legislation
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174 rows where congress = 98 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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| 98-hr-6393 | 98 | hr | 6393 | A bill to extend the Equal Access to Justice Act. | Law | 1984-10-04 | 1984-10-04 | Referred to House Committee on The Judiciary. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | Amends the Equal Access to Justice Act to extend through 1985 the provisions with regard to the payment of costs to a prevailing party in an action against the United States. | 2021-06-29T21:25:10Z | |
| 98-hr-6380 | 98 | hr | 6380 | A bill to provide for compensation with respect to former members of the Armed Forces of the United States for each day spent avoiding capture by hostile forces or as underground fighters while unattached to any regular unit of the Armed Forces during World War II. | Law | 1984-10-03 | 1984-10-03 | Referred to House Committee on The Judiciary. | House | Rep. Heftel, Cecil [D-HI-1] | HI | D | H000449 | 0 | Amends the War Claims Act of 1948 to authorize the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States to determine claims for compensation allowed to underground fighters. Defines an underground fighter as an individual who served during the United States involvement in World War II as a guerilla fighter or concealed himself from or escaped from confinement by a hostile force and who is a citizen, national, or resident alien of the United States at the time of enactment of this Act. Sets the rate of compensation at $5 per day of resistance. Establishes the statute of limitations at one year from enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations. | 2021-06-29T21:25:08Z | |
| 98-hr-6344 | 98 | hr | 6344 | Rules Enabling Act of 1984 | Law | 1984-10-01 | 1984-10-01 | For Previous Action See H.R.4144. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | Rules Enabling Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal judicial code with respect to the U.S. Supreme Court's power to prescribe Federal rules of civil procedure (including bankruptcy rules). Empowers the Supreme Court to prescribe rules of evidence. (Currently, it only has power to prescribe amendments to such rules, which are promulgated by Congress.) Authorizes the Judicial Conference of the United States to make recommendations to the Court regarding such prescribed rules. Authorizes the Conference to appoint committees comprised of judges and attorneys who will recommend the rules to be prescribed for Federal practice and procedure. Mandates the appointment of a standing committee on rules of practice and procedure whose function is to review all committee recommendations for consistency with one another. Provides for public notice of committee meetings for the transaction of business. Specifies exceptions. Requires that recommendations or prescriptions for rules of practice and procedure be accompanied by: (1) a proposed rule; (2) an explanatory note on the rule; and (3) a written explanation of the recommending body's action including minority or separate views. Requires the Supreme Court to transmit proposed rules of civil practice and procedure to the Congress by May 1 of the year in which such rules are to become effective. Sets December 1 of such year as the effective date for such rules. Amends the Judicial Code to provide for a periodic compilation by the Judicial Conference of procedural rules prescribed by courts other than the Supreme Court in order to provide a current record of such rules. Requires the Conference to periodically review such rules for consistency with the Conference's rules of practice and procedure. Authorizes the Conference to modify or abrogate inconsistent rules. Provides that rules prescribed by district courts for the conduct of their business require public notice and opportunity for comment before they are made or amended. Amends the Criminal Code to rescind the power of the… | 2025-08-29T17:39:43Z | |
| 98-sres-459 | 98 | sres | 459 | A resolution recommending certain improvements in the process by which the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Federal Judiciary conducts evalutations of the qualifications of potential nominees for Federal judgeships. | Law | 1984-10-01 | 1984-10-01 | Referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA] | PA | R | S000709 | 0 | Expresses the sense of the Senate that the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Federal Judiciary (ABA Committee) should review its evaluation and investigation standards regarding its recommendations to the Senate of proposed nominees to the Federal judiciary. Sets forth the considerations to be included in such review. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the ABA Committee should report to the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding the implementation of such review. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 98-hr-6313 | 98 | hr | 6313 | A bill to amend section 376 of title 28, United States Code, to provide that certain judicial annuities for surviving spouses shall not terminate by reason of remarriage of an annuitant after age sixty. | Law | 1984-09-26 | 1984-09-28 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Green, S. William [R-NY-15] | NY | R | G000417 | 0 | Amends Federal law to provide that certain judicial annuities for surviving spouses shall not terminate by reason of remarriage of an annuitant after age 60. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 98-hr-6267 | 98 | hr | 6267 | A bill to extend the permissible pro bono representation by employees of the Federal Government and the District of Columbia government. | Law | 1984-09-18 | 1984-09-27 | Referred to Subcommittee on Criminal Justice. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | Amends the Federal criminal code to permit Federal and District of Columbia employees to provide pro bono representation for persons prosecuting certain claims against the United States or the District of Columbia. | 2021-06-29T21:24:41Z | |
| 98-hr-6216 | 98 | hr | 6216 | A bill to amend the Bankruptcy Amendments and Federal Judgeship Act of 1984 to make technical corrections with respect to the retirement of certain bankruptcy judges, and for other purposes. | Law | 1984-09-11 | 1984-10-19 | Became Public Law No: 98-531. | House | Rep. Edwards, Don [D-CA-10] | CA | D | E000064 | 8 | Amends the Bankruptcy Amendments and Federal Judgeship Act of 1984 to repeal a certain annuity computation formula for bankruptcy judges who served in the district of Oregon or the central district of California until March 31, 1984. Defines a bankruptcy judge (for purposes of retirement benefit eligibility) as an individual who is serving in such capacity on March 31, 1984 (currently, July 10, 1984). Prescribes an annuity computation formula for bankruptcy judges which includes service as a referee in bankruptcy. States that this Act shall take effect on July 10, 1984, but that the definition of a bankruptcy judge with respect to retirement benefits shall take effect on March 31, 1984. | 2021-09-25T05:30:25Z | |
| 98-hr-6218 | 98 | hr | 6218 | A bill to amend section 3718 of title 31, United States Code, to authorize contracts retaining private counsel to furnish legal services in the case of indebtedness owed the United States. | Law | 1984-09-11 | 1984-09-11 | For Previous Action See H.R.5196. | House | Rep. Moody, Jim [D-WI-5] | WI | D | M000881 | 8 | Authorizes the Attorney General to make contracts retaining private counsel to furnish legal services in the case of any claim of indebtedness owed the United States. Requires the Attorney General, in making such a contract in any judicial district, to use his best efforts to obtain at least four contracts for legal services with private individuals or firms in such district. Prohibits the fee payable for such legal services from exceeding the fee that counsel engaged in the private practice of law in the area typically charge in the collection of claims of indebtedness. Permits the head of an executive or legislative agency to refer to a private counsel so retained any claims of indebtedness owed the United States arising out of such agency's activities. Declares that for the purposes of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, a private counsel performing collection services under this Act shall be considered a debt collector. Sets forth the procedure for filing counterclaims. Requires the Attorney General to transmit to Congress an annual report on the activities of the Department of Justice to recover such indebtedness. Requires the Comptroller General to carry out an annual audit of the actions taken by the Attorney General pursuant to this Act during the preceding two years. Requires the Comptroller General to determine the extent to which there is competition among private counsel to obtain contracts pursuant to this Act, the reasonableness of the fees provided in such contracts, and the results of the debt collection efforts. Requires a report to Congress on the findings and conclusions resulting from such audit. Requires the Attorney General to transmit to Congress a report on the actions taken under this Act within 180 days after the date of enactment. | 2021-06-29T21:24:21Z | |
| 98-hr-6163 | 98 | hr | 6163 | Federal District Court Organization Act of 1984 | Law | 1984-08-10 | 1984-11-08 | Became Public Law No: 98-620. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 5 | (Measure passed Senate, amended) Federal District Court Organization Act - Title I: Trademark Clarification Act of 1984 - Amends the Lanham Trademark Act to change the test for determining whether a registered mark has become a common descriptive name of goods or services in connection with which it has been used. Disregards purchaser motivation as such test in favor of the primary significance of the registered mark to the relevant public. Title II: State Justice Institute Act of 1984 - Establishes the State Justice Institute as a tax-exempt private nonprofit corporation to further the development of improved judicial administration in State courts in the United States. Permits the Institute to be incorporated in any State or the District of Columbia. Directs the Institute to: (1) direct a national assistance program to assure persons ready access to a fair and effective system of justice; (2) foster coordination and cooperation with the Federal judiciary; (3) promote recognition of the importance of the separation of powers doctrine to an independent judiciary; and (4) encourage education for State court judges and support personnel. Authorizes the Institute to award grants and enter into cooperative agreements or contracts to: (1) conduct research, demonstrations, or special projects relating to the purposes of this Act; (2) serve as a clearinghouse of information regarding State judicial systems; (3) participate in joint projects with other agencies, including the Federal Judicial Center; (4) evaluate the impact of programs carried out under this Act upon the quality of criminal, civil, and juvenile justice; (5) encourage judicial education; (6) serve in a consulting capacity to State and local justice systems; and (7) be responsible for the certification of national programs to improve State judicial systems. Prescribes uses and limitations on uses of grant and contract funds. Specifies restrictions on activities of the Institute. Directs the Attorney General to submit a report to the appropriate congres… | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 98-hr-6127 | 98 | hr | 6127 | A bill to restore the right to a jury trial in certain cases involving exercise by the government of the power of eminent domain. | Law | 1984-08-09 | 1984-08-15 | Referred to Subcommittee on Criminal Justice. | House | Rep. Whitten, Jamie L. [D-MS-1] | MS | D | W000428 | 0 | Entitles a real property owner to trial by jury if real property, including easements, is taken by condemnation for public use. | 2021-06-29T21:23:56Z | |
