Federal Courts Improvement Act of 2003

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IntroducedPassed one chamberPassed both chambersBecame law (gold)Resolution agreed to (full, dark)Failed or vetoed (gray)

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Never voted on. It didn't reach a floor vote before the 108th Congress ended, so it expired. A bill has to be introduced again to be considered in a new Congress.

R SmithSponsor

3 cosponsors · 2 D, 1 R

D Berman JC

D Conyers SJ

R Johnson

2 signed on when it was introduced; the rest joined later. Cosponsors who withdrew aren't shown.

What it does: CRS summary · Introduced in House · Mar 18, 2003

Federal Courts Improvement Act of 2003 - Sets forth or modifies various provisions regarding judicial process, including provisions concerning: (1) bankruptcy administrator authority to appoint and serve as trustees; (2) the places of holding court in the Eastern District of Texas, Texarkana, and the Northern District of New York and the composition of divisions in the Western District of Tennessee; and (3) conditions of probation and supervised release. Modifies wiretap order reporting requirements. Eliminates: (1) the automatic excuse from jury service for members of the armed forces, members of fire and police departments, and public officers; and (2) public drawing requirements for the selection of juror wheels. Makes the supplemental attendance fee for petit jurors serving on lengthy trials applicable where the juror is required to attend more than five (currently, 30) days in hearing one case.

Sets forth or modifies various provisions regarding judicial personnel administration, benefits, and protections, including provisions concerning: (1) disability retirement and cost-of-living adjustments of annuities for territorial judges; (2) compensation for Federal Judicial Center employees; (3) the annual leave limit for judicial branch executives; (4) a supplemental benefits program for judicial branch employees; (5) inclusion of judicial branch personnel in the organ donor leave program; and (6) maximum compensation for attorneys and for services other than counsel.

Prohibits knowingly filing a false lien or encumbrance against the real or personal property of a Federal judge in any public record or any private record that is generally available to the public.

Authorizes the judicial council of each circuit (currently each court of appeals) to appoint a librarian.

Requires the Judicial Conference to take specified steps to safeguard the privacy of judicial branch officers and employees from the interception of electronic communications, with exceptions.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov

About this bill and sources

Official title: Federal Courts Improvement Act of 2003

Latest action (Mar 20, 2003): Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

Policy area: Law · Origin: House · Introduced: Mar 18, 2003

Official page on Congress.gov · Bill text (GovInfo) · Status record (XML)

No recorded floor vote found.