Summary: Federal Criminal Immigration Courts Act of 2007 - Directs the President to appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, the following permanent judgeships: (1) four additional district judges for the district of Arizona; (2) one additional district judge for the district of New Mexico; (3) two additional district judges for the southern district of Texas; and (4) one additional district judge for the western district of Texas. Directs the President to appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, the following temporary judgeships: (1) one additional district judge for the district of Arizona; and (2) one additional district judge for the district of New Mexico. Provides that, for each of the judicial districts named in this Act, the first vacancy arising on the district court 10 years or more after a judge is first confirmed to fill the temporary district judgeship created by this Act shall not be filled.

directs president appoint advice consent senate following permanent judgeships additional district judges district arizona additional district judge district new_mexico additional district judges southern district texas additional district judge western district texas directs president appoint advice consent senate following temporary judgeships additional district judge district arizona additional district judge district new_mexico provides judicial districts named act vacancy arising district court years judge confirmed fill temporary district judgeship created act shall filled


Summary: Engaging the Nation to Fight for Our Right to Control Entry Act or ENFORCE Act - Directs the Commissioner of the United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) to establish: (1) a National Border Neighborhood Watch Program (Program) to permit retired law enforcement officers and civilian volunteers to assist in carrying out such Program; and (2) a Border Regiment Assisting in Valuable Enforcement Force (BRAVE Force), which shall consist of retired law enforcement officers, employed to carry out the Program. Directs USCBP to provide for civilian participation. Imposes criminal penalties for federal document forgery, counterfeiting, or alteration. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to provide additional penalties for an alien who is illegally in the United States. Increases criminal penalties for first-time illegal entry. Provides for a field office of the Office of Investigations of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Authorizes assistance to Cameron University, Lawton, Oklahoma, for a demonstration project to assess the feasibility of establishing a nationwide e-learning training course to be used by state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers to enhance the ability of such officers to assist federal immigration officers in the enforcement of immigration laws of the United States. Citizenship Reform Act of 2007 - Provides citizenship at birth for a person born in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States only if such child was born in the United States to parents, one of whom is: (1) a U.S. national; or (2) a lawful permanent resident alien residing in the United States. Prohibits any federal agency from establishing an individual's identity, and prohibits providing any public benefits funded in whole or in part by federal funds, without specified documents. Requires independent verification of birth records provided in support of a social security application. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) work with states to establish a common data protocol for electronic birth and death registration systems; and (2) coordinate implementation of electronic verification of a person's life and death. Provides for: (1) temporary social security cards for nonimmigrants; and (2) mandatory employer and subsequent employee notification of social security number mismatches and multiple uses. States that state and local law enforcement personnel have the inherent authority to arrest, detain, or transfer to federal custody, aliens in the United States (including detention transportation across state lines) in the enforcement of the immigration laws. Provides for individual taxpayer identification number (TIN) sharing between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Provides for fencing and security improvements along the southern U.S. border from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, including creation and control of a specified border zone. Requires a study and report on the use of technology to prevent unlawful immigration. Makes it unlawful to operate a day laborer center if the operator knows, or should know, that the center is being used to secure employment for illegal aliens. Makes it unlawful under INA to hire or refer an alien for employment knowing, or having reason to know, that the alien is unauthorized for employment. Limits higher education benefits for illegal aliens. Fairness in Immigration Litigation Act of 2007 - Revises specified immigration litigation provisions.

engaging nation fight right control entry act commissioner united_states_customs border protection establish program permit retired law enforcement officers civilian volunteers assist carrying program border assisting valuable enforcement force force shall consist retired law enforcement officers employed carry program directs provide civilian participation imposes criminal penalties federal document counterfeiting alteration amends immigration nationality act ina provide additional penalties alien illegally united_states increases criminal penalties time illegal entry provides field office tulsa oklahoma authorizes assistance oklahoma demonstration project assess feasibility establishing nationwide learning training course state local tribal law enforcement officers enhance ability officers assist federal immigration officers enforcement immigration laws united_states citizenship reform act provides citizenship birth person born united_states subject jurisdiction united_states child born united_states parents national lawful permanent resident alien residing united_states prohibits federal agency establishing individual identity prohibits providing public benefits funded federal funds specified documents requires independent verification birth records provided support social security application directs secretary homeland_security work states establish common data protocol electronic birth death registration systems coordinate implementation electronic verification person life death provides temporary social security cards nonimmigrants mandatory employer subsequent employee notification social security number mismatches multiple uses states state local law enforcement personnel inherent authority arrest detain transfer federal custody aliens united_states including detention transportation state lines enforcement immigration laws provides individual taxpayer identification number tin sharing internal_revenue_service irs department_of_homeland_security dhs provides fencing security improvements southern border pacific_ocean gulf_of_mexico including creation control specified border zone requires study report use technology prevent unlawful immigration makes unlawful operate day center operator knows know center secure employment illegal aliens makes unlawful ina hire refer alien employment knowing having reason know alien unauthorized employment limits higher education benefits illegal aliens fairness immigration litigation act revises specified immigration litigation provisions


Summary: Requires the President to appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, one additional district judge for the eastern district of California and one additional district judge for the district of Nebraska.Prohibits filling of the first vacancy in the office of district judge in each of the offices of district judge authorized by this Act occurring 10 years or more after the confirmation of the judge named to fill the temporary district judgeship created by this Act.Amends the Judicial Improvements Act of 1990 to extend the temporary judgeships in the district of Hawaii, the district of Kansas, and the northern district of Ohio.Prohibits filling of the first vacancy in the office of district judge in the district of Hawaii occurring 20 years or more after the confirmation of the judge named to fill the temporary judgeship created by such Act.

requires president appoint advice consent senate additional district judge eastern district california additional district judge district nebraska prohibits filling vacancy office district judge offices district judge authorized act occurring years confirmation judge named fill temporary district judgeship created act amends judicial improvements act extend temporary judgeships district hawaii district kansas northern district ohio prohibits filling vacancy office district judge district hawaii occurring years confirmation judge named fill temporary judgeship created act


Summary: United States Attorney Local Residency Restoration Act of 2007 - Amends the federal judicial code to repeal authority of the Attorney General to assign a U.S. attorney or an assistant U.S. attorney dual or additional responsibilities that exempt such officer from the requirement that each U.S. attorney and assistant U.S. attorney reside in the district for which he or she is appointed.

united_states attorney local residency restoration act amends federal judicial code repeal authority attorney general assign attorney assistant attorney dual additional responsibilities exempt officer requirement attorney assistant attorney reside district appointed


Summary: Unfair Foreign Competition Act of 2007 - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to authorize a petitioning party, in an antidumping or countervailing duty investigation, to elect, within 30 days after the investigation has started, to bring a civil action in a U.S. district court for determination that a U.S. industry is materially injured or is threatened with material injury, or the establishment of an industry in the United States is materially retarded, by reason of imports, or sales (or the likelihood of sales) for importation, of the merchandise subject to the investigation, and that imports of the subject merchandise are not negligible. Authorizes such a petitioning party, within 30 days after a five-year review of an antidumping or countervailing duty order is initiated, to bring a civil action in a U.S. district court for determination of whether revocation of the antidumping or countervailing duty order, or termination of a suspended investigation, would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury. Provides for preliminary relief and expedited action. Applies this Act to goods from Canada and Mexico.

unfair foreign competition act amends tariff act authorize petitioning party antidumping countervailing duty investigation elect days investigation started bring civil action district court determination industry materially injured threatened material injury establishment industry united_states materially retarded reason imports sales likelihood sales importation merchandise subject investigation imports subject merchandise negligible authorizes petitioning party days year review antidumping countervailing duty order initiated bring civil action district court determination revocation antidumping countervailing duty order termination suspended investigation likely lead continuation recurrence material injury provides preliminary relief expedited action applies act goods canada mexico


Summary: Amends the federal judicial code to declare that court in the western district of Washington shall be held at Vancouver (as well as at Bellingham, Seattle, and Tacoma).

amends federal judicial code declare court western district washington shall held vancouver seattle


Summary: Enhanced Financial Recovery and Equitable Retirement Treatment Act of 2007 - Imposes surcharges for unpaid criminal monetary penalties and for unpaid balances on money judgments obtained by the United States. Increases special assessments on persons convicted of certain criminal offenses against the United States.Establishes in the Treasury the Department of Justice Enhanced Financial Recovery Fund to support Department of Justice debt collection activities.Requires assistant U.S. attorneys to be treated in the same manner as federal law enforcement officers for purposes of federal employee retirement benefit provisions.