| 98-s-2939 | 98 | s | 2939 | A bill to provide for an additional bankruptcy judgeship for the Central District of Illinois. | Law | 1984-08-09 | 1984-09-28 | Committee on Judiciary received executive comment from Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. | Senate | Sen. Percy, Charles H. [R-IL] | IL | R | P000222 | 1 | Amends the judicial code to increase from two to three the number of bankruptcy judgeships for the Central District of Illinois. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 98-hr-6093 | 98 | hr | 6093 | A bill to amend section 152 of title 28, United States Code, to provide for the appointment of one additional bankruptcy judge for the Central District of Illinois. | Law | 1984-08-08 | 1984-08-21 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Crane, Daniel B. [R-IL-19] | IL | R | C000871 | 144 | Amends the judicial code to increase from two to three the number of bankruptcy judgeships for the Central District of Illinois. | 2021-06-29T21:23:47Z | |
| 98-hr-6107 | 98 | hr | 6107 | A bill to restore the right to a jury trial in certain cases involving the exercise by the government of the power of eminent domain. | Law | 1984-08-08 | 1984-08-16 | Referred to Subcommittee on Criminal Justice. | House | Rep. Whitten, Jamie L. [D-MS-1] | MS | D | W000428 | 0 | Entitles a real property owner to trial by jury if real property is taken by condemnation for public use. | 2021-06-29T21:23:52Z | |
| 98-s-2921 | 98 | s | 2921 | Federal Forum Equity Act | Law | 1984-08-08 | 1984-08-08 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 1112. | Senate | Sen. Thurmond, Strom [R-SC] | SC | R | T000254 | 0 | Federal Forum Equity Act - Amends the judicial code to require an administrative body to notify the judicial panel on multidistrict litigation if multiple appellate review petitions concerning the same agency action have been filed in multiple appellate courts within less than 15 days. Requires the administrative body to identify each court in which such proceedings are pending. Requires the judicial panel on multidistrict litigation to select the court in which the record shall be filed according to a statutorily prescribed system of random selection. Authorizes any court in which appellate proceedings have been instituted to postpone the effective date of the agency action until 15 days after the judicial panel has selected the court in which the record is to be filed. Requires the court in which the record has been filed upon motion by any party to transfer proceedings to another division in which the agency action would have a substantially greater impact. Requires the transferring court to consider the proportionate impact of an agency action on the affected areas instead of relying solely upon the numbers of people affected. Amends the venue provisions to provide that a cause of action shall be deemed to arise in the judicial district in which residents would be substantially affected by the agency action. Sets procedural guidelines for plaintiffs filing an action of a local regulatory nature in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Amends the change of venue provisions to provide that in actions involving a Federal agency or officer as a party, the district court shall transfer the action, upon motion by any party, to the district where it might have been brought and where the action would have a substantially greater impact upon the affected area. Specifies exceptions. | 2025-08-29T17:38:12Z | |
| 98-hjres-628 | 98 | hjres | 628 | A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution requiring that federal judges be reconfirmed by the Senate every six years. | Law | 1984-07-25 | 1984-07-26 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Dickinson, William L. [R-AL-2] | AL | R | D000326 | 0 | Constitutional Amendment - Limits the tenure of specified Federal judges to six years unless the Senate consents to a continuance. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 98-hr-6007 | 98 | hr | 6007 | District of Columbia Retired Judge Service Act | Law | 1984-07-24 | 1984-10-30 | Became Public Law No: 98-598. | House | Rep. Dymally, Mervyn M. [D-CA-31] | CA | D | D000592 | 1 | (Measure passed Senate, amended) District of Columbia Retired Judge Service Act - Amends the District of Columbia Code to provide that a retired judge who has been recommended and appointed as a senior judge may be appointed by the chief judge to perform such judicial duties as such senior judge is assigned and willing and able to undertake. Sets forth the procedure for the designation of a retired judge as a senior judge by the District of Columbia Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure. Subjects a senior judge to reappointment every two years. Provides for retirement benefits for the executive officer of the District of Columbia Courts. Increases the jurisdictional limit on claims which may be heard by the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to a maximum of $2,000 (currently $750). | 2025-01-14T19:03:55Z | |
| 98-hr-5994 | 98 | hr | 5994 | 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 | 1984-06-29 | 1984-08-10 | For Further Action See H.R.6163. | House | Rep. Schroeder, Patricia [D-CO-1] | CO | D | S000142 | 1 | Amends the judicial code to add Boulder to the sites of Federal district courts in Colorado. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 98-s-2849 | 98 | s | 2849 | Federal Forum Equity Act | Law | 1984-06-29 | 1984-08-09 | Committee on Judiciary received executive comment from Administrative Office of the United States Courts. | Senate | Sen. Simpson, Alan K. [R-WY] | WY | R | S000429 | 2 | Federal Forum Equity Act - Amends the judicial code to require an administrative body to notify the judicial panel on multidistrict litigation if multiple appellate review petitions concerning the same agency action have been filed in multiple appellate courts within less than 15 days. Requires the administrative body to identify each court in which such proceedings are pending. Requires the judicial panel on multidistrict litigation to select the court in which the record shall be filed according to a statutorily prescribed system of random selection. Authorizes any court in which appellate proceedings have been instituted to postpone the effective date of the agency action until 15 days after the judicial panel has selected the court in which the record is to be filed. Requires the court in which the record has been filed upon motion by any party to transfer proceedings to another division in which the agency action would have a substantially greater impact. Requires the transferring court to consider the proportionate impact of an agency action on the affected areas instead of relying solely upon the numbers of people affected. Amends the venue provisions to provide that a cause of action shall be deemed to arise in the judicial district in which residents would be substantially affected by the agency action. Sets procedural guidelines for plaintiffs filing an action of a local regulatory nature in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Amends the change of venue provisions to provide that in actions involving a Federal agency or officer as a party, the district court shall transfer the action, upon motion by any party, to the district where it might have been brought and where the action would have a substantially greater impact upon the affected area. Specifies exceptions. | 2025-08-29T17:41:44Z | |
| 98-hr-5951 | 98 | hr | 5951 | District of Columbia Judicial Appointment Authority Act of 1984 | Law | 1984-06-28 | 1984-08-01 | Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs. | House | Rep. Bliley, Tom [R-VA-3] | VA | R | B000556 | 3 | (Measure passed House, amended) District of Columbia Judicial Appointment Authority Act of 1984 - Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to provide that the Mayor (currently, the President) shall nominate and, by and with the advice and consent of the District of Columbia Council (currently, the Senate), appoint all judges of the District of Columbia courts. Reduces from seven to five the membership of the District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission. Provides that the Mayor shall appoint one member to the Commission and one member shall be appointed by the District of Columbia Courts Joint Committee on Judicial Administration. Provides that the Mayor shall appoint one member to the Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure and one member shall be appointed by the District of Columbia Courts Joint Committee on Judicial Administration. Amends the District of Columbia Code to increase from $750 to $2,000 the jurisdictional amount of the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of the Superior Court for the District of Columbia. | 2025-01-14T19:03:55Z | |
| 98-s-2812 | 98 | s | 2812 | Federal Constitutional Convention Procedures Act | Law | 1984-06-28 | 1984-06-28 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Helms, Jesse [R-NC] | NC | R | H000463 | 0 | Federal Constitutional Convention Procedures Act - Sets forth procedures for holding constitutional conventions for proposing amendments to the Constitution. Requires that both Houses of Congress agree to a concurrent resolution calling for a convention whenever at least two-thirds of the States have submitted valid applications for the calling of a constitutional convention upon the same subject. Entitles each State to the same number of delegates at such convention as it has Senators and Representatives in Congress, with one delegate elected from each congressional district and two at large. Authorizes the convention to propose constitutional amendments by a majority vote of the total number of delegates. Provides that an amendment shall become valid when ratified by three-fourths of the States. Permits a State to rescind its ratification. | 2025-08-29T17:37:56Z | |
| 98-s-2802 | 98 | s | 2802 | Legal Fees Equity Act | Law | 1984-06-27 | 1984-09-11 | Subcommittee on Constitution. Hearings held. | Senate | Sen. Thurmond, Strom [R-SC] | SC | R | T000254 | 3 | Legal Fees Equity Act - Delineates criteria for the award of attorney's fees to parties in judicial and administrative proceedings against the United States and State or local governments. Sets a maximum hourly rate of $75 for the award of attorney's fees in civil actions. Prescribes guidelines under which courts and administrative officers are authorized to deny or reduce attorney's fees. Requires monetary judgments to be reduced by the amount of attorney's fees otherwise authorized against a governmental entity. Specifies exceptions. Increases the rates for fees of court appointed attorneys in criminal cases. Requires applications for an award of attorney's fees to be made within a specified time after a decision on the merits has been entered. Specifies circumstances under which the award of attorney's fees is prohibited. Requires the Comptroller General to report annually to the President and the Congress on the amount of attorney's fees awarded in judicial or administrative proceedings against Federal, State, or local governments. | 2025-08-29T17:40:23Z | |
