US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB786

Introduced
2/2/23  
Refer
2/2/23  
Report Pass
9/28/23  

Caption

To amend title 28, United States Code, to provide an additional place for holding court for the Pecos Division of the Western District of Texas, and for other purposes.

Impact

If passed, HB 786 would likely enhance the capacity of the judicial system in that region, potentially leading to a more efficient handling of court cases. The introduction of an additional court location aims to provide timely legal services and reduce any backlog that may be present due to limited facilities. Moreover, having court services closer to the community is expected to encourage more residents to utilize legal resources, which may improve overall adherence to the law and legal processes.

Summary

House Bill 786 aims to amend Title 28 of the United States Code to establish an additional location for holding court in the Pecos Division of the Western District of Texas. This legislative move is intended to improve access to judicial services for residents in the area, thereby easing the burden on existing court facilities. The bill is a response to the growing need for accessible court services as the population within the Pecos Division continues to change and expand.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 786 appears to be predominantly supportive, as the bill addresses an essential need for improved judicial infrastructure in the Pecos area. Many legislators recognize the importance of ensuring that residents have adequate access to legal recourse, and this bill is seen as a pragmatic step towards enhancing those services. However, some concerns may arise regarding the allocation of resources to support the new court location, with discussions likely centered around budget implications and operational logistics.

Contention

While the overall sentiment towards HB 786 is positive, there may be points of contention regarding the specific details of how the new court will be funded and operated. Questions about whether this expansion will lead to increased state expenditures and how it will be integrated with existing judicial resources may ignite debate among lawmakers. Additionally, stakeholders may also discuss the potential environmental or infrastructural implications of establishing new government facilities in the region.

Companion Bills

US SB227

Related Improving Access to Our Courts Act

Previously Filed As

US HJR9

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States prohibiting the United States Government from increasing its debt except for a specific purpose by law adopted by three-fourths of the membership of each House of Congress.

US HJR8

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.

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 HJR1

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.

US HJR6

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide for balanced budgets for the Government.

US HB8309

To amend title 28, United States Code, to prohibit Presidents and Vice Presidents from receiving damages payments from the United States, and for other purposes.

US HB625

Local Access to Courts Act or LACAThis bill adds College Station to the list of places where court must be held in the Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas.Additionally, the bill adds El Centro to the list of places where court must be held in the Southern District of California.

US HB7

No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2023 This bill modifies provisions relating to federal funding for, and health insurance coverage of, abortions. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds for abortions or for health coverage that includes abortions. Such restrictions extend to the use of funds in the budget of the District of Columbia. Additionally, abortions may not be provided in a federal health care facility or by a federal employee. Historically, language has been included in annual appropriations bills for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that prohibits the use of federal funds for abortions—such language is commonly referred to as the Hyde Amendment. Similar language is also frequently included in appropriations bills for other federal agencies and the District of Columbia. The bill makes these restrictions permanent and extends the restrictions to all federal funds (rather than specific agencies). The bill's restrictions regarding the use of federal funds do not apply in cases of rape, incest, or where a physical disorder, injury, or illness endangers a woman's life unless an abortion is performed. The Hyde Amendment provides the same exceptions. The bill also prohibits qualified health plans from including coverage for abortions. Currently, qualified health plans may cover abortion, but the portion of the premium attributable to abortion coverage is not eligible for subsidies.

US HB94

American Sovereignty and Species Protection Act This bill limits the protection of endangered or threatened species to species that are native to the United States. In addition, the bill prohibits certain funding for endangered or threatened species from being used to acquire lands, waters, or other interests in foreign countries.

US HB56

Reforming Alternatives to Incarceration and Sentencing to Establish a Better Path for Youth Act of 2023 or the RAISE Act of 2023 This bill modifies requirements and procedures related to the sentencing, confinement, and release of youth who are involved in the federal criminal justice system. The term youth means an individual who is prosecuted or sentenced for a criminal offense committed at age 21 or younger. The bill modifies federal sentencing options for youth, including by allowing courts to depart from the statutory mandatory minimum for certain nonviolent offenses, to reduce the prison term of a youth who has completed 20 years of the sentence, and to treat as discretionary a sentence of imprisonment for life. Additionally, it requires the Bureau of Prisons to separately designate youth correctional facilities, minimize contact between youth and other offenders, and establish programs regarding youth education, skills training, reentry, and mental and emotional health. Finally, the bill promotes reentry and reintegration into the community, including by providing an early release option for youth offenders who complete one half or more of their prison term and meet certain criteria; authorizing home confinement for a longer period of time; limiting the maximum prison term for technical violations of probation; establishing pilot programs for mentorship, government service, and animal service; and establishing pilot programs for diversion of high-risk, victimized, and primary caretaker youth.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.