enhanced financial recovery equitable retirement treatment act imposes surcharges unpaid criminal monetary penalties unpaid balances money judgments obtained united_states increases special assessments persons convicted certain criminal offenses united_states establishes treasury support department_of_justice debt collection activities requires assistant attorneys treated manner federal law enforcement officers purposes federal employee retirement benefit provisions


Summary: Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2007 - Directs the Puerto Rico State Elections Commission, not later than September 30, 2009, to conduct a plebiscite in Puerto Rico on the question of its status and relationship with the United States. Requires the ballot to provide for voters to choose: (1) to continue the present status and relationship; (2) independence; (3) nationhood in free association with the United States; or (4) admission as a state.

directs later september conduct plebiscite puerto_rico question status relationship united_states requires ballot provide voters choose continue present status relationship independence free association united_states admission state


Summary: Equal Justice for United States Military Personnel Act of 2007 - Amends the federal judicial code to allow for review by writ of certiorari of certain cases denied relief or review by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

equal_justice personnel act amends federal judicial code allow review writ certiorari certain cases denied relief review


Summary: Interstate Recognition of Notarizations Act of 2007 - Requires each federal and state court to recognize any lawful notarization occurring in or affecting interstate commerce which is made by a notary public licensed or commissioned under the laws of a state other than the state where the court is located.Requires such a notarization to: (1) use a seal of office as symbol of the notary public's authority; or (2) have the seal information, in the case of an electronic record, securely attached to, or logically associated with, the electronic record so as to render the record tamper-resistant.

requires federal state court recognize lawful occurring affecting interstate commerce public licensed commissioned laws state state court located requires use seal office symbol public authority seal information case electronic record securely attached associated electronic record render record tamper resistant


Summary: Amends federal veterans' benefit law to increase from seven to nine the maximum number of judges on the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

amends federal veterans benefit law increase seven maximum number judges court_of_appeals veterans claims


Summary: Procedural Fairness for September 11 Victims Act of 2007 - Amends the September 11 Victims Compensation Fund of 2001 to allow a subpoena requiring the attendance of a witness at a trial or hearing conducted under such Act to be served at any place in the United States.

procedural fairness september victims act amends september allow subpoena requiring attendance witness trial hearing conducted act served place united_states


Summary: Fair Judicial Compensation Act of 2007 - Increases by 16.5% the annual salaries of the Chief Justice of the United States, associate justices of the Supreme Court, U.S. circuit judges, U.S. district judges, and judges of the United States Court of International Trade.Amends the federal bankruptcy code to increase fees for bankruptcy trustees.

increases annual salaries chief justice united_states associate justices supreme_court circuit judges district judges judges international trade amends federal bankruptcy code increase fees bankruptcy trustees


Summary: Sunshine in Litigation Act of 2008 - Amends the federal judicial code to prohibit a court from entering an order restricting the disclosure of information obtained through discovery, approving a settlement disagreement that would restrict such disclosure, or restricting access to court records in a civil case, unless the court has found that: (1) such order would not restrict the disclosure of information which is relevant to the protection of public health or safety; or (2) the public interest in the disclosure of potential health or safety hazards is outweighed by a specific and substantial interest in maintaining the confidentiality of the information, and the requested protective order is no broader than necessary to protect the privacy interest. Prohibits any party from requesting, as a condition for the production of discovery, that another party stipulate to an order that would violate this Act. Prohibits a court from: (1) approving or enforcing an order prohibited under this Act, or any provision of an agreement between parties to a civil action, that restricts a party from disclosing information to any federal or state agency with authority to enforce laws regulating an activity relating to such information; or (2) enforcing any provision of a settlement agreement that prohibits a party from disclosing that a settlement was reached or the terms of the settlement, other than the amount paid, or from discussing a case or evidence that involves matters related to public health or safety, except where the court finds that the public interest in disclosure of potential health and safety hazards is outweighed by a confidentiality interest. Creates a rebuttable presumption that the interest in protecting personally identifiable information relating to an individual's financial, health, or other similar information outweighs the public interest in disclosure. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to permit, require, or authorize the disclosure of classified information, as defined under the Classified Information Procedures Act.

sunshine litigation act amends federal judicial code prohibit court entering order restricting disclosure information obtained discovery approving settlement disagreement restrict disclosure restricting access court records civil case court found order restrict disclosure information relevant protection public health safety public interest disclosure potential health safety hazards outweighed specific substantial interest maintaining confidentiality information requested protective order broader necessary protect privacy interest prohibits party requesting condition production discovery party stipulate order violate act prohibits court approving enforcing order prohibited act provision agreement parties civil action restricts party disclosing information federal state agency authority enforce laws regulating activity relating information enforcing provision settlement agreement prohibits party disclosing settlement reached terms settlement paid discussing case evidence involves matters related public health safety court finds public interest disclosure potential health safety hazards outweighed confidentiality interest creates rebuttable presumption interest protecting personally identifiable information relating individual financial health similar information outweighs public interest disclosure declares act shall construed permit require authorize disclosure classified information defined classified_information_procedures_act


Summary: Bail Bond Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit a judicial officer from declaring forfeited a bail bond for violation of specified collateral release conditions other than failing to appear in court. Makes forfeiture of a bail bond for violation of such collateral release conditions unavailable as a sanction.Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to provide that if a defendant fails to appear physically before the court (currently, if there is a breach of a condition of a bond), the court shall declare a forfeiture of the bail.

amends federal criminal code prohibit judicial officer declaring forfeited bail bond violation specified collateral release conditions failing appear court makes forfeiture bail bond violation collateral release conditions unavailable sanction amends federal_rules_of_criminal_procedure provide defendant fails appear physically court currently breach condition bond court shall declare forfeiture bail


Summary: Federal Judgeship Act of 2008 - Directs the President to: (1) appoint additional circuit judges for the first, second, third, sixth, eighth, and ninth circuit courts of appeals and temporary judges for the ninth circuit court of appeals; and (2) appoint additional permanent and temporary district judges for districts in specified states.

federal judgeship act directs president appoint additional circuit judges second sixth eighth ninth circuit courts appeals temporary judges ninth circuit court appeals appoint additional permanent temporary district judges districts specified states


Summary: Makes unenforceable by a federal or state agency, department, or court any judgment of a foreign court or agency under a certain kind of foreign statute that requires a U.S. plaintiff (or affiliate) to pay damages to a foreign defendant.Describes such a foreign statute as one that has the effect of nullifying all or part of a final judgment of a U.S. court under the Antidumping Act of 1916 by enabling a foreign defendant that has paid damages pursuant to such judgment to recover any portion of them from the U.S. plaintiff (or affiliate).Authorizes a U.S. plaintiff (or affiliate) held liable, or required to forfeit or pay damages, pursuant to a foreign judgment to file a civil action for the amount of such damages (plus interest and costs) against the foreign defendant that obtained damages pursuant to the foreign judgment.

makes unenforceable federal state agency department court judgment foreign court agency certain kind foreign statute requires plaintiff affiliate pay damages foreign defendant describes foreign statute effect final judgment court antidumping act enabling foreign defendant paid damages pursuant judgment recover portion plaintiff plaintiff affiliate held liable required forfeit pay damages pursuant foreign judgment file civil action damages plus interest costs foreign defendant obtained damages pursuant foreign judgment


Summary: CAIR Reinstatement Act of 2008 - Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) and the rule establishing Federal Implementation Plans for CAIR. Declares that nothing in this Act shall change or modify the authority or obligations set forth in the Clean Air Act.

reinstatement act directs environmental_protection_agency epa implement clean air interstate rule rule establishing declares act shall change modify authority obligations set forth clean air act