| 98-s-2750 | 98 | s | 2750 | A bill to permit States to bring suits against the United States to adjudicate disputed land titles. | Law | 1984-06-12 | 1984-06-20 | Committee on Judiciary received executive comment from Administrative Office of the United States Courts. | Senate | Sen. Wallop, Malcolm [R-WY] | WY | R | W000092 | 6 | Amends the judicial code to exempt States from the statute of limitations applicable to quiet title actions against the United States. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 98-hr-5777 | 98 | hr | 5777 | A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to provide for holding terms of the United States District Court for the District of Vermont at Bennington. | Law | 1984-06-05 | 1984-08-10 | For Further Action See H.R.6163. | House | Rep. Jeffords, James M. [R-VT-At Large] | VT | R | J000072 | 0 | Amends the judicial code to add Bennington to the sites of Federal district courts in Vermont. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 98-hr-5757 | 98 | hr | 5757 | Legal Fees Equity Act | Law | 1984-05-31 | 1984-06-05 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Fish, Hamilton, Jr. [R-NY-21] | NY | R | F000141 | 0 | Legal Fees Equity Act - Delineates criteria for the award of attorneys' fees to parties in judicial and administrative proceedings against the United States and State or local governments. Sets a maximum hourly rate of $75 for the award of attorneys' fees in civil actions. Prescribes guidelines under which courts and administrative officers are authorized to deny or reduce attorneys' fees. Requires monetary judgments to be reduced by the amount of attorneys' fees otherwise authorized against a governmental entity. Specifies exceptions. Increases the rates for fees of court appointed attorneys in criminal cases. Requires applications for an award of attorneys' fees to be made within a specified time after a decision on the merits has been entered. Specifies circumstances under which the award of attorneys' fees is prohibited. Requires the Comptroller General to report annually to the President and the Congress on the amount of attorneys' fees awarded in judicial or administrative proceedings against Federal, State, or local governments. | 2025-08-29T17:42:00Z | |
| 98-hr-5763 | 98 | hr | 5763 | A bill to authorize federal financial assistance to the Government of Rockland County, New York, for all reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the Brinks Robbery Trial. | Law | 1984-05-31 | 1984-09-21 | Favorable Executive Comment Received From State. | House | Rep. Gilman, Benjamin A. [R-NY-22] | NY | R | G000212 | 3 | Authorizes reimbursement to the government of Rockland County, New York, for all reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the transfer and trial of the criminal actions entitled "People of the State of New York v. Katherine Boudin, David Gilber, Judith Clark, Samuel Brown, and Donald Weens" and "People of the State of New York v. Katherine Boudin and Samuel Brown." Authorizes appropriations. | 2021-06-29T21:19:50Z | |
| 98-hr-5706 | 98 | hr | 5706 | A bill to amend title 31 of the United States Code to provide that interest on a money judgment in a civil action against the United States shall run from the date of the commencement of such action instead of the date the judgment becomes final. | Law | 1984-05-22 | 1984-06-22 | Executive Comment Requested from Justice, GAO. | House | Rep. Breaux, John B. [D-LA-7] | LA | D | B000780 | 0 | Amends Federal law regarding interest on money judgments to provide that interest is payable on a district court judgment only from the date the civil action was filed (currently, from the date the judgment becomes final). | 2021-06-29T21:18:20Z | |
| 98-hr-5636 | 98 | hr | 5636 | District of Columbia Judicial Appointment Authority Act of 1984 | Law | 1984-05-10 | 1984-06-28 | Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held. | House | Rep. Bliley, Tom [R-VA-3] | VA | R | B000556 | 3 | District of Columbia Judicial Appointment Authority Act of 1984 - Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to provide that the Mayor (currently, the President) shall nominate and, by and with the advice and consent of the District of Columbia Council (currently, the Senate), appoint all judges of the District of Columbia courts. Reduces from seven to five the membership of the District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission. Provides that the Mayor shall appoint one member to the Commission and one member shall be appointed by the chief judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Increases from $750 to $2,000 the jurisdictional amount of the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of the Superior Court for the District of Columbia. | 2025-08-29T17:39:08Z | |
| 98-hr-5644 | 98 | hr | 5644 | Supreme Court Mandatory Appellate Jurisdiction Reform Act of 1984 | Law | 1984-05-10 | 1984-09-18 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 12 | (Measure passed House, amended) Supreme Court Mandatory Appellate Jurisdiction Reform Act of 1984 - Repeals the provision of the judicial code authorizing any party (in a proceeding to which the United States is a party) to appeal directly to the Supreme Court from a Federal court order which declares an Act of Congress unconstitutional. Repeals Supreme Court mandatory jurisdiction to hear appeals from a Federal appellate court decision holding a State statute unconstitutional. Repeals Supreme Court mandatory jurisdiction to hear appeals from decisions of the highest court of a State (including Puerto Rico) which hold that: (1) a Federal treaty or statute is invalid; or (2) a State law is valid. Makes technical and conforming amendments. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 98-hr-5645 | 98 | hr | 5645 | Federal Courts Civil Priorities Act | Law | 1984-05-10 | 1984-09-20 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 12 | (Measure passed House, amended) Federal Courts Civil Priorities Act - Requires each Federal court to formulate its own rules of priority regarding the order in which civil actions shall be heard. Specifies exceptions. Authorizes the Judicial Conference of the United States to modify such rules to establish consistency. Makes technical and conforming amendments. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 98-hr-5619 | 98 | hr | 5619 | A bill to designate Hauppauge, New York, as an additional place where court may be held in the Eastern District of New York. | Law | 1984-05-08 | 1984-08-10 | For Further Action See H.R.6163. | House | Rep. Mrazek, Robert J. [D-NY-3] | NY | D | M001057 | 0 | States that court for the Eastern District of New York shall be held at Hauppauge in addition to Brooklyn and Hempstead. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 98-hr-5479 | 98 | hr | 5479 | A bill to amend section 504 of title 5, United States Code, and section 2412 of title 28, United States Code, with respect to awards of expenses of certain agency and court proceedings, and for other purposes. | Law | 1984-04-12 | 1984-11-09 | Pocket Vetoed by President. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 12 | (House agreed to Senate amendment to House amendment to Senate amendments with an amendment) Amends the Equal Access to Justice Act to provide that the decision of the adjudicative officer of a Federal agency constitutes the final administrative decision regarding the award of certain legal expenses to a party prevailing against the United States in an adversary adjudication. Bars any such decision until a final and unreviewable decision is rendered by a court on any appeal by the Government of the merits of such adjudication or until the underlying merits of the case have been finally determined pursuant to the appeal. Amends the definition of a "party" which is eligible to be awarded legal expenses under such Act to: (1) exclude any individual whose net worth exceeds $2,000,000 (currently $1,000,000) and any entity whose net worth exceeds $7,000,000 (currently $5,000,000); and (2) include any local government whose net worth exceeds $7,000,000. Redefines an "adversary adjudication" for which such expenses may be awarded to include any appeal before an agency board of contract appeals under the Contract Disputes Act of 1978. Redefines a "civil action" for which such expenses may be awarded to include any appeal by a party other than the United States from a decision of a contracting officer on a dispute in a Federal contract. Defines "position of the agency" to include the underlying action which led to the adversary adjudication or litigation. Prohibits the award of legal expenses to a party for any portion of an adjudication or action in which the party unreasonably protracts the proceedings. Authorizes a party or the United States, if dissatisfied with an adjudicative officer's determination of such expenses, to appeal the determination to the appropriate U.S. court within 30 days after such determination is made. Requires a court's determination on such an appeal to be based solely on the factual record made before the agency. Authorizes a court to modify the determination only if it finds that the failu… | 2021-06-29T21:15:06Z | |
| 98-hr-5378 | 98 | hr | 5378 | District of Columbia Judicial Appointment Authority Act of 1984 | Law | 1984-04-05 | 1984-04-10 | Referred to Subcommittee on Judiciary and Education. | House | Rep. Dymally, Mervyn M. [D-CA-31] | CA | D | D000592 | 0 | District of Columbia Judicial Appointment Authority Act of 1984 - Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to provide that the Mayor shall nominate and, by and with the advice and consent of the District of Columbia Council, appoint all judges of the District of Columbia courts. Provides that the appointments shall be for a term of 12 years. Requires a judge wishing to retain office at the expiration of his term to be subject to a retention election. Sets forth procedures for the retention election. | 2025-08-29T17:40:38Z | |
| 98-hr-5379 | 98 | hr | 5379 | District of Columbia Judicial Retirement Reform Act of 1984 | Law | 1984-04-05 | 1984-07-25 | Clean Bill H.R.6007 Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in Lieu. | House | Rep. Dymally, Mervyn M. [D-CA-31] | CA | D | D000592 | 0 | District of Columiba Judicial Retirement Reform Act of 1984 - Amends the District of Columbia Code to provide that a retired judge who has been designated a senior judge may be appointed by the chief judge to perform such judicial duties as such senior judge is willing and able to undertake. Sets forth the procedure for designating a retired judge as a senior judge by the District of Columbia Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure. Provides for retirement benefits for the executive officer of the District of Columbia Courts. | 2025-08-29T17:40:20Z | |
| 98-hr-5380 | 98 | hr | 5380 | District of Columbia Prosecutorial and Judicial Efficiency Act of 1984 | Law | 1984-04-05 | 1984-04-10 | Referred to Subcommittee on Judiciary and Education. | House | Rep. Dymally, Mervyn M. [D-CA-31] | CA | D | D000592 | 0 | District of Columbia Prosecutorial and Judicial Efficiency Act of 1984 - Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to remove the limitation on the authority of the District of Columbia Council regarding enactments relating to the organization and jurisdiction of the District of Columbia courts. Provides for the permanent authority for hearing commissioners in District of Columbia courts. Raises the jurisdictional limit in the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to $1,250. Requires criminal prosecutions in the District of Columbia to be conducted in the name of the District of Columbia. Provides that an indictment may include offenses prosecutable by the District of Columbia by the Corporation Counsel. Provides that separate indictments charging offenses for prosecutions conducted by the Corporation Counsel and the United States attorney may be joined for trial if the offenses charged therein could have been joined in the same indictment. Requires an annual report by the United States attorney for the District of Columbia which details the prosecutions under the laws of the District of Columbia and the laws of the United States applicable exclusively to the District of Columbia. Directs the Corporation Counsel of the District of Columbia to detail to, and maintain in, the office of the United States attorney for the District of Columbia not less than eight assistant Corporation Counsels for periods of service in such office. | 2025-08-29T17:37:41Z | |
