Summary:
Serving our Rural Veterans Act of 2016

This bill authorizes payment by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the costs associated with service by Veterans Health Administration medical residents and interns at facilities operated by Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or the Indian Health Service (covered facilities).

The bill requires the VA to carry out a pilot program to establish graduate medical education residency training programs at such facilities that have an existing reimbursement agreement with the VA under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and that are located in rural or remote areas, including at one facility in each of Alaska and Montana. The VA shall reimburse each covered facility participating in the program for costs of:

 curriculum development; recruitment, training, and retention of residents and faculty; accreditation of programs of education; faculty salaries; and certain other expenses relating to providing medical education under the program. Each medical resident who participates in the program must agree to two years of obligated service at a covered facility or a VA facility for each year in the program. A program participant who fails to satisfy the period of obligated service shall be liable to the United States for prorated portion of the amount paid for program participation.

A medical resident who participates in the program shall be eligible for participation in the Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program.

serving rural veterans act bill authorizes payment department_of_veterans_affairs costs associated service veterans_health_administration medical residents interns facilities operated indian tribes tribal organizations indian_health_service covered facilities bill requires carry pilot program establish graduate medical education residency training programs facilities existing reimbursement agreement indian_health_care_improvement_act located rural remote areas including facility alaska montana shall reimburse covered facility participating program costs curriculum development recruitment training retention residents faculty accreditation programs education faculty salaries certain expenses relating providing medical education program medical resident participates program agree years obligated service covered facility facility year program program participant fails satisfy period obligated service shall liable united_states prorated portion paid program participation medical resident participates program shall eligible participation indian_health_service_loan_repayment_program


Summary: This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the special depreciation rules for property used predominantly within an Indian reservation and to permit a taxpayer to revoke an election to exclude any class of property from the rules for any taxable year.

bill amends internal_revenue_code permanent special depreciation rules property predominantly indian reservation permit taxpayer revoke election exclude class property rules taxable year


Summary:
Navajo Utah Water Rights Settlement Act of 2016

This bill (1) ratifies the Navajo Utah Water Rights Settlement Agreement negotiated between the Navajo Nation, the United States, and Utah; and (2) satisfies the claims of the tribe for water rights and injury to water rights under all laws with respect to the Navajo Nation Reservation.

The bill enumerates Navajo Nation's right to use water from water sources located within Utah and adjacent to or encompassed within the the boundaries of the reservation resulting in depletion of no more than 81,500 acre-feet annually.

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) must plan, design, and construct the water diversion, delivery, and conservation features of the Navajo water development projects. Reclamation must convey title to those Navajo water development projects described as water supply and water distribution systems once they are complete, in operation, and if applicable, delivering potable water.

The Department of the Interior must facilitate the formation of a project management committee to review cost factors and budgets and improve management of the Navajo water development projects.

The bill establishes: (1) the Navajo Operation, Maintenance, and Replacement (OM&R) Trust Account for the operation, maintenance, and replacement of the Navajo water development projects authorized to be constructed and described in the agreement as water supply systems and water distribution systems; and (2) the Navajo Water Development Fund to plan, design, and construct the Navajo water development projects.

The bill outlines waivers, releases, and retentions of claims by the Navajo Nation and the United States under the agreement.

bill ratifies negotiated navajo_nation united_states utah satisfies claims tribe water rights injury water rights laws respect bill enumerates navajo_nation right use water water sources located utah adjacent encompassed boundaries reservation resulting depletion acre feet annually plan design construct water diversion delivery conservation features navajo water development projects reclamation convey title navajo water development projects described water supply water distribution systems complete operation applicable delivering potable water department_of_the_interior facilitate formation project management committee review cost factors budgets improve management navajo water development projects bill establishes navajo operation maintenance replacement trust account operation maintenance replacement navajo water development projects authorized constructed described agreement water supply systems water distribution systems plan design construct navajo water development projects bill outlines waivers releases claims navajo_nation united_states agreement


Summary:
Justice for Native Survivors of Sexual Violence Act

This bill amends the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968 to revise provisions regarding tribal jurisdiction over crimes of domestic violence, including to expand tribal criminal jurisdiction to include sex trafficking, sexual violence, stalking, and related conduct.

justice bill amends indian_civil_rights_act revise provisions tribal jurisdiction crimes domestic violence including expand tribal criminal jurisdiction include sex trafficking sexual violence stalking related conduct


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: Judicial District of the Virgin Islands Act of 2007 - Amends the federal judicial code to establish a two-judge Article III court in the Virgin Islands (with court held in Christiansted for the Saint Croix Division, and in Charlotte-Amalie for the Saint Thomas and Saint John Division). Requires pleadings and procedures to be conducted in the English language. Amends the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to state that: (1) the judicial power of the Virgin Islands shall be vested in an appellate court and lower local courts as may have been or may hereafter be established by local law (eliminates references to the district court of the Virgin Islands); and (2) the U.S. district court of the Virgin Islands shall have exclusive jurisdiction over all income-tax related criminal and civil proceedings in the Virgin Islands, except for ancillary tax laws enacted by the Virgin Islands legislature. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) assignment of additional judges; and (2) relations between U.S. courts and local courts under such Act.

virgin_islands act amends federal judicial code establish judge article iii court virgin_islands court held saint_thomas saint john division requires pleadings procedures conducted english language amends revised organic act virgin_islands state judicial power virgin_islands shall vested appellate court lower local courts established local law eliminates references district court virgin_islands district court virgin_islands shall exclusive jurisdiction income tax related criminal civil proceedings virgin_islands ancillary tax laws enacted virgin_islands legislature sets forth provisions respecting assignment additional judges relations courts local courts act


Summary: Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judgeship and Reorganization Act of 2007 - 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: 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: Prohibits an individual (or a survivor or beneficiary thereof) from receiving federal annuity or retired pay if such individual is convicted, indicted, or has outstanding charges against him under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for specified offenses concerning: (1) bribery, graft, or conflicts of interest related to public officials and witnesses, Members of Congress, government officers or employees, or obtaining appointive public office; (2) embezzlement or theft of public money, property, or records; (3) the solicitation or use of gifts; (4) fraud and false statements or entries; (5) perjury; (6) subornation of perjury; or (7) false declarations before a grand jury or court. Refunds annuity contributions and deposits, excluding interest earned, to a convicted individual.

prohibits individual survivor beneficiary thereof receiving federal annuity retired pay individual convicted indicted outstanding charges uniform code military justice specified offenses concerning bribery conflicts interest related public officials witnesses members congress government officers employees obtaining public office embezzlement theft public money property records solicitation use gifts fraud false statements entries perjury perjury false declarations grand jury court refunds annuity contributions deposits excluding interest earned convicted individual


