legislation

Congressional bills and resolutions from Congress.gov, filtered to policy areas relevant to environmental, health, agriculture, and wildlife regulation.

Data license: Public Domain (U.S. Government data) · Data source: Federal Register API & Regulations.gov API

202 rows where congress = 95 and policy_area = "Law" sorted by introduced_date descending

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  • Law · 202 ✖

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  • 95 · 202 ✖
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
95-hr-14374 95 hr 14374 A bill to ensure an independent budget for the District of Columbia Courts, and for other purposes. Law 1978-10-14 1978-10-14 Referred to House Committee on the District of Columbia. House Rep. Fraser, Donald M. [D-MN-5] MN D F000350 0 Amends the District of Columbia Court Reorganization Act of 1970 and the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to require the Mayor and the Council of the District of Columbia to provide and ensure a budget which is a balanced financial plan including the full request of the District of Columbia Courts. 2024-08-01T20:07:12Z  
95-hr-14388 95 hr 14388 A bill to create an additional judicial district in the State of Maryland, by dividing the present single judicial district into two districts, Northern and Southern Districts of Maryland. Law 1978-10-14 1978-10-14 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Steers, Newton I., Jr. [R-MD-8] MD R S000844 2 Divides the existing single judicial district of Maryland into the Northern and Southern Districts of Maryland. Provides for the assignment of the current district judges to each district and the appointment of an additional United States attorney and United States marshall for the Southern District. 2024-08-01T20:07:12Z  
95-s-3539 95 s 3539 A Bill to amend certain provisions of title 28, United States Code, relating to venue in the district courts and the courts of appeals. Law 1978-09-29 1978-09-29 Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Laxalt, Paul D. [R-NV] NV R L000148 6 Amends the venue provisions of Federal law to provide that a civil action in which a defendant is the United States, a United States agency, or an officer or employee thereof acting in an official capacity, or an appeal from a final order of the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Maritime Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Atomic Energy Commission, the Secretary of Agriculture, or the Maritime Administration must be brought in a judicial district or circuit in which it has been determined that a substantial portion of the impact or injury exists. 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z  
95-hr-14145 95 hr 14145 A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to make certain changes in the divisions within judicial districts and in the places of holding court, and to require the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to conduct a study of the judicial business of the Central District of California and the Eastern District of New York. Law 1978-09-21 1978-11-02 Public Law 95-573. House Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] WI D K000020 5 (Reported to House from the Committee on the Judiciary with amendment, H. Rept. 95-1763) Transfers Kankakee County from the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois to the Central District of Illinois. Eliminates the divisions of the judicial district of Maine. Adds Johnstown to the list of places where the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania shall be held. Adds White Plains to the list of places where the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York shall be held. Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to conduct a comprehensive study of the judicial business of the Central District of California and the Eastern District of New York and make recommendations to Congress with respect to the need for creating new judicial districts. 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z  
95-hr-14030 95 hr 14030 Court Interpreters Act Law 1978-09-08 1978-10-10 Measure laid on table in House, S. 1315 passed in lieu. House Rep. Richmond, Frederick W. [D-NY-14] NY D R000232 10 (Reported to House from the Committee on the Judiciary with amendment, H. Rept. 95-1687) Court Interpreters Act - Establishes, through the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, a program to: (1) certify individuals who may serve as language interpreters or interpreters for the hearing impaired; (2) compile and make available lists of qualified interpreters for non-English speakers and hearing impaired persons (whether or not also speech impaired) and; (3) provide the services of such interpreters free in criminal actions and civil actions initiated by the United States. Requires the Director to establish a program to provide special interpretation services in multi-defendant criminal and civil actions. Authorizes the Director to accept and use voluntary services and gifts of personal property. 2025-09-02T17:11:28Z  
95-hr-14005 95 hr 14005 Court Interpreters Act Law 1978-09-07 1978-09-07 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Richmond, Frederick W. [D-NY-14] NY D R000232 24 Court Interpreters Act - Establishes, through the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, a program to: (1) compile and make available lists of qualified interpreters for non-English speakers and hearing impaired persons (whether or not also speech impaired) and; (2) provide the services of such interpreters free in criminal actions and civil actions initiated by the United States. 2025-09-02T17:11:28Z  
95-hr-13937 95 hr 13937 A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to make certain changes in the division within the Northern District of Ohio. Law 1978-08-17 1978-08-17 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Seiberling, John F. [D-OH-14] OH D S000230 0 Increases from two to three the number of divisions within the Northern District of Ohio. Requires each division to have at least one active judge sitting full time and at least one additional active judge sitting at least half time, unless, upon request of the chief judge of the Northern District of Ohio, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit authorizes an alternative assignment. 2024-08-01T20:06:50Z  
95-hr-13949 95 hr 13949 A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to provide for a declaratory judgement in certain cases involving public utilities. Law 1978-08-17 1978-08-17 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Danielson, George E. [D-CA-30] CA D D000043 0 Requires a court of the United States in certain circumstances to issue a declaratory judgment in a case of actual controversy between a public utility and either the Secretary of the Treasury or a ratemaking body, with respect to specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 dealing with either the computation of credit for investment in depreciable property or depreciation deductions. Allows the court to issue such a judgment following its determination that the public utility has either obtained a ruling from the Secretary of the Treasury, or has requested such ruling and the Secretary has failed to respond within 180 days. 2024-08-01T20:06:50Z  
95-hr-13950 95 hr 13950 A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to provide that certain judicial pleadings and proceedings in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico may be conducted in the Spanish language, and for other purposes. Law 1978-08-17 1978-08-17 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Edwards, Don [D-CA-10] CA D E000064 7 Allows initial pleadings in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico to be filed in either the Spanish or English language. Requires further pleadings and proceedings to be in English, unless the court allows the use of Spanish. Specifies language provisions for court opinions and appeals. Prohibits the disqualification of persons on a grand or petit jury in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico solely because of a person's inability to speak, read, write and understand English if such person is able to speak, read, write, and understand Spanish. 2024-08-01T20:06:50Z  
95-hr-13812 95 hr 13812 A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to eliminate the divisions of Maine's judicial district. Law 1978-08-09 1978-08-09 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Cohen, William S. [R-ME-2] ME R C000598 0 Eliminates the divisions of the judicial district of Maine. 2024-08-01T20:06:41Z  
95-s-3375 95 s 3375 Federal District Court Organization Act of 1978 Law 1978-08-03 1978-10-02 Public Law 95-408. Senate Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ] AZ D D000185 0 (Measure passed House, amended, in lieu of H. R. 13331) Federal District Court Organization Act - Makes specified changes in the places of holding Federal district courts, in the divisions within judicial districts, and in judicial district dividing lines. 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z  
95-hr-13717 95 hr 13717 Equal Access to Courts Act Law 1978-08-02 1978-08-02 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Ertel, Allen E. [D-PA-17] PA D E000208 0 Equal Access to Courts Act - Entitles parties which (1) are individuals or entities having assets below specified amounts, and (2) prevail in adjudication before a U.S. agency, to an award for fees and other expenses in the absence of a finding by such agency that its position as a party was substantially justified or that an award is unjust. Directs agencies to establish procedures for the application for such fees and to make written findings of its decision. Prescribes appellate procedures for parties dissatisfied with such award. Allows a court to award costs, not including attorneys' fees, to a party, meeting the criteria of (1) above, which prevails in any civil action brought by or against the United States. Entitles such a party: (1) to an award of reasonable attorneys' fees in certain circumstances; and (2) to additional fees and expenses in the absence of a finding by the court that the position of the U.S. was substantially justified or that an award is unjust. Specifies application procedures for such fees. Directs the Administrative Conference of the United States and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to make an annual accounting to Congress for such awards made in agency and judicial proceedings. 2025-09-02T17:11:19Z  
