H.R. 1332 authorizes removal of cases in State court to U.S. federal court to vindicate the rights of incapacitated persons under the U.S. Constitution or any U.S. law. Such proceedings would be authorized after an incapacitated person has exhausted all State remedies and must be filed in federal court within 30 days of the exhaustion of all available State remedies.

Chairman Sensenbrenner said, "What's going on in Florida regarding Terri Schiavo is nothing short of inhumane. The Florida courts virtually have issued a death sentence to Terri, almost guaranteeing she will painfully starve to death over a matter of weeks. The Florida courts set an extremely dangerous precedent by saying we must stop feeding someone who can't feed herself. Who's next - the disabled or those late in life? I believe this legislation is the humane and right thing to do to not only protect Terri Schiavo, but also reinforce the law's commitment to justice and compassion for all, especially the most vulnerable."