H.R. 3632

H.R. 3632 is being considered under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds vote for passage.  The legislation was introduced by Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) on September 23, 2009. 

H.R. 3632 amends the federal judicial code, the federal criminal code, and other federal law.  Specifically, the bill makes the following changes to federal code:

• Removes the power of certain active or retired federal judges to appoint U.S. magistrate judges;
• Revises the statutory description of the District of North Dakota to eliminate the current four divisions and make one judicial district (will not affect pending cases or juries);
• Revises requirements for the disability retirement and cost-of-living adjustments of annuities for territorial judges;
• Subjects judicial branch senior executives to federal civil service annual leave requirements and limitation;
• Revises requirements for the compensation of Federal Judicial Center personnel, including reemployed annuitants;
• Requires court use of separate judgment and statement of reasons forms in the imposition of a criminal sentence;
• Requires appropriate adaptation of pretrial services functions for juveniles;
• Modifies the reporting schedule for criminal wiretap orders; and

Increases the compensation thresholds triggering administration review of compensation for non-counsel investigative, expert, or other services necessary for adequate representation of a personal financially unable to obtain them. 

BACKGROUND

The bill consists of nine miscellaneous administrative provisions developed by the United States Judicial Conference, the leadership arm of the Federal Judiciary.

COST

There is no Congressional Budget Office (CBO) cost estimate yet available for H.R. 3632.