95-hjres-1102 95 hjres 1102 A resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States with respect to the reconfirmation of judges after a term of eight years. Law 1978-08-01 1978-08-01 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Flowers, Walter [D-AL-7] AL D F000218 0 Constitutional Amendment - Requires that justices of the Supreme Court and judges of inferior Federal courts be reconfirmed by the Senate every eight years. 2024-08-01T19:57:28Z  
95-hr-13677 95 hr 13677 Judicial Independence and Integrity Act Law 1978-08-01 1978-08-01 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Flowers, Walter [D-AL-7] AL D F000218 0 Judicial Independence and Integrity Act - Sets forth procedures for the preliminary investigations of complaints regarding the conduct of a Federal judge or justice by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Provides for further investigation by the House Judiciary Committee upon referral of a complaint by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Authorizes and directs the House Judiciary Committee to review the conduct of each Federal judge and justice every eight years to determine if such conduct is consistent with the good behavior required by the Constitution. 2025-09-02T17:11:19Z  
95-hr-13642 95 hr 13642 A bill to provide for the continuance of cases in a court of the United States whenever a party or counsel is absent by reason of attendance as a member of the legislature of any State. Law 1978-07-28 1978-07-28 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Evans, Billy Lee [D-GA-8] GA D E000233 0 Directs Federal judges to continue any case whenever any party thereto or the counsel of any party is absent from court when the case is called if the absence is due to attendance as a member of a State legislature. 2024-08-01T20:06:34Z  
95-hr-13607 95 hr 13607 A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to provide for the holding of court for the Southern District of New York in White Plains, New York, to provide for the holding of court for the Western District of Pennsylvania in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and further, to establish a Lufkin Division in the Eastern District of Texas, and for other purposes. Law 1978-07-26 1978-07-26 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] WI D K000020 0 Authorizes the holding of United States district court for the Southern District of New York in White Plains, the Western District of Pennsylvania in Johnstown, and establishes a Lufkin Division in the Eastern District of Texas. 2024-08-01T20:06:34Z  
95-hr-13547 95 hr 13547 A bill to authorize an allowance based on living costs and conditions of environment for judicial employees employed outside the continental United States or in Alaska. Law 1978-07-20 1978-07-20 Referred to House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service. House Resident Commissioner Corrada, Baltasar [I-PR-At Large] PR I C000788 0 Provides a cost of living allowance for court employees and officials employed outside the continental United States or in Alaska. Limits such allowance to 25 percent of the employee's base salary. 2024-08-01T20:06:36Z  
95-s-3308 95 s 3308 A bill to authorize an allowance based on living costs and conditions of environment for judicial employees employed outside the continental United States or in Alaska. Law 1978-07-17 1978-07-17 Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Stevens, Ted [R-AK] AK R S000888 1 Provides a cost of living allowance for court employees and officials employed outside the continental United States or in Alaska. Limits such allowance to 25 percent of the employee's base salary. 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z  
95-hr-13434 95 hr 13434 Citizens Right to Standing in Federal Courts Act Law 1978-07-12 1978-07-12 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] WI D K000020 2 Citizens' Right to Standing in Federal Courts Act - States that a United States court shall not dismiss a suit against the Federal Government or against a State or local government based in whole or in part upon an act or omission alleged to be in violation of the laws or constitution of the United States on the ground that the plaintiff lacks standing to sue because (1) the injury which plaintiff alleges to have suffered as a result of the defendant's conduct is shared by all or a large class of persons; (2) the defendant's conduct which forms the basis for the complaint is not or may not be the primary cause of the injury complained of; or (3) the injury which plaintiff alleges to have suffered as a result of the defendant's conduct is not substantially likely to be remedied or prevented by a determination on the merits in the plaintiff's favor, if such determination may contribute in significant part to remedying or preventing such injury. 2025-09-02T17:11:05Z  
95-hr-13445 95 hr 13445 National Institute of Justice Act Law 1978-07-12 1978-07-12 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10] NJ D R000374 0 National Institute of Justice Act - Establishes an independent agency to be known as the National Institute of Justice. Authorizes and directs the Institute to: (1) make evaluations of the effectiveness and quality of justice and administration of law; (2) conduct research concerning justice and administration of law; (3) conduct experimental programs; and (4) conduct training and educational programs in law and judicial procedures. 2025-09-02T17:11:05Z  
95-s-3280 95 s 3280 National Institute of Justice Act Law 1978-07-12 1978-07-12 Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Bayh, Birch [D-IN] IN D B000254 8 National Institute of Justice Act - Establishes an independent agency to be known as the National Institute of Justice. Authorizes and directs the Institute to: (1) make evaluations of the effectiveness and quality of justice and administration of law; (2) conduct research concerning justice and administration of law; (3) conduct experimental programs; and (4) conduct training and educational programs in law and judicial procedures. 2025-09-02T17:14:27Z  
95-hr-13331 95 hr 13331 Federal District Court Organization Act Law 1978-06-28 1978-09-12 Measure laid on table in House, S. 3375 passed in lieu. House Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] WI D K000020 0 (Reported to House from the Committee on the Judiciary with amendment, H. Rept. 95-1554) Federal District Court Organization Act - Makes specified changes in the places of holding Federal District courts, in the divisions within judicial districts, and in judicial district diving lines. 2025-09-02T17:10:59Z  
95-s-3202 95 s 3202 A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to provide for the payment of reasonable attorney's fees and other costs in certain civil actions. Law 1978-06-14 1978-06-14 Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Bartlett, Dewey F. [R-OK] OK R B000200 0 Requires the award of reasonable attorney's fees and reasonable litigation costs to the prevailing party (except the United States) in any civil action brought by or against the United States. 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z  
95-s-3181 95 s 3181 A bill to provide for nationwide service of subpoenas in all suits involving the False Claims Act, and for other purposes. Law 1978-06-07 1978-06-07 Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ] AZ D D000185 0 Amends the False Claims Act to authorize nationwide service of subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses in suits under such Act. 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z  
95-hr-12979 95 hr 12979 Supreme Court Jurisdiction Act Law 1978-06-05 1978-06-05 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10] NJ D R000374 0 Supreme Court Jurisdiction Act - Repeals various provisions authorizing appeals to the United States Supreme Court, including (1) direct appeal from a United States district court decision holding an Act of Congress unconstitutional in a civil proceeding to which the United States is a party; (2) appeal from a United States court of appeals decision holding a State statute unconstitutional; (3) appeal from a decision of the highest court of a State holding a State statute constitutional; (4) appeals regarding the constitutionality of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971; (5) appeal from the Court of Claims with regard to certain Indian claims in California; and (6) direct appeal from a United States district court decision regarding construction of the Alaska pipeline. Substitutes Supreme Court review by writ of certiorari for certain of these actions. 2025-09-02T17:10:51Z  
95-hr-12869 95 hr 12869 Federal District Court Organization Act Law 1978-05-25 1978-05-25 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] WI D K000020 0 Federal District Court Organization Act - Makes specified changes in the places of holding Federal district courts, in the divisions within judicial districts, and in judicial district dividing lines. 2025-09-02T17:10:45Z  