| 98-hr-5365 | 98 | hr | 5365 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to provide for the selection of the court of appeals to decide multiple appeals filed with respect to the same agency order. | Law | 1984-04-04 | 1984-06-21 | Held at the desk by Unanimous Consent. | House | Rep. Hall, Sam B., Jr. [D-TX-1] | TX | D | H000070 | 7 | (Measure passed House, amended) Amends the judicial code to require an administrative body to notify the judicial panel on multidistrict litigation if administrative review petitions regarding the same order are filed in multiple appellate courts within ten days after its issuance. Directs such panel to: (1) designate by random selection one appellate court from among those in which review petitions have been instituted; and (2) consolidate all review petitions in such designated court. Requires the appropriate administrative body to file the record in the designated court. Directs an administrative body to file the record in only one court of appeals if the review petition was received for only one court within ten days after the contested order's issuance. Directs an administrative body to file the record in the court in which review petitions were first instituted if petitions regarding the same order were instituted in multiple appellate courts after the initial ten days of the issuance of an order. Requires the courts to transfer all review proceedings regarding the same order to the court designated by the judicial panel. | 2021-06-29T21:14:14Z | |
| 98-hr-5322 | 98 | hr | 5322 | A bill to raise the jurisdictional limit in the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. | Law | 1984-04-03 | 1984-04-03 | Referred to House Committee on District of Columbia. | House | Rep. Bliley, Tom [R-VA-3] | VA | R | B000556 | 2 | Amends the District of Columbia Code to raise the jurisdictional limit to $2,500 in the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. | 2021-06-29T21:13:49Z | |
| 98-hr-5323 | 98 | hr | 5323 | A bill to designate the United States Courthouse Building in Hato Rey Puerto Rico, as the "Clemente Ruiz Nazario Courthouse". | Law | 1984-04-03 | 1984-10-30 | Became Public Law No: 98-589. | House | Resident Commissioner Corrada, Baltasar [I-PR-At Large] | PR | I | C000788 | 0 | (Measure passed House, amended) Designates the U.S. Courthouse Building in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, as the Clemente Ruiz Nazario United States Courthouse. | 2025-01-14T17:12:38Z | |
| 98-hr-5306 | 98 | hr | 5306 | A bill to extend through May 31, 1984, the terms of United States bankruptcy judges, and for other purposes. | Law | 1984-03-30 | 1984-04-03 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10] | NJ | D | R000374 | 0 | Extends the terms of United States bankruptcy judges through May 31, 1984. | 2021-06-29T21:13:41Z | |
| 98-hr-5270 | 98 | hr | 5270 | A bill to extend through March 31, 1985, the terms of United States bankruptcy judges, and for other purposes. | Law | 1984-03-28 | 1984-03-29 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10] | NJ | D | R000374 | 0 | Extends the terms of United States bankruptcy judges to April 1, 1985. | 2021-06-29T21:13:23Z | |
| 98-s-2476 | 98 | s | 2476 | A bill to provide for a pay increase for Article III judges subject to salary adjustments pursuant to section 461 of title 28 of the United States Code. | Law | 1984-03-26 | 1984-03-26 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Thurmond, Strom [R-SC] | SC | R | T000254 | 6 | Requires that all salary adjustment rates of certain Federal judges be paid, as of January 1, 1984, in accordance with the presidential recommendation of August 31, 1983 (Presidential Message No. 74) (thus granting Federal judges the same cost-of-living pay raise Federal officers and employees received on January 1, 1984). | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 98-hr-5214 | 98 | hr | 5214 | A bill to terminate certain authority of the judicial branch of the Government which is subject to congressional review unless that authority is approved by an enactment of the Congress. | Law | 1984-03-21 | 1984-03-26 | Referred to Subcommittee on Administrative Law and Governmental Relations. | House | Rep. Levitas, Elliott H. [D-GA-4] | GA | D | L000265 | 0 | Terminates the Supreme Court's power (formerly subject to congressional veto) to prescribe amendments to the Federal Rules of Evidence unless the exercise of such authority is approved by an enactment of Congress within 180 days after enactment of this Act. | 2024-02-07T11:40:31Z | |
| 98-s-2454 | 98 | s | 2454 | A bill to amend section 1407(h) of title 28, United States Code, to permit the consolidation of related, multidistrict civil antitrust actions for both pretrial and trial purposes. | Law | 1984-03-21 | 1984-03-21 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ] | AZ | D | D000185 | 0 | Amends the judicial code to authorize the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to consolidate any action brought under the Clayton Act for both pretrial and trial purposes. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 98-hr-5196 | 98 | hr | 5196 | A bill to amend section 3718 of title 31, United States Code, to authorize contracts retaining private counsel to furnish collection services in the case of indebtedness owed the United States. | Law | 1984-03-20 | 1984-09-11 | Clean Bill H.R.6218 Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in Lieu. | House | Rep. Moody, Jim [D-WI-5] | WI | D | M000881 | 28 | Authorizes the Attorney General to make contracts retaining private counsel to furnish collection services in the case of any claim of indebtedness owed the United States. Permits the head of an executive or legislative agency to refer to a private counsel so retained any claims of indebtedness owed the United States arising out of such agency's activities. Declares that for the purposes of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, a private counsel performing collection services under this Act shall be considered a debt collector. Requires the Attorney General to transmit to Congress an annual report on the activities of the Department of Justice to recover such indebtedness. Requires the Attorney General to transmit to Congress a report on the actions taken under this Act within 60 days after the enactment of this Act. | 2021-06-29T21:12:53Z | |
| 98-hr-5059 | 98 | hr | 5059 | A bill to amend the Equal Access to Justice Act, and for other purposes. | Law | 1984-03-07 | 1984-04-12 | Clean Bill H.R.5479 Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in Lieu. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | Amends the Equal Access to Justice Act to provide that in a certain administrative proceeding the decision of the adjudicative officer constitutes the final administrative decision regarding the award of expenses to a party prevailing against the United States in an adversary adjudication with a Federal agency. Authorizes the adjudicative officer to adjust the net worth eligibility standards such a party to reflect increases in the cost of living. Enables certain municipal corporations and unincorporated towns to be parties to actions under such Act. Redefines "adversary adjudication" to include any appeal before an agency board of contract appeals under the Contract Disputes Act of 1978. Redefines "position of the agency" to include actions and omissions of the agency. Authorizes a party (including the United States) which is dissatisfied with a fee determination to petition for leave to appeal to the appropriate Federal court. Directs the court to determine all such appeals on the basis of a de novo review of the record. Authorizes appropriations. Prescribes a formula for the payment of interest if payment of agency-awarded expenses is not made within 45 days after award. Directs the court to award incurred expenses to a party prevailing against the United States in proceedings for judicial review of agency action. Repeals the termination dates of the costs and fees award provisions of such Act, thus making them permanent law. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 98-hr-5061 | 98 | hr | 5061 | A bill to terminate certain authority of the judicial branch of the Government which is subject to congressional review unless that authority is approved by an enactment of the Congress. | Law | 1984-03-07 | 1984-06-22 | Executive Comment Requested from Admin Office US Courts, Justice. | House | Rep. Levitas, Elliott H. [D-GA-4] | GA | D | L000265 | 0 | Terminates the authority of the Supreme Court to prescribe amendments to the Federal Rules of Evidence (formerly subject to congressional veto) unless the Congress enacts approval of such authority within 180 days after enactment of this Act. | 2021-06-29T21:10:24Z | |
| 98-hr-4938 | 98 | hr | 4938 | A bill to provide a special defense to the liability of political subdivisions to States under section 1979 of the Revised Statutes (42 U.S.C. 1983) relating to civil actions for the deprivation of rights. | Law | 1984-02-23 | 1984-10-17 | Executive Comment Requested from Civil Rights Comm. | House | Rep. Solomon, Gerald B. H. [R-NY-24] | NY | R | S000675 | 0 | Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Revised Statutes) to prohibit the award of damages against any Federal, State, or local governmental entity in any action for the deprivation of rights where the court finds that the officials involved acted in good faith. Amends the Civil Rights Attorneys' Fees Awards Act of 1976 to limit the award of Attorneys' fees in certain civil rights actions. States that attorneys' fees should be awarded: (1) to prevailing plaintiffs unless special circumstances would make the award unjust; and (2) to prevailing defendants if the plaintiff's claim is found to be frivolous, unreasonable, or groundless, or that the plaintiff persisted in litigating after it clearly became so, even though there was no subjective bad faith. Allows attorneys' fees where a party prevails on another claim which is merely pendent to a civil rights claim only if the court finds that the civil rights claim has sufficient merit to have justified a separate suit. Prohibits the award of fees for any litigation following rejection of a settlement offer substantially favorable to the prevailing party. Allows fees where a claim is mooted by a change in Government policy only if the pendency of the claim was a material factor for such change. Requires the amount of fees awarded to be based on a reasonable market rate for time reasonably spent on the claims. Prohibits awards based on bonuses or multipliers. Requires the attorney of a party seeking an award of fees to apply to the court with an itemized statement of hours worked, the nature of the work, and the rates charged. | 2021-06-29T21:09:34Z | |
