Summary: Sunshine in Litigation Act of 2011 - Amends the federal judicial code to prohibit a court, in any civil action in which the pleadings state facts relevant to the protection of public health or safety, from entering an order restricting the disclosure of information obtained through discovery, approving a settlement agreement that would restrict such disclosure, or restricting access to court records, unless in connection with such order the court has first made independent findings of fact that: (1) the order would not restrict the disclosure of information relevant to the protection of public health or safety; or (2) the public interest in the disclosure of past, present, or 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 confidentiality interest asserted. Prohibits a court, again in any such civil action, from: (1) enforcing any provision of an agreement between or among parties to the civil action, or an order entered under this Act, 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 between or among parties to such civil action that prohibits a party from disclosing that a settlement was reached or the terms of the settlement (excluding any money paid) that involve matters relevant to the protection of public health or safety, or from discussing matters relevant to the protection of public health or safety involved in such civil action. Excepts from this enforcement prohibition (thus allowing enforcement of) a settlement agreement provision about which the court finds that the public interest in the disclosure of past, present, or potential public health or safety hazards is outweighed by a specific and substantial interest in maintaining the confidentiality of the information in question, and the requested protective order is no broader than necessary to protect the confidentiality interest asserted. Creates a rebuttable presumption that the interest in protecting personally identifiable information of an individual outweighs the public interest in disclosure. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to permit, require, or authorize the disclosure of classified information, as defined under the Classified Information Procedures Act.

sunshine litigation act amends federal judicial code prohibit court civil action pleadings state facts relevant protection public health safety entering order restricting disclosure information obtained discovery approving settlement agreement restrict disclosure restricting access court records connection order court independent findings fact order restrict disclosure information relevant protection public health safety public interest disclosure past present potential health safety hazards outweighed specific substantial interest maintaining confidentiality information requested protective order broader necessary protect confidentiality interest asserted prohibits court civil action enforcing provision agreement parties civil action order entered act restricts party disclosing information federal state agency authority enforce laws regulating activity relating information enforcing provision settlement agreement parties civil action prohibits party disclosing settlement reached terms settlement excluding money paid involve matters relevant protection public health safety discussing matters relevant protection public health safety involved civil action excepts enforcement prohibition allowing enforcement settlement agreement provision court finds public interest disclosure past present potential public health safety hazards outweighed specific substantial interest maintaining confidentiality information question requested protective order broader necessary protect confidentiality interest asserted creates rebuttable presumption interest protecting personally identifiable information individual outweighs public interest disclosure declares act shall construed permit require authorize disclosure classified information defined classified_information_procedures_act


Summary: Save our Border Communities Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) 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 dhs provide payment responders costs associated providing emergency services international borders extent costs reimbursed federal program recovered


Summary: Shingles Prevention Act - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of the shingles vaccine and its administration.

prevention act amends supplementary_medical_insurance title xviii medicare social security act provide coverage vaccine administration


Summary: Teacher Exchange Act of 2011 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to authorize states to use their grant under part A (Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund) of title II of the ESEA to carry out a teacher exchange sending highly qualified teachers with at least three years of teaching experience to another state in a different region for a school year. Requires: (1) at least one of the states involved in an exchange to serve a high-need local educational agency (LEA), or (2) the states to be exchanging teachers in subjects that have a high need for qualified teachers. Requires states to maintain the employment terms of teachers participating in the exchange, cover their expenses, and provide them with training. Requires the teachers to return to their state following their participation in the exchange. Authorizes LEAs to use their subgrant under part A of title II of the ESEA to carry out a teacher exchange (regardless of whether or not their states are participating in the exchange) sending highly qualified teachers with at least three years of teaching experience to another LEA in a different region for a school year. Requires: (1) at least one of the LEAs involved in an exchange to be a high-need LEA, or (2) the LEAs to be exchanging teachers in subjects that have a high need for qualified teachers. Requires LEAs to maintain the employment terms of teachers participating in the exchange, cover their expenses, and provide them with training. Requires the teachers to return to their LEA following their participation in the exchange.

teacher exchange act amends elementary secondary education act esea authorize states use grant teacher principal_training recruiting fund title esea carry teacher exchange sending highly qualified teachers years teaching experience state different region school year requires states involved exchange serve high need local educational agency lea states exchanging teachers subjects high need qualified teachers requires states maintain employment terms teachers participating exchange cover expenses provide training requires teachers return state following participation exchange authorizes leas use subgrant title esea carry teacher exchange regardless states participating exchange sending highly qualified teachers years teaching experience lea different region school year requires leas involved exchange high need lea leas exchanging teachers subjects high need qualified teachers requires leas maintain employment terms teachers participating exchange cover expenses provide training requires teachers return lea following participation exchange


Summary: Registered Nurse Safe Staffing Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require each Medicare participating hospital to implement a hospital-wide staffing plan for nursing services furnished in the hospital. Requires the plan to require that an appropriate number of registered nurses provide direct patient care in each unit and on each shift of the hospital to ensure staffing levels that: (1) address the unique characteristics of the patients and hospital units; and (2) result in the delivery of safe, quality patient care consistent with specified requirements. Requires each participating hospital to establish a hospital nurse staffing committee which shall implement and oversee such plan. Specifies civil monetary and other penalties for violation of the requirements of this Act. Sets forth whistleblower protections against discrimination and retaliation involving patients or employees of the hospital for their grievances, complaints, or involvement in investigations relating to such plan.

registered nurse safe staffing act amends title xviii medicare social security act require medicare participating hospital implement hospital wide staffing plan nursing services furnished hospital requires plan require appropriate number registered nurses provide direct patient care unit shift hospital ensure staffing levels address unique characteristics patients hospital units result delivery safe quality patient care consistent specified requirements requires participating hospital establish hospital nurse staffing committee shall implement oversee plan specifies civil monetary penalties violation requirements act sets forth whistleblower protections discrimination retaliation involving patients employees hospital grievances complaints involvement investigations relating plan


Summary: Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act of 2011 - Authorizes any person who purchased a covered policy, or a beneficiary or heir of such person, to bring a civil action in federal district court against the insurer, or a related company of the insurer, to recover proceeds due or enforce any rights under the policy. (Defines "covered policy" as any life, dowry, education, property, or other insurance policy that: (1) was in effect at any time between January 30, 1933, and December 31, 1945; and (2) was issued to a policyholder domiciled in any area occupied or controlled by Nazi Germany). Permits nationwide service of process in order to bring such civil action. Directs the court to award certain remedies to the prevailing beneficiary in such action. Prohibits any executive agreement between the United States and any foreign country from invalidating or preempting any state law creating a cause of action against an insurer or related company based upon a claim arising out of, or related to, a covered insurance policy by reason of either any specified executive foreign policy or specified executive agreement. Deems effective upon its enactment any state law enacted on or after March 1, 1998, which requires an insurer doing business in that state to disclose information regarding such covered policies. Prohibits any federal department or agency from expending funds for the purpose of issuing a statement of interest seeking to encourage a federal court to dismiss any claim or action brought to recover compensation arising out of or related to a covered policy. Prohibits a court from dismissing a claim or action brought under this Act within 10 years after its enactment on the ground that the claim or action is barred under any statute of limitations or the doctrine of laches.

holocaust insurance accountability act authorizes person purchased covered policy beneficiary heir person bring civil action federal district court insurer related company insurer recover proceeds enforce rights policy defines covered policy life education property insurance policy effect time january december issued policyholder domiciled area occupied controlled permits nationwide service process order bring civil action directs court award certain remedies prevailing beneficiary action prohibits executive agreement united_states foreign country invalidating preempting state law creating cause action insurer related company based claim arising related covered insurance policy reason specified executive foreign policy specified executive agreement deems effective enactment state law enacted march requires insurer business state disclose information covered policies prohibits federal department agency expending funds purpose issuing statement interest seeking encourage federal court dismiss claim action brought recover compensation arising related covered policy prohibits court dismissing claim action brought act years enactment ground claim action barred statute limitations doctrine


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 or otherwise interfering with the legislative functions or administrative discretion of the states.