Summary: Military Commissions Habeas Corpus Restoration Act of 2007 - Amends the federal judicial code to repeal the restriction on the jurisdiction of courts, justices, and judges to hear or consider applications for writs of habeas corpus filed by or on behalf of aliens: (1) properly detained by the United States as enemy combatants; or (2) awaiting a determination of whether their detention as enemy combatants is proper.

military commissions habeas corpus restoration act amends federal judicial code repeal restriction jurisdiction courts justices judges hear consider applications writs habeas corpus filed behalf aliens properly detained united_states enemy combatants awaiting determination detention enemy combatants proper


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: Congressional Pension Accountability Act - Prohibits a Member of Congress, or a survivor or beneficiary, from receiving an annuity or retired pay if such Member is: (1) convicted of bribery of public officials and witnesses, conspiracy either to commit any offense against the United States or to defraud the United States, perjury, or subornation of perjury; or (2) indicted or has outstanding charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Defines "Member of Congress" as the Vice President, a member of the Senate or the House of Representatives, a Delegate to the House of Representatives, and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.

member congress survivor beneficiary receiving annuity retired pay member convicted bribery public officials witnesses conspiracy commit offense united_states defraud united_states perjury perjury indicted outstanding charges uniform code military justice defines member congress vice president member senate house_of_representatives delegate house_of_representatives resident commissioner puerto_rico


Summary: Court Security Improvement Act of 2007 - Title I: Judicial Security Improvements and Funding - (Sec 101) Amends the federal judicial code to require the Director of the U.S. Marshals Service to consult with the Judicial Conference of the United States (Judicial Conference) on a continuing basis regarding the security requirements for the U.S. judicial branch.(Sec. 102) Authorizes the U.S. Marshals Service to provide for the security of the U.S. Tax Court.(Sec. 103) Authorizes additional amounts in FY2007-FY2011 for: (1) hiring deputy U.S. Marshals to provide security for judicial officers and U.S. attorneys; and (2) the Office of Protective Intelligence to provide secure computer systems.(Sec. 104) Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to extend through 2011 the authority of the Judicial Conference to redact certain personal information of judges from financial disclosure reports. Title II: Criminal Law Enhancements to Protect Judges, Family Members, and Witnesses - (Sec. 201) Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit the filing (or attempts or conspiracies to file) in any public record any false lien or encumbrance against the real or personal property of any U.S. officer or employee on account of the performance of that officer's or employee's official duties, knowing that such lien or encumbrance is false. Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to 10 years for violations.(Sec. 202) Prohibits the public disclosure of restricted personal information about a federal officer or employee, witness, or juror (or immediate family members) with the intent to threaten or cause harm to such individuals. Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to five years for violations.(Sec. 203) Prohibits the possession of dangerous weapons in federal court facilities. (Sec. 204) Modifies venue requirements for prosecutions for retaliation against a witness to include the district in which the official proceeding or criminal conduct occurred. (Sec. 205) Increases maximum prison terms for: (1) tampering with, or retaliating against, a witness, victim, or informant; (2) voluntary and involuntary manslaughter; and (3) assault against a federal judge, law enforcement officer, or immediate family members of such officials.(Sec. 209) Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review its sentencing guidelines relating to threats against a federal official carried out over the Internet.Title III: Protecting State and Local Judges and Related Grant Programs - (Sec. 301) Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to include as a required use of community-based justice grants the creation and expansion of state, local, or Indian tribe witness protection programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012.(Sec. 302) Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to make state courts eligible for grants to improve court security (correctional options grants) and for armor vests. (Sec. 303) Directs the Attorney General to make grants to enable the highest court in each state to establish and maintain a threat assessment database to: (1) analyze trends and patterns in domestic terrorism and crime; (2) project the probabilities that specific acts of domestic terrorism or crime will occur; and (3) develop measures and procedures to reduce such probabilities. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2011.Title IV: Law Enforcement Officers - (Sec. 401) Requires the Attorney General to report to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees on the security of assistant U.S. attorneys and other federal attorneys arising from the prosecution of terrorists and other violent criminals. Requires such report to include information on the number and nature of threats and assaults against such attorneys, security measures in place to protect such attorneys, programs available to such attorneys for personal security training, secure parking spaces for such attorneys, and the role of the U.S. Marshals Service in protecting such attorneys.Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - (Sec. 501) Amends the federal judicial code to: (1) authorize through FY2010 the U.S. Sentencing Commission to enter into multyear procurement contracts and to make advance, partial, progress, or other payments for property or services to the same extent as executive agencies; (2) extend certain life insurance benefits to magistrate judges; and (3) expand the powers of judges who have retired from active service (senior judges) to include all powers of a sitting judge, including participation in the appointment of court officers and selection of magistrates, rulemaking, governance, and administrative matters.(Sec. 505) Amends the federal criminal code to require the Bureau of Prisons to notify a prisoner released to supervised release, verbally and in writing, of such prisoner's obligation to pay any fines imposed for the offense committed and the consequences of failure to pay. (Sec. 506) Requires the Attorney General to study and report to Congress on whether general public access to state and local records imperils the safety of the federal judiciary. (Sec. 507) Authorizes appropriations for Fugitive Apprehension Task Forces for FY2008-FY2012. (Sec. 508) Authorizes states, for purposes of identification requirements under the REAL ID Act of 2005, to include in a driver's license or other identification card issued to federal judges and justices of the U.S. Supreme Court the address of the courthouse of such judges or justices in lieu of residence addresses.(Sec. 509) Amends the federal judicial code to: (1) decrease the required number of judges for the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals from 12 to 11; and (2) increase the required number of such judges for the Ninth Circuit from 28 to 29.(Sec. 510) Requires the Director of the National Institute of Justice to conduct a study of the collateral consequences of convictions for criminal offenses in all states, the District of Columbia, and each U.S. territory. Defines "collateral consequences" as sanctions against an individual or disqualifications resulting from a felony or misdemeanor conviction that were not part of the original judgment of the sentencing court.