Summary: Judicial Administration and Technical Amendments Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Amends the federal judicial code to: (1) move Dyer County from the Western Division to the Eastern Division of the Western Judicial District of Tennessee; and (2) make Dyersburg a site where the Court for the Eastern Division shall be held. (Sec. 3) Reduces from 30 days to 10 days the minimum length of time a petit juror must serve on a trial before the court may pay a supplemental attendance fee. (Sec. 4) Changes from a requirement to discretionary the authority of the district court to order any person summoned for jury service who fails to appear as directed to appear forthwith and show cause for failure to comply with the summons. (Sec. 5) Requires the clerk or jury commission to post a general notice for public review in the clerk's office and on the court's website explaining the process by which names are periodically and randomly drawn from the master jury wheel. (Sec. 6) Revises the items for which a judge or clerk of any court of the United States may tax as costs to specify: (1) printed or electronically recorded transcripts (currently, stenographic transcripts); and (2) copies of any materials (currently, papers) where the copies are necessarily obtained for use in the case. (Sec. 7) Repeals obsolete provisions in the bankruptcy code relating to certain dollar amounts. (Sec. 8) Authorizes the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, or a designated clerk of court, to request the Secretary of the Treasury to invest court registry funds in interest-bearing public debt securities. (Sec. 9) Authorizes magistrate judge participation at circuit conferences. (Sec. 10) Amends the federal criminal code to repeal the requirement that a chief pretrial services officer be selected by a panel consisting of the chief judge of the circuit, the chief judge of the district, and a magistrate judge of the district or their designees. Requires, instead, that the chief pretrial services officer be appointed by the district court. (Sec. 11) Requires indexing, according to a specified formula, of the maximum amount of compensation payable to attorneys for representing defendants. (Sec. 12) Expands delegation authority for reviewing and approving Criminal Justice Act vouchers in excess of case compensation maximums for: (1) representation of defendants; (2) services other than counsel; or (3) service as counsel for financially unable defendants. Authorizes the chief judge of the circuit to delegate such approval authority to a senior circuit judge (as well as to an active circuit court judge, as under current law). (Sec. 13) Repeals obsolete cross-references to the Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Act in speedy trial requirements. (Sec. 14) Makes technical and conforming amendments to the federal criminal code with respect to conditions of probation and supervised release after imprisonment. (Sec. 15) Includes among pretrial services functions contracting with any appropriate public or private agency or person, or expending funds, to monitor and provide treatment as well as nontreatment services to any such persons released in the community, including equipment and emergency housing, corrective and preventative guidance and training, and other services reasonably deemed necessary to protect the public and ensure that such persons appear in court as required. (Sec. 16) Amends the federal judicial code to require at least (currently, not more than) three members of the United States Sentencing Commission to be federal judges. Thus allows more than three members of the Commission to be federal judges.) (Sec. 17) Increases from $100 to $1,000 the monetary penalty for failure to appear for a jury summons. Authorizes the court to order community service as a penalty as well. (Sec. 18) Requires court for the Sixth Division of the Minnesota Judicial District to be held at Bemidji (as well as at Fergus Falls, as under current law). (Sec. 19) Increases from $1,000 to $5,000 the monetary penalty for employers who retaliate against employees serving on jury duty. Authorizes the court to order community service as a penalty as well.

sec amends federal judicial code western judicial district tennessee site shall held sec reduces days days minimum length time petit juror serve trial court pay supplemental attendance fee sec changes requirement discretionary authority district court order person jury service fails appear directed appear cause failure comply summons sec requires clerk jury commission post general notice public review clerk office court website explaining process names periodically randomly drawn master jury wheel sec revises items judge clerk court united_states tax costs specify printed electronically recorded transcripts currently transcripts copies materials currently papers copies obtained use case sec repeals obsolete provisions bankruptcy code relating certain dollar amounts sec authorizes director administrative_office_of_the_united_states_courts designated clerk court request secretary treasury invest court registry funds interest bearing public debt securities sec authorizes magistrate judge participation circuit conferences sec amends federal criminal code repeal requirement chief pretrial services officer selected panel consisting chief judge circuit chief judge district magistrate judge district designees requires instead chief pretrial services officer appointed district court sec requires indexing according specified formula maximum compensation payable attorneys representing defendants sec expands delegation authority reviewing approving criminal justice act vouchers excess case compensation representation defendants services counsel service counsel financially unable defendants authorizes chief judge circuit delegate approval authority senior circuit judge active circuit court judge current law sec repeals obsolete cross references trial requirements sec makes technical conforming amendments federal criminal code respect conditions probation supervised release imprisonment sec includes pretrial services functions contracting appropriate public private agency person expending funds monitor provide treatment services persons released community including equipment emergency housing corrective preventative guidance training services reasonably deemed necessary protect public ensure persons appear court required sec amends federal judicial code require currently members united_states_sentencing_commission federal judges allows members commission federal judges sec increases monetary penalty failure appear jury summons authorizes court order community service penalty sec requires court minnesota judicial district held current law sec increases monetary penalty employers retaliate employees serving jury duty authorizes court order community service penalty


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.) Drug Trafficking Vessel Interdiction Act of 2008 - Title I: Criminal Prohibition - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to 15 years for knowingly operating, attempting or conspiring to operate, or embarking in any submersible or semi-submersible vessel that is without nationality in, through, or from waters beyond the outer limit of the territorial sea of a single country or a lateral limit of that country's territorial sea with an adjacent country, with the intent to avoid detection. Grants extraterritorial federal jurisdiction over an offense under this Act. Specifies that a claim of nationality or registry under this Act includes only: (1) possession on board the vessel and production of documents evidencing the vessel's nationality as provided in the 1958 Convention on the High Seas; (2) flying its nation's ensign or flag; or (3) a verbal claim of nationality or registry by the person in charge of the vessel. Makes it an affirmative defense to a prosecution under this Act that a vessel operated at the time of a violation was: (1) a vessel of the Untied States or lawfully registered in a foreign nation; (2) classed by and designated in accordance with the rules of a classification society; (3) lawfully operated in a government regulated or licensed activity; or (4) equipped with and using an operable automatic identification system, vessel monitoring system, or a long range identification and tracking system. Specifies the documents required to conclusively prove an affirmative defense.Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to promulgate or amend sentencing guidelines to provide adequate penalties for violating the criminal prohibition imposed by this Act.Title II: Civil Prohibition - Imposes a civil penalty of up to $1 million for a violation of this Act. Allows the same defenses to a civil enforcement proceeding as for a criminal prosecution under this Act.Defines a "semi-submersible vessel" as any manned or unmanned watercraft constructed or adapted to operate with most of its hull and bulk under the surface of the water. Defines a "submersible vessel" as a manned or unmanned vessel capable of operating completely below the surface of the water.

measure amended introduced expanded summary senate passed version repeated drug trafficking vessel interdiction act title criminal prohibition amends federal criminal code impose fine prison term years knowingly operating attempting conspiring operate embarking submersible semi submersible vessel nationality waters outer limit territorial sea single country lateral limit country territorial sea adjacent country intent avoid detection grants extraterritorial federal jurisdiction offense act specifies claim nationality registry act includes possession board vessel production documents evidencing vessel nationality provided convention high seas flying nation ensign flag verbal claim nationality registry person charge vessel makes affirmative defense prosecution act vessel operated time violation vessel untied_states lawfully registered foreign nation classed designated accordance rules classification society lawfully operated government regulated licensed activity equipped operable automatic identification system vessel monitoring system long range identification tracking system specifies documents required conclusively prove affirmative defense directs promulgate amend sentencing guidelines provide adequate penalties violating criminal prohibition imposed act title civil prohibition imposes civil penalty million violation act allows defenses civil enforcement proceeding criminal prosecution act defines semi submersible vessel manned unmanned watercraft constructed adapted operate hull bulk surface water defines submersible vessel manned unmanned vessel capable operating completely surface water


Summary: Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judgeship and Reorganization Act of 2009 - Divides the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit into: (1) the Ninth Circuit, composed of California, Guam, Hawaii, and Northern Mariana Islands; and (2) the Twelfth Circuit, composed of Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Directs the President to appoint two additional judges for the former Ninth Circuit, three additional judges for the new Ninth Circuit, and two temporary judges for the former Ninth Circuit. Specifies the locations where new circuits are to hold regular sessions. Assigns active circuit judges of the former Ninth Circuit to the new circuits. Allows senior circuit judges of the former Ninth Circuit to elect assignment. Provides for the disposition of cases pending in the former Ninth Circuit before the effective date of this Act as follows: (1) proceedings in matters that have been submitted for decision shall continue without regard to this Act; (2) matters not yet submitted for decision must be transferred to the court to which they would have been submitted under this Act; and (3) proceedings on petitions for rehearing or rehearing en banc in matters submitted or decided shall continue without regard to this Act. Authorizes the temporary assignment of circuit and district judges of the former Ninth Circuit between the new circuits. Authorizes administrative coordination between any two contiguous new circuits. Directs that the former Ninth Circuit shall cease to exist for administrative purposes two years after enactment of this Act.

