Federal Courts Improvement Act of 2000
PL 106-518 (S.2915), enacted 11/13/2000

114 STAT. 2410 
PUBLIC LAW 106-518—NOV. 13, 2000 
Nov. 13, 2000 
[S. 29151 
Federal Courts 
Improvement Act 
of 2000. 
28 u s e 1 note. 
Public Law 106-518 
106th Congress 
An Act 
To make improvements in the operation and administration of the Federal courts, 
and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States of 
America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE AND TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the "Federal Courts 
Improvement Act of 2000". 
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents of this Act 
is as follows: 
Sec. 1. Short title and table of contents. 
TITLE I-^UDICIAL FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION 
Sec. 
Sec. 
101. Extension of Judiciary Information Technology Fund. 
i02. Disposition of miscellaneous fees. 
Sec. 103. Increase in chapter 9 bankruptcy filing fee. 
Sec. 104. Increase in fee for converting a chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy case 
to a chapter 11 bankruptcy case. 
105. Bankruptcy fees. 
TITLE II-JUDICIAL PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS 
Extension of statutory authority for magistrate judge positions to be es-
tablished in the district courts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Is-
lands. 
Magistrate judge contempt authority. 
Consent to magistrate judge authority in petty offense cases and mag-
istrate judge authority in misdemeanor cases involving juvenile defend-
ants. 
Savings and loan data reporting requirements. 
Membership in circuit judicial councils. 
Sunset of civil justice expense and delay reduction plans. 
Repeal of Court of Federal Claims filing fee. 
Technical bankmptcy correction. 
Technical amendment relating to the treatment of certain bankruptcy 
fees collected. 
Maximum amounts of compensation for attorneys. 
Reimbursement of expenses in defense of certain malpractice actions. 
Sec. 
Sec. 201. 
Sec. 202. 
Sec. 203. 
Sec. 204. 
Sec. 205. 
Sec. 206. 
Sec. 207. 
Sec. 208. 
Sec. 209. 
Sec. 210. 
Sec. 211. 
TITLE III-JUDICIAL PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION, BENEFITS, AND 
PROTECTIONS 
Sec. 301. Judicial administrative officials retirement matters. 
Sec. 302. Applicability of leave provisions to employees of the Sentencing Commis-
sion. 
Sec. 303. Payments to military survivors benefits plan. 
Sec. 304. Creation of certifying officers in the judicial branch. 
Sec. 305. Amendment to the jury selection process. 
Sec. 306. Authorization of a circuit executive for the Federal circuit. 
Sec. 307. Residence of retired judges. 
Sec. 308. Recall of judges on disability status. 
Sec. 309. Personnel application and insurance programs relating to judges of the 
Court of Federal Claims. 
PUBLIC LAW 106-518—NOV. 13, 2000 
114 STAT. 2411 
Sec. 310. Lump-sum payment for accumulated and accrued leave on separation. 
Sec. 311. Employment of personal assistants for handicapped employees. 
Sec. 312. Mandatory retirement age for Director of the Federal Judicial Center. 
Sec. 313. Reauthorization of certain Supreme Court Police authority. 
TITLE IV—FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDERS 
Sec. 401. Tort Claims Act amendment relating to liability of Federal public defend-
ers. 
TITLE V—MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
Sec. 501. Extensions relating to bankruptcy administrator program. 
Sec. 502. Additional place of holding court in the district of Oregon. 
TITLE I-TJUDICIAL FINANCIAL 
ADMINISTRATION 
SEC. 101. EXTENSION OF JUDICIARY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 
FUND. 
Section 612 of title 28, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by striking "equipment" each place it appears and 
inserting "resources"; 
(2) by striking subsection (f) and redesignating subsections 
(g) through (k) as subsections (f) through (j), respectively; 
(3) in subsection (g), as so redesignated, by striking para-
graph (3); and 
(4) in subsection (i), as so redesignated— 
(A) by striking "Judiciarj^' each place it appears and 
inserting "judiciary"; 
(B) by striking "subparagraph (c)(1)(B)" and inserting 
"subsection (c)(1)(B)"; and 
(C) by striking "under (c)(1)(B)" and inserting "under 
subsection (c)(1)(B)". 
SEC. 102. DISPOSITION OF MISCELLANEOUS FEES. 
