United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2020
Military Spouses Retirement Security Act This bill allows a small business employer a tax credit for each employee who is a military spouse and eligible to participate in the employer's defined contribution retirement plan.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2020
Ensuring Children and Child Care Workers Are Safe Act of 2020 This bill provides federal support to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) in child care provider settings during the period of community spread of the virus. Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must (1) provide technical assistance to states, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations regarding the acquisition and use of protective equipment and training related to COVID-19 transmission prevention, among other things; and (2) publish specified information and facilitate the sharing of best practices related to the safe operation of child care providers. HHS may also make grants for the designated lead agency in a state to provide assistance and guidance to child care providers.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2020
Lawful Access to Encrypted Data Act This bill requires certain technology companies to ensure that they can decode encrypted information on their services and products in order to provide such information to law enforcement. It also establishes requirements and procedures for assisting law enforcement agencies in accessing encrypted data.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2020
Helping Open Properties Endeavor Act of 2020 or the HOPE Act of 2020 This bill establishes an equity facility in the Department of the Treasury to assist commercial mortgage borrowers. Specifically, Treasury must guarantee the purchase by financial institutions of certain equity instruments backed by a commercial mortgage. The bill defines commercial mortgage as a mortgage loan secured by an interest in real property owned for rental income. Borrowers with reduced revenues from their commercial property may qualify for an amount not to exceed 10% of the outstanding amount owed on their commercial mortgage. The bill sets forth eligibility requirements for borrowers, as well as requirements for the equity instruments, including rates, fees, repayment, and the rights of purchasers.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2020
The American PPE Supply Chain Integrity Act This bill requires the federal government to purchase medical supplies and personal protective equipment from the United States, with exceptions for small purchases. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Veterans Affairs to purchase specified medical supplies (including disinfecting wipes and natural fiber products) and personal protective equipment (including surgical masks, face shields, and foot coverings) from products that are 100% grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the United States. The bill makes an exception for purchases for amounts not greater than $150,000. The bill applies the Berry Amendment (which requires the Department of Defense to give preference in procurement to domestically produced, manufactured, or home-grown products) to specified supplies and equipment, such as surgical dressing materials, hospital and surgical clothing, and textile medical supplies and equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2020
This resolution states that Hong Kong's loss of judicial and political autonomy renders individuals residing in the United States vulnerable to a Chinese-controlled judicial system. The resolution urges the United States to suspend its extradition treaty with Hong Kong until the reestablishment of Hong Kong's judicial independence can be certified.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2020
Back to Work Child Care Grants Act of 2020 This bill establishes a grants program for licensed child care providers that were in continuous operation immediately prior to March 1, 2020, to pay for specified fixed costs and operating expenses for a period of not more than nine months.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2020
Protecting the Health and Wellness of Babies and Pregnant Women in Custody Act This bill contains provisions related to the medical needs of incarcerated women. The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) shall provide women in its custody access to certain reproductive health services. The bill also requires the BOP to (1) comply with requirements related to the health of a pregnant incarcerated woman, such as providing appropriate meals and medical services; and (2) provide appropriate health care to a woman with a high-risk pregnancy. The bill also modifies restrictions on using restraints on an incarcerated woman during pregnancy, labor, or after delivery. The bill prohibits such restraints unless the relevant corrections official and a health care professional determine that the restraints are appropriate for the woman's medical safety. The health care professional must review this determination every six hours. The current statute allows using such restraints if the corrections official determines that restraints are needed due to a flight risk or threat of harm, and does not require periodic review. The bill also prohibits the BOP from placing a pregnant woman into restrictive housing, such as solitary confinement, unless the relevant corrections official determines that such an action is necessary to address a serious and immediate risk of physical harm. This determination shall be reviewed every four hours. The Department of Justice may make grants to eligible entities, such as a state department of corrections, to provide obstetrical care, gynecological care, and related services to women in custody. The Bureau of Justice Statistics shall collect certain data related to the health needs of pregnant incarcerated women.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2020
Open Schools Responsibly Act This bill limits civil liability for elementary and secondary schools and institutions of higher education relating to any harm arising from exposure to, or infection by, coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19) suffered by a student, employee, or visitor. Specifically, a school or institution shall not be liable for such harm if the school or institution was in compliance with applicable state and federal guidelines. However, a school or institution may be liable for acts or omissions that constitute willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a conscious flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2020