95-s-3100 95 s 3100 Supreme Court Jurisdiction Act Law 1978-05-18 1978-07-13 Reported to Senate from the Committee on the Judiciary with amendment, S. Rept. 95-985. Senate Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ] AZ D D000185 1 (Reported to Senate from the Committee on the Judiciary with amendment, S. Rept. 95-985) Supreme Court Jurisdiction Act - Repeals various provisions authorizing appeals to the United States Supreme Court, including (1) direct appeal from a United States district court decision holding an Act of Congress unconstitutional in a civil proceeding to which the United States is a party; (2) appeal from a United States court of appeals decision holding a State statute unconstitutional; (3) appeal from a decision of the highest court of a State holding a State statute constitutional; (4) appeals regarding the constitutionality of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971; (5) appeal from the Court of Claims with regard to certain Indian claims in California; and (6) direct appeal from a United States district court decision regarding construction of the Alaska pipeline. Substitutes Supreme Court review by writ of certiorari for certain of these actions. Makes the provisions of this Act effective 90 days after enactment. Provides that the manner of reviewing cases in which a judgment or decree was entered before the effective date or which were pending before the Supreme Court on the effective date shall not be affected. 2025-09-02T17:14:22Z  
95-hr-12722 95 hr 12722 A bill to provide that the United States District Court for the Central District of California shall be held at Santa Ana, California, in addition to the place currently provided by law. Law 1978-05-15 1978-05-15 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Patterson, Jerry M. [D-CA-38] CA D P000121 0 Directs that the United States District Court for the Central District of California shall be held at Santa Ana as well as Los Angeles. 2024-08-01T20:05:51Z  
95-hr-12698 95 hr 12698 A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to provide that the United States District Court for the Central District of California may be held at Long Beach. Law 1978-05-12 1978-05-12 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Anderson, Glenn M. [D-CA-32] CA D A000189 1 Directs that the United States District Court for the Central District of California shall be held at Long Beach as well as at Los Angeles. 2024-08-01T20:05:51Z  
95-hr-12628 95 hr 12628 A bill to establish additional places of holding Court in the Central District of California. Law 1978-05-09 1978-05-09 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Wiggins, Charles E. [R-CA-39] CA R W000448 0 Directs that the United States District Court for the Central District of California shall be held at Santa Ana, Riverside, and San Bernardino as well as Los Angeles. 2024-08-01T20:05:50Z  
95-hr-12496 95 hr 12496 A bill to amend section 118(c) of title 28, United States Code, to provide for the holding of court for the Western District of Pennsylvania at Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Law 1978-05-02 1978-05-02 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Murtha, John P. [D-PA-12] PA D M001120 0 Adds Johnstown to the list of places where the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania shall be held. 2024-08-01T20:05:42Z  
95-hr-12454 95 hr 12454 A bill to amend title 28, to change the judicial districts in the State of Illinois. Law 1978-05-01 1978-05-01 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. McClory, Robert [R-IL-13] IL R M000340 2 Revises the Federal judicial districts for the State of Illinois. 2024-08-01T20:05:42Z  
95-s-3005 95 s 3005 Citizens Right to Standing in Federal Courts Act Law 1978-04-27 1978-04-27 Referred to Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs. Senate Sen. Metzenbaum, Howard M. [D-OH] OH D M000678 0 Citizens' Right to Standing in Federal Courts Act - States that a United States court shall not dismiss a suit against the Federal Government or against a State or local government based in whole or in part upon an act or omission alleged to be in violation of the laws or constitution of the United States on the ground that the plaintiff lacks standing to sue because (1) the injury which plaintiff alleges to have suffered as a result of the defendant's conduct is shared by all or a large class of persons; (2) the defendant's conduct which forms the basis for the complaint is not or may not be the primary cause of the injury complained of; or (3) the injury which plaintiff alleges to have suffered as a result of the defendant's conduct is not substantially likely to be remedied or prevented by a determination on the merits in the plaintiff's favor, if such determination may contribute in significant part to remedying or preventing such injury. 2025-09-02T17:14:22Z  
95-hr-12389 95 hr 12389 Jury System Improvements Act Law 1978-04-26 1978-04-26 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] WI D K000020 1 Jury System Improvement Act - Permits felons to qualify for Federal jury service upon restoration of civil rights through any means. Defines "publicly draw," for the purpose of provisions specifying procedures for selection of prospective jurors, to include drawings made by means of electronic data processing. Provides Federal employees disability and death benefits coverage to Federal jurors. Revises Federal juror fees and allowances to, among other changes: (1) increase per diem pay, and (2) replace set statutory travel and subsistence allowances with standards promulgated by the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. Requires employers to preserve employment rights of employees serving Federal jury duty. Repeals the requirement of the Jury Selection and Service Act of 1968 that the written plan for jury selection of each United States district court fix a distance, either in terms of mileage or travel time, beyond which prospective jurors may automatically be excused from traveling for jury duty. 2025-09-02T17:10:31Z  
95-hr-12393 95 hr 12393 A bill to provide for nationwide service of subpoenas in all suits involving the False Claims Act, and for other purposes. Law 1978-04-26 1978-11-02 Public Law 95-582. House Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10] NJ D R000374 0 (Measure passed Senate, amended) Amends the False Claims Act to authorize nationwide service of subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses in suits under such Act. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the seizure of any vessel, vehicle, or aircraft which is used to bring illegal aliens into the United States. Excepts vehicles from such seizure if the owner or master is not a consenting party or if such vehicle is in illegal possession of any person other than the owner. Directs the Attorney General to promulgate regulations setting forth procedures for the prompt return to the owner of any such vehicle. Provides that provisions of law relating to seizure of vehicles for violations of customs law shall apply to the unlawful bringing of aliens into the United States. Provides that proceedings under these provisions shall be subject to the Supplemental Rules of Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims. 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z  
95-s-2989 95 s 2989 Judicial Independence and Integrity Act Law 1978-04-25 1978-04-25 Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Helms, Jesse [R-NC] NC R H000463 0 Judicial Independence and Integrity Act - Sets forth procedures for the preliminary investigations of complaints regarding the conduct of a Federal judge or justice by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Provides for further investigation by the House Judiciary Committee upon referral of a complaint by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Authorizes and directs the House Judiciary Committee to review the conduct of each Federal judge and justice every eight years to determine if such conduct is consistent with the good behavior required by the Constitution. 2025-09-02T17:14:14Z  
95-hr-12168 95 hr 12168 A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to provide that the United States District Court for the Central District of California may be held at Long Beach. Law 1978-04-18 1978-04-18 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Anderson, Glenn M. [D-CA-32] CA D A000189 1 Directs that the United States District Court for the Central District of California shall be held at Long Beach as well as at Los Angeles. 2024-08-01T20:05:26Z  
95-hr-12088 95 hr 12088 A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to authorize the payment of reasonable attorney fees and expenses to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in any civil action brought by or against the United States, and for other purposes. Law 1978-04-12 1978-04-12 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Drinan, Robert F. [D-MA-4] MA D D000499 0 Allows the court in any civil action brought by or against the United States to award reasonable attorney fees and expenses to the prevailing party (other than the United States or an agency or official thereof). Stipulates that the court may award attorney fees to a prevailing defendant only if the court determines that the action was brought without foundation, vexatiously, frivolously, or in bad faith. 2024-08-01T20:05:26Z  
95-hr-12003 95 hr 12003 Bilingual, Hearing and Speech Impaired Court Interpreter Act Law 1978-04-11 1978-04-11 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Richmond, Frederick W. [D-NY-14] NY D R000232 22 Bilingual, Hearing, and Speech Impaired Court Interpreter Act - Establishes, through the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, programs to: (1) compile and make available lists of qualified interpreters for non-English speakers and hearing or speech impaired persons and; (2) provide the services of such interpreters free in criminal actions and civil actions initiated by the United States. Permits, and sets guidelines for, the use of Spanish in actions in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico and prohibits the disqualification of potential jurors in such court solely on the ground that they cannot speak English. Revises the Director's administrative duties and powers. 2025-09-02T17:10:17Z  