28 USC 1931 
For fiscal year 2001 and each fiscal year thereafter, any portion 
of miscellaneous fees collected as prescribed by the Judicial Con-
ference of the United States under sections 1913, 1914(b), 1926(a), 
1930(b), and 1932 of title 28, United States Code, exceeding the 
amount of such fees in effect on September 30, 2000, shall be 
deposited into the special fund of the Treasury established under 
section 1931 of title 28, United States Code. 
SEC. 103. INCREASE IN CHAPTER 9 BANKRUPTCY FILING FEE. 
Section 1930(a)(2) of title 28, United States Code, is amended 
by striking "$300" and inserting "equal to the fee specified in 
paragraph (3) for filing a case under chapter 11 of title 11. The 
amount by which the fee payable under this paragraph exceeds 
$300 shall be deposited in the fiind established under section 1931 
of this title". 
SEC. 
104. INCREASE IN FEE FOR CONVERTING A CHAPTER 7 OR 
CHAPTER 
1
3 
BANKRUPTCY 
CASE 
TO 
A 
CHAPTER 
1
1 
BANK-
RUPTCY 
CASE. 
The flush paragraph at the end of section 1930(a) of title 
28, United States Code, is amended by striking "$400" and inserting 
"the amount equal to the difference between the fee specified in 
paragraph (3) and the fee specified in paragraph (1)". 
114 STAT. 2412 
PUBLIC LAW 106-518—NOV. 13, 2000 
SEC. 106. BANKRUPTCY FEES. 
Section 1930(a) of title 28, United States Code, is amended 
by adding at the end the following: 
"(7) In districts that are not part of a United States trustee 
region as defined in section 581 of this title, the Judicial Con-
ference of the United States may require the debtor in a case 
under chapter 11 of title 11 to pay fees equal to those imposed 
by paragraph (6) of this subsection. Such fees shall be deposited 
as offsetting receipts to the fund established under section 
1931 of this title and shall remain available until expended.". 
TITLE II-JUDICIAL PROCESS 
IMPROVEMENTS 
SEC. 201. EXTENSION OF STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR MAGISTRATE 
JUDGE POSITIONS TO BE ESTABLISHED IN THE DISTRICT 
COURTS OF GUAM AND THE NORTHERN MARIANA 
ISLANDS. 
Section 631 of title 28, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by striking the first two sentences of subsection (a) 
and inserting the following: "The judges of each United States 
district court and the district courts of the Virgin Islands, 
Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands shall appoint United 
States magistrate judges in such numbers and to serve at 
such locations within the judicial districts as the Judicial Con-
ference may determine under this chapter. In the case of a 
magistrate judge appointed by the district court of the Virgin 
Islands, Guam, or the Northern Mariana Islands, this chapter 
shall apply as though the court appointing such a magistrate 
judge were a United States district court."; and 
(2) by inserting in the first sentence of paragraph (1) of 
subsection (b) after "Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the fol-
lowing: "the Territory of Guam, the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands,". 
SEC. 202. MAGISTRATE JUDGE CONTEMPT AUTHORITY. 
Section 636(e) of title 28, United States Code, is amended 
to read as follows: 
"(e) CONTEMPT AUTHORITY.— 
"(1) IN GENERAL.—^A United States magistrate judge 
serving under this chapter shall have within the territorial 
jurisdiction prescribed by the appointment of such magistrate 
judge the power to exercise contempt authority as set forth 
in this subsection. 
"(2) SUMMARY CRIMINAL CONTEMPT AUTHORITY.—A mag-
istrate judge shall have the power to punish summarily by 
fine or imprisonment such contempt of the authority of such 
magistrate judge constituting misbehavior of any person in 
the magistrate judge's presence so as to obstruct the adminis-
tration of justice. The order of contempt shall be issued under 
the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. 
"(3) ADDITIONAL CRIMINAL CONTEMPT AUTHORITY IN CIVIL 
CONSENT AND MISDEMEANOR CASES.—In any case in which a 
United States magistrate judge presides with the consent of 
the parties under subsection (c) of this section, and in any 
misdemeanor case proceeding before a magistrate judge iinder 
PUBLIC LAW 106-518—NOV. 13, 2000 
114 STAT. 2413 
section 3401 of title 18, the magistrate judge shall have the 
power to punish, by fine or imprisonment, criminal contempt 
constituting disobedience or resistance to the magistrate judge's 
lawful writ, process, order, rule, decree, or command. Disposi-
tion of such contempt shall be conducted upon notice and 
hearing under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. 