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 interfering legislative functions administrative discretion states


Summary: Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2011 - Amends the sanctions provisions in Rule 11 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. Removes a provision that prohibits filing a motion for sanctions if the challenged paper, claim, defense, contention, or denial is withdrawn or appropriately corrected within 21 days after service or within another time the court sets. Authorizes the court to impose additional sanctions, including striking the pleadings, dismissing the suit, nonmonetary directives, or penalty payments if warranted for effective deterrence. Prohibits this Act from being construed as barring or impeding the assertion or development of new claims, defenses, or remedies under federal, state, or local laws, including civil rights laws, or under the Constitution.

lawsuit abuse reduction act amends sanctions provisions rule 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 removes provision prohibits filing motion sanctions challenged paper claim defense contention denial withdrawn appropriately corrected days service time court sets authorizes court impose additional sanctions including striking pleadings dismissing suit nonmonetary directives penalty payments warranted effective deterrence prohibits act construed barring impeding assertion development new claims defenses remedies federal state local laws including civil rights laws constitution


Summary: Amends the federal judicial code to prohibit federal courts from deciding any issue on the authority of foreign law, except to the extent that the Constitution or an Act of Congress requires such consideration.

amends federal judicial code prohibit federal courts deciding issue authority foreign law extent constitution act congress requires consideration


Summary: Temporary Bankruptcy Judgeships Extension Act of 2011 - (Sec. 2) Extends the temporary office of 30 bankruptcy judgeships authorized or extended under the Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 1992 and Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 2005 until applicable vacancies identified in this Act occur in the office of a bankruptcy judge for specified districts in California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Nevada. Prohibits filling specified bankruptcy judge vacancies in such districts occurring more than five years after enactment of this Act and resulting from the death, retirement, resignation, or removal of a bankruptcy judge (thus extending the lapse date under current law by five years). (Sec. 3) Increases by a specified amount the bankruptcy filing fee for a case commenced under chapter 11 (Reorganization) that does not concern a railroad. Requires that certain incremental amounts collected by reason of such increased fees be: (1) deposited in a special fund in the Treasury; and (2) made available to offset funds appropriated for the operation and maintenance of U.S. courts, but only to the extent specifically appropriated by an Act enacted after enactment of this Act. Reduces the percentage of such fees to be deposited as offsetting collections to the U.S. Trustee System Fund (funds available to the Attorney General for operations of U.S. trustees). Increases the percentage of chapter 7 (Liquidation) and 13 (Adjustment of Debts of an Individual with Regular Income) fees to be deposited as offsetting receipts to remain available to the Judiciary for expenses, services, and administration of U.S. courts. (Sec. 4) Requires Judiciary Committees of the House and Senate, prior to further reauthorization of any judgeship authorized by this Act, to: (1) conduct a review of the bankruptcy judgeships authorized by this Act to determine the need for continued reauthorization of each judgeship; (2) evaluate any changes in all bankruptcy case filings and the effect on filing fee revenue; and (3) require the Administrative Office of the Courts to submit a report on bankruptcy case workload, bankruptcy judgeship costs, and filing fee revenue.

temporary bankruptcy judgeships extension act sec extends temporary office bankruptcy judgeships authorized extended bankruptcy judgeship act bankruptcy judgeship act applicable vacancies identified act occur office bankruptcy judge specified districts california delaware florida georgia maryland michigan new_jersey new_york north_carolina pennsylvania puerto_rico south_carolina tennessee virginia nevada prohibits filling specified bankruptcy judge vacancies districts occurring years enactment act resulting death retirement resignation removal bankruptcy judge extending lapse date current law years sec increases specified bankruptcy filing fee case commenced chapter reorganization concern railroad requires certain incremental amounts collected reason increased fees deposited special fund treasury available offset funds appropriated operation maintenance courts extent specifically appropriated act enacted enactment act reduces percentage fees deposited offsetting collections funds available attorney general operations trustees increases percentage chapter liquidation adjustment debts individual regular income fees deposited offsetting receipts remain available judiciary expenses services administration courts sec requires judiciary_committees house senate prior reauthorization judgeship authorized act conduct review bankruptcy judgeships authorized act determine need continued reauthorization judgeship evaluate changes bankruptcy case filings effect filing fee revenue require submit report bankruptcy case workload bankruptcy judgeship costs filing fee revenue


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on November 15, 2011. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Revises the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to extend until December 31, 2017, the Judicial Conference's authority to redact financial disclosure reports filed by a judicial officer or employee if it finds that revealing personal and sensitive information could endanger that individual or a family member of that individual.

measure amended reported senate november summary version repeated revises ethics government act extend december judicial_conference authority redact financial disclosure reports filed judicial officer employee finds revealing personal sensitive information endanger individual family member individual


Summary: Requires the Secretary of State to impose certain sanctions against a foreign country that owes unpaid fully adjudicated parking fines and penalties to New York City, New York, including to: (1) deny the issuance or renewal of any diplomatic license plates for vehicles for that country, (2) withhold certain foreign assistance funds from such country, and (3) reappropriate certain unobligated foreign assistance funds available for the country to pay fully adjudicated parking fines and penalties it owes to New York City.

requires secretary state impose certain sanctions foreign country owes unpaid fully adjudicated parking fines penalties new_york_city new_york including deny issuance renewal diplomatic license vehicles country withhold certain foreign assistance funds country certain unobligated foreign assistance funds available country pay fully adjudicated parking fines penalties owes new_york_city


Summary: Citizens Right to Know Act of 2011 - Requires a state or local pretrial services agency that receives federal financial assistance to report to the Attorney General: (1) on a monthly basis, about individuals who are released by such agency into a pretrial release program, and (2) on an annual basis, on the agency's budget for that year. Requires such monthly report to include: (1) the number of individuals and of indigent individuals reviewed for pretrial release, (2) the number and names of individuals assigned to pretrial services, (3) the number and names of indigent individuals accepted into a pretrial release program, (4) a list of each charge filed against, and all prior criminal convictions of, each individual accepted into a pretrial release program, (5) a list of the court appearances required of each individual accepted into a pretrial release program and of each instance on which such an individual failed to appear at a scheduled court appearance, and (6) a list of all warrants issued or arrests made of each individual accepted into a pretrial release program.