95-s-2838 95 s 2838 A bill to amend title 28, to change the judicial districts in the State of Illinois. Law 1978-04-05 1978-04-05 Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Percy, Charles H. [R-IL] IL R P000222 1 Revises the Federal judicial districts for the State of Illinois. 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z  
95-hr-11829 95 hr 11829 A bill to amend section 118(a) of title 28, United States Code, to provide for the holding of court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania at Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Law 1978-04-03 1978-04-03 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Walker, Robert S. [R-PA-16] PA R W000068 0 Adds Lancaster to the list of places where the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania shall be held. 2024-08-01T20:05:12Z  
95-s-2793 95 s 2793 High Court of American Samoa Appeals Act Law 1978-03-23 1978-09-25 Referred to Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Senate Sen. Stevens, Ted [R-AK] AK R S000888 1 High Court of American Samoa Appeals Act - Provides for appellate review, with certain exceptions, of final decisions and certain interlocutory decrees of the High Court of American Samoa by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. 2025-09-02T17:14:05Z  
95-hr-11781 95 hr 11781 A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to move the place for holding court for the District Court for the Eastern District of New York to Brooklyn and Hempstead, and for other purposes. Law 1978-03-22 1978-03-22 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Wydler, John W. [R-NY-5] NY R W000780 4 Revises the list of places where the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York shall be held. Specifies provisions relative to the relocation period caused by changes of sites. 2024-08-01T20:05:12Z  
95-hr-11594 95 hr 11594 A bill to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to establish an advocate program for residents of long-term care facilities. Law 1978-03-16 1978-03-16 Referred to House Committee on Education and Labor. House Rep. Cohen, William S. [R-ME-2] ME R C000598 1 Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize the Commissioner on Aging to make grants to the State agencies which administer plans providing services to the aged for the development and operation of statewide advocate programs for residents of long-term care facilities. States that such advocates shall receive, investigate, and resolve complaints received from residents of long-term care facilities or other persons in their behalf which relate to actions by persons or institutions providing services to such residents, or actions by government agencies which may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare, or rights of such residents. 2025-07-21T19:44:15Z  
95-hr-11600 95 hr 11600 Federal Constitution Convention Amendment Act Law 1978-03-16 1978-03-16 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Hyde, Henry J. [R-IL-6] IL R H001022 4 Federal Constitution Convention Amendment Act - Sets forth procedures for Federal constitutional conventions with respect to: (1) applications, (2) calling, (3) delegates, (4) convening, (5) operation, (6) congressional approval, and (7) ratification. 2025-09-02T17:10:00Z  
95-hr-11577 95 hr 11577 Judicial Tenure Act Law 1978-03-15 1978-03-15 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Oakar, Mary Rose [D-OH-20] OH D O000001 0 Judicial Tenure Act - Establishes a Council on Judicial Tenure. Requires the Council to receive and investigate each written complaint by any person concerning a Justice or judge of the United States and to determine whether the ground specified in this Act for removal of a Justice or judge from office or for censure or involuntary retirement of a Justice or judge, exist. Stipulates that if, after a preliminary inquiry by the Chairman, any such complaint is found to be frivolous, unwarranted, or insufficient in law or fact, the Council may dismiss such compliant. Requires that whenever the Council orders an investigation or hearing with respect to the fitness of any Justice or judge to continue in office, it shall provide not less than thirty days notice to such Justice or judge or the date on which any hearing is to be conducted. Sets forth the duties of the Judicial Conference with reference to proceedings relating to removal, censure, and involuntary retirement of a Justice or judge of the United States. Authorizes the conference or a committee of nine judges to order any judge of the United States who is the subject of such inquiry to cease the exercise of any judicial powers or prerogatives pending disposition of the inquiry. Authorizes the Conference or committee in all cases brought before it, by majority vote (1) to order the censure of any Justice or judge whose conduct is found to be inconsistent with the good behavior required by the Constitution; (2) to order the removal of any such Justice or judge from office; (3) to order the involuntary retirement of any Justice or judge in accordance with this Act; and (4) to dismiss or remand to the Council any such case. Directs the Supreme Court to review orders of the Judicial Conference upon the petition of any aggrieved justice or judge. 2025-09-02T17:10:00Z  
95-hr-11585 95 hr 11585 A bill to provide that the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York shall be held at New York, New York, and White Plains, New York. Law 1978-03-15 1978-03-15 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Caputo, Bruce F. [R-NY-23] NY R C000137 0 Provides for holding the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York at White Plains as well as at New York City. 2024-08-01T20:05:02Z  
95-hr-11411 95 hr 11411 A bill to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to establish an advocate program for residents of long-term care facilities. Law 1978-03-09 1978-03-09 Referred to House Committee on Education and Labor. House Rep. Cohen, William S. [R-ME-2] ME R C000598 1 Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize the Commissioner on Aging to make grants to the State agencies which administer plans providing services to the aged for the development and operation of statewide advocate programs for residents of long-term care facilities. States that such advocates shall receive, investigate, and resolve complaints received from residents of long-term care facilities or other persons in their behalf which relate to actions by persons or institutions providing services to such residents, or actions by government agencies which may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare, or rights of such residents. 2025-07-21T19:44:15Z  
95-hr-11276 95 hr 11276 A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to provide that the courts of appeals and district courts of the United States may transfer cases improperly filed in those courts to the appropriate court of appeals or district court in order to cure a defect of jurisdiction or venue. Law 1978-03-03 1978-03-03 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] WI D K000020 0 Requires, if it is in the interest of justice, a United States district court to directly transfer a case which is within the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States courts of appeals and which was erroneously filed with it to an appropriate appellate court. Requires a United States court of appeals to similarly transfer a case which is within the exclusive jurisdiction of United States district courts and which was erroneously filed with it. 2024-08-01T20:04:48Z  
95-hr-11264 95 hr 11264 A bill to amend section 112 of title 28 of the United States Code to divide the eastern judicial district of New York into two divisions. Law 1978-03-02 1978-03-02 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Wydler, John W. [R-NY-5] NY R W000780 1 Divides the eastern judicial district of New York into two divisions. 2024-08-01T20:04:48Z  
95-hr-11224 95 hr 11224 Equal Access to Courts Act Law 1978-03-01 1978-03-01 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-36] NY D L000556 0 Equal Access to Courts Act - Entitles a party which: (1) prevails in any civil action, including an action for judicial review of agency actions; and (2) is a small business as defined by the Small Business Act or an individual or entity having assets or income below specified amounts to a judgment for costs and an award for attorney fees, witness fees, and necessary studies and reports. Directs an agency to pay costs and fees to a party meeting the criteria of (2) above if such a party: (1) successfully defends the imposition of an agency sanction; (2) successfully opposes the issuance or amendments of certain agency orders; or (3) successfully appeals agency action or is subject to agency action which is appealed or reviewed. Entitles a party partially prevailing against the United States to costs and fees to the extent to which it prevailed. Authorizes, where in the interest of justice, an award of cost and fees to a party which fails to prevail in a civil action instituted by or against the United States. 2025-09-02T17:09:48Z  
95-hr-11235 95 hr 11235 A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to provide for holding district court for the Eastern District of New York at Uniondale, New York. Law 1978-03-01 1978-03-01 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Wolff, Lester L. [D-NY-6] NY D W000680 3 Adds Uniondale to the places where the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York shall be held. 2024-08-01T20:04:48Z  
