§1997b — Title 42 The Public Health and Welfare | U.S. Code

Summary

When the United States starts a lawsuit to stop a pattern of rights violations at an institution, the Attorney General must give the court a written certification and personally sign it. The certification must say three things. First, at least 49 calendar days before filing the suit, the Attorney General warned in writing the state leaders and the institution’s director about the alleged rights violations, the facts and dates involved (and, when possible, who might be responsible and when the problem was first reported), and the basic steps believed needed to fix the problem. Second, at least seven days before opening an investigation the Attorney General gave written notice, tried in good faith to consult about federal help, encouraged informal fixes (including discussing likely costs), believes voluntary efforts failed, and is satisfied officials had a reasonable time to act given remodeling, legal steps, urgency, and other circumstances. Third, the Attorney General believes the lawsuit is of general public importance and will help enforce federal rights.

Title 42, §1997b

The Public Health and Welfare — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)At the time of the commencement of an action under section 1997a of this title the Attorney General shall certify to the court—

(1)that at least 49 calendar days previously the Attorney General has notified in writing the Governor or chief executive officer and attorney general or chief legal officer of the appropriate State or political subdivision and the director of the institution of—

(A)the alleged conditions which deprive rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States and the alleged pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of such rights, privileges, or immunities;

(B)the supporting facts giving rise to the alleged conditions and the alleged pattern or practice, including the dates or time period during which the alleged conditions and pattern or practice of resistance occurred; and when feasible, the identity of all persons reasonably suspected of being involved in causing the alleged conditions and pattern or practice at the time of the certification, and the date on which the alleged conditions and pattern or practice were first brought to the attention of the Attorney General; and

(C)the minimum measures which the Attorney General believes may remedy the alleged conditions and the alleged pattern or practice of resistance;

(2)that the Attorney General has notified in writing the Governor or chief executive officer and attorney general or chief legal officer of the appropriate State or political subdivision and the director of the institution of the Attorney General’s intention to commence an investigation of such institution, that such notice was delivered at least seven days prior to the commencement of such investigation and that between the time of such notice and the commencement of an action under section 1997a of this title—

(A)the Attorney General has made a reasonable good faith effort to consult with the Governor or chief executive officer and attorney general or chief legal officer of the appropriate State or political subdivision and the director of the institution, or their designees, regarding financial, technical, or other assistance which may be available from the United States and which the Attorney General believes may assist in the correction of such conditions and pattern or practice of resistance;

(B)the Attorney General has encouraged the appropriate officials to correct the alleged conditions and pattern or practice of resistance through informal methods of conference, conciliation and persuasion, including, to the extent feasible, discussion of the possible costs and fiscal impacts of alternative minimum corrective measures, and it is the Attorney General’s opinion that reasonable efforts at voluntary correction have not succeeded; and

(C)the Attorney General is satisfied that the appropriate officials have had a reasonable time to take appropriate action to correct such conditions and pattern or practice, taking into consideration the time required to remodel or make necessary changes in physical facilities or relocate residents, reasonable legal or procedural requirements, the urgency of the need to correct such conditions, and other circumstances involved in correcting such conditions; and

(3)that the Attorney General believes that such an action by the United States is of general public importance and will materially further the vindication of rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.

(b)The Attorney General shall personally sign any certification made pursuant to this section.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1996—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 104–134, § 101[(a)] [title VIII, § 803(b)(1)(A)], substituted “the Attorney General” for “he” in introductory provisions and in subpar. (C). Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 104–134, § 101[(a)] [title VIII, § 803(b)(1)(A)], substituted “the Attorney General” for “he” wherever appearing in introductory provisions and in subpars. (A) to (C). Pub. L. 104–134, § 101[(a)] [title VIII, § 803(b)(1)(B)], substituted “the Attorney General’s” for “his” in introductory provisions and in subpar. (B). Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 104–134, § 101[(a)] [title VIII, § 803(b)(1)(A)], substituted “the Attorney General” for “he”. Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–134, § 101[(a)] [title VIII, § 803(b)(2)], amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: “Any certification made by the Attorney General pursuant to this section shall be personally signed by him.” 1982—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–256 substituted “section 1997a of this title” for “section 1997 of this title” in provisions preceding par. (1).

§1997b Certification Requirements; Attorney General to Personally Sign Certification

Summary

Title 42, §1997b

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Citations & Metadata