citizens right know act requires state local pretrial services agency receives federal financial assistance report attorney general monthly basis individuals released agency pretrial release program annual basis agency budget year requires monthly report include number individuals indigent individuals reviewed pretrial release number names individuals assigned pretrial services number names indigent individuals accepted pretrial release program list charge filed prior criminal convictions individual accepted pretrial release program list court appearances required individual accepted pretrial release program instance individual failed appear scheduled court appearance list warrants issued arrests individual accepted pretrial release program


Summary: Reduces from 180 days to 90 days after publication of a final action notice in the Federal Register the deadline for filing a claim seeking judicial review of a permit, license, or approval issued by a federal agency for a highway or public transportation capital project.

reduces days days publication final action notice federal_register deadline filing claim seeking judicial review permit license approval issued federal agency highway public transportation capital project


Summary: Veterans' Memorials, Boy Scouts, Public Seals, and Other Public Expressions of Religion Protection Act of 2011 - Amends the Revised Statutes of the United States to limit the remedy, in a civil action against a state or local official for deprivation of civil rights, to injunctive and declaratory relief, and deny attorneys' fees, where the deprivation consists of a violation of a prohibition in the Constitution against the establishment of religion, including violations relating to: (1) religious words or imagery in veterans' memorials, public buildings, or official seals of states or their subdivisions; and (2) the chartering of Boy Scout units by states or their subdivisions and the Boy Scouts' using public buildings. Imposes the same limits regarding such an action against the United States or any U.S. agency or official acting in his or her official capacity.

boy scouts public seals amends revised statutes united_states limit remedy civil action state local official deprivation civil rights injunctive declaratory relief deny attorneys fees deprivation consists violation prohibition constitution establishment religion including violations relating religious words imagery veterans memorials public buildings official seals states subdivisions chartering boy units states subdivisions public buildings imposes limits action united_states agency official acting official capacity


Summary: Services, Education, and Rehabilitation for Veterans Act or the SERV Act - Requires the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy to delegate to the Department of Justice (DOJ) the authority to administer the veteran's treatment courts program established by this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to states and other entities: (1) to develop, implement, or enhance veteran's treatment courts or to expand operational drug courts to serve veterans; and (2) for programs that involve continuing judicial supervision over nonviolent offenders with substance abuse or mental health problems who have served in the U.S. military. Requires such programs to include mandatory periodic testing for the use of drugs, substance abuse and mental health treatment, opportunities for diversion, probation, or supervised release, and programmatic, offender management, and aftercare services. Directs the National Drug Court Institute to conduct national training programs for state and local communities to improve the professional skills of drug court practitioners and provide comprehensive technical assistance to adult, juvenile, and family dependency drug courts.

services education act requires director office_of_national_drug_control_policy delegate department_of_justice doj authority administer veteran treatment courts program established act authorizes attorney general grants states entities develop implement enhance veteran treatment courts expand operational drug courts serve veterans programs involve continuing judicial supervision nonviolent offenders substance abuse mental health problems served military requires programs include mandatory periodic testing use drugs substance abuse mental health treatment opportunities diversion probation supervised release programmatic offender management aftercare services directs conduct national training programs state local communities improve professional skills drug court practitioners provide comprehensive technical assistance adult juvenile family dependency drug courts


Summary: Second Chance for Ex-Offenders Act of 2011 - Amends the federal criminal code to allow an individual to file a petition for expungement of a record of conviction for a nonviolent criminal offense if such individual has: (1) never been convicted of a violent offense and has never been convicted of a nonviolent offense other than the one for which expungement is sought; (2) fulfilled all requirements of the sentence of the court in which conviction was obtained; (3) remained free from dependency on or abuse of alcohol or a controlled substance for a minimum of one year and has been rehabilitated, to the court's satisfaction, if so required by the terms of supervised release; (4) obtained a high school diploma or completed a high school equivalency program; and (5) completed at least one year of community service.Authorizes an individual convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor to file an expungement petition. Directs the court, in ruling on such petition, after determining petitioner eligibility, to weigh the petitioner's interests against the best interests of justice and public safety.Authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to maintain a nonpublic manual or computerized index of expunged records, to be made available only to federal and state law enforcement personnel who have custody of such records for limited disclosure purposes.Requires the restoration of expunged records of individuals subsequently convicted of any federal or state offense.

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


Summary: Amends the federal judicial code to provide that the statute of limitations applicable for commencing actions by certain terrorism victims against foreign states (and employees of such states) designated as state sponsors of terrorism is an affirmative defense that is waived by such foreign state or employee if not timely raised in a responsive pleading.

amends federal judicial code provide statute limitations applicable commencing actions certain terrorism victims foreign states employees states designated state sponsors terrorism affirmative defense waived foreign state employee timely raised responsive pleading


Summary: Southwest Border Judgeship Expansion Act of 2011 - Directs the President to appoint, by and with the Senate's advice and consent, specified additional: (1) permanent district judges for various federal judicial districts in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas; and (2) temporary district judges for various federal districts in such states. Prohibits, for each of the districts in which a temporary district judge is required to be appointed under this Act, filling the first vacancy arising on such a district court 10 years or more after a judge is first confirmed to fill the temporary district judgeship created in that district. Converts to permanent judgeships certain existing temporary judgeships for the district of Arizona, the central district of California, the district of New Mexico, and the eastern district of Texas.

directs president appoint senate advice consent specified additional permanent district judges federal judicial districts arizona california new_mexico texas temporary district judges federal districts states prohibits districts temporary district judge required appointed act filling vacancy arising district court years judge confirmed fill temporary district judgeship created district converts permanent judgeships certain existing temporary judgeships district arizona central district california district new_mexico eastern district texas


Summary: Fresh Start Act of 2011 - Amends the federal criminal code to allow an individual convicted of a nonviolent criminal offense to file a petition for expungement of the record of such conviction. Allows expungement if such individual: (1) has never been convicted of any criminal offense other than the nonviolent offenses committed in a single criminal episode that includes the offense for which expungement is sought; (2) has fulfilled all requirements of the sentence of the court, including payment of all fines, restitution, or assessments and completion of terms of imprisonment and probation; and (3) has remained free (if required by the court's sentence) from dependency on or abuse of alcohol or a controlled substance for at least one year. Requires the Attorney General to maintain an unaltered nonpublic copy of expunged criminal records, to be disclosed for limited purposes to federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to increase by 5% grant funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to states that implement expungement procedures substantially similar to the procedures enacted by this Act. Decreases such grant funding by 5% for states that fail to adopt expungement procedures.

fresh start act amends federal criminal code allow individual convicted nonviolent criminal offense file petition expungement record conviction allows expungement individual convicted criminal offense nonviolent offenses committed single criminal episode includes offense expungement sought fulfilled requirements sentence court including payment fines restitution assessments completion terms imprisonment probation remained free required court sentence dependency abuse alcohol controlled substance year requires attorney general maintain nonpublic copy expunged criminal records disclosed limited purposes federal state local law enforcement agencies amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act increase grant funding edward_byrne_memorial_justice assistance grant program states implement expungement procedures substantially similar procedures enacted act decreases grant funding states fail adopt expungement procedures