95-hr-11195 95 hr 11195 A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to provide for holding district court for the Eastern District of New York at Uniondale, New York. Law 1978-02-28 1978-02-28 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Wolff, Lester L. [D-NY-6] NY D W000680 0 Adds Uniondale to the places where the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York shall be held. 2024-08-01T20:04:47Z  
95-hr-11196 95 hr 11196 A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to move the place for holding court for the district court of the Eastern District of New York to Brooklyn and Hempstead, and for other purposes. Law 1978-02-28 1978-02-28 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Wydler, John W. [R-NY-5] NY R W000780 0 Revises the list of places where the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York shall be held. Specifies provisions relative to the relocation period caused by changes of sites. 2024-08-01T20:04:47Z  
95-s-2597 95 s 2597 A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to move the place for holding court for the district court of the Eastern district of New York to Brooklyn and Hempstead, and for other purposes. Law 1978-02-27 1978-04-28 Public Law 95-271. Senate Sen. Moynihan, Daniel Patrick [D-NY] NY D M001054 0 Revises the list of places where the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York shall be held. Specifies provisions relative to the relocation period caused by changes of sites. 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z  
95-hr-11105 95 hr 11105 A bill to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to provide assistance for legal services projects for the elderly. Law 1978-02-23 1978-02-23 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Brademas, John [D-IN-3] IN D B000736 1 Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to make grants to States for the purposes of (1) supporting a staff person within the State agency responsible for the delivery of legal services to the elderly, and (2) supporting direct legal services by providing funds to area agencies. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to or contract with national resource centers to support organizations providing legal services to the elderly and provide legal advice to the elderly. 2025-07-21T19:44:15Z  
95-hr-10991 95 hr 10991 A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to provide that United States District Court for Eastern District of New York shall also be held at Town of Hempstead. Law 1978-02-15 1978-02-15 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Wydler, John W. [R-NY-5] NY R W000780 0 Adds the town of Hempstead to the places where the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York shall be held. 2024-08-01T20:04:39Z  
95-hr-10836 95 hr 10836 Federal Constitution Convention Amendment Act Law 1978-02-08 1978-02-08 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Hyde, Henry J. [R-IL-6] IL R H001022 7 Federal Constitution Convention Amendment Act - Sets forth procedures for Federal constitutional conventions with respect to: (1) applications, (2) calling, (3) delegates, (4) convening, (5) operation, (6) congressional approval, and (7) ratification. 2025-09-02T17:09:37Z  
95-hr-10706 95 hr 10706 A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to establish a Lufkin Division in the Eastern District of Texas, and for other purposes. Law 1978-02-01 1978-02-01 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Wilson, Charles [D-TX-2] TX D W000570 0 Transfers Polk and Tyler counties from the Southern District of the United States District Court for Texas to the Eastern District. Establishes a Lufkin Division of the Eastern District. 2024-08-01T20:04:21Z  
95-hr-10626 95 hr 10626 A bill to provide that in civil actions where the United States is a plaintiff, a prevailing defendant may recover a reasonable attorney's fee and other reasonable litigation costs. Law 1978-01-31 1978-01-31 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Crane, Philip M. [R-IL-12] IL R C000873 15 Directs the United States to pay reasonable litigation costs, including attorney fees, to prevailing defendants in civil actions in which the United States is a plaintiff. 2024-08-01T20:04:21Z  
95-hr-10502 95 hr 10502 A bill to provide for payment by the United States for certain medical services and treatment provided to United States citizens and permanent residents suffering from physical injuries attributable to the atomic bomb explosions on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, in August 1945. Law 1978-01-23 1978-01-23 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Roybal, Edward R. [D-CA-25] CA D R000485 1 Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to pay for medical services and treatment for any physical illness suffered by a United States citizen or permanent resident, which is directly attributable to the atomic bomb explosions on Japan in August 1945. States that this Act applies only to medical services provided in the United States on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. 2024-08-01T20:04:14Z  
95-s-2389 95 s 2389 A bill to abolish diversity of citizenship as a basis of jurisdiction of Federal district courts, to abolish the amount in controversy requirement in Federal question cases. Law 1978-01-19 1978-01-19 Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Metzenbaum, Howard M. [D-OH] OH D M000678 0 Abolishes: (1) diversity of citizenship as a basis of jurisdiction of Federal district courts in suits involving U.S. persons; and (2) the amount in controversy requirement in Federal question cases. Imposes a $25,000 jurisdictional amount in cases based on diversity of nationality, and retains a $10,000 limit in certain consumer product safety actions. Permits venue for a Federal civil action in any judicial district in which a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claim occurred, or a substantial part of property that is the subject of the action is situated. 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z  
95-s-2390 95 s 2390 Citizens Access to the Courts Act Law 1978-01-19 1978-01-19 Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Metzenbaum, Howard M. [D-OH] OH D M000678 0 Citizens' Access to the Courts Act - Permits aggregation of all plaintiffs' claims over $25 for jurisdictional amount purposes. Sets forth notice guidelines for certain class action suits which allow alternative methods of notice and apportionment of notification costs in appropriate circumstances. 2025-09-02T17:13:52Z  
95-s-2394 95 s 2394 A bill to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to provide assistance for legal services projects for the elderly. Law 1978-01-19 1978-01-19 Referred to Senate Committee on Human Resources. Senate Sen. Kennedy, Edward M. [D-MA] MA D K000105 3 Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to make grants to the States for the purposes of: (1) supporting direct legal services by providing funds to area agencies on aging; (2) supporting on the staff of the State agency charged with administering the State plan of assistance to the aging, a person whose functions include developing and providing legal support for the elderly; and (3) supporting the provision of training and technical assistance for legal services for the elderly. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants or contracts with resource centers which provide social services to the elderly to: (1) support research and assistance to organizations that develop pro bono legal services; (2) support projects which improve legal delivery services to the elderly; and (3) provide legal services to the elderly. 2025-04-21T12:24:17Z  
95-s-2354 95 s 2354 Equal Access to Courts Act Law 1977-12-15 1977-12-15 Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Domenici, Pete V. [R-NM] NM R D000407 26 Equal Access to Courts Act - Entitles a party which: (1) prevails in any civil action, including an action for judicial review of agency actions; and (2) is a small business as defined by the Small Business Act or an individual or entity having assets or income below specified amounts to a judgment for costs and an award for attorney fees, witness fees, and necessary studies and reports. Directs an agency to pay costs and fees to a party meeting the criteria of (2) above if such a party: (1) successfully defends the imposition of an agency sanction; (2) successfully opposes the issuance or amendments of certain agency orders; or (3) successfully appeals agency action or is subject to agency action which is appealed or reviewed. Entitles a party partially prevailing against the United States to costs and fees to the extent to which it prevailed. Authorizes, where in the interest of justice, an award of cost and fees to a party which fails to prevail in a civil action instituted by or against the United States. 2025-09-02T17:13:52Z  
95-hr-10283 95 hr 10283 A bill to provide for payment by the United States for certain medical services and treatment provided to U.S. citizens and permanent residents suffering from physical injuries attributable to the atomic bomb explosions on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, in August 1945. Law 1977-12-08 1977-12-08 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Roybal, Edward R. [D-CA-25] CA D R000485 1 Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to pay for medical services and treatment for any physical illness suffered by a United States citizen or permanent resident, which is directly attributable to the atomic bomb explosions on Japan in August 1945. States that this Act applies only to medical services provided in the United States on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. 2024-08-01T20:03:59Z  
