation by applicants as evidence of identity: (1) two documents, with at least one containing a clear photograph of the applicant and at least one which is a primary document (as defined in this Act); or (2) three documents, if at least one is a primary document. Requires all documents to presented in English. Prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for any identification-related purpose any State-issued driver's license or other comparable identification document unless the State requires such licenses or documents issued to nonimmigrant aliens to expire on a date that is not later than: (1) the expiration of the alien's authorized U.S. stay; or (2) five years after such document's issuance in any case in which the alien's lawful stay is modified after U.S. admission, or does not expire on a fixed date. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to assist States in complying with the requirements described in this Act. | 2023-01-15T08:33:27Z | |
| 108-s-1836 | 108 | s | 1836 | Legal Expense Equity Act of 2003 | Law | 2003-11-06 | 2003-11-06 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC] | SC | R | G000359 | 2 | Legal Expense Equity Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize parties in civil diversity litigation to serve written settlement offers on an adverse party at any time not less than 10 days before trial. Authorizes the court, at any time before judgment is entered, to exempt from settlement any claim that presents a novel and important question of law or fact that substantially affects nonparties. Voids all settlement offers made by the parties with respect to such exempted claims. Authorizes an offeror whose proposed settlement was declined by an offeree to file a petition with the court seeking payment by the offeree of costs and fees, including attorney's fees, from the date of the last settlement offer by either party if the ultimate judgment or order is not more favorable to the offeree than the proposed settlement. Requires the court to order payment by the offeree in such circumstances unless requiring payment would be manifestly unjust. Limits attorney's fees ordered under this Act to: (1) the actual attorney's fees incurred by the offeree in connection with the claim; or (2) if no such cost was incurred due to a contingency fee agreement, a reasonable cost that would have been incurred by the offeree absent a contingency fee agreement. States that this Act does not apply to claims seeking equitable remedies. | 2023-01-15T08:48:04Z | |
| 108-hr-3430 | 108 | hr | 3430 | To amend title 28, United States Code, to divide New Jersey in 2 judicial districts. | Law | 2003-11-04 | 2003-12-10 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Andrews, Robert E. [D-NJ-1] | NJ | D | A000210 | 2 | Amends the Federal judicial code to establish two judicial districts in New Jersey (currently, one), the Northern and Southern Districts of New Jersey. Sets forth provisions regarding the allocation of judgeships, including bankruptcy judgeships, among those districts.Provides for the transfer of district judges, bankruptcy judges, and magistrate judges to the Northern and Southern Districts of New Jersey.Transfers U.S. attorneys, U.S. marshals, and Federal public defenders for the District of New Jersey to the Northern District of New Jersey. Directs the President to appoint, by and with the advice of the Senate, a U.S. attorney and a U.S. marshal for the Southern District of New Jersey.Specifies that neither pending cases nor juries shall be affected. | 2023-01-15T08:33:28Z | |
| 108-s-1812 | 108 | s | 1812 | A bill to amend the Home Owner's Loan Act to clarify the citizenship of Federal savings associations for purposes of Federal court jurisdiction. | Law | 2003-11-03 | 2003-11-03 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. | Senate | Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA] | WA | D | C000127 | 0 | Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to provide that, for purposes of determining whether a Federal court has diversity jurisdiction over a case in which a Federal savings association is a party, the savings association shall be considered to be a citizen only of the State in which it has its main office. | 2023-01-15T08:48:05Z | |
| 108-s-1805 | 108 | s | 1805 | Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act | Law | 2003-10-31 | 2004-03-02 | Failed of passage in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 8 - 90. Record Vote Number: 30. | Senate | Sen. Craig, Larry E. [R-ID] | ID | R | C000858 | 59 | Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act - Prohibits any qualified civil liability action from being brought in any State or Federal court and requires pending actions to be dismissed. Defines such an action to: (1) include an action brought against a manufacturer or seller of a firearm, ammunition, or a component of a firearm that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce (qualified product), or against a trade association of such manufacturers or sellers, for damages resulting from the criminal or unlawful