legislation
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227 rows where congress = 99 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99-hr-5734 | 99 | hr | 5734 | A bill to make surviving spouses of judicial officials who died before October 1, 1986, eligible for increased annuities which are effective as of that date. | Law | 1986-10-17 | 1986-10-17 | Referred to House Committee on The Judiciary. | House | Rep. Jeffords, James M. [R-VT-At Large] | VT | R | J000072 | 0 | Amends the Judicial Improvements Act of 1985 to make surviving spouses of judicial officials who died before October 1, 1986, eligible for increased annuities which are effective as of that date, notwithstanding contributions or deposits made in accordance with applicable law at lower rates. | 2021-06-30T19:50:04Z | |
| 99-s-2934 | 99 | s | 2934 | Commission on a Constitutional Amendment Regarding Impeachment Act | Law | 1986-10-16 | 1986-10-16 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Dole, Robert J. [R-KS] | KS | R | D000401 | 2 | Commission on a Constitutional Amendment Regarding Impeachment Act - Establishes a Commission to Study Impeachment of Judges to investigate the constitutional problems and issues involved in the impeachment of Article III judges and evaluate the possibility of a constitutional amendment regarding such impeachments. Establishes an advisory committee to perform duties for the Commission. Directs the Commission to prepare a final report on its investigation and transmit such report to the President and the Congress. Terminates the Commission 30 days after such report is transmitted. | 2025-08-29T16:31:59Z | |
| 99-hr-5674 | 99 | hr | 5674 | Judicial Housekeeping Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-10-08 | 1986-11-14 | Became Public Law No: 99-657. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | Judicial Housekeeping Act of 1986 - Amends the judicial code to establish the Beaufort Division in the District of South Carolina, comprising the counties of Beaufort and Jasper. States that court for the Beaufort Division shall be held at Beaufort. Moves Jefferson County from the Statesboro Division of the Southern District of Georgia to the Augusta Division of the Southern District. Moves Evans, Screven, and Tattnall Counties from the Savannah Division of the Southern District of Georgia to the Statesboro Division of the Southern District. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 99-s-2907 | 99 | s | 2907 | A bill to amend chapter 96 of title 18, United States Code. | Law | 1986-10-03 | 1986-10-03 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Metzenbaum, Howard M. [D-OH] | OH | D | M000678 | 0 | Amends the Federal criminal code to change the name of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute to Pattern of Illicit Activity. Revises the civil action requirements for persons aggrieved by RICO violations. Reserves the award of treble damages to plaintiffs who prevail against defendants convicted of criminal violations of such statute. Provides for treble damages where the prevailing plaintiff is a government. Authorizes governments to bring RICO civil actions and, upon prevailing, to be awarded the cost of the suit and a reasonable attorney's fee in addition to treble damages. Limits to actual damages the award to a prevailing plaintiff injured in his business or property by conduct which violates RICO, if the defendant has not been convicted of a criminal violation. Permits the award of punitive damages in an amount double actual damages if: (1) the plaintiff is a natural person; (2) neither Federal nor State securities laws make available an express or implied remedy for the type of illicit activity in which the person bases his claims; (3) the injury occurred in the purchase or lease of a product, property, service, credit, or investment for personal or household use; and (4) the defendant's conduct was in wanton disregard of plaintiff's rights. Specifies considerations the amount of punitive damages shall take into account. Declares that a pattern of illicit activity requires at least two acts of illicit activity: (1) one of which occurred not more than five years after the prior act; (2) each of which is not so closely related in time and place to the other that together the acts constitute a single transaction; and (3), in the case of racketeering activity or collection of unlawful debt, each of which is related to the affairs of the enterprise. Sets a statute of limitations for such an action of the later of: (1) three years from the accrual of the cause of action (that is, from the commission of the second predicate act), or from the termination of the conduct causing inju… | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 99-hr-5590 | 99 | hr | 5590 | Alternative Dispute Resolution Promotion Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-09-24 | 1986-10-08 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Hughes, William J. [D-NJ-2] | NJ | D | H000930 | 0 | Alternative Dispute Resolution Promotion Act of 1986 - Requires that each attorney representing a party in a civil action advise that party of the existence and availability of alternative dispute resolution options. Requires such attorneys to file notice with the court certifying that their clients were so advised and indicating whether the parties will agree to any such option. Allows the court to impose sanctions upon an offeree who unreasonably rejects an offer of alternative dispute resolution. States that neither the acceptance nor rejection by any party of an offer to engage in an alternative dispute resolution proceeding shall be admissible as evidence in any further proceedings. | 2025-08-29T16:33:25Z | |
| 99-hres-555 | 99 | hres | 555 | A resolution to refer the bill (H.R. 5551) entitled, "A bill for the relief of certain manufacturers or suppliers that provided asbestos materials and products to the United States" to the Chief Judge of the United States Claims Court for a report thereon. | Law | 1986-09-19 | 1986-09-24 | Referred to Subcommittee on Administrative Law and Governmental Relations. | House | Rep. Frank, Barney [D-MA-4] | MA | D | F000339 | 0 | Refers H.R. 5551, a bill for the relief of certain manufacturers and suppliers that provided asbestos materials and products to the United States, to the chief judge of the United States Claims Court for a report informing the Congress as to the nature of the claim described in H.R. 5551 and the amount, if any, due from the United States to the parties described in such bill. | 2021-06-30T18:55:01Z | |
| 99-hr-5551 | 99 | hr | 5551 | A bill for the relief of certain manufacturers or suppliers that provided asbestos materials and products to the United States. | Law | 1986-09-18 | 1986-09-23 | Referred to Subcommittee on Administrative Law and Governmental Relations. | House | Rep. Frank, Barney [D-MA-4] | MA | D | F000339 | 0 | Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay an amount, to be determined by the United States Claims Court, to each qualified asbestos manufacturer or supplier in settlement of claims against the United States for litigation payments and costs of such manufacturer or supplier arising out of certain claims brought against it by individuals claiming injury or loss resulting from exposure to asbestos or asbestos-containing materials which such manufacturer or supplier provided to the United States or its contractors. | 2021-06-30T19:49:11Z | |
| 99-hr-5525 | 99 | hr | 5525 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to create two divisions in the Judicial District of Maryland. | Law | 1986-09-16 | 1986-09-26 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Hoyer, Steny H. [D-MD-5] | MD | D | H000874 | 3 | Amends the Federal judicial code to create two divisions in the judicial District of Maryland. Lists the counties which comprise the Northern Division. States that court for the Northern Division shall be held at Baltimore, Cumberland, and Denton. Lists the counties which comprise the Southern division. States that court for the Southern Division shall be held in Montgomery County or Prince George's County. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 99-hr-5502 | 99 | hr | 5502 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to designate Lawrence, Kansas, as a place of holding court for the District of Kansas. | Law | 1986-09-11 | 1986-09-15 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Glickman, Dan [D-KS-4] | KS | D | G000240 | 1 | Provides that the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas shall be held in Lawrence, Kansas, in addition to those places currently provided by law. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 99-hr-5506 | 99 | hr | 5506 | A bill to amend the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to provide that the value of claims be based on the fair market value of the property taken. | Law | 1986-09-11 | 1986-10-08 | Became Public Law No: 99-451. | House | Rep. Bonker, Don [D-WA-3] | WA | D | B000620 | 2 | Amends the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to require the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States, in determining the value of a claim under international law, to award the fair market value of the property seized by a foreign government. Sets forth the method of determining fair market value. | 2024-02-07T11:38:03Z | |
| 99-hr-5445 | 99 | hr | 5445 | A bill to amend chapter 96 of title 18, United States Code. | Law | 1986-08-15 | 1986-10-09 | Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | House | Rep. Boucher, Rick [D-VA-9] | VA | D | B000657 | 4 | (Measure passed House, amended) Amends the Federal criminal code to change the name of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute to Pattern of Illicit Activity. Revises the civil action requirements for persons aggrieved by RICO violations. Permits governments as well as persons to bring such an action. Provides for the recovery of treble damages: (1) where a government entity has been injured as a result of such violations; or (2) in the case of any person, if a criminal conviction of the defendant is obtained. Allows a person aggrieved by a RICO violation to recover punitive damages under certain circumstances. Requires the court to award a prevailing plaintiff a reasonable attorney's fee. Sets a statute of limitations for such actions of: (1) three years after the cause of action accrues; (2) three years after the conduct causing injury terminates; or (3) two years after the date of the criminal conviction (required for a treble damage cause of action). | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 99-hr-5454 | 99 | hr | 5454 | A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to provide for retired magistrates to be recalled to service and to provide a retirement system for United States magistrates equal to the retirement system for bankruptcy. | Law | 1986-08-15 | 1986-08-19 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Fish, Hamilton, Jr. [R-NY-21] | NY | R | F000141 | 2 | Amends the Federal judicial code to permit retired United States magistrates to be recalled by the judicial conference to serve in any judicial district. Provides a retirement system for United States magistrates. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 99-hr-5461 | 99 | hr | 5461 | Fixed-Term Judicial Officers' Retirement and Recall Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-08-15 | 1986-08-22 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 3 | Fixed-Term Judicial Officers' Retirement and Recall Act of 1986 - Amends the judicial code to provide a retirement system for fixed-term judicial officers. Provides that annuities shall become payable when the judicial officer attains the age of 65. Sets forth the method (based on years of service) for determining the amount of such annuity. Provides that judicial officers who retire or are removed upon the sole ground of mental or physical disability shall be entitled to reduced annuities. Allows retired fixed-term judicial officers to be recalled for five years upon certification (by the judicial council of such officer's circuit or the chief judge of the U.S. Claims Court) that substantial service is expected. Provides that judicial officers who retire prior to the enactment of this Act shall be covered by existing retirement provisions. Provides that judicial officers in active service on the effective date of this Act may elect to retire under such prior provisions. Increases the term of office: (1) from 14 to 15 years for bankruptcy judges; and (2) from eight to 15 years for Federal magistrates. Allows the reappointment of Federal magistrates who have attained the age of 70 by a majority (rather than by a unanimous) vote of the appointed courts. | 2025-08-29T16:30:18Z | |
| 99-hr-5467 | 99 | hr | 5467 | Federal Courts Study Act | Law | 1986-08-15 | 1986-08-15 | Referred to House Committee on The Judiciary. | House | Rep. Moorhead, Carlos J. [R-CA-22] | CA | R | M000926 | 0 | Federal Courts Study Act - Establishes the Federal Courts Study Commission on the Future of the Federal Judiciary. Describes the purposes, membership, and powers of the Commission. Directs the Commission to: (1) conduct a study of the jurisdiction of United States courts; (2) recommend revisions to the Constitution and laws of the United States; (3) collect and review studies on the effectiveness of the courts; and (4) develop a long-range plan for the judicial system. Requires a report to the Congress and the President on such study within two years. Requires a final report not later than ten years after enactment of this Act. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of its final report. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-29T16:33:29Z | |
