Signed by President George Bush

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that would allow the parents of Theresa Maria Schiavo 30 days to bring her case to federal court.

Highlights:

• Grants jurisdiction to the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida to hear, determine, and render judgment on any claim relating to the alleged violation of any right of Theresa Marie Schiavo (Sec. 1).

• Instructs the District Court to determine "de novo" any claim relating to the alleged violation of any right of Theresa Marie Schiavo, meaning that the Court should consider the merits of the claim without reference to the issues previously raised, considered, or decided in prior state court proceedings (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that nothing in the Act confers additional jurisdiction on any court to consider the issue of assisted suicide or state laws regarding assisted suicide (Sec. 6).

• Expresses the sense of Congress that the 109th Congress should consider policies regarding the status and legal rights of incapacitated individuals who are incapable of making decisions concerning the provision, withholding, or withdrawal of foods, fluid, or medical care (Sec. 9).

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text