misuse of a firearm; and (2) exclude an action brought against persons who transfer a firearm knowing that it will be used to commit a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime; an action brought against a seller for negligent entrustment or negligence per se; an action in which a manufacturer or seller of a firearm willfully violated a State or Federal statute applicable to the sale or marketing of the firearm and the violation was a proximate cause of the harm for which relief is sought; an action for breach of contract or warranty in connection with the purchase of the firearm; or an action for physical injuries or property damage resulting directly from a defect in design or manufacture of the firearm when used as intended or in a manner that is reasonably foreseeable. | 2021-09-29T22:19:17Z | |
| 108-s-1806 | 108 | s | 1806 | Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act | Law | 2003-10-31 | 2003-11-03 | Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 364. | Senate | Sen. Craig, Larry E. [R-ID] | ID | R | C000858 | 0 | Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act - Prohibits any qualified civil liability action from being brought in any State or Federal court and requires pending actions to be dismissed. Defines such an action to: (1) include an action brought against a manufacturer or seller of a firearm, ammunition, or a component of a firearm that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce, or against a trade association of such manufacturers or sellers, for damages resulting from the criminal or unlawful misuse of a firearm; and (2) exclude an action brought against persons who transfer a firearm knowing that it will be used to commit a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime; an action brought against a seller for negligent entrustment or negligence per se; an action in which a manufacturer or seller of a firearm willfully violated a State or Federal statute applicable to the sale or marketing of the firearm and the violation was a proximate cause of the harm for which relief is sought; an action for breach of contract or warranty in connection with the purchase of the firearm; or an action for physical injuries or property damage resulting directly from a defect in design or manufacture of the firearm when used as intended. | 2021-09-29T22:19:17Z | |
| 108-hr-3369 | 108 | hr | 3369 | Nonprofit Athletic Organization Protection Act of 2003 | Law | 2003-10-21 | 2004-09-14 | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 217 - 176 (Roll no. 445). (text: CR H7084-7085) | House | Rep. Souder, Mark E. [R-IN-3] | IN | R | S001143 | 17 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Nonprofit Athletic Organization Protection Act of 2003 - Exempts a nonprofit athletic organization from liability for harm caused by an act or omission in the adoption of rules for sanctioned or approved athletic competitions or practices if: (1) the organization was acting within the scope of its duties; (2) the organization was properly licensed, certified, or authorized for the competition or practice; and (3) the harm was not caused by the organization's willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, or reckless misconduct. States that this exemption shall not be construed to affect civil actions brought by nonprofit athletic organizations against their employees, agents, or volunteers. Makes exceptions where State law: (1) requires such an organization to adhere to risk management procedures, including mandatory training; (2) makes the organization liable for the acts or omissions of its employees, agents, and volunteers to the same extent as an employer is liable for its employees; and (3) makes a limitation of liability inapplicable if the civil action was brought by an officer of a State or local government. Preempts inconsistent State laws except for those that provide additional protections from liability relating to the rule-making activities of nonprofit athletic organizations. | 2023-01-15T07:47:45Z | |
| 108-s-1769 | 108 | s | 1769 | National Class Action Act of 2003 | Law | 2003-10-21 | 2003-10-21 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Breaux, John B. [D-LA] | LA | D | B000780 | 2 | National Class Action Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal judicial code to require: (1) the portion of any attorney's fee paid to class counsel based on a recovery of coupons in a class action settlement to be based on the value to class members of the coupons redeemed; and (2) the attorney's fee in such a settlement otherwise to be based upon the amount of time class counsel expended working on the action, subject to court approval. Grants a U.S. district court jurisdiction over a class action in which one-third or fewer of the members of all proposed plaintiff classes in the aggregate are citizens of the State in which the action was originally filed. Lists grounds under which a U.S. district court may decline to exercise jurisdiction over a class action in which greater than one-third but less than two-thirds of the members of the plaintiff