"(4) 
CIVIL CONTEMPT AUTHORITY IN CIVIL CONSENT AND 
MISDEMEANOR CASES.—In any case in which a United States 
magistrate judge presides with the consent of the parties under 
subsection (c) of this section, and in any misdemeanor case 
proceeding before a magistrate judge under section 3401 of 
title 18, the magistrate judge may exercise the civil contempt 
authority of the district court. This paragraph shall not be 
construed to limit the authority of a magistrate judge to order 
sanctions under any other statute, the Federal Rules of Civil 
Procedure, or the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. 
"(5) 
CRIMINAL 
CONTEMPT 
PENALTIES.—The 
sentence 
imposed by a magistrate judge for any criminal contempt pro-
vided for in paragraphs (2) and (3) shall not exceed the penalties 
for a Class C misdemeanor as set forth in sections 3581(b)(8) 
and 3571(b)(6) of title 18. 
"(6) CERTIFICATION OF OTHER CONTEMPTS TO THE DISTRICT 
COURT.—Upon the commission of any such act— 
"(A) in any case in which a United States magistrate 
judge presides with the consent of the parties under sub-
section (c) of this section, or in any misdemeanor case 
proceeding before a magistrate judge under section 3401 
of title 18, that may, in the opinion of the magistrate 
judge, constitute a serious criminal contempt punishable 
by penalties exceeding those set forth in paragraph (5) 
of this subsection, or 
"(B) in any other case or proceeding under subsection 
(a) or (b) of this section, or any other statute, where— 
"(i) the act committed in the magistrate judge's 
^ 
presence may, in the opinion of the magistrate judge, 
constitute a serious criminal contempt punishable by 
\ 
penalties exceeding those set forth in paragraph (5) 
of this subsection, 
"(ii) the act that constitutes a criminal contempt 
occurs outside the presence of the magistrate judge, 
or 
"(iii) the act constitutes a civil contempt, 
the magistrate judge shall forthwith certify the facts to a dis-
trict judge and may serve or cause to be seired, upon any 
person whose behavior is brought into question under this 
paragraph, an order requiring such person to appear before 
a district judge upon a day certain to show cause why that 
person should not be adjudged in contempt by reason of the 
facts so certified. The district judge shall thereupon hear the 
evidence as to the act or conduct complained of and, if it 
is such as to warrant punishment, punish such person in the 
same manner and to the same extent as for a contempt com-
mitted before a district judge. 
"(7) APPEALS OF MAGISTRATE JUDGE CONTEMPT ORDERS.— 
The appeal of an order of contempt under this subsection shall 
be made to the court of appeals in cases proceeding under 
subsection (c) of this section. The appeal of any other order 
114 STAT. 2414 
PUBLIC LAW 106-518—NOV. 13, 2000 
of contempt issued under this section shall be made to the 
district court.". 
SEC. 203. CONSENT TO MAGISTRATE JUDGE AUTHORITY IN PETTY 
OFFENSE CASES AND MAGISTRATE JUDGE AUTHORITY IN 
MISDEMEANOR CASES INVOLVING JUVENILE DEFEND-
ANTS. 
(a) AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 18.— 
(1) PETTY OFFENSE CASES.—Section 3401(b) of title 18, 
United States Code, is amended by striking "that is a class 
B misdemeanor charging a motor vehicle offense, a class C 
misdemeanor, or an infraction," after "petty offense". 
(2) CASES INVOLVING JUVENILES.—Section 3401(g) of title 
18, United States Code, is amended— 
(A) by striking the first sentence and inserting the 
following: "The magistrate judge may, in a petty offense 
case involving a juvenile, exercise all powers granted to 
the district court imder chapter 403 of this title."; 
(B) in the second sentence by striking "any other class 
B or C misdemeanor case" and inserting "the case of any 
misdemeanor, other than a petty offense,"; and 
(C) by striking the last sentence. 