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on September 12, 2011. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Appeal Time Clarification Act of 2011 - Amends federal judicial code requirements concerning the time limits for the filing of appeals to any judgment, order, or decree in a civil action, suit, or proceeding. Revises the requirement that an appeal in any such action, suit, or proceeding in which the United States or a U.S. officer or agency is a party be filed within 60 days after entry of judgment, order or decree. Extends application of the 60-day filing deadline to any civil action, suit, or proceeding in which one of the parties is: (1) a U.S. employee sued in an official capacity; or (2) a current or former U.S. officer or employee sued in an individual capacity for an act or omission occurring in connection with duties performed on behalf of the United States, including any instance in which the United States represents that person when the judgment, order, or decree is entered or files the appeal for that person. Sets forth the finding of Congress that the application of the 60-day deadline: (1) is not limited to civil actions in which representation of the United States is provided by the Department of Justice (DOJ); and (2) includes all civil actions in which the representation of the United States is provided by a federal legal officer acting in an official capacity, including civil actions in which a Member, officer, or employee of the Senate or the House of Representatives is represented by the Office of Senate Legal Counsel or the House's Office of General Counsel.

measure amended passed house september summary version repeated amends federal judicial code requirements concerning time limits filing appeals judgment order decree civil action suit proceeding revises requirement appeal action suit proceeding united_states officer agency party filed days entry judgment order decree extends application day filing deadline civil action suit proceeding parties employee official capacity current officer employee individual capacity act omission occurring connection duties performed behalf united_states including instance united_states represents person judgment order decree entered files appeal person sets forth finding congress application day deadline limited civil actions representation united_states provided department_of_justice doj includes civil actions representation united_states provided federal legal officer acting official capacity including civil actions member officer employee senate house_of_representatives represented


Summary: Repeals the Legal Services Corporation Act (established a federally funded nonprofit corporation to provide financial support for legal assistance in noncriminal matters to persons financially unable to afford such assistance).

repeals established federally funded nonprofit corporation provide financial support legal assistance noncriminal matters persons financially unable afford assistance


Summary: Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2011 - Authorizes the presiding judge of a U.S. appellate court (including the Supreme 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 to promulgate mandatory guidelines with respect to the management and administration of photographing, recording, broadcasting, or televising described in this Act.

sunshine courtroom act authorizes presiding judge appellate court including supreme_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 promulgate mandatory guidelines respect management administration photographing recording broadcasting televising described act


Summary: Federal Consent Decree Fairness Act - Amends the federal judicial code to authorize any state or local government or related official (or successor) to file a motion to modify or terminate a federal consent decree upon the earliest of: (1) four years after the consent decree is originally entered; (2) in the case of a civil action in which a state or state official, or a local government or local government official, is a party, the expiration date of the term of office of the highest state or local government official who is a party to the consent decree; or (3) a date otherwise provided by law. Places the burden of proof with respect to such motions on the party originally filing the action to demonstrate that the denial of the motion to modify or terminate a consent decree (or any part of it) is necessary to prevent the violation of a federal requirement that was: (1) actionable by such party, and (2) addressed in the consent decree. Requires a court, within 30 days after the filing of a motion, to enter a scheduling order that: (1) limits the time of the parties to file motions and complete discovery, and (2) sets the date or dates of any necessary hearings. Authorizes a court to stay the injunctive or prospective relief set forth in the consent decree if a party opposing the motion to modify or terminate it seeks any continuance or delay that prevents the court from entering a final ruling on the motion within 180 days after its filing.

federal consent decree fairness act amends federal judicial code authorize state local government related official successor file motion modify terminate federal consent decree earliest years consent decree originally entered case civil action state state official local government local government official party expiration date term office highest state local government official party consent decree date provided law places burden proof respect motions party originally filing action demonstrate denial motion modify terminate consent decree necessary prevent violation federal requirement actionable party addressed consent decree requires court days filing motion enter scheduling order limits time parties file motions complete discovery sets date dates necessary hearings authorizes court stay injunctive prospective relief set forth consent decree party opposing motion modify terminate seeks continuance delay prevents court entering final ruling motion days filing


Summary: Peremptory Challenge Act of 2011 - 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 U.S. 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: The Cameras in the Courtroom Act of 2011 - 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.

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


Summary: Enhancing the Quality of Parental Legal Representation Act of 2011 - Amends title IV (Temporary Aid to Needy Families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to the highest state courts to enable them to provide legal representation for parents and legal guardians with respect to child welfare cases. Increases funding for discretionary and targeted grants.

enhancing quality parental legal representation act amends title needy families tanf social security act direct secretary health_and_human_services hhs grants highest state courts enable provide legal representation parents legal guardians respect child welfare cases increases funding discretionary targeted grants


Summary: Emergency Judicial Relief Act of 2012 - Directs the President to appoint, by and with the Senate's advice and consent, specified additional permanent district judges for various federal judicial districts in Arizona, California, Minnesota, and Texas. Converts certain existing temporary judgeships for the district of Arizona and the central district of California to permanent judgeships. Increases the filing fee for most civil actions to $360 (currently, $350). Adds Bakersfield, California, to the places where the eastern district of California is required to hold court.

emergency judicial relief act directs president appoint senate advice consent specified additional permanent district judges federal judicial districts arizona california minnesota texas converts certain existing temporary judgeships district arizona central district california permanent judgeships increases filing fee civil actions currently adds bakersfield california places eastern district california required hold court


Summary: Structured Settlement Claimants Rights Act of 2012 - Amends the federal judicial code to declare that a claimant in any civil action before a federal court shall have the right to retain a structured settlement broker to act on behalf of that claimant for purposes of negotiating a schedule of payments or other terms of payment previously agreed to paid by or on behalf of the defendant in satisfaction of a judgment against that defendant or in accordance with the terms of a settlement. Requires that a party to an administrative proceeding have the same right to retain such a structured settlement broker for negotiations with other parties. Directs: (1) the court or the agency in an administrative proceeding to inform the claimant of this right at the appropriate time, and (2) the defendant to provide timely notice of any current or previous professional relationship between the defendant and the broker.

structured settlement claimants rights act amends federal judicial code declare claimant civil action federal court shall right retain structured settlement broker act behalf claimant purposes negotiating schedule payments terms payment previously agreed paid behalf defendant satisfaction judgment defendant accordance terms settlement requires party administrative proceeding right retain structured settlement broker negotiations parties directs court agency administrative proceeding inform claimant right appropriate time defendant provide timely notice current previous professional relationship defendant broker


Summary: Due Process and Military Detention Amendments Act - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 to provide that, in the case of a person detained in the United States pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force, disposition under the law of war shall only mean transfer for trial and proceedings by a court established under article III of the Constitution. Requires such trial and proceedings to have all due process provided under the Constitution. Repeals the requirement of detention in military custody pending disposition under the law of war for individuals determined to be a member or part of al Qaeda or an associated force who has participated in planning or carrying out an attack or attempted attack against the United States or its coalition partners.

national defense authorization act fiscal year provide case person detained united_states pursuant authorization use military force disposition law war shall mean transfer trial proceedings court established article iii constitution requires trial proceedings process provided constitution repeals requirement detention military custody pending disposition law war individuals determined member al_qaeda associated force participated planning carrying attack attempted attack united_states coalition partners