court security improvement act title judicial security improvements funding sec amends federal judicial code require director consult continuing basis security requirements judicial authorizes provide security authorizes additional amounts fy2007 fy2011 hiring deputy provide security judicial officers attorneys provide secure computer amends ethics government act extend authority judicial_conference redact certain personal information judges financial disclosure reports title criminal law enhancements protect judges family members witnesses sec amends federal criminal code prohibit filing attempts conspiracies file public record false lien encumbrance real personal property officer employee account performance officer employee official duties knowing lien encumbrance false imposes fine prison term years prohibits public disclosure restricted personal information federal officer employee witness juror immediate family members intent threaten cause harm individuals imposes fine prison term years prohibits possession dangerous weapons federal court facilities sec modifies venue requirements prosecutions retaliation witness include district official proceeding criminal conduct occurred sec increases maximum prison terms tampering retaliating witness victim informant voluntary involuntary manslaughter assault federal judge law enforcement officer immediate family members directs review sentencing guidelines relating threats federal official carried internet title iii local judges related grant programs sec amends violent_crime_control_and_law_enforcement_act include required use community based justice grants creation expansion state local indian tribe witness protection programs authorizes appropriations fy2008 amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act state courts eligible grants improve court security correctional options grants armor vests sec directs attorney general grants enable highest court state establish maintain threat assessment database analyze trends patterns domestic terrorism crime project specific acts domestic terrorism crime occur develop measures procedures reduce authorizes appropriations fy2008 law enforcement officers sec requires attorney general report house senate judiciary committees security assistant attorneys federal attorneys arising prosecution terrorists violent criminals requires report include information number nature threats assaults attorneys security measures place protect attorneys programs available attorneys personal security training secure parking spaces attorneys role protecting attorneys title miscellaneous provisions sec amends federal judicial code authorize fy2010 enter procurement contracts advance partial progress payments property services extent executive agencies extend certain life insurance benefits magistrate judges expand powers judges retired active service senior judges include powers sitting judge including participation appointment court officers selection rulemaking governance administrative amends federal criminal code require bureau_of_prisons notify prisoner released supervised release writing prisoner obligation pay fines imposed offense committed consequences failure pay sec requires attorney general study report congress general public access state local records safety federal judiciary sec authorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2012 sec authorizes states purposes identification requirements real act include driver license identification card issued federal judges justices address courthouse judges justices lieu residence amends federal judicial code decrease required number judges increase required number judges ninth_circuit requires director national_institute_of_justice conduct study collateral consequences convictions criminal offenses states district_of_columbia territory defines collateral consequences sanctions individual disqualifications resulting felony misdemeanor conviction original judgment sentencing court


Summary: Marriage Protection Act of 2007 - 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: Judicial Transparency and Ethics Enhancement Act of 2007 - 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: John R. Justice Prosecutors and Defenders Incentive Act of 2007 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to add a program for student loan repayment for prosecutors and public defenders. Defines "prosecutor" as a full-time state or local agency employee who: (1) is continually licensed to practice law; and (2) prosecutes criminal or juvenile delinquency cases, including an employee who supervises, educates, or trains other attorneys prosecuting such cases.Defines "public defender" as a licensed attorney who is a full-time state or local agency employee or a full-time employee of a nonprofit organization who provides legal representation to indigent persons in criminal or juvenile delinquency cases, including an attorney who supervises, educates, or trains other attorneys to provide such representation. Includes in such definition a full-time federal defender attorney.Directs the Attorney General to establish a program to assume the obligation to repay the student loans of any borrowers who are employed as prosecutors or public defenders and who are not in default on their loans. Sets forth requirements for such program, including that: (1) the borrower will remain employed as a prosecutor or public defender for not less than three years; and (2) the borrower will repay to the Attorney General any repayment benefits received if the borrower is fired from employment for misconduct or voluntarily separates from employment.Limits the amount payable under such program for any borrower to $10,000 per year andan aggregate total of $60,000.Authorizes the Attorney General to enter into subsequent agreements with a borrower for another three-year period or a lesser period.Requires the Attorney General to give priority in granting repayment benefits to borrowers who have the least ability to repay their loans.Authorizes the Attorney General to issue regulations to carry out this Act.Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Justice to report to Congress on the cost of loan repayment program under this Act and the impact of such program on the hiring and retention of prosecutors and public defenders.Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the impact of law school accreditation requirements and other factors on law school costs and access, including the impact of such requirements on racial and ethnic minorities.Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2013.

defenders incentive act amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act add program student loan repayment prosecutors public defenders defines prosecutor time state local agency employee continually licensed practice law criminal juvenile delinquency cases including employee supervises trains attorneys prosecuting cases defines public defender licensed attorney time state local agency employee time employee nonprofit organization provides legal representation indigent persons criminal juvenile delinquency cases including attorney supervises trains attorneys provide representation includes definition time federal defender attorney directs attorney general establish program assume obligation repay student loans borrowers employed prosecutors public defenders default loans sets forth requirements program including borrower remain employed prosecutor public defender years borrower repay attorney general repayment benefits received borrower fired employment misconduct voluntarily separates employment limits payable program borrower year aggregate total attorney general enter subsequent agreements borrower year period lesser period requires attorney general priority granting repayment benefits borrowers ability repay loans authorizes attorney general issue regulations carry act requires inspector general department_of_justice report congress cost loan repayment program act impact program hiring retention prosecutors public defenders directs comptroller general study report congress impact law school accreditation requirements factors law school costs access including impact requirements racial ethnic minorities authorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2013


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: Peremptory Challenge Act of 2007 - 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: Directs the President to appoint four additional district judges for the eastern district of California. Makes Bakersfield an additional place of holding court for the eastern district. Directs the chief judge of the eastern district to designate one district judge whose official duty station shall be in Bakersfield, and another whose official duty station shall be in Redding.

directs president appoint additional district judges eastern district california makes bakersfield additional place holding court eastern district directs chief judge eastern district designate district judge official duty station shall bakersfield official duty station shall


Summary: Sons and Daughters of America Act - Amends the Revised Statutes of the United States to provide that the remedies for a civil action for deprivation of rights are limited to injunctive and declaratory relief where the deprivation: (1) consists of a violation of the right to freedom of speech secured by the Constitution; and (2) is the result of a statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage which prohibits or restricts picketing, protesting, or demonstrating at a funeral or any other ceremony, procession, or memorial service held in connection with the burial or cremation of the dead.Prohibits the award of attorney's fees with respect to the prevailing party in such a claim, including one in any action brought against the United States or any federal agency or official acting in his or her official capacity in any court.

Civil rights and liberties, minority issues

united_states provide remedies civil action deprivation rights limited injunctive declaratory relief deprivation consists violation right freedom speech secured constitution result statute ordinance regulation custom usage prohibits restricts picketing demonstrating funeral ceremony memorial service held connection burial dead prohibits award attorney fees respect prevailing party claim including action brought united_states federal agency official acting official capacity court


Summary: Training for Realtime Writers Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to make competitive grants to eligible entities to promote recruitment, training, and placement of individuals, including individuals who have completed a court reporting training program, as realtime writers providing closed captioning in video programming. Sets forth priorities in making grants. Limits grants to $1.5 million for a two-year period. Repeals this Act five years after funds are appropriated to carry it out.

training writers act directs secretary commerce competitive grants eligible entities promote recruitment training placement individuals including individuals completed court reporting training program writers providing closed captioning video programming sets forth priorities making grants limits grants million year period repeals act years funds appropriated carry


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: Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2007 - 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 advisory guidelines to which a presiding judge may refer in making decisions regarding 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 advisory guidelines presiding judge refer making decisions management administration photographing recording broadcasting televising described 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: 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: Judicial Conduct Act of 2007 - Amends the federal judicial code to define the treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors for which a justice or judge of the United States, according to Articles II and III of the U.S. Constitution, shall be removed from office.