(b) AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 28.—Section 636(a) of title 28, 
United States Code, is amended by striking paragraphs (4) and 
(5) and inserting the following: 
"(4) the power to enter a sentence for a petty offense; 
and 
"(5) the power to enter a sentence for a class A mis-
demeanor in a case in which the parties have consented.". 
SEC. 204. SAVINGS AND LOAN DATA REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. 
Section 604 of title 28, United States Code, is amended in 
subsection (a) by striking the second paragraph designated (24). 
SEC. 206. MEMBERSHIP IN CIRCUIT JUDICIAL COUNCILS. 
Section 332(a) of title 28, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following: 
"(3) Except for the chief judge of the circuit, either judges 
in regular active service or judges retired from regular active service 
under section 371(b) of this title may serve as members of the 
^ 
council. Service as a member of a judicial council by a judge retired 
from regular active service under section 371(b) may not be consid-
ered for meeting the requirements of section 371(f)(1) (A), (B), 
or (C)."; and 
(2) in paragraph (5) by striking "retirement," and inserting 
"retirement under section 371(a) or 372(a) of this title,". 
SEC. 206. SUNSET OF CIVIL JUSTICE EXPENSE AND DELAY REDUC-
TION PLANS. 
Section 103(b)(2)(A) of the Civil Justice Reform Act of 1990 
(Public Law 101-650; 104 Stat. 5096; 28 U.S.C. 471 note), as 
amended by PubUc Law 105-53 (111 Stat. 1173), is amended by 
inserting "471," after "sections". 
SEC. 207. REPEAL OF COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS FILING FEE. 
Section 2520 of title 28, United States Code, and the item 
relating to such section in the table of contents for chapter 165 
of such title, are repealed. 
PUBLIC LAW 106-518—NOV. 13, 2000 
114 STAT. 2415 
SEC. 208. TECHNICAL BANKRUPTCY CORRECTION. 
Section 1228 of title 11, United States Code, is amended by 
striking 
"1222(b)(10)" each place it 
appears 
and 
inserting 
"1222(b)(9)". 
SEC. 209. TECHNICAL AMENDMENT RELATING TO THE TREATMENT 
OF CERTAIN BANKRUPTCY FEES COLLECTED. 
(a) AMENDMENT.—The first sentence of section 406(b) of the 
Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and 
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1990 (Public Law 101-162; 
103 Stat. 1016; 28 U.S.C. 1931 note) is amended by striking "service 
enumerated after item 18" and inserting "service not of a kind 
described in any of the items enumerated as items 1 through 
7 and as items 9 through 18, as in effect on November 21, 1989,". 
(b) APPLICATION OF AMENDMENT.—The amendment made by 
subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to fees collected before 
the date of enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 210. MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF COMPENSATION FOR ATTORNEYS. 
Section 3006A(d)(2) of title 18, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in the first sentence— 
(A) by striking "$3,500" and inserting "$5,200"; and 
(B) by striking "$1,000" and inserting "$1,500"; 
(2) in the second sentence by striking "$2,500" and inserting 
"$3,700"; 
(3) in the third sentence— 
(A) by striking "$750" and inserting "$1,200"; and 
(B) by striking "$2,500" and inserting "$3,900"; 
(4) by inserting after the second sentence the following: 
"For representation of a petitioner in a non-capital habeas 
corpus proceeding, the compensation for each attorney shall 
not exceed the amount applicable to a felony in this paragraph 
for representation of a defendant before a judicial officer of 
the district court. For representation of such petitioner in an 
appellate court, the compensation for each attorney shall not 
exceed the amount applicable for representation of a defendant 
in an appellate court."; and 
(5) in the last sentence by striking "$750" and inserting 
"$1,200". 
SEC. 211. REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES IN DEFENSE OF CERTAIN 
MALPRACTICE ACTIONS. 
Section 3006A(d)(l) of title 18, United States Code, is amended 
by striking the last sentence and inserting "Attorneys may be 
reimbursed for expenses reasonably incurred, including the costs 
of transcripts authorized by the United States magistrate or the 
court, and the costs of defending actions alleging malpractice of 
counsel in furnishing representational services under this section. 
No reimbursement for expenses in defending against malpractice 
claims shall be made if a judgment of malpractice is rendered 
against the counsel furnishing representational services under this 
section. The United States magistrate or the court shall make 
determinations relating to reimbursement of expenses under this 
paragraph.". 