Defend COVID Research from Hackers Act This bill authorizes the President to impose visa-blocking, property-blocking, or economic sanctions on a foreign person that is involved in activities that are reasonably likely to result in a significant threat to U.S. national security, foreign policy, public health, economic health, or financial stability. The Department of State must submit a report detailing the extent of known or attempted cyber-enabled activities by foreign persons related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and assessing whether those activities qualify for the imposition of sanctions. Further, the bill provides penalties for a person who knowingly traffics in access to a protected computer if the trafficker knows the protected computer has been damaged in a prohibited manner. The bill also authorizes an injunction against a person who causes damage through accessing a protected computer or transmitting a program, information, code, or command to a protected computer.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2020
Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services Act This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to provide grants and other forms of emergency assistance to certain providers of transportation services that have experienced a significant revenue loss as a direct or indirect result of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Treasury must ensure equal access to the assistance for small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses. As a condition of receipt of assistance, Treasury must require that a provider of transportation services agree to (1) use the funds, on a priority basis, to maintain through December 31, 2020, pay, paid administrative leave, and benefits to all employees after making any adjustments required for retirement or voluntary employee separation; and (2) recall or rehire any employee laid off, furloughed, or terminated because of reduced service as a result of COVID-19, to the extent warranted by increased service levels.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2020
Convening Operations Assistance for Childcare Heroes Act or the COACH Act This bill requires the Small Business Administration to maintain a resource guide for small businesses operating as child care providers that includes guidance on topics such as operations, finances, and compliance with relevant laws.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2020
This resolution condemns the genocide perpetrated by Serb forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1992-1995, as well as any measures that deny the genocide's occurrence. The resolution reaffirms U.S. support for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and encourages the country's political leaders to make renewed efforts to reconcile ethnic divisions and promote human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2020
SEC Data Protection Act This bill directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to adopt regulations to protect from unlawful use or disclosure sensitive nonpublic proprietary information the SEC receives from investment advisers.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020
Flexible Financing for Rural America Act of 2020 This bill allows rural utility service providers to submit to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) a request to adjust the interest rate or modify the terms of certain loans. The request shall include a report summarizing how the adjustment or modification will assist the borrower in providing critical utility services to a rural community. Specifically, on receipt of a request, USDA must adjust the interest rate on the loan to match certain interest rates in effect when the bill is enacted for obligations of comparable maturity to the term remaining on the loan (or a higher rate requested by the borrower), and make modifications to the loan terms as necessary to address changes in the financial position of the borrower due to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency and to promote the financial sustainability of the borrower. In carrying out the adjustments or modifications, USDA shall not impose or collect any fee from, or impose any penalty on, a borrower. The bill also provides funding to implement the adjustments and modifications.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 2020
Reviving the Economy Sustainably Towards A Recovery in Twenty-twenty Act or the RESTART Act This bill establishes a loan program whereby the Small Business Administration (SBA) shall guarantee loan amounts to certain businesses affected by COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the bill requires the SBA to guarantee 100% of program loan amounts made to certain small businesses that have not more than than 5,000 full-time employees. The terms for such loans shall include (1) a maximum duration of not more than seven years; (2) an amount that is not greater than 45% of 2019 gross receipts, up to $12 million; and (3) no payment on principal for the first two years of the loan. A lender that is otherwise approved to make paycheck protection loans may make and approve loans established by the bill, and a recipient may use loan funds for specified allowable expenses including payroll costs, rent, utilities, and personal protective equipment. Such loans may be forgiven up to the amount of total losses incurred by the recipient in the taxable year 2020.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2020
This resolution condemns the advancement of China's national security legislation for Hong Kong. The resolution also advises the United States to coordinate with allies to respond to developments in Hong Kong, including by providing Hong Kong residents who face well-founded fears of persecution an opportunity to emigrate from Hong Kong.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2020
Calculate PPP Forgiveness Act of 2020 This bill requires the Small Business Administration to establish or certify an online calculator that allows recipients of assistance under the Paycheck Protection Program established to support small businesses in response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) to (1) estimate the amount of loan forgiveness for which they are eligible, and (2) assist with their applications to request loan forgiveness.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020
Knowing the Efficiency and Efficacy of Permanent Telehealth Options Act of 2020 or the KEEP Telehealth Options Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on the availability and effects of expanded telehealth services under Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Among other information, HHS must detail its actions during the emergency to expand access to telehealth services and must analyze telehealth usage by certain demographic groups. The GAO must report on the efficiency and management of the telehealth expansion and related risks of fraudulent activity.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2020
Just and Unifying Solutions To Invigorate Communities Everywhere Act of 2020 or the JUSTICE Act This bill addresses policies and issues regarding policing practices and law enforcement accountability. The bill funds state and local grants, incentivizes state and local reporting on the use of certain policing practices, creates new federal offenses for certain misconduct, establishes a commission to study the conditions affecting Black men and boys, and establishes best practices and training requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020