judicial conduct act amends federal judicial code define treason bribery high crimes misdemeanors justice judge united_states according iii constitution shall removed office


Summary: Arbitration Fairness Act of 2007 - 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 or to regulate contracts or transactions between parties of unequal bargaining power. 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 arbitration provisions in collective bargaining agreements from this Act.

arbitration fairness act declares predispute arbitration agreement shall valid enforceable requires arbitration employment consumer franchise dispute dispute arising statute intended protect civil rights regulate contracts transactions parties bargaining power 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 arbitration provisions collective bargaining agreements act


Summary: Effective Law Enforcement through Transparent Interrogations Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to render inadmissible as evidence in felony prosecutions statements by an individual obtained in an unrecorded custodial interrogation.

effective law enforcement transparent interrogations act amends federal criminal code render inadmissible evidence felony prosecutions statements individual obtained custodial interrogation


Summary: Whistleblower Recovery Act of 2007 - Amends the False Claims Act regarding a federal civil action ("whistle blower" or qui tam action) brought by private persons. Revises the definition of "original source" relating to the requirement that, for any court to have jurisdiction over such an action based upon the public disclosure of allegations or transactions in a criminal, civil, or administrative hearing, in a congressional, administrative, or Government Accountability Office report, hearing, audit, or investigation, the person bringing the action (if not the Attorney General) be an original source of the information. Redefines "original source" as an individual who has direct and independent knowledge of information that the individual has voluntarily provided to the government before filing an action that is the basis for either: (1) the allegations or transactions; or (2) public disclosure of the allegations or transactions. (Thus allows an individual who publicly discloses allegations or transactions of false claims to recover a portion of any awards following legal proceedings under the False Claims Act for those public disclosures, even though the individual does not know the precise way in which the wrongdoing occurs.)

whistleblower recovery act amends false claims act federal civil action whistle blower action brought private persons revises definition original source relating requirement court jurisdiction action based public disclosure allegations transactions criminal civil administrative hearing congressional administrative government_accountability_office report hearing audit investigation person bringing action attorney general original source information redefines original source individual direct independent knowledge information individual voluntarily provided government filing action basis allegations transactions public disclosure allegations transactions allows individual publicly discloses allegations transactions false claims recover portion awards following legal proceedings false claims act public disclosures individual know precise way wrongdoing occurs


Summary: Prosecutorial Tools Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to impose enhanced criminal penalties for serious violent felonies committed during and in relation to any drug trafficking crime.Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) impose additional restrictions on the release of persons charged with certain firearms offenses; and (2) establish limitation periods for prosecuting certain noncapital crimes of violence and terrorism.

prosecutorial tools improvement act amends controlled substances act impose enhanced criminal penalties violent felonies committed relation drug trafficking crime amends federal criminal code impose additional restrictions release persons charged certain firearms offenses establish limitation periods prosecuting certain noncapital crimes violence terrorism


Summary: Federal Judgeship and Administrative Efficiency Act of 2007 - Federal Judgeship Act of 2007 - Directs the President to: (1) appoint additional circuit judges for the first, second, sixth, and ninth circuit courts of appeals and temporary judges for the eighth and ninth circuit courts of appeals; and (2) appoint additional permanent and temporary district judges for districts in specified states. Establishes a federal judicial district in the Virgin Islands. Revises provisions relating to the jurisdiction of courts of the Virgin Islands.Enhanced Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 2007 - Provides for additional permanent and temporary bankruptcy judgeships in specified states. Judicial Administration and Improvements Act of 2007 - Amends the federal judicial code to divide the Ninth Judicial Circuit into the Ninth Circuit (to be composed of California, Guam, Hawaii, and the Northern Mariana Islands) and the Twelfth Circuit (to be composed of Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington). Declares that the former Ninth Circuit shall cease to exist for administrative purposes two years after the enactment of this Act.

administrative efficiency act federal judgeship act directs president appoint additional circuit judges second sixth ninth circuit courts appeals temporary judges eighth ninth circuit courts appeals appoint additional permanent temporary district judges districts specified states establishes federal judicial district virgin_islands revises provisions relating jurisdiction courts virgin_islands enhanced bankruptcy judgeship act provides additional permanent temporary bankruptcy judgeships specified states improvements act amends federal judicial code divide ninth_circuit composed california guam hawaii northern_mariana_islands twelfth_circuit composed alaska arizona idaho montana nevada oregon washington declares ninth_circuit shall cease exist administrative purposes years enactment act


Summary: Amends the federal judicial code to change the composition of the Northern and Central Districts of Illinois. Removes Whiteside County from the Western Division of the Northern District and places it in the Central District.

amends federal judicial code change composition northern central districts illinois removes county places


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: 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: Amends the federal criminal code to require the judge in the trial of every criminal case, or at sentencing if there is no trial, to read in open court the rights of crime victims as provided by federal law.

amends federal criminal code require judge trial criminal case sentencing trial read open court rights crime victims provided federal law


Summary: Tory Jo's Loophole AMBER Response Act of 2007 - Amends the PROTECT Act to: (1) require the minimum standards for the issuance and dissemination of alerts through the AMBER Alert communications network to allow local law enforcement officials to issue and provide for the dissemination of an alert to facilitate the recovery of an abducted newborn; and (2) define "child" to mean an individual under age 18 or a newborn.

loophole amber response act amends protect act require minimum standards issuance dissemination alerts amber alert communications network allow local law enforcement officials issue provide dissemination alert facilitate recovery abducted newborn define child mean individual age newborn


Summary: Directs the Attorney General to issue guidelines delineating when U.S. attorneys should enter into deferred prosecution agreements, including appropriate factors for U.S. Attorneys to consider in determining whether to enter such agreements. Requires a deferred prosecution agreement to be approved by a U.S. district court judge or a U.S. magistrate judge in the U.S. district court where criminal charges would be prosecuted by a U.S. attorney. Requires oversight of a deferred prosecution agreement by a federal monitor appointed by an independent third party (a U. S. district court judge or a U.S. magistrate judge) from a pool of pre-qualified firms or individuals (or both). Requires the presiding judge in the district court where a deferred prosecution agreement was approved, upon request by a U.S. Attorney, to determine if the deferred prosecution agreement has been breached.

directs attorney general issue guidelines attorneys enter deferred prosecution agreements including appropriate factors attorneys consider determining enter agreements requires deferred prosecution agreement approved district court judge magistrate judge district court criminal charges prosecuted attorney requires oversight deferred prosecution agreement federal monitor appointed independent party district court judge magistrate judge pool pre qualified firms individuals requires presiding judge district court deferred prosecution agreement approved request attorney determine deferred prosecution agreement breached


