There is a new bill pending in Congress concerning tolling and the judiciary. H.R. 3729, introduced by Rep. Sensenbrenner, would provide for tolling in District Courts in the event of natural disaster or other emergency situations requiring the closure of courts or where it would be rendered impracticable for the U.S. Government or a class of litigants to comply with deadlines.

The chief judge would be granted the authority to enter such order or orders as may be appropriate.

The law would not include the authority to extend any statute of limitation for a criminal action or for any civil action if the claim arises under state law or if extending the limitations period would be inconsistent with governing state law.

For details, visit http://thomas.loc.gov/ and type HR 3729 into the search field.

Ray