| 98-s-2259 | 98 | s | 2259 | A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to encourage prompt, informal, and inexpensive resolution of civil cases by use of arbitration in United States district courts, and for other purposes. | Law | 1984-02-07 | 1984-02-13 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts. | Senate | Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA] | PA | R | S000709 | 0 | Directs each Federal district court to institute a court-annexed arbitration program. Prescribes the guidelines under which the chief judge of a Federal district court shall certify arbitrators. Sets criteria for the compensation and reimbursement of arbitrators. Specifies the types of civil actions which shall be referred to court-annexed arbitration, including actions based upon Federal diversity jurisdiction and Federal question jurisdiction. Details the procedures for arbitration referrals and for arbitration hearings, including guidelines for the submission of evidence. Confers upon an arbitration judgment the same status as court judgment in a civil action, but precludes appeal. Allows any party to demand a new trial in district court within 20 days after an arbitration award has been filed with the district court. Requires the assessment of arbitration costs against the party who demanded a new court trial which resulted in a judgment less favorable to such party than the arbitration award. Authorizes the Judicial Conference of the United States to develop procedures for the conduct of arbitration proceedings. Directs the Federal Judicial Center to report to the Congress regarding the use, benefits and efficacy of arbitration. Directs the Attorney General to promulgate regulations describing the cases subject by arbitration under specified law. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 98-s-2260 | 98 | s | 2260 | A bill to amend section 1407(h) of title 28, United States Code, to permit the consolidation of antitrust actions for trial. | Law | 1984-02-07 | 1984-02-07 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA] | PA | R | S000709 | 0 | Amends the judicial code to authorize the judicial panel on multidistrict litigation to consolidate any action brought under the Clayton Act for both pretrial and trial proceedings in a single district court. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 98-s-2261 | 98 | s | 2261 | A bill to provide an award of prejudgment interest on claims arising under the laws, treaties, and Constitution of the United States. | Law | 1984-02-07 | 1984-02-07 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA] | PA | R | S000709 | 0 | Amends the judicial code to add prejudgment interest to the sum of actual damages awarded on a claim arising under Federal laws, treaties, or the Constitution. Specifies how the prejudgment rate of interest shall be computed and how the time of such interest shall be measured. Defines conditions under which prejudgment interest shall not be awarded. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 98-hr-4752 | 98 | hr | 4752 | A bill to provide that salaries for Federal judges be increased by 3.5 percent, representing the pay comparability adjustment received by Federal officers and employees generally as of the beginning of the current calendar year. | Law | 1984-02-06 | 1984-02-09 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Andrews, Michael [D-TX-25] | TX | D | A000209 | 0 | Increases by 3.5 percent the salary rate of all Federal judges, including Supreme Court justices. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 98-hr-4658 | 98 | hr | 4658 | A bill to prohibit the use of funds appropriated to the Legal Services Corporation for the implementation of regulations, guidelines, or other procedures that are more restrictive with respect to the determination of eligibility of clients than those in effect on January 1, 1983. | Law | 1984-01-26 | 1984-01-30 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Biaggi, Mario [D-NY-19] | NY | D | B000432 | 1 | States that funds appropriated to the Legal Services Corporation may not be used to implement regulations or procedures issued by the Corporation which would preclude eligibility for legal assistance for persons who would not have been excluded under Corporation regulations and procedures in effect on January 1, 1983. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 98-hr-4659 | 98 | hr | 4659 | A bill to amend the Legal Services Corporation Act to insure that procedures for determining eligibility of clients are no more restrictive than those in effect on January 1, 1983. | Law | 1984-01-26 | 1984-01-30 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Biaggi, Mario [D-NY-19] | NY | D | B000432 | 88 | Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to require that the eligibility criteria for legal assistance not exclude persons who were eligible for the Corporation's services under the criteria in effect on January 1, 1983. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 98-hr-4662 | 98 | hr | 4662 | A bill to establish the McAllen Division of the Southern District Court of Texas, and for other purposes. | Law | 1984-01-26 | 1984-08-10 | For Further Action See H.R.6163. | House | Rep. de la Garza, E. [D-TX-15] | TX | D | D000203 | 1 | Adds a seventh division to the Southern District Court of Texas. Establishes the McAllen Division in the Southern District, comprising the counties of Hidalgo and Starr. States that court for the McAllen Division shall be held at McAllen. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 98-s-2224 | 98 | s | 2224 | A bill to repeal section 140 of Public Law 97-92, 95 Stat. 1200, and for other purposes. | Law | 1984-01-26 | 1984-01-30 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts. | Senate | Sen. Mitchell, George J. [D-ME] | ME | D | M000811 | 3 | Repeals a limitation on increases in the salaries of Federal judges and Justices. Requires that all salary adjustment rates of certain Federal judges be paid, as of January 1, 1984, in accordance with the presidential recommendation of August 31, 1983 (Presidential Message No. 74) (thus granting Federal judges the same cost-of-living pay raise Federal officers and employees received on January 1, 1984). | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 98-hr-4450 | 98 | hr | 4450 | A bill to delay the effective date of section 401(b) of the Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1982. | Law | 1983-11-17 | 1984-03-08 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10] | NJ | D | R000374 | 1 | Amends the Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1982 to provide that regulations promulgated by the Judicial Conference regarding the use of audio recording devices in courtrooms shall not take effect before January 1, 1986. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 98-s-2116 | 98 | s | 2116 | Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Restitution Act | Law | 1983-11-17 | 1984-02-29 | Committee on Governmental Affairs requested executive comment from Civil Service Commission, GSA, OMB, Defense Department, Interior Department, Justice Department, Transportation Department, Treasury Department. | Senate | Sen. Matsunaga, Spark M. [D-HI] | HI | D | M000250 | 20 | Title I: Recognition of Injustice and an Apology on Behalf of the Nation - States that the Congress accepts the findings of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians and recognizes that a grave injustice was done to both citizens and resident aliens of Japanese ancestry by the evacuation, relocation, and internment of civilians during World War II. Title II: United States Citizens of Japanese Ancestry and Resident Japanese Aliens - Requests the President to offer pardons to those convicted of violating laws during the internment period whose violation was based on a refusal to accept racially or ethnically discriminatory treatment. Provides that Federal departments and agencies that review application for restitution of positions, status, or entitlement lost during the internment period shall review such applications giving full consideration to the findings of the Commission. Establishes within the Treasury a Civil Liberties Public Education Fund. Authorizes appropriations for the Fund. Requires the Attorney General to pay $20,000 from the Fund in compensation to surviving internees. Establishes a Board of Directors which shall be responsible for making disbursements from the Fund. Provides that disbursements from the Fund shall be used to: (1) sponsor research and public educational activities dealing with the internment; (2) fund studies of similiar civil liberties abuses; (3) prepare and distribute hearings and findings of the Commission; and (4) promote the general welfare of the ethnic Japanese community in the United States. Title III: Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Restitution - Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Restitution Act - Establishes within the Treasury the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Restitution Fund. Directs the Administrator of the Fund (the Aleutian/Pribilof Islands Association) to make restitution for certain Aleut losses sustained in World War II. Requires the Administrator to establish a trust of $5,000,000 and to distribute the interest of such trust for: (1) … | 2025-08-29T17:42:03Z | |
| 98-hr-4412 | 98 | hr | 4412 | 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 | 1983-11-16 | 1983-11-18 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Fiedler, Bobbi [R-CA-21] | CA | R | F000102 | 0 | Amends the Revised Statutes of the United States to require State inmates who seek to relieve their conditions of imprisonment through a civil action alleging deprivation of their constitutional rights to exhaust all State remedies first. Declares that no such relief shall be granted if the plaintiff received an adverse ruling on the claims presented in a fair State proceeding. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 98-hr-4417 | 98 | hr | 4417 | A bill to amend title 5, United State Code, to allow for the equitable waiver of certain claims against employees in the judicial branch. | Law | 1983-11-16 | 1983-11-22 | Executive Comment Requested from Admin Office US Courts. | House | Rep. Hall, Sam B., Jr. [D-TX-1] | TX | D | H000070 | 0 | Authorizes the equitable waiver of certain claims by the Government against employees in the judicial branch for the overpayment of pay or allowances, excluding travel and transportation allowances and relocation expenses. | 2021-06-29T21:06:13Z | |
| 98-hr-4371 | 98 | hr | 4371 | A bill to increase the number of Superior Court judges in the District of Columbia and to provide for appointment by the Mayor of Court of Appeals and Superior Court judges in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes. | Law | 1983-11-14 | 1983-11-17 | Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee. | House | Del. Fauntroy, Walter E. [D-DC-At Large] | DC | D | F000046 | 1 | Increases the number of Superior Court judges in the District of Columbia from 43 to 50. Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to provide for appointment of judges of the Court of Appeals and of Superior Court by the Mayor (currently, by the President) with the advice and consent of the City Council (currently, the Senate). Directs the Mayor to nominate all judges of the District of Columbia courts. Directs the District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission to nominate candidates to fill the vacancies created by this Act within 30 days after its enactment. | 2021-06-29T21:05:57Z | |
| 98-s-2075 | 98 | s | 2075 | A bill to increase the number of Superior Court judges in the District of Columbia. | Law | 1983-11-09 | 1983-11-17 | Committee on Governmental Affairs. Measure incorporated into measure H.R. 3655 ordered to be reported. | Senate | Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA] | PA | R | S000709 | 0 | Increases the number of Superior Court judges in the District of Columbia from 43 to 50. | 2025-01-14T19:03:55Z | |
| 98-sres-273 | 98 | sres | 273 | A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the Attorney General of the United States should withdraw the motion or waive its demand for costs in the case of Liuzzo v. United States. | Law | 1983-11-07 | 1983-11-09 | Referred to Subcommittee on Administrative Practice&Procedure. | Senate | Sen. Percy, Charles H. [R-IL] | IL | R | P000222 | 2 | Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Attorney General should withdraw the motion of taxation of costs and pursue such other procedures as may be appropriate to relieve the plaintiffs of the burden to pay the costs of the United States in the case of Liuzzo v. United States. | 2026-01-07T14:45:52Z | |
| 98-hr-4322 | 98 | hr | 4322 | Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Restitution Act | Law | 1983-11-04 | 1984-09-12 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Young, Don [R-AK-At Large] | AK | R | Y000033 | 0 | Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Restitution Act - Establishes within the Treasury the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Restitution Fund. Directs the Administrator of the Fund (the Aleutian/Pribilof Islands Association) to make restitution for certain Aleut losses sustained in World War II. Requires the Administrator to establish a trust of $5,000,000 and to distribute the interest of such trust for: (1) the benefit of the elderly, disabled, or serious ill; (2) students in need of scholarship assistance; (3) preservation of Aleut cultural heritage and historical records; (4) the improvement of community centers of affected Aleut villages; and (5) other purposes to improve Aleut life. Authorizes the Administrator to rebuild and restore churches and church property damaged or destroyed in Aleut villages during World War II. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments of $12,000 from the Fund to eligible Aleuts for any uncompensated personal property losses. Provides that such payments shall not be considered income or receipts for purposes of Federal taxes or determining eligibility for Federal benefits or assistance. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Army to implement a program for the removal and disposal of live ammunition, obsolete buildings, abandoned machinery, and other hazardous debris remaining in populated areas of the lower Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the Aleut Corporation all right, title, and interest of the United States in Attu Island, Alaska. | 2025-08-29T17:40:59Z | |
