Both sides have signed this (Bill Ranking)
S. 616 · 119th Congress (2025-2026)
2 members · Left 1 · Center 0 · Right 1 (Bill Ranking)
| Sponsor | Sen. Kennedy, John (R-LA) (Introduced 02/18/2025) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Voting Record | Right · DW-NOMINATE +0.56 · measured from every roll-call vote this member has cast (voteview.com) (Sponsor Ranking) |
| Support |
LLLCLRR support across the spectrum: 2 members signed on (Bill Ranking) this bill: sponsor + current cosponsors, each once |
| Committees | Senate - Judiciary Committee; Senate - Judiciary Committee |
| Latest Action | 12/12/2025 Became Public Law No: 119-57. |
| Roll Call Votes | There have been no roll call votes |
| Source | view on congress.gov → |
Public Law: Public Law 119-57
Public Law (12/12/2025)
Foundation of the Federal Bar Association Charter Amendments Act of 2025
This act revises the federal charter for the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association to shift authority from the charter to the bylaws.
Specifically, it makes the following changes:
S616 ENR: Foundation of the Federal Bar Association Charter Amendments Act of 2025 U.S. Senate text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. One Hundred Nineteenth Congress of the United States of America 1st Session Begun and held at the City of Washington on Friday, the third day of January, two thousand and twenty five S. 616
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES AN ACT To amend title 36, United States Code, to revise the Federal charter for the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association Charter Amendments Act of 2025. 2. Organization Section 70501 of title 36, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking subsection (b); and (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b). 3. Membership Section 70503 of title 36, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the following: (a) Eligibility Except as provided in this chapter, eligibility for membership in the corporation and the rights and privileges of members are as provided in the bylaws. ; and (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b). 4. Governing body Section 70504 of title 36, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 70504. Governing body (a) Board of directors The board of directors is the governing body of the corporation. The board may exercise, or provide for the exercise of, the powers of the corporation. The board of directors and the responsibilities of the board are as provided in the bylaws. (b) Officers The officers and the election of the officers are as provided for in the bylaws. . 5. Restrictions Section 70507 of title 36, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 70507. Restrictions (a) Stock and dividends The corporation may not issue stock or declare or pay a dividend. (b) Political activities (1) In general The activities, funds, income, and property of the corporation may not be used to carry on political activity or attempt to influence legislation. (2) No contribution, support, or participation The corporation or a director or officer in the corporate capacity of the director of officer may not contribute to, support, or participate in any political activity or in any manner attempt to influence legislation. (c) Distribution of income or assets (1) In general The income or assets of the corporation may not inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to, a director, officer, or member during the life of the charter granted by this chapter. This subsection does not prevent the payment, in amounts approved by the board of directors, of— (A) reasonable compensation; or (B) reimbursement for expenses incurred in undertaking the corporation’s business, to officers, directors, or members. (2) Rule of construction This subsection shall not be construed to— (A) prevent the award of a grant to a Federal Bar Association chapter of which an officer, director, or member may be a member; or (B) prevent the payment of reasonable compensation to the corporation’s employees for services undertaken on behalf of the corporation. (d) Loans The corporation may not make a loan to a director, officer, member, or employee. (e) Immunity from liability Members and private individuals are not liable for the obligations of the corporation. (f) Claim of governmental approval or authority The corporation— (1) may not claim congressional approval or the authority of the United States Government for any of its activities; and (2) may acknowledge this charter. . 6. Principal office Section 70508 of title 36, United States Code, is amended by striking the District of Columbia, and inserting a United States location decided by the board of directors and specified in the bylaws,. 7. Service of process Section 70510 of title 36, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 70510. Service of process The corporation shall comply with the law on service of process of the State or District in which it is incorporated. . 8. Deposit of assets on dissolution or final liquidation Section 70512 of title 36, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 70512. Deposit of assets on dissolution or final liquidation On dissolution or final liquidation of the corporation, any assets of the corporation remaining after the discharge of all liabilities shall be distributed— (a) as provided by the board of directors; and (b) in compliance with the charter and bylaws. . 9. Determination of budgetary effects The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage. Speaker of the House of Representatives Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate
119 S616 ES: Foundation of the Federal Bar Association Charter Amendments Act of 2025 U.S. Senate text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. 119th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 616IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESAN ACTTo amend title 36, United States Code, to revise the Federal charter for the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association Charter Amendments Act of 2025.2.OrganizationSection 70501 of title 36, United States Code, is amended—(1)by striking subsection (b); and(2)by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).3.MembershipSection 70503 of title 36, United States Code, is amended—(1)by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the following:(a)EligibilityExcept as provided in this chapter, eligibility for membership in the corporation and the rights and privileges of members are as provided in the bylaws.; and(2)by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).4.Governing bodySection 70504 of title 36, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:70504.Governing body(a)Board of directorsThe board of directors is the governing body of the corporation. The board may exercise, or provide for the exercise of, the powers of the corporation. The board of directors and the responsibilities of the board are as provided in the bylaws.(b)OfficersThe officers and the election of the officers are as provided for in the bylaws..5.RestrictionsSection 70507 of title 36, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:70507.Restrictions(a)Stock and dividendsThe corporation may not issue stock or declare or pay a dividend.(b)Political activities(1)In generalThe activities, funds, income, and property of the corporation may not be used to carry on political activity or attempt to influence legislation.(2)No contribution, support, or participationThe corporation or a director or officer in the corporate capacity of the director of officer may not contribute to, support, or participate in any political activity or in any manner attempt to influence legislation.(c)Distribution of income or assets(1)In generalThe income or assets of the corporation may not inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to, a director, officer, or member during the life of the charter granted by this chapter. This subsection does not prevent the payment, in amounts approved by the board of directors, of—(A)reasonable compensation; or(B)reimbursement for expenses incurred in undertaking the corporation’s business, to officers, directors, or members.(2)Rule of constructionThis subsection shall not be construed to—(A)prevent the award of a grant to a Federal Bar Association chapter of which an officer, director, or member may be a member; or(B)prevent the payment of reasonable compensation to the corporation’s employees for services undertaken on behalf of the corporation. (d)LoansThe corporation may not make a loan to a director, officer, member, or employee.(e)Immunity from liabilityMembers and private individuals are not liable for the obligations of the corporation.(f)Claim of governmental approval or authorityThe corporation—(1)may not claim congressional approval or the authority of the United States Government for any of its activities; and(2)may acknowledge this charter..6.Principal officeSection 70508 of title 36, United States Code, is amended by striking the District of Columbia, and inserting a United States location decided by the board of directors and specified in the bylaws,.7.Service of processSection 70510 of title 36, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:70510.Service of processThe corporation shall comply with the law on service of process of the State or District in which it is incorporated..8.Deposit of assets on dissolution or final liquidationSection 70512 of title 36, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:70512.Deposit of assets on dissolution or final liquidationOn dissolution or final liquidation of the corporation, any assets of the corporation remaining after the discharge of all liabilities shall be distributed—(a)as provided by the board of directors; and(b)in compliance with the charter and bylaws..9.Determination of budgetary effectsThe budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.Passed the Senate April 30, 2025.Secretary
119 S616 IS: Foundation of the Federal Bar Association Charter Amendments Act of 2025 U.S. Senate 2025-02-18 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. II119th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 616IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESFebruary 18, 2025Mr. Kennedy (for himself and Mr. Whitehouse) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo amend title 36, United States Code, to revise the Federal charter for the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association Charter Amendments Act of 2025.2.OrganizationSection 70501 of title 36, United States Code, is amended—(1)by striking subsection (b); and(2)by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).3.MembershipSection 70503 of title 36, United States Code, is amended—(1)by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the following:(a)EligibilityExcept as provided in this chapter, eligibility for membership in the corporation and the rights and privileges of members are as provided in the bylaws.; and(2)by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).4.Governing bodySection 70504 of title 36, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:70504.Governing body(a)Board of directorsThe board of directors is the governing body of the corporation. The board may exercise, or provide for the exercise of, the powers of the corporation. The board of directors and the responsibilities of the board are as provided in the bylaws.