| 99-s-2763 | 99 | s | 2763 | A bill to amend the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to provide that the value of claims be based on the fair market value of the property taken. | Law | 1986-08-14 | 1986-08-14 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. | Senate | Sen. Murkowski, Frank H. [R-AK] | AK | R | M001085 | 2 | Amends the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to require the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States, in determining the value of a claim under international law, to award the fair market value of the property seized by a foreign government. Sets forth the method of determining fair market value. | 2025-01-14T19:00:46Z | |
| 99-hr-5420 | 99 | hr | 5420 | A bill to amend section 3726 of title 31, United States Code, relating to payment for transportation, to permit prepayment audits for selected transportation bills, to permanently authorize payment of transportation audit contractors from carrier overpayments collected, and to authorize net overpayments collected to be transferred to the Treasury. | Law | 1986-08-13 | 1986-11-07 | Became Public Law No: 99-627. | House | Rep. Collins, Cardiss [D-IL-7] | IL | D | C000634 | 2 | (Measure passed House, amended) Directs the Administrator of General Services to prescribe regulations under which carriers or freight forwarders may be paid for claims against the Government for transportation services before the Administrator conducts an audit. (Current provisions require such payment before an audit.) Requires that expenses of transportation audit contracts be financed from overpayments collected from carriers on transportation bills paid by the Government and other similar type refunds at not to exceed 40 percent of annual collections. Prohibits payment to any contractor from exceeding 50 percent of the overpayments identified by any contract audit. Requires the transfer of the balance of overpayments collected to miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury. Requires the Administrator to include transactions under this Act in budget estimates to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and to the Congress. Directs the Administrator, within 60 days of enactment of this Act, to establish a task force to study and investigate the feasibility, desirability, and economy of an integrated automated system that Federal agencies may use in managing the transportation of property for the United States. Requires a final report to the Congress on the results of such study not later than July 1, 1988. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to remove the certification requirement of the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of Commerce that the importation of foreign surplus property would relieve domestic shortages or otherwise benefit the economy of this country. | 2025-02-04T16:54:13Z | |
| 99-hr-5391 | 99 | hr | 5391 | A bill to amend chapter 96 of title 18, United States Code. | Law | 1986-08-12 | 1986-08-15 | Clean Bill H.R.5445 Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in Lieu. | House | Rep. Conyers, John, Jr. [D-MI-1] | MI | D | C000714 | 0 | Amends the Federal criminal code to change the name of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute to Pattern of Illicit Activity. Revises the civil action requirements for persons aggrieved by RICO violations. Permits governments as well as persons to bring such an action. Allows an action to be brought against an individual or against a person other than an individual (an organization) if the violation is authorized, ratified, performed, or recklessly tolerated by the board of directors, a high management agent, or similar individual or agent. Eliminates automatic treble damages for a prevailing plaintiff (unless the prevailing party is a government). Allows actual damages and, if the court finds actual malice on the defendant's part, punitive damages in an amount up to twice the actual damages. Permits the court, upon the prevailing plaintiff's motion, to award simple interest on the actual damages accruing from the date of service of process upon the defendant. Requires the court to award a prevailing plaintiff a reasonable attorney's fee. Declares that in such a civil action the plaintiff must establish that the acts of illicit activity constituting the pattern of illicit activity: (1) are not isolated acts; (2) are not so closely related to each other and connected in time and place that they constitute a single transaction; and (3) all occurred within five years of the most recent act of illicit activity that is part of the pattern. Sets a statute of limitation for such an action of four years after the conduct out of which the action arose. Grants the U.S. district courts exclusive original jurisdiction. | 2021-06-30T19:45:45Z | |
| 99-s-2742 | 99 | s | 2742 | Liability Insurance Reform Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-08-12 | 1986-08-12 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce. | Senate | Sen. Pell, Claiborne [D-RI] | RI | D | P000193 | 0 | Liability Insurance Reform Act of 1986 - Title I: Tort Reform - States that this title shall apply to any civil actions alleging negligence, strict or product liability, intentionally tortious conduct, or professional malpractice. Preempts and supersedes inconsistent State law. Requires that future damage awards exceeding $500,000 be made by periodic payments. (Allows 50 percent of such award to be made at one time.) Limits damage awards for noneconomic losses to $250,000. Establishes a contingency fee schedule for plaintiffs' attorneys. Title II: Insurance Industry Reform - Prohibits the cancellation of a liability insurance policy until the end of the policy period. Requires insurance companies to: (1) provide 90 days' written notice of nonrenewal of insurance coverage; (2) demonstrate in writing the material change in the level of risk which caused such nonrenewal; and (3) provide 90 days' written notice if the insurance company intends to increase annual premiums by more than ten percent. Title III: Council on Liability Insurance Premiums - Establishes a National Citizens' Council to study liability insurance problems. Requires the Council to report to the President and the Congress. Terminates the Council 60 days after the submission of such report. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-29T16:33:11Z | |
| 99-hr-5362 | 99 | hr | 5362 | A bill to extend the authority of the Supreme Court Police to provide protective services for Justices and Court personnel. | Law | 1986-08-08 | 1986-10-16 | Became Public Law No: 99-492. | House | Rep. Glickman, Dan [D-KS-4] | KS | D | G000240 | 2 | (Measure passed Senate, amended) Extends through December 29, 1990, the authority of the Supreme Court Police and the Marshal of the Supreme Court to protect the Chief Justice, Justices, official guests, officers, and employees of the Supreme Court. Extends through February 28, 1987, the duration of the Office of Classified National Security Information in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate. | 2023-01-19T20:05:11Z | |
| 99-hr-5365 | 99 | hr | 5365 | A bill to amend the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to provide that the value of claims be based on the fair market value of the property taken. | Law | 1986-08-08 | 1986-09-11 | Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended). | House | Rep. Bonker, Don [D-WA-3] | WA | D | B000620 | 2 | Amends the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to require the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States, in determining the value of a claim under international law, to award the fair market value of the property seized by a foreign government. Sets forth the method of determining fair market value. | 2024-02-07T11:38:03Z | |
| 99-s-2732 | 99 | s | 2732 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code. | Law | 1986-08-08 | 1986-09-08 | Committee on Judiciary requested executive comment from Administrative Office of United States Courts, Justice Department. | Senate | Sen. Nunn, Sam [D-GA] | GA | D | N000171 | 1 | Amends the judicial code to provide that a court order requiring the attendance of the U.S. Marshal at any of the court's sessions may not be reviewed on appeal except for abuse of discretion. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 99-hconres-377 | 99 | hconres | 377 | A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the judicial branch of the Government should increase the exercise of its authority to assign judges temporarily to district courts in districts with large backlogs of pending criminal cases arising out of drug enforcement efforts. | Law | 1986-08-07 | 1986-08-07 | Referred to House Committee on The Judiciary. | House | Rep. Lundine, Stanley N. [D-NY-34] | NY | D | L000516 | 0 | Expresses the sense of the Congress that the judicial branch of the Government should exercise its authority to reassign Federal judges temporarily and otherwise provide additional Federal judges to district courts with backlogs of pending criminal cases arising out of drug enforcement efforts. | 2021-06-30T18:52:38Z | |
| 99-hr-5357 | 99 | hr | 5357 | Emergency Drug Control Judicial Resources Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-08-07 | 1986-08-11 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Lundine, Stanley N. [D-NY-34] | NY | D | L000516 | 0 | Emergency Drug Control Judicial Resources Act of 1986 - Directs the President to appoint, by and with the consent of the Senate, two additional district judges for each of the following judicial districts: (1) Southern and Western Districts of Texas; (2) Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; (3) Central, Northern, and Southern Districts of California; (4) Southern District of Florida; (5) Arizona; and (6) Northern District of Illinois. Declares that it is the intent of Congress that such district judges should be used to reduce the backlog of criminal prosecutions for offenses under the Controlled Substances Act and other drug control laws awaiting trial in the districts for which they are appointed. | 2025-08-29T16:31:53Z | |
| 99-hr-5340 | 99 | hr | 5340 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to designate Hopkinsville as a place of holding court for the Western District of Kentucky. | Law | 1986-08-05 | 1986-08-07 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Hubbard, Carroll, Jr. [D-KY-1] | KY | D | H000878 | 0 | Provides that the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky shall be held in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, in addition to those places currently provided by law. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 99-hr-5290 | 99 | hr | 5290 | A bill to amend chapter 96 of title 18, United States Code. | Law | 1986-07-30 | 1986-08-15 | See H.R.5445. | House | Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10] | NJ | D | R000374 | 0 | Amends the Federal criminal code to change the name of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute to Pattern of Illicit Activity. Revises the civil action requirements for persons aggrieved by RICO violations. Permits governments as well as persons to bring such an action. Allows an action to be brought against an individual or against a person other than an individual (an organization) if the violation is: (1) authorized by an individual with the policy-making authority to determine the manner in which the essential functions of such organization are conducted; and (2) intended materially to benefit such organization. Eliminates automatic treble damages for a prevailing plaintiff. Allows actual damages and, if the court finds actual malice on the defendant's part, punitive damages in an amount up to twice the actual damages. Permits the court, upon the prevailing plaintiff's motion, to award simple interest on the actual damages accruing from the date of service of process upon the defendant. Requires the court to award a prevailing plaintiff a reasonable attorney's fee. Declares that in such a civil action the plaintiff must establish that the acts of illicit activity constituting the pattern of illicit activity: (1) are related to the affairs of the organization; (2) are not isolated acts; (3) are not so closely related to each other and connected in time and place that they consitute a single transaction; and (4) all occurred within five years of the most recent act of illicit activity that is part of the pattern. Sets a statute of limitation for such an action of two years after the accrual of the cause of action (that is, the commission of the second predicate act). Grants the U.S. district courts exclusive original jurisdiction of such actions. | 2021-06-30T19:45:01Z | |
| 99-hr-5292 | 99 | hr | 5292 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to provide that LaGrange, Georgia, shall be an additional site for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. | Law | 1986-07-30 | 1986-08-05 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Ray, Richard B. [D-GA-3] | GA | D | R000080 | 0 | Provides that the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia shall be held in LaGrange, Georgia, in addition to those places currently provided by law. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 99-s-2695 | 99 | s | 2695 | A bill to provide for an additional district court judge for the judicial district of Nebraska. | Law | 1986-07-29 | 1986-08-05 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts. | Senate | Sen. Exon, J. James [D-NE] | NE | D | E000284 | 1 | Amends the Federal judicial code to increase from three to four the number of district court judgeships for the District of Nebraska. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 99-hr-5258 | 99 | hr | 5258 | A bill to amend section 569 of title 28, United States Code, with respect to the duties of United States marshals. | Law | 1986-07-24 | 1986-07-28 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Swindall, Patrick L. [R-GA-4] | GA | R | S001122 | 4 | Amends the judicial code to provide that a court order requiring the attendance of the U.S. Marshal at any of the court's sessions may not be reviewed on appeal. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 99-hjres-680 | 99 | hjres | 680 | A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to the salaries of judges convicted and imprisoned for felonies. | Law | 1986-07-23 | 1986-07-23 | Referred to House Committee on The Judiciary. | House | Rep. Gallo, Dean A. [R-NJ-11] | NJ | R | G000025 | 0 | Constitutional Amendment - Allows the Congress to provide for the diminution of the salary of a judge upon the felony conviction and imprisonment of such judge. | 2021-06-30T19:00:15Z | |
