Number: 111- 33
Date: February 23, 2010

The Senate Passes H.R. 4532,
Social Security Disability Applicants' Access to Professional Representation Act of 2010

 

On February 22, 2010, the Senate passed H.R. 4532, the “Social Security Disability Applicants' Access to Professional Representation Act of 2010,” by unanimous consent, without amendments. The House passed this provision on February 4, 2010, as described in Legislative Bulletin 111-32. The bill now awaits the President's signature to become law.

Permanent Extension of Attorney Fee Withholding Procedures to Title XVI

•  Would permanently extend the Title II attorney fee withholding process to Title XVI. The current authority expires March 1, 2010.

•  Would be effective upon enactment.

Permanent Extension of Fee Withholding Procedures to Qualified Non-Attorney Representatives

•  Would permanently extend the fee withholding process to all non-attorney representatives who meet the following prerequisites: hold a bachelor's degree or have equivalent qualifications, pass an examination written and administered by the Commissioner, secure professional liability insurance or the equivalent, undergo a criminal background check, and complete continuing education courses. The current fee withholding demonstration project would expire March 1, 2010. (In effect, the current demonstration project would be made permanent without any changes in the current provisions.)

•  Would eliminate the requirement of a final report on the demonstration project that would otherwise be due to Congress 90 days after the termination of the demonstration.

•  Would be effective upon enactment.