Summary: The Pornography Jurisdiction Limitation Act of 2008 - Amends the federal judicial code to provide that no court created by Act of Congress shall have jurisdiction, and the Supreme Court shall have no appellate jurisdiction, to hear or decide a question of whether a state pornography law imposes a constitutionally invalid restriction on the freedom of expression. Provides that a decision of a federal court, to the extent the decision relates to such a question, is not binding precedent on a state court.

pornography jurisdiction limitation act amends federal judicial code provide court created act congress shall jurisdiction supreme_court shall appellate jurisdiction hear decide question state pornography law imposes constitutionally invalid restriction freedom expression provides decision federal court extent decision relates question binding precedent state court


Summary: Amends the federal criminal code to require the judge, at arraignment or at the commencement of a criminal trial, or at sentencing if there is no trial, to read in open court the rights of crime victims as provided by federal law.

amends federal criminal code require judge commencement criminal trial sentencing trial read open court rights crime victims provided federal law


Summary: Save our Border Communities Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide payment to first responders for costs associated with providing emergency services at U.S. international borders, but only to the extent that such costs are not otherwise reimbursed through any federal program and cannot otherwise be recovered.

save border communities act directs secretary homeland_security provide payment responders costs associated providing emergency services international borders extent costs reimbursed federal program recovered


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. Makes it a rebuttable presumption that the interest in protecting personally identifiable information relating to an individual's financial or 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.

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 makes 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


Summary: Protecting Americans from Unsafe Foreign Products Act - Amends the federal judicial code to provide for service of process on foreign citizens or subjects (nationals), or their agents, in cases involving defective products causing injury in the United States which were manufactured by the foreign national outside the United States. Conditions jursidiction for service of process on the fact that the foreign national: (1) knew or reasonably should have known that the product or component would be imported for sale or use in the United States; or (2) had contacts with the United States, whether or not such contacts occurred in the place where the injury occurred.

protecting americans unsafe foreign products act amends federal judicial code provide service process foreign citizens subjects nationals agents cases involving defective products causing injury united_states manufactured foreign national outside united_states conditions service process fact foreign national knew reasonably known product component imported sale use united_states contacts united_states contacts occurred place injury occurred


Summary: Authorizes the Attorney General to: (1) award a grant to a nonprofit organization (such as the National District Attorneys Association) for a national training program to improve the professional skills of state and local prosecutors and to enhance the ability of federal, state, and local prosecutors to work together; and (2) provide assistance for carrying out such training program, including comprehensive continuing legal education in trial practice, substantive legal updates, and support staff training. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2012.

authorizes attorney general award grant nonprofit organization national training program improve professional skills state local prosecutors enhance ability federal state local prosecutors work provide assistance carrying training program including comprehensive continuing legal education trial practice substantive legal updates support staff training authorizes appropriations fy2009 fy2012


Summary: Amends the federal judicial code to prohibit a domestic court from recognizing or enforcing a foreign judgment for defamation that is based upon a publication concerning a public figure or a matter of public concern, unless the domestic court determines that the judgment is consistent with the First Amendment to the Constitution.

amends federal judicial code prohibit domestic court recognizing enforcing foreign judgment defamation based publication concerning public figure matter public concern domestic court determines judgment consistent amendment constitution


Summary: Responsive Government Act of 2008 - Amends the federal judicial code to authorize the chief judge of a district or court of appeals to delay, toll, or otherwise grant relief from time deadlines applicable to pending civil and criminal cases in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency situation requiring the closure of courts or rendering it impracticable to comply with such deadlines. Grants the Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office authority to: (1) waive statutory provisions governing the filing, processing, renewal, and maintenance of patents, trademark registrations, and patent and trademark applications in certain emergencies; and (2) accept late application filings for patent extensions in certain cases of unintentional delay. Prescribes filing fees for patent extensions, including: (1) $65 million for an anticoagulant drug intended for use in humans; and (2) a formula for other items.

responsive government act amends federal judicial code authorize chief judge district court appeals delay toll grant relief time deadlines applicable pending civil criminal cases event natural disaster emergency situation requiring closure courts rendering impracticable comply deadlines grants director united_states patent trademark_office authority waive statutory provisions governing filing processing renewal maintenance patents trademark registrations patent trademark applications certain emergencies accept late application filings patent extensions certain cases unintentional delay prescribes filing fees patent extensions including million drug intended use humans formula items


Summary: Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence with respect to the disclosure of a communication or information covered by the attorney-client privilege and work product protection. Provides that, when such a disclosure is made in a federal proceeding or to a federal office or agency, and waives the attorney-client privilege or work-product protection, the waiver extends to an undisclosed communication or information in a federal or state proceeding only if: (1) the waiver is intentional; (2) the disclosed and undisclosed communications or information concern the same subject matter; and (3) they ought in fairness to be considered together. States that, when the disclosure is made in a federal proceeding or to a federal office or agency, it does not operate as a waiver in a federal or state proceeding if: (1) the disclosure is inadvertent; (2) the holder of the privilege or protection took reasonable steps to prevent disclosure; and (3) the holder promptly took reasonable steps to rectify the error. Declares that, when the disclosure is made in a state proceeding and is not the subject of a state-court order concerning waiver, it does not operate as a waiver in a federal proceeding if the disclosure: (1) would not be a waiver under this rule if it had been made in a federal proceeding; or (2) is not waived under law of the state where the disclosure occurred.

amends federal_rules_of_evidence respect disclosure communication information covered attorney client privilege work product protection provides disclosure federal proceeding federal office agency waives attorney client privilege work product protection waiver extends undisclosed communication information federal state proceeding waiver intentional disclosed undisclosed communications information concern subject matter fairness considered states disclosure federal proceeding federal office agency operate waiver federal state proceeding disclosure inadvertent holder privilege protection took reasonable steps prevent disclosure holder promptly took reasonable steps error declares disclosure state proceeding subject state court order concerning waiver operate waiver federal proceeding disclosure waiver rule federal proceeding waived law state disclosure occurred


Summary: Extends through calendar year 2013 the authority of the United States Supreme Court Police to protect court officials off the Supreme Court grounds. Changes the title of the Administrative Assistant to the Chief Justice to Counselor to the Chief Justice.

extends calendar year authority protect court officials supreme_court grounds changes title administrative assistant chief justice counselor chief justice


Summary: Office of Legal Counsel Reporting Act of 2008 - Amends the federal judicial code to require the Attorney General to report to Congress on certain authoritative Department of Justice legal interpretations (including those by the Office of Legal Counsel) submitted to the President, executive branch agency heads, or the Secretaries of the military departments about the constitutionality, non-application, or supersession of federal law. Requires any qualified legal opinion issued to the President, any person or entity in the executive branch, or any member of the Armed Forces to be issued in writing, except when immediate action is required. Requires the Comptroller General to evaluate and report to Congress on the performance of the Office of Legal Counsel during the 25-year period ending on the date of enactment of this Act.

