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HR 816 105th Congress House

Federal No Frills Prisons Act of 1997

Official title: To prohibit the use of Federal funds for certain amenities and personal comforts in the Federal prison system.

Introduced: March 17, 1997 See on congress.gov
Crime and Law Enforcement Arts, Culture, ReligionBoxingEconomics and Public FinanceElectric appliances
More subjectsShow fewer subjects
Equipment and suppliesGovernment spendingMotion picturesMusical instrumentsPhysical education and trainingPornographyPrisonersPrisoners' rightsPrisonsScience, Technology, CommunicationsSports and RecreationTelevision
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This bill died when the 105th Congress ended
It never became law before the 105th Congress (1997–1998) 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 3 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Mar 5, 1997
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.
Feb 25, 1997
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Feb 25, 1997
Introduced in House
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 Latest action March 5, 1997

Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Federal No Frills Prisons Act of 1997 - Prohibits the use of Federal funds to provide in the Federal prison system in-cell television viewing (with an exception), viewing of R, X, or NC-17 rated motion pictures, instruction in certain fighting arts or equipment therefor, bodybuilding or weightlifting equipment, possession of coffee pots or heating elements, and use or possession of electric musical instruments.

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
 Cosponsors 6
All 6 Republican 1
GREENWOOD, JAMES
· May 7, 1997
 R
Graham, Lindsey
South Carolina · Apr 16, 1997
NETHERCUTT, GEORGE
· Apr 8, 1997
BEREUTER, DOUGLAS
· Mar 18, 1997
GOSS, PORTER
· Mar 18, 1997
LIPINSKI, WILLIAM
· Mar 17, 1997
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 816: Federal No Frills Prisons Act of 1997. 105th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-816/
MLA
"H.R. 816: Federal No Frills Prisons Act of 1997." 105th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-816/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 816, 105th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-816/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 816: Federal No Frills Prisons Act of 1997](https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-816/)
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