legislation
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158 rows where congress = 97 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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| 97-s-3105 | 97 | s | 3105 | A bill to modify the judicial districts of West Virginia, and for other purposes. | Law | 1982-12-16 | 1983-01-14 | Became Public Law No: 97-471. | Senate | Sen. Byrd, Robert C. [D-WV] | WV | D | B001210 | 1 | Transfers Wood and Wirt Counties to the Southern Judicial District of West Virginia and Braxton, Pocahontas, and Webster Counties to the Northern Judicial District of West Virginia. Provides that Parkersburg shall be a location for the District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia (currently, Parkersburg is a location for the District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia). | 2023-05-11T13:18:23Z | |
| 97-s-3081 | 97 | s | 3081 | A bill to modify the judicial districts of West Virginia, and for other purposes. | Law | 1982-12-07 | 1982-12-20 | Other Measure S.3105 Passed House in Lieu. | Senate | Sen. Byrd, Robert C. [D-WV] | WV | D | B001210 | 1 | Transfers Wood and Wirt Counties to the Southern Judicial District of West Virginia and Braxton, Pocahontas, and Webster Counties to the Northern Judicial District of West Virginia. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 97-hr-7349 | 97 | hr | 7349 | Omnibus Bankruptcy and Court Improvement Act | Law | 1982-12-02 | 1982-12-13 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Butler, M. Caldwell [R-VA-6] | VA | R | B001182 | 0 | Omnibus Bankruptcy and Court Improvement Act - Title I: Federal Court Reform Act of 1982 - Subtitle A: Federal Court Reform - Federal Court Reform Act of 1982 - Part 1: Supreme Court Review - Makes review of a Federal district or appellate court or highest State Court decision which holds a Federal or State law unconstitutional reviewable by the Supreme Court by writ of certiorari, instead of appeal as currently authorized. Authorizes Supreme Court review, by writ of certiorari, of final judgments or decrees rendered by the highest court of a State in a case where the validity of a treaty or statute is in question or where the validity of a statute of Puerto Rico is in question on the ground of its being repugnant to the Constitution, treaties, or laws of the United States. Amends various provisions of Federal law (including the Federal Election Campaign Act, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act, and the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973) to provide that certain cases will now be heard by the Supreme Court under its discretionary certiorari authority instead of hearing such appeals directly. Part 2: Jurors and Summons for Jury Service - Provides workmen's compensation for individuals injured during Federal jury duty. Authorizes the award of attorney's fees in cases involving appointed counsel where an employee has brought suit against his or her employer because the employer discriminated against the employee on the basis of jury service. Permits the use of first class mail to notify individuals of jury service. Part 3: Civil Priorities - Requires each court of the United States to determine the order in which civil actions are heard and determined. Authorizes the Judicial Conference of the United States to modify the rules adopted by the courts in order to establish consistency. Amends over 80 priority or expediting provisions relating to civil actions. Subtitle B: Diversity Jurisdiction - Diversity Jurisdiction Reform Act of 1982 - Abolishes diversity of citizenship as a basis of jurisdiction … | 2025-08-29T19:50:16Z | |
| 97-hr-7309 | 97 | hr | 7309 | A bill to provide for the establishment of a Commission on the Bicentennial of the Constitution. | Law | 1982-11-29 | 1982-11-29 | Referred to House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service. | House | Rep. Conte, Silvio O. [R-MA-1] | MA | R | C000709 | 117 | Establishes the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution. Requires the Commission to: (1) plan and develop appropriate activities to commemorate the bicentennial of the Constitution; (2) encourage private organizations, and State and local governments to organize and participate in bicentennial activities; (3) coordinate activities throughout all the States; and (4) serve as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of bicentennial information. Directs the Commission to seek assistance from private and governmental agencies and organizations. Requires the Commission to submit a report of its recommendations to the President, Congress and the Judicial Conference within two years of enactment of this Act and annually until its termination. Terminates the Commission on December 31, 1989. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and such sums as necessary through FY 1989. | 2024-02-06T20:04:02Z | |
| 97-hr-7257 | 97 | hr | 7257 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to establish a separate judicial district for the counties of Nassau and Suffolk, New York. | Law | 1982-10-01 | 1982-10-13 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Carman, Gregory W. [R-NY-3] | NY | R | C000158 | 0 | Establishes a separate judicial district (the Southeastern District) for the counties of Nassau and Suffolk, New York. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-hr-7294 | 97 | hr | 7294 | Omnibus Bankruptcy and Court Improvement Act | Law | 1982-10-01 | 1982-10-14 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Butler, M. Caldwell [R-VA-6] | VA | R | B001182 | 0 | Omnibus Bankruptcy and Court Improvement Act - Title I: Federal Court Reform Act of 1982 - Subtitle A: Federal Court Reform - Federal Court Reform Act of 1982 - Part 1: Supreme Court Review - Makes review of a Federal district or appellate court or highest State Court decision which holds a Federal or State law unconstitutional reviewable by the Supreme Court by writ of certiorari, instead of appeal as currently authorized. Authorizes Supreme Court review, by writ of certiorari, of final judgments or decrees rendered by the highest court of a State in a case where the validity of a treaty or statute is in question or where the validity of a statute of Puerto Rico is in question on the ground of its being repugnant to the Constitution, treaties, or laws of the United States. Amends various provisions of Federal law (including the Federal Election Campaign Act, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act, and the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973) to provide that certain cases will now be heard by the Supreme Court under its discretionary certiorari authority instead of hearing such appeals directly. Part 2: Jurors and Summons for Jury Service - Provides workmen's compensation for individuals injured during Federal jury duty. Authorizes the award of attorney's fees in cases involving appointed counsel where an employee has brought suit against his or her employer because the employer discriminated against the employee on the basis of jury service. Permits the use of first class mail to notify individuals of jury service. Part 3: Civil Priorities - Requires each court of the United States to determine the order in which civil actions are heard and determined. Authorizes the Judicial Conference of the United States to modify the rules adopted by the courts in order to establish consistency. Amends over 80 priority or expediting provisions relating to civil actions. Subtitle B: Diversity Jurisdiction - Diversity Jurisdiction Reform Act of 1982 - Abolishes diversity of citizenship as a basis of jurisdiction … | 2025-08-29T19:50:11Z | |
| 97-s-3018 | 97 | s | 3018 | Judicial Reform Act of 1982 | Law | 1982-10-01 | 1982-10-14 | Referred to Subcommittee on Separation of Powers. | Senate | Sen. East, John P. [R-NC] | NC | R | E000017 | 0 | Judicial Reform Act of 1982 - Title I: Court Procedures - Part A: Incorporation Doctrine - Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit the Supreme Court from reviewing, by appeal, writ or certiorari, or otherwise, any case in which any party claims the abridgement by a State, or by any political subdivision of a State, of any right secured by the first eight amendments to the Constitution. Prohibits district court jurisdiction of any case of which the Supreme Court does not have jurisdiction under the preceding sentence. Part B: Exclusionary Rule - Provides that evidence otherwise admissible in a Federal criminal proceeding shall not be excluded on the grounds that such evidence was obtained in violation of the fourth amendment to the Constitution. Provides a court of the United States with power to punish by fine or imprisonment, at its discretion, such contempt of the Constitution of the United States and none other, as any search or seizure in violation of the fourth amendment to the Constitution of the United States, if such search or seizure involves the subject of a criminal proceeding before such court. Part C: Habeas Corpus - Requires the Supreme Court, a circuit judge, or district court to entertain an application for a writ of habeas corpus on behalf of a person in custody pursuant to a State court judgment only on a ground which presents a substantial Federal constitutional question, and then only if: (1) it was not previously raised and determined; (2) there has been no fair and adequate opportunity to raise it and have it determined; and (3) it cannot thereafter be raised and determined in a State court proceeding, by an order or judgment subject to review by the Supreme Court on a writ of certiorari. Part D: Federal Civil Rights Litigation - Makes any individual who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of any State, subjects any other individual to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution or any Act of Congress provi… | 2026-01-07T14:44:51Z | |
| 97-hr-7154 | 97 | hr | 7154 | Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Amendments Act of 1982 | Law | 1982-09-21 | 1983-01-12 | Became Public Law No: 97-462. | House | Rep. Edwards, Don [D-CA-10] | CA | D | E000064 | 1 | (House agreed to Senate amendment with an amendment) Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Amendments Act of 1982 - Amends the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to provide that upon the filing of a civil complaint the clerk shall issue a summons and deliver the summons to the plaintiff or the plaintiff's attorney, who shall be responsible for prompt service of the summons and a copy of the complaint. Provides that process, other than a subpoena or a summons and complaint, shall be served by a U.S. marshal or deputy U.S. marshal, or by a specially appointed person. Provides that a summons and complaint shall, at the request of the party seeking service or such party's attorney, be served by a U.S. marshal or deputy U.S. marshal, or by a specially appointed person only: (1) on behalf of an individual authorized to proceed in forma pauperis; (2) on behalf of the United States; or (3) pursuant to an order issued by a court stating that a U.S. marshal or deputy U.S. marshal, or specially appointed person, is required to serve the summons and complaint. Authorizes the service of a summons and complaint upon a defendant by first class mail. Provides that if service of the summons and complaint is not made within 120 days after filing the complaint and the party on whose behalf such service was required cannot show good cause why such service was not made within that period, the action shall be dismissed without prejudice upon the court's own initiative with notice to such party or upon motion. Sets forth forms for the notice and acknowledgment for service by mail. Increases the penalty for nondiplomatic foreign agents who do not submit notification to the Secretary of State prior to acting in the United States from $5,000 to $75,000. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 97-hr-7039 | 97 | hr | 7039 | A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide for the protection of government witnesses in criminal proceedings, to establish a United States Marshals Service, and for other purposes. | Law | 1982-08-19 | 1982-09-10 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | Title I: Protection of Government Witnesses - Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize the Attorney General to relocate and protect witnesses and their families involved in Federal or State trials of violent offenses. Authorizes the Attorney General to take action to protect the person from bodily injury or otherwise to assure the health, safety, and welfare of that person. Requires any person protected under this Act to enter into an agreement with the Attorney General. Requires the agreement to set forth such person's responsibilities, including agreement: (1) if an actual or potential witness, to provide information to all appropriate law enforcement officials and testify in all proceedings; (2) to refrain from committing any act punishable by a prison term; (3) to take all necessary steps to avoid detection by others of the facts concerning the protection provided; and (4) to cooperate with all reasonable requests of government employees. Establishes a procedure for the termination of protection upon substantive breach of such agreement. Allows for notice to the witness with an opportunity for a hearing. Provides for service of process on a protected person and compliance with a judgment in a civil proceeding. Requires all Federal agencies to cooperate with the Attorney General in carrying out this Act. Allows the Attorney General to agree with a State government to provide protection for a person. Title II: United States Marshals Service and Service of Process - Revises the United States Marshals Service System. Authorizes the Attorney General to appoint a director and other officials. Specifies the powers and duties of the Service. Grants an official of the Service the same powers that a State sheriff may exercise. Prescribes the schedule of fees that the Service may collect. Amends Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to revise service of process. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-s-2863 | 97 | s | 2863 | A bill to amend title 28 to provide protection to all jurors in Federal cases to clarify the compensation of attorneys for jurors in protecting their employment rights, and authorizing the service of jury summonses by ordinary mail. | Law | 1982-08-19 | 1983-01-12 | Became Public Law No: 97-463. | Senate | Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] | IA | R | G000386 | 0 | Authorizes a court to award a reasonable attorney's fee as part of the costs to a prevailing employee who sued his or her employer because of discrimination arising from jury service. Authorizes a court to award a prevailing employer in such a suit a reasonable attorney's fee only if the employee's suit is found to have been frivolous, or brought in bad faith. Authorizes the service of jury summonses by first-class mail. Provides workers' compensation coverage to a Federal employee while serving as a Federal juror. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 97-hjres-579 | 97 | hjres | 579 | A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide that all revenues bills shall originate in the House of Representatives. | Law | 1982-08-16 | 1982-08-17 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Kindness, Thomas N. [R-OH-8] | OH | R | K000190 | 1 | Constitutional Amendment - Requires all revenue bills to originate in the House of Representatives. | 2023-05-11T13:01:42Z | |
| 97-s-2842 | 97 | s | 2842 | A bill to provide for equitable waiver in the compromise and collection of federal claims. | Law | 1982-08-16 | 1982-08-16 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs. | Senate | Sen. Jackson, Henry M. [D-WA] | WA | D | J000013 | 0 | Authorizes the Comptroller General and the head of any Federal agency to grant equitable waivers of claims of the United States against persons for erroneous payments of travel, transportation, or relocation expenses if: (1) such payments occurred on or after January 1, 1979; and (2) an application for waiver is received within three years after such an erroneous payment was made. Increases from $500 to $5,000 the maximum amount of a claim for the erroneous payment of pay, allowances, or such expenses which may be waived by an agency head. | 2025-01-14T19:03:55Z | |
| 97-hjres-570 | 97 | hjres | 570 | A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing for a procedure for removal from office, in every tenth year of service, of the judges of the Supreme Court and inferior Federal courts. | Law | 1982-08-12 | 1982-08-19 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Fuqua, Don [D-FL-2] | FL | D | F000430 | 1 | Constitutional Amendment - Provides that justices of the Supreme Court and judges of inferior Federal courts shall hold office during good behavior, except that no judge shall hold office upon the expiration of any consecutive ten-year term if the Senate adopts a resolution of removal during a judge's tenth year of such ten-year period. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-hr-6974 | 97 | hr | 6974 | A bill to provide that the United States District Court for the District of Colorado shall be held at Boulder, Colorado, in addition to those places currently provided by law. | Law | 1982-08-11 | 1982-08-16 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Schroeder, Patricia [D-CO-1] | CO | D | S000142 | 4 | Provides that the United States District Court for the District of Colorado shall be held at Boulder, Colorado, in addition to the other places currently provided by law. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-hr-6942 | 97 | hr | 6942 | A bill to provide for the review of the behavior of individual justices and judges by three-judge panels. | Law | 1982-08-05 | 1982-08-16 | Executive Comment Requested from Admin Office US Courts, Justice. | House | Rep. Findley, Paul [R-IL-20] | IL | R | F000123 | 0 | Authorizes the Chief Justice, on the Chief Justice's own initiative or at the request of other judges or justices, to establish and select a three-member panel to review the behavior of any justice (other than the Chief Justice) or judge whose behavior is questioned under such initiative or request. Requires the dismissal of any judge or justice if a majority of the panel determines that the judge's or justice's behavior is not good. Provides for the establishment of a panel to review the behavior of the Chief Justice. Permits any judge or justice whose behavior is reviewed to appeal a determination to the Supreme Court within 30 days of the determination. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-s-2813 | 97 | s | 2813 | A bill to amend title 9 of the United States Code to facilitate the recognition, confirmation, or enforcement of certain foreign arbitral awards. | Law | 1982-08-05 | 1982-09-15 | Referred to Subcommittee on Criminal Law. | Senate | Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD] | MD | R | M000241 | 0 | Declares that an agreement for international arbitration in a commercial relationship shall constitute consent to proceedings to recognize, confirm, or enforce a foreign arbitral award. Denies the Federal act of State doctrine and the doctrine of sovereign immunity as grounds for refusing or deferring the recognition, confirmation, or enforcement of such an award. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 97-hr-6918 | 97 | hr | 6918 | A bill to authorize the Attorney General to assist Rockland County, New York, in providing for expenses of courtroom security and defendant custody in the case of People v. Boudin, et al. | Law | 1982-08-03 | 1982-08-06 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Peyser, Peter A. [D-NY-23] | NY | D | P000280 | 0 | Authorizes the Attorney General to pay not more than $2,700,000 to assist the government of Rockland County, New York, in paying the expenses of courtroom security and defendant custody with respect to a criminal action entitled People against Boudin. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-hr-6898 | 97 | hr | 6898 | A bill to provide for the time in which to appeal to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit from a determination of the United States International Trade Commission. | Law | 1982-07-29 | 1982-08-02 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Frank, Barney [D-MA-4] | MA | D | F000339 | 0 | Requires an individual seeking review in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit of an adverse final determination of the United States International Trade Commission relating to unfair practices in the import trade to appeal within 60 days of the determination. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-hr-6872 | 97 | hr | 6872 | Federal Court Reform Act of 1982 | Law | 1982-07-27 | 1982-09-23 | Ordered held at the desk pending further disposition. | House | Rep. Railsback, Thomas F. [R-IL-19] | IL | R | R000012 | 4 | (Measure passed House, amended) Federal Court Reform Act of 1982 - Title I: Supreme Court Review - Makes review of a Federal district or appellate court or highest State Court decision which holds a Federal or State law unconstitutional reviewable by the Supreme Court by writ of certiorari, instead of appeal as currently authorized. Authorizes Supreme Court review, by writ of certiorari, of final judgments or decrees rendered by the highest court of a State in a case where the validity of a treaty or statute is in question or where the validity of a statute of Puerto Rico is in question on the ground of its being repugnant to the Constitution, treaties, or laws of the United States. Amends various provisions of Federal law (including the Federal Election Campaign Act, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act, and the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973) to provide that certain cases will now be heard by the Supreme Court under its discretionary certiorari authority instead of hearing such appeals directly. Title II: Jurors and Summons for Jury Service - Provides workmen's compensation for individuals injured during Federal jury duty. Authorizes the award of attorney's fees in cases involving appointed counsel where an employee has brought suit against his or her employer because the employer discriminated against the employee on the basis of jury service. Permits the use of first class mail to notify individuals of jury service. Title III: Civil Priorities - Requires each court of the United States to determine the order in which civil actions are heard and determined. Authorizes the Judicial Conference of the United States to modify the rules adopted by the courts in order to establish consistency. Amends over 80 priority or expediting provisions relating to civil actions. | 2025-07-21T19:44:15Z | |
| 97-hr-6859 | 97 | hr | 6859 | A bill to amend or repeal certain provisions of the organic acts applicable to the Virgin Islands and Guam, and for other purposes. | Law | 1982-07-26 | 1982-08-19 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Del. de Lugo, Ron [D-VI-At Large] | VI | D | D000209 | 0 | Title I: Amends the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to permit prosecution in the district court of all offenses against Federal and local laws to be had by indictment by grand jury or by information. Authorizes the establishment of a local appellate court. Authorizes the legislature of the Virgin Islands to vest in the local courts jurisdiction over all causes in the Virgin Islands subject to the exclusive or concurrent jurisdiction of the District Court of the Virgin Islands. Grants to the district court the jurisdiction of a Federal bankruptcy court, if specified provisions are met. Grants to the district court general original jurisdiction over all causes of action in the Virgin Islands the jurisdiction over which is not exclusively vested by local law in the local courts. Grants jurisdiction over certain minor civil and criminal cases to the local courts. Grants concurrent jurisdiction to the district court and the local courts over criminal offenses against the laws of the Virgin Islands that are similar to statutes over which the district court has jurisdiction. Declares that relations between the Federal courts and the local courts shall be the same as relations between the Federal courts and State courts. Provides that, for 15 years following the establishment of a local appellate court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (rather than the U.S. Supreme Court) shall have jurisdiction over appeals from all final decisions of the highest court of the Virgin Islands on Federal questions. Deletes certain provisions of the Act that have been replaced by later law. Authorizes the appellate division of the district court to review, until the local appellate court is established, the judgments and orders of the local courts. Prohibits the Virgin Islands legislature from precluding the review of a judgment involving a Federal question. Sets forth the membership of the appellate division of the district court. Grants the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit jurisdiction over appeal… | 2024-02-07T13:32:55Z | |
| 97-hr-6861 | 97 | hr | 6861 | A bill to establish a commission to encourage, plan, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the bicentennial of the Constitution. | Law | 1982-07-26 | 1982-08-18 | Referred to Subcommittee on Census and Population. | House | Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10] | NJ | D | R000374 | 1 | Establishes the Commission for the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution to plan and develop activities to commemorate the historic events that preceded and are associated with the Constitution. Requires Federal departments and agencies to cooperate with the Commission in planning appropriate commemorative activities. Directs the Commission to submit annual reports to the President and the Congress and a final report to the President by May 1, 1991. Terminates the Commission on December 31, 1991. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and subsequent fiscal years. | 2024-02-06T20:04:02Z | |