class are citizens of the State in which the action was originally filed. Bars a U.S. district court from exercising jurisdiction over a class action (with exceptions) in which: (1) two-thirds or more of the members of all proposed plaintiff classes are citizens of the State in which the action was originally filed; (2) the primary defendants are States, State officials, or other governmental entities against whom the district court may be foreclosed from ordering relief; or (3) the number of members of all proposed plaintiff classes in the aggregate is less than 100. Allows a class action over which a district court would have jurisdiction under this Act to be removed to a U.S. district court by any: (1) defendant without the consent of all defendants; or (2) plaintiff class member who has intervened, seeks to be designated as a representative class member, and is not a named or representative class member without the consent of all members of such class. | 2023-01-15T08:03:18Z | |
| 108-hr-3349 | 108 | hr | 3349 | To authorize salary adjustments for Justices and judges of the United States for fiscal year 2004. | Law | 2003-10-20 | 2003-12-06 | Became Public Law No: 108-167. | House | Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5] | WI | R | S000244 | 2 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Authorizes salary adjustments for U.S. justices and judges for FY 2004 concurrently with increases in the General Schedule of Compensation for Federal employees. | 2023-01-15T08:33:28Z | |
| 108-hr-3313 | 108 | hr | 3313 | Marriage Protection Act of 2004 | Law | 2003-10-16 | 2004-09-07 | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | House | Rep. Hostettler, John N. [R-IN-8] | IN | R | H000807 | 48 | (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on July 19, 2004. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Marriage Protection Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal judicial code to deny Federal courts jurisdiction to hear or decide any question pertaining to the interpretation of: (1) the provision of the Defense of Marriage Act that provides that no State shall be required to give effect to any marriage between persons of the same sex under the laws of any other State; or (2) this Act. | 2023-01-15T07:32:53Z | |
| 108-s-1751 | 108 | s | 1751 | Class Action Fairness Act of 2003 | Law | 2003-10-16 | 2003-10-22 | Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 59 - 39. Record Vote Number: 403. | Senate | Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] | IA | R | G000386 | 13 | Class Action Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit a Federal district court from approving a proposed class action settlement under which: (1) members would receive non-cash benefits or would be required to expend funds in order to obtain proposed benefits, unless the court finds, after a hearing, that the settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate; (2) any member is obligated to pay sums to class counsel that would result in a net loss to the member, unless the court finds that non-monetary benefits to the member outweigh the monetary loss; (3) greater sums would be paid to some class members than to others solely on the basis of their closer geographic proximity to the court; or (4) a greater share would be paid to a class representative than to other class members. Sets forth requirements for: (1) notices of class actions to class members, including a requirement that such notice include a summary written in plain, easily understood language of class member legal consequences, rights, and benefits, obligations of defendants, and attorney fees; and (2) notices of proposed settlements to be served upon appropriate State and Federal regulatory officials. Grants Federal district courts original jurisdiction of any civil action in which the matter in controversy exceeds $5 million, exclusive of interest and costs, and in which any member of a class of plaintiffs 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 foreign state or a citizen or subject of a foreign state. Sets forth considerations based upon which a district court may decline to exercise jurisdiction over a class action in which greater than one-third but less than two-thirds of the members of all proposed plaintiff classes in the aggregate and the primary defendants are citizens of the State in which the action was originally filed, including consideratio… | 2021-09-29T22:19:04Z | |
| 108-s-1733 | 108 | s | 1733 | State Court Interpreter Grant Program Act | Law | 2003-10-15 | 2003-10-15 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S12611-12612) | Senate | Sen. Kohl, Herb [D-WI] | WI | D | K000305 | 8 | State Court Interpreter Grant Program Act - Directs the Administrator of the Office of Justice Programs of the Department of Justice to: (1) make grants to States to develop and implement programs to assist individuals with limited English proficiency to access and understand State court proceedings in which they are a party; and (2) allocate specified funds to establish a court interpreter technical assistance program to assist States receiving grants under this Act. Authorizes the use of grant awards by States to: (1) assess regional language demands; (2) develop a court interpreter program; (3) develop, institute, and administer language certification examinations; (4) recruit, train, and certify qualified court interpreters; and (5) pay for salaries, transportation, and technology necessary to implement the programs. | 2023-01-15T08:03:20Z | |