reorganization act divides ninth_circuit ninth_circuit composed california guam hawaii northern_mariana islands twelfth_circuit composed alaska arizona idaho montana nevada oregon washington directs president appoint additional judges ninth_circuit additional judges new ninth_circuit temporary judges ninth_circuit specifies locations new circuits hold regular sessions assigns active circuit judges ninth_circuit new circuits allows senior circuit judges ninth_circuit elect assignment provides disposition cases pending ninth_circuit effective date act follows proceedings matters submitted decision shall continue regard act matters submitted decision transferred court submitted act proceedings petitions rehearing rehearing banc matters submitted decided shall continue regard act authorizes temporary assignment circuit district judges ninth_circuit new circuits authorizes administrative coordination contiguous new circuits directs ninth_circuit shall cease exist administrative purposes years enactment act


Summary: Federal Criminal Immigration Courts Act of 2009 - Directs the President to appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, the following permanent judgeships: (1) four additional district judges for the district of Arizona; (2) one additional district judge for the district of New Mexico; (3) two additional district judges for the southern district of Texas; and (4) one additional district judge for the western district of Texas. Directs the President to appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, the following temporary judgeships: (1) one additional district judge for the district of Arizona; and (2) one additional district judge for the district of New Mexico. Provides that, for each of the judicial districts named in this Act, the first vacancy arising on the district court 10 years or more after a judge is first confirmed to fill the temporary district judgeship created by this Act shall not be filled.

directs president appoint advice consent senate following permanent judgeships additional district judges district arizona additional district judge district new_mexico additional district judges southern district texas additional district judge western district texas directs president appoint advice consent senate following temporary judgeships additional district judge district arizona additional district judge district new_mexico provides judicial districts named act vacancy arising district court years judge confirmed fill temporary district judgeship created act shall filled


Summary: Requires the President to appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, one additional district judge for the district of Nebraska.

requires president appoint advice consent senate additional district judge district nebraska


Summary: Requires the Supreme Court to permit television coverage of all open sessions of the Court unless it decides by majority vote that allowing such coverage in a particular case would violate the due process rights of any of the parties involved.

requires supreme_court permit television coverage open sessions court decides majority vote allowing coverage particular case violate process rights parties involved


Summary: Judicial Transparency and Ethics Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends the federal judicial code to establish the Office of Inspector General for the Judicial Branch of the U.S. government, to be headed by an Inspector General appointed by the Chief Justice. Sets a term of four years, which may be extended by additional reappointments. Authorizes the Chief Justice to remove an Inspector General from office. Requires the Office, except with respect to the Supreme Court, to: (1) conduct investigations of alleged misconduct in the Judicial Branch; (2) conduct and supervise audits and investigations; and (3) prevent and detect waste, fraud, and abuse. Provides for whistleblower protection.

judicial_transparency_and_ethics_enhancement_act amends federal judicial code establish office_of_inspector_general judicial_branch government headed inspector general appointed chief justice sets term years extended additional reappointments authorizes chief justice remove inspector general office requires office respect supreme_court conduct investigations alleged misconduct judicial branch conduct supervise audits investigations prevent detect waste fraud abuse provides whistleblower protection


Summary: We the People Act - Prohibits the Supreme Court and each federal court from adjudicating any claim or relying on judicial decisions involving: (1) state or local laws, regulations, or policies concerning the free exercise or establishment of religion; (2) the right of privacy, including issues of sexual practices, orientation, or reproduction; or (3) the right to marry without regard to sex or sexual orientation where based upon equal protection of the laws. Allows the Supreme Court and the federal courts to determine the constitutionality of federal statutes, administrative rules, or procedures in considering cases arising under the Constitution. Prohibits the Supreme Court and the federal courts from issuing any ruling that appropriates or expends money, imposes taxes, or otherwise interferes with the legislative functions or administrative discretion of the states. Authorizes any party or intervener in matters before any federal court, including the Supreme Court, to challenge the jurisdiction of the court under this Act. Provides that the violation of this Act by any justice or judge is an impeachable offense and a material breach of good behavior subject to removal. Negates as binding precedent on the state courts any federal court decision that relates to an issue removed from federal jurisdiction by this Act.

people act prohibits supreme_court federal court adjudicating claim relying judicial decisions involving state local laws regulations policies concerning free exercise establishment religion right privacy including issues sexual practices orientation reproduction right marry regard sex sexual orientation based equal protection laws allows supreme_court federal courts determine constitutionality federal statutes administrative rules procedures considering cases arising constitution prohibits supreme_court federal courts issuing ruling appropriates expends money imposes taxes interferes legislative functions administrative discretion states authorizes party matters federal court including supreme_court challenge jurisdiction court act provides violation act justice judge offense material breach good behavior subject removal binding precedent state courts federal court decision relates issue removed federal jurisdiction act


Summary: Establishes a pilot program in certain U.S. district courts under which: (1) those district judges who request to hear cases involving patent or plant variety protection issues are designated by the chief judge to hear them; (2) such cases are randomly assigned to the district court judges, regardless of whether they are designated; (3) a judge not designated to whom such a case is assigned may decline to accept the case; and (4) a case so declined is randomly reassigned to one of those judges so designated.

establishes pilot program certain district courts district judges request hear cases involving patent plant variety protection issues designated chief judge hear cases randomly assigned district court judges regardless designated judge designated case assigned decline accept case case declined randomly reassigned judges designated


Summary: English Language Unity Act of 2009 - Makes English the official language of the United States. Requires, subject to exceptions and rules of construction, that: (1) official functions of the United States be conducted in English; and (2) all naturalization ceremonies be conducted in English. Establishes a uniform English language rule for naturalization. Makes English language requirements and workplace policies, whether in the public or private sector, presumptively consistent with the laws of the United States. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue for public notice and comment a proposed rule for uniform testing of English language ability of candidates for naturalization based upon the principles that: (1) all citizens should be able to read and understand generally the English language text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the laws of the United States; and (2) any exceptions to this standard should be limited to extraordinary circumstances, such as asylum.

english language unity act makes english official language united_states requires subject exceptions rules construction official functions united_states conducted english naturalization ceremonies conducted english establishes uniform english language rule naturalization makes english language requirements workplace policies public private sector presumptively consistent laws united_states directs secretary homeland_security issue public notice comment proposed rule uniform testing english language ability candidates naturalization based principles citizens able read understand generally english language text declaration independence constitution laws united_states exceptions standard limited extraordinary circumstances asylum


Summary: Arbitration Fairness Act of 2009 - Declares that no predispute arbitration agreement shall be valid or enforceable if it requires arbitration of: (1) an employment, consumer, or franchise dispute, or (2) a dispute arising under any statute intended to protect civil rights. Declares, further, that the validity or enforceability of an agreement to arbitrate shall be determined by a court, under federal law, rather than an arbitrator, irrespective of whether the party resisting arbitration challenges the arbitration agreement specifically or in conjunction with other terms of the contract containing such agreement. Exempts from this Act arbitration provisions in collective bargaining agreements.

arbitration fairness act declares predispute arbitration agreement shall valid enforceable requires arbitration employment consumer franchise dispute dispute arising statute intended protect civil rights declares validity enforceability agreement arbitrate shall determined court federal law arbitrator irrespective party resisting arbitration challenges arbitration agreement specifically conjunction terms contract containing agreement exempts act arbitration provisions collective bargaining agreements


Summary: Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act of 2009 - Provides that a pre-dispute arbitration agreement between a long-term care facility and a resident (or anyone acting on the resident's behalf) shall not be valid or specifically enforceable.

fairness nursing home arbitration act provides pre dispute arbitration agreement long term care facility resident acting resident behalf shall valid specifically enforceable


Summary: Marriage Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the federal judicial code to deny federal courts jurisdiction to hear or decide any question pertaining to the interpretation of, or the validity under the Constitution, of the provision of the Defense of Marriage Act declaring that no state shall be required to give effect to any marriage between persons of the same sex under the laws of any other state.

marriage protection act amends federal judicial code deny federal courts jurisdiction hear decide question pertaining interpretation validity constitution provision defense_of_marriage_act declaring state shall required effect marriage persons sex laws state


Summary: Peremptory Challenge Act of 2009 - Amends the federal judicial code to require: (1) reassignment to another appropriate judicial officer of any civil or criminal case to be tried in a federal district court, the United States Court of Federal Claims, or a bankruptcy court if all parties on one side file a reassignment request within 20 days (with certain exceptions) after initial assignment of a judicial officer; and (2) the chief judge of the court of appeals for the circuit in which the case is to be tried, or another judge designated by the chief judge, to determine any question arising as to which parties should be grouped together as a side for such purpose.