95-hr-10228 95 hr 10228 Bilingual, Hearing and Speech Impaired Court Interpreter Act Law 1977-12-06 1977-12-06 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Richmond, Frederick W. [D-NY-14] NY D R000232 0 Bilingual, Hearing, and Speech Impaired Court Interpreter Act - Establishes, through the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, programs to: (1) compile and make available lists of qualified interpreters for non-English speakers and hearing or speech impaired persons and; (2) provide the services of such interpreters free in criminal actions and civil actions initiated by the United States. Permits, and sets guidelines for, the use of Spanish in actions in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico and prohibits the disqualification of potential jurors in such court solely on the ground that they cannot speak English. Revises the Director's administrative duties and powers. 2025-09-02T17:09:17Z  
95-hr-10129 95 hr 10129 Bilingual, Hearing and Speech Impaired Court Interpreter Act Law 1977-11-29 1977-11-29 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Resident Commissioner Corrada, Baltasar [I-PR-At Large] PR I C000788 0 Bilingual, Hearing, and Speech Impaired Court Interpreter Act - Establishes, through the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, programs to: (1) compile and make available lists of qualified interpreters for non-English speakers and hearing or speech impaired persons and; (2) provide the services of such interpreters free in criminal actions and civil actions initiated by the United States. Permits, and sets guidelines for, the use of Spanish in actions in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico and prohibits the disqualification of potential jurors in such court solely on the ground that they cannot speak English. Revises the Director's administrative duties and powers. 2025-09-02T17:09:16Z  
95-hr-10134 95 hr 10134 A bill to provide procedures for calling constitutional conventions for proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States, on application of the legislatures of two-thirds of the States, pursuant to article V of the Constitution. Law 1977-11-29 1977-11-29 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Hyde, Henry J. [R-IL-6] IL R H001022 1 Federal Constitution Convention Amendment Act - Sets forth procedures for Federal constitutional conventions with respect to: (1) applications, (2) calling, (3) delegates, (4) convening, (5) operation, (6) congressional approval, and (7) ratification. 2024-08-01T20:03:57Z  
95-hr-9682 95 hr 9682 A bill to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to provide grants to organizations for providing legal assistance to poor, elderly individuals in connection with their entitlement to home health services under titles XVIII, XIX, and XX of the Social Security Act. Law 1977-11-20 1977-11-20 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Pepper, Claude [D-FL-14] FL D P000218 2 Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to add the following new title: Title VI - Legal Assistance for the Elderly in Connection with Home Health Services. Authorizes the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to make grants to public or nonprofit private agencies or organizations for the purpose of providing legal assistance to individuals who are 60 years of age or older and who are unable to afford legal assistance in connection with their eligibility for home health care pursuant to Title XVIII (Medicare), Title XIX (Medicaid), and Title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act. Directs that preference in awarding grants under this title shall be given to national organizations of proven ability in providing legal services to individuals 60 years of age or older. 2025-07-21T19:44:15Z  
95-hr-10105 95 hr 10105 Federal Court Attorneys Fees Act Law 1977-11-18 1977-11-18 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Seiberling, John F. [D-OH-14] OH D S000230 0 Federal Court Attorneys' Fee Act - Authorizes Federal courts to award attorneys' fees to prevailing parties in civil actions where justice so requires. Stipulates that the United States shall be liable for such fees to the same extent as a private party. 2025-09-02T17:09:16Z  
95-hr-10106 95 hr 10106 A bill to authorize the awarding of attorneys' fees to prevailing plaintiffs in actions brought under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Law 1977-11-18 1977-11-18 Referred to House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. House Rep. Seiberling, John F. [D-OH-14] OH D S000230 0 Amends the National Environmental Policy Act to authorize any case arising under such Act to award reasonable attorneys' fees to a prevailing plaintiff. 2024-08-01T20:03:57Z  
95-hr-10050 95 hr 10050 A bill to abolish diversity of citizenship as a basis of jurisdiction of Federal district courts, to abolish the amount in controversy requirement in Federal question cases. Law 1977-11-04 1977-11-04 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] WI D K000020 1 Abolishes: (1) diversity of citizenship as a basis of jurisdiction of Federal district courts in suits involving U.S. persons; and (2) the amount in controversy requirement in Federal question cases. Imposes a $25,000 jurisdictional amount in cases based on diversity of nationality, and retains a $10,000 limit in certain consumer product safety actions. Permits venue for a Federal civil action in any judicial district in which a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claim occurred, or a substantial part of property that is the subject of the action is situated. 2024-08-01T20:03:50Z  
95-s-2253 95 s 2253 Court Annexed Arbitration Act Law 1977-10-28 1978-10-13 Measure passed Senate, amended. Senate Sen. Eastland, James O. [D-MS] MS D E000018 0 (Reported to Senate from the Committee on the Judiciary with amendment, S. Rept. 95-1103) Court-Annexed Arbitration Act - Establishes, on a three-year experimental basis, compulsory, nonbinding arbitration as an alternative to conventional litigation. Authorizes United States district courts to refer the following types of civil actions to arbitration: (1) actions where all parties consent to arbitration; or (2) money damage tort and contract actions under $100,000 in which jurisdiction is based in whole or in part on a Federal question, diversity, admiralty, the United States as plaintiff, or the United States as defendant. Excludes the following cases from referral to arbitration: (1) constitutional rights cases; (2) official immunity cases; (3) certain civil rights cases; and (4) civil fraud cases. Allows the district courts to establish by rule procedures for excepting from arbitration, for good cause shown, individual cases that would otherwise be referred to arbitration. Authorizes the district courts to certify arbitrators and to provide guidelines for arbitration proceedings. Permits any party dissatisfied with the arbitration hearing to demand a trial de novo in the district court. Stipulates that if such party fails to obtain in the district court a judgment, exclusive of interest and costs, more favorable to him or her than the arbitration award, the court may tax against that party the cost of the arbitration proceeding. Directs the Federal Judicial Center to submit to Congress, six months before the expiration of the third year, a report on the use, effectiveness, and benefits of the arbitration process. Authorizes the appropriation for fiscal year 1979 to the judicial branch such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z  
95-hr-9778 95 hr 9778 A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to encourage prompt, informal and inexpensive resolution of civil cases by use of arbitration in U.S. district courts. Law 1977-10-27 1977-10-27 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10] NJ D R000374 0 Authorizes United States district courts to refer the following types of civil actions to arbitration, any appeal from which is to be by trial de novo: (1) Federal litigation of a type designated by the Attorney General for referral; (2) certain action by employees and materialmen of public contractors for money owed; (3) actions for money damages where all parties consent to referral; and (4) most diversity and general Federal question actions where money damages under $50,000 are sought and nonmonetary claims are insubstantial. 2024-08-01T20:03:39Z  
95-hr-9622 95 hr 9622 A bill to abolish diversity of citizenship as a basis of jurisdiction of Federal district courts, to abolish the amount in controversy requirement in Federal question cases. Law 1977-10-18 1978-10-04 Provisions inserted in S. 1613 as passed House. House Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] WI D K000020 7 (Reported to House from the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs with amendment, H. Rept. 95-893) Abolishes diversity of citizenship as a basis of jurisdiction of Federal district courts. Retains alienage as a basis of jurisdiction and increases the amount in controversy requirement from $10,000 to $25,000, for such cases. Abolishes the amount in controversy requirement in Federal question cases. Retains statutory interpleader as a basis for Federal jurisdiction. Permits venue for a Federal civil action in any judicial district in which a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claim occurred, or in which a substantial part of property that is the subject of the action is situated. Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to require an amount of $10,000 in controversy in order to create Federal jurisdiction. Authorizes the district courts to deny costs to the plaintiff or to impose costs on the plaintiff where the plaintiff is finally adjudged to be entitled to recover less than the sum of value of $10,000. 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z  