| 99-hr-5187 | 99 | hr | 5187 | Commission on War Claims for Guam Act | Law | 1986-07-17 | 1986-07-24 | Referred to Subcommittee on International Economic Policy and Trade. | House | Del. Blaz, Ben G. [R-GU-At Large] | GU | R | B000551 | 0 | Commission on War Claims for Guam Act - Establishes a Commission on War Claims for Guam (the Commission). Authorizes the Commission to examine and render final decisions on claims of Guamanians for damages suffered as a result of the hostilities during World War II. Provides for hearings on claims, notification of determinations, establishment of a schedule of compensation, and payment of claims. Sets forth administrative provisions governing the Commission. Requires the Commission to report annually to the Congress on its operations and to submit a final report to the Congress and to the Chairman of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States upon completion of its affairs. Establishes in the Treasury a Guam Claims Fund for payment of those claims approved by the Commission. Authorizes appropriations to the Guam Claims Fund, the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States, and the Commission. Limits the fee for services rendered for a claimant under this Act to five percent of the amount paid on a claim. | 2025-08-29T16:30:00Z | |
| 99-hr-5196 | 99 | hr | 5196 | Voluntarism Protection Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-07-17 | 1986-07-23 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Porter, John Edward [R-IL-10] | IL | R | P000444 | 31 | Voluntarism Protection Act of 1986 - Applies this Act to State liability laws which are applicable to any civil action brought during FY 1988 and thereafter. Prescribes circumstances under which volunteers working for nonprofit organizations and governmental entities shall be immune from personal civil liability in State court actions. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reduce by one percent a State's fiscal year award to implement the Social Services Block Grant Program under title XX of the Social Security Act if such State fails to enact such immunity for volunteers as of FY 1988. | 2025-08-29T16:33:34Z | |
| 99-hr-5107 | 99 | hr | 5107 | Paralegal Coordination and Activities Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-06-26 | 1986-06-26 | Referred to House Committee on The Judiciary. | House | Rep. Carr, Bob [D-MI-6] | MI | D | C000178 | 20 | Paralegal Coordination and Activities Act of 1986 - Establishes within the Department of Justice an Office of Paralegal Coordination and Activities to: (1) coordinate efforts to increase utilization of paralegals; (2) coordinate paralegal training programs within the Department; and (3) study the possibility of increasing the use of paralegals within the Department. Requires the Office to report to the Congress and the President on: (1) the current utilization of paralegals; (2) the nonlitigative functions and responsibilities which could be performed by trained paralegals; (3) an evaluation of the optimal ratio of paralegals to attorneys; and (4) an evaluation of the benefits and problems associated with the current methods used to fill paralegal positions within the Department. | 2025-08-29T16:29:49Z | |
| 99-s-2632 | 99 | s | 2632 | Paralegal Coordination and Activities Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-06-26 | 1986-07-08 | Committee on Judiciary requested executive comment from Justice Department. | Senate | Sen. Roth Jr., William V. [R-DE] | DE | R | R000460 | 8 | Paralegal Coordination and Activities Act of 1986 - Establishes within the Department of Justice an Office of Paralegal Coordination and Activities to: (1) coordinate efforts to increase utilization of paralegals; (2) coordinate paralegal training programs within the Department; and (3) study the possibility of increasing the use of paralegals within the Department. Requires the Office to report to the Congress and the President on: (1) the current utilization of paralegals; (2) the nonlitigative functions and responsibilities which could be performed by trained paralegals; (3) an evaluation of the optimal ratio of paralegals to attorneys; and (4) an evaluation of the benefits and problems associated with the current methods used to fill paralegal positions within the Department. | 2025-08-29T16:29:40Z | |
| 99-sjres-370 | 99 | sjres | 370 | A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States regarding judges appointed pursuant to Article III. | Law | 1986-06-26 | 1986-08-12 | Subcommittee on Constitution. Hearings held. | Senate | Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ] | AZ | D | D000185 | 0 | Constitutional Amendment - States that, upon conviction of a felony and exhaustion of all appeals, a Federal judge shall forfeit office and benefits thereof. Empowers the Congress to set legislative standards by which the Supreme Court may discipline Federal judges who bring disrepute on Federal courts. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 99-hr-4974 | 99 | hr | 4974 | Federal Alternative Procedure for Dispute Resolution Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-06-11 | 1986-07-28 | Executive Comment Requested from Administrative Office of US Courts. | House | Rep. Florio, James J. [D-NJ-1] | NJ | D | F000215 | 0 | Federal Alternative Procedure for Dispute Resolution Act of 1986 - Allows contracting parties to agree to settle controversies by means of an alternative dispute resolution procedure. Sets forth the procedures to be followed under such circumstances. States that a proceeding shall be conducted by a single umpire (unless otherwise provided). Grants the umpire immunity, with certain exceptions, from any claim for damages arising out of such proceeding. Permits a district court to consolidate an alternative resolution proceeding and a related court proceeding to advance expeditious use of court time. Sets forth the authority of the umpire. Lists the circumstances under which an order or ruling of an umpire may be appealed to a district court. Sets forth certain procedural rules regarding: (1) discovery; (2) multiple umpires; (3) subpoenas; and (4) evidence. Allows any party to commence a summary proceeding in a district court to vacate, modify, or correct an award. Sets forth the grounds for vacating or modifying such an award. Allows the district court to order a rehearing upon vacating an award. Declares that alternative resolution proceedings may be barred by an applicable statute of limitations. States that certain expenses and attorney fees shall be paid as provided in the award. Provides that upon the granting of an order confirming, modifying, or correcting an award, a judgment shall be entered by the court. States that there shall be no further appeal or review of that judgment. | 2025-08-29T16:32:05Z | |
| 99-hr-4975 | 99 | hr | 4975 | Arbitration Appeals Improvement Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-06-11 | 1986-06-11 | Referred to House Committee on The Judiciary. | House | Rep. Florio, James J. [D-NJ-1] | NJ | D | F000215 | 0 | Arbitration Appeals Improvement Act of 1986 - Specifies when appeals from an arbitration decision may and may not be made. | 2025-08-29T16:29:56Z | |
| 99-hr-4976 | 99 | hr | 4976 | Open Settlement Procedures Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-06-11 | 1986-06-11 | Referred to House Committee on The Judiciary. | House | Rep. Florio, James J. [D-NJ-1] | NJ | D | F000215 | 0 | Open Settlement Procedures Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal rules of civil procedure to prohibit, as part of a settlement of a civil case, an agreement not to disclose information obtained in connection with the case. | 2025-08-29T16:29:58Z | |
| 99-hr-4977 | 99 | hr | 4977 | Sanctions for Frivolous Litigation Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-06-11 | 1986-07-21 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Florio, James J. [D-NJ-1] | NJ | D | F000215 | 0 | Sanctions for Frivolous Litigation Act of 1986 - Provides that attorneys who assert frivolous claims and defenses shall be required to satisfy certain costs, including attorneys' fees. (Current law provides that the imposition of such costs is discretionary with the court.) | 2025-08-29T16:30:03Z | |
| 99-hr-4978 | 99 | hr | 4978 | Attorneys Fee Limitation Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-06-11 | 1986-07-21 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Florio, James J. [D-NJ-1] | NJ | D | F000215 | 0 | Attorneys Fee Limitation Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal rules of civil procedure to allow courts to limit attorneys' contingency fees if such fees are unreasonable. | 2025-08-29T16:30:26Z | |
| 99-hr-4979 | 99 | hr | 4979 | Rationale for Punitive Damages Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-06-11 | 1986-07-21 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Florio, James J. [D-NJ-1] | NJ | D | F000215 | 0 | Rationale for Punitive Damages Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal rules of civil procedure to require that courts awarding punitive damages provide an explanation of the reasons and basis for such award. | 2025-08-29T16:32:59Z | |
| 99-s-2529 | 99 | s | 2529 | A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to provide for retired magistrates to be recalled to service and to provide a retirement system for United States magistrates equal to the retirement system for bankruptcy judges. | Law | 1986-06-09 | 1986-10-01 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 1043. | Senate | Sen. Thurmond, Strom [R-SC] | SC | R | T000254 | 1 | (Reported to Senate from the Committee on the Judiciary with amendment (without written report)) Amends the Federal judicial code to allow United States magistrates who have attained the age of 70 to continue to serve (and be reappointed) by a majority (rather than a unanimous) vote of the judges of the appointing court. Permits retired United States magistrates to be recalled by the judicial conference to serve in any judicial district. Provides a retirement system for United States magistrates and judges of the United States Claims Court. Permits retired United States Bankruptcy Court judges, retired judges of the United States Claims Court, and retired United States magistrates to be recalled to service for renewable five-year periods. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 99-hr-4942 | 99 | hr | 4942 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to create the Beaufort Division in the District of South Carolina and designate Beaufort as the place of holding court for the new division. | Law | 1986-06-05 | 1986-10-14 | See H.R.5674. | House | Rep. Derrick, Butler C. [D-SC-3] | SC | D | D000267 | 0 | Amends the judicial code to establish the Beaufort Division in the District of South Carolina, comprising the counties of Beaufort and Jasper. States that court for the Beaufort Division shall be held at Beaufort. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 99-hr-4920 | 99 | hr | 4920 | Tort Action Procedure Reform Act | Law | 1986-06-03 | 1986-06-06 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Petri, Thomas E. [R-WI-6] | WI | R | P000265 | 4 | Tort Action Procedure Reform Act - Title I: Establishment of Federal Arbitration Panels - Establishes Federal arbitration panels in the district courts of the United States to hear civil actions for personal injuries. Requires that personal injury claims (other than class action claims) brought in a district court be filed with such panels. Allows any party to move for a jury trial. Allows the panel chairperson to transfer such claims to the court for trial de novo or dismiss the claim for lack of Federal court jurisdiction. (Such transfers and dismissals may be appealed to the court.) Empowers the panel to issue subpoenas requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of relevant evidence. Sets forth certain rules regarding the introduction of evidence on collateral sources of payment and the claimant's burden of establshing that a product caused a toxic harm. Grants the panel authority to dismiss frivolous claims. Provides for court enforcement of damage awards set by the panel. Requires that damage awards be offset by any amount received as workers' compensation benefits. Establishes procedures for the judicial review of panel decisions. Provides that a party who rejects a settlement offer or counteroffer, and who does not substantially prevail in the action, shall be liable for certain costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees of the offeror. Permits any defendant who has paid a settlement or panel award under this Act to seek contribution, reimbursement, or indemnity on the basis of comparative responsibility from any other defendant. Title II: State Arbitration Panels - Allows the Attorney General to make grants to States for the establishment and implementation of arbitration panels in State courts. | 2025-08-29T16:31:18Z | |