| 98-s-2049 | 98 | s | 2049 | A bill to amend the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to provide for certain service of process by mail. | Law | 1983-11-03 | 1984-05-22 | Committee on Judiciary received executive comment from Office of the U.S. Attorney General. | Senate | Sen. Heflin, Howell [D-AL] | AL | D | H000445 | 1 | Amends the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to permit service of process by mail upon the United States in the person of the United States attorney (or his designee) for the district in which the action is brought. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 98-hr-4222 | 98 | hr | 4222 | Technical Amendments to the Federal Court Improvements Act of 1982 | Law | 1983-10-26 | 1984-10-11 | Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | (Measure passed Senate, amended) Technical Amendments to the Federal Court Improvements Act of 1982 - Makes technical amendments to the Federal Court Improvements Act of 1982 to: (1) provide that the circuit court with jurisdiction of an appeal has jurisdiction of a certification of a controlling question of law (interlocutory appeal); (2) repeal the requirement that appellants from Patent and Trademark Office determinations set forth "reasons of appeal" when an appeal is filed (thus eliminating the restriction on the appellate court to confine its decision to such "reasons of appeal"); and (3) require the Commissioner of the Patent and Trademark Office to certify to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit only a list of documents comprising the record in a case, instead of certifying copies of such documents, as currently required. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require appellants from final determinations of the International Trade Commission to file an appeal within 60 days after the date of determination. Permits persons who were serving as marshals for the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia when the Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1982 was enacted to continue serving in that capacity. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to award urban development action grants for FY 1985 in addition to those announced on October 1, 1984. Sets eligibility criteria for such grants. Requires the Secretary to select such grant applications from eligible cities and urban countries which on October 1, 1984: (1) were rated as fundable; and (2) did not receive a grant award for FY 1985. | 2021-06-29T21:04:49Z | |
| 98-s-1997 | 98 | s | 1997 | A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code relating to the retirement of territorial judges. | Law | 1983-10-25 | 1983-10-27 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts. | Senate | Sen. Inouye, Daniel K. [D-HI] | HI | D | I000025 | 0 | Amends the judicial code to: (1) reduce from 65 to 62 years the age at which judicial retirement rights may be drawn by territorial judges (in Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the Canal Zone); and (2) reduce from 10 years to 8 years the period of service after which judicial retirement rights actually vest for such judges. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 98-hr-4179 | 98 | hr | 4179 | A bill to amend section 93 of title 28, United States Code, to permit Federal district court to be held in Champaign/Urbana, Illinois. | Law | 1983-10-20 | 1984-08-10 | For Further Action See H.R.6163. | House | Rep. Madigan, Edward R. [R-IL-15] | IL | R | M000041 | 0 | Adds Champaign-Urbana as a site for Federal district court in the central district of Illinois. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 98-hr-4159 | 98 | hr | 4159 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to permit cases of multidistrict litigation to be consolidated for purposes of determining liability. | Law | 1983-10-19 | 1983-10-24 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 7 | Amends the judicial code to authorize transferee district courts to retain actions transferred for the determination of liability. Requires remand of such actions for the determination of damages to the transferor district courts, except in certain circumstances. Prescribes guidelines under which the transferee court shall determine the source of substantive law. Authorizes the serving of a subpoena for attendance at a hearing or trial any place within Federal jurisdiction. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 98-hr-4144 | 98 | hr | 4144 | Rules Enabling Act of 1983 | Law | 1983-10-18 | 1984-10-01 | Clean Bill H.R.6344 Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in Lieu. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | Rules Enabling Act of 1983 - Amends the Judicial Code to transfer from the Supreme Court to the Judicial Conference the power to prescribe rules for the practice and procedure of civil, criminal, and bankruptcy actions in the district courts and courts of appeals. Directs the Conference to appoint committees comprised of judges and attorneys who will recommend the rules to be prescribed for Federal practice and procedure. Sets the term of committee members at five years, with a maximum total of ten years. Mandates the appointment of: (1) separate committees to consider specified areas of practice and procedure; and (2) a standing committee on rules of practice and procedure whose function is to review all committee recommendations for consistency with one another. Provides for public notice of committee meetings for the transaction of business. Specifies exceptions. Requires that recommendations or prescriptions for rules of practice and procedure be accompanied by: (1) a proposed rule; (2) an explanatory note on the rule; and (3) a written explanation of the recommending body's action, including minority or separate views. Requires the Conference to transmit proposed rules of civil practice and procedure to the Congress by March 15th of the year in which such rules are to become effective. Sets December 15th of such year as the effective date for such rules. Amends the Judicial Code to provide for a periodic compilation by the Judicial Conference of procedural rules prescribed by specified courts in order to provide a current record of such rules. Requires the Conference to periodically review such rules for consistency with the Conference's rules of practice and procedure. Amends the Criminal Code to rescind the power of the Supreme Court to prescribe rules of criminal practice and procedure for: (1) trials held by magistrates; and (2) taking and hearing appeals to district court judges from magistrate-held trials. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands an… | 2025-08-29T17:39:00Z | |
| 98-hr-4145 | 98 | hr | 4145 | State Justice Institute Act of 1983 | Law | 1983-10-18 | 1984-05-22 | Failed to Receive 2/3's Vote to Suspend and Pass by Yea-Nay Vote: 243 - 176 (Record Vote No: 158). | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 42 | (Measure failed of passage in House under suspension of the rules, roll call #158 (243-176)) State Justice Institute Act of 1984 - Establishes the State Justice Institute as a tax-exempt private nonprofit corporation to further the development of improved judicial administration in State courts in the United States. Permits the Institute to be incorporated in any State or the District of Columbia. Directs the Institute to: (1) direct a national assistance program to assure persons ready access to a fair and effective system of justice; (2) foster coordination and cooperation with the Federal judiciary; (3) promote recognition of the importance of the separation of powers doctrine to an independent judiciary; and (4) encourage education for State court judges and support personnel. Authorizes the Institute to award grants and enter into cooperative agreements or contracts to: (1) conduct research, demonstrations, or special projects relating to the purposes of this Act; (2) serve as a clearinghouse of information regarding State judicial systems; (3) participate in joint projects with other agencies, including the Federal Judicial Center; (4) evaluate the impact of programs carried out under this Act upon the quality of criminal, civil, and juvenile justice; (5) encourage judicial education; (6) serve in a consulting capacity to State and local justice systems; and (7) be responsible for the certification of national programs to improve State judicial systems. Prescribes uses and limitations on uses of grant and contract funds. Specifies restrictions on activities of the Institute. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987. | 2025-08-29T17:42:04Z | |
| 98-hr-4146 | 98 | hr | 4146 | A bill to increase the number of Superior Court judges in the District of Columbia. | Law | 1983-10-18 | 1983-11-11 | Referred to Subcommittee on Judiciary and Education. | House | Rep. McKinney, Stewart B. [R-CT-4] | CT | R | M000527 | 3 | Increases the number of Superior Court judges in the District of Columbia from 43 to 50. | 2021-06-29T21:03:21Z | |
| 98-s-1955 | 98 | s | 1955 | A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to eliminate the mandatory retirement age for Tax Court judges. | Law | 1983-10-18 | 1983-10-24 | Committee on Finance requested executive comment from OMB, Treasury Department. | Senate | Sen. Heinz, John [R-PA] | PA | R | H000456 | 1 | Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the mandatory retirement age for Tax Court judges. | 2021-06-29T22:13:45Z | |
| 98-hr-4118 | 98 | hr | 4118 | A bill to amend title 31, United States Code, to strengthen provisions relating to civil actions for false claims against the United States. | Law | 1983-10-06 | 1983-10-17 | Executive Comment Requested from Justice. | House | Rep. Ireland, Andrew P. [R-FL-10] | FL | R | I000029 | 1 | Permits a person other than a participant in a false claim against the Government to bring a civil action with respect to such false claim for the Government. Allows the person bringing such an action to proceed with it if the Government does not proceed with the action with reasonable diligence within 60 days after entering an appearance. (Under current law, the person bringing such an action may proceed if the Government does not proceed with the action within six months after entering an appearance.) Requires the court to dismiss such an action brought by such a person on discovering that the action is based upon evidence the Government had as a basis for allegations made in a prior proceeding, unless the Government proceeds with the action. Provides that the minimum amount which a person bringing such an action may receive for disclosing evidence which the Government did not have when the action was brought shall be 25 percent of the proceeds of the action or settlement of the claim by the Government. (Under current law, the amount which such a person may receive shall not exceed ten percent of such proceeds.) | 2021-06-29T21:03:11Z | |