| 97-hr-6816 | 97 | hr | 6816 | Diversity Jurisdiction Reform Act of 1982 | Law | 1982-07-21 | 1982-09-15 | Placed on Union Calendar No: 498. | House | Rep. Butler, M. Caldwell [R-VA-6] | VA | R | B001182 | 19 | (Reported to House from the Committee on the Judiciary, H. Rept. 97-808) Diversity Jurisdiction Reform Act of 1981 - Abolishes diversity of citizenship as a basis of jurisdiction of Federal district courts, but retains as a basis of jurisdiction "alienage," involving foreign states or citizens of foreign states. Increases the amount in controversy requirement in such cases from $10,000 to $25,000. Retains as a basis for Federal jurisdiction statutory interpleader, which includes actions between citizens of different States. 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. | 2025-08-29T19:50:00Z | |
| 97-s-2729 | 97 | s | 2729 | A bill to amend or repeal certain provisions of the Organic acts applicable to the Virgin Islands, and for other purposes. | Law | 1982-07-14 | 1982-09-13 | Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held. | Senate | Sen. Weicker, Lowell P., Jr. [R-CT] | CT | R | W000253 | 0 | Title I: Amends the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to permit prosecution in the district court of all offenses against Federal and local laws to be had by indictment by grand jury or by information. Authorizes the establishment of a local appellate court. Authorizes the legislature of the Virgin Islands to vest in the local courts jurisdiction over all cases in the Virgin Islands subject to the exclusive or concurrent jurisdiction of the District Court of the Virgin Islands. Grants to the district court the jurisdiction of a Federal bankruptcy court. Grants to the district court exclusive jurisdiction over all criminal and civil proceedings in the Virgin Islands with respect to the income tax laws applicable to the Virgin Islands, except certain laws enacted by the Virgin Islands legislature. Grants to the district court general original jurisdiction over all causes of action in the Virgin Islands the jurisdiction over which is not vested by local law in the local courts. Grants jurisdiction over certain minor civil and criminal cases to the local courts. Grants concurrent jurisdiction to the district court and the local courts over criminal offenses against the laws of the Virgin Islands that are similar to statutes over which the district court has jurisdiction. Declares that relations between the Federal courts and the local courts shall be the same as relations between the Federal courts and State courts. Provides that, for 15 years following the establishment of a local appellate court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (rather than the U.S. Supreme Court) shall have jurisdiction over appeals from all final decisions of the highest court of the Virgin Islands on Federal questions. Authorizes the appellate division of the district court to review, until the local appellate court is established, the judgments and orders of the local courts. Prohibits the Virgin Islands legislature from precluding the review of a judgment involving a Federal question. Sets forth the membership of … | 2025-04-23T11:41:33Z | |
| 97-s-2706 | 97 | s | 2706 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to modify the bar membership requirements for United States magistrates. | Law | 1982-06-30 | 1982-08-06 | Became Public Law No: 97-230. | Senate | Sen. Tower, John G. [R-TX] | TX | R | T000322 | 1 | Amends Federal law to require Federal magistrates to be members in good standing of the bar of the highest court of a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands for at least five years prior to their appointment. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-hr-6691 | 97 | hr | 6691 | Diversity Jurisdiction Reform Act of 1981 | Law | 1982-06-24 | 1982-07-21 | Clean Bill H.R.6816 Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in Lieu. | House | Rep. Butler, M. Caldwell [R-VA-6] | VA | R | B001182 | 5 | Diversity Jurisdiction Reform Act of 1981 - Abolishes diversity of citizenship as a basis of jurisdiction of Federal district courts, but retains as a basis of jurisdiction "alienage," involving foreign states or citizens of foreign states. Increases the amount in controversy requirement in such cases from $10,000 to $25,000. Retains as a basis for Federal jurisdiction statutory interpleader, which includes actions between citizens of different States. 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. | 2025-08-29T19:49:57Z | |
| 97-hjres-527 | 97 | hjres | 527 | A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States guaranteeing individual opportunity to all persons. | Law | 1982-06-23 | 1982-06-28 | Referred to Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights. | House | Rep. Walker, Robert S. [R-PA-16] | PA | R | W000068 | 0 | Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits Congress from making any law which abridges the right of any citizen to enter into contracts with other individuals, except as necessary to preserve vital and pressing governmental interests. | 2023-05-11T13:01:38Z | |
| 97-hr-6663 | 97 | hr | 6663 | A bill to delay the effective date of proposed amendments to Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. | Law | 1982-06-23 | 1982-08-02 | Became Public Law No: 97-227. | House | Rep. Edwards, Don [D-CA-10] | CA | D | E000064 | 1 | (Measure passed House, amended) Postpones until October 1, 1983, the effective date of amendments to rule four (relating to service of process) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, unless previously approved, disapproved, or modified by Act of Congress. States that this Act shall be effective as of August 1, 1982, but shall not apply to service of process taking place between August 1, 1982, and enactment. | 2023-05-11T13:11:19Z | |
| 97-s-2671 | 97 | s | 2671 | A bill to provide for the establishment of a Commission on the Bicentennial of the Constitution. | Law | 1982-06-23 | 1982-10-01 | Passed Senate with amendments by Voice Vote. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 5 | (Measure passed Senate, amended) Establishes the Presidential Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution. Requires the Commission to: (1) plan and develop appropriate activities to commemorate the bicentennial of the Constitution; (2) encourage private organizations, and State and local governments to organize and participate in bicentennial activities; (3) coordinate activities throughout all the States; and (4) serve as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of bicentennial information. Directs the Commission to seek assistance from private and governmental agencies and organizations. Requires the Commission to submit a report of its recommendations to the President, Congress and the Judicial Conference within two years of enactment of this Act and annually until its termination. Terminates the Commission on December 31, 1989. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and such sums as necessary through FY 1989. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 97-hr-6570 | 97 | hr | 6570 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to modify the bar membership requirements for United States magistrates. | Law | 1982-06-10 | 1982-06-15 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Hall, Sam B., Jr. [D-TX-1] | TX | D | H000070 | 0 | Amends Federal law to require Federal magistrates to be members in good standing of the bar of the highest court of a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands for at least five years prior to their appointment. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-hr-6513 | 97 | hr | 6513 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, regarding venue, and for other purposes. | Law | 1982-05-27 | 1982-06-01 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Marlenee, Ron [R-MT-2] | MT | R | M000139 | 9 | Amends Federal judicial procedure provisions relating to venue to provide that: (1) if proceedings have been instituted in two or more courts of appeals with respect to the same agency action and the first such proceeding was instituted more than five days before the second, the record shall be filed in that court in which the proceeding was first instituted; and (2) if the first such proceeding was not instituted more than five days before the institution of a later proceeding with respect to the same agency action and the agency has received written notice from the parties instituting each of these proceedings, the agency shall advise the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, with respect to the first proceeding and all proceedings instituted within five days after the first proceeding, that such multiple proceedings have been instituted and shall identify each court for which it has notice that such proceedings are pending. Directs the Administrative Office, pursuant to a system of random selection, to select the court in which the record shall be filed from those identified by the agency, in the situation where the first proceeding was not instituted more than five days before the institution of a later proceeding. Requires all proceedings to be transferred to the court of appeals in which the record has been filed. Authorizes any court in which a proceeding with respect to any agency action is pending, including a court selected pursuant to a system of random selection, to transfer such proceeding to any other court of appeals in which the action under review would have a substantially greater impact, unless the interests of justice require the court to: (1) retain such proceedings; or (2) transfer the proceedings to a circuit other than one in which the impact would be substantially greater. Directs the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to administer the system of random selection. Prohibits a civil action in which the defendant is a Federal officer or employee,… | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-s-2588 | 97 | s | 2588 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to provide for the setting of fees in the service of civil process. | Law | 1982-05-27 | 1982-06-08 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts. | Senate | Sen. Baucus, Max [D-MT] | MT | D | B000243 | 1 | Amends Federal law to direct the Attorney General to prescribe regulations setting fees for the service of civil process by U.S. marshals which shall provide, to the maximum extent practicable, for the recovery of the costs of the particular service. Authorizes marshals to require a deposit to cover the fee. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 97-s-2601 | 97 | s | 2601 | A bill to provide appointment and authority of the Supreme Court Police, and for other purposes. | Law | 1982-05-27 | 1982-12-02 | Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent. | Senate | Sen. Thurmond, Strom [R-SC] | SC | R | T000254 | 0 | Authorizes the Marshal of the Supreme Court to designate Supreme Court employees as members of the Supreme Court Police. Requires certain regulations prescribed by the Marshal, concerning restrictions on activities on Supreme Court property, to be posted in a public place in the Supreme Court building and made reasonably available to the public in writing. (Currently, such regulations must be published in one or more daily newspapers of the District of Columbia.) Authorizes the Marshal and Police to: (1) protect persons and property in the Supreme Court Building and on building grounds and adjacent streets; (2) protect the Chief Justice, any Associate Justice, any official guest of the Court, and any officer or employee performing official duties anywhere in the United States; (3) make arrests for violations of State and Federal laws when carrying out such authority; and (4) carry firearms. Directs the Marshal to oversee the Police. | 2023-05-11T13:17:36Z | |
| 97-hr-6449 | 97 | hr | 6449 | A bill to authorize the legislature of American Samoa to draft a constitution for the local self-government of the people of American Samoa. | Law | 1982-05-20 | 1982-05-28 | Referred to Subcommittee on Insular Affairs. | House | Del. Sunia, Foto I. F. [D-AS-At Large] | AS | D | S001077 | 0 | Authorizes the Legislature of American Samoa to call a constitutional convention to draft a constitution for the local self-government of American Samoa. Requires such constitution to: (1) recognize U.S. sovereignty over American Samoa; (2) provide for a republican form of government consisting of three branches; and (3) contain a bill of rights. Requires members of the convention to be qualified electors of an American Samoan district. Requires the convention to submit the draft constitution to the Governor of American Samoa who shall submit it to the President. Provides for consideration and approval of the draft by Congress. | 2024-02-07T13:32:55Z | |