79-194 O - 00 - 12 : QL 3 Part 4 
114 STAT. 2416 
PUBLIC LAW 106-518—NOV. 13, 2000 
TITLE III-JUDICIAL PERSONNEL AD-
MINISTRATION, BENEFITS, AND PRO-
TECTIONS 
SEC. 301. JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIALS RETIREMENT MAT-
TERS. 
(a) DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE.—Section 611 of title 
28, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (d), by inserting "a congressional employee 
in the capacity of primary administrative assistant to a Member 
of Congress or in the capacity of staff director or chief counsel 
for the majority or the minority of a committee or subcommittee 
of the Senate or House of Representatives," after "Congress,"; 
(2) in subsection (b)— 
(A) by striking "who has served at least fifteen years 
and" and inserting "who has at least fifteen years of service 
and has"; and 
(B) in the first undesignated paragraph, by striking 
"who has served at least ten years," £ind inserting "who 
has at least ten years of service,"; £ind 
(3) in subsection (c)— 
(A) by striking "served at least fifteen years," and 
inserting "at least fifteen years of service,"; and 
(B) by striking "served less than fifteen years," and 
inserting "less than fifteen years of service,". 
(b) DIRECTOR OF THE FEDERAL JUDICIAL CENTER.—Section 627 
of title 28, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (e), by inserting "a congressional employee 
in the capacity of primary administrative assistant to a Member 
of Congress or in the capacity of staff director or chief coimsel 
for the majority or the minority of a committee or subcommittee 
of the Senate or House of Representatives," after "Congress,"; 
(2) in subsection (c)— 
(A) by striking "who has served at least fifteen years 
and" and inserting "who has at least fifteen years of service 
and has"; and 
(B) in the first undesignated paragraph, by striking 
"who has served at least ten years," and inserting "who 
has at least ten years of service,"; and 
(3) in subsection (d)— 
(A) by striking "served at least fifteen years," and 
inserting "at least fifteen years of service,"; and 
(B) by striking "served less than fifteen years," and 
inserting "less than fifteen years of service,". 
SEC. 302. APPLICABILITY OF LEAVE PROVISIONS TO EMPLOYEES OF 
THE SENTENCING COMMISSION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 996(b) of title 28, United States Code, 
is amended by striking all after "title 5," and inserting "except 
the following: chapters 45 (Incentive Awards), 63 (Leave), 81 (Com-
pensation for Work Injuries), 83 (Retirement), 85 (Unemplojonent 
Compensation), 87 (Life Insurance), and 89 (Health Insurance), 
and subchapter VI of chapter 55 (Payment for accumulated and 
accrued leave).". 
PUBLIC LAW 106-518—NOV. 13, 2000 
114 STAT. 2417 
(b) SAVINGS PROVISION.—Any leave that an individual accrued 
28 use 996 note. 
or accumulated (or that otherwise became available to such indi-
vidual) under the leave system of the United States Sentencing 
Commission and that remains unused as of the date of the enact-
ment of this Act shall, on and after such date, be treated as 
leave accrued or accumulated (or that otherwise became available 
to such individual) under chapter 63 of title 5, United States Code. 
SEC. 303. PAYMENTS TO MILITARY SURVIVORS BENEFITS PLAN. 
Section 371(e) of title 28, United States Code, is amended 
by inserting after "such retired or retainer pay" the following: 
", except such pay as is deductible from the retired or retainer 
pay as a result of participation in any survivor's benefits plein 
m connection with the retired pay,". 
SEC. 304. CREATION OF CERTIFYING OFFICERS IN THE JUDICIAL 
BRANCH. 
(a) APPOINTMENT OF DISBURSING AND CERTIFYING OFFICERS.— 
Chapter 41 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following: 
"§ 613. Disbursing and certifying officers 
"(a) DISBURSING OFFICERS.—The Director may designate in 
writing officers and employees of the judicial branch of the Govern-
ment, including the courts as defined in section 610 other than 
the Supreme Court, to be disbursing officers in such numbers 
and locations as the Director considers necessary. Such disbursing 
officers shall— 
"(1) disburse moneys appropriated to the judicial branch 
and other funds only in strict accordance with payment requests 
certified by the Director or in accordance with subsection (b); 
"(2) examine payment requests as necessary to ascertain 
whether thev are in proper form, certified, and approved; and 
"(3) be held accountable for their actions as provided by 
law, except that such a disbursing officer shall not be held 
accountable or responsible for anv illegal, improper, or incorrect 
payment resulting from any false, inaccurate, or misleading 
certificate for which a certifying officer is responsible under 
subsection (b). 