amends federal judicial code require attorney general report congress certain authoritative department_of_justice legal interpretations including submitted president executive branch agency heads secretaries military departments constitutionality non application federal law requires qualified legal opinion issued president person entity executive branch member armed_forces issued writing immediate action required requires comptroller general evaluate report congress performance year period ending date enactment act


Summary: Alcohol Franchise Contract Arbitration Fairness Act of 2008 - Authorizes the resolution of alcohol beverage franchise disputes through arbitration if an alcoholic beverage franchise contract provides for it, but only if, after a dispute arises, all parties to the dispute consent to use of arbitration. Defines "alcoholic beverage franchise contract" as one under which an alcoholic beverage manufacturer, importer, or distributor sells alcoholic beverages to any other person for resale to an ultimate purchaser.

fairness act authorizes resolution alcohol beverage franchise disputes arbitration alcoholic beverage franchise contract provides dispute arises parties dispute consent use arbitration defines alcoholic beverage franchise contract alcoholic beverage manufacturer importer distributor sells alcoholic beverages person resale ultimate purchaser


Summary: Stop Trial Lawyer Pork Act - Declares that certain federal laws that benefit trial lawyers to the detriment of consumers shall have no force or effect, whether enacted before, on, or after the enactment of this Act. Includes among such laws: (1) the Sunshine in Litigation Act of 2008; (2) the Medical Device Safety Act of 2008; (3) the Protecting Americans from Unsafe Foreign Products Act; (4) the Arbitration Fairness Act of 2007; (5) the Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2007; and (6) the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008. Clarity and Transparency in Lawsuits Act or CATLA - Requires any federal law creating a private right of action to include express language providing for such a right. Prohibits any federal or state court from construing any federal law to imply a private right of action in absence of such an express provision. Prohibits any attorney at law, in any litigation in or affecting commerce among the states or with foreign nations, from prosecuting or counseling any action, or asserting any claim or defense, which is false, frivolous, or wholly insubstantial. Establishes sanctions for violation of such prohibition. Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act - Amends Rule 11 (Signing Pleadings, Motions, and Other Papers; Representations to the Court; Sanctions) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to require the court to impose an appropriate sanction on any attorney, law firm, or party that has violated, or is responsible for the violation of, the rule with regard to representations to the court. Requires any sanction to compensate parties injured by the conduct in question. Gives an attorney a right to appeal such a sanction. Prohibits a person from bringing a personal injury claim in the court of a state if the person is not a resident of that state (interstate forum-shopping), unless all or a substantial part of the acts or omissions giving rise to the claim asserted occurred in that state.

stop trial lawyer pork act declares certain federal laws benefit trial lawyers consumers shall force effect enacted enactment act includes laws sunshine litigation act medical device safety act protecting americans unsafe foreign products act arbitration fairness act ban asbestos america act renewable energy job creation act clarity transparency lawsuits act requires federal law creating private right action include express language providing right prohibits federal state court construing federal law imply private right action absence express provision prohibits attorney law litigation affecting commerce states foreign nations prosecuting counseling action asserting claim defense false frivolous wholly establishes sanctions violation prohibition lawsuit abuse reduction act amends rule motions papers representations court sanctions federal_rules_of_civil_procedure require court impose appropriate sanction attorney law firm party violated responsible violation rule regard representations court requires sanction compensate parties injured conduct question gives attorney right appeal sanction prohibits person bringing personal injury claim court state person resident state interstate forum shopping substantial acts omissions giving rise claim asserted occurred state


Summary: Drug Trafficking Vessel Interdiction Act of 2008 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to 15 years for knowingly operating or attempting or conspiring to operate by any means, or for embarking in, any submersible or semi-submersible vessel that is without nationality and that is navigating or has navigated into, 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. Imposes an additional civil fine of up to $1 million for violations.

drug trafficking vessel interdiction act amends federal criminal code impose fine prison term years knowingly operating attempting conspiring operate means embarking submersible semi submersible vessel nationality navigating waters outer limit territorial sea single country lateral limit country territorial sea adjacent country intent avoid detection imposes additional civil fine million violations


Summary: Habeas Corpus Restoration Act of 2007- Repeals provisions of the Military Commissions Act of 2006 that eliminated the jurisdiction of any court to hear or consider applications for a writ of habeas corpus filed by aliens who have been determined by the United States to have been properly detained as enemy combatants (or who are awaiting such determination) and actions against the United States relating to the detention of such aliens and to military commissions (thus restoring habeas corpus rights existing prior to the enactment of such Act).Allows courts to hear or consider legal challenges to military commissions only as provided by the Code of Military Justice or by a habeas corpus proceeding.

habeas corpus restoration act repeals provisions military commissions act eliminated jurisdiction court hear consider applications writ habeas corpus filed aliens determined united_states properly detained enemy combatants awaiting determination actions united_states relating detention aliens military commissions restoring habeas corpus rights existing prior enactment courts hear consider legal challenges military commissions provided code military justice habeas corpus proceeding


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: Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2008 - 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. Prohibits the presiding judge from permitting the photographing, electronic recording, broadcasting, or televising of any juror in a trial proceeding, or of the jury selection process. Gives the presiding judge the discretion to obscure the face and voice of an individual under certain conditions if good cause can be shown that the photographing, electronic recording, broadcasting, or televising of the individual would threaten the individual's safety. Prohibits any interlocutory appeal of the decision of the presiding judge of whether or not to permit, deny, or terminate the photographing, electronic recording, broadcasting, or televising of a court proceeding. Directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to promulgate advisory guidelines to which a presiding judge is required to refer in making decisions regarding the management and administration of photographing, recording, broadcasting, or televising described in this Act. Prohibits any audio pickup or broadcast of conferences in a court proceeding between attorneys and their clients, between co-counsel of a client, between adverse counsel, or between counsel and the presiding judge, if the conferences are not part of the official record of the proceedings.

