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    Washington Letter December 2015

     

    Federal Government

    President Obama signs omnibus fiscal year 2016 appropriations package

    President Obama signed a $1.15 trillion fiscal year 2016 appropriations package Dec. 18 that includes increased funding for several ABA-supported programs, including the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and the federal judiciary. H.R. 2029, which will fund the government through Sept. 30, 2016, is the result of months of negotiations as members weighed numerous controversial riders that, among other things, would have defunded Planned Parenthood, limited environmental and financial regulations, and blocked the entry of refugees from Syria and Iraq into the country.

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    Civil Practice & Procedure

    Significant changes made to federal civil procedure rules

    The 2015 amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure went into effect Dec. 1, making the most significant changes to discovery and case management in more than a decade. The amendments − designed to promote the just, speedy and inexpensive resolution of civil suits − were drafted by the Judicial Conference Advisory Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure and approved by the Judicial Conference and the Supreme Court. They were then cleared when Congress took no action to reject, modify or defer implementation

    Legislation & Lobbying

    Senate passes justice and mental health bill

    The Senate passed a bill Dec. 10 that would improve access to mental health services for those in the criminal justice system who need treatment. S. 993, sponsored by Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) and a bipartisan group of more that 30 cosponsors, would authorize $18 million each year for four years to support efforts to increase public safety by facilitating collaboration among the criminal justice, juvenile justice, veterans treatment services, mental health treatment, and substance abuse systems.

    Tribal Law & Courts

    Senate bill would provide aid to victims of crime on tribal lands

    A bipartisan bill ready for a vote by the full Senate would create a direct funding stream from the federal Crime Victims Fund (CVF) to help victims of crime on tribal lands. S. 1704, the Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment Act (SURVIVE Act), cleared the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in July and was reported to the full Senate this month. Under the bill’s provisions, the Department of Interior would administer a competitive tribal grant program for crime victim services and assistance.

    Courts & Judiciary

    Senate confirms 11 judicial nominees during First Session

    When the Senate adjourned Dec. 18 at the end of the First Session of the 114th Congress, senators had confirmed 11 judicial nominees, leaving 31 pending nominations and the federal judiciary with more than 60 vacancies. ABA President Paulette Brown urged Senate leaders earlier this month to schedule confirmation votes before year’s end on the 15 judicial nominees who had been waiting for action by the full Senate following unanimous voice vote approval by the committee.

    Federal Government

    President signs education reform bill that includes attention to homeless and foster children

    Legislation signed Dec. 10 by President Obama replaces the 2007 No Child Left Behind Act and includes provisions supported by the ABA to address the special needs of homeless and foster children in the education system. P.L. 114-95 (S. 1177) helps promote school stability and success for students in foster care by including provisions supported by the ABA that were in the Senate version of the legislation.