Summary: Officer Safety Act of 2012 - Amends the federal judicial code to deem a law enforcement officer who is the defendant in a criminal prosecution to have been acting under the color of his office (thus authorizing removal of the case to U.S. district court) if the officer: (1) protected an individual in the officer's presence from a crime of violence; (2) provided immediate assistance to an individual who suffered, or who was threatened with, bodily harm; or (3) prevented the escape of any individual whom the officer reasonably believed to have committed, or was about to commit, in the officer's presence, a crime of violence that resulted in, or that was likely to result in, death or serious bodily injury.

officer safety act amends federal judicial code deem law enforcement officer defendant criminal prosecution acting color office authorizing removal case district court officer protected individual officer presence crime violence provided immediate assistance individual suffered threatened bodily harm prevented escape individual officer reasonably believed committed commit officer presence crime violence resulted likely result death bodily injury


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House passed version is repeated here.) Temporary Bankruptcy Judgeships Extension Act of 2012 - (Sec. 2) Extends the temporary office of certain bankruptcy judgeships authorized or extended under the Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 1992 and Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 2005 until applicable vacancies identified in this Act occur in the office of a bankruptcy judge for specified districts in California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Nevada. Prohibits filling specified bankruptcy judge vacancies in such districts occurring more than five years after enactment of this Act and resulting from the death, retirement, resignation, or removal of a bankruptcy judge (thus extending the lapse date under current law by five years). (Sec. 3) Increases by a specified amount the bankruptcy filing fee for a case commenced under chapter 11 (Reorganization) that does not concern a railroad. Requires that certain incremental amounts collected by reason of such increased fees be: (1) deposited in a special fund in the Treasury; and (2) made available to offset funds appropriated for the operation and maintenance of U.S. courts, but only to the extent specifically appropriated by an Act enacted after enactment of this Act. Reduces the percentage of such fees to be deposited as offsetting collections to the U.S. Trustee System Fund (funds available to the Attorney General for operations of U.S. trustees). Increases the percentage of chapter 7 (Liquidation) and 13 (Adjustment of Debts of an Individual with Regular Income) fees to be deposited as offsetting receipts to remain available to the Judiciary for expenses, services, and administration of U.S. courts. (Sec. 4) Requires Judiciary Committees of the House and Senate, prior to further reauthorization of any judgeship authorized by this Act, to: (1) conduct a review of the bankruptcy judgeships authorized by this Act to determine the need for continued reauthorization of each judgeship; (2) evaluate any changes in all bankruptcy case filings and the effect on filing fee revenue; and (3) require the Administrative Office of the Courts to submit a report on bankruptcy case workload, bankruptcy judgeship costs, and filing fee revenue.

measure amended introduced expanded summary house passed version repeated extension act sec extends temporary office certain bankruptcy judgeships authorized extended bankruptcy judgeship act bankruptcy judgeship act applicable vacancies identified act occur office bankruptcy judge specified districts california delaware florida georgia maryland michigan new_jersey new_york north_carolina pennsylvania puerto_rico south_carolina tennessee virginia nevada prohibits filling specified bankruptcy judge vacancies districts occurring years enactment act resulting death retirement resignation removal bankruptcy judge extending lapse date current law years sec increases specified bankruptcy filing fee case commenced chapter reorganization concern railroad requires certain incremental amounts collected reason increased fees deposited special fund treasury available offset funds appropriated operation maintenance courts extent specifically appropriated act enacted enactment act reduces percentage fees deposited offsetting collections funds available attorney general operations trustees increases percentage chapter liquidation adjustment debts individual regular income fees deposited offsetting receipts remain available judiciary expenses services administration courts sec requires judiciary_committees house senate prior reauthorization judgeship authorized act conduct review bankruptcy judgeships authorized act determine need continued reauthorization judgeship evaluate changes bankruptcy case filings effect filing fee revenue require submit report bankruptcy case workload bankruptcy judgeship costs filing fee revenue


Summary: Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2012 - Authorizes the presiding judge of a U.S. appellate court (including the Supreme 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 to promulgate mandatory guidelines with respect to the management and administration of photographing, recording, broadcasting, or televising described in this Act. Terminates a district court's authority under this Act two years after enactment of this Act.

sunshine courtroom act authorizes presiding judge appellate court including supreme_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 promulgate mandatory guidelines respect management administration photographing recording broadcasting televising described act terminates district court authority act years enactment act


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on May 30, 2012. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Divisional Realignment Act of 2012 - Amends the federal judicial code to realign counties comprising judicial divisions within the Eastern District of Missouri and the Northern District of Mississippi. Makes this Act effective 60 days after enactment.

measure amended passed house summary version repeated realignment_act amends federal judicial code realign counties comprising judicial divisions eastern_district missouri mississippi makes act effective days enactment


Summary: Forensic Science and Standards Act of 2012 - Establishes a national forensic science research program to improve, expand, and coordinate federal research in forensic sciences. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enter into a contract with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to develop a report identifying the most critical forensic science disciplines that require further research to strengthen the scientific foundation in those disciplines and making recommendations. Establishes a National Forensic Science Coordinating Office at the NSF to coordinate among federal agencies: (1) the development of a unified federal research strategy to enhance the validity and reliability of forensic science disciplines; (2) the development of a five-year roadmap, updated triennially, for the unified strategy; and (3) any necessary programs, policies, and budgets to support implementation of the roadmap. Directs NSF to create a merit-reviewed, competitive forensic science research grants program to improve the foundation and practice of forensic science in the United States, based on recommendations in the unified strategy. Requires NSF to: (1) establish two forensic science research centers to conduct research consistent with the unified strategy, (2) award a grant of up to $10 million to each center, and (3) conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the grants program every four years. Requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to identify or coordinate the development of forensic science standards to enhance the validity and reliability of forensic science activities. Instructs NIST to establish a Forensic Science Advisory Committee to provide advice to federal agencies, NIST, and the Department of Justice. Instructs the Attorney General to promote the adoption of the standards developed under this Act.

forensic science establishes national forensic science research program improve expand coordinate federal research forensic sciences requires director national_science_foundation nsf enter contract national_academy_of_sciences nas develop report identifying critical forensic science disciplines require research strengthen scientific foundation disciplines making recommendations establishes nsf coordinate federal agencies development unified federal research strategy enhance validity reliability forensic science disciplines development year roadmap updated triennially unified strategy necessary programs policies budgets support implementation roadmap directs nsf create merit reviewed competitive forensic science research grants program improve foundation practice forensic science united_states based recommendations unified strategy requires nsf establish forensic science research centers conduct research consistent unified strategy award grant million center conduct comprehensive evaluation grants program years requires national_institute_of_standards_and_technology nist identify coordinate development forensic science standards enhance validity reliability forensic science activities establish provide advice federal agencies nist department_of_justice instructs attorney general promote adoption standards developed act