challenge act amends federal judicial code require reassignment appropriate judicial officer civil criminal case tried federal district court bankruptcy court parties file reassignment request days certain exceptions initial assignment judicial officer chief judge court appeals circuit case tried judge designated chief judge determine question arising parties purpose


Summary: Justice Integrity Act of 2009 - Requires the Attorney General to: (1) establish a pilot program in 10 U.S. districts to promote fairness and the perception of fairness in the federal criminal justice system and to determine whether legislation is required; and (2) designate a U.S. attorney in each of the districts to implement a plan for carrying out such pilot program.Requires each U.S. attorney designated to implement a pilot program to appoint an advisory group consisting of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other individuals and entities who play an important role in the criminal justice system. Requires each advisory group to: (1) collect and analyze data on the race and ethnicity of defendants at each stage of a criminal proceeding; (2) seek to determine causes of racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal justice process; and (3) submit to the U.S. attorney a report and proposed plan for addressing such disparities. Requires each U.S. attorney to annually evaluate the efficacy of a plan submitted by an advisory group. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) prepare a comprehensive report on all advisory group plans and submit such report and plans to Congress; and (2) exercise continuing oversight of the criminal justice system to reduce unwarranted racial and ethnic disparities and improve such system.

justice integrity act requires attorney general establish pilot program districts promote fairness perception fairness federal criminal justice system determine legislation required designate attorney districts implement plan carrying pilot program requires attorney designated implement pilot program appoint advisory group consisting judges prosecutors defense attorneys individuals entities play important role criminal justice system requires advisory group collect analyze data race ethnicity defendants stage criminal proceeding seek determine causes racial ethnic disparities criminal justice process submit attorney report proposed plan addressing disparities requires attorney annually evaluate efficacy plan submitted advisory group requires attorney general prepare comprehensive report advisory group plans submit report plans congress exercise continuing oversight criminal justice system reduce unwarranted racial ethnic disparities improve system


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore, make permanent, and eliminate the dollar limitation for the tax exclusion for amounts received under a qualified group legal services plan.

amends internal revenue code restore permanent eliminate dollar limitation tax exclusion amounts received qualified group legal services plan


Summary: Sunshine in Litigation Act of 2009 - Amends the federal judicial code to prohibit a court from entering an order restricting the disclosure of information obtained through discovery, approving a settlement disagreement that would restrict such disclosure, or restricting access to court records in a civil case, unless the court has found that: (1) such order would not restrict the disclosure of information which is relevant to the protection of public health or safety; or (2) the public interest in the disclosure of potential health or safety hazards is outweighed by a specific and substantial interest in maintaining the confidentiality of the information, and the requested protective order is no broader than necessary to protect the privacy interest. Prohibits any party from requesting, as a condition for the production of discovery, that another party stipulate to an order that would violate this Act. Prohibits a court from: (1) approving or enforcing an order prohibited under this Act, or any provision of an agreement between parties to a civil action, that restricts a party from disclosing information to any federal or state agency with authority to enforce laws regulating an activity relating to such information; or (2) enforcing any provision of a settlement agreement that prohibits a party from disclosing that a settlement was reached or the terms of the settlement, other than the amount paid, or from discussing a case or evidence that involves matters related to public health or safety, except where the court finds that the public interest in disclosure of potential health and safety hazards is outweighed by a confidentiality interest. Creates a rebuttable presumption that the interest in protecting personally identifiable information relating to an individual's financial, health, or other similar information outweighs the public interest in disclosure. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to permit, require, or authorize the disclosure of classified information, as defined under the Classified Information Procedures Act.

sunshine litigation act amends federal judicial code prohibit court entering order restricting disclosure information obtained discovery approving settlement disagreement restrict disclosure restricting access court records civil case court found order restrict disclosure information relevant protection public health safety public interest disclosure potential health safety hazards outweighed specific substantial interest maintaining confidentiality information requested protective order broader necessary protect privacy interest prohibits party requesting condition production discovery party stipulate order violate act prohibits court approving enforcing order prohibited act provision agreement parties civil action restricts party disclosing information federal state agency authority enforce laws regulating activity relating information enforcing provision settlement agreement prohibits party disclosing settlement reached terms settlement paid discussing case evidence involves matters related public health safety court finds public interest disclosure potential health safety hazards outweighed confidentiality interest creates rebuttable presumption interest protecting personally identifiable information relating individual financial health similar information outweighs public interest disclosure declares act shall construed permit require authorize disclosure classified information defined classified_information_procedures_act


Summary: Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to national nonprofit organizations to improve the administration of justice in state courts, including courts in U.S. territories and possessions, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

authorizes attorney general award grants national nonprofit organizations improve administration justice state courts including courts territories possessions district_of_columbia commonwealth_of_puerto_rico


Summary: Second Chance for Ex-Offenders Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to allow an individual to file a petition for expungement of a record of conviction for a nonviolent criminal offense if such individual has: (1) never been convicted of a violent offense and has never been convicted of a nonviolent offense other than the one for which expungement is sought; (2) fulfilled all requirements of the sentence of the court in which conviction was obtained; (3) remained free from dependency on or abuse of alcohol or a controlled substance for a minimum of one year and has been rehabilitated, to the court's satisfaction, if so required by the terms of supervised release; (4) obtained a high school diploma or completed a high school equivalency program; and (5) completed at least one year of community service.Authorizes an individual convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor to file an expungement petition. Directs the court, in ruling on such petition, after determining petitioner eligibility, to weigh the petitioner's interests against the best interests of justice and public safety.Authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to maintain a nonpublic manual or computerized index of expunged records, to be made available only to federal and state law enforcement personnel who have custody of such records for limited disclosure purposes.Requires the restoration of expunged records of individuals subsequently convicted of any federal or state offense.

second chance offenders act amends federal criminal code allow individual file petition expungement record conviction nonviolent criminal offense individual convicted violent offense convicted nonviolent offense expungement sought fulfilled requirements sentence court conviction obtained remained free dependency abuse alcohol controlled substance minimum year rehabilitated court satisfaction required terms supervised release obtained high school diploma completed high school equivalency program completed year community service authorizes individual convicted felony misdemeanor file expungement petition directs court ruling petition determining petitioner eligibility weigh petitioner interests best interests justice public safety authorizes department_of_justice doj maintain nonpublic manual computerized index expunged records available federal state law enforcement personnel custody records limited disclosure purposes requires restoration expunged records individuals subsequently convicted federal state offense


Summary: Statutory Time-Periods Technical Amendments Act of 2009 - Amends federal bankruptcy, criminal, and civil law, as well as the Classified Information Procedures Act and the Controlled Substances Act, to extend from 5 to 7 days, and from 10 to 14 days, counting holidays and weekends, specified deadlines affecting court proceedings to harmonize them with recent amendments to the federal time-computation rules intended to provide predictability and uniformity to the current process of calculating court deadlines.

amends federal bankruptcy criminal civil law classified_information_procedures_act controlled substances act extend days days counting holidays weekends specified deadlines affecting court proceedings harmonize recent amendments federal time computation rules intended provide predictability uniformity current process calculating court deadlines


Summary: Amends the federal judicial code to provide for the direct payment of attorney fees to the attorney representing a prevailing party in civil actions involving Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Claims under titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act. Declares that such fees shall not be subject to offset due to a claim of the United States against the prevailing party.

amends federal judicial code provide direct payment attorney fees attorney representing prevailing party civil actions involving titles survivors disability insurance oasdi xvi supplemental security income ssi social security act declares fees shall subject offset claim united_states prevailing party


Summary: Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act of 2010 - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) make competitive grants to state, tribal, and local governments to establish or maintain programs to protect or assist witnesses in court proceedings involving homicide, a serious felony or drug offense, or gangs or organized crime; (2) evaluate grant applicants based on specified criteria, including such government's level of witness intimidation and level of serious crimes; (3) provide technical assistance to grant applicants for establishing or maintaining a witness protection plan; and (4) develop and disseminate within one year after development best practice models to assist states and other relevant entities in addressing witness safety, short-term and permanent witness relocation, financial and housing assistance, and other necessary services. Expresses the sense of Congress that states and relevant entities should use the best practice models developed by the Attorney General to evaluate, improve, and develop witness protection or witness assistance programs. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) ensure that grants funds under this Act are equitably distributed throughout the United States and that due consideration is given to applicants of rural and urban communities; and (2) report to Congress not later than December 31, 2012, on the implementation of this Act and not later than December 31, 2015, on the programs funded by grants awarded by this Act.