95-hr-9451 95 hr 9451 A bill to provide for the review of the behavior of individual justices and judges by three-judge panels. Law 1977-10-05 1977-10-05 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Findley, Paul [R-IL-20] IL R F000123 0 Directs the Chief Justice of the United States, upon his own initiative or upon request of two judges and/or justices, to appoint a panel of three judges and/or justices to review the performance of a judge or justice. States that the subject of the review shall cease to hold office if a majority of the panel finds that he failed to serve in good behavior, unless the determination is appealed. Permits appeal of an adverse panel decision to the Supreme Court. 2024-08-01T20:03:22Z  
95-s-2149 95 s 2149 A bill to create the district court for the Northern Mariana Islands, implementing article IV of the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America. Law 1977-09-27 1977-11-08 Public Law 95-157. Senate Sen. Eastland, James O. [D-MS] MS D E000018 0 (Measure passed Senate, amended) Creates the District Court of the Northern Mariana Islands pursuant to the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America. Provides that the President shall, with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoint a judge for the District Court for a term of eight years. Authorizes the Chief Judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit of the United States to assign justices of the High Court of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands or judges of courts of record of the Northern Mariana Islands who are licensed attorneys in good standing or a circuit or district judge of the ninth circuit, including a judge of the District Court of Guam who is appointed by the President, and authorizes the Chief Justice of the United States to assign any other United States circuit or district judge with the consent of the judge so assigned and of the chief judge of his circuit to serve temporarily as a judge in the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands whenever such an assignment is necessary for the proper dispatch of the business of the court. Authorizes the President to appoint a United States attorney and a marshall for the Northern Mariana Islands. Applies certain Federal rules and statutes pertaining to District Courts to the District Court for the Northern Marianas. Grants the District Court for the Northern Marianas the jurisdiction of a United States district court, except that in all cases arising under the Constitution, treaties and laws of the United States, it shall have jurisdiction regardless of the amount in controversy. Grants the Court original jurisdiction over all matters not otherwise vested in itself or in the courts of the Northern Marianas provided that in these matters it shall be considered a court of the Northern Marianas for the purpose of determining the requirements of indictment by grand jury or trial by jury. Grants to the Court appellate jurisdiction and procedure as provided by … 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z  
95-hr-9308 95 hr 9308 A bill to provide for a reduction in general diversity of citizenship jurisdiction. Law 1977-09-26 1977-09-26 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Thone, Charles [R-NE-1] NE R T000234 0 Increases the minimum amount which must be in controversy to qualify for Federal court jurisdiction on the basis of diversity of citizenship. Prohibits any person from invoking diversity jurisdiction in any State of which he is a citizen. Prohibits a business entity which has maintained a business establishment for more than two years in a State from invoking diversity jurisdiction in such State in any action arising from the establishment's activities. Prohibits an individual from invoking diversity jurisdiction in any State in which he has had his present business or place of employment for more than two years. Sets forth removal, venue, and joinder guidelines based upon diversity jurisdiction as modified by this Act. 2024-08-01T20:03:13Z  
95-hr-9122 95 hr 9122 A bill to establish fees and allow per diem and mileage expenses for witnesses before U.S. courts. Law 1977-09-15 1977-09-15 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] WI D K000020 0 Amends provisions specifying fees and allowances for Federal court witness to, among other changes, (1) increase the per diem fee to $30, (2) replace the set travel allowance with guidelines directing reimbursement for actual expenses of public transportation and granting allowances for private transportation equal to those granted to Federal employees, (3) replace set subsistence allowances with the subsistence allowance granted Federal employees, and (4) deny fees and allowances to deportable and certain other aliens. 2024-08-01T20:03:04Z  
95-hr-9123 95 hr 9123 A bill to limit the exercise of diversity jurisdiction in the Federal courts. Law 1977-09-15 1977-09-15 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] WI D K000020 0 Prohibits a person from invoking diversity of citizenship jurisdiction in any Federal district in the State of which he is a citizen. Limits venue in diversity of citizenship-based actions to the district where defendants reside or the district where the claim arose. 2024-08-01T20:03:04Z  
95-s-2094 95 s 2094 A bill to amend the jurisdiction of the Federal courts in diversity of citizenship cases. Law 1977-09-14 1977-09-14 Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Eastland, James O. [D-MS] MS D E000018 0 Prohibits a plaintiff from invoking Federal court jurisdiction based on diversity of citizenship in any district of any State of which he is a citizen. 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z  
95-hr-9079 95 hr 9079 A bill to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to provide assistance for legal services projects for the elderly. Law 1977-09-13 1977-09-13 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Brademas, John [D-IN-3] IN D B000736 0 Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to make grants to States for the purposes of (1) supporting a staff person within the State agency responsible for the delivery of legal services to the elderly, and (2) supporting direct legal services by providing funds to area agencies. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to or contract with national resource centers to support organizations providing legal services to the elderly and provide legal advice to the elderly. 2025-07-21T19:44:15Z  
95-hr-9042 95 hr 9042 Judicial Reform Act Law 1977-09-12 1977-09-12 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] WI D K000020 5 Judicial Reform Act - Establishes in the judicial branch a Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure to determine, upon formal or informal request, whether a judge or justice is disabled or has failed to serve with good behavior. Sets forth procedures for such determinations. Permits review of the Commission's determination by the Supreme Court by appeal. 2025-09-02T17:08:40Z  
95-s-2072 95 s 2072 A bill to amend the Jury Selection and Service Act of 1968, as amended, to make the excuse of prospective jurors from Federal jury service on the grounds of distance from the place of holding court contingent upon a showing of hardship on an individual basis. Law 1977-09-08 1978-05-01 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ] AZ D D000185 0 Repeals the requirement of the Jury Selection and Service Act of 1968 that the written plan for jury selection of each United States district court fix a distance, either in terms of mileage or travel time, beyond which prospective jurors may automatically be excused from traveling for jury duty. 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z  
95-s-2074 95 s 2074 A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to provide in civil cases for juries of six persons, to amend the Jury Selection and Service Act of 1968, as amended, with respect to the selection and qualification of jurors, and to extend the coverage of the Federal Employees Compensation Act to all jurors in U.S. district courts. Law 1977-09-08 1978-05-01 Referred jointly to House Committees on the Judiciary; and Education and Labor. Senate Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ] AZ D D000185 0 (Reported to Senate from the Committee on the Judiciary with amendment, S. Rept. 95-758) =Title I: Jury Service Upon Restoration of Civil Rights= - Permits felons to qualify for Federal jury service upon restoration of civil rights through any means. =Title II: Jury Selection Procedures, Records, and Definitions= - Increases to $5,000 the fine for disclosing the contents of records or papers used by the jury commission or clerk in connection with the jury selection process. Provides that such records may be disclosed after a jury has been discharged, but only for the purpose of determining the validity of the jury's selection. Defines "publicly draw," for the purpose of provisions specifying procedures for selection of prosepective jurors, to include drawings made by means of electronic data processing. =Title III: Compensation of Jurors for Service-Related Injuries= - Provides Federal employees disability and death benefits coverage to Federal jurors. Reduces such benefits by the amount received under a noncontributory State or local disability compensation or survivor benefit program. States that the provisions of this Act shall take effect on October 1, 1978. 2025-07-21T19:44:15Z  
