PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Sep 7, 1995
Legal Aid Act of 1995 - Revises the Legal Services Corporation Act to replace the Legal Services Corporation with a program of block grants to the States and to rename the Act the Legal Aid Grant Act. Directs the Attorney General to make grants to States for the provision of qualified legal services. Specifies that grants shall be made in such proportion as the number of residents of each State which receive a grant who live in households having income equal to or less than the poverty line established under the Community Services Block Grant Act bears to the total number of U.S. residents living in such households. Authorizes each State to retain for administrative costs not more than five percent of the amount granted to the State under this Act in a fiscal year, with the remainder paid under contracts to qualified legal service providers in the State. Bars a State from receiving such a grant unless the State has certified to the Attorney General that the State will comply with and enforce the requirements of this Act. Prohibits the use of grant funds by legal service providers for specified purposes, including: (1) making available funds, personnel, or equipment for certain activities relating to reapportioning a legislative, judicial, or elective district, including influencing the timing or manner of taking a census; (2) attempting to influence the issuance, amendment, or revocation of an executive order, regulation, or policy by a Federal, State, or local agency, or the passage or defeat of any legislation, constitutional amendment, referendum, or confirmation proceeding; (3) supporting or conducting training programs for the purpose of encouraging political activities, boycotts, strikes, and demonstrations; (4) participating in litigation, lobbying, or rulemaking regarding abortion, or any litigation or representation on behalf of a prisoner; (5) paying for any personal service, advertisement, written matter, or administrative expenses associated with prohibited activities; (6) soliciting in-person any client for the purpose of providing any legal service; or (7) paying voluntary membership dues to any private or nonprofit organization. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) limits on the use of State funds; (2) attorney's fees; and (3) requirements regarding State contracting for legal services. Authorizes appropriations.
People & committees
Rep. Gekas, George W. [R-PA-17] · R–PA
Legislative record
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Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 136.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 104-255.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 104-255.
Mr. Flanagan asked unanimous consent that the Committee on Judiciary have until midnight on Sept. 19 to file a report on H.R. 2277. Agreed to without objection.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 18 - 13.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Consideration and Mark-up Session Held by the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law Prior to Introduction.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
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.
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