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on November 14, 2012. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Amends the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands, with respect to the judicial procedure for appealing from the decisions of courts of the Virgin Islands to courts of the United States, to remove the temporary jurisdiction of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit to review by a writ of certiorari the final decisions of the highest court of the Virgin Islands. Authorizes final judgments or decrees rendered by the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands to be reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court by writ of certiorari where the validity of a treaty or statute of the United States is drawn in question or where the validity of a statute of the Virgin Islands is drawn in question on the ground of its being repugnant to the Constitution, treaties, or laws of the United States, or where any title, right, privilege, or immunity is specially set up or claimed under the Constitution or the treaties or statutes of, or any commission held or authority exercised under, the United States. Applies such U.S. Supreme Court reviewing authority to cases commenced on or after enactment of this Act.

measure amended passed house november summary version repeated amends revised organic act virgin_islands respect judicial procedure appealing decisions courts virgin_islands courts united_states remove temporary jurisdiction circuit review writ certiorari final decisions highest court virgin_islands authorizes final judgments decrees rendered reviewed writ certiorari validity treaty statute united_states drawn question validity statute virgin_islands drawn question ground constitution treaties laws united_states title right privilege immunity specially set claimed constitution treaties statutes commission held authority exercised united_states applies reviewing authority cases commenced enactment act


Summary: Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act of 2012 - Provides that a pre-dispute arbitration agreement between a long-term care facility and a resident (or anyone acting on the resident's behalf) shall not be valid or specifically enforceable.

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


Summary: Officer Safety Act of 2012 - Amends the federal judicial code to deem a law enforcement officer who is the defendant in a criminal prosecution to have been acting under the color of his office, solely for purposes of determining the propriety of removal of the case to U.S. district court, if the officer: (1) protected an individual in the officer's presence from a crime of violence; (2) provided immediate assistance to an individual who suffered, or who was threatened with, bodily harm; or (3) prevented the escape of any individual whom the officer reasonably believed to have committed, or was about to commit, in the officer's presence a crime of violence that resulted in, or that was likely to result in, death or serious bodily injury.

officer safety act amends federal judicial code deem law enforcement officer defendant criminal prosecution acting color office solely purposes determining removal case district court officer protected individual officer presence crime violence provided immediate assistance individual suffered threatened bodily harm prevented escape individual officer reasonably believed committed commit officer presence crime violence resulted likely result death bodily injury


Summary: Judicial Transparency and Ethics Enhancement Act of 2011 - Amends the federal judicial code to establish the Office of Inspector General (OIG) 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 OIG to: (1) conduct investigations of alleged misconduct in the judicial branch, including the 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 conduct investigations alleged misconduct judicial branch including supreme_court conduct supervise audits investigations prevent detect waste fraud abuse provides whistleblower protection


Summary: Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2011 - 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. Allows a presiding judge to obscure the face and voice of an individual if good cause is shown that photographing, electronic recording, broadcasting, or televising such features would threaten the individual's safety, the court's security, the integrity of future or ongoing law enforcement operations, or the interest of justice. Prohibits a presiding judge from permitting the photographing, electronic recording, broadcasting, or televising of any juror in a trial proceeding, or of the jury selection process. Terminates a district court's authority under this Act three years after enactment of this Act. 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. Requires the Judicial Conference to promulgate mandatory guidelines which a presiding judge must follow for obscuring certain vulnerable witnesses. Prohibits any audio pickup or broadcast of conferences which occur in a court proceeding between attorneys and their clients, co-counsel of a client, adverse counsel, or 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 allows presiding judge face voice individual good cause shown photographing electronic recording broadcasting televising features threaten individual safety court security integrity future ongoing law enforcement operations interest justice prohibits presiding judge permitting photographing electronic recording broadcasting televising juror trial proceeding jury selection process terminates district court authority act years enactment act authorizes judicial conference united_states promulgate advisory guidelines presiding judge refer making decisions management administration photographing recording broadcasting televising described act requires judicial conference promulgate mandatory guidelines presiding judge follow certain vulnerable witnesses prohibits audio broadcast conferences occur court proceeding attorneys clients counsel client adverse counsel counsel presiding judge conferences official record proceedings


Summary: Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2011 - Amends the sanctions provisions in Rule 11 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. Removes a provision that prohibits filing a motion for sanctions if the challenged paper, claim, defense, contention, or denial is withdrawn or appropriately corrected within 21 days after service or within another time the court sets. Authorizes the court to impose additional sanctions, including striking the pleadings, dismissing the suit, nonmonetary directives, or penalty payments if warranted for effective deterrence.

lawsuit abuse reduction act amends sanctions provisions rule 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 removes provision prohibits filing motion sanctions challenged paper claim defense contention denial withdrawn appropriately corrected days service time court sets authorizes court impose additional sanctions including striking pleadings dismissing suit nonmonetary directives penalty payments warranted effective deterrence


Summary: Casting Light on EAJA Agency Records for Oversight Act of 2011 - Directs the Attorney General (DOJ) to issue an annual online report to Congress and the public on the amount of attorney fees and other expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year pursuant to the law commonly known as the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA). Directs the Comptroller General to commence an audit of the EAJA for 1995 through the end of the calendar year in which this Act is enacted, and report to Congress on the audit results.

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


Summary: Prohibits any funds appropriated or made available to the Department of Justice (DOJ) from being used to commence or continue a prosecution in an Article III court of any individual suspected of involvement in the attacks on the United States and its citizens on September 11, 2001, who is not a citizen of the United States and is subject to the jurisdiction of a military commission.

prohibits funds appropriated available department_of_justice doj commence continue prosecution article iii court individual suspected involvement attacks united_states citizens september citizen united_states subject jurisdiction military commission


Summary: Federal Judicial Fairness Act of 2011 - Repeals the requirement limiting salary increases for federal judges or Supreme Court justices to those specifically authorized by Act of Congress. Amends the federal judicial code to apply the same automatic annual cost-of-living adjustment to judicial salaries as takes effect under the General Schedule for civilian federal employees.

fairness act repeals requirement limiting salary increases federal judges supreme_court justices specifically authorized act congress amends federal judicial code apply automatic annual cost living adjustment judicial salaries takes effect general schedule civilian federal employees


Summary: Maritime Liability Fairness Act - Declares that, in any civil action for damages arising out of a maritime tort case, punitive damages may be assessed without regard to the amount of compensatory damages assessed in the action. (Thus, removes the cap ratio of 1:1 on punitive-to-compensatory damages established in the Exxon Shipping Co. v Baker case for the award of punitive damages.)

maritime liability fairness act declares civil action damages arising maritime tort case punitive damages assessed regard compensatory damages assessed action removes cap ratio punitive compensatory damages established baker case award punitive damages


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 parents' or guardians' 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 parents guardians case action proceeding definition attorneys fees awarded prevailing party civil action brought act


Summary: Securing Terrorist Intelligence Act - Prohibits the Attorney General (AG) or any officer or employee of the Department of Justice (DOJ) from initiating a custodial interrogation of, or filing a criminal complaint or indictment (action) against any foreign person detained by the United States because they may have engaged in conduct constituting an act of war against the United States, terrorism, or material support to terrorists or activities in preparation therefor, unless the AG has previously consulted with: (1) the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), (2) the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, (3) the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), and (4) the Secretary of Defense (DOD). Provides that if any of the intelligence officials believe that any action proposed by the AG may prevent the collection of intelligence related to terrorism or threats of violence against the United States or its citizens, the AG may not initiate such action without specific direction from the President. Requires an annual report from the AG to Congress on the occasions on which direction for action was sought from the President and the number of times the President directed such actions.