95-s-2075 95 s 2075 Jury System Improvements Act of 1978 Law 1977-09-08 1978-11-02 Public Law 95-572. Senate Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ] AZ D D000185 1 (Reported to House from the Committee on the Judiciary with amendment, H. Rept. 1652) Jury System Improvements Act - Eliminates the requirement that U.S. district courts include in their random jury selection plans a fixed distance beyond which prospective jurors residing, upon request, are automatically excused. Defines "undue hardship or extreme inconvenience", as a basis for excuse from immediate jury service to mean great distance either in miles or travel-time, from the place of holding court, grave illness in the family or any other emergency which outweighs in immediacy and urgency the obligation to serve as a juror when summoned, or any other factor which the court determines to constitute an undue hardship or to create an extreme inconvenience to the juror. Provides that when it is anticipated that a trial or grand jury proceeding may require more than 30 days of service, the court may consider, as a further basis for temporary excuse, severe economic hardship to an employer which would result from the absence of a key employee during the period of such service. Extends eligibility for jury service to convicted persons who have later had their civil rights restored in any manner recognized by law. Revises Federal juror fees and allowances to, among other changes: (1) increase per diem pay to $30; (2) provide additional per diem pay to grand jurors required to attend more than 45 days actual service and petit jurors required to attend more than 30 days actual service; (3) replace set statutory subsistence allowances with those to be promulgated by the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts; and (4) replace set statutory travel allowances with an allowance not to exceed the maximum rate per mile which the Director has prescribed for supporting court personnel, additional allowances to be authorized for jurors taking public transportation. Prohibits employers from discharging, threatening to discharge, intimidating, or coercing any permanent employee by reason of such e… 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z  
95-hconres-340 95 hconres 340 Concurrent resolution calling for the convening of a convention for proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States. Law 1977-08-05 1977-08-05 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Lent, Norman F. [R-NY-4] NY R L000243 0 Calls for the convening of a constitutional convention. Sets forth the procedures for such convention and for ratification of resultant amendments. 2024-08-01T19:55:48Z  
95-hr-8893 95 hr 8893 A bill to provide for payment by the United States for certain medical services and treatment provided to US citizens and permanent residents suffering from physical injuries attributable to the atomic bomb explosions on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, in August 1945. Law 1977-08-05 1977-08-05 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Roybal, Edward R. [D-CA-25] CA D R000485 3 Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to pay for medical services and treatment for any physical illness suffered by a United States citizen or permanent resident, which is directly attributable to the atomic bomb explosions on Japan in August 1945. States that this Act applies only to medical services provided in the United States on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. 2024-08-01T20:02:54Z  
95-s-2044 95 s 2044 Federal Legal Aid Corporation Act Law 1977-08-05 1977-08-05 Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Helms, Jesse [R-NC] NC R H000463 0 Federal Legal Aid Corporation Act - Establish the Federal Legal Aid Corporation to disburse funds to States which have adopted plans to use such funds to provide legal services for indigent persons seeking to enforce civil claims. Permits such persons to select their own attorneys who shall be paid for services rendered. Prohibits such attorneys from engaging in political or lobbying activity while receiving funds under this Act. Abolishes the Legal Services Corporation. 2025-09-02T17:13:38Z  
95-s-2049 95 s 2049 A bill to establish fees and allow per diem and mileage expenses for witnesses before U.S. courts. Law 1977-08-05 1978-10-27 Public Law 95-535. Senate Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ] AZ D D000185 1 (Reported to Senate from the Committee on the Judiciary with amendment, S. Rept. 95-756) Amends provisions of Federal law specifying fees and allowances for Federal court witness to, among other changes: (1) increase the per diem fee to $30; (2) replace the set travel allowance with guidelines directing reimbursement for actual expenses of public transportation and granting allowances for private transportation equal to those granted to Federal employees; (3) replace set subsistence allowances with the subsistence allowance granted Federal employees; (4) deny fees and allowances to deportable and certain other aliens; and (5) tax as costs all normal travel expenses. 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z  
95-s-2016 95 s 2016 A bill to establish fees for services performed by U.S. marshals. Law 1977-08-04 1978-05-01 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ] AZ D D000185 1 (Reported to Senate from the Committee on the Judiciary with amendment, S. Rept. 95-755) Amends provisions of Federal law specifying fees for services performed by United States Marshals to eliminate the set fees contained therein for all services other than seizing and disposing of property and to authorize the Attorney General to prescribe fees by regualtion. Eliminates the maximum amount which a court may tax in a criminal case as marshall fees for services other than summoning witnesses. States that the provisions of this Act shall take effect on October 1, 1978. 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z  
95-hr-8560 95 hr 8560 A bill to provide procedures for calling constitutional conventions for proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States, on application of the legislatures of two-thirds of the States, pursuant to article V of the Constitution. Law 1977-07-27 1977-07-27 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Hyde, Henry J. [R-IL-6] IL R H001022 4 Federal Constitution Convention Amendment Act - Sets forth procedures for Federal constitutional conventions with respect to: (1) applications, (2) calling, (3) delegates, (4) convening, (5) operation, (6) congressional approval, and (7) ratification. 2024-08-01T20:02:40Z  
95-hr-8492 95 hr 8492 A bill to establish fees for services performed by U.S. marshals. Law 1977-07-22 1977-07-22 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10] NJ D R000374 0 Amends provisions specifying fees for services performed by United States Marshals to eliminate the set fees contained therein for all services other than seizing and disposing of property and to authorize the Attorney General to prescribe fees by regulation. 2024-08-01T20:02:39Z  
95-hr-8440 95 hr 8440 A bill to provide for payment by the United States for certain medical services and treatment provided to U.S. citizens and permanent residents suffering from physical injuries attributable to the atomic bomb explosions on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, in August 1945. Law 1977-07-20 1977-07-20 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Roybal, Edward R. [D-CA-25] CA D R000485 23 Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to pay for medical services and treatment for any physical illness suffered by a United States citizen or permanent resident, which is directly attributable to the atomic bomb explosions on Japan in August 1945. States that this Act applies only to medical services provided in the United States on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. 2024-08-01T20:02:32Z  
95-sjres-73 95 sjres 73 A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to establish maximum age limits for certain officers of the Government. Law 1977-07-19 1977-07-19 Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Bartlett, Dewey F. [R-OK] OK R B000200 0 Constitutional Amendment - Requires Federal judges to retire from regular active service within 30 days of attaining age 70. 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z  
95-sjres-74 95 sjres 74 A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing for the reconfirmation by popular vote of certain Federal judges. Law 1977-07-19 1977-07-19 Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Bartlett, Dewey F. [R-OK] OK R B000200 0 Constitutional Amendment - Provides for periodic reconfirmation of United States district court judges by popular vote of the inhabitants of their respective judicial districts. 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z  
95-s-1880 95 s 1880 Federal Constitutional Convention Procedures Act Law 1977-07-18 1977-07-18 Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Senate Sen. Helms, Jesse [R-NC] NC R H000463 6 Federal Constitutional Convention Procedures Act - Sets forth procedures for Federal constitutional conventions with respect to: (1) applications, (2) calling, (3) delegates, (4) convening, (5) operation, (6) congressional approval, and (7) ratification. 2025-09-02T17:13:31Z  
95-hr-8215 95 hr 8215 A bill to provide for reimbursement of certain litigation expenses to real property owners who prevail in certain litigation arising from the condemnation of real property to be administered by the National Park Service. Law 1977-07-12 1977-07-18 Rereferred to House Committee on Public Works and Transportation. House Rep. Brodhead, William [D-MI-17] MI D B000862 0 Amends the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 to provide for reimbursement of specified costs to real property owners who prevail in litigation arising from the condemnation of real property to be administered by the National Park Service. 2025-02-04T16:54:13Z  
95-hr-8220 95 hr 8220 A bill to amend section 1821 of title 28, United States Code, relating to per diem and mileage expenses for witnesses in U.S. courts. Law 1977-07-12 1977-07-12 Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary. House Rep. Danielson, George E. [D-CA-30] CA D D000043 0 Increases per diem pay and revises subsistence and travel allowances of Federal court witnesses. 2024-08-01T20:02:24Z  

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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);