| 108-s-1719 | 108 | s | 1719 | A bill to amend chapter 5 of title 28, United States Code, to provide for the approval of the reassignment of district judges in divisions with 3 or fewer judges in districts in the State of Texas. | Law | 2003-10-14 | 2003-10-14 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX] | TX | R | C001056 | 1 | Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit the district judges of any district court in Texas from reassigning a district judge whose duty station is in a division with three or fewer judges to a duty station in another division, without the consent of all of the district judges of that district. | 2023-01-15T08:03:20Z | |
| 108-s-1720 | 108 | s | 1720 | A bill to provide for Federal court proceedings in Plano, Texas. | Law | 2003-10-14 | 2003-12-03 | Became Public Law No: 108-157. | Senate | Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX] | TX | R | C001056 | 1 | (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on October 30, 2003. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Amends the Federal judicial code to eliminate the Paris Division of the Eastern District of Texas and to include: (1) the counties of Delta, Fannin, Hopkins, and Lamar (in addition to Denton and Grayson) within the Sherman Division; and (2) Red River County within the Texarkana Division. Requires Federal court proceedings for the Sherman Division to be held in Plano (in addition to Sherman), Texas. | 2023-01-15T08:48:06Z | |
| 108-s-1728 | 108 | s | 1728 | Terrorism Victim Compensation Equity Act | Law | 2003-10-14 | 2003-10-14 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA] | PA | R | S000709 | 13 | Terrorism Victim Compensation Equity Act - Amends the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 to provide compensation for the U.S. citizens who were victims of the bombings of United States embassies in East Africa on August 7, 1998, the attack on the U.S.S. Cole on October 12, 2000, or the attack on the World Trade Center on February 26, 1993, on the same basis as compensation is provided to victims of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes on September 11, 2001. States that a claimant under this Act waives the right to file a civil action in any Federal or State court for damages sustained in the incident, except against a knowing participant in any conspiracy to commit any terrorist act. Exempts from such waiver any civil action to recover a collateral source obligation based on contract. | 2023-01-15T08:03:20Z | |
| 108-hr-3116 | 108 | hr | 3116 | September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Extension Act of 2003 | Law | 2003-09-17 | 2003-10-22 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims. | House | Rep. Fossella, Vito [R-NY-13] | NY | R | F000440 | 1 | September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Extension Act of 2003 - Amends the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 to extend the deadline for filing a claim to December 31, 2004. | 2023-01-15T06:48:04Z | |
| 108-hr-3126 | 108 | hr | 3126 | To provide that no court or judge shall dismiss any part of the Constitution or Bill of Rights as a legal defense in court. | Law | 2003-09-17 | 2004-06-28 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Pearce, Stevan [R-NM-2] | NM | R | P000588 | 7 | Prohibits any court or judge from dismissing any part of the Constitution or Bill of Rights as a legal defense in court. | 2023-01-15T06:48:04Z | |
| 108-hr-3084 | 108 | hr | 3084 | September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Extension Act of 2003 | Law | 2003-09-16 | 2003-10-22 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims. | House | Rep. Conyers, John, Jr. [D-MI-14] | MI | D | C000714 | 17 | September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Extension Act of 2003 - Amends the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 to extend the deadline for filing a claim to December 31, 2004. | 2023-01-15T06:48:05Z | |
| 108-s-1602 | 108 | s | 1602 | September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Extension Act of 2003 | Law | 2003-09-09 | 2003-09-09 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT] | VT | D | L000174 | 8 | September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Extension Act of 2003 - Amends the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 to extend the deadline for filing a claim to December 31, 2004. | 2023-01-15T07:02:59Z | |