| 97-hr-6408 | 97 | hr | 6408 | A bill to amend section 6003 of title 18 of the United States Code to make discretionary the issuance of certain compulsion orders in connection with civil cases and to provide for opportunity for a hearing before such issuance. | Law | 1982-05-19 | 1982-08-11 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Bethune, Ed [R-AR-2] | AR | R | B000422 | 2 | Amends the Federal criminal code with respect to immunity of witnesses before United States Court and grand jury proceedings to provide for a hearing before an order is made to compel a witness to testify in civil or bankruptcy cases. Makes such order discretionary. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-hr-6292 | 97 | hr | 6292 | A bill to increase the amount of attorney fees payable in certain cases relating to claims to land on Guam and to extend the statute of limitations for such claims. | Law | 1982-05-05 | 1982-05-28 | Referred to Subcommittee on Insular Affairs. | House | Del. Won Pat, Antonio B. [D-GU-At Large] | GU | D | W000686 | 0 | Amends Federal law relating to territories to: (1) increase the amount of attorneys' fees payable in certain cases relating to land claims on Guam; and (2) extend the statute of limitations for such claims. | 2024-02-07T13:32:55Z | |
| 97-hr-6293 | 97 | hr | 6293 | A bill to increase the amount of attorney fees payable in certain cases relating to claims to land on Guam and to extend the statute of limitations for such claims. | Law | 1982-05-05 | 1982-05-28 | Referred to Subcommittee on Insular Affairs. | House | Del. Won Pat, Antonio B. [D-GU-At Large] | GU | D | W000686 | 0 | Amends Federal law relating to territories to: (1) increase the amount of attorneys' fees payable in certain cases relating to land claims on Guam; and (2) extend the statute of limitations for such claims. | 2024-02-07T13:32:55Z | |
| 97-hjres-466 | 97 | hjres | 466 | A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States guaranteeing individual opportunity to all U.S. citizens. | Law | 1982-04-28 | 1982-04-30 | Referred to Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights. | House | Rep. Walker, Robert S. [R-PA-16] | PA | R | W000068 | 0 | Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits Congress from making any law which abridges the right of any citizen to enter into contracts with other individuals, except as necessary to preserve vital and pressing governmental interests. | 2023-05-11T13:01:33Z | |
| 97-hr-6204 | 97 | hr | 6204 | An act to provide for appointment and authority of the Supreme Court Police, and for other purposes. | Law | 1982-04-28 | 1982-12-29 | Became Public Law No: 97-390. | House | Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10] | NJ | D | R000374 | 1 | (Measure passed Senate, amended) Amends Federal law to authorize the Marshal of the Supreme Court to designate members of the Supreme Court Police. Provides that the Marshal and the Supreme Court Police shall have authority: (1) to police the Supreme Court Building, grounds, and adjacent streets; (2) to protect the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, any Associate Justice, any official guest of the Court, and any employee performing official duties, in any part of the United States; (3) to make arrests in the performance of the above duties; and (4) to carry firearms. Terminates the authority to protect the Chief Justice, any Associate Justice, any official guest, and any employee three years after enactment. Directs the Marshal, during the three year effective period, to report to Congress annually regarding the administrative cost of carrying out such duties. Requires that the Justices identify their official guests and provide written authorization for the Supreme Court Police to carry firearms while protecting such official guests outside of Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. Repeals the requirement that the Marshal of the Supreme Court shall publish regulations deemed necessary for the protection of the Supreme Court Building and grounds in a local newspaper for ten days prior to their effective date, and substitutes a requirement that regulations be posted at the Supreme Court Building and be made reasonably available to the public in writing. Retains the authority of the Metropolitan police force of the District of Columbia to make arrests within the Supreme Court Building and grounds. Provides that the Supreme Court grounds shall be held to include specified lots in the District of Columbia acquired as an addition to the grounds of the United States Supreme Court Building. Directs the Marshal to oversee the Supreme Court Police. | 2023-05-11T13:10:36Z | |
| 97-s-2419 | 97 | s | 2419 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, regarding venue, and for other purposes. | Law | 1982-04-21 | 1982-05-14 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Regular Orders. Calendar No. 558. | Senate | Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ] | AZ | D | D000185 | 18 | Amends Federal judicial procedure provisions relating to venue to provide that: (1) if proceedings have been instituted in two or more courts of appeals with respect to the same agency action and the first such proceeding was instituted more than five days before the second, the record shall be filed in that court in which the proceeding was first instituted; and (2) if the first such proceeding was not instituted more than five days before the institution of a later proceeding with respect to the same agency action and the agency has received written notice from the parties instituting each of these proceedings, the agency shall advise the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, with respect to the first proceeding and all proceedings instituted within five days after the first proceeding, that such multiple proceedings have been instituted and shall identify each court for which it has notice that such proceedings are pending. Directs the Administrative Office, pursuant to a system of random selection, to select the court in which the record shall be filed from those identified by the agency, in the situation where the first proceeding was not instituted more than five days before the institution of a later proceeding. Requires all proceedings to be transferred to the court of appeals in which the record has been filed. Authorizes any court in which a proceeding with respect to any agency action is pending, including a court selected pursuant to a system of random selection, to transfer such proceeding to any other court of appeals in which the action under review would have a substantially greater impact, unless the interests of justice require the court to: (1) retain such proceedings; or (2) transfer the proceedings to a circuit other than one in which the impact would be substantially greater. Directs the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to administer the system of random selection. Prohibits a civil action in which the defendant is a Federal officer or employe… | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 97-s-2393 | 97 | s | 2393 | A bill to amend the Legal Services Corporation Act to provide for a cause of action for a violation of the Act. | Law | 1982-04-19 | 1982-05-22 | Committee on Judiciary. Subcommittee on Courts discharged from further consideration. | Senate | Sen. Symms, Steven D. [R-ID] | ID | R | S001138 | 11 | Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to permit any person to bring a civil cause of action for any violation of the Act against the Legal Services Corporation or any direct or indirect grantee. Authorizes the Federal court to award treble punitive damages, equitable relief, attorney fees, and other incurred litigation costs. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 97-s-2342 | 97 | s | 2342 | A bill to amend title 11 of the District of Columbia Code to require the Council of the District of Columbia to establish the fees for jurors serving in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. | Law | 1982-04-01 | 1982-04-22 | Committee on Governmental Affairs requested executive comment from Government of the District of Columbia; OMB. | Senate | Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD] | MD | R | M000241 | 0 | Amends the District of Columbia Code to require the Council of the District of Columbia to establish the fees and allowances for jurors serving in the Superior Court. | 2025-01-14T19:03:55Z | |
| 97-hjres-451 | 97 | hjres | 451 | A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing for the approval, every six years, of the judges of the Supreme Court and the inferior courts. | Law | 1982-03-31 | 1982-04-05 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Smith, Albert L., Jr. [R-AL-6] | AL | R | S000514 | 2 | Constitutional Amendment - Provides that Supreme Court justices and judges of any inferior court established by Congress shall continue in office only if approved by a majority vote of the people every six years. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-hr-5819 | 97 | hr | 5819 | A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to confer exclusive Federal appellate jurisdiction, with respect to State cases involving the death penalty, upon the United States Supreme Court. | Law | 1982-03-11 | 1982-03-16 | Referred to Subcommittee on Criminal Justice. | House | Rep. Lott, Trent [R-MS-5] | MS | R | L000447 | 9 | Grants exclusive Federal appellate jurisdiction, with regard to State cases involving the death penalty, to the U.S. Supreme Court. | 2023-05-11T13:09:59Z | |
| 97-hjres-427 | 97 | hjres | 427 | A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution requiring that Federal judges be reconfirmed by the Senate every six years. | Law | 1982-03-09 | 1982-03-11 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Dickinson, William L. [R-AL-2] | AL | R | D000326 | 15 | Constitutional Amendment - Requires that Federal judges be reconfirmed by the Senate every six years. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-hjres-419 | 97 | hjres | 419 | A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide for a four-year term of office for Members of the House of Representatives, to limit the number of full terms of office of Senators and of Representatives, to prohibit the election of a person to any Federal office if such person may attain the age of seventy years before the expiration of the term of such office, and to limit the term of office of judges of courts of the United States. | Law | 1982-03-03 | 1982-03-09 | Referred to Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights. | House | Rep. Clinger, William F., Jr. [R-PA-23] | PA | R | C000523 | 0 | Constitutional Amendment - Proposes an amendment to the Constitution to limit Senators to two terms of office. Requires that Members of the House of Representatives be chosen every four years and limits such Members to three terms of office. Prohibits any person from election to the office of President, Vice President, Senator, or Representative if such person will attain the age of 70 years during the term of office. Prohibits any person from holding the office of judge of the Supreme Court or of an inferior court after attaining the age of 70 years unless appointed to such office before this amendment takes effect. Prohibits any person from being appointed to such office after attaining the age of 60 years. Provides that the term of office for judges of inferior courts shall be ten years. | 2023-05-11T13:01:30Z | |
| 97-hr-5688 | 97 | hr | 5688 | A bill to establish a Commission on Federal Laws to study the application of the laws of the United States to Guam, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. | Law | 1982-03-02 | 1982-08-19 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Del. Won Pat, Antonio B. [D-GU-At Large] | GU | D | W000686 | 0 | Establishes a Commission on Federal Laws to survey the Federal laws and recommend to Congress: (1) which laws that apply to Guam, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa should be made inapplicable to them and which should continue to apply; and (2) which laws that do not apply to such territories should be made applicable to them. Sets forth the composition of the Commission. Requires the Commission to transmit its final report to the President and to Congress not later than April 1, 1983. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates the Commission 15 days after submission of its final report. | 2024-02-07T13:32:55Z | |
| 97-hr-5526 | 97 | hr | 5526 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to make changes in judicial divisions in the Northern District of Georgia. | Law | 1982-02-10 | 1982-02-17 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Jenkins, Edgar L. [D-GA-9] | GA | D | J000083 | 1 | Changes the composition of the Gainesville and Atlanta Divisions of the district court for the Northern District of Georgia. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-hr-5503 | 97 | hr | 5503 | A bill to amend title 23 of the District of Columbia Code to make liability in civil actions arising from fresh pursuit into the District of Columbia by members of a peace unit of a State determined by the laws of such State. | Law | 1982-02-09 | 1982-02-09 | Referred to House Committee on District of Columbia. | House | Rep. Wolf, Frank R. [R-VA-10] | VA | R | W000672 | 6 | Amends the District of Columbia Code to provide that civil actions against a State or a local government of such State arising from the fresh pursuit into the District of Columbia of a member of a duly organized peace unit of such State or local government may only be brought under the laws of such State. | 2023-05-11T13:09:33Z | |
