May 2018 Washington Letter

Government Benefits

ABA is concerned about proposed CMS work requirements

The ABA, tribal leaders, and members of Congress are opposing a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) decision that the agency will not require states to exempt American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) from Medicaid work and community engagement requirements announced by CMS in January.

Criminal

House passes legislation focusing on prison reforms

The House passed a bill May 22 that focuses on prison reforms aimed at reducing recidivism by providing rehabilitation programs to inmates.

Immigration

Evaluating the Immigration Courts System

The ABA Commission on Immigration hosted a panel of immigration experts May 4 to address the problems that are plaguing the immigration court system, which is housed within the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) in the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Military & Veterans

ABA supports public access to criminal court proceedings, including military commissions

The ABA expressed strong support last month for public access and availability to all criminal court proceedings, including those conducted by military commissions, and stated that the association is committed to the belief that all courts should experiment with electronic media coverage of their proceedings.

Military & Veterans

Report on military commissions sent to Capitol Hill

The ABA sent the House and Senate Armed Services Committees a new report on May 22 that resulted from a one-day workshop held in December 2017 where experts gathered to discuss the diverse legal issues facing the U.S. military commissions.

Civic Education

Law Day 2018 highlights “Separation of Powers”

“Separation of Powers: Framework for Freedom” is the theme of this year’s Law Day, which has grown from one day (May 1) when it was envisioned in 1957 by then ABA President Charles S. Rhyne to weeks of events conducted by bar associations, courts, schools, and other organizations to celebrate the rule of law.

Pro Bono

House Appropriations Committee approves FY 2019 CJS funding bill

The House Appropriations Committee approved a bill May 17 that, in addition to funding the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) at $410 million, would increase or continue funding for numerous other programs of interest to the ABA.

Immigration

Legal Representation in Deportation Proceedings

The ABA expressed support May 1 for funding in two Maryland counties to provide legal representation to immigrant residents who have been detained and are facing deportation.

Louisiana Jury Legislation

ABA President Hilarie Bass expressed the association’s opposition May 11 to legislation pending in Louisiana that would effectively remove jury polling results in criminal cases from timely public access.