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AMICUS Act

12/30/2022, 3:04 AM

Summary of Bill HR 6266

The AMICUS Act, also known as Bill 117 hr 6266, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to establish a program within the Department of Justice that would provide financial assistance to states for the recruitment and training of volunteer attorneys to represent individuals in immigration court proceedings.

The bill aims to address the issue of individuals facing deportation who are unable to afford legal representation. By providing funding for volunteer attorneys, the AMICUS Act seeks to ensure that individuals have access to legal counsel and are able to effectively navigate the complex immigration court system.

The program established by the AMICUS Act would prioritize providing representation to vulnerable populations, such as unaccompanied minors, individuals with mental disabilities, and individuals who have been victims of domestic violence or human trafficking. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the program to ensure that it is meeting its goals. Overall, the AMICUS Act is aimed at improving access to legal representation for individuals facing deportation and ensuring that they receive fair treatment in immigration court proceedings. It is currently being reviewed by Congress and may be subject to amendments before being voted on.

Congressional Summary of HR 6266

Assessing Monetary Influence in the Courts of the United States Act or the AMICUS Act

This bill requires certain disclosures in relation to amicus briefs (i.e., briefs that are filed by those who are not a party to a case but have an interest in the case).

Specifically, each amicus brief that is filed in a U.S. court of appeals or the Supreme Court must list the name of any person who contributed (1) to the preparation or submission of the brief, (2) at least 3% of the gross annual revenue of the entity filing the brief for the previous year, or (3) more than $100,000 in the previous year to the filer. Such requirements do not apply to routine commercial transactions that are unrelated to amicus brief filings.

The bill also prohibits those who file amicus briefs from giving gifts or providing travel to a judge of a U.S. court of appeals or a justice of the Supreme Court, except for reimbursements for travel expenses in relation to law school appearances.

Violators are subject to civil penalties.

Current Status of Bill HR 6266

Bill HR 6266 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since December 14, 2021. Bill HR 6266 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on December 14, 2021.  Bill HR 6266's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet. as of November 1, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 6266

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
8
Democrat Cosponsors
8
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 6266

Primary Policy Focus

Law

Potential Impact Areas

- Civil actions and liability
- Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
- Judges
- Judicial procedure and administration
- Supreme Court

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 6266

AMICUS Act
AMICUS Act
Assessing Monetary Influence in the Courts of the United States Act
To amend title 28, United States Code, to require certain disclosures related to amicus activities.

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