| 108-s-1561 | 108 | s | 1561 | A bill to preserve existing judgeships on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. | Law | 2003-08-01 | 2003-11-21 | Referred to the House Committee on Government Reform. | Senate | Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME] | ME | R | C001035 | 2 | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Amends the District of Columbia Code to increase from 58 to 61 the number of associate judges on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. | 2023-01-15T08:48:06Z | |
| 108-s-1546 | 108 | s | 1546 | Small Business Liability Reform Act of 2003 | Law | 2003-07-31 | 2003-07-31 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR 8/1/2003 S10676-10679) | Senate | Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY] | KY | R | M000355 | 1 | Small Business Liability Reform Act of 2003 - Allows punitive damages to be awarded against a small business only if the claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that conduct carried out by the defendant 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. Limits such punitive damages to the lesser of three times the amount awarded for economic and noneconomic losses, or $250,000. Makes such limitation inapplicable if the court finds that the defendant acted with specific intent to cause the type of harm for which the action is brought. Provides liability limitation exceptions. States that in any civil action against a small business: (1) each defendant shall be liable only for the amount of noneconomic loss allocated to that defendant in direct proportion to the percentage of responsibility of that defendant for the harm caused to the plaintiff; and (2) the court shall render a separate judgment against each defendant describing such percentage of responsibility.Excepts from such liability limitations specified misconduct of a defendant.Mandates that, in any product liability action covered by this Act, a product seller other than a manufacturer shall be liable to a claimant only if such claimant establishes that: (1) the product that caused the harm was sold, rented, or leased by the seller, the seller failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to the product, and such failure was the proximate cause of harm to the plaintiff; (2) the seller made an express warranty applicable to such product, the product failed to conform to the warranty, and such failure caused the harm to the plaintiff; or (3) the product seller engaged in intentional wrongdoing, and such wrongdoing caused the harm to the plaintiff. | 2023-01-15T06:17:46Z | |
| 108-hr-2919 | 108 | hr | 2919 | Genetically Engineered Organism Liability Act of 2003 | Law | 2003-07-25 | 2003-08-08 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. | House | Rep. Kucinich, Dennis J. [D-OH-10] | OH | D | K000336 | 13 | Genetically Engineered Organism Liability Act of 2003 - States that a biotech company shall be liable, and that the liability may not be waived or avoided, to any party injured by the release of a genetically engineered organism into the environment if the injury results from such genetic engineering. Defines "biotech company" and "injury" for purposes of this Act. | 2023-01-15T05:47:32Z | |
| 108-hr-2954 | 108 | hr | 2954 | To ensure that the courts of the United States may provide an impartial forum for claims brought by United States citizens and others against any railroad organized as a separate legal entity, arising from the deportation of United States citizens and others to Nazi concentration camps on trains owned or operated by such railroad, and by the heirs and survivors of such persons. | Law | 2003-07-25 | 2003-09-04 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims. | House | Rep. Maloney, Carolyn B. [D-NY-14] | NY | D | M000087 | 4 | Grants U.S. district courts original jurisdiction over any civil action for damages for personal injury or death that: (1) arose from the deportation of persons to Nazi concentration camps between January 1, 1942, and December 31, 1944; and (2) is brought by or on behalf of such person against a railroad that owned or operated the trains on which the persons were deported and that was organized as a separate legal entity. Provides that: (1) no law limiting the jurisdiction of the U.S. courts shall preclude any such action; and (2) no such action shall be barred because a statute of limitations has expired. Makes this Act applicable to any action pending on or commenced after January 1, 2000. | 2023-01-15T06:02:46Z | |
| 108-hr-2813 | 108 | hr | 2813 | Small Business Liability Reform Act of 2003 | Law | 2003-07-22 | 2003-08-08 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. | House | Rep. Chabot, Steve [R-OH-1] | OH | R | C000266 | 10 | Small Business Liability Reform Act of 2003 - Allows punitive damages to be awarded against a small business only if the claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that conduct carried out by the defendant 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. Limits such punitive damages to the lesser of three times the amount awarded for economic and noneconomic losses, or $250,000. Makes such limitation inapplicable if the court finds that the defendant acted with specific intent to cause the type of harm for which the action is