| 99-hr-4892 | 99 | hr | 4892 | Civil RICO Amendments Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-05-22 | 1986-08-15 | See H.R.5445. | House | Rep. Frank, Barney [D-MA-4] | MA | D | F000339 | 2 | Civil RICO Amendments Act of 1986 - Provides that civil claims arising from violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute (RICO) shall be subject to settlement by arbitration. Amends RICO to modify the definitional section. Includes a separate definition for "fraudulent activity." (Such activities were previously included within the definition of "racketeering activity.") Amends RICO with regard to injunctive relief and the recovery of attorney fees in civil actions. Provides that damages in such actions shall not include payments for pain and suffering. Allows the court to require any party filing an improper or frivolous pleading, motion, or paper to pay certain costs, including attorney fees. Allows the Attorney General to bring a civil action on behalf of the United States where the United States is injured as a result of a violation of RICO. Allows any State attorney general to bring a civil action as parens patriae on behalf of any individuals residing in such State who are injured as a result of a RICO violation. Allows recovery for three times the actual damages in such actions. Provides a four-year statute of limitations in such actions. | 2025-08-29T16:32:17Z | |
| 99-hr-4898 | 99 | hr | 4898 | A bill to extend the permissible pro bono representation by employees of the Federal Government and the District of Columbia government. | Law | 1986-05-22 | 1986-07-30 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 3 | 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. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 99-hr-4874 | 99 | hr | 4874 | Professionals' Liability Insurance Reform Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-05-21 | 1986-06-09 | Referred to Subcommittee on Commerce, Transportation and Tourism. | House | Rep. Ritter, Don [R-PA-15] | PA | R | R000277 | 1 | Professionals' Liability Insurance Reform Act of 1986 - Requires each State to have in effect certain tort liability standards prescribed by this Act within four years after the date of enactment. Prescribes certification procedures for the Secretary of Commerce to follow after determining that a State's tort liability standards substantially comply with the standards prescribed by this Act. Prescribes tort liability standards and court procedures which include: (1) a court-appointed special master who shall hold a hearing to evaluate the merit of a claim pending in a civil action, and who shall attempt to facilitate settlement of such claim according to certain guidelines; (2) a court determination whether there is any basis for imposing sanctions against an attorney if discovery in a civil action is not concluded during the one-year period beginning on such action's commencement date; (3) a court-administered arbitration program; (4) a plan to conduct discovery under the supervision of the special master; (5) a periodic payments schedule in any civil action in which a State court awards an individual damages for future pain and suffering or for loss of earnings in excess of $100,000; (6) a specified reduction in the amount of damages awarded by a State court if the compensated individual receives additional compensation benefits from certain sources; (7) a limitation of $250,000 placed upon any award for damages for noneconomic losses resulting from malpractice; (8) a limitation placed upon attorneys' fees based upon a specified decreasing percentage scale; (9) a holding of liability only for that part of fault which is attributable to a party to the claim; and (10) court-imposed pecuniary sanctions upon an attorney whose conduct has been judicially determined to either have been in bad faith or calculated to delay resolution of the claim. Permits a State whose certification has been denied or revoked to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Urges each State to encourage professional organizati… | 2025-08-29T16:30:14Z | |
| 99-hr-4827 | 99 | hr | 4827 | False Claims Amendments Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-05-15 | 1986-09-09 | Other Measure S.1562 (Amended) Passed House in Lieu. | House | Rep. Glickman, Dan [D-KS-4] | KS | D | G000240 | 10 | (Measure passed House, amended) False Claims Amendments Act of 1986 - Amends the False Claims Act to include within its protection any property of the United States Government (currently limited to the property of the armed forces). Increases the civil penalties for false claims. Defines "knowing" for the purposes of such Act to mean that the defendant: (1) has actual knowledge; (2) acts in deliberate ignorance of a fact's truth or falsity; or (3) acts in reckless disregard of the truth or falsity. Defines "claim" to include any request or demand for money or property which is made to a contractor or grantee if the Government provides or reimburses any portion of such money or property. Revises the procedure for civil actions for false claims. Allows any employee who is disciplined by an employer for acting in furtherance of an investigation, testifying in, or assisting in an action filed under such Act to bring an action for damages in an appropriate U.S. district court. Revises the statute of limitations for a false claims civil action to allow such an action to be brought within three years from when the material facts became known or should have become known to the official of the United States charged with the responsibility to act in the circumstances. Establishes as the burden of proof in civil false claim cases proof by a preponderance of the evidence. Provides that a final judgment rendered in favor of the United States in any criminal proceeding charging fraud or false statements shall prohibit the defendant from denying the essential elements of the offense in any civil action concerning false claims. Allows a civil action concerning false claims to be brought in the judicial district where the defendant (or, in the case of multiple defendants, where any one defendant) is found, resides, transacts business, or where the violation allegedly occurred. Authorizes the Attorney General to conduct False Claims Act investigations for the purpose of ascertaining whether any person has been engaged in any vio… | 2021-06-30T19:41:26Z | |
| 99-hr-4832 | 99 | hr | 4832 | Product Liability Uniform Standards and Reform Act | Law | 1986-05-15 | 1986-05-22 | Referred to Subcommittee on Commerce, Transportation and Tourism. | House | Rep. Dannemeyer, William E. [R-CA-39] | CA | R | D000044 | 0 | Product Liability Uniform Standards and Reform Act - Title I - States that this Act governs any civil action brought against a manufacturer or product seller for personal injury or property damage caused by a product. Preempts State law regarding recovery for injury or damage caused by a product to the extent that an applicable rule of law regarding recovery is established. Establishes record retention requirements for: (1) manufacturers of products for which recovery may be sought under this Act; and (2) any party to a civil action governed by this Act. Establishes civil penalties for the willful destruction of such records. Allows the court to establish a rebuttable presumption adverse to a party who has allowed such records to be destroyed nonwillfully. Requires any attorney contacted by a client inquiring about rights of recovery for harm caused by a product to provide such client with certain information. Allows a client to bring an action against an attorney who fails to make such disclosures. Allows the delivery of the summons and complaint by certified mail upon the defendant in any action brought under this Act. Provides that evidence that a manufacturer or product seller admitted liability or made payment to a claimant for harm caused by a product shall not be admissible in any action brought under this Act or otherwise. States that expert scientific or medical opinion is not sufficient evidence to establish any fact for the purposes of this Act unless such opinion has support in peer-reviewed studies. Provides that subsequent remedial action taken by the manufacturer or product seller shall not be admissible to prove liability. Requires any manufacturer not incorporated or registered to do business under the laws of a State to appoint an agent for service of process in the United States. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to maintain a registry of such agents. Provides civil penalties for manufacturers who fail to comply with such provisions. Title II - Allows a person who has suffered harm caus… | 2025-08-29T16:31:05Z | |
| 99-s-2454 | 99 | s | 2454 | A bill to repeal section 1631 of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1985, relating to the liability of Government contractors for injuries or losses of property arising out of certain atomic weapons testing programs, and for other purposes. | Law | 1986-05-15 | 1986-10-02 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 1051. | Senate | Sen. Murkowski, Frank H. [R-AK] | AK | R | M001085 | 38 | Repeals provisions of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1985 which: (1) provide a remedy against the United States for loss of property, personal injury, or death due to exposure to radiation based on acts or omissions by a contractor conducting atomic weapons tests under a contract with the United States; and (2) preclude any other civil action by individuals against a contractor for the purpose of determining civil liability from acts or omissions of such contractor. Makes the period during which such provision was in effect inapplicable for purposes of the tolling of any statute of limitations for claims. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 99-s-2440 | 99 | s | 2440 | Federal Tort Claims Reform Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-05-13 | 1986-05-13 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY] | KY | R | M000355 | 1 | Federal Tort Claims Reform Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to provide that the United States shall not be held jointly and severally liable for an injury (unless the United States and another person were acting in concert). Limits U.S. liability to its pro rata share of fault or responsibility for the injury. Requires that damage awards be offset by amounts received as compensation for the same injury. Limits the amount of damages for noneconomic losses to $100,000. Allows damage awards for future economic damages exceeding $100,000 to be made by periodic payments. Establishes a contingency fee schedule for plaintiffs' attorneys. Makes the provisions of such Act applicable to claims brought against the United States under certain admiralty statutes. | 2025-08-29T16:31:48Z | |
| 99-hr-4761 | 99 | hr | 4761 | A bill to direct the Secretary of Defense to recover from Ferdinand Marcos the amount of all expenses incurred by the Department of Defense in connection with the transportation of Ferdinand Marcos and his family and associates from the Republic of the Philippines and all subsequent expenses incurred by the Department of Defense on their behalf. | Law | 1986-05-07 | 1986-05-13 | Referred to Subcommittee on Readiness. | House | Rep. Bilirakis, Michael [R-FL-9] | FL | R | B000463 | 41 | Directs the Secretary of Defense to recover from Ferdinand Marcos certain expenses incurred by the Department of Defense in connection with the transportation of Marcos, his family, and his associates from the Republic of the Philippines and all subsequent expenses incurred by the Department on their behalf. | 2025-06-06T14:17:56Z | |
| 99-hr-4770 | 99 | hr | 4770 | Federal Tort Claims Reform Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-05-07 | 1986-07-21 | Referred to Subcommittee on Administrative Law and Governmental Relations. | House | Rep. Kindness, Thomas N. [R-OH-8] | OH | R | K000190 | 6 | Federal Tort Claims Reform Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to provide that the United States shall not be held jointly and severally liable for an injury (unless the United States and another person were acting in concert). Limits U.S. liability to its pro rata share of fault or responsibility for the injury. Requires that damage awards be offset by amounts received as compensation for the same injury. Limits the amount of damages for noneconomic losses to $100,000. Allows damage awards for future economic damages exceeding $100,000 to be made by periodic payments. Establishes a contingency fee schedule for plaintiffs' attorneys. Makes the provisions of such Act applicable to claims brought against the United States under certain admiralty statutes. | 2025-08-29T16:30:53Z | |
| 99-s-2409 | 99 | s | 2409 | Legal Services Corporation Amendments of 1986 | Law | 1986-05-06 | 1986-05-06 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 1 | Legal Services Corporation Amendments of 1986 - Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to prohibit any recipient of funds under such Act from hiring an officer or employee of the Legal Services Corporation (Corporation) who was personally and substantially involved in a matter dealing with that recipient. Defines such recipients and the Corporation as agencies of the United States for the purposes of creating criminal liability for certain violations. Directs the Corporation to issue regulations to provide for the enforcement of such Act. Allows class action suits to be brought against government entities only where: (1) the class relief is sought only for the primary benefit of eligible clients; and (2) the government policy or practice in question is unlikely to change and will continue to adversely affect eligible clients. Prohibits the use of Corporation funds, personnel, or equipment in attempting to affect legislative redistricting or reapportionment. Directs the Board of the Corporation to issue regulations regarding the distribution of attorney's fees awarded by the court in actions where the recipient has participated. Prohibits the use of Corporation funds for lobbying. Requires recipients to devote a substantial amount of funds to provide the opportunity for legal assistance to be furnished to eligible clients by private attorneys. Prohibits the use of Corporation funds for the dissemination of information advocating particular political activities, labor or antilabor activities, boycotts, picketing, strikes, and demonstrations. Requires that an alien be properly admitted as a resident before access to Corporation legal services may be provided. Prohibits the use of Corporation funds to purchase real estate unless the Board approves of the purchase by a two-thirds vote. Revises the requirements regarding the governing bodies of eligible recipients. Prohibits the commingling of Corporation funds with the resources of any other organization providing legal assistance. Requires Corporation approval o… | 2025-08-29T16:31:16Z | |
