United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1981
Independent Contractor Tax Status Clarification Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify standards for determining whether certain individuals qualify as independent contractors for purposes of the tax on employment income. Treats an individual as an independent contractor if such individual: (1) controls the total number of his work hours; (2) does not maintain a principal place of business, or, if he does, such place of business is not provided, or is not provided rent-free, by the person for whom such individual performs services; (3) has substantial investment in his business and earns income based upon sales or output rather than upon number of hours worked; (4) performs services pursuant to a written contract and is provided written notice of his responsibility with respect to income and self-employment taxes; and (5) the recipient of such individual's services files returns disclosing payments made to such individual. Provides that the criteria established by this Act shall not be applicable to agent-drivers, commission-drivers, full-time life insurance salesmen, home workers, and traveling or city salesmen who are statutorily designated as employees for purposes of social security taxation. Provides that the failure of an individual claiming independent contractor status to meet the criteria established by this Act shall not create an inference that such an individual is an employee or that the recipient of his services is an employer. Limits the applicability of the criteria established by this Act to questions of employment status arising under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, self-employment tax provisions, and withholding requirements under the Internal Revenue Code. Requires recipients of services performed by an independent contractor to file an information return with respect to payments made for such services in excess of $600 for the taxable year. Requires individuals who file such information returns to furnish written statements to persons with respect to whom such information is reported which indicate the amount of payment reported. Provides penalties for failure to furnish information returns or statements. Applies deficiency procedures for the assessment of unpaid taxes due to the reclassification of an individual as an employee who had been treated as an independent contractor. Treats as employees, for purposes of the withholding of income tax, certain traveling or city salesmen.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1981
Safe Drinking Water Regulatory Reform Act - Amends title XIV of the Public Health Service Act (the "Safe Drinking Water Act") to revise regulatory procedures relating to safe drinking water requirements. Provides for administrative procedures and judicial review of such procedures relating to the promulgation or amendment, under such title, of: (1) any national interim primary drinking water regulation; (2) any revised national primary drinking water regulation; and (3) any regulation for State underground injection control programs. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a rulemaking docket for such rulemaking actions. Requires the establishment of an identical docket in the appropriate regional office of the Agency whenever a rule applies only within a particular State. Requires that notice in the Federal Register of such proposed rulemaking be accompanied by: (1) a statement of its basis and purpose; (2) the docket number, location, and times for public inspection; and (3) notice of the period available for public comment. Sets forth procedures for written and oral public comment and inclusion of such comment in the docket. Requires that a promulgated rule be accompanied by statements of: (1) its basis and purpose; (2) the reasons for any major changes from the proposed rule; (3) factual data and reasons supporting a determination that the benefits of applying the rule justify the compliance costs; (4) the reasons why any public comment alternatives to the proposed rule were rejected; and (5) response to significant public comment, criticism, and new data submissions. Prohibits basing the promulgated rule on any information not in the docket. Limits the record for judicial review to docket materials and required accompaniments to the promulgated rule. Directs the Administrator to convene a proceeding for reconsideration of a rule upon a demonstration that an objection of central relevance to the rule could not be raised during the public comment period. Provides for judicial review of refusals of such reconsideration. Authorizes the Administrator or the appropriate U.S. court of appeals to stay the effectiveness of the rule for up to three months during reconsideration. Sets forth provisions for judicial review of procedural determinations of the Administrator. Permits statutory deadlines for promulgation of rules to be extended to not more than six months after the proposal date, if necessary, to afford the public and the Agency adequate opportunity to carry out this Act. Permits petitions for judicial review of administrative actions under such Act to be filed only in the U.S. court of appeals for a judicial circuit in which a substantial portion of the associated impact or injury will occur. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Revises standards for primary drinking water regulations. Replaces regulation of contaminants having "any adverse effect" on human health with regulation of contaminants "posing an unreasonable risk to human health". Removes a requirement that such regulations provide for proper operation and maintenance of public water systems, minimum quality of water taken into the systems, and new facilities siting. Eliminates specified references to the Administrator's judgments or determinations and to allowance for "an adequate margin of safety" in promulgating such regulations. Requires the maximum contaminant level specified in revised national primary drinking water regulations for a contaminant to be as close to the recommended maximum contaminant level as is "reasonable" (currently, "feasible"). Removes specified provisions relating to requirements for the use of treatment techniques. Continues State primary enforcement responsibility whenever the Administrator revises or amends any national primary drinking water regulation. Requires a State with primary enforcement responsibility to show the Administrator that the State public water system supervision program meets the revised or added requirement, within a specified period. Requires the Administrator's approval of continuation of the State's primary enforcement responsibility. Authorizes the Administrator to waive a prohibition against making grants to State public water system supervision programs that have not assumed and maintained primary enforcement responsibility. Permits such waiver during any time within 18 months after the effective date of any amendment or revision of the national regulations if the State has assumed such responsibility and is making a diligent effort to comply with the new amendment or revision. Authorizes the Administrator to grant a State an additional six months to come into compliance, on a showing of good cause.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1981
Amends the Federal Reserve Act to require the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to take and maintain detailed minutes of all meetings of the Federal Open Market Committee. Permits the Board, before the publication of any such minutes, to delete any information regarding any foreign country, central bank of a foreign country, or any international institution which has a majority of members who are foreign countries or central banks of foreign countries. Provides for the future review and publication of such deleted information.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1981
