PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Mar 18, 2003
Federal Courts Improvement Act of 2003 - Sets forth or modifies various provisions regarding judicial process, including provisions concerning: (1) bankruptcy administrator authority to appoint and serve as trustees; (2) the places of holding court in the Eastern District of Texas, Texarkana, and the Northern District of New York and the composition of divisions in the Western District of Tennessee; and (3) conditions of probation and supervised release. Modifies wiretap order reporting requirements. Eliminates: (1) the automatic excuse from jury service for members of the armed forces, members of fire and police departments, and public officers; and (2) public drawing requirements for the selection of juror wheels. Makes the supplemental attendance fee for petit jurors serving on lengthy trials applicable where the juror is required to attend more than five (currently, 30) days in hearing one case.Sets forth or modifies various provisions regarding judicial personnel administration, benefits, and protections, including provisions concerning: (1) disability retirement and cost-of-living adjustments of annuities for territorial judges; (2) compensation for Federal Judicial Center employees; (3) the annual leave limit for judicial branch executives; (4) a supplemental benefits program for judicial branch employees; (5) inclusion of judicial branch personnel in the organ donor leave program; and (6) maximum compensation for attorneys and for services other than counsel.Prohibits knowingly filing a false lien or encumbrance against the real or personal property of a Federal judge in any public record or any private record that is generally available to the public.Authorizes the judicial council of each circuit (currently each court of appeals) to appoint a librarian.Requires the Judicial Conference to take specified steps to safeguard the privacy of judicial branch officers and employees from the interception of electronic communications, with exceptions.
People & committees
Rep. Smith, Lamar [R-TX-21] · R–TX
Legislative record
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Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 18, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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