securing terrorist intelligence act prohibits attorney general officer employee department_of_justice doj initiating custodial interrogation filing criminal complaint indictment action foreign person detained united_states engaged conduct constituting act war united_states terrorism material support terrorists activities preparation therefor previously consulted director national_intelligence dni director national_counterterrorism_center secretary homeland_security dhs secretary defense dod provides intelligence officials believe action proposed prevent collection intelligence related terrorism threats violence united_states citizens initiate action specific direction president requires annual report congress occasions direction action sought president number times president directed actions


Summary: Judgment Evading Foreign States Accountability Act of 2011 - States the policy of the United States regarding: (1) advocacy within the governing bodies of international organizations and other foreign policy settings for the full compensation and fair treatment of persons in whose favor judgments have been awarded by U.S. courts; (2) protection of economic interests of persons and nations that benefit from a reliable flow of foreign capital by restricting the access to U.S. capital markets of judgment evading foreign states (foreign states that fail to fully satisfy a final judgment exceeding a certain amount for more than two years) and their state-owned corporations, warning of the dangers of dealing financially with such states and state-owned corporations, and calling upon international financial institutions to vote against providing funding or foreign capital to judgment evading foreign states; and (3) further solidification of the authority of the U.S. courts by preventing such states from willfully flouting the judgments of those courts. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to: (1) deny a judgment evading foreign state access to U.S. capital markets; and (2) require all periodic filings made by such a state with the SEC to bear prominently a warning describing its failure to satisfy outstanding judgments. Imposes similar restrictions on state-owned corporations of such states. Requires: (1) a proposal to extend bilateral or multilateral assistance to a judgment evading state to bear notice that such state is a judgment evading state; and (2) the Secretary of the Treasury to notify Congress promptly of the proposal.

judgment evading foreign states accountability act states policy united_states advocacy governing bodies international organizations foreign policy settings compensation fair treatment persons favor judgments awarded courts protection economic interests persons nations benefit reliable flow foreign capital restricting access capital markets judgment evading foreign states foreign states fail fully satisfy final judgment exceeding certain years state owned corporations warning dangers dealing financially states state owned corporations calling international financial institutions vote providing funding foreign capital judgment evading foreign states authority courts preventing states willfully judgments courts directs securities_and_exchange_commission sec deny judgment evading foreign state access capital markets require periodic filings state sec bear prominently warning describing failure satisfy outstanding judgments imposes similar restrictions state owned corporations states requires proposal extend bilateral multilateral assistance judgment evading state bear notice state judgment evading state secretary treasury notify congress promptly proposal


Summary: Emergency Judicial Relief Act of 2011 - (Sec. 2) Directs the President to appoint, by and with the Senate's advice and consent, specified additional permanent district judges for various federal judicial districts in Arizona, California, Minnesota, and Texas. Converts certain existing temporary judgeships for the district of Arizona and the central district of California to permanent judgeships. Increases the filing fee for most civil actions or proceedings, excluding a writ of habeas corpus, to $360 (currently, $350). Requires that incremental amounts collected by reason of enactment of this Act be deposited in a special fund in the Treasury to offset funds appropriated for the operation and maintenance of U.S. courts to the extent specifically appropriated by an Act of Congress after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 3) Prohibits any judicial branch officer, employee, agent, contractor, or subcontractor from discharging, demoting, threatening, suspending, harassing, or otherwise discriminating against an employee in the terms and conditions of employment because of any lawful act by the employee to provide information, cause information to be provided, or otherwise assist in an investigation regarding any possible violation of federal law or regulation, or misconduct, by a judge, justice, or any other employee in the judicial branch, which may assist in the investigation of the possible violation or misconduct. Authorizes an employee injured by such a prohibited act to obtain appropriate relief in a civil action.

emergency judicial relief act sec directs president appoint senate advice consent specified additional permanent district judges federal judicial districts arizona california minnesota texas converts certain existing temporary judgeships district arizona central district california permanent judgeships increases filing fee civil actions proceedings excluding writ habeas corpus currently requires incremental amounts collected reason enactment act deposited special fund treasury offset funds appropriated operation maintenance courts extent specifically appropriated act congress enactment act sec prohibits judicial branch officer employee agent contractor subcontractor discharging threatening suspending harassing discriminating employee terms conditions employment lawful act employee provide information cause information provided assist investigation possible violation federal law regulation misconduct judge justice employee judicial branch assist investigation possible violation misconduct authorizes employee injured prohibited act obtain appropriate relief civil action


Summary: Directs the President to appoint, by and with the Senate's advice and consent, specified additional: (1) permanent district judges for various federal judicial districts in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas; and (2) temporary district judges for various federal districts in such states. Prohibits, for each of the districts in which a temporary district judge is required to be appointed under this Act, filling the first vacancy arising on such a district court 10 years or more after a judge is first confirmed to fill the temporary district judgeship created in that district. Converts to permanent judgeships certain existing temporary judgeships for the district of Arizona, the central district of California, the district of New Mexico, and the eastern district of Texas.

directs president appoint senate advice consent specified additional permanent district judges federal judicial districts arizona california new_mexico texas temporary district judges federal districts states prohibits districts temporary district judge required appointed act filling vacancy arising district court years judge confirmed fill temporary district judgeship created district converts permanent judgeships certain existing temporary judgeships district arizona central district california district new_mexico eastern district texas


Summary: Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from requiring any financial institution or any other entity subject to regulation or oversight by the Secretary or pursuant to federal securities laws specified in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to report suspicious transactions relevant to a possible violation of law or regulation, unless the appropriate U.S. district court issues an order finding that a warrant could be issued under the search and seizure provisions of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.

prohibits secretary treasury requiring financial institution entity subject regulation oversight secretary pursuant federal securities laws specified securities_exchange_act report suspicious transactions relevant possible violation law regulation appropriate district court issues order finding warrant issued search seizure provisions federal_rules_of_criminal_procedure


Summary: Consular Notification Compliance Act of 2011 - States that the purpose of this Act is to facilitate compliance with Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (Convention) and any comparable provision of a bilateral international agreement addressing consular notification and access. Requires that: (1) an individual who is not a U.S. national who is detained or arrested by a federal, state, or local officer or employee be notified that such individual may request that his or her consulate be notified of the detention or arrest; (2) if so requested, an appropriate official shall notify the consulate; and (3) if the consulate has not been so notified, notification shall occur not later than the individual's first court appearance. Provides that: (1) a federal court shall have jurisdiction to review a petition claiming a violation of the Convention or a comparable bilateral international agreement addressing consular notification and access filed by an individual convicted and sentenced to death by any federal or state court before the date of enactment of this Act; (2) if an execution date has been set the court shall grant a stay of execution if necessary to allow the court to review a petition; (3) an individual must show actual prejudice to the conviction or sentence resulting from the violation (the court may conduct an evidentiary hearing and, upon a finding of actual prejudice, order a new trial or sentencing proceeding); (4) a petition for review shall be part of the first federal habeas corpus application or motion for federal collateral relief filed by an individual; and (5) a final order on a petition for review shall be subject to appeal if a district or circuit judge issues a certificate of appealability. Permits an individual who is arrested, detained, or held for trial (but not yet convicted and sentenced) on a charge that would expose the individual to a capital sentence to raise a claim of a violation of the Convention or a comparable provision of a bilateral international agreement addressing consular notification and access, at a reasonable time after the individual becomes aware of the violation, before the court of jurisdiction. Requires: (1) notification of the appropriate consulate by the detaining authority and consular access to the individual, and (2) the court to postpone any proceedings if necessary to allow for consular access and assistance. Authorizes the court to conduct evidentiary hearings to resolve factual issues.