| 99-s-2413 | 99 | s | 2413 | A bill to provide that the judicial conferences of each circuit be convened at the discretion of the chief judge of such circuit. | Law | 1986-05-06 | 1986-07-30 | Committee on Judiciary received executive comment from Administrative Office of the United States Courts. | Senate | Sen. Bentsen, Lloyd M. [D-TX] | TX | D | B000401 | 0 | Amends the judicial code to provide that the judicial conferences of each circuit be convened at the discretion of the chief judge of such circuit. (Current law provides that such conferences be convened annually.) | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 99-s-2396 | 99 | s | 2396 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to create the Beaufort Division in the District of South Carolina and to designate Beaufort as the place of holding court for the new division. | Law | 1986-05-01 | 1986-06-20 | Committee on Judiciary received executive comment from Administrative Office of the United States Courts. | Senate | Sen. Thurmond, Strom [R-SC] | SC | R | T000254 | 1 | Amends the judicial code to establish the Beaufort Division in the District of South Carolina, comprising the counties of Beaufort and Jasper. States that court for the Beaufort Division shall be held at Beaufort. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 99-hr-4717 | 99 | hr | 4717 | General Aviation Tort Reform Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-04-30 | 1986-05-05 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Hammerschmidt, John P. [R-AR-3] | AR | R | H000124 | 2 | General Aviation Tort Reform Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to provide uniform rules for negligence and products liability claims arising from general aviation accidents. Allows any person claiming damages from such an accident to bring a products liability action against the general aviation manufacturer if: (1) the product was defective when it left the control of the manufacturer; (2) the defective condition was the proximate cause of the harm; (3) the condition would not have been corrected by actions described in directives issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the manufacturer; and (4) the aircraft was being used for a purpose and in a manner for which it was manufactured. Provides an alternative method to establish manufacturer liability where the manufacturer failed to provide reasonable warnings (unless such warnings would not have affected the conduct of the product user). Provides a third method to establish manufacturer liability where: (1) the manufacturer made an express warranty with respect to the product; (2) the warranty related to that aspect of the product which caused the harm; (3) the product failed to conform to the warranty; and (4) such failure was the proximate cause of the harm. States that all actions for damages arising from a general aviation accident shall be governed by the principles of comparative responsibility. Provides that defendants in such actions are severally but not jointly liable for damages (except that manufacturers of airframes and systems or components of aircraft may be jointly and severally liable under certain circumstances). Provides a 12-year limitation on liability of manufacturers. States that express warranties running for a longer period of time and the duty to provide additional warnings shall not be affected by such limitations. Allows awards of punitive damages. Prescribes a statute of limitations for such actions. Preempts State laws to the extent that this Act establishes applicable rules or procedures… | 2025-08-29T16:30:07Z | |
| 99-hr-4673 | 99 | hr | 4673 | Fixed-Term Judicial Officers' Retirement Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-04-23 | 1986-04-25 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Gray, Kenneth J. [D-IL-22] | IL | D | G000400 | 0 | Fixed Term Judicial Officers Retirement Act of 1986 - Amends the judicial code to provide a retirement system for fixed term judicial officers. Provides that annuities shall become payable when the judicial officer attains the age of 65 (unless the judicial officer retires or is removed upon the sole ground of mental or physical disability). Sets forth the method (based on years of service) for determining the amount of such annuities. Provides that judges retiring prior to the enactment of this Act shall be covered by the existing retirement provisions. States that judges in active service on the effective date of this Act may elect to retire under such prior provisions. Provides that fixed term judicial officers in active service on the effective date of this Act shall be entitled to existing annuities. Allows the reappointment of a Federal magistrate who has attained the age of 70 by a majority (rather than a unanimous) vote of the appointing courts. Provides that subsequent reappointments must be by unanimous vote. Allows a retired magistrate to be recalled for service by the chief judge of a district court. Provides that recalled magistrates shall continue to receive their retirement annuity, in addition to certain other expenses. | 2025-08-29T16:33:27Z | |
| 99-hr-4592 | 99 | hr | 4592 | A bill to amend the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act with respect to admiralty jurisdiction. | Law | 1986-04-15 | 1986-05-20 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Mikulski, Barbara A. [D-MD-3] | MD | D | M000702 | 0 | Amends the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act to restrict damages in admiralty cases for improper arrests to the damages incurred during the detention. Authorizes suits to enforce a maritime lien in rem. Provides that a decree against a foreign state may not be an amount greater than the value of the vessel or cargo upon which the lien arose. Grants to U.S. courts jurisdiction over a foreign state in a case brought to foreclose a preferred mortgage as defined by the Ship Mortgage Act. | 2021-06-30T19:39:55Z | |
| 99-hr-4596 | 99 | hr | 4596 | A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to make certain changes with respect to the Tax Court. | Law | 1986-04-15 | 1986-05-12 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Rangel, Charles B. [D-NY-16] | NY | D | R000053 | 0 | Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the attendance of United States Marshals at sessions of the United States Tax Court. Authorizes the chief judge of the Tax Court to appoint special trial judges who shall proceed under such rules and regulations as may be promulgated by the Tax Court. Provides that such special trial judges may be assigned to: (1) any declaratory judgment proceeding; (2) any proceeding where the dispute involves $10,000 or less; (3) any proceeding where neither the amount of the deficiency placed in dispute nor the amount of any claimed overpayment exceeds $10,000; and (4) any other proceeding which the chief judge may designate. Allows the Tax Court to authorize a special trial judge to make the decision of the court with respect to any proceeding described in the previous sentence, subject to such conditions and review as the court may provide. Specifies the salary of such special trial judges and allows expenses for travel and subsistence. Authorizes appeals from interlocutory orders of the Tax Court to the United States Court of Appeals. Revises the age and service requirements for retirement for judges of the Tax Court. Provides for a one-year forfeiture for failure to perform judicial duties and permanent forfeiture of retired pay where certain non-government services are performed by retired Tax Court judges. Requires the suspension of retired pay during periods of compensated government service by Tax Court judges. Allows an election to receive reduced retired pay. Provides that such forfeitures shall not apply if such an election is in effect. Specifies that the Tax Court shall have jurisdiction over any addition to tax for failure to pay the amount of tax shown on a tax return. | 2024-02-07T16:32:33Z | |
| 99-s-2301 | 99 | s | 2301 | Reform of Federal Intervention in State Proceedings Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-04-14 | 1986-04-21 | Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 624. | Senate | Sen. Thurmond, Strom [R-SC] | SC | R | T000254 | 10 | Reform of Federal Intervention in State Proceedings Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal judicial code to condition consideration of a habeas corpus claim by a prisoner on a showing of actual prejudice resulting from the Federal right violated and that: (1) State or Federal Government action precluded assertion of that right; (2) the Federal right did not previously exist; or (3) the factual basis of the claim could not have been discovered by reasonable diligence. Establishes a one-year statute of limitations for habeas corpus actions brought by State prisoners, and a two-year statute of limitations for similar motions made by Federal prisoners. Vests authority to issue certificates for probable cause for appeal of habeas corpus orders exclusively in the courts of appeals. Permits denial on the merits of habeas corpus writs notwithstanding the failure to exhaust State remedies. Prohibits the granting of a habeas corpus writ with respect to any claim which has been fully and fairly adjudicated in State proceedings. | 2025-08-29T16:33:03Z | |
| 99-hr-4560 | 99 | hr | 4560 | False Claims Amendments Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-04-10 | 1986-05-15 | Clean Bill H.R.4827 Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in Lieu. | House | Rep. Glickman, Dan [D-KS-4] | KS | D | G000240 | 8 | False Claims Amendments Act of 1986 - Amends the False Claims Act to include within its protection any property of the U.S. Government (currently limited to the property of the armed forces). Increases the civil penalties for false claims. Defines "knowing" for the purposes of such Act to mean that the defendant: (1) has actual knowledge; (2) acts in deliberate ignorance of a fact's truth or falsity; or (3) acts in reckless disregard of the truth or falsity. Defines "claim" to include any request or demand for money or property which is made to a contractor or grantee if the Government provides or reimburses any portion of such money or property. Allows the Attorney General to apply for provisional relief to any U.S. district court having jurisdiction whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that a false claim has been made. Revises the procedure provisions for civil actions for false claims. Allows any employee who is disciplined by an employer for acting in furtherance of an investigation or testifying in or assisting in an action filed under such Act to bring an action for damages in an appropriate U.S. district court. Revises the statute of limitations for a false claims civil action to allow such an action to be brought within three years from when the material facts became known or should have become known to the official within the Department of Justice charged with the responsibility to act in the circumstances. Establishes as the burden of proof in civil false claim cases proof by a preponderance of the evidence. Provides that a final judgment rendered in favor of the United States in any criminal proceeding charging fraud or false statements shall prohibit the defendant from denying the essential elements of the offense in any civil action concerning false claims. Allows a civil action concerning false claims to be brought in the judicial district where the defendant (or, in the case of multiple defendants, where any one defendant) is found, resides, or transacts business where the violation a… | 2025-08-29T16:30:04Z | |
| 99-hr-4505 | 99 | hr | 4505 | Uniform Product Liability Act | Law | 1986-03-25 | 1986-04-10 | Referred to Subcommittee on Health and the Environment. | House | Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-32] | NY | D | L000556 | 2 | Uniform Product Liability Act - Sets forth uniform national standards for product liability actions. Preempts all existing law governing matters within its coverage, except for the recovery of direct or consequential economic losses under the Uniform Commercial Code or similar laws. Allows a claim to be brought even though the claimant did not buy the product from, or enter into any contractual relationship with, the product seller. Sets forth basic standards of responsibility for manufacturers and product sellers. Subjects a product manufacturer to liability for a claimant's harm which is proximately caused by a product which was unreasonably unsafe: (1) in construction; (2) in design; (3) because adequate warnings or instructions were not provided; or (4) because it did not conform to the product seller's express warranty. Specifies the requisite findings which must be made by the trier of fact in order for such a determination to be made. Subjects a product seller, other than a manufacturer, to liability for a claimant's harm which is proximately caused by such seller's failure to use reasonable care with respect to the product. Enumerates circumstances under which such a seller is also subject to the liability of a manufacturer. Provides that a product seller shall not be liable for harm caused by an unavoidably dangerous aspect of a product, with certain exceptions. Sets forth certain rules of evidence in product liability cases with respect to: (1) industry custom; (2) compliance or noncompliance with a nongovernmental safety or performance standard; (3) practical technological feasibility; (4) legislative or administrative regulatory standards; and (5) mandatory government contract specifications. Requires an attorney who anticipates filing a product liability claim to notify all product sellers against whom the claim is likely to be brought. Specifies procedures with respect to such notice. Sets forth provisions governing the length of time product sellers are subject to liability. Provides for a te… | 2025-08-29T16:31:34Z | |