| 98-s-1932 | 98 | s | 1932 | A bill to amend section 98 of title 28, United States Code, to permit Federal district court to be held in Houma, Louisiana. | Law | 1983-10-06 | 1983-10-17 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts. | Senate | Sen. Johnston, J. Bennett [D-LA] | LA | D | J000189 | 1 | Adds Houma as a site for Federal district court in the Eastern District of Louisiana. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 98-hr-4027 | 98 | hr | 4027 | A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to eliminate the mandatory retirement age for Tax Court judges. | Law | 1983-09-29 | 1984-06-27 | See H.R.4170. | House | Rep. Matsui, Robert T. [D-CA-3] | CA | D | M000249 | 0 | Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the mandatory retirement age for Tax Court judges. | 2024-02-07T16:32:33Z | |
| 98-hr-4033 | 98 | hr | 4033 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to provide for three additional district judges for the Southern District of Florida. | Law | 1983-09-29 | 1983-10-03 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Fascell, Dante B. [D-FL-19] | FL | D | F000041 | 0 | Amends the Federal judicial code to add three district judgeships for the Southern District of Florida. | 2021-06-29T21:02:17Z | |
| 98-hjres-374 | 98 | hjres | 374 | A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution relating to the continuance in office of judges of inferior courts. | Law | 1983-09-27 | 1983-09-29 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Sundquist, Don [R-TN-7] | TN | R | S001075 | 0 | Constitutional Amendment - Limits tenure of judges of inferior Federal courts to ten years unless a presidential nomination for a continuance in office meets with Senate approval. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 98-hr-3917 | 98 | hr | 3917 | A bill to exempt States from the statute of limitations applicable to quiet title actions against the United States. | Law | 1983-09-19 | 1984-06-22 | Executive Comment Received From Justice. | House | Rep. Berman, Howard L. [D-CA-26] | CA | D | B000410 | 15 | Amends the judicial code to exempt States from the statute of limitations applicable to quiet title actions against the United States. | 2021-06-29T21:00:46Z | |
| 98-hr-3920 | 98 | hr | 3920 | A bill to authorize the District of Columbia Council to enact any act relating to the organization, jurisdiction, and rules of the landlord-tenant branch and the small claims and conciliation branch of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. | Law | 1983-09-19 | 1983-09-20 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Del. Fauntroy, Walter E. [D-DC-At Large] | DC | D | F000046 | 0 | Authorizes the District of Columbia Council to enact any Act relating to the organization, jurisdiction, and rules of the landlord-tenant branch and the small claims and councilation branch of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. | 2021-06-29T21:00:47Z | |
| 98-sjres-165 | 98 | sjres | 165 | A joint resolution to commemorate the bicentennial anniversary of the constitutional foundation for patent and copyright laws. | Law | 1983-09-19 | 1984-05-17 | Referred to House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service. | Senate | Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD] | MD | R | M000241 | 28 | Calls for special recognition during 1987, the bicentennial year of the United States Constitution, of the constitutional foundation for patent and copyright laws. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 98-hr-3888 | 98 | hr | 3888 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to provide for three additional district judges for the Southern District of Florida. | Law | 1983-09-14 | 1983-09-19 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Mica, Daniel Andrew [D-FL-14] | FL | D | M000688 | 6 | Amends the Federal judicial code to add three district judgeships for the Southern District of Florida. | 2021-06-29T21:00:12Z | |
| 98-s-1838 | 98 | s | 1838 | Legal Services Corporation Amendments of 1983 | Law | 1983-09-14 | 1983-09-21 | Committee on Labor and Human Resources. Committee consideration and Mark Up Session held. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 5 | Legal Services Corporation Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act of 1974 to add as a criterion for membership to the Board of Directors (the Board) that prospective members: (1) be knowledgeable of the legal needs of the poor; and (2) support the principle that it is in the national interest that eligible clients have equal access under the law to effective legal services under this Act. Requires that at least two Board members shall be eligible clients at the time of their nomination. Restricts to 60 days the time in wich an outgoing Board member must remain in office: (1) while Congress is in session and a successor is sought; or (2) after the indefinite adjournment of the Senate session in which the successor's nomination was submitted. Computes the term of each member from the termination date of the preceding term. Directs the Board biannually to elect a chairperson from its membership. Provides that in the case of disruptive conduct by the public at a Board meeting, a majority of the members may vote to close the meeting. Prohibits the employment of Corporation personnel by any grantee or contractee for a maximum of two years after the end of such person's employment with the Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to provide financial assistance and enter into grants and contracts with: (1) qualified nonprofit organizations chartered under State or local laws; (2) private attorneys; (3) bar associations; and (4) educational institutions with a demonstrated capability of implementing programs which involve the private bar in furnishing legal assistance to eligible clients. Applies criminal sanctions under certain Federal law to Corporation personnel who lobby with appropriated moneys. Prohibits class action suits against any government entity unless: (1) the recipient's project director has expressly given approval; (2) the class relief is for the primary benefit of eligible clients; and (3) the project director has concluded that the government practice or policy will continu… | 2025-08-29T17:38:42Z | |
| 98-hr-3824 | 98 | hr | 3824 | Technical Amendments to the Federal Court Improvements Act | Law | 1983-08-04 | 1983-10-26 | Clean Bill H.R.4222 Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in Lieu. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | Technical Amendments to the Federal Court Improvements Act - Makes technical amendments to Federal law to: (1) require appellants to file in the Patent and Trademark Office a written notice of appeal directed to the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks; (2) authorize the Commissioner to appear by his representative at an ex parte case in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; and (3) repeal the requirement that such appellate court confine its decision to the points set forth in the reasons of appeal. Permits persons who were serving as marshals for the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia when the Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1982 was enacted to continue serving in that capacity. | 2025-08-29T17:39:01Z | |
| 98-s-1766 | 98 | s | 1766 | A bill to amend Section 706 to Title 5, United States Code, to strengthen the judicial review provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act by giving courts more authority to overturn unfair agency action. | Law | 1983-08-04 | 1983-08-15 | Committee on Judiciary. Referred jointly to the Subcommittee on Administrative Practice and Procedure. | Senate | Sen. Bumpers, Dale [D-AR] | AR | D | B001057 | 8 | Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to direct a court reviewing an agency action to: (1) set aside an agency rule the asserted or necessary factual basis of which is found to be without substantial support in the rulemaking file; (2) determine whether the action is within the scope of agency jurisdiction or authority on the basis of the language of the authorizing statute or, in the event of ambiguity, other ascertainable legislative intent; and (3) not accord any presumption in favor of or against agency action in determining any other questions of law. | 2026-01-07T14:45:52Z | |
| 98-hr-3689 | 98 | hr | 3689 | Diversity Jurisdiction Reform Act of 1983 | Law | 1983-07-28 | 1983-08-01 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | Diversity Jurisdiction Reform Act of 1983 - Amends the judicial code to eliminate diversity of State citizenship as a basis for Federal district court jurisdiction. Increases the amount in controversy required as a basis for Federal district court jurisdiction from $10,000 to $50,000. Revises venue requirements to permit the bringing of a civil action in the judicial district in which either: (1) a substantial part of the events occurred which prompted the action; or (2) a substantial part of the property involved is located. Directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to report to the Congress on the effects of this Act. | 2025-08-29T17:39:49Z | |
| 98-hr-3690 | 98 | hr | 3690 | Diversity Jurisdiction Reform and Multiparty Injury Jurisdiction Act of 1983 | Law | 1983-07-28 | 1983-08-01 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | Diversity Jurisdiction Reform and Multiparty Injury Jurisdiction Act of 1983 - Amends the judicial code to eliminate diversity of State citizenship as a basis for Federal district court jurisdiction. Increases the amount in controversy required as a basis for Federal district court jurisdiction from $10,000 to $25,000. Revises venue requirements to permit the bringing of a civil action in the judicial district in which either: (1) a substantial part of the events occurred which prompted the action; or (2) a substantial part of the property involved is located. Confers upon the district courts original jurisdiction over civil actions involving personal injury to or injury to the property of 25 or more people in sums exceeding $10,000 per person, where the adverse parties are citizens of different States. Outlines criteria for: (1) intervention as a plaintiff; and (2) removal of actions from State to district court. Provides for venue, service of process, and transfer of actions pending in several judicial districts. | 2025-08-29T17:38:12Z | |
| 98-hr-3691 | 98 | hr | 3691 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to increase the amount in controversy in diversity cases to $100,000, and to require certain diversity cases to be brought in State court. | Law | 1983-07-28 | 1983-08-01 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | Amends the judicial code to increase from $10,000 to $100,000 the amount in controversy required for Federal diversity jurisdiction. Requires the district court in a diversity case to order the plaintiff to bring the action in a State court of proper jurisdiction in the State where the district court is located. Requires dismissal of the case if the plaintiff fails to do so. Allows the district court, in the interests of justice, to continue the original action, upon the motion of any party, if the State court does not dispose of the action within two years. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 98-hr-3692 | 98 | hr | 3692 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to increase the amount in controversy in diversity cases to $100,000, and to require diversity cases to be first submitted to arbitration. | Law | 1983-07-28 | 1983-08-01 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | Allows an action to be brought in district court under Federal diversity jurisdiction only if the claim has been submitted to arbitration (under rules issued by the Judicial Conference of the United States) and either: (1) the claim has been disposed of through such arbitration; or (2) it has not been so disposed of within a year after submission, through no fault of the plaintiff. Amends the judicial code to increase the amount in controversy required for Federal diversity jurisdiction from $10,000 to $100,000. Suspends the statute of limitations on bringing court action for a specified period while the claim is in arbitration proceedings. Requires the district courts to hear anew actions previously submitted to arbitration. Requires parties who have received a substantially less favorable result from a court judgment than from arbitration to pay all costs and reasonable fees to the opposing party. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 98-hr-3693 | 98 | hr | 3693 | Temporary Diversity Jurisdiction Reform Act of 1983 | Law | 1983-07-28 | 1983-08-01 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | Temporary Diversity Jurisdiction Reform Act of 1983 - Amends the judicial code to restrict Federal district court diversity of State citizenship jurisdiction to those cases where none of the plaintiffs is a citizen of the State in which the action is brought. Increases the amount in controversy required as a basis for Federal district court jurisdiction from $10,000 to $50,000. Revises venue requirements to permit the bringing of a civil action in the judicial district in which either: (1) a substantial part of the events occurred which prompted the action; or (2) a substantial part of the property involved is located. Prohibits removal by a defendant of specified civil actions from State court into Federal district court if the plaintiffs could not have brought such action in the district court. Directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to report to the Congress on the effects of this Act. | 2025-08-29T17:39:36Z | |