This bill requires flexible spending arrangements established for 2020 to provide for the rollover of unused benefits or contributions to 2021. It also permits plan participants to modify their election amount and extends the grace period for the 2020 plan year to 12 months after the end of such plan year.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2020
United States-Israel Military Capability Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Defense, with the concurrence of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, to establish a United States-Israel Operations-Technology Working Group. The purposes of the working group shall be to (1) provide a standing forum for the United States and Israel to identify and share intelligence-informed military capability requirements; (2) assist defense suppliers in both countries to gain government approval for conducting joint science, technology, research, development, test, evaluation, and production efforts; and (3) develop combined U.S.-Israel plans to research, develop, procure, and field weapons systems and military capabilities to meet common capability requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2020
American Critical Mineral Exploration and Innovation Act of 2020 This bill addresses the availability, development, and production of domestic critical minerals, including by providing incentives to increase domestic production of critical minerals that are needed to ensure the economic and national security of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2020
Understanding COVID-19 Subsets and ME/CFS Act or the U.C.S. ME/CFS Act This bill requires the National Institutes of Health to support research on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome among COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) patients and survivors. This is a serious, chronic, and multisystem disease associated with survivors of viral infections. In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services may carry out a public awareness campaign about post-viral chronic neuroimmune diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2020
Coronavirus Provider Protection Act This bill generally exempts health care professionals and related health care entities (e.g., hospitals and medical clinics) from liability for harm caused in the course of arranging or providing health care services during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2020
Protecting Human Rights During Pandemic Act This bill establishes strategies and reporting requirements related to internationally recognized human rights and COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the bill requires the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development to submit (1) a strategy for carrying out programs to support democratic institutions, freedom of the press, civil society, and human rights defenders in countries where government measures in response to COVID-19 violated or undermined internationally recognized human rights; and (2) a five-year strategic plan outlining the steps to address persistent human rights issues in the aftermath of COVID-19. The bill also conditions the provision of security assistance to a foreign government on consideration of whether the foreign government used emergency laws, policies, or administrative procedures in violation of internationally recognized human rights. Further, the bill requires the State Department to author initial, monthly, and final reports describing, among other things (1) specified countries' adherence to certain human rights principles in responding to COVID-19, (2) the actions of the U.S. government to address foreign governments' violations of human rights in responding to COVID-19, (3) the impact of such violations on things such as access to health care and the efforts and ability to control the pandemic, and (4) the U.S government's global efforts to counter disinformation and disseminate accurate information about the pandemic. The bill also requires the inclusion of certain information, such as the misuse and abuse of emergency powers, in the annual country reports on human rights practices.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2020
Compensation for Americans Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of State to negotiate with China to secure compensation for China's distortion of information related to the spread of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The bill also contains other China-related provisions, such as those imposing sanctions on certain Chinese individuals and entities. As part of such negotiations, the President shall (1) freeze Chinese assets subject to U.S. jurisdiction; (2) suspend the required review of any proposed acquisition of a U.S. entity by a Chinese entity; (3) impose sanctions on Chinese entities in certain industries, such as artificial intelligence and pharmaceuticals; (4) impose sanctions on various individuals, including Chinese government officials and Chinese citizens responsible for stealing intellectual property from U.S. entities; and (5) prohibit using federal funds to procure goods manufactured or sourced from a Chinese company, if such goods pose a supply chain risk to U.S. national security. The President s may terminate such prohibitions and sanctions if China and the United States come to an agreement regarding compensation related to COVID-19. The Department of the Treasury shall establish a public repository with information about entities that are owned, financed, or controlled by the Chinese government. Other provisions in this bill include (1) imposing export controls on telecommunications equipment that would help China carry out censorship or surveillance, (2) banning researchers affiliated with China's military from obtaining visas, and (3) requiring U.S. World Bank representatives to end China's eligibility for World Bank assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2020
Registration for Index-Linked Annuities Act This bill requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to create a new form for the registration of index linked annuities. The bill defines a registered index linked annuity as an annuity that is deemed a security, that must be registered with the SEC, and that is issued by an insurance company subject to state supervision. Furthermore, the returns of these annuities (1) are based on the performance of a specified index rate or other financial tracking vehicle, (2) are subject to modification by a financial calculation mechanism, and (3) may be subject to a market value adjustment if amounts are withdrawn early.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2020