| 97-s-2035 | 97 | s | 2035 | National Court of Appeals Act of 1982 | Law | 1982-01-29 | 1982-09-24 | Subcommittee on Courts. Hearings held. | Senate | Sen. Heflin, Howell [D-AL] | AL | D | H000445 | 0 | National Court of Appeals Act of 1982 - Establishes the National Court of Appeals. Creates the position of Chancellor of the United States, to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Requires the Chancellor to establish a pool of Federal judges from which to select panels to hear referred cases. Grants the Court jurisdiction over cases referred to it by the Supreme Court. Permits the National Court of Appeals to deny review in any case referred to it by the Supreme Court unless directed by such Court to decide the case. Makes decisions by the National Court of Appeals binding on all courts of the United States, unless modified or overruled by the Supreme Court. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-29T19:51:30Z | |
| 97-hr-5285 | 97 | hr | 5285 | A bill to amend title 11 of the District of Columbia Code to require the Council of the District of Columbia to establish the fees for jurors serving in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. | Law | 1981-12-16 | 1981-12-16 | Referred to House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs. | House | Del. Fauntroy, Walter E. [D-DC-At Large] | DC | D | F000046 | 0 | Amends the District of Columbia Code to require the Council of the District of Columbia to establish the fees and allowances for jurors serving in the Superior Court. | 2024-02-07T13:32:55Z | |
| 97-s-1993 | 97 | s | 1993 | A bill to make amendments to the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act relating to the judiciary. | Law | 1981-12-16 | 1982-02-08 | Referred to Subcommittee on Governmental Efficiency. | Senate | Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD] | MD | R | M000241 | 0 | Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to eliminate the requirement that the member of the District of Columbia Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure appointed by the chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia be an active or retired Federal judge serving in the District. Provides that a judicial nominee or appointee of a D.C. court must reside and must have maintained an actual residence in the District or within 20 miles of its boundaries for at least 90 days prior to his or her nomination. (Currently a judicial nominee or appointee must be a bona fide D.C. resident and must have maintained an actual residence in the District for at least 90 days prior to his or her nomination.) Prohibits members of the District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission from serving more than one term. States that the Commission member appointed by the President shall serve at the pleasure of the President. Provides that a Commission appointee must reside and must have maintained an actual residence in the District or within 20 miles of its boundaries for at least 90 days prior to his or her appointment. (Currently an appointee must be a bona fide D.C. resident and must have maintained an actual residence in the District for at least 90 days prior to his or appointment.) Eliminates the requirement that the Commission member appointed by the chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia be an active or retired Federal judge serving in the District. Revises the procedure for filling vacancies on the D.C. courts to require that the Commission submit to the President at least three names for each vacancy within 60 days of the occurrence of the vacancy. Authorizes the President to request the submission of additional names. Requires the Commission to submit the names of potential nominees not less than 120 days before a vacancy occurs because of the expiration of a judge's term of office. | 2025-01-14T19:03:55Z | |
| 97-hr-5215 | 97 | hr | 5215 | A bill to amend section 1979 of the Revised Statutes of the United States to eliminate the monetary awards and orders for the benefit of prisoners in certain cases based on overcrowding of jails, prisons, and other similar correctional facilities. | Law | 1981-12-14 | 1981-12-17 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Smith, Albert L., Jr. [R-AL-6] | AL | R | S000514 | 0 | Amends current law creating a Federal cause of action for the violation of a person's civil rights under color of State law to prohibit any order based on overcrowding of a correctional facility from benefitting directly or indirectly any prisoner, unless the overcrowding poses a significant health hazard to such prisoner. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-hr-5181 | 97 | hr | 5181 | Judicial Restraint Act | Law | 1981-12-11 | 1981-12-15 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Dornan, Robert K. [R-CA-27] | CA | R | D000435 | 0 | Judicial Restraint Act - Prohibits the Supreme Court or any other Federal court from making a decision or issuing an order which requires a Federal or State expenditures for a specific purpose unless Congress or the State legislature has authorized and appropriated funds for such purpose. Subjects to impeachment a justice or judge who violates such prohibition, including a justice or judge concurring in such a decision or order. | 2025-08-29T19:49:24Z | |
| 97-hr-5182 | 97 | hr | 5182 | Constitutional Review Act | Law | 1981-12-11 | 1981-12-15 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Dornan, Robert K. [R-CA-27] | CA | R | D000435 | 0 | Constitutional Review Act - Requires the concurrence of at least seven members of the Supreme Court for any decision declaring a Federal or State law unconstitutional under the Court's appellate jurisdiction. | 2025-08-29T19:49:24Z | |
| 97-hr-5189 | 97 | hr | 5189 | A bill to amend section 1825 of title 28, United States Code, to authorize Federal Public Defenders, and certain other counsel appointed under the Criminal Justice Act, to certify defense witness fees for payment. | Law | 1981-12-11 | 1981-12-16 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | Authorizes a Federal public defender or the clerk of the court, upon affidavit of counsel appointed under the Criminal Justice Act, to certify defense witness fees to the U.S. Marshall for payment. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-hr-5190 | 97 | hr | 5190 | Criminal Justice Act Revision of 1982 | Law | 1981-12-11 | 1981-12-17 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | Criminal Justice Act Revision of 1982 - Amends the Federal criminal code to revise provisions concerning the appointment of counsel in Federal criminal proceedings. Entitles to representation witnesses appearing before a grand jury or court who face possible criminal prosecution or loss of liberty. Makes the representation of material witnesses in custody a right of such witnesses instead of discretionary with the court. Authorizes the representation of financially eligible persons charged with a petty offense for which a sentence of confinement is authorized. Authorizes appointment of an additional attorney in complex or difficult cases where the court finds it to be in the interest of justice. States that counsel should be provided as soon as feasible after custody begins and that the authorities should notify the official responsible whenever a person in custody requests counsel or is without counsel. Authorizes the Judicial Conference of the United States to set and modify the maximum hourly rates which appointed counsel shall receive. Increases the maximum amounts appointed counsel may receive: (1) in a felony case, from $1,000 to $10,000; (2) for a misdemeanor, from $400 to $3,000; and (3) for an appeal, from $1,000 to $5,000. Decreases from 200 to 175 the number of persons needing assistance of counsel in a district for establishment of a defender organization. Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to provide liability insurance for employees of a Federal Public Defender Organization or Community Defender Organization receiving grants. Authorizes appropriations to the U.S. courts for representation plans, including funds for the continuing education of persons providing representational services. | 2025-08-29T19:49:24Z | |
| 97-s-1921 | 97 | s | 1921 | A bill to provide for interim designation of United States attorneys and United States marshals by the Attorney General. | Law | 1981-12-08 | 1981-12-10 | Referred to Subcommittee on Separation of Powers. | Senate | Sen. Thurmond, Strom [R-SC] | SC | R | T000254 | 0 | Amends Federal law to authorize the Attorney General (currently the appropriate district court) to designate a United States attorney or a United States marshal, as the case may be, to fill a vacancy in such offices for a specified time. Prohibits the Attorney General from designating for either position a person whose nomination by the President was rejected by the Senate. | 2026-01-07T14:44:51Z | |
| 97-hr-5107 | 97 | hr | 5107 | Bankruptcy Judges Retirement Act of 1981 | Law | 1981-11-30 | 1981-11-30 | For Previous Action See H.R.3974. | House | Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10] | NJ | D | R000374 | 5 | Bankruptcy Judges' Retirement Act of 1981 - Sets forth criteria by which bankruptcy judges and referees in bankruptcy shall retire after disability or specified lengths of service and collect retirement salaries. Grants annuities to certain survivors of such judges and referees. Declares that a retired bankruptcy judge or referee shall forfeit such retirement salary upon acceptance of certain employment. | 2025-08-29T19:49:21Z | |
| 97-s-1788 | 97 | s | 1788 | Bankruptcy Judges Retirement Act of 1981 | Law | 1981-10-28 | 1981-11-02 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts. | Senate | Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ] | AZ | D | D000185 | 0 | Bankruptcy Judges' Retirement Act of 1981 - Sets forth criteria by which bankruptcy judges and referees in bankruptcy shall retire after disability or specified lengths of service and collect retirement salaries. Grants annuities to certain survivors of such judges and referees. Declares that a retired bankruptcy judge or referee shall forfeit such retirement salary upon acceptance of certain employment. | 2025-08-29T19:51:19Z | |
| 97-hr-4762 | 97 | hr | 4762 | Intercircuit Tribunal of the United States Courts of Appeals Act | Law | 1981-10-15 | 1981-10-21 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 3 | Intercircuit Tribunal of the United States Courts of Appeals Act - Establishes an Intercircuit Tribunal of the United States Court of Appeals composed of between 14 and 22 circuit judges. Directs that the principal office of such Tribunal shall be in the District of Columbia. Grants to the Tribunal jurisdiction over cases referred to it by the Supreme Court. Declares that decisions of the Tribunal shall be binding on all U.S. courts unless modified or overruled by the Supreme Court. Directs the Tribunal, in consultation with the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, to report to Congress on its activities by October 1, 1986. Terminates the Tribunal on September 30, 1987. | 2025-08-29T19:49:13Z | |
| 97-hr-4764 | 97 | hr | 4764 | A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to reduce the filing fees for any civil action commenced in the Federal district court. | Law | 1981-10-15 | 1981-10-19 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 1 | Reduces the filing fee for any civil action commenced in Federal district court. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-hr-4765 | 97 | hr | 4765 | Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1979 | Law | 1981-10-15 | 1981-10-19 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1979 - Title I: Terms of Chief Judges - Sets forth rules governing the appointment and terms of the chief judges of the courts of appeals and the district courts. Reduces from 70 to 65 years the maximum age for the chief judge of a circuit or district court, with specified exceptions. Title II: Appellate Panels - Makes certain revision with respect to the composition of, and precedence on, judicial panels. Title III: Pensions - Directs the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to pay to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund the amount due as a deposit for a period of judicial service which immediately precedes government service. Title IV: Transfer of Cases - Directs a Federal court to transfer any action with respect to which it finds a want of jurisdiction to any other appropriate Federal court, if it is in the interests of justice. Title V: Interest - Revises the interest rate allowed on money judgments in district courts, and authorizes the court to add to the sum of actual damages prejudgment interest. | 2025-08-29T19:49:17Z | |