witness security protection grant program act directs attorney general competitive grants state tribal local governments establish maintain programs protect assist witnesses court proceedings involving homicide felony drug offense gangs organized crime evaluate grant applicants based specified criteria including government level witness intimidation level crimes provide technical assistance grant applicants establishing maintaining witness protection plan develop disseminate year development best practice models assist states relevant entities addressing witness safety short term permanent witness relocation financial housing assistance necessary services expresses sense congress states relevant entities use best practice models developed attorney general evaluate improve develop witness protection witness assistance programs requires attorney general ensure grants funds act equitably distributed united_states consideration given applicants rural urban communities report congress later december implementation act later december programs funded grants awarded act


Summary: Accountability in Deferred Prosecution Act of 2009 - Requires the Attorney General to: (1) issue public written guidelines for deferred prosecution agreements and nonprosecution agreements; (2) establish rules for the selection of independent monitors for deferred prosecution agreements; and (3) place the text of deferred prosecution agreements on the public website of the Department of Justice (DOJ). Defines "deferred prosecution agreement" as an agreement between a federal prosecutor and an organization to conditionally defer criminal prosecution of that organization. Defines "nonprosecution agreement" as an agreement between a federal prosecutor and an organization to conditionally decide not to file criminal charges against the organization. Requires a deferred prosecution agreement to be filed in an appropriate U.S. district court. Requires such court to approve an agreement if it is consistent with the guidelines for such agreements and is in the interests of justice.

accountability deferred prosecution act requires attorney general issue public written guidelines deferred prosecution agreements agreements establish rules selection independent monitors deferred prosecution agreements place text deferred prosecution agreements public website department_of_justice doj defines deferred prosecution agreement agreement federal prosecutor organization conditionally defer criminal prosecution organization defines agreement agreement federal prosecutor organization conditionally decide file criminal charges organization requires deferred prosecution agreement filed appropriate district court requires court approve agreement consistent guidelines agreements interests justice


Summary: Crime Victim Restitution and Court Fee Intercept Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary of the Treasury, upon receiving notice from a state judicial agency that a named person owes a past-due, legally enforceable state judicial debt, to pay such debt from any tax refund due to such person. Defines "state judicial debt" to include court costs, fees, fines, assessments, restitution to victims of crime, and other monies resulting from a judgment or sentence rendered by any court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction handling criminal or traffic cases in the state.

crime victim restitution court fee intercept act amends internal revenue code direct secretary treasury receiving notice state judicial agency named person owes past legally enforceable state judicial debt pay debt tax refund person defines state judicial debt include court costs fees fines assessments restitution victims crime monies resulting judgment sentence rendered court tribunal competent jurisdiction handling criminal traffic cases state


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a tax deduction for expenses and court costs advanced in a contingency fee case, which shall be determined as if such expense or cost was not subject to repayment.

amends internal revenue code permit tax deduction expenses court costs advanced contingency fee case shall determined expense cost subject repayment


Summary: IDEA Fairness Restoration Act - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to include expert witness fees, including the reasonable costs of any test or evaluation necessary for the preparation of the parent or guardian's case in the action or proceeding, within the definition of "attorneys' fees" that may be awarded to the prevailing party in a civil action brought under such Act.

idea fairness restoration act amends individuals disabilities education act include expert witness fees including reasonable costs test evaluation necessary preparation parent guardian case action proceeding definition attorneys fees awarded prevailing party civil action brought act


Summary: Directs the President to appoint: (1) four additional permanent district judges for the eastern district of California; and (2) one temporary judgeship for such district. Makes Bakersfield an additional place of holding court for the eastern district.

directs president appoint additional permanent district judges eastern district california temporary judgeship district makes bakersfield additional place holding court eastern district


Summary: Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2009 - Authorizes the presiding judge of a U.S. appellate court or U.S. district court to permit the photographing, electronic recording, broadcasting, or televising to the public of court proceedings over which that judge presides, except when such action would constitute a violation of the due process rights of any party. Directs: (1) a district court, upon the request of any witness in a trial proceeding other than a party, to order the face and voice of the witness to be disguised or otherwise obscured to render the witness unrecognizable to the broadcast audience of the trial proceeding; and (2) the presiding judge in a trial proceeding to inform each witness who is not a party of the right to make such request. Authorizes the Judicial Conference of the United States to promulgate mandatory guidelines with respect to the management and administration of photographing, recording, broadcasting, or televising described in this Act.

sunshine courtroom act authorizes presiding judge appellate court district court permit photographing electronic recording broadcasting televising public court proceedings judge presides action constitute violation process rights party directs district court request witness trial proceeding party order face voice witness disguised obscured render witness unrecognizable broadcast audience trial proceeding presiding judge trial proceeding inform witness party right request authorizes judicial_conference_of_the_united_states promulgate mandatory guidelines respect management administration photographing recording broadcasting televising described act


Summary: Amends the federal judicial code to provide for an additional judgeship for the western district of Michigan, increasing the number of judgeships from four to five.

amends federal judicial code provide additional judgeship western district michigan increasing number judgeships


Summary: Judicial Survivors Protection Act of 2009 - Authorizes a six-month open enrollment period starting 30 days after enactment of this Act for a federal judicial official to opt into the Judicial Survivors' Annuities System and begin contributing toward an annuity for his or her surviving spouse and dependent children. Allows judicial officials enrolled in the System before or after enactment of this Act to purchase, in three-month increments, up to an additional year of service credit for each year of federal judicial service completed.

authorizes month open enrollment period starting days enactment act federal judicial official opt begin contributing annuity surviving spouse dependent children allows judicial officials enrolled system enactment act purchase month increments additional year service credit year federal judicial service completed


Summary: Justice for the Wrongly Accused Act - Amends the federal judicial code to make an exception to the requirement of a motion to the court of appeals before the filing of certain second or subsequent petitions for habeas corpus. Declares that the motion requirement does not apply if the second or subsequent petition application rests solely on a claim of actual innocence arising from: (1) newly discovered evidence from forensic testing; (2) exculpatory evidence withheld from the defense at trial; or (3) newly discovered accounts by credible witnesses who recant prior testimony or establish improper action of state or federal agents. States also that the exhaustion of remedies requirement does not apply, if the application for a writ of habeas corpus on behalf of a person in custody pursuant to a state court judgment is based on a claim that the police or prosecution withheld exculpatory, impeachment, or other evidence favorable to the defendant. Requires the court to hold an evidentiary hearing to determine the facts relating to a claim of actual innocence if the applicant makes a credible proffer of evidence supporting the claim based on certain circumstances. Prescribes a standard for the admissibility of a witness' evidentiary hearing testimony.

justice wrongly accused act amends federal judicial code exception requirement motion court appeals filing certain second subsequent petitions habeas corpus declares motion requirement apply second subsequent petition application solely claim actual innocence arising newly discovered evidence forensic testing evidence withheld defense trial newly discovered accounts credible witnesses prior testimony establish improper action state federal agents states exhaustion remedies requirement apply application writ habeas corpus behalf person custody pursuant state court judgment based claim police prosecution withheld evidence favorable defendant requires court hold evidentiary hearing determine facts relating claim actual innocence applicant makes credible evidence supporting claim based certain circumstances prescribes standard admissibility witness evidentiary hearing testimony


Summary: Safe Babies Act of 2009 - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to authorize the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to create, and provide technical assistance to, local court teams to promote the well-being of maltreated infants and toddlers and their families, prevent the recurrence of child abuse and neglect, and promote timely reunification of families. Defines "maltreated infant or toddler" as any child three years of age or younger who is the victim of a substantiated case of physical abuse, neglect, medical neglect, sexual abuse, or emotional abuse. Directs the Administrator to award a grant to establish a National Court Teams for Maltreated Infants and Toddlers Resource Center to provide information, training, and other assistance to local court teams and to establish a uniform data collection system related to the operation and outcomes of projects initiated by such teams. Sets forth required activities for local court teams, including: (1) conducting monthly reviews of cases handled by such teams; (2) incorporating child-focused services into case plans for maltreated infants and toddlers; (3) organizing training of community members working with court teams; (4) identifying areas for improvement in providing mental health and substance abuse treatment for families; and (5) prioritizing after-care services for families.