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 prohibits presiding judge permitting photographing electronic recording broadcasting televising juror trial proceeding jury selection process gives presiding judge discretion face voice individual certain conditions good cause shown photographing electronic recording broadcasting televising individual threaten individual safety prohibits interlocutory appeal decision presiding judge permit deny terminate photographing electronic recording broadcasting televising court proceeding directs judicial_conference_of_the_united_states promulgate advisory guidelines presiding judge required refer making decisions management administration photographing recording broadcasting televising described act prohibits audio broadcast conferences court proceeding attorneys clients counsel client adverse counsel counsel presiding judge conferences official record proceedings


Summary: Court Security Improvement Act of 2007 - Title I: Judicial Security Improvements and Funding - (Sec. 101) Amends the federal judicial code to require the Director of the U.S. Marshals Service to consult with the Judicial Conference of the United States (Judicial Conference) on a continuing basis regarding the security requirements of the judicial branch.(Sec. 102) Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to: (1) authorize the Judicial Conference to allow redactions of personal information of family members of judges from financial disclosure forms filed by such judges; (2) extend through 2009 the authority of the Judicial Conference to redact certain personal information of judges from financial disclosure reports; and (3) require the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to include in its annual report to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees additional information about redactions from financial disclosure forms.(Sec. 104) Amends the federal judicial code and the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the U.S. Marshals Service to provide security for the U.S. Tax Court. (Sec. 105) Authorizes an additional appropriation in each of FY2007-FY2011 for the U.S. Marshals Service for protection of the judiciary. Requires such additional funding to be used for: (1) hiring entry-level deputy marshals to provide judicial security; (2) hiring senior-level deputy marshals for investigating threats to the judiciary and for providing protection for members of the judiciary and assistant U.S. attorneys; and (3) the Office of Protective Intelligence. Title II: Criminal Law Enhancements To Protect Judges, Family Members, and Witnesses - (Sec. 201) Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit the filing (or attempts or conspiracies to file) in any public record any false lien or encumbrance against the real or personal property of any U.S. officer or employee on account of the performance of that officer's or employee's official duties, knowing such lien or encumbrance is false. Impose a fine and/or prison term of up to 10 years for violations.(Sec. 202) Prohibits the public disclosure of restricted personal information about a federal officer or employee, witness, or juror (or immediate family members) with the intent to threaten or cause harm to such individuals. Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to five years for violations.(Sec. 203) Prohibits the possession of dangerous weapons in federal court facilities. (Sec. 204) Sets forth venue requirements for prosecutions for retaliation against a witness. (Sec. 205) Increases maximum prison terms for tampering with, or retaliating against, a witness, victim, or informant.(Sec. 207) Increases maximum prison terms for voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. Title III: Protecting State And Local Judges And Related Grant Programs - (Sec. 301) Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to include as a required use of community-based justice grants the creation and expansion of state, local, or Indian tribe witness protection programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2011.(Sec. 302) Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to make state courts eligible for grants to improve court security (correctional options grants) and for armor vests. Title IV: Law Enforcement Officers - Requires the Attorney General to report to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees on the security of assistant U.S. attorneys and other federal attorneys arising from the prosecution of terrorists and other violent criminals. Requires such report to include information on the number and nature of threats and assaults against such attorneys, security measures in place to protect such attorneys, programs available to such attorneys for personal security training, secure parking spaces for such attorneys, and the role of the U.S. Marshals Service in protecting such attorneys.Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the federal judicial code to: (1) authorize through FY2010 the U.S. Sentencing Commission to enter into multi-year procurement contracts and to make advance, partial, progress, or other payments for property or services to the same extent as executive agencies; (2) extend certain life insurance benefits to bankruptcy, magistrate, and territorial judges; (3) expand the powers of judges who have retired from active service (senior judges) to include all powers of a sitting judge, including participation in the appointment of court officers, the selection of magistrate judges, rulemaking, governance, and administrative matters; (4) reduce the number of judges on the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from 12 to 11; and (5) increase the number of judges on the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 28 to 29.

court security improvement act title judicial security improvements funding sec amends federal judicial code require director consult continuing basis security requirements judicial amends ethics government act authorize judicial_conference allow redactions personal information family members judges financial disclosure forms filed judges extend authority judicial_conference redact certain personal information judges financial disclosure reports require include annual report house senate judiciary committees additional information redactions financial disclosure amends federal judicial code internal revenue code authorize provide security sec authorizes additional appropriation fy2007-fy2011 protection judiciary requires additional funding hiring entry level deputy marshals provide judicial security hiring senior level deputy marshals investigating threats judiciary providing protection members judiciary assistant attorneys title criminal law enhancements protect judges family members witnesses sec amends federal criminal code prohibit filing attempts conspiracies file public record false lien encumbrance real personal property officer employee account performance officer employee official duties knowing lien encumbrance false impose fine prison term years prohibits public disclosure restricted personal information federal officer employee witness juror immediate family members intent threaten cause harm individuals imposes fine prison term years prohibits possession dangerous weapons federal court facilities sec sets forth venue requirements prosecutions retaliation witness sec increases maximum prison terms tampering retaliating witness victim increases maximum prison terms voluntary involuntary manslaughter title iii protecting state local judges related grant programs sec amends violent_crime_control_and_law_enforcement_act include required use community based justice grants creation expansion state local indian tribe witness protection programs authorizes appropriations fy2007 amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act state courts eligible grants improve court security correctional options grants armor vests title law enforcement officers requires attorney general report house senate judiciary committees security assistant attorneys federal attorneys arising prosecution terrorists violent criminals requires report include information number nature threats assaults attorneys security measures place protect attorneys programs available attorneys personal security training secure parking spaces attorneys role protecting attorneys title miscellaneous provisions amends federal judicial code authorize fy2010 enter multi year procurement contracts advance partial progress payments property services extent executive agencies extend certain life insurance benefits bankruptcy magistrate territorial judges expand powers judges retired active service senior judges include powers sitting judge including participation appointment court officers selection magistrate judges rulemaking governance administrative matters reduce number judges increase number judges court_of_appeals ninth_circuit


Summary: Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 to extend the Act through FY2013. Revises requirements regarding the merchantable material contracting pilot program. Requires counties participating in county projects to submit a specified notification for each project for which the participating county obligated county funds. Provides for the review of such notifications.

secure_rural_schools amends secure rural schools community self determination act extend act fy2013 revises requirements merchantable material contracting pilot program requires counties participating county projects submit specified notification project participating county obligated county funds provides review notifications


Summary: Directs the President to appoint additional district court judges as are necessary to carry out the 2005 recommendations of the Judicial Conference for district courts in which the criminal immigration filings represented more than 50% of all criminal filings for the 12-month period ending September 30, 2004.

directs president appoint additional district court judges necessary carry recommendations judicial_conference district courts criminal immigration filings represented criminal filings month period ending september


Summary: Judicial Transparency and Ethics Enhancement Act of 2007 - 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 to: (1) conduct investigations of alleged misconduct in the Judicial Branch, including the U.S. Supreme Court; (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 conduct investigations alleged misconduct judicial_branch including conduct supervise audits investigations prevent detect waste fraud abuse provides whistleblower protection


Summary: Amends the federal judicial code to reduce the number of judges on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from 12 to 11.

amends federal judicial code reduce number judges united_states_court_of_appeals district columbia circuit


