HR-2655 : Still Just a Bill

Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2013 - Amends the sanctions provisions in Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to require the court to impose an appropriate sanction on any attorney, law firm, or party that has violated, or is responsible for the violation of, the rule with regard to representations to the court. Requires any sanction to compensate parties injured by the conduct in question.

Removes a provision that prohibits filing a motion for sanctions if the challenged paper, claim, defense, contention, or denial is withdrawn or appropriately corrected within 21 days after service or within another time the court sets.

Authorizes the court to impose additional sanctions, including striking the pleadings, dismissing the suit, nonmonetary directives, or penalty payments if warranted for effective deterrence.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2013-11-18IntroReferralReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.Senate
2013-11-14FloorMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
2013-11-14VoteOn passage Passed by recorded vote: 228 - 195 (Roll no. 581). (text: CR H7069)House floor actions
2013-11-14VoteOn motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 197 - 225 (Roll no. 580).House floor actions
2013-11-14FloorThe previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection. (consideration: CR H7078)House floor actions
2013-11-14FloorDEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lewis motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to prohibit provisions of the bill from applying to any cases brought under civil rights laws or the Constitution.House floor actions
2013-11-14FloorMr. Lewis moved to recommit with instructions to Judiciary. (consideration: CR H7077-7078; text: CR H7077)House floor actions
2013-11-14FloorThe previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. (consideration: CR H7077)House floor actions
2013-11-14FloorDEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 2655.House floor actions
2013-11-14FloorThe resolution provides for the consideration of H.R. 2655 and H.R. 982. In the case of H.R. 2655, the resolution provides for one hour of debate and one motion to recommit. In the case of H.R. 982, the resolution provides for one hour of general debate and makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report. The resolution also provides for one motion to recommit the bill H.R. 982.House floor actions
2013-11-14FloorConsidered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 403. (consideration: CR H7069-7079)House floor actions
2013-11-12FloorRules Committee Resolution H. Res. 403 Reported to House. The resolution provides for the consideration of H.R. 2655 and H.R. 982. In the case of H.R. 2655, the resolution provides for one hour of debate and one motion to recommit. In the case of H.R. 982, the resolution provides for one hour of general debate and makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report. The resolution also provides for one motion to recommit the bill H.R. 982.House floor actions
2013-10-30CalendarsPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 181.House floor actions
2013-10-30CommitteeReported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 113-255.House floor actions
2013-09-11CommitteeOrdered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 17 - 10.House committee actions
2013-09-11CommitteeCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.House committee actions
2013-07-17CommitteeForwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by the Yeas and Nays: 6 - 2 .House committee actions
2013-07-17CommitteeSubcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.House committee actions
2013-07-15CommitteeReferred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice.House committee actions
2013-07-11IntroReferralReferred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.House floor actions
2013-07-11IntroReferralIntroduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

Law
See Subjects
  • Civil actions and liability
  • Judicial procedure and administration
  • Lawyers and legal services
  • Legal fees and court costs

Related Bills

See Related Bills