safe babies act amends juvenile justice delinquency prevention act authorize administrator office_of_juvenile_justice delinquency prevention create provide technical assistance local court teams promote infants toddlers families prevent recurrence child abuse neglect promote timely reunification families defines infant toddler child years age younger victim substantiated case physical abuse neglect medical neglect sexual abuse emotional abuse directs administrator award grant establish provide information training assistance local court teams establish uniform data collection system related operation outcomes projects initiated teams sets forth required activities local court teams including conducting monthly reviews cases handled teams incorporating child focused services case plans infants toddlers organizing training community members working court teams identifying areas improvement providing mental health substance abuse treatment families prioritizing care services families


Summary: GPS Protection & Safety Act of 2009 - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) make grants to states and local governments to establish or expand global positioning systems to monitor convicted sex offenders, individuals subject to a protection or restraining order, and individuals charged or convicted of driving while intoxicated as an alternative to incarcerating such individuals; and (2) provide for a public service awareness campaign on the importance of reporting instances of stalking.

gps protection safety act directs attorney general grants states local governments establish expand global positioning systems monitor convicted sex offenders individuals subject protection restraining order individuals charged convicted driving intoxicated alternative incarcerating individuals provide public service awareness campaign importance reporting instances stalking


Summary: Federal Judiciary Administrative Improvements Act of 2009 - Amends the federal judicial code to: (1) remove the power of certain active or retired federal judges to appoint U.S. magistrate judges; (2) revise the statutory description of the District of North Dakota to eliminate the current four divisions each of which holds court exclusively for specified counties; (3) revise requirements for the disability retirement and cost-of-living adjustments of annuities for territorial judges; and (4) revise requirements for the compensation of Federal Judicial Center personnel, including reemployed annuitants. Amends federal civil service law to subject judicial branch senior executives to federal civil service annual leave requirements and limitations. Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) require court use of separate judgment and statement of reasons forms in the imposition of a criminal sentence; (2) require appropriate adaptation of pretrial services functions for juveniles; (3) modify the reporting schedule for criminal wiretap orders; and (4) increase the compensation thresholds triggering administrative review of compensation for non-counsel investigative, expert, or other services necessary for adequate representation of a person financially unable to obtain them.

amends federal judicial code remove power certain active retired federal judges appoint magistrate judges revise statutory description district north dakota eliminate current divisions holds court exclusively specified counties revise requirements disability retirement cost living adjustments annuities territorial judges revise requirements compensation personnel including reemployed annuitants amends federal civil service law subject judicial branch senior executives federal civil service annual leave requirements limitations amends federal criminal code require court use separate judgment statement reasons forms imposition criminal sentence require appropriate adaptation pretrial services functions juveniles modify reporting schedule criminal orders increase compensation thresholds triggering administrative review compensation non counsel investigative expert services necessary adequate representation person financially unable obtain


Summary: Federal Judgeship Act of 2009 - Directs the President to appoint specified additional: (1) permanent circuit judges for the first, second, third, sixth, and ninth circuit courts of appeals and temporary circuit judges for the third, eighth, and ninth circuits; and (2) permanent district judges for various districts in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, and Washington and temporary district judges for Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, and Virginia.

federal judgeship act directs president appoint specified additional permanent circuit judges second sixth ninth circuit courts appeals temporary circuit judges eighth ninth circuits permanent district judges districts arizona california colorado florida indiana minnesota new_jersey new_mexico new_york oregon south_carolina texas washington temporary district judges alabama arizona california florida idaho iowa minnesota nebraska new_york virginia


Summary: Interstate Recognition of Notarizations Act of 2010 - Requires each federal and state court to recognize any lawful notarization occurring in or affecting interstate commerce which is made by a notary public licensed or commissioned under the laws of a state other than the state where the court is located. Requires such a notarization to: (1) use a seal of office as symbol of the notary public's authority; or (2) have the seal information, in the case of an electronic record, securely attached to, or logically associated with, the electronic record so as to render the record tamper-resistant.

requires federal state court recognize lawful occurring affecting interstate commerce public licensed commissioned laws state state court located requires use seal office symbol public authority seal information case electronic record securely attached associated electronic record render record tamper resistant


Summary: Requires the President to appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, one additional district judge for the eastern district of California and one additional district judge for the district of Nebraska. Prohibits filling of the first vacancy in the office of district judge in each of the offices of district judge authorized by this Act occurring 10 years or more after the confirmation of the judge named to fill the temporary district judgeship created by this Act. Amends the Judicial Improvements Act of 1990 to extend the temporary judgeships in the district of Hawaii, the district of Kansas, and the northern district of Ohio. Prohibits filling of the first vacancy in the office of district judge in the district of Kansas occurring 26 years or more, in the district of Ohio occurring 25 years or more, or in the district of Hawaii occurring 20 years or more after the confirmation of the judge named to fill the temporary judgeship created by such Act.

requires president appoint advice consent senate additional district judge eastern district california additional district judge district nebraska prohibits filling vacancy office district judge offices district judge authorized act occurring years confirmation judge named fill temporary district judgeship created act amends judicial improvements act extend temporary judgeships district hawaii district kansas northern district ohio prohibits filling vacancy office district judge district kansas occurring years district ohio occurring years district hawaii occurring years confirmation judge named fill temporary judgeship created act


Summary: Enhanced Restitution Enforcement and Equitable Retirement Treatment Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) impose a late fee on unpaid criminal fines or restitution obligations of $2,500 or more; (2) revise requirements for the modification or remission of unpaid criminal fines, restitution obligations, or special assessments; (3) require the Attorney General to establish guidelines for the enforcement of all criminal and civil obligations owed to the United States; and (4) increase special assessments on persons convicted of federal misdemeanors and felonies. Amends the federal judicial code to impose a late fee on unpaid money judgments owed to the United States. Establishes in the Treasury the Department of Justice (DOJ) Enhanced Financial Recovery Fund to support DOJ debt collection activities. Requires current federal agency share contributions for personnel benefits incurred as a result of this Act to be paid from such Fund. Requires assistant U.S. attorneys to be treated in the same manner as federal law enforcement officers for purposes of federal employee retirement benefit provisions.

amends federal criminal code impose late fee unpaid criminal fines restitution obligations revise requirements modification remission unpaid criminal fines restitution obligations special assessments require attorney general establish guidelines enforcement criminal civil obligations owed united_states increase special assessments persons convicted federal misdemeanors felonies amends federal judicial code impose late fee unpaid money judgments owed united_states establishes treasury department_of_justice doj enhanced financial recovery fund support doj debt collection activities requires current federal agency share contributions personnel benefits incurred result act paid fund requires assistant attorneys treated manner federal law enforcement officers purposes federal employee retirement benefit provisions


Summary: Federal Courts Jurisdiction and Venue Clarification Act of 2010 - Title I: Jurisdictional Improvements - (Sec. 101) Amends the federal judicial code to declare that, with respect to diversity of citizenship, the U.S. district courts shall not have original jurisdiction of any civil action between citizens of a state and citizens or subjects of a foreign state who are lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States and are domiciled in the same state. (Sec. 102) Modifies the citizenship rules to treat corporations as citizens of any foreign state: (1) by which it has been incorporated; and (2) where it has its principal place of business. Treats insurers as citizens of any foreign state: (1) of which the insured is a citizen; (2) by which the insurer has been incorporated; and (3) where the insurer has its principal place of business. (Sec. 103) Separates the removal requirements governing civil cases and those governing criminal cases into two separate categories. Declares that, upon removal of any civil action with both removable and nonremovable claims, the district court shall sever from the action all nonremovable claims and remand them to the state court from which the action was removed. Requires only defendants against whom a removable claim has been asserted to join in or consent to removal of the action. Prescribes requirements for the filing of notices of removal, including assertion in the notice of the amount in controversy, when it exceeds the necessary amount, if the initial pleading seeks: (1) nonmonetary relief; or (2) a money judgment, but the state practice either does not permit demand for a specific sum or permits recovery of damages in excess of the amount demanded. Allows removal of a case based on diversity of citizenship more than one year after commencement of the action if the plaintiff has acted in bad faith in order to prevent a defendant from removing the action. Title II: Venue and Transfer Improvements - (Sec. 202) Revises general requirements for the scope of venue of civil actions. Requires the proper venue of any civil action brought in a U.S. district court to be determined without regard to whether the action is local or transitory in nature. (Sec. 203) Repeals the "local action" rule that any civil action, of a local nature, involving property located in different districts in the same state, may be brought in any of such districts. (Sec. 204) Allows a district court to transfer a civil action to any district or division to which all parties have consented. Prohibits transfers from a U.S. District court to the District Court of Guam, the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands, or the District Court of the Virgin Islands.