(b)OfficersThe officers and the election of the officers are as provided for in the bylaws..5.RestrictionsSection 70507 of title 36, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:70507.Restrictions(a)Stock and dividendsThe corporation may not issue stock or declare or pay a dividend.(b)Political activities(1)In generalThe activities, funds, income, and property of the corporation may not be used to carry on political activity or attempt to influence legislation.(2)No contribution, support, or participationThe corporation or a director or officer in the corporate capacity of the director of officer may not contribute to, support, or participate in any political activity or in any manner attempt to influence legislation.(c)Distribution of income or assets(1)In generalThe income or assets of the corporation may not inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to, a director, officer, or member during the life of the charter granted by this chapter. This subsection does not prevent the payment, in amounts approved by the board of directors, of—(A)reasonable compensation; or(B)reimbursement for expenses incurred in undertaking the corporation’s business, to officers, directors, or members.(2)Rule of constructionThis subsection shall not be construed to—(A)prevent the award of a grant to a Federal Bar Association chapter of which an officer, director, or member may be a member; or(B)prevent the payment of reasonable compensation to the corporation’s employees for services undertaken on behalf of the corporation. (d)LoansThe corporation may not make a loan to a director, officer, member, or employee.(e)Immunity from liabilityMembers and private individuals are not liable for the obligations of the corporation.(f)Claim of governmental approval or authorityThe corporation—(1)may not claim congressional approval or the authority of the United States Government for any of its activities; and(2)may acknowledge this charter..6.Principal officeSection 70508 of title 36, United States Code, is amended by striking the District of Columbia, and inserting a United States location decided by the board of directors and specified in the bylaws,.7.Service of processSection 70510 of title 36, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:70510.Service of processThe corporation shall comply with the law on service of process of the State or District in which it is incorporated..8.Deposit of assets on dissolution or final liquidationSection 70512 of title 36, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:70512.Deposit of assets on dissolution or final liquidationOn dissolution or final liquidation of the corporation, any assets of the corporation remaining after the discharge of all liabilities shall be distributed—(a)as provided by the board of directors; and(b)in compliance with the charter and bylaws..9.Determination of budgetary effectsThe budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.
The bill's own words, from our database (synced from the GPO BILLS XML); paragraph breaks added at the bill's section boundaries, nothing else changed.
| Date | Chamber | All Actions |
|---|---|---|
| 02/18/2025 | Library of Congress | Introduced in Senate |
| 02/18/2025 | Senate | Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. |
| 04/30/2025 | Library of Congress | Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent. |
| 04/30/2025 | Senate | Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent. |
| 04/30/2025 | Library of Congress | Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. |
| 04/30/2025 | Senate | Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2709-2710; text: CR S2709-2710) |
| 05/01/2025 | Senate | Message on Senate action sent to the House. |
| 05/05/2025 | House floor actions | Received in the House. |
| 05/05/2025 | House floor actions | Held at the desk. |
| 12/01/2025 | House floor actions | Mr. McClintock moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. |
| 12/01/2025 | House floor actions | Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4928-4929) |
| 12/01/2025 | House floor actions | DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 616. |
| 12/01/2025 | Library of Congress | Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4928) |
| 12/01/2025 | House floor actions | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4928) |
| 12/01/2025 | House floor actions | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 12/10/2025 | Library of Congress | Presented to President. |
| 12/10/2025 | House floor actions | Presented to President. |
| 12/12/2025 | Library of Congress | Signed by President. |
| 12/12/2025 | Library of Congress | Signed by President. |
| 12/12/2025 | Library of Congress | Became Public Law No: 119-57. |
| 12/12/2025 | Library of Congress | Became Public Law No: 119-57. |
| Title Type | Title |
|---|---|
| Short Titles from ENR (Enrolled) bill text | Foundation of the Federal Bar Association Charter Amendments Act of 2025 |
| Display Title | Foundation of the Federal Bar Association Charter Amendments Act of 2025 |
| Short Title(s) as Passed Senate | Foundation of the Federal Bar Association Charter Amendments Act of 2025 |
| Short Title(s) as Introduced | Foundation of the Federal Bar Association Charter Amendments Act of 2025 |
| Official Title as Introduced | A bill to amend title 36, United States Code, to revise the Federal charter for the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association. |
There are no amendments to this bill.
* = Original cosponsor
| Committee | Activity |
|---|---|
| Senate - Judiciary Committee | 05/01/2025 Discharged From |
| Senate - Judiciary Committee | 02/18/2025 Referred To |
No related bill information was received for S. 616.
Policy Area: Law
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