| 99-s-2224 | 99 | s | 2224 | A bill to limit the uses of funds under the Legal Services Corporation Act to provide legal assistance with respect to any proceeding or litigation which relates to abortion. | Law | 1986-03-21 | 1986-03-21 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources. | Senate | Sen. Humphrey, Gordon J. [R-NH] | NH | R | H000951 | 10 | Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to prohibit the use of Corporation funds for legal proceedings or litigation relating to abortions. | 2025-04-21T12:24:17Z | |
| 99-hr-4460 | 99 | hr | 4460 | Tort Liability Reform Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-03-20 | 1986-04-07 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Daub, Hal [R-NE-2] | NE | R | D000065 | 7 | Tort Liability Reform Act of 1986 - Title I: Federal Tort Liability Reform - Amends the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to provide certain limitations and procedures regarding civil damages in tort actions seeking recovery against the United States. Requires a pretrial hearing to be held within 30 to 60 days after the filing of an action. Directs the hearing official to make recommendations regarding: (1) the relative strength of the legal position of each party; and (2) expediting discovery proceedings. Requires the court to take certain actions to expedite matters where discovery has not been completed within one year. Requires that future damages awards exceeding $100,000 be made by periodic payments. Requires that damages awards be offset by any amount received as compensation for the same injury from other sources. Limits the amount of damages for noneconomic losses to $100,000. Makes any attorney whose conduct is calculated for delay, or is found to be in bad faith, subject to pecuniary sanctions by the court. Title II: State Tort Liability Reform - Provides certain limitations and procedures regarding civil damages in claims arising under State law alleging negligence, strict or product liability, intentionally tortious conduct, or malpractice. Requires a pretrial hearing to be held within 30 to 60 days after the filing of an action. Directs the hearing official to make recommendations regarding: (1) the relative strength of the legal position of each party; and (2) expediting discovery proceedings. Requires the court to take certain actions to expedite matters where discovery has not been completed within one year. Requires that future damages awards exceeding $100,000 be made by periodic payments. States that no interest shall be paid for any period preceding the date on which the action is commenced. Requires that damages awards be offset by any amount received as compensation for the same injury from other sources. Limits the amount of damages for noneconomic losses to $100,000. Permits the aw… | 2025-08-29T16:33:10Z | |
| 99-hr-4385 | 99 | hr | 4385 | Litigation Abuse Reform Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-03-12 | 1986-04-07 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Gray, Kenneth J. [D-IL-22] | IL | D | G000400 | 0 | Litigation Abuse Reform Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to provide certain limitations and procedures regarding civil damages in actions alleging negligence, strict or product liability, intentionally tortious conduct, or malpractice by a physician, accountant, lawyer, architect, engineer, or other professional. Requires that future damage awards exceeding $100,000 be made by periodic payments. Requires that damage awards be offset by an amount received as compensation for the same injury from other sources. Limits the amount of damages for noneconomic losses to $100,000. Establishes a contingency fee schedule for plaintiffs' attorneys. Permits the awarding of punitive damages only where the conduct of the defendant manifests a conscious disregard for safety. Provides that punitive damages awarded in any civil action to which this Act applies shall be paid to the clerk of the court and transmitted to the Treasurer of the United States, for the use of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and the Federal Judicial Center. Makes any attorney whose conduct is calculated for delay, or is found to be in bad faith, subject to pecuniary sanctions by the court. | 2025-08-29T16:30:05Z | |
| 99-hjres-557 | 99 | hjres | 557 | A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to establish terms of fifteen years for justices of the Supreme Court of the United States. | Law | 1986-03-10 | 1986-03-12 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Dorgan, Byron L. [D-ND-At Large] | ND | D | D000432 | 0 | Constitutional Amendment - Establishes terms of 15 years for justices of the Supreme Court. Provides that this amendment shall not apply to any term of a justice that commences before the ratification of this amendment. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 99-hr-4352 | 99 | hr | 4352 | A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to authorize the appointment of one additional bankruptcy judge for the district of Nebraska. | Law | 1986-03-10 | 1986-03-12 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Daub, Hal [R-NE-2] | NE | R | D000065 | 0 | Amends the judicial code to increase from one to two the number of bankruptcy judgeships in the District of Nebraska. | 2021-06-30T19:36:47Z | |
| 99-hr-4341 | 99 | hr | 4341 | Court-Annexed Arbitration Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-03-06 | 1986-05-15 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | Court-Annexed Arbitration Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to empower (on an experimental basis) specified U.S. district courts to authorize the use of arbitration. Permits such courts to: (1) allow arbitration where the parties consent; and (2) require arbitration under certain limited circumstances. Disallows referrals to arbitration where: (1) the action is based on an alleged violation of a right secured by the Constitution; (2) the action is brought against an official of the United States for an act performed within the outer perimeters of his or her official duties; and (3) the action is brought by the United States to recover money or property from an employee or former employee, or is based on fraud. Provides that the arbitration award shall be filed with the clerk of the district court and (after 30 days) entered as the judgment of the court. States that such judgment shall not: (1) be subject to review in any other court of appeal; or (2) preclude any issues from being raised in any action seeking redress from a violation of any rights. Allows any party, within 30 days after the filing of an arbitration award, to demand a trial de novo in the district court. Requires the specified district courts to establish standards for the certification of arbitrators and to certify arbitrators. Requires the Federal Judicial Center to report to the Congress on the implementation of this Act. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-29T16:31:29Z | |
| 99-hr-4342 | 99 | hr | 4342 | International Arbitration Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-03-06 | 1986-05-20 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | International Arbitration Act of 1986 - Deems an agreement to arbitrate pursuant to the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards to constitute consent to proceedings to recognize, confirm, or enforce any arbitral award made pursuant to such agreement. Declares that neither the Federal act of state doctrine nor the doctrine of sovereign immunity shall constitute grounds for refusal or deferral of recognition, confirmation, or enforcement of any such arbitral award against a foreign state or an agency of a foreign state. | 2025-08-29T16:33:45Z | |
| 99-hr-4309 | 99 | hr | 4309 | A bill to terminate the Legal Services Corporation. | Law | 1986-03-05 | 1986-03-10 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Boulter, Beau [R-TX-13] | TX | R | B000666 | 16 | Abolishes the Legal Services Corporation. Repeals the Legal Services Corporation Act. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 99-hr-4314 | 99 | hr | 4314 | Diversity Jurisdiction Reform Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-03-05 | 1986-03-11 | 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 1986 - 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. Directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to report to the Congress on the effects of this Act. | 2025-08-29T16:32:23Z | |
| 99-hr-4315 | 99 | hr | 4315 | Jurisdiction Reform Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-03-05 | 1986-04-07 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | Jurisdiction Reform Act of 1986 - Amends the judicial code to increase from $10,000 to $25,000 the amount in controversy required as a basis for Federal district court jurisdiction. Grants Federal district courts jurisdiction over civil actions arising out of an event which results in injury to 25 or more persons, provided: (1) the value of the alleged injuries exceeds $10,000 per person; and (2) diversity of citizenship exists between adverse parties. Sets forth certain requirements regarding the determination of liability, damages, and substantive law when such actions are transferred to multidistrict panels. | 2025-08-29T16:31:39Z | |
| 99-hr-4238 | 99 | hr | 4238 | Intercircuit Tribunal of the United States Courts of Appeals Act | Law | 1986-02-26 | 1986-02-27 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 10 | Intercircuit Tribunal of the United States Courts of Appeals Act - Establishes an Intercircuit Tribunal of the United States Courts of Appeals composed of nine circuit judges and four alternate judges designated by the Supreme Court. Places the principal office of such Tribunal in the District of Columbia. Grants the Tribunal jurisdiction over cases referred to it by the Supreme Court. Declares that decisions of the Tribunal shall be binding on all U.S. courts unless modified or overruled by the Supreme Court. Directs the Tribunal, in consultation with the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, to submit to the Congress a report on its activities. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates the Tribunal on September 30, 1991. | 2025-08-29T16:29:33Z | |
| 99-hr-4140 | 99 | hr | 4140 | Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-02-06 | 1986-07-23 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Fish, Hamilton, Jr. [R-NY-21] | NY | R | F000141 | 15 | Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 1986 - Amends the judicial code to increase the number of bankruptcy judges: (1) from two to three for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas; (2) from seven to nine for the Northern District of California; (3) from four to six for the Eastern District of California; (4) from 12 to 19 for the Central District of California; (5) from three to four for the Southern District of California; (6) from two to four for the Middle District of Florida; (7) from four to six for the Northern District of Georgia; (8) from one to two for the Southern District of Georgia; (9) from one to two for Idaho; (10) from eight to ten for the Northern District of Illinois; (11) from two to three for the Central District of Illinois; (12) from two to three for the Northern District of Indiana; (13) from one to two for the Northern District of Iowa; (14) from one to two for the Southern District of Iowa; (15) from two to three for the Western District of Kentucky; (16) from two to three for Maryland; (17) from two to three for the Western District of Michigan; (18) from one to two for Nebraska; (19) from two to three for Nevada; (20) from five to seven for New Jersey; (21) from one to two for the Northern District of Oklahoma; (22) from two to three for the Western District of Oklahoma; (23) from four to five for Oregon; (24) from one to two for South Carolina; (25) from two to three for the Eastern District of Tennessee; (26) from two to three for the Western District of Tennessee; (27) from four to five for the Northern District of Texas; (28) from three to six for the Southern District of Texas; (29) from two to three for the Western District of Texas; (30) from two to three for Utah; (31) from three to four for the Eastern District of Virginia; (32) from one to two for the Eastern District of Washington; (33) from four to five for the Western District of Washington; and (34) from three to four for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Makes members of the bar of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico eligible … | 2025-08-29T16:32:46Z | |
| 99-hr-4142 | 99 | hr | 4142 | General Aviation Tort Reform Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-02-06 | 1986-08-14 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Glickman, Dan [D-KS-4] | KS | D | G000240 | 192 | General Aviation Tort Reform Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to provide uniform rules for negligence and products liability claims arising from general aviation accidents. Allows any person claiming damages from such an accident to bring a products liability action against the general aviation manufacturer if: (1) the product was defective when it left the control of the manufacturer; (2) the defective condition was the proximate cause of the harm; (3) the condition would not have been corrected by actions described in directives issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the manufacturer; and (4) the aircraft was being used for a purpose and in a manner for which it was manufactured. Provides an alternative method to establish manufacturer liability where the manufacturer failed to provide reasonable warnings (unless such warnings would not have affected the conduct of the product user). Provides a third method to establish manufacturer liability where: (1) the manufacturer made an express warranty with respect to the product; (2) the warranty related to that aspect of the product which caused the harm; (3) the product failed to conform to the warranty; and (4) such failure was the proximate cause of the harm. States that all actions for damages arising from a general aviation accident shall be governed by the principles of comparative responsibility. Provides that defendants in such actions are severally but not jointly liable for damages (except that manufacturers of airframes and systems or components of aircraft may be jointly and severally liable under certain circumstances). Provides a 12-year limitation on liability of manufacturers. States that express warranties running for a longer period of time and the duty to provide additional warnings shall not be affected by such limitations. Allows awards of punitive damages. Prescribes a statute of limitations for such actions. Preempts State laws to the extent that this Act establishes applicable rules or procedures… | 2025-08-29T16:31:40Z | |