"(b) CERTIFYING OFFICERS.— 
"(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director may designate in writing 
officers and employees of the judicial branch of the Government, 
including the courts as defined in section 610 other than the 
Supreme Court, to certify payment requests payable from 
appropriations and funds. Such certifying officers shall be 
responsible and accountable for— 
"(A) the existence and correctness of the facts recited 
in the certificate or other request for payment or its sup-
porting papers; 
"(B) the legality of the proposed payment under the 
appropriation or fund involved; and 
"(C) the correctness of the computations of certified 
payment requests. 
"(2) LIABILITY.—The liability of a certifying officer shall 
be enforced in the same manner and to the same extent as 
provided by law with respect to the enforcement of the liability 
of disbursing and other accountable officers. A certifying officer 
shall be required to make restitution to the United States 
114 STAT. 2418 
PUBLIC LAW 106-518—NOV. 13, 2000 
for the amount of any illegal, improper, or incorrect pajmfient 
resulting from any false, inaccurate, or misleading certificates 
made by the certifying officer, as well as for any payment 
prohibited by law or which did not represent a legal obligation 
under the appropriation or fund involved. 
"(c) RIGHTS.—A certifying or disbursing officer— 
"(1) has the right to apply for and obtain a decision by 
the Comptroller General on any question of law involved in 
a payment request presented for certification; and 
"(2) is entitled to relief from liability arising under this 
section in accordance with title 31. 
"(d) OTHER AUTHORITY NOT AFFECTED.—Nothing in this section 
affects the authority of the courts with respect to moneys deposited 
with the courts under chapter 129 of this title.". 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The table of sections for chapter 
41 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding at the 
end the following: 
"613. Disbursing and certifying officers.". 
28 use 613 note. 
(c) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—The amendment made by sub-
section (a) shall not be construed to authorize the hiring of any 
Federal officer or employee. 
(d) DUTIES OF DIRECTOR.—Section 604(a)(8) of title 28, United 
States Code, is amended to read as follows: 
"(8) Disburse appropriations and other funds for the 
maintenance and operation of the courts;". 
SEC. 305. AMENDMENT TO THE JURY SELECTION PROCESS. 
Section 1865 of title 28, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a) by inserting "or the clerk under super-
vision of the court if the court's jury selection plan so author-
izes," after "jury commission,"; and 
(2) in subsection (b) by inserting "or the clerk if the court's 
jury selection plan so provides," after "may provide,". 
SEC. 306. AUTHORIZATION OF A CIRCUIT EXECUTIVE FOR THE FED-
ERAL CIRCUIT. 
Section 332 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following: 
"(h)(1) The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal 
Circuit may appoint a circuit executive, who shall serve at the 
pleasure of the court. In appointing a circuit executive, the court 
shall take into account experience in administrative and executive 
positions, familiarity with court procedures, and special training. 
The circuit executive shall exercise such administrative powers 
and perform such duties as may be delegated by the court. The 
duties delegated to the circuit executive may include the duties 
specified in subsection (e) of this section, insofar as such duties 
are applicable to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. 
"(2) The circuit executive shall be paid the salary for circuit 
executives established under subsection (f) of this section. 
"(3) The circuit executive may appoint, with the approval of 
the court, necessary employees in such number as may be approved 
by the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States 
Courts. 
PUBLIC LAW 106-518—NOV. 13, 2000 
114 STAT. 2419 
"(4) The circuit executive and staff shall be deemed to be 
officers and employees of the United States within the meaning 
of the statutes specified in subsection (f)(4). 
"(5) The court may appoint either a circuit executive under 
this subsection or a clerk under section 711 of this title, but not 
both, or may appoint a combined circuit executive/clerk who shall 
be paid the salary of a circuit executive.". 
SEC. 307. RESIDENCE OF RETIRED JUDGES. 
