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HR 2983 100th Congress House Law Civil actions and liability Courts and Civil Procedure Crime prevention Damages Lawyers and legal services Legal fees Limitation of actions Organized crime

A bill to amend chapter 96 of title 18, United States Code.

Introduced: July 22, 1987 See on congress.gov
This bill died when the 100th Congress ended
It never became law before the 100th Congress (1987–1988) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 4 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Dec 3, 1987
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Jul 29, 1987
Referred to Subcommittee on Criminal Justice.
Jul 22, 1987
Referred to House Committee on The Judiciary.
Jul 22, 1987
Introduced in House
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Amends the Federal criminal code to change the name of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute to Pattern of Unlawful Activity.

Revises the civil action requirements for persons aggrieved by RICO violations. Permits governments as well as persons to bring such an action. Provides for the recovery of treble damages: (1) where a government entity has been injured as a result of such violations; or (2) for persons injured by such violations, if a criminal conviction of the defendant is obtained. Allows a person aggrieved by a RICO violation to recover punitive damages under certain circumstances. Lists factors to be considered in determining the amount of punitive damages, including: (1) the degree of culpability of the defendant; (2) any history of similar conduct by the defendant; and (3) the number of persons victimized. Allows a government entity aggrieved by a RICO violation to recover punitive damages if it is proved by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted in conscious and wanton disregard of the consequences.

Requires the court to award the prevailing party a reasonable attorney's fee.

Sets a statute of limitations for such actions of: (1) three years after the cause of action accrues; (2) three years after the conduct causing the injury terminates; or (3) two years after the date of the criminal conviction (required for a treble damage cause of action).

Provides an affirmative defense where the defendant acted in good faith and in reliance upon a directly applicable regulatory action, approval, or interpretation of law by an authorized State agency.

What's happening now December 3, 1987

Subcommittee Hearings Held.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 2983: A bill to amend chapter 96 of title 18, United States Code.. 100th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/100-HR-2983/
MLA
"H.R. 2983: A bill to amend chapter 96 of title 18, United States Code.." 100th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/100-HR-2983/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 2983, 100th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/100-HR-2983/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 2983: A bill to amend chapter 96 of title 18, United States Code.](https://openamerica.io/bill/100-HR-2983/)
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