PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Feb 24, 1994
Prison Management Relief Act of 1994 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit a Federal court from holding prison or jail crowding unconstitutional under the eighth amendment except to the extent that an individual plaintiff inmate proves that the crowding causes the infliction of cruel and unusual punishment of that inmate. Specifies that the relief in such a case shall not extend further than necessary to remove the conditions that are causing the cruel and unusual punishment of the plaintiff inmate. Prohibits a Federal court from placing a ceiling on the inmate population of any Federal, State, or local detention facility as an equitable remedial measure for conditions that violate the eighth amendment unless crowding is inflicting cruel and unusual punishment on particular identified prisoners. Specifies that such provision shall not be construed to have any effect on Federal judicial power to issue equitable relief other than that so described, including the requirement of improved medical or health care and the imposition of civil contempt fines or damages, where such relief is appropriate. Requires that each Federal court order or consent decree seeking to remedy an eighth amendment violation be reopened at the behest of a defendant for recommended modification at a minimum of two-year intervals. Makes the preceding provisions applicable to all outstanding court orders on the date of this Act's enactment. Entitles any State or municipality to seek modification of any outstanding eighth amendment decree pursuant to such provisions.
People & committees
Rep. Canady, Charles T. [R-FL-12] · R–FL
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
See H.R.4092.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property and Judicial Administration.
Referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H565)
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 26, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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