Washington Letter July 2011

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Federal Government

Washington News Briefs

Second Chance Act, Student Loan Forgiveness, Use of Military Force

Federal Government

The House passed legislation June 23 to overhaul the patent system after approving an amendment to allow congressional appropriators to maintain control of U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) funding, which comes entirely from user fees.

Federal Government

Retroactivity Okayed for Cocaine Sentencing Amendment

The U.S. Sentencing Commission voted unanimously June 30 to retroactively apply a proposed amendment to the cocaine sentencing guidelines to implement the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 (FSA).

Federal Government

House Panel Approves Bill to Amend Rule 11 to Mandate Attorney Sanctions

The House Judiciary Committee has approved, on a July 7 party-line vote of 20-13, legislation opposed by the ABA to amend Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to reinstate a mandatory sanctions provision that was eliminated in 1993 because it was counterproductive and harmful to the resolution of civil litigation.

Federal Government

House Appropriations Committee Votes to Reduce LSC Funding to $300 Million

The House Appropriations Committee unanimously approved a draft fiscal year 2012 funding bill that includes $300 million for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) – a $104 million reduction for the program.

Federal Government

Bill Would Make Unnecessary Class Action Changes

The ABA expressed opposition last month to H.R. 2032, a bill pending in the House Judiciary Committee that the association maintains is unnecessary and would limit the ability of those representing individuals with disabilities from obtaining protection for their legal rights in court.

Federal Government

ABA Supports Extension of Child Welfare Programs

The ABA recommended last month that Congress reauthorize existing programs and enhance federal efforts that provide key services and supports to families involved, or at risk of becoming involved, in the child welfare system and the state courts that handle such cases.

Federal Government

ABA Urges Changes in Proposed Capital Counsel Rule

The ABA urged the Department of Justice last month to revise a proposed rule intended to implement the certification process for capital counsel systems at the state level because the proposal would not assure that states that receive certification have mechanisms in place to provide the appointment of competent post-conviction counsel.

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Washington Letter July 2011

ABA Cites Importance of Legal Services to the Elderly

Featured Articles

Washington News Briefs

Patent Overhaul Clears House

Retroactivity Okayed for Cocaine Sentencing Amendment

House Panel Approves Bill to Amend Rule 11 to Mandate Attorney Sanctions

House Appropriations Committee Votes to Reduce LSC Funding to $300 Million

Bill Would Make Unnecessary Class Action Changes

ABA Supports Extension of Child Welfare Programs

ABA Urges Changes in Proposed Capital Counsel Rule

ABA Resources

The ABA

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Renew Your ABA Membership

American Bar Association TM American Bar Association

Washington Letter July 2011

ABA Cites Importance of Legal Services to the Elderly

Featured Articles

Washington News Briefs

Patent Overhaul Clears House

Retroactivity Okayed for Cocaine Sentencing Amendment

House Panel Approves Bill to Amend Rule 11 to Mandate Attorney Sanctions

House Appropriations Committee Votes to Reduce LSC Funding to $300 Million

Bill Would Make Unnecessary Class Action Changes

ABA Supports Extension of Child Welfare Programs

ABA Urges Changes in Proposed Capital Counsel Rule

ABA Resources

The ABA

Connect