| 99-hr-4149 | 99 | hr | 4149 | Supreme Court Mandatory Appellate Jurisdiction Reform Act of 1984 | Law | 1986-02-06 | 1986-02-27 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 1 | 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. | 2025-08-29T16:32:31Z | |
| 99-hr-4128 | 99 | hr | 4128 | Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-02-05 | 1986-07-23 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10] | NJ | D | R000374 | 50 | Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 1986 - Amends the judicial code to increase the number of bankruptcy judges: (1) from two to three for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas; (2) from seven to eight for the Northern District of California; (3) from four to six for the Eastern District of California; (4) from 12 to 18 for the Central District of California; (5) from three to four for the Southern District of California; (6) from two to four for the Middle District of Florida; (7) from four to five for the Northern District of Georgia; (8) from one to two for the Southern District of Georgia; (9) from one to two for Idaho; (10) from eight to ten for the Northern District of Illinois; (11) from two to three for the Central District of Illinois; (12) from one to two for the Northern District of Iowa; (13) from one to two for the Southern District of Iowa; (14) from one to two for the Eastern District of Kentucky; (15) from two to three for the Western District of Louisiana; (16) from two to three for Maryland; (17) from two to three for the Western District of Michigan; (18) from one to two for Nebraska; (19) from two to three for Nevada; (20) from five to seven for New Jersey; (21) from one to two for the Western District of North Carolina; (22) from one to two for the Northern District of Oklahoma; (23) from two to three for the Western District of Oklahoma; (24) from three to four for the Western District of Pennsylvania; (25) from one to two for South Carolina; (26) from one to two for South Dakota; (27) from two to three for the Eastern District of Tennessee; (28) from two to three for the Western District of Tennessee; (29) from four to five for the Northern District of Texas; (30) from three to six for the Southern District of Texas; (31) from two to three for the Western District of Texas; (32) from two to three for Utah; (33) from one to two for the Eastern District of Washington; and (34) from three to four for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Makes members of the bar of the Commonwealth of Puerto Ric… | 2025-08-29T16:31:40Z | |
| 99-s-2046 | 99 | s | 2046 | Litigation Abuse Reform Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-02-05 | 1986-03-26 | Committee on Judiciary. Hearings held. | Senate | Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY] | KY | R | M000355 | 3 | Litigation Abuse Reform Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to provide certain limitations and procedures regarding civil damages in actions alleging negligence, strict or product liability, intentionally tortious conduct, or malpractice by a physician, accountant, lawyer, architect, engineer, or other professional. Requires that future damage awards exceeding $100,000 be made by periodic payments. Requires that damage awards be offset by an amount received as compensation for the same injury from other sources. Limits the amount of damages for noneconomic losses to $100,000. Establishes a contingency fee schedule for plaintiffs' attorneys. Permits the awarding of punitive damages only where the conduct of the defendant manifests a conscious disregard for safety. Provides that punitive damages awarded in any civil action to which this Act applies shall be paid to the clerk of the court and transmitted to the Treasurer of the United States, for the use of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and the Federal Judicial Center. Makes any attorney whose conduct is calculated for delay, or is found to be in bad faith, subject to pecuniary sanctions by the court. | 2025-08-29T16:31:35Z | |
| 99-s-2044 | 99 | s | 2044 | United States Marshals Service Act of 1985 | Law | 1986-02-04 | 1986-08-13 | Subcommittee on Security and Terrorism. Hearings held. | Senate | Sen. Thurmond, Strom [R-SC] | SC | R | T000254 | 4 | United States Marshals Service Act of 1985 - Establishes the United States Marshals Service as a bureau within the Department of Justice. States that the Service shall be under the authority and direction of the Attorney General. Provides that the Service shall be headed by a Director appointed by the Attorney General. Directs the President to appoint a United States marshal for each judicial district of the United States. Specifies the powers and duties of the Service. Authorizes certain witness security expenses to be paid from appropriations available to the Service. Prescribes the schedule of fees that the Service may collect. Authorizes the Attorney General to make payments from the Support of U.S. Prisoners in Non-Federal Institutions appropriation for: (1) necessary clothing and medical care for prisoners; and (2) rewards in connection with the capture of a Federal fugitive. | 2025-08-29T16:30:41Z | |
| 99-s-2038 | 99 | s | 2038 | Alternative Dispute Resolution Promotion Act of 1986 | Law | 1986-02-03 | 1986-02-21 | Committee on Judiciary. Hearings held. | Senate | Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY] | KY | R | M000355 | 2 | Alternative Dispute Resolution Promotion Act of 1986 - Amends the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to require each attorney representing a party in an action to advise that party of the existence and availability of alternative dispute resolution options, including mediation, arbitration, and summary jury trial proceedings. Requires such attorneys to file notice with the court certifying that their clients were so advised and indicating whether the parties will agree to any such option. States that neither the acceptance nor rejection of any such offer shall be admissible as evidence in any further proceedings in such action. Establishes procedures by which any party may serve upon any other party offers to: (1) settle claims; or (2) engage in alternative dispute resolution techniques. Allows the court to impose sanctions upon an offeree who unreasonably rejects such an offer. Provides that such requirements shall not apply to class or derivative actions. | 2025-08-29T16:31:54Z | |
| 99-hr-4092 | 99 | hr | 4092 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to provide for the appointment of one additional district judge for the District of Connecticut. | Law | 1986-01-30 | 1986-02-04 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. McKinney, Stewart B. [R-CT-4] | CT | R | M000527 | 5 | Amends the judicial code to provide for the appointment of one additional district judge for the District of Connecticut. | 2021-06-30T19:34:42Z | |
| 99-hr-4095 | 99 | hr | 4095 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to make changes in the judicial divisions in the Southern District of Georgia. | Law | 1986-01-30 | 1986-10-14 | See H.R.5674. | House | Rep. Rowland, J. Roy [D-GA-8] | GA | D | R000481 | 1 | Amends the judicial code to move Jefferson County from the Swainsboro Division of the Southern District of Georgia to the Augusta Division of the Southern District of Georgia. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 99-s-2027 | 99 | s | 2027 | A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to provide for the appointment of one additional judge for the District of Connecticut. | Law | 1986-01-30 | 1986-02-07 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts. | Senate | Sen. Weicker, Lowell P., Jr. [R-CT] | CT | R | W000253 | 1 | Amends the Federal judicial code to increase the number of district court judgeships for the District of Connecticut from six to seven. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 99-s-1999 | 99 | s | 1999 | Product Liability Voluntary Claims and Uniform Standard Act | Law | 1985-12-20 | 1986-03-11 | Subcommittee on Consumer. Hearings concluded. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 99-733. | Senate | Sen. Danforth, John C. [R-MO] | MO | R | D000030 | 2 | Product Liability Voluntary Claims and Uniform Standards Act - Title I - States that this Act governs any civil action brought against a manufacturer or product seller for personal injury or property damage caused by a product. Preempts State law regarding recovery for injury or damage caused by a product to the extent that an applicable rule of law regarding recovery is established. Establishes record retention requirements for: (1) manufacturers of products for which recovery may be sought under this Act; and (2) any party to a civil action governed by this Act. Establishes civil penalties for the willful destruction of such records. Allows the court to establish a rebuttable presumption adverse to a party who has allowed such records to be destroyed nonwillfully. Requires any attorney contacted by a client inquiring about rights of recovery for harm caused by a product to provide such client with certain information. Allows a client to bring an action against an attorney who fails to make such disclosures. Allows the delivery of the summons and complaint by certified mail upon the defendant in any action brought under this Act. Provides that evidence that a manufacturer or product seller admitted liability or made payment to a claimant for harm caused by a product shall not be admissible in any action brought under this Act or otherwise. States that expert scientific or medical opinion is not sufficient evidence to establish any fact for the purposes of this Act unless such opinion has support in peer-reviewed studies. Provides that subsequent remedial action taken by the manufacturer or product seller shall not be admissible to prove liability. Requires any manufacturer not incorporated or registered to do business under the laws of a State to appoint an agent for service of process in the United States. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to maintain a registry of such agents. Provides civil penalties for manufacturers who fail to comply with such provisions. Establishes the Product Liability Review Pa… | 2025-08-29T16:30:25Z | |
| 99-hr-3998 | 99 | hr | 3998 | A bill to amend the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure with respect to offers of judgment. | Law | 1985-12-19 | 1985-12-30 | Referred to Subcommittee on Criminal Justice. | House | Rep. Conyers, John, Jr. [D-MI-1] | MI | D | C000714 | 0 | Amends Rule 68 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure with respect to offers of judgment to define certain costs. | 2021-06-30T19:34:08Z | |
| 99-hr-4001 | 99 | hr | 4001 | United States Marshals Service Act of 1985 | Law | 1985-12-19 | 1986-01-06 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | United States Marshals Service Act of 1985 - Establishes the United States Marshals Service (Service) as a bureau within the Department of Justice. States that the Service shall be under the authority and direction of the Attorney General. Provides that the Service shall be headed by a Director appointed by the Attorney General. Directs the President to appoint a United States marshal for each judicial district of the United States. Specifies the powers and duties of the Service. Authorizes certain witness security expenses to be paid from appropriations available to the Service. Prescribes the schedule of fees that the Service may collect. Authorizes the Attorney General to make payments from the Support of U.S. Prisoners in Non-Federal Institutions appropriation for: (1) necessary clothing and medical care for prisoners; and (2) rewards in connection with the capture of a Federal fugitive. | 2025-08-29T16:30:17Z | |
| 99-hr-3952 | 99 | hr | 3952 | A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to increase the number of bankruptcy judges authorized to be appointed for the southern district of Texas. | Law | 1985-12-16 | 1985-12-18 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Brooks, Jack B. [D-TX-9] | TX | D | B000880 | 5 | Amends the judicial code to increase the number of bankruptcy judgeships from three to six for the Southern District of Texas. | 2021-06-30T19:33:56Z | |
| 99-hr-3922 | 99 | hr | 3922 | A bill to authorize additional bankruptcy judgeships for the Southern District of Texas. | Law | 1985-12-12 | 1985-12-16 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. de la Garza, E. [D-TX-15] | TX | D | D000203 | 0 | Amends the judicial code to increase the number of bankruptcy judgeships from three to six for the Southern District of Texas. | 2021-06-30T19:33:49Z | |