Section 175 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following: 
"(c) Retired judges of the Court of Federal Claims are not 
subject to restrictions as to residence. The place where a retired 
judge maintains the actual abode in which such judge customarily 
lives shall be deemed to be the judge's official duty station for 
the purposes of section 456 of this title.". 
SEC. 308. RECALL OF JUDGES ON DISABILITY STATUS. 
Section 797(a) of title 28, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by inserting "(1)" after "(a)"; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
"(2) Any judge of the Court of Federal Claims receiving an 
annuity under section 178(c) of this title (pertaining to disability) 
who, in the estimation of the chief judge, has recovered sufficiently 
to render judicial service, shall be known and designated as a 
senior judge and may perform duties as a judge when recalled 
under subsection (b) of this section.". 
SEC. 309. PERSONNEL APPLICATION AND INSURANCE PROGRAMS 
RELATING TO JUDGES OF THE COURT OF FEDERAL 
CLAIMS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 7 of title 28, United States Code, 
is amended by inserting after section 178 the following: 
'*§ 179. Personnel application and insurance programs 
"(a) For purposes of construing and applying title 5, a judge 
of the United States Court of Federal Claims shall be deemed 
to be an 'officer' under section 2104(a) of such title. 
"(b)(1)(A) For purposes of construing and applying chapter 89 
of title 5, a judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims 
who— 
"(i) is retired under subsection (b) of section 178 of this 
title, and 
"(ii) at the time of becoming such a retired judge— 
"(I) was enrolled in a health benefits plan under 
chapter 89 of title 5, but 
"(II) did not satisfy the requirements of section 
8905(b)(1) of title 5 (relating to eligibility to continue enroll-
ment as an annuitant), 
shall be deemed to be an annuitant meeting the requirements 
of section 8905(b)(1) of title 5, in accordance with the succeeding 
provisions of this paragraph, if the judge gives timely written 
notification to the chief judge of the court that the judge is willing 
to be called upon to perform judicial duties under section 178(d) 
of this title during the period of continued eligibility for enrollment, 
as described in subparagraph (B)(ii) or (C)(ii) (whichever applies). 
"(B) Except as provided in subparagraph (C)— 
114 STAT. 2420 
PUBLIC LAW 106-518—NOV. 13, 2000 
"(i) in order to be eligible for continued enrollment under 
this paragraph, notification under subparagraph (A) shall be 
made before the first day of the open enrollment period pre-
ceding the calendar year referred to in clause (ii)(II); and 
"(ii) if such notification is timely made, the retired judge 
shall be eligible for continued enrollment under this paragraph 
for the period— 
"(I) beginning on the date on which eligibility would 
otherwise cease, and 
"(II) ending on the last day of the calendar year next 
beginning after the end of the open enrollment period 
referred to in clause (i). 
"(C) For purposes of applying this paragraph for the first time 
in the case of any particular judge— 
"(i) subparagraph (B)(i) shall be applied by substituting 
'the expiration of the term of office of the judge' for the matter 
following 'before'; and 
"(ii)(I) if the term of office of such judge expires before 
the first day of the open enrollment period referred to in 
subparagraph (B)(i), the period of continued eligibility for 
enrollment shall be as described in subparagraph (B)(ii); but 
"(II) if the term of office of such judge expires on or after 
the first day of the open enrollment period referred to in 
subparagraph (B)(i), the period of continued eligibility shall 
not end until the last day of the calendar year next beginning 
after the end of the next full open enrollment period beginning 
after the date on which the term expires. 
"(2) In the event that a retired judge remains enrolled under 
chapter 89 of title 5 for a period of 5 consecutive years by virtue 
of paragraph (1) (taking into account only periods of coverage as 
an active judge immediately before retirement and as a retired 
judge pursuant to paragraph (1)), then, effective as of the day 
following the last day of that 5-year period— 
"(A) the provisions of chapter 89 of title 5 shall be applied 
as if such judge had satisfied the requirements of section 
8905(b)(1) on the last day of such period; and 
"(B) the provisions of paragraph (1) shall cease to apply. 
"(3) For purposes of this subsection, the term 'open enrollment 
period' refers to a period described in section 8905(g)(1) of title 
5. 