venue clarification act title jurisdictional improvements sec amends federal judicial code declare respect diversity citizenship district courts shall original jurisdiction civil action citizens state citizens subjects foreign state lawfully admitted permanent residence united_states domiciled state sec modifies citizenship rules treat corporations citizens foreign state incorporated principal place business treats insurers citizens foreign state insured citizen insurer incorporated insurer principal place business sec separates removal requirements governing civil cases governing criminal cases separate categories declares removal civil action removable claims district court shall sever action claims remand state court action removed requires defendants removable claim asserted join consent removal action prescribes requirements filing notices removal including assertion notice controversy exceeds necessary initial pleading seeks nonmonetary relief money judgment state practice permit demand specific sum permits recovery damages excess demanded allows removal case based diversity citizenship year commencement action plaintiff acted bad faith order prevent defendant removing action title venue sec revises general requirements scope venue civil actions requires proper venue civil action brought district court determined regard action local nature sec repeals local action rule civil action local nature involving property located different districts state brought districts sec allows district court transfer civil action district division parties consented prohibits transfers district court district_court northern_mariana_islands district_court virgin_islands


Summary: Open Access to Courts Act of 2009 - Prohibits a U.S. district court from dismissing a complaint: (1) unless it appears beyond doubt that the plaintiff can prove no set of facts in support of the claim which would entitle the plaintiff to relief; or (2) on the basis of a determination by the judge that the factual contents of the complaint do not show the plaintiff's claim to be plausible or are insufficient to warrant a reasonable interference that the defendant is liable for the misconduct alleged.

open access courts act prohibits district court dismissing complaint appears doubt plaintiff prove set facts support claim entitle plaintiff relief basis determination judge factual contents complaint plaintiff claim insufficient warrant reasonable interference defendant liable misconduct alleged


Summary: Law Student Clinic Participation Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to exempt a law student or staff member participating in a legal clinic or externship of an accredited law school with respect to a matter within the scope of the clinic or externship from the criminal conflict of interest rules applicable to federal and District of Columbia employees, unless: (1) the student or staff has participated personally and substantially in the matter as a government employee; or (2) the matter is pending in the department or agency in which the student is serving.

law student clinic participation act amends federal criminal code exempt law student staff member participating legal clinic externship accredited law school respect matter scope clinic externship criminal conflict interest rules applicable federal district_of_columbia employees student staff participated personally substantially matter government employee matter pending department agency student serving


Summary: Grants U.S. district courts original jurisdiction over any civil action for damages for personal injury or death that: (1) arose from the deportation of persons to Nazi concentration camps between January 1, 1942, and December 31, 1944; and (2) is brought by or on behalf of such person against a railroad that owned or operated the trains on which the persons were deported and that was organized as a separate legal entity.Provides that: (1) no law limiting the jurisdiction of the U.S. courts shall preclude any such action; and (2) no such action shall be barred because a statute of limitations has expired. Makes this Act applicable to any action pending on or commenced after January 1, 2002.

grants district courts original jurisdiction civil action damages personal injury death arose deportation persons nazi concentration camps january december brought behalf person railroad owned operated trains persons deported organized separate legal entity provides law limiting jurisdiction courts shall preclude action action shall barred statute limitations expired makes act applicable action pending commenced january


Summary: Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 2010 - Amends the federal judicial code to authorize the appointment of additional permanent bankruptcy judges in various states. Converts certain temporary offices of bankruptcy judges to permanent offices in specified states. Extends certain temporary offices of bankruptcy judges previously authorized for Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Increases bankruptcy filing fees. Reduces the amount of bankruptcy fees to be deposited as offsetting collections to the United States Trustee System Fund.

bankruptcy judgeship act amends federal judicial code authorize appointment additional permanent bankruptcy judges states converts certain temporary offices bankruptcy judges permanent offices specified states extends certain temporary offices bankruptcy judges previously authorized pennsylvania north_carolina increases bankruptcy filing fees reduces bankruptcy fees deposited offsetting collections


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Social Security Disability Applicants' Access to Professional Representation Act of 2010 - Amends the Social Security Protection Act of 2004 to provide for permanent extension of the attorney fee witholding procedures under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI). Amends SSA titles II and XVI to provide for the permanent extension of such procedures to qualified non-attorney claimant representatives.

measure amended introduced summary version repeated amends social_security_protection_act provide permanent extension attorney fee procedures title survivors disability insurance social security act ssa ssa title ssi amends ssa titles xvi provide permanent extension procedures qualified non attorney claimant representatives


Summary: Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act of 2010 - Declares that no executive agreement between the United States and any foreign country shall invalidate or preempt any state law creating a cause of action against an insurer or related company based upon a claim arising out of or related to a covered insurance policy that: (1) was in effect at any time after January 30, 1933, and before December 31, 1945; and (2) was issued to a policyholder domiciled in any area occupied or controlled by Nazi Germany. Deems any state law enacted as of March 1, 1998, which requires an insurer doing business in that state to disclose information regarding such a covered policy to be effective upon its enactment. Authorizes the President to waive application of this Act upon: (1) a determination that the executive agreement is vital to U.S. national security interests; and (2) presentation of a report by the President to certain congressional committees explaining the reasons for such determination. Prohibits a court from dismissing a claim that is brought under a state law within 10 years after enactment of this Act on the ground that the claim is barred under any statute of limitations. Declares this Act applicable to any claim brought under state law before, on, or after enactment of this Act including: (1) any claim dismissed on the ground of executive preemption before the date of the enactment of this Act; and (2) any claim that is deemed released as a result of the settlement of a class action entered into before enactment of this Act if the claimant did not receive any payment pursuant to the settlement.

holocaust insurance accountability act declares executive agreement united_states foreign country shall invalidate preempt state law creating cause action insurer related company based claim arising related covered insurance policy effect time january december issued policyholder domiciled area occupied controlled deems state law enacted march requires insurer business state disclose information covered policy effective enactment authorizes president waive application act determination executive agreement vital national security interests presentation report president certain congressional committees explaining reasons determination prohibits court dismissing claim brought state law years enactment act ground claim barred statute limitations declares act applicable claim brought state law enactment act including claim dismissed ground executive preemption date enactment act claim deemed released result settlement class action entered enactment act claimant receive payment pursuant settlement


Summary: Open EAJA Act of 2010 - Directs the Attorney General to issue an annual online report to Congress and the public on the amount of attorney fees and other expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year pursuant to the law commonly known as the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA). Directs the Comptroller General to commence an audit of the Equal Access to Justice Act for 1995 through the end of the calendar year in which this Act is enacted, and report to Congress on the audit results.

open eaja act directs attorney general issue annual online report congress public attorney fees expenses awarded preceding fiscal year pursuant law commonly known equal_access justice act eaja directs comptroller general commence audit equal_access justice act end calendar year act enacted report congress audit results


Summary: Fair Payment of Court Fees Act of 2010 - Amends the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to authorize the waiver of court fees if the court determines that the interest of justice justifies such a waiver. Amends the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure to require such a waiver. States that the interest of justice includes the establishment of constitutional or other important precedent.

fees act amends federal_rules_of_civil_procedure authorize waiver court fees court determines interest justice justifies waiver amends procedure require waiver states interest justice includes establishment constitutional important precedent


Summary: Sex Crime Re-Entry EvaluatioN (SCREEN) Act of 2010 - Amends the federal criminal code to allow a court to impose on a defendant who has been convicted of a serious sex crime, including aggravated sexual abuse, sex-related murder, and sexual exploitation of children, a term of special confinement, in addition to the sentence for the underlying crime, to prevent sexual predation. Authorizes the term of such confinement to be the life of the defendant. Allows such defendant the right to one hearing per year after confinement to determine whether such defendant is a sexually dangerous person.

sex crime entry evaluation screen act amends federal criminal code allow court impose defendant convicted sex crime including aggravated sexual abuse sex related murder sexual exploitation children term special confinement addition sentence underlying crime prevent sexual predation authorizes term confinement life defendant allows defendant right hearing year confinement determine defendant sexually dangerous person