This bill provides for the uniform treatment under existing COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) economic aid programs of nationally recognized statistical rating organizations approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This allows entities, securities, and other instruments with a credit rating from such an organization to use the rating to qualify for these aid programs. Furthermore, the Government Accountability Office must report on credit rating quality across organizations, their effect on access to capital markets, and the implementation of this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Small Business Expense Protection Act of 2020 This bill amends the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to provide that tax deductions for ordinary business expenses and other tax incidents shall not be affected by the exclusion from gross income of amounts related to loan forgiveness received in response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Health Care Protection Act This bill creates a special health insurance enrollment period and provides premium assistance for the COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) continuation of health coverage program in response to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. First, the bill establishes a 30-day special enrollment period for individuals who do not have coverage to enroll in a qualified health insurance plan through a health insurance exchange. Second, the bill provides premium assistance for individuals who have been terminated from employment and elected COBRA continuation coverage between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020. The bill treats 100% of the premium payments as paid for such individuals for not more than six months. Further, individuals who have not elected COBRA coverage but would be eligible for premium assistance under this bill if they had enrolled in COBRA may enroll in such coverage for 60 days after this bill is enacted. Premium assistance is phased out for individuals earning more than $125,000. Additionally, the bill requires employers to provide eligible individuals specified written notice about the premium assistance program, including, among other information, available health plan enrollment options and the date that such assistance expires. The Department of the Treasury must reimburse employers, group health plans, and insurance issuers through a payroll tax credit or refund, as applicable, for unpaid premiums that were treated as paid under this bill.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act or the ALIGN Act This bill makes permanent the expensing of certain new business equipment. Expensing allows the deduction of the full amount of an expense item in the same taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2020
Expanding Medical Partnerships with Israel to Lessen Dependence on China Act or the EMPIL-DOC Act This bill authorizes a bilateral grant program with Israel to develop health technologies, with an emphasis on the use of technology, personalized medicine, and data in relation to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Technologies to be developed through this program include, among others, artificial intelligence, respiratory assist devices, and diagnostic tests. In addition, the program conditions funding on a matching contribution from the government of Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
This bill designates as Li Wenliang Plaza the area between the intersections of International Drive NW and Van Ness Street NW and International Drive NW and International Place NW in the District of Columbia. Additionally, the bill redesignates the address of 3505 International Place NW, District of Columbia, as 1 Li Wenliang Plaza.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act This bill makes previously unused immigrant visas available to nurses and physicians who petition for such a visa before the date that is 90 days after the end of the declared national emergency relating to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak. The number of visas available shall be the total number of unused employment-based immigrant visas from FY1992-FY2020, up to 40,000. Of such visas, 25,000 shall be reserved for nurses and 15,000 for physicians. Certain family members may accompany the principal beneficiary of a visa provided under this bill, and visas for such family members shall (1) be made available from the unused visas from FY1992-FY2020, and (2) not be counted against the 40,000 cap. Visas provided under this bill shall be exempt from per-country limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
Protecting Life in Crisis Act This bill specifies that federal funds allocated for COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) response efforts may not, in general, be used for abortions. Current law (specifically, language that has historically been included in certain appropriations bills, commonly referred to as the Hyde Amendment) generally prohibits the use of federal funds for abortions. The bill also restricts the use of federal tax credits or other federal funding for health insurance coverage if the coverage includes abortions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020
This resolution calls for the International Olympic Committee to rebid the 2022 Winter Olympics if China fails to demonstrate significant progress in securing fundamental human rights. The resolution also expresses support for the well-being of Olympic athletes and the integrity of sport.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2020
Enforcing Accountability and Transparency in International Trade Act This bill requires the U.S. Trade Representative to report on its plans to pursue a U.S. strategy regarding the World Trade Organization (WTO). Such plans must (1) facilitate the full implementation of WTO agreements, (2) enable the maximum benefits from trade to accrue to those members of the WTO that face the greatest difficulty integrating into the multilateral trading system, and (3) ensure that certain members of the WTO do not receive special and differential treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020
Securing Additional Value for Every Retirement Saver Act or the SAVERS Act This bill increases contribution limits to certain tax-preferred retirement plans in taxable years beginning in 2020 by the lesser of 300% or the compensation of the plan participant that is includible in gross income. For purposes of determining the compensation of plan participants, the bill allows an election to use compensation for 2019 in lieu of 2020.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020
This concurrent resolution establishes the Joint Select Committee on the Events and Activities Surrounding China's Handling of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus to investigate and report to Congress and the executive branch, including recommendations on the origins and causes of the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19); certain coronavirus-related policies, decisions, and activities by the government of China; accountability for policies, decisions, and activities related to influencing the World Health Organization's response to the coronavirus outbreak; vulnerabilities in the U.S. domestic and global supply chain to combat a global pandemic due to reliance on Chinese manufacturing; information related to lessons learned from China's handling of the coronavirus; and actions the federal government should take in response to China's handling of the coronavirus.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020
Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 This bill directs certain penalties assessed by the Securities Exchange Commission against pharmaceutical companies for specified violations to the 10-Year Pediatric Research Initiative Fund, an existing fund that supports pediatric disease research. In making allocations from that fund, the National Institutes of Health shall prioritize pediatric research that does not duplicate existing research activities.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2020
Advancing Connectivity during the Coronavirus to Ensure Support for Seniors Act or the ACCESS Act This bill (1) provides appropriations for the Telehealth Resource Center Program of the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth within the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy in the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) to develop telehealth capacity for certain nursing facilities, and (2) directs other activities to increase access to telehealth services in such facilities during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. HRSA shall award grants, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, to skilled nursing facilities and other nursing facilities to support virtual visits to residents during the emergency. The Department of Health and Human Services must also provide recommendations related to immediately increasing access, during the emergency, to telehealth services for which Medicare and Medicaid payments are available in skilled and other nursing facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2020
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should make no voluntary contributions to the World Health Organization (WHO) until Director General Tedros Ghebreyesus resigns and an international commission is established to investigate the WHO's response to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2020
This resolution condemns the Chinese government's response to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak, including China's censorship of doctors and journalists during the early days of the outbreak and its refusal to accept assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The resolution also calls for (1) China to publicly state that there is no evidence that COVID-19 originated from outside China, and (2) the World Health Organization to retract misleading statements of support for China's response to COVID-19.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020
Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic Notarization Act of 2020 This bill allows a notary public commissioned under state law to remotely notarize electronic records and requires recognition of notarizations performed under the laws of other states. Under the bill, a notary public may remotely notarize electronic records occurring in or affecting interstate commerce if (1) the individual and the notary public are able to electronically communicate by sight and sound simultaneously (i.e., by video chat); (2) the notary verifies the individual's identity and records the notarization; and (3) the notarization complies with other requirements, such as those relating to the attachment of a stamp or seal to the electronic record. Additionally, the bill allows a notary public to remotely notarize electronic records involving an individual located outside of the United States, subject to certain requirements. The bill also requires U.S. courts and states to recognize notarizations, including remote notarizations of electronic records, that occur in or affect interstate commerce and are performed by a notary public commissioned under the laws of other states.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Insured Depository Institution Business Continuity Planning Act of 2020 This bill requires federal banking agencies to set standards related to business continuity planning and management for all insured depository institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Gig Economy Infrastructure Act This bill temporarily preempts any state law that classifies an individual providing labor or services for remuneration (i.e., an independent contractor) as an employee for purposes of wage-rate and benefit requirements. This preemption ends three years after enactment. The bill also broadens the existing Securities and Exchange Commission registration exemption for the issuance of securities as part of an employee-compensation package. Specifically, the bill applies this exemption to the issuance of securities as compensation for independent contractors. The Government Accountability Office must report on the bill's effects.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Crowdfunding to Combat the Coronavirus Act This bill (1) establishes an award for the successful development of a vaccine for the coronavirus (i.e., the virus that causes COVID-19), and (2) extends specified Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration exemptions to issuers of securities responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. The bill provides appropriations for the purpose of awarding a prize to the creator of a vaccine that (1) reduces the incidence and mortality rate of COVID-19 by more than 50%, and (2) is affordable and widely available to the public. Additionally, an issuer of securities that is developing a coronavirus vaccine, researching or producing medical equipment related to COVID-19, or researching or producing technology related to preventing the spread of COVID-19 may qualify for an exemption from SEC registration requirements regardless of the size of the issuer's offers or sales. Furthermore, these issuers are not subject to joint and several liability for certain claims. The provisions set forth in this bill expire the earlier of (1) the date the prize is awarded, or (2) three years after enactment. The Government Accountability Office must report on the bill's effects.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
Relief for Small Businesses Through Micro-Offerings Act of 2020 This bill temporarily exempts certain securities offerings from the registration requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Specifically, securities offerings are exempt from these registration requirements if (1) the aggregate amount of securities sold to all investors by the issuer is not more than $250,000, (2) the amount sold to any investor by the issuer does not exceed $5,000, and (3) the transaction is conducted through a registered broker or funding portal. This exemption ends three years after the date of enactment. The SEC may by rule prohibit a person from engaging in such an offering if the person is subject to certain bad-actor or statutory disqualifications. The Government Accountability Office must report on the impact of this exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020
SEC Relief to Slow the Spread of Coronavirus Act of 2020 This bill temporarily allows for securities law requirements related to in-person meetings and document delivery to be met electronically.