brought. Provides liability limitation exceptions. States that in any civil action against a small business: (1) each defendant shall be liable only for the amount of noneconomic loss allocated to that defendant in direct proportion to the percentage of responsibility of that defendant for the harm caused to the plaintiff; and (2) the court shall render a separate judgment against each defendant describing such percentage of responsibility.Excepts from such liability limitations specified misconduct of a defendant.Mandates that, in any product liability action covered by this Act, a product seller other than a manufacturer shall be liable to a claimant only if such claimant establishes that: (1) the product that caused the harm was sold, rented, or leased by the seller, the seller failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to the product, and such failure was the proximate cause of harm to the plaintiff; (2) the seller made an express warranty applicable to such product, the product failed to conform to the warranty, and such failure caused the harm to the plaintiff; or (3) the product seller engaged in intentional wrongdoing, and such wrongdoing caused the harm to the plaintiff. | 2023-01-15T05:47:35Z | |
| 108-s-1428 | 108 | s | 1428 | Commonsense Consumption Act of 2003 | Law | 2003-07-17 | 2003-10-16 | Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Administrative Oversight and the Courts. Hearings held. | Senate | Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY] | KY | R | M000355 | 19 | Commonsense Consumption Act of 2003 - Declares that a qualified civil liability action may not be brought in any Federal or State court, and that any pending qualified civil liability action shall be dismissed immediately by the relevant court. Defines a qualified civil liability action as a civil action brought by any person against a manufacturer or seller of a food, or a trade association, for damages or injunctive relief based on a claim of injury resulting from weight gain or obesity. Specifies actions which shall not count as qualified civil liability actions, including an action regarding the sale of a food which is adulterated. | 2023-01-15T06:17:49Z | |
| 108-hr-2714 | 108 | hr | 2714 | State Justice Institute Reauthorization Act of 2004 | Law | 2003-07-14 | 2004-10-25 | Became Public Law No: 108-372. | House | Rep. Smith, Lamar [R-TX-21] | TX | R | S000583 | 1 | (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on September 30, 2004. The summary of that version is repeated here.) State Justice Institute Reauthorization Act of 2004 - Amends the State Justice Institute Act of 1984 to reauthorize appropriations for the State Justice Institute through FY 2008. Authorizes the Institute to purchase goods and services from the General Services Administration to carry out its functions. Extends Federal health insurance benefits to Institute employees who commenced employment on or after October 1, 1988. Requires meetings of any executive committee of the Institute's Board of Directors to be open and subject to open meeting requirements only on the occasions on which that committee has been delegated the authority to act on behalf of the Board. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend authorization of the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program through FY 2007. | 2023-01-15T10:18:07Z | |
| 108-hr-2723 | 108 | hr | 2723 | Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judgeship and Reorganization Act of 2003 | Law | 2003-07-14 | 2003-10-21 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Simpson, Michael K. [R-ID-2] | ID | R | S001148 | 4 | Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judgeship and Reorganization Act of 2003 - Divides the current U.S. Court of Appeals for the ninth circuit into: (1) the ninth circuit, composed of Arizona, California, and Nevada, consisting of 24 judges, and holding regular sessions in San Francisco, Pasadena, and Phoenix; and (2) the twelfth circuit, composed of Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, and Washington, consisting of nine judges, and holding regular sessions in Portland and Seattle. Directs the President to appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate: (1) two additional circuit judges for the former ninth circuit court of appeals, whose official duty stations shall be in Arizona, California, or Nevada, and three additional circuit judges for the new ninth circuit court of appeals (who shall not be appointed before January 21, 2005); and (2) two temporary additional circuit judges for the former ninth circuit court of appeals). Directs that each circuit judge of the former ninth circuit who is in regular active service and whose official duty station on the day before this Act's effective date is in Arizona, California, or Nevada be a circuit judge of the new ninth circuit as of such effective date. Requires that each such judge whose duty station on such date is in Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, or Washington be a circuit judge of the twelfth circuit. Allows each judge who is a senior circuit judge of the former ninth circuit on the day before this Act's effective date to elect to be assigned to the new ninth or twelfth circuit. (Requires each such judge to notify the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts of such election.) Provides that the seniority of each judge assigned, or elected to be assigned, shall run from the date of commission as a judge of the former ninth circuit. Authorizes certain temporary assignment in the public interest of circuit judges and district judges between circuits. | 2023-01-15T05:32:37Z | |
