US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB2084

Introduced
3/29/23  

Caption

To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for The Judiciary, Court of Appeals, District Courts, and Other Judiciary Services, Defender Services for fiscal year 2024.

Impact

The legislative discourse around HB 2084 indicates a broader concern regarding the adequacy of funding available for essential judicial functions. Supporters of the bill may argue that establishing a strict budget can help ensure fiscal responsibility, but critics point out that such limitations could hinder the effective functioning of the judicial system. By constraining resources, the bill could inadvertently lead to delays in court proceedings, insufficient public defense, and challenges in maintaining essential legal services, which are vital for upholding justice.

Summary

House Bill 2084 aims to impose a financial limitation on the appropriations for the Judiciary, which includes Court of Appeals, District Courts, and other judiciary services, as well as Defender Services for the fiscal year 2024. The bill sets the maximum funding amount at $1,150,450,000. This proposal is significant as it directly impacts the financial dynamics of the judicial system, affecting how resources are allocated for court operations and public defense initiatives. By establishing a funding cap, the bill underlines the ongoing political discourse regarding budgetary constraints on government services.

Contention

Opposition to HB 2084 revolves around the implications of limiting judicial funding. Detractors caution that the bill may compromise the quality of legal representation for defendants and create an overwhelmed court system unable to handle its caseload efficiently. Advocates for robust judiciary funding emphasize the foundational role that an adequately funded judicial system plays in democracy and rule of law, arguing that fiscal cuts could undermine public faith in the legal system and prompt inequities in legal access.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB270

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judgeship and Reorganization Act of 2023 This bill divides the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit into two judicial circuits: (1) the Ninth Circuit, and (2) a new Twelfth Circuit. The Ninth Circuit is composed of California, Guam, Hawaii, and Northern Mariana Islands. The new Twelfth Circuit is composed of Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.

US HB647

Appropriates funds for the expenses of the judiciary for Fiscal Year 2025-2026

US HB983

Appropriates funds for the expenses of the judiciary for Fiscal Year 2026-2027

US HB7

Appropriates funds for the expenses of the judiciary for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 (Item #4)

US SB0170

Appropriations: judiciary; appropriations for fiscal year 2025-2026; provide for. Creates appropriation act.

US HB5654

To provide for interim appropriations for the District of Columbia courts and related agencies with respect to any fiscal year for which appropriations are not otherwise provided for such courts and agencies.

US SB0867

Appropriations: judiciary; appropriations for fiscal year 2026-2027; provide for. Creates appropriation act.

US HB1546

Supreme Court and Court of Appeals; judicial districts.

US HB51

Washington, D.C. Admission Act This bill provides for the admission of the state of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth into the United States. The commonwealth consists of all the territory of the District of Columbia (DC), excluding certain federal property. The excluded property shall be known as the Capital and serve as the seat of federal government; it includes the principal federal monuments, the White House, the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court Building, and the federal office buildings located adjacent to the Mall and Capitol Building. In addition, the bill maintains the federal government's authority over military lands and specified other property and prohibits the commonwealth from taxing federal property except as permitted by Congress. Within 30 days of this bill's enactment, the DC mayor must call for the election of two Senators and one Representative for the commonwealth. The commonwealth shall be admitted into the United States upon a presidential proclamation announcing the results of that election. The bill applies current DC laws to the commonwealth and continues pending judicial proceedings. It also continues certain federal authorities and responsibilities, including regarding employee benefits, agencies, and courts, until the commonwealth certifies that it is prepared to take over those authorities and responsibilities. Further, the bill provides for expedited consideration of a joint resolution to repeal the Twenty-third Amendment to the Constitution (which allows DC citizens to vote in presidential elections). The bill also establishes a commission to advise the President, Congress, and DC and commonwealth leaders on the transition.

US HB25

FairTax Act of 2023 This bill imposes a national sales tax on the use or consumption in the United States of taxable property or services in lieu of the current income taxes, payroll taxes, and estate and gift taxes. The rate of the sales tax will be 23% in 2025, with adjustments to the rate in subsequent years. There are exemptions from the tax for used and intangible property; for property or services purchased for business, export, or investment purposes; and for state government functions. Under the bill, family members who are lawful U.S. residents receive a monthly sales tax rebate (Family Consumption Allowance) based upon criteria related to family size and poverty guidelines. The states have the responsibility for administering, collecting, and remitting the sales tax to the Treasury. Tax revenues are to be allocated among (1) the general revenue, (2) the old-age and survivors insurance trust fund, (3) the disability insurance trust fund, (4) the hospital insurance trust fund, and (5) the federal supplementary medical insurance trust fund. No funding is authorized for the operations of the Internal Revenue Service after FY2027. Finally, the bill terminates the national sales tax if the Sixteenth Amendment to the Constitution (authorizing an income tax) is not repealed within seven years after the enactment of this bill.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.