S 489 109th Congress Senate 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 1, 2005 See on congress.gov

Everywhere this bill has been 3 steps

Introduced

In committee

Reported out

Passed House

Passed Senate

To President

Became law

Jul 19, 2005

Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 109-181.

Mar 1, 2005

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S1877)

Mar 1, 2005

Introduced in Senate

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 July 19, 2005

Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 109-181.

Committees of jurisdiction 1