| 99-hr-3933 | 99 | hr | 3933 | A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to authorize the appointment of additional bankruptcy judges for the southern district of Texas. | Law | 1985-12-12 | 1985-12-16 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Ortiz, Solomon P. [D-TX-27] | TX | D | O000107 | 0 | Amends the judicial code to increase the number of bankruptcy judgeships from three to six for the Southern District of Texas. | 2021-06-30T19:33:52Z | |
| 99-hr-3907 | 99 | hr | 3907 | A bill to provide for the appointment of two additional bankruptcy judges for the middle district of Florida. | Law | 1985-12-11 | 1985-12-16 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Gibbons, Sam [D-FL-7] | FL | D | G000153 | 1 | Amends the judicial code to increase the number of bankruptcy judgeships from two to four for the middle district of Florida. | 2021-06-30T19:33:43Z | |
| 99-hr-3914 | 99 | hr | 3914 | A bill to preserve the authority of the Supreme Court Police to provide protective services for Justices and Court personnel. | Law | 1985-12-11 | 1985-12-26 | Became Public Law No: 99-218. | House | Rep. Glickman, Dan [D-KS-4] | KS | D | G000240 | 0 | (Measure passed Senate, amended) Extends through 1986 the authority of the Supreme Court Police and the Marshal of the Supreme Court to protect the Chief Justice, Justices, official guests, officers, and employees of the Supreme Court. Directs the Marshal of the Supreme Court to report to the Congress regarding the administrative costs of carrying out such duties. | 2023-01-20T12:56:33Z | |
| 99-s-1923 | 99 | s | 1923 | A bill to provide for additional bankruptcy judges. | Law | 1985-12-11 | 1986-08-16 | Senate incorporated this measure in H.R. 5316 as an amendment. | Senate | Sen. Thurmond, Strom [R-SC] | SC | R | T000254 | 9 | (Reported to Senate from the Committee on the Judiciary with amendment, S. Rept. 99-269) Amends the judicial code to increase the number of bankruptcy judges: (1) from two to three for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas; (2) from seven to eight for the Northern District of California; (3) from four to six for the Eastern District of California; (4) from 12 to 17 for the Central District of California; (5) from two to four for the Middle District of Florida; (6) from four to six for the Northern District of Georgia; (7) from one to two for the Southern District of Georgia; (8) from one to two for Idaho; (9) from eight to nine for the Northern District of Illinois; (10) from two to three for the Central District of Illinois; (11) from one to two for the Northern District of Iowa; (12) from one to two for the Southern District of Iowa; (13) from two to three for the Western District of Kentucky; (14) from two to three for Maryland; (15) from two to three for the Western District of Michigan; (16) from one to two for Nebraska; (17) from two to three for Nevada; (18) from two to three for the Western District of Oklahoma; (19) from one to two for South Carolina; (20) from two to three for the Eastern District of Tennessee; (21) from two to three for the Western District of Tennessee; (22) from four to five for the Northern District of Texas; (23) from three to five for the Southern District of Texas; (24) from two to three for the Western District of Texas; (25) from two to three for Utah; and (26) from one to two for the Eastern District of Washington. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to make the existing homestead protection program mandatory rather than discretionary for the Department of Agriculture and the Small Business Administration. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 99-s-1916 | 99 | s | 1916 | A bill to preserve the authority of the Supreme Court Police to provide protective services for Justices and Court personnel. | Law | 1985-12-10 | 1986-02-05 | Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Voice Vote. | Senate | Sen. Thurmond, Strom [R-SC] | SC | R | T000254 | 2 | (Reported to Senate from the Committee on the Judiciary with amendment (without written report)) Extends for one year after enactment of this Act the authority of the Supreme Court Police and the Marshal of the Supreme Court to protect the Chief Justice, Justices, official guests, officers, and employees of the Supreme Court. Directs the Marshal of the Supreme Court to report to the Congress annually regarding the administrative costs of carrying out such duties. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 99-hr-3865 | 99 | hr | 3865 | Federal Incentives for State Health Care Professional Liability Reform Act of 1985 | Law | 1985-12-05 | 1985-12-11 | Referred to Subcommittee on Health and the Environment. | House | Rep. Lent, Norman F. [R-NY-4] | NY | R | L000243 | 50 | Federal Incentives for State Health Care Professional Liability Reform Act of 1985 - Establishes a program to provide development and incentive grants to States for enacting medical malpractice liability reforms. Describes the reforms which must be in effect for States to receive incentive grants, including: (1) the manner of payment of damage awards exceeding $100,000; (2) a $250,000 limit on noneconomic losses; (3) the method for determining attorneys' fees; and (4) certain requirements regarding health care professional liability insurance. Requires each State receiving an incentive grant to prepare and transmit a report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services every two years describing: (1) State liability reforms enacted, adopted, or in effect; (2) activities conducted by the State with grants received under this Act; and (3) any current problems with respect to health care professional liability or health care professional liability insurance. Requires the Secretary to transmit periodic reports to the Congress summarizing the information provided by the States. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-29T16:33:14Z | |
| 99-hr-3870 | 99 | hr | 3870 | United States Marshals Service Act of 1985 | Law | 1985-12-05 | 1985-12-26 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | United States Marshals Service Act of 1985 - Establishes the United States Marshals Service (Service) as a bureau within the Department of Justice. States that the Service shall be under the authority and direction of the Attorney General. Provides that the Service shall be headed by a Director appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Attorney General to appoint a United States marshal for each judicial district of the United States. Specifies the powers and duties of the Service. Authorizes certain witness security expenses to be paid from the Appropriation for Fees and Expenses of Witnesses. Prescribes the schedule of fees that the Service may collect. Authorizes the Attorney General to make payments from the Support of U.S. Prisoners in Non-Federal Institutions appropriation for: (1) necessary clothing and medical care for prisoners; and (2) rewards in connection with the capture of a Federal fugitive. | 2025-08-29T16:32:54Z | |
| 99-s-1905 | 99 | s | 1905 | A bill to reimburse the city of Frederick, Maryland, for money paid by the citizens of such city to save and hold harmless valuable military and hospital supplies owned by the United States Government. | Law | 1985-12-05 | 1985-12-09 | Referred to Subcommittee on Administrative Practice&Procedure. | Senate | Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD] | MD | R | M000241 | 0 | Provides for the reimbursement of the city of Frederick, Maryland, of money paid in 1864 by the citizens of such city to Confederate Lt. General Jubal A. Early to save and hold harmless certain military and hospital supplies owned by the United States. | 2026-01-07T14:45:52Z | |
| 99-hr-3828 | 99 | hr | 3828 | A bill to amend the False Claims Act, and title 18 of the United States Code regarding penalties for false claims, and for other purposes. | Law | 1985-11-21 | 1986-02-06 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Ireland, Andrew P. [R-FL-10] | FL | R | I000029 | 2 | Amends the False Claims Act to increase the civil penalty for false claims. Provides that "knowing" for purposes of the prohibition means the defendant: (1) had actual knowledge; or (2) had constructive knowledge, in that the defendant acted in reckless disregard of the truth. Provides that "consequential damages" for the purposes of the prohibition includes damages that the U.S. would not have sustained but for: (1) the commission of the prohibited act; or (2) the entering into any contract or grant as a result of any false statement. Allows an action to be brought in the judicial district where the defendant (or, in the case of multiple defendants, where any one defendant) is found, resides, transacts business, or where the violation allegedly occurred. Authorizes the Government to intervene in a civil action for false claims after the 60-day notice period has expired if the Government can demonstrate that it came into possession of new material evidence or information. Requires the Court to dismiss an action brought by an individual unless the Government proceeds with its own action within 60 days after notification, if it finds that: (1) the action is based on specific information the Government disclosed as a basis for allegations made in prior administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings; or (2) the action is based on information disclosed during a congressional investigation or disseminated by the news media. Establishes minimum award portions from the proceeds of an action or settlement to individuals who bring claims under such Act. Entitles an employee retaliated against by an employer for his or her participation under such Act to full relief, including: (1) reinstatement with seniority rights; (2) backpay with interest; and (3) full compensation for any special damages. Allows the court to grant punitive damages as appropriate. Establishes as the burden of proof in civil false claim cases proof by a preponderance of the evidence. Amends the Federal criminal code to increase the penalties for t… | 2021-06-30T19:32:13Z | |
| 99-s-1859 | 99 | s | 1859 | A bill to provide for the appointment of two additional bankruptcy judges for the middle district of Florida. | Law | 1985-11-20 | 1985-12-02 | Committee on Judiciary requested executive comment from Justice Department, Administrative Office of United States Courts. | Senate | Sen. Chiles, Lawton [D-FL] | FL | D | C000356 | 0 | (sfac141 Measure indefinitely postponed in Senate, H.R. 2453 passed in lieu) Amends the judical code to increase from two to four the number of bankruptcy judgeships for the Middle District of Florida. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 99-hr-3757 | 99 | hr | 3757 | A bill to establish the Office of Public Prosecutor in Guam. | Law | 1985-11-14 | 1985-12-05 | Committee Hearings Held. | House | Del. Blaz, Ben G. [R-GU-At Large] | GU | R | B000551 | 0 | Amends the Organic Act of Guam to establish within the executive branch of the Government of Guam the Office of Public Prosecutor. Sets forth specified requirements with respect to the election of the public prosecutor. Requires the Public Prosecutor to: (1) prosecute all offenses against the laws of Guam (including income tax laws of Guam and such other laws of the United States); and (2) represent Guam on any appeal with respect to such offenses. Authorizes the removal of such prosecutor (and the filling of any vacancies in the Office of the Public Prosecutor) under specified circumstances. | 2024-02-07T13:32:55Z | |
| 99-s-1853 | 99 | s | 1853 | Court Interpreters Improvement Act of 1986 | Law | 1985-11-14 | 1986-10-02 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 1050. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 8 | (Reported to Senate from the Committee on the Judiciary with amendment (without written report)) Court Interpreters Improvement Act of 1986 - Amends the Court Interpreters Act of 1978 to require the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to establish a program to facilitate the use of certified and otherwise qualified interpreters in judicial proceedings instituted by the United States. Requires the Director to certify interpreters for any language after identifying a need for certified interpreters in that language. Requires the Director to establish criteria for the selection of otherwise qualified interpreters: (1) in languages for which no interpreters have been certified; and (2) where no certified interpreter is reasonably available. Requires a presiding judicial official to utilize the services of any reasonably available certified interpreter. Allows the services of an otherwise qualified interpreter to be utilized when no certified interpreter is reasonably available. Allows an individual who waives the right to a certified interpreter to retain the services of a noncertified interpreter of his or her own choice. Establishes the Federal Court Interpreters Advisory Board to: (1) review the quality of court interpreting in the Federal Courts and Grand Jury proceedings; and (2) make recommendations and advise the Director with respect to language in which interpreters are to be certified. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z |
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CREATE TABLE legislation (
bill_id TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
congress INTEGER,
bill_type TEXT,
bill_number INTEGER,
title TEXT,
policy_area TEXT,
introduced_date TEXT,
latest_action_date TEXT,
latest_action_text TEXT,
origin_chamber TEXT,
sponsor_name TEXT,
sponsor_state TEXT,
sponsor_party TEXT,
sponsor_bioguide_id TEXT,
cosponsor_count INTEGER DEFAULT 0,
summary_text TEXT,
update_date TEXT,
url TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_congress ON legislation(congress);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_type ON legislation(bill_type);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_policy ON legislation(policy_area);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_date ON legislation(introduced_date);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_sponsor ON legislation(sponsor_name);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_sponsor_bioguide ON legislation(sponsor_bioguide_id);