| 98-hr-3655 | 98 | hr | 3655 | An act to raise the retirement age for judges of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia and judges of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. | Law | 1983-07-26 | 1984-03-19 | Became Public Law No: 98-235. | House | Del. Fauntroy, Walter E. [D-DC-At Large] | DC | D | F000046 | 0 | (House agreed to Senate amendment with amendment) Raises from 70 to 74 the retirement age for Superior Court judges in the District of Columbia and judges of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. Increases the number of associate Judges of the Superior Court from 43 to 50. Directs the District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission to submit lists for initial nominations and appointments to judicial positions created under this Act within 90 days after the date of enactment. | 2025-01-14T19:03:55Z | |
| 98-hr-3670 | 98 | hr | 3670 | 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 | 1983-07-26 | 1983-08-01 | Referred to Subcommittee on Military Personnel and Compensation. | House | Rep. Schroeder, Patricia [D-CO-1] | CO | D | S000142 | 0 | Directs the Judge Advocates General to establish and supervise legal assistance programs for members and dependents of the armed forces for their personal affairs. | 2025-06-06T14:17:56Z | |
| 98-s-1668 | 98 | s | 1668 | A bill to amend chapter 37 of title 31, United States Code, to authorize contracts retaining private counsel to furnish collection services in the case of indebtedness owed the United States. | Law | 1983-07-21 | 1984-07-31 | Referred to Subcommittee on Administrative Law and Governmental Relations. | Senate | Sen. D'Amato, Alfonse [R-NY] | NY | R | D000018 | 20 | (Measure passed Senate, amended, roll call #194 (96-1)) Authorizes the Attorney General to make contracts retaining private counsel to furnish legal services in the case of any claim of indebtedness owed the United States. Requires the Attorney General, in making such a contract in any judicial district, to use his best efforts to retain more than one private counsel from among attorneys regularly engaged in private practice in such district. Prohibits the fee payable for such legal services from exceeding the fee that counsel engaged in the private practice of law in the area typically charge in the collection of claims of indebtedness. Permits the head of an executive or legislative agency to refer to a private counsel so retained any claims of indebtedness owed the United States arising out of such agency's activities. Declares that for the purposes of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, a private counsel performing collection services under this Act shall be considered a debt collector. Requires the Attorney General to transmit to Congress an annual report on the activities of the Department of Justice to recover such indebtedness. Requires the Comptroller General to carry out an annual audit of the actions taken by the Attorney General pursuant to this Act during the preceding 12 months. Requires the Comptroller General to determine the extent to which there is competition among private counsel to obtain contracts pursuant to this Act, the reasonableness of the fees provided in such contracts, and the results of the debt collection efforts. Requires a report to Congress on the findings and conclusions resulting from such audit. Requires the Attorney General to transmit to Congress a report on the actions taken under this Act within 60 days after the date of enactment. | 2025-01-14T19:03:55Z | |
| 98-hr-3604 | 98 | hr | 3604 | A bill to amend section 98 of title 28, United States Code, to permit Federal district court to be held in Houma, Louisiana. | Law | 1983-07-19 | 1984-08-09 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Tauzin, W. J. (Billy) [D-LA-3] | LA | D | T000058 | 5 | Adds Houma as a site for Federal district court in the Eastern District of Louisiana. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 98-hr-3533 | 98 | hr | 3533 | A bill to confer jurisdiction on the United States Claims Court with respect to certain claims of the Navajo Indian Tribe. | Law | 1983-07-12 | 1984-09-28 | Executive Comment Received From Justice. | House | Rep. Richardson, Bill [D-NM-3] | NM | D | R000229 | 0 | Confers jurisdiction upon the U.S. Court of Claims to hear and judge specified claims of the Navajo Indian Tribe against the United States. Requires such claims to be filed within six months after enactment of this Act. | 2021-06-29T20:57:28Z | |
| 98-hr-3507 | 98 | hr | 3507 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to require civil actions to be expedited, upon motion of a party who is 65 years of age or older. | Law | 1983-07-11 | 1983-07-15 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Dymally, Mervyn M. [D-CA-31] | CA | D | D000592 | 0 | Requires any Federal court to: (1) expedite hearings on any civil matter if a party who is 65 years or older so requests; and (2) render a decision within one year after the date the action is brought. Specifies exceptions. Requires appeals or petitions for review to be expedited in the same manner. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 98-hr-3497 | 98 | hr | 3497 | A bill to defer proposed amendment to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. | Law | 1983-06-30 | 1983-07-29 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | House | Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10] | NJ | D | R000374 | 0 | (Measure passed House, amended) Declares that the amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure which were transmitted by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to the Congress on April 28, 1983, will not take effect until December 1, 1983. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 98-hr-3441 | 98 | hr | 3441 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to require civil actions to be expedited, upon motion of a party who is 65 years of age or older. | Law | 1983-06-28 | 1983-07-06 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Dymally, Mervyn M. [D-CA-31] | CA | D | D000592 | 9 | Requires any Federal court to: (1) expedite hearings on any civil matter if a party who is 65 years or older so requests; and (2) render a decision within one year after the date the action is brought. Specifies exceptions. Requires appeals or petitions for review to be expedited in the same manner. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 98-hr-3401 | 98 | hr | 3401 | An act to designate the United States Post Office and Courthouse located at 245 East Capital Street in Jackson, Mississippi as the "James O. Eastland United States Courthouse". | Law | 1983-06-23 | 1984-10-19 | Became Public Law No: 98-521. | House | Rep. Dowdy, Wayne [D-MS-4] | MS | D | D000466 | 0 | (Measure passed House, amended) Designates the U.S. Post Office and Courthouse in Jackson, Mississippi, as the James O. Eastland United States Courthouse. | 2025-01-14T17:12:38Z | |
| 98-hr-3403 | 98 | hr | 3403 | State Justice Institute Act of 1983 | Law | 1983-06-23 | 1983-09-15 | Clean Bill H.R.4145 Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in Lieu. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 41 | State Justice Institute Act of 1982 - Establishes the State Justice Institute as a tax-exempt private nonprofit corporation to further the development of improved judicial administration in State courts in the United States. Permits the Institute to be incorporated in any State or the District of Columbia. Directs the Institute to: (1) direct a national assistance program to assure persons ready access to a fair and effective system of justice; (2) foster coordination and cooperation with the Federal judiciary; (3) make recommendations concerning the proper allocation of responsibility between the State and Federal court systems; (4) promote recognition of the importance of the separation of powers doctrine to an independent judiciary; and (5) encourage education for State court judges and support personnel. Authorizes the Institute to award grants and enter into cooperative agreements or contracts to: (1) conduct research, demonstrations, or special projects relating to the purposes of this Act; (2) serve as a clearinghouse of information regarding State judicial systems; (3) participate in joint projects with other agencies, including the Federal Judicial Center; (4) evaluate the impact of programs carried out under this Act upon the quality of criminal, civil, and juvenile justice; (5) encourage judicial education; (6) serve in a consulting capacity to State and local justice systems; and (7) be responsible for the certification of national programs to improve State judicial systems. Prescribes uses and limitations on uses of grant and contract funds. Specifies restrictions on activities of the Institute. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986. | 2025-08-29T17:40:01Z | |
| 98-hr-3373 | 98 | hr | 3373 | Federal Constitution Convention Amendment Act | Law | 1983-06-21 | 1983-06-23 | Referred to Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights. | House | Rep. Hyde, Henry J. [R-IL-6] | IL | R | H001022 | 24 | Federal Constitution Convention Amendment Act - Sets forth procedures for holding constitutional conventions for proposing amendments to the Constitution. Requires that both Houses of Congress agree to a concurrent resolution calling for a convention whenever it determines that at least two-thirds of the States have submitted valid applications for the calling of a constitutional convention upon the same subject. Entitles each State to the same number of delegates at such convention as it has Senators and Representatives in Congress, with one delegate elected from each congressional district and two at large. Authorizes the convention to propose constitutional amendments by a two-thirds vote of the total number of delegates. Provides that an amendment shall become valid when ratified by three-fourths of the States. Permits a State to rescind its ratification. | 2025-08-29T17:38:56Z | |
| 98-hr-3256 | 98 | hr | 3256 | Federal Courts Civil Priorities Act | Law | 1983-06-08 | 1984-05-10 | Clean Bill H.R.5645 Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in Lieu. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | Federal Courts Civil Priorities Act - Requires each Federal court to formulate its own rules of priority regarding the order in which civil actions shall be heard. Specifies exceptions. Authorizes the Judicial Conference of the United States to modify such rules to establish consistency. Makes technical and conforming amendments. | 2025-08-29T17:38:03Z |
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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);