| 97-s-1700 | 97 | s | 1700 | Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1981 | Law | 1981-10-05 | 1981-12-08 | Senate incorporated this measure in H.R. 4482 as an amendment. | Senate | Sen. Dole, Robert J. [R-KS] | KS | R | D000401 | 2 | (Measure passed Senate, amended, roll call #462 (83-6)) Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1981 - Title I: United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and United States Claims Court - Part A: Organization, Structure, and Jurisdiction; Number and Composition of Circuits - Establishes the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, composed of all Federal judicial districts and consisting of 12 judges. Requires sessions of such Court of Appeals to be scheduled with as little inconvenience and expense to citizens as is practicable. Grants the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit exclusive jurisdiction over: (1) patent, copyright, and trademark appeals from district courts (except cases involving copyrights or trademarks and no other issues, which shall continue to be appealed to the circuit courts); (2) appeals of claims against the Government (except cases under the Federal Tort Claims Act which shall continue to be appealed to the circuit courts); (3) appeals from the United States Claims Courts; (4) certain other trademark and patent appeals not involving de novo review; (5) appeals from final decisions of the United States Court of International Trade; (6) appeals from final determinations of the United States International Trade Commission relating to unfair practices in import trade; (7) certain findings of the Secretary of Commerce relating to importation of instruments; (8) appeals under the Plant Variety Protection Act and from final orders of the Merit Systems Protection Board; and (9) appeals from final decisions of agency boards of contract appeals pursuant to the Contract Disputes Act of 1978. Declares the District of Columbia to be the official duty station of such Court of Appeals. Replaces the Court of Claims with the United States Claims Court, consisting of 16 judges serving 15-year terms. Directs the President to designate the chief judge of the Claims Court. Abolishes the Court of Customs and Patent Appeals. Makes funds appropriated to the Court of Custo… | 2025-08-29T19:51:19Z | |
| 97-s-1631 | 97 | s | 1631 | A bill to establish a Presidential Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution. | Law | 1981-09-17 | 1981-09-22 | Referred to Subcommittee on Constitution. | Senate | Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA] | PA | R | S000709 | 6 | Establishes the President's Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution. Authorizes the President to appoint members of the Commission. Provides that members shall receive no compensation for their services. Requires Federal departments and agencies to cooperate with the Commission in planning commemorative activities. Requires the Commission to: (1) investigate and evaluate ways of commemorating the two hundredth anniversary of the Constitution of the United States; (2) plan and coordinate commemorative observances and activities; (3) encourage and provide educational programs concerning the issues and individuals involved in framing the Constitution; and (4) promote through scholarly studies an understanding of the contributions of the Constitution to the American political system. Directs the Commission to report to the President and to Congress not later than two years after the enactment of this Act. Terminates the Commission thirty days after the submission of the report. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 97-hr-4482 | 97 | hr | 4482 | Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1981 | Law | 1981-09-15 | 1982-04-02 | Became Public Law No: 97-164. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 6 | (House agreed to Senate amendment with amendment) Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1981 - Title I: United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and United States Claims Court - Part A: Organization, Structure, and Jurisdiction; Number and Composition of Circuits - Establishes the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, composed of all Federal judicial districts and consisting of 12 judges. Requires sessions of such Court of Appeals to be scheduled with as little inconvenience and expense to citizens as is practicable. Grants the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit exclusive jurisdiction over: (1) patent, copyright, and trademark appeals from district courts (except cases involving copyrights or trademarks and no other issues, which shall continue to be appealed to the circuit courts); (2) appeals of claims against the Government (except cases under the Federal Tort Claims Act which shall continue to be appealed to the circuit courts); (3) appeals from the United States Claims Courts; (4) certain other trademark and patent appeals not involving de novo review; (5) appeals from final decisions of the United States Court of International Trade; (6) appeals from final determinations of the United States International Trade Commission relating to unfair practices in import trade; (7) certain findings of the Secretary of Commerce relating to importation of instruments; (8) appeals under the Plant Variety Protection Act and from final orders of the Merit Systems Protection Board; and (9) appeals from final decisions of agency boards of contract appeals pursuant to the Contract Disputes Act of 1978. Declares the District of Columbia to be the official duty station of such Court of Appeals. Replaces the Court of Claims with the United States Claims Court, consisting of 16 judges serving 15-year terms. Directs the President to designate the chief judge of the Claims Court. Abolishes the Court of Customs and Patent Appeals. Makes funds appropriated to the Court of Customs and… | 2023-05-11T13:08:02Z | |
| 97-hr-4462 | 97 | hr | 4462 | A bill to provide for interim designation of United States attorneys and United States marshals by the Attorney General. | Law | 1981-09-10 | 1981-09-14 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10] | NJ | D | R000374 | 0 | Amends Federal law to authorize the Attorney General (currently, the appropriate district court) to designate a United States attorney or a United States marshal, as the case may be, to fill a vacancy in such offices for a specified time. Prohibits the Attorney General from designating for either position a person whose nomination by the President was rejected by the Senate. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-hr-4424 | 97 | hr | 4424 | A bill to amend section 2254 of title 28 of the United States Code to limit release of State prisoners by Federal courts pending Federal habeas corpus consideration. | Law | 1981-09-09 | 1981-09-11 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Fiedler, Bobbi [R-CA-21] | CA | R | F000102 | 2 | Eliminates Federal court jurisdiction to grant bail to or release on recognizance State prisoners pending a Federal habeas corpus proceeding. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-hr-4427 | 97 | hr | 4427 | A bill to amend section 1979 of the Revised Statutes of the United States to limit the use of civil actions under that section to review the conditions of imprisonment of State and local prisoners. | Law | 1981-09-09 | 1981-09-14 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Fiedler, Bobbi [R-CA-21] | CA | R | F000102 | 2 | Amends current law creating a Federal cause of action for civil rights violations under color of State law to restrict actions seeking relief from conditions of imprisonment pursuant to State criminal law. Prohibits the granting of relief in any such action if the plaintiff failed to exhaust all State remedies or received an adverse ruling on claims being presented from a State court in a fair proceeding. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-hr-4395 | 97 | hr | 4395 | A bill to extend to all petit and grand jurors in the United States district courts eligibility for compensation for work injuries under title 5, United States Code, to provide for the taxing of attorney fees, as court costs, for a court appointed attorney in an action brought by a juror to protect his employment rights, and to authorize the service of jury summonses by ordinary mail. | Law | 1981-08-04 | 1982-07-27 | Clean Bill H.R.6872 Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in Lieu. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | Makes Federal petit and grand jurors eligible for disability compensation payments under title five of the United States Code. Permits a Federal court to tax a defendant employer, as costs payable to the court, the attorney fees and expenses incurred on behalf of a prevailing employee in cases wherein such employer has adversely affected the employment of such employee due to the latter's jury service. Allows the service of jury summonses by first class mail. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-hr-4396 | 97 | hr | 4396 | Federal Courts Civil Priorities Act | Law | 1981-08-04 | 1982-07-27 | Clean Bill H.R.6872 Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in Lieu. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 1 | Federal Courts Civil Priorities Act - Empowers United States courts to determine the order in which civil actions shall be heard and determined. | 2025-08-29T19:49:09Z | |
| 97-hr-4405 | 97 | hr | 4405 | A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for legal assistance to members of the armed forces and their dependents, and for other purposes. | Law | 1981-08-04 | 1981-08-12 | Referred to Subcommittee on Military Personnel and Compensation. | House | Rep. Schroeder, Patricia [D-CO-1] | CO | D | S000142 | 0 | Entitles members of the armed forces on active duty to legal assistance in connection with their personal affairs. Permits the provision of such services to dependents and retirees and their dependents as resources allow. | 2025-06-06T14:17:56Z | |
| 97-hr-4412 | 97 | hr | 4412 | A bill to restore rights accorded private citizens against slander and libel to public officials and candidates for public office. | Law | 1981-08-04 | 1981-08-18 | Referred to Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights. | House | Rep. Whitten, Jamie L. [D-MS-1] | MS | D | W000428 | 0 | Grants to public officials and candidates for public office all rights of recovery accorded to private citizens against slander and libel. Stipulates that malice shall be implied whenever the current criminal offense of corrupting a public official has been committed. Provides that such right of recovery shall be against political action committees or other groups which substantially contribute to the slanderous or libelous actions but shall not apply to bona fide news media acting in good faith. | 2023-05-11T13:07:56Z | |
| 97-s-1590 | 97 | s | 1590 | A bill to amend Title 10, United States Code, to provide for legal assistance to members of the Armed Forces and their dependents, and for other purposes. | Law | 1981-08-03 | 1981-08-03 | Read second time and referred to Senate Committee on Armed Services. | Senate | Sen. Thurmond, Strom [R-SC] | SC | R | T000254 | 1 | Entitles members of the armed forces on active duty to legal assistance in connection with their personal affairs. Permits the provision of such services to dependents and retirees and their dependents as resources allow. | 2025-01-14T17:07:58Z | |
| 97-s-1529 | 97 | s | 1529 | National Court of Appeals Act of 1981 | Law | 1981-07-29 | 1982-09-24 | Subcommittee on Courts. Hearings held. | Senate | Sen. Heflin, Howell [D-AL] | AL | D | H000445 | 0 | National Court of Appeals Act of 1981 - Establishes the National Court of Appeals. Sets forth the composition and principal seat of such Court. Directs that the Court shall have jurisdiction over cases referred to it by the Supreme Court. Permits the National Court of Appeals to deny review in any case referred to it by the Supreme Court unless directed by such Court to decide the case. Makes decisions by the National Court of Appeals binding on all courts of the United States, unless modified or overruled by the Supreme Court. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-29T19:51:19Z | |
| 97-s-1530 | 97 | s | 1530 | Permanent Federal Courts Study Act | Law | 1981-07-29 | 1982-09-14 | Committee on Judiciary. Certain provisions of measure incorporated into measure S.675 ordered to be reported. | Senate | Sen. Heflin, Howell [D-AL] | AL | D | H000445 | 0 | Permanent Federal Courts Study Act - Establishes the Federal Courts Study Commission and the Federal Courts Advisory Council on the Future of the Judiciary. Describes the purposes, memberships, and powers of the Commission and the Council. Directs the Commission to: (1) conduct a study of the jurisdiction of United States courts and report to Congress and the President thereon; (2) recommend revisions to the Constitution and laws of the United States; (3) collect and review studies on the effectiveness of the courts; (4) develop a long-range plan for the judicial system; and (5) report to the Council at specified times. Directs the Council to: (1) review the findings of the legislative study group; (2) provide continuity to and oversee the ongoing study of the judiciary; and (3) report to Congress and the President on the findings of the Commission. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of its final report to the Council. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act. | 2026-01-07T14:44:51Z | |