| 108-s-1340 | 108 | s | 1340 | A bill to authorize additional judgeships in the middle and southern districts of Florida, and for other purposes. | Law | 2003-06-26 | 2003-06-26 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Graham, Bob [D-FL] | FL | D | G000352 | 1 | Directs the President to appoint: (1) two additional permanent district judges for the middle district of Florida and four additional permanent district judges for the southern district of Florida; and (2) one additional temporary judge for the middle district of Florida (and directs that the first vacancy in the office of district judge in that district occurring ten years or more after the confirmation date of that judge not be filled). | 2023-01-15T17:04:09Z | |
| 108-s-1350 | 108 | s | 1350 | Notification of Risk to Personal Data Act | Law | 2003-06-26 | 2003-11-04 | Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology and Homeland Security. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 108-520. | Senate | Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA] | CA | D | F000062 | 0 | Notification of Risk to Personal Data Act - Requires any agency or person that owns or licenses electronic data containing personal information, following the discovery of a breach of security of the system containing such data, to notify any U.S. resident whose personal information was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person. Requires any agency or person who possesses but does not own or license such data, to notify the information owner or licensee about such an unauthorized acquisition. Allows delay of notification in connection with authorized law enforcement purposes. Provides authorized methods of notification and alternative notification procedures. Provides: (1) civil penalties and rights and remedies in connections with violations; and (2) for enforcement by State attorneys general. | 2023-01-15T17:04:08Z | |
| 108-s-1297 | 108 | s | 1297 | Protect the Pledge Act of 2003 | Law | 2003-06-19 | 2003-06-19 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S8242) | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 6 | Protect the Pledge Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal judicial code to deny jurisdiction to any court established by Act of Congress to hear or determine any claim that the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag violates the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. | 2023-01-15T16:48:42Z | |
| 108-hr-2282 | 108 | hr | 2282 | Equal Access to Justice Reform Act of 2003 | Law | 2003-06-02 | 2003-06-25 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. | House | Rep. Manzullo, Donald A. [R-IL-16] | IL | R | M001138 | 1 | Equal Access to Justice Reform Act of 2003 - Modifies Federal provisions regarding the functions and duties of the Office of Advocacy to include ensuring that the justice system remains accessible to small businesses for the resolution of disputes with the Federal Government. Directs the Office to advise, cooperate with, and consult with the President and Attorney General regarding provisions concerning the awarding of Federal contracts to small businesses and minority-, female-, and veteran-owned businesses. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration to report to specified congressional committees on the effectiveness of the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) in achieving its purpose to ease the burden upon small businesses engaging in dispute resolution with the Federal Government, and on the variations in the frequency and amounts of fee awards paid by specific Federal agencies and within specific Federal circuits and districts. Eliminates the EAJA's: (1) "substantial justification defense" whereby the Government can deny attorney's fees recovery to prevailing parties if the adjudicative officer of the agency finds that the agency's position was substantially justified; and (2) rate cap of $125 per hour on attorney's fees. Sets forth provisions regarding settlement offers, declaration of intent to seek a fee award, payment from agency appropriations, and taxpayer eligibility for fee awards. Defines "prevailing party" to include a party whose pursuit of a non-frivolous claim or defense was a catalyst for a voluntary or unilateral change in position by the opposing party that provides any significant part of the relief sought. | 2023-01-15T16:18:35Z |
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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);