A bill to amend section 2254 of title 28 of the United States Code to limit Federal habeas corpus proceedings based on State convictions in certain cases where State courts remedies may not be properly exhausted.

Amends the Federal judicial code to establish additional standards by which to determine whether a Federal habeas corpus applicant has exhausted all remedies available in State court.

Requires an applicant to have: (1) followed State procedural rules; and (2) fairly presented each issue in the State court proceeding.

Declares that failure by a State court to cite authorities for a decision against the applicant does not create a presumption that such decision was on the merits.