Procedural Analysis of Private Laws Enacted: 1986-2013 (New CRS Report)

The Congressional Research Service has issued a new report that may be of interest: Procedural Analysis of Private Laws Enacted: 1986-2013 (April 9, 2013).

The summary states:

Between 1986 and 2013 (99th-113th Congresses), 170 private laws were enacted. As of this writing, no private laws have been enacted in the 113th Congress (2013-2014). Most private laws during this period dealt with immigration issues or claims against the government. Of these measures, 65% originated in the House, 9% had cosponsors, and 23% had companion bills. Most were enacted without amendment or need to resolve differences with the other house. This report examines the broad distinctions among these measures in terms of their subject matter, introduction, sponsorship and cosponsorship, referral, method of consideration, amendment, and reconciling of differences between the chambers’ versions of the bill.

Thanks to the Federation of American Scientists for posting this and many other CRS reports. For other ways to identify and access CRS reports, see the Gallagher guide.