PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Laid on the table. See S. 1257 for further action. (consideration: CR H6799)
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · May 11, 1999
Copyright Damages Improvement Act of 1999 - Amends Federal copyright law with respect to the statutory damages available for copyright infringement to increase: (1) the minimum damages from $500 to $750; and (2) the maximum damages from $20,000 to $30,000. Increases from $100,000 to $150,000 the maximum additional damages a court may award for willful infringement. Authorizes a court to increase the award of statutory damages up to $250,000 per work in a case where the copyright owner demonstrates that the infringement was part of a repeated pattern or practice of infringement. Asserts that, for purposes of the Federal bankruptcy code, willful infringement shall be considered to be willful and malicious injury to the property of another (thus prohibiting a discharge from debts resulting from willful copyright infringement).
People & committees
Rep. Rogan, James E. [R-CA-27] · R–CA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Laid on the table. See S. 1257 for further action. (consideration: CR H6799)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1761.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6798-6799)
Mr. Coble moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 122.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 106-216.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 106-216.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E930-931)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
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Analyze H.R.1761 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.1761 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.1761 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine H.R.1761 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.