consular notification compliance act states purpose act facilitate compliance article vienna convention consular relations convention comparable provision bilateral international agreement addressing consular notification access requires individual national detained arrested federal state local officer employee notified individual request consulate notified detention arrest requested appropriate official shall notify consulate consulate notified notification shall occur later individual court appearance provides federal court shall jurisdiction review petition claiming violation convention comparable bilateral international agreement addressing consular notification access filed individual convicted sentenced death federal state court date enactment act execution date set court shall grant stay execution necessary allow court review petition individual actual prejudice conviction sentence resulting violation court conduct evidentiary hearing finding actual prejudice order new trial sentencing proceeding petition review shall federal habeas corpus application motion federal collateral relief filed individual final order petition review shall subject appeal district circuit judge issues certificate permits individual arrested detained held trial convicted sentenced charge expose individual capital sentence raise claim violation convention comparable provision bilateral international agreement addressing consular notification access reasonable time individual aware violation court jurisdiction requires notification appropriate consulate detaining authority consular access individual court postpone proceedings necessary allow consular access assistance authorizes court conduct evidentiary hearings resolve factual issues


Summary: No Firearms for Foreign Felons Act of 2011 - Amends the federal criminal code to prevent any individual convicted of a felony or crime of domestic violence in a foreign court from possessing a firearm in the United States.

firearms foreign felons act amends federal criminal code prevent individual convicted felony crime domestic violence foreign court possessing firearm united_states


Summary: Regulatory Time-Out Act of 2011 - Suspends the effective date of certain covered regulations for one-year beginning on the enactment of this Act.  Defines a "covered regulation" as a final regulation that did not take effect before September 1, 2011, that increases costs on businesses in a manner that will have an adverse effect on job creation, job retention, productivity, competitiveness, or the efficient functioning of the economy, and that is likely to: (1) have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; (2) adversely affect in a material way the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or state, local, or tribal governments or communities; (3) create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action by another agency; (4) materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients; or (5) raise novel legal or policy issues. Allows agency heads to exempt covered regulations that: (1) are necessary due to an imminent threat to human health or safety or any other emergency; (2) are necessary to enforce criminal laws, (3) foster private sector job creation; (4) encourage economic growth; (5) reduce regulatory burdens; (6) pertain to a military or foreign affairs function; or (7) are limited to interpreting, implementing, or administering the Internal Revenue Code.

regulatory time act suspends effective date certain covered regulations year beginning enactment act defines covered regulation final regulation effect september increases costs businesses manner adverse effect job creation job retention productivity competitiveness efficient functioning economy likely annual effect economy million adversely affect material way economy productivity competition jobs environment public health safety state local tribal governments communities create inconsistency interfere action agency materially alter budgetary impact entitlements grants user fees loan programs rights obligations recipients raise novel legal policy issues allows agency heads exempt covered regulations necessary imminent threat human health safety emergency necessary enforce criminal laws foster private sector job creation encourage economic growth reduce regulatory burdens pertain military foreign affairs function limited interpreting implementing administering internal revenue code


Summary: Federal Courts Jurisdiction and Venue Clarification Act of 2011 - Title I: Jurisdictional Improvements - (Sec. 101) Amends the federal judicial code to declare that, with respect to diversity of citizenship, the U.S. district courts shall not have original jurisdiction of any civil action between citizens of a state and citizens or subjects of a foreign state who are lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States and are domiciled in the same state. (Sec. 102) Modifies the citizenship rules to treat corporations as citizens of any foreign state: (1) by which it has been incorporated, and (2) where it has its principal place of business. Treats insurers as citizens of any foreign state: (1) of which the insured is a citizen, (2) by which the insurer has been incorporated, and (3) where the insurer has its principal place of business. (Sec. 103) Separates the removal requirements governing civil cases and those governing criminal cases into two separate categories. Declares that, upon removal of any civil action with both removable and nonremovable claims, the district court shall sever from the action all nonremovable claims and remand them to the state court from which the action was removed. Requires only defendants against whom a removable claim has been asserted to join in or consent to removal of the action. Prescribes requirements for filing notices of removal, including assertion in the notice of the amount in controversy, when it exceeds the necessary amount, if the initial pleading seeks: (1) nonmonetary relief; or (2) a money judgment, but the state practice either does not permit demand for a specific sum or permits recovery of damages in excess of the amount demanded. Allows removal of a case based on diversity of citizenship more than one year after commencement of the action if the district court finds that the plaintiff has acted in bad faith in order to prevent a defendant from removing the action. Title II: Venue and Transfer Improvements - (Sec. 202) Revises general requirements for the scope of venue of civil actions. Requires the proper venue of any civil action brought in a U.S. district court to be determined without regard to whether the action is local or transitory in nature. (Sec. 203) Repeals the "local action" rule that any civil action, of a local nature, involving property located in different districts in the same state, may be brought in any of such districts. (Sec. 204) Allows a district court to transfer a civil action to any district or division to which all parties have consented. Prohibits transfers from a U.S. district court to the District Court of Guam, the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands, or the District Court of the Virgin Islands.

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


Summary: Temporary Bankruptcy Judgeships Extension Act of 2011 - Extends the temporary office of 30 bankruptcy judgeships authorized or extended under the Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 1992 and Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 2005 until applicable vacancies identified in this Act occur in the office of a bankruptcy judge for specified districts in California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Nevada. Prohibits filling specified bankruptcy judge vacancies in such districts occurring more than five years after enactment of this Act and resulting from the death, retirement, resignation, or removal of a bankruptcy judge (thus extending the lapse date under current law by five years). Increases by a specified amount the bankruptcy filing fee for a case commenced under chapter 11 (Reorganization) that does not concern a railroad. Requires that incremental amounts collected by reason of such increased fees be: (1) deposited in a special fund in the Treasury; and (2) made available to offset funds appropriated for the operation and maintenance of U.S. courts, but only to the extent specifically appropriated by an Act enacted after enactment of this Act.

temporary bankruptcy judgeships extension act extends temporary office bankruptcy judgeships authorized extended bankruptcy judgeship act bankruptcy judgeship act applicable vacancies identified act occur office bankruptcy judge specified districts california delaware florida georgia maryland michigan new_jersey new_york north_carolina pennsylvania puerto_rico south_carolina tennessee virginia nevada prohibits filling specified bankruptcy judge vacancies districts occurring years enactment act resulting death retirement resignation removal bankruptcy judge extending lapse date current law years increases specified bankruptcy filing fee case commenced chapter reorganization concern railroad requires incremental amounts collected reason increased fees deposited special fund treasury available offset funds appropriated operation maintenance courts extent specifically appropriated act enacted enactment act


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