"(c) For purposes of construing and applying chapter 87 of 
title 5, including any adjustment of insurance rates by regulation 
or otherwise, a judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims 
in regular active service or who is retired under section 178 of 
this title shall be deemed to be a judge of the United States 
described under section 8701(a)(5) of title 5.". 
(b) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The table of 
sections for chapter 7 of title 28, United States Code, is amended 
by striking the item relating to section 179 and inserting the 
following: 
"179. Personnel application and insurance programs.". 
SEC. 310. LUMP-SUM PAYMENT FOR ACCUMULATED AND ACCRUED 
LEAVE ON SEPARATION. 
Section 5551(a) of title 5, United States Code, is amended 
in the first sentence by striking "or elects" and inserting ", is 
PUBLIC LAW 106-518—NOV. 13, 2000 
114 STAT. 2421 
transferred to a position described under section 6301(2)(B)(xiii) 
of this title, or elects". 
SEC. 311. EMPLOYMENT OF PERSONAL ASSISTANTS FOR HANDI-
CAPPED EMPLOYEES. 
Section 3102(a)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subparagraph (A) by striking "emd"; 
(2) in subparagraph (B) by adding "and" after the semi-
colon; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
"(C) an office, agency, or other establishment in the 
judicial branch;". 
SEC. 312. MANDATORY RETIREMENT AGE FOR DIRECTOR OF THE FED-
ERAL JUDICIAL CENTER. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 627 of title 28, United States Code, 
is amended— 
(1) by striking subsection (a); and 
(2) by redesignating subsections (b) through (f) as sub-
sections (a) through (e), respectively. 
(b) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section 376 
of title 28, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1)(D) by striking "subsection (b)" and 
inserting "subsection (a)"; and 
(2) in paragraph (2)(D) by striking "subsection (c) or (d)" 
and inserting "subsection (b) or (c)". 
SEC. 313. REAUTHORIZATION OF CERTAIN SUPREME COURT POLICE 
AUTHORITY. 
Section 9(c) of the Act entitled "An Act relating to the policing 
of the building and grounds of the Supreme Court of the United 
States", approved August 18, 1949 (40 U.S.C. 13n(c)) is amended 
in the first sentence by striking "2000" and inserting "2004". 
TITLE IV—FEDERAL PUBLIC 
DEFENDERS 
SEC. 401. TORT CLAIMS ACT AMENDMENT RELATING TO LIABILITY 
OF FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDERS. 
Section 2671 of title 28, United States Code, is amended in 
the second undesignated paragraph— 
(1) by inserting "(1)" after "includes"; and 
(2) by striking the period at the end and inserting the 
following: ", and (2) any officer or employee of a Federal public 
defender organization, except when such officer or employee 
performs professional services in the course of providing rep-
resentation under section 3006A of title 18.". 
TITLE V—MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
SEC. 501. EXTENSIONS RELATING TO BANKRUPTCY ADMINISTRATOR 
PROGRAM. 
Section 302(d)(3) of the Bankruptcy Judges, United States 
Trustees, and Family Farmer Bankruptcy Act of 1986 (28 U.S.C. 
581 note) is amended— 
114 STAT. 2422 
PUBLIC LAW 106-518—NOV. 13, 2000 
(1) in subparagraph (A), in the matter following clause 
(ii), by striking "or October 1, 2002, whichever occurs first,"; 
and 
(2) in subparagraph (F)— 
(A) in clause (i)— 
(i) in subclause (II), by striking "or October 1, 
2002, whichever occurs first"; and 
(ii) in the matter following subclause (II)— 
(I) by striking "October 1, 2003, or"; and 
(II) by striking ", whichever occurs first"; and 
(B) in clause (ii), in the matter following subclause 
( I I ) -
(i) by striking "October 1, 2003, or"; and 
(ii) by striking ", whichever occurs first". 
SEC. 602. ADDITIONAL PLACE OF HOLDING COURT IN THE DISTRICT 
OF OREGON. 
Section 117 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by 
striking "Eugene" and inserting "Eugene or Springfield". 
Approved November 13, 2000. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S. 2915 (H.R. 1752): 
HOUSE REPORTS: No. 106-312 accompanying H.R. 1752 (Comm. on the Judici-
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 146 (2000): 
Oct. 19, considered and passed Senate. 
Oct. 25, considered and passed House, amended. 
Oct. 27, Senate concurred in House amendments.