| 97-s-1531 | 97 | s | 1531 | A bill to improve the administration of justice by providing greater discretion to the Supreme Court in selecting the cases it will review and for other purposes. | Law | 1981-07-29 | 1982-05-21 | Subcommittee on Courts. Approved for full committee consideration without amendment favorably. | Senate | Sen. Heflin, Howell [D-AL] | AL | D | H000445 | 0 | Makes review of a Federal district or appellate court or highest State court decision which holds a Federal or State law unconstitutional reviewable by the Supreme Court by writ of certiorari, instead of appeal as currently authorized. | 2026-01-07T14:44:51Z | |
| 97-s-1532 | 97 | s | 1532 | A bill to amend the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure with respect to examination of prospective jurors. | Law | 1981-07-29 | 1982-09-28 | Subcommittee on Criminal Law. Approved for full committee consideration with an amendment favorably. | Senate | Sen. Heflin, Howell [D-AL] | AL | D | H000445 | 5 | Amends Rule 24 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and Rule 47 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to entitle the defendant and Government attorney in a criminal case, or the parties in a civil case, to conduct the examination of prospective jurors, subject to reasonable limitations imposed by the court. Permits the court to conduct its own additional examination (currently, examination by the defendant, Government, or parties is discretionary with the court). | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 97-s-1533 | 97 | s | 1533 | Legal Services Corporation Amendments of 1981 | Law | 1981-07-29 | 1981-07-29 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Regular Orders. Calendar No. 238. | Senate | Sen. Weicker, Lowell P., Jr. [R-CT] | CT | R | W000253 | 17 | Legal Services Corporation Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for carrying out the activities of the Legal Services Corporation in the amount of $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1982 through 1984. Directs the Corporation to make funds available for legal assistance furnished by private attorneys. | 2025-08-29T19:51:17Z | |
| 97-sjres-97 | 97 | sjres | 97 | A joint resolution to designate the second full week in October as "National Legal Secretaries' Court Observance Week". | Law | 1981-07-13 | 1982-09-21 | Referred to House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service. | Senate | Sen. Mitchell, George J. [D-ME] | ME | D | M000811 | 26 | (Measure passed Senate, amended) Requests the President to designate the second full week in October 1982 as Legal Secretaries' Court Observance Week. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 97-hr-4011 | 97 | hr | 4011 | A bill to provide for the payment of losses incurred as a result of the ban on the use of the chemical Tris in apparel, fabric, yarn, or fiber, and for other purposes. | Law | 1981-06-25 | 1982-06-16 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Campbell, Carroll A., Jr. [R-SC-4] | SC | R | C000079 | 10 | Grants the Court of Claims jurisdiction over claims against the United States for losses sustained by producers, processors, manufacturers, distributors, or other persons resulting from the ban on children's sleepwear containing Tris phosphate. Enumerates factors to be considered by the court in determining the validity of claims. States that the amount of losses shall not include lost profits, distress sale proceeds, attorney fees, or interest on losses. Sets forth the measure of losses for the types of claimants. Prescribes the respective measures of losses for producers, converters, manufacturers. distributors, and retailers of Tris-treated sleepwear or the fabric, yarn, or fiber. Prohibits class action claims. Directs the subrogation of the United States to successful claimants' rights to recover losses. Prohibits any payments under this Act until such time as the claimant produces proof of the proper disposal of such goods. | 2023-05-11T13:07:24Z | |
| 97-s-1434 | 97 | s | 1434 | International Rule of Law Act | Law | 1981-06-25 | 1981-09-14 | Subcommittee on Criminal Law. Hearings held. | Senate | Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD] | MD | R | M000241 | 1 | International Rule of Law Act - Prohibits any United States court from declining on the ground of the Federal Act of State Doctrine to make a determination on the merits in any case in which the act of state is contrary to international law. Directs that United States courts shall apply principles and rules of international law in deciding cases involving a violation of international law by a foreign state with regard to the rights of a person not a national of that state. Declares that the Foreign Sovereign Compulsion Defense shall remain fully available in U.S. courts. | 2025-08-29T19:51:13Z | |
| 97-hr-3992 | 97 | hr | 3992 | A bill to provide that in civil actions where the United States is a party a prevailing defendant or plaintiff may recover a reasonable attorney's fee and other reasonable litigation costs. | Law | 1981-06-23 | 1981-06-26 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Crane, Philip M. [R-IL-12] | IL | R | C000873 | 0 | Directs the United States to pay to any defendant or plaintiff who prevails in a civil action in which the United States is a party reasonable attorney's fees and other litigation costs. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-hr-3974 | 97 | hr | 3974 | Bankruptcy Judges Retirement Act of 1981 | Law | 1981-06-18 | 1981-11-30 | Clean Bill H.R.5107 Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in Lieu. | House | Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10] | NJ | D | R000374 | 0 | Bankruptcy Judges' Retirement Act of 1981 - Sets forth criteria by which bankruptcy judges and referees in bankruptcy shall retire after disability or specified lengths of service and collect retirement salaries. Grants annuities to certain survivors of such judges and referees. Declares that a retired bankruptcy judge or referee shall forfeit such retirement salary upon acceptance of certain employment. | 2025-08-29T19:48:56Z | |
| 97-hr-3691 | 97 | hr | 3691 | A bill to amend the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to restore the right to a jury trial in certain cases involving the exercise by the United States of the power of eminent domain. | Law | 1981-05-21 | 1981-05-27 | Referred to Subcommittee on Criminal Justice. | House | Rep. Whitten, Jamie L. [D-MS-1] | MS | D | W000428 | 0 | Amends the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to grant the right to a jury trial in order to establish just compensation in cases involving the exercise by the United States of the power of eminent domain. | 2023-05-11T13:06:53Z | |
| 97-hjres-490 | 97 | hjres | 490 | A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution requiring that federal judges be reconfirmed by the Senate every ten years. | Law | 1981-05-20 | 1982-05-24 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Fields, Jack [R-TX-8] | TX | R | F000111 | 1 | Constitutional Amendment - Requires that Federal judges be reconfirmed by the Senate every ten years. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-s-1223 | 97 | s | 1223 | Equal Access to Justice Amendments Act | Law | 1981-05-19 | 1981-06-03 | Referred to Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform. | Senate | Sen. Domenici, Pete V. [R-NM] | NM | R | D000407 | 2 | Equal Access to Justice Amendments Act - Amends the Equal Access to Justice Act to limit awards of attorney's fees and other expenses in certain Federal agency actions and in certain judicial proceedings involving the United States to prevailing parties who: (1) would have suffered a pecuniary loss in excess of $500 (and, in the case of agency actions, such loss was in an individual capacity and not as a member or representative of an organization or group); or (2) were engaged in carrying on a trade or business for profit and (a) the amount in controversy (in agency actions, in excess of $500) was directly related to the conduct of such trade or business, or (b) the adjudication involves a violation of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Provides, for purposes of such awards, that: (1) an affidavit of the attorney affirming that such fees were routine and customary accompany an itemized fee statement; and (2) the amount awarded not be disproportionate to the amount in controversy. Revises the definition of a "party" under such Act to exclude certain agricultural cooperative associations, tax-exempt organizations, and owners who are not sole owners. Requires that fees and other expenses awarded be paid by the particular agency over which the party prevails (for judicial proceedings, the agency issuing an order). Permits such payments from any sums appropriated to such agency, but prohibits specific appropriations for such purpose. | 2025-08-29T19:51:05Z | |
| 97-hr-3573 | 97 | hr | 3573 | A bill to provide that the United States District Court for the Judicial District of New Jersey shall be held at Jersey City, New Jersey, in addition to those places currently provided by law. | Law | 1981-05-13 | 1981-06-17 | Executive Comment Received From Admin Office US Courts. | House | Rep. Guarini, Frank J. [D-NJ-14] | NJ | D | G000511 | 0 | Provides that the United States District Court for the Judicial District of New Jersey shall be held at Jersey City, New Jersey, in addition to those places currently provided by law. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-hr-3580 | 97 | hr | 3580 | Private Service of Civil Process by United States Marshals Act of 1981 | Law | 1981-05-13 | 1981-05-18 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Railsback, Thomas F. [R-IL-19] | IL | R | R000012 | 1 | Private Service of Civil Process by United States Marshals Act of 1981 - Prohibits the service of complaints, summonses, and subpoenas by United States marshals on behalf of any party other than the United States unless performed pursuant to express statutory authorization or court order. Requires the Attorney General to prescribe regulations for the fees to be collected by United States marshals for: (1) serving writs; (2) serving a subpoena or summons; (3) forwarding any writ, order, or process; (4) preparations of a notice of sale; (5) the keeping of attached property; (6) furnishing copies of writs or other papers; and (7) necessary travel in serving any process, writ, or order. Sets the commission to be collected by United States marshals for seizing or levying on property, disposing of such property by sale, or otherwise receiving and paying over money. Requires the Attorney General to prescribe regulations with a minimum and maximum amount for such commissions. | 2025-08-29T19:48:53Z | |
| 97-hr-3480 | 97 | hr | 3480 | Legal Services Corporation Act Amendments of 1981 | Law | 1981-05-07 | 1981-09-16 | Committee on Labor and Human Resources received executive comment from GAO. | House | Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10] | NJ | D | R000374 | 7 | (Measure passed House, amended, roll call #91 (245-137)) Legal Services Corporation Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to increase the State advisory councils from nine to ten members. Requires that each council include two eligible clients and two members of the general public from the State. Directs the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) to notify the appropriate advisory council of the initiation of any project, including any grant or contract, at least 60 days prior to its approval. Limits the authority of the Corporation to make grants and contracts. Requires the majority of the board of directors of nonprofit organizations receiving assistance to be attorneys admitted to practice in the State who are appointed to such position by the governing bodies of bar associations the membership of which represents a majority of the attorneys practicing law in the locality. Directs the Board of Directors of the LSC to issue enforcement regulations which include provisions for the immediate suspension of financial assistance. Stipulates that an entity shall receive, pending a refunding application, interim funding which is sufficient to allow continuation of existing representation (instead of funding which is necessary to maintain current levels of activities). Applies the current prohibition, with criminal penalties, against lobbying with appropriated funds to all LSC officers and employees. Includes additional restrictions against use of Corporation funds for lobbying purposes. Deletes the current exception permitting use of funds for such purposes when a government body is considering a measure directly affecting the activities of the Corporation or a recipient. Prohibits class action suits against the Federal, State, or local governments. Makes the Corporation liable for reasonable attorneys' fees and costs in any case in which the court finds that the action had no reasonable basis in law or fact. Requires legal services attorneys to attempt to negotiate a settlement before filing… | 2025-08-29T19:48:49Z | |
