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HR 1229 109th Congress House Law Consent decrees Evidence (Law) Government Operations and Politics Government liability Injunctions Judicial compensation Limitation of actions Local officials State officials

Federal Consent Decree Fairness Act

Introduced: March 10, 2005 See on congress.gov
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This bill died when the 109th Congress ended
It never became law before the 109th Congress (2005–2006) 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 5 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jun 13, 2006
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H3892)
Jun 21, 2005
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
May 10, 2005
Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property.
Mar 10, 2005
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Mar 10, 2005
Introduced in House
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Federal Consent Decree Fairness Act - Authorizes State or local governments and related officials sued in their official capacity to file a motion to modify or vacate a consent decree upon the earlier of: (1) four years after the consent decree is originally entered; or (2) in the case of a civil action in which a State is a party or in which a local government is a party and the surrounding State is not a party, the expiration of the term of office of the highest elected State or local government official authorizing the consent decree.

Places the burden of proof with respect to such motions on the party originally filing the action to demonstrate that continued enforcement is necessary to uphold a Federal right.

Nullifies consent decrees pending a ruling on a motion to modify or vacate if the court fails to rule on such motion within 90 days of filing.

Addresses compensation and termination of special masters overseeing consent decrees.

Makes this Act applicable to all consent decrees regardless of: (1) the date on which the final order of a consent decree is entered; or (2) whether any relief has been obtained before enactment.

What's happening now June 13, 2006

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H3892)

 Related & companion bills 1
  • S 489 Related bill Federal Consent Decree Fairness Act
 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
 Cosponsors 4
All 4 Republican 4
R
Wicker, Roger F.
Mississippi · Jun 12, 2006
 R
Rogers, Harold
Kentucky · May 25, 2006
 R
Aderholt, Robert B.
Alabama · Apr 19, 2005
 R
Blackburn, Marsha
Tennessee · Mar 10, 2005
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 1229: Federal Consent Decree Fairness Act. 109th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/109-HR-1229/
MLA
"H.R. 1229: Federal Consent Decree Fairness Act." 109th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/109-HR-1229/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 1229, 109th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/109-HR-1229/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 1229: Federal Consent Decree Fairness Act](https://openamerica.io/bill/109-HR-1229/)
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