Summary: Circuit Court of Appeals Restructuring and Modernization Act of 2007 - Amends the federal judicial code to divide the Ninth Judicial Circuit into the Ninth Circuit (to be composed of California, Guam, Hawaii, and the Northern Mariana Islands) and the Twelfth Circuit (to be composed of Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington).Requires the President to appoint five additional circuit judges for the new Ninth Circuit and two temporary judges for the former Ninth Circuit, to be stationed in California.Specifies the locations where new circuits are to hold regular sessions. Locates the offices of the new Twelfth Circuit in Phoenix, Arizona.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.Sets forth provisions governing the disposition of cases pending in the former Ninth Circuit before the effective date of this Act.Authorizes the temporary assignment of circuit and district judges of the former Ninth Circuit among the new circuits. Provides that the former Ninth Circuit shall cease to exist for administrative purposes two years after enactment of this Act.

modernization act amends federal judicial code divide ninth_circuit composed california guam hawaii northern_mariana_islands twelfth_circuit composed alaska arizona idaho montana nevada oregon president appoint additional circuit judges new ninth_circuit temporary judges ninth_circuit stationed california specifies locations new circuits hold regular sessions locates offices new twelfth_circuit phoenix arizona assigns active circuit judges ninth_circuit new circuits allows senior circuit judges ninth_circuit elect assignment sets forth provisions governing disposition cases pending ninth_circuit effective date act authorizes temporary assignment circuit district judges ninth_circuit new circuits provides ninth_circuit shall cease exist administrative purposes years enactment act


Summary: Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007 - Amends federal provisions concerning the prosecution of unlawful enemy combatants by U.S. military commissions to, among other things: (1) repeal the authority for civilian trial (prosecution) counsel in a commission proceeding, but authorize civilian military defense counsel; (2) exclude statements made by coercion; (3) authorize the Secretary of Defense to make exceptions to commission procedures and rules of evidence as required by unique circumstances of military or intelligence operations during hostilities; (4) provide for self-representation by the accused, while requiring assistance by military defense counsel; (5) authorize the military judge to order trial counsel to disclose to defense counsel the sources, methods, or activities in which witnesses or evidence against the accused was obtained; (6) require commission decision review by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces rather than by the Court of Military Commission Review; (7) provide the scope of review of detention-related decisions; (8) repeal a provision of the Military Commissions Act of 2006 prohibiting invoking the Geneva Conventions (Conventions) or similar protocols in any habeas corpus or other action to which the United States is a party; (9) require the President to notify other parties to the Conventions that the United States expects members of U.S. Armed Forces and other U.S. citizens detained in a conflict not of an international character to be treated in a manner consistent with the Conventions; (10) include as War Crime offenses the denial of trial rights and the imposition of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment; (11) restore habeas corpus for individuals detained by the United States; and (12) provide for expedited judicial review of civil actions that challenges any provision of the Military Commissions Act of 2006.

restoring constitution act amends federal provisions concerning prosecution unlawful enemy combatants military commissions things repeal authority civilian trial prosecution counsel commission proceeding authorize civilian military defense counsel exclude statements coercion authorize secretary defense exceptions commission procedures rules evidence required unique circumstances military intelligence operations hostilities provide self representation accused requiring assistance military defense counsel authorize military judge order trial counsel disclose defense counsel sources methods activities witnesses evidence accused obtained require commission decision review provide scope review detention related decisions repeal provision military commissions act prohibiting invoking geneva conventions conventions similar protocols habeas corpus action united_states party require president notify parties conventions united_states expects members citizens detained conflict international character treated manner consistent conventions include war crime offenses denial trial rights imposition cruel inhuman degrading treatment punishment restore habeas corpus individuals detained united_states provide expedited judicial review civil actions challenges provision military commissions act


Summary: Fair and Accurate Representation Act of 2007 - Amends federal census law to direct the Secretary of Commerce to adjust census figures as necessary so that illegal aliens are not counted for purposes of the apportionment of Representatives in Congress.

fair accurate representation act amends federal census law direct secretary commerce adjust census figures necessary illegal aliens counted purposes apportionment representatives congress


Summary: Training for Realtime Writers Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary of Commerce to make competitive grants to court reporting systems meeting certain requirements to promote recruitment, training, and placement of individuals, including individuals who have completed a court reporting training program, as realtime writers providing closed captioning in video programming. Sets forth priorities in making grants. Limits each grant to$1.5 million for a two-year period. (Sec. 4) Sets forth grant application requirements. (Sec. 5) Allows grant funds to be used for recruitment, scholarships, distance learning, developing and implementing both English and Spanish curricula, mentoring, encouraging individuals with disabilities to pursue a career in realtime writing, and employment of personnel for all those purposes. (Sec. 6) Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 7) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 8) Repeals this Act five years after enactment.

training writers act sec directs secretary commerce competitive grants court reporting systems meeting certain requirements promote recruitment training placement individuals including individuals completed court reporting training program writers providing closed captioning video programming sets forth priorities making grants limits grant million year period sec sets forth grant application requirements sec allows grant funds recruitment scholarships distance learning developing implementing english spanish curricula mentoring encouraging individuals disabilities pursue career writing employment personnel purposes sec sets forth reporting requirements sec authorizes appropriations sec repeals act years enactment


Summary: State Court Interpreter Grant Program Act - Directs the Administrator of the Office of Justice Programs of the Department of Justice to: (1) make grants to state courts to develop and implement programs to assist individuals with limited English proficiency to access and understand state court proceedings in which they are a party; and (2) allocate specified funds to establish a court interpreter technical assistance program to assist state courts receiving grants under this Act. Authorizes the use of grant awards by state courts to: (1) assess regional language demands; (2) develop a court interpreter program; (3) develop, institute, and administer language certification examinations; (4) recruit, train, and certify qualified court interpreters; and (5) pay for salaries, transportation, and technology necessary to implement the court interpreter program.

office_of_justice_programs_of_the_department_of_justice grants state courts develop implement programs assist individuals limited english proficiency access understand state court proceedings party allocate specified funds establish court interpreter technical assistance program assist state courts receiving grants act authorizes use grant awards state courts assess regional language demands develop court interpreter program develop institute administer language certification examinations recruit train certify qualified court interpreters pay salaries transportation technology necessary implement court interpreter program


Summary: Terrorist Hoax Improvements Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) expand the prohibition against conveying false information and hoaxes to include false information and hoaxes about any federal crime of terrorism; (2) increase maximum prison terms for hoaxes involving a member of the Armed Forces during war; (3) revise civil liability provisions to allow emergency personnel to seek reimbursement of expenses from the perpetrator of a hoax who receives actual notice that such personnel are taking emergency or investigative actions in response to the hoax and who fails to inform one or more parties of the hoax; and (4) expand the prohibition against mailing threatening communications in the United States or to a foreign country to include threats against corporations and governmental entities (as well as individuals).

terrorist improvements act amends federal criminal code expand prohibition conveying false information include false information federal crime terrorism increase maximum prison terms involving member armed_forces war revise civil liability provisions allow emergency personnel seek reimbursement expenses perpetrator receives actual notice personnel taking emergency investigative actions response fails inform parties expand prohibition mailing threatening communications united_states foreign country include threats corporations governmental entities individuals