| 97-s-1107 | 97 | s | 1107 | A bill to amend certain provisions of title 28, United States Code, relating to venue in cases of a local or regional nature which involve the United States as a party. | Law | 1981-05-05 | 1981-05-11 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts. | Senate | Sen. Simpson, Alan K. [R-WY] | WY | R | S000429 | 15 | Amends the venue provisions of Federal law to provide that a civil action in which a party is the United States must be brought in a judicial district or circuit in which: (1) the non-Federal real party in interest maintains the facilities or conducts the activities that are the subject of the action; or (2) the Federal action being sought or challenged will affect the use of public or private property within that State. Directs that the action shall be brought in the district or circuit in which the State capital is located if the non-Federal party is a State or local government. Requires that a copy of the summons and complaint in such actions shall be served on the Attorney General of each State in which the action could have been brought under this Act. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 97-hr-3344 | 97 | hr | 3344 | Center for Defense Services Act | Law | 1981-04-30 | 1981-05-06 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10] | NJ | D | R000374 | 0 | Center for Defense Services Act - Declares the policy of Congress to aid State and local efforts to promote the fair administration of criminal justice in State court proceedings and the uniform provision of defense services to individuals unable to afford counsel. Establishes in the District of Columbia the Center for Defense Services as a private, nonmembership, nonprofit corporation. Grants the Center the authority to: (1) make grants and contracts to programs to provide defense services to eligible clients which substantially comply with nationally recognized standards; (2) provide research and technical assistance, and make grants or contracts for demonstration projects to further the purposes of this Act; (3) provide for the review, monitoring, and evaluation of the provision of defense services, whether or not furnished by a recipient of funds from the Center; and (4) make other grants or contracts to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-29T19:48:45Z | |
| 97-hr-3217 | 97 | hr | 3217 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to provide that judicial annuities under sections 375 and 376 of such title shall not terminate by reason of remarriage of an annuitant after attaining sixty years of age, and to provide cost-of-living adjustments for such annuities. | Law | 1981-04-10 | 1981-04-15 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Green, S. William [R-NY-18] | NY | R | G000417 | 0 | Provides that an annuity to a widow of a justice of the United States Supreme Court shall not terminate upon the remarriage of an annuitant who is 60 years of age. Requires that such annuities receive cost-of-living adjustments to the same extent as annuities payable from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-hr-3161 | 97 | hr | 3161 | A bill to authorize appropriations for the Legal Services Corporation for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984. | Law | 1981-04-08 | 1981-04-15 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Minish, Joseph G. [D-NJ-11] | NJ | D | M000796 | 0 | Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to authorize appropriations for the activities of the Legal Services Corporation in the amount of $321,300,000 for fiscal year 1982 and necessary sums for fiscal years 1983 and 1984. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-s-939 | 97 | s | 939 | Legal Services Corporation Amendments of 1981 | Law | 1981-04-08 | 1981-04-21 | Referred to Subcommittee on Aging, Family and Human Services. | Senate | Sen. Eagleton, Thomas F. [D-MO] | MO | D | E000004 | 18 | Legal Services Corporation Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to direct the Legal Services Corporation to make available substantial funds to provide the opportunity for legal assistance to be furnished by private attorneys. Authorizes appropriations for the Corporation in the amount of $321,300,000 for fiscal year 1982 and necessary sums for fiscal years 1983 and 1984. | 2025-08-29T19:51:00Z | |
| 97-s-823 | 97 | s | 823 | A bill to provide for the payment of losses incurred as a result of the ban on the use of the chemical Tris in apparel, in fabric, yarn, or fiber, and for other purposes. | Law | 1981-03-27 | 1982-12-30 | Became Public Law No: 97-395. | Senate | Sen. Thurmond, Strom [R-SC] | SC | R | T000254 | 8 | (Measure passed House, amended) Grants the Court of Claims jurisdiction over claims against the United States for losses sustained by producers, processors, manufacturers, distributors, or other persons resulting from the ban on children's sleepwear containing Tris phosphate. Enumerates factors to be considered by the court in determining the validity of claims. Prohibits any payments under this Act until such time as the claimant produces proof of the proper disposal of such goods. States that the amount of losses shall not include lost profits, distress sale proceeds, attorney fees, or interest on losses. Sets forth the measure of losses for producers, converters, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of Tris-treated sleepwear or the fabric yarn, or fiber. Prohibits class action claims. Subrogates the United States to a successful claimants' rights to recover losses. Bars claims under this Act unless begun within two years of enactment. Prohibits recovery by any claimant who knowingly exported Tris-treated products after June 14, 1978. Provides for the offset of any judgment obtained by a claimant against any unpaid loans owed to the Small Business Administration. States that nothing in this Act constitutes an admission by the United States of liability for any personal injuries resulting from the use of Tris-treated products. | 2026-01-07T14:44:51Z | |
| 97-s-817 | 97 | s | 817 | Constitutional Convention Implementation Act of 1981 | Law | 1981-03-26 | 1981-12-08 | Committee on Judiciary. Committee consideration and Mark Up Session held. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 1 | Constitutional Convention Implementation Act of 1981 - Sets forth procedures for holding constitutional conventions for proposing amendments to the Constitution. Requires either House of Congress to agree to a concurrent resolution calling for a convention whenever it determines that at least two-thirds of the States have submitted within a seven-year period valid applications for the calling of a constitutional convention upon the same subject. Requires that the convention be convened within four months of the adoption of the resolution. Entitles each State to the same number of delegates at such convention as it has Senators and Representatives in Congress. Stipulates that no Senator, Representative, or other person holding office under the United States shall be appointed as delegate. Provides that the person who is senior in years of service as a chief justice of the highest courts of the States shall convene the convention. Prohibits the appropriation of Federal funds for the specific purpose of paying convention expenses. Authorizes the convention to be conducted in accordance with such rules as it may adopt. Prohibits such convention from proposing any amendment of a general subject different from that stated in the concurrent resolution. Requires the presiding officer of the convention to submit any proposed amendment to Congress. Authorizes Congress to disapprove by concurrent resolution any amendment which differs from the general subjects described in the concurrent resolution. Directs the Administrator of General Services to transmit to the States copies of the proposed amendment and copies of any concurrent resolution agreed to by both Houses of Congress prescribing this mode of ratification. Provides that an amendment shall become valid when ratified by three-fourths of the States. Permits a State to rescind its ratification, except when valid ratifications by three-fourths of the States exist. | 2025-08-29T19:51:02Z | |
| 97-hr-2799 | 97 | hr | 2799 | Judicial Tenure Act | Law | 1981-03-24 | 1981-03-27 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Oakar, Mary Rose [D-OH-20] | OH | D | O000001 | 0 | Judicial Tenure Act - Establishes a 13-member Council on Judicial Tenure, consisting of one member from each judicial circuit and one member from each of the Court of Customs and Patent Appeals, the Court of Claims, and the Customs Court, to receive and investigate written complaints by any person concerning a Justice or judge of the United States. Directs the Council to determine the existence of any grounds specified: (1) in existing law for the involuntary retirement of a judge; or (2) in this Act for the removal or censure of a judge. Authorizes the Council to dismiss any complaint which it finds to be frivolous, unwarranted, or insufficient in law or fact. Directs the Chairman to appoint panels, consisting of members of the Council to conduct hearings with respect to complaints which are not dismissed. Specifies due process protections for the judge who is the subject of such hearing. Grants to the Council or panels appropriate judicial powers to conduct such hearings. Directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to elect annually one of its members to be the presiding officer on any matter concerning the removal, censure, or involuntary retirement of a Justice or judge of the United States. Provides that the Conference or, with the concurrence of a majority of its members, a committee of nine judges appointed by the presiding officer, shall sit as a court to hear any cause relating to the involuntary retirement, removal, censure, or assignment of duties of a justice or judge of the United States. States that the Conference or committee shall be convened for such purpose upon the receipt of a recommendation from the Council that a justice or judge be removed, censured, or involuntarily retired. Authorizes the Conference or the committee to order, by majority vote: (1) censure; (2) removal from office; (3) involuntary retirement; or (4) dismissal or remand to the council of the case. Allows the judge affected to petition for writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court within ten days after notifica… | 2025-08-29T19:48:34Z | |
| 97-hr-2645 | 97 | hr | 2645 | A bill to authorize additional judicial positions for the Courts of Appeals and District Courts of the United States. | Law | 1981-03-19 | 1981-03-23 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10] | NJ | D | R000374 | 2 | Authorizes 14 additional judicial positions for the Federal courts of appeals and 29 positions for the district courts. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose. | 2023-05-11T13:05:28Z | |
| 97-hr-2506 | 97 | hr | 2506 | A bill to authorize appropriations for the Legal Services Corporation for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984. | Law | 1981-03-12 | 1981-05-07 | Clean Bill H.R.3480 Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in Lieu. | House | Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10] | NJ | D | R000374 | 31 | Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to authorize appropriations for the activities of the Legal Services Corporation in the amount of $321,300,000 for fiscal year 1982 and necessary sums for fiscal years 1983 and 1984. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 97-hr-2404 | 97 | hr | 2404 | Diversity Jurisdiction Reform Act of 1981 | Law | 1981-03-10 | 1981-06-25 | Executive Comment Requested from Justice. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 16 | Diversity Jurisdiction Reform Act of 1981 - Abolishes diversity of citizenship as a basis of jurisdiction of Federal district courts, but retains as a basis of jurisdiction "alienage," involving foreign states or citizens of foreign states. Increases the amount in controversy requirement in such cases from $10,000 to $25,000. Retains as a basis for Federal jurisdiction statutory interpleader, which includes actions between citizens of different States. 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. | 2025-08-29T19:48:30Z |
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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);