Disapproves the final rule promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission dealing with the matter of the trade regulation rule relating to the sale of used motor vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1981
United States Olympic Development Fund Checkoff Act of 1981 - Permits taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns an election to contribute one dollar of their income tax refunds or one dollar forwarded with returns to support the fund established by this Act. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a United States Olympic Development Fund. Appropriates to the Fund an amount equivalent to the amount designated on tax returns to be available to the Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay amounts so transferred to the U.S. Olympic Committee for use in a program of expansion and improvement of amateur athletics. Sets forth reporting requirements with respect to the expenditure of such funds by the Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1981
Social Security Alien and Foreign Resident Limitations Act of 1981 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit entitlement to title II benefits in the case of an individual who is not a U.S. citizen or national and whose entitlement is based upon the wages and self-employment income of a resident of a foreign country who is entitled to old-age or disability benefits if such individual does not bear a spousal, filial, parental, divorced, or surviving relationship to such resident as of the date such resident reaches age 57. Prohibits entitlement to title II benefits in the case of an individual who is not a U.S. citizen or national on the basis of such individual's own wages and self-employment income. Entitles a non-U.S. citizen or national to a single lump-sum benefit on the basis of such individual's wages and self-employment income if such individual is lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence or employment purposes or such individual's status is changed to permit such individual to work in the United States. Prohibits entitlement to title II benefits in the case of a non-U.S. citizen or national whose entitlement is based upon the wages and self-employment income of a non-U.S. citizen or national who is not a permanent resident of the United States or who has not been admitted to the United States for employment purposes. Prohibits entitlement to title II benefits in the case of a U.S. citizen or national whose entitlement is based upon the wages and self-employment income of a non-U.S. citizen or national.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1981
Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the appointment to the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund of one representative of employers, one representative of employees, one representative of beneficiaries, and one individual highly qualified in the management of investment funds. Requires that investments made by the Board secure the maximum possible interest yield commensurate with the safety of the Trust Funds. Fixes the interest rates for public-debt obligations issued for purchase by the Trust Funds at the average market yield on all marketable interest bearing U.S. obligations forming part of the public debt, all marketable interest bearing obligations which are not U.S. obligations but which are guaranteed by the United States, and all marketable federally sponsored agency interest bearing obligations which are lawful investments for fiduciary and trust funds under Federal control. Authorizes the managing Trustee to use the equipment and experts necessary to assure the maximum possible interest yield on Trust Fund investments.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1981
Small Business Innovation Research Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) maintain an information program to provide small businesses an opportunity to participate in Federal small business innovation research (SBIR) programs; (2) monitor SBIR programs within Federal agencies; and (3) report annually to the Congressional Small Business Committees on the SBIR programs. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget in excess of $100,000,000 in fiscal year 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to spend a specified percentage of its budget in connection with an SBIR program. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget in excess of $20,000,000 in fiscal year 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to establish specific goals for funding agreements for research or research and development to small businesses with small businesses. Directs each Federal agency with a SBIR program to report annually to the SBA the number of awards over $10,000 in amount made under the SBIR program and to concerns other than small business concerns. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in conjunction with the SBA, to promulgate regulations for the conduct of the SBIR programs. States that this Act does not authorize the appropriation of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1981
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the President to restrict direct investment in the United States by a foreign country, its nationals or citizens, or by persons organized under its laws if the President determines such action is necessary to enforce U.S. rights under a trade agreement with such country.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1981
Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the appointment to the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund of one representative of employers, one representative of employees, one representative of beneficiaries, and one individual highly qualified in the management of investment funds. Requires the Board to make investments securing the maximum possible interest yield with the portion of the Trust Funds not required to meet current withdrawals. Fixes the interest rates for public-debt obligations issued for purchase by the Trust Funds at the average market yield on all marketable interest bearing U.S. obligations forming part of the public debt, all marketable interest bearing obligations which are not U.S. obligations but which are guaranteed by the United States, and all marketable federally sponsored agency interest bearing obligations which are lawful investments for fiduciary and trust funds under Federal control. Authorizes the Managing Trustee to use the equipment and experts necessary to assure the maximum possible interest yield on Trust Fund investments.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1981
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act to prohibit a corporation or labor union from using the involuntary dues or funds of its members or employees for specified political activities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1981
Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) maintain an information program to provide small businesses an opportunity to participate in Federal small business innovation research (SBIR) programs; (2) coordinate a schedule for release of SBIR solicitations and prepare a master release schedule; (3) monitor SBIR programs within Federal agencies; and (4) report annually to the congressional Small Business Committees on the SBIR programs. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget of at least $100,000,000 in FY 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to spend a specified percentage of its budget in connection with an SBIR program. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget of at least $20,000,000 in FY 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to establish specific goals for funding research and development agreements with small businesses. Directs each Federal agency to report annually to the SBA the number of awards over $10,000 made under the SBIR program and to concerns other than small business concerns. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in conjunction with the SBA, to promulgate regulations for the conduct of the SBIR programs. States that this Act does not authorize the appropriation of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1981
Petroleum Disruption Management Act of 1981 - Title I: Sequential Management Authority and Activation - Directs the President to prescribe four petroleum disruption management programs and transmit them to Congress for approval: (1) a Strategic Petroleum Reserve distribution program; (2) a private dedicated reserve program (PDR); (3) a national crude oil sharing program; and (4) a petroleum product disruption management program. Prohibits approval of a program unless each House of Congress, within 30 days of transmittal of a program, passes a resolution approving the program. Requires the President to submit a revised program if any program is not approved. Provides for the activation of a program whenever the President determines that a substantial or severe crude oil or energy supply disruption or interruption exists or is imminent, or a program is necessary in order to comply with the international energy program, and an approving joint resolution is passed within six days of transmittal. Limits such programs to 120 days duration, except the President may request additional 120 day periods. Title II: Private Crude Oil and Petroleum Product Storage Incentives - Directs the President to report on the advisability and alternative means of: (1) reducing the tax liability of persons who draw down crude oil and petroleum product reserves during oil supply disruptions; and (2) providing tax or other incentives for the construction of private-sector oil and petroleum product storage facilities and the maintenance of increased private-sector crude oil or petroleum product reserves. Title III: Strategic Petroleum Reserve and Private Dedicated Reserve Distribution - Authorizes the President to distribute crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, upon a determination that a substantial crude oil disruption exists, in amounts not in excess of 300,000 barrels daily for no more than 90 days annually. Provides for such distributions on a pro rata basis. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to prohibit the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Plan from becoming effective unless each House of Congress passes a resolution approving the Plan within 30 days of the Plan's transmittal to Congress. Requires that during a substantial crude oil disruption allocation shall be as provided for in this Act. Requires the Secretary of Energy to submit to Congress a report evaluating the expansion of the physical capacity of the Reserve through the use of temporary storage facilities. Directs the President to promulgate a rule establishing a PDR. Requires the rule establishing the PDR to, among other things: (1) provide for the equitable distribution of crude oil at competitive prices; (2) require designated refiners to provide crude oil to any qualified refiner experiencing a supply disruption; (3) distribute crude oil to such qualified refiners to permit them to operate at 95 percent of the national utilization rate; (4) provide that the obligation of each designated refiner to sell crude oil to qualified refiners shall be a given percentage of each designated refiner's average crude oil runs to distillation units during the previous 12 months; and (5) provide that the price paid by a qualified refiner will not exceed a stated level. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a report determining the minimum volume of reserves to be maintained in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and analyzing the advisability of distributing crude oil from the Reserve in lieu of activating the PDR. Title IV: National Crude Oil Sharing Program - Directs the President to promulgate a rule establishing a national crude oil sharing program. Requires the rule establishing such program to: (1) provide for the equitable sharing of crude oil at competitive prices among all regions during a severe disruption; (2) require refiners to offer for sale any crude oil supplies that would permit their refineries to operate in excess of the national utilization rate; (3) assure that refiners are able to purchase sufficient crude oil to permit operation at the national utilization rate; (4) provide that the price paid by a refiner will not exceed the weight-averaged price during the previous 60 day period; (5) provide for directives requiring a refiner to adjust the percentage yield of a refined petroleum product in order to increase output of that product in a time of short supply; and (6) provide for the adjustment of the quantities of crude oil allocated among refiners so as to ensure desired production levels. Title V: Petroleum Product Programs - Directs the President to promulgate a standby regulation which when implemented will provide: (1) for the mandatory allocation of refined petroleum products produced in or imported into the country in amounts specified in and at ceiling prices specified in such regulation; (2) an emergency use fee; or (3) other action specified in such regulation which is not otherwise specially authorized by other Federal law. Requires the standby regulation to provide for, among other things: (1) the protection of public health, safety and welfare (including maintenance of residential heating), and national defense; (2) maintenance of all public services; (3) maintenance of agricultural operations; (4) preservation of an economically sound and competitive petroleum industry; (5) equitable distribution of refined petroleum products at equitable prices; (6) allocation of refined petroleum products necessary to explore for and extract fuels and minerals; (7) economic efficiency; and (8) minimization of economic distortion. Title VI: Establishment of Advisory Data Collection and Coordination Functions - Directs the President to establish: (1) an Energy Emergency Council to be composed of members of the executive branch, to advise the President on matters relevant to the implementation of this Act and the activation and management of its programs; and (2) an Energy Advisory Committee, to consist of members of the petroleum industry and consumers, to advise the President and the Council on matters relevant to the implementation of this Act and the management and activation of its programs. Directs the Council, after consultation with the Committee, to evaluate the current energy information collection and monitoring systems within the Federal Government. Directs the Secretary to inform the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration whether the energy information now being collected is sufficient, whether changes are needed, and if so, to direct the Administrator to make the necessary changes. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a report examining the standards for activation of the programs. Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth provisions relating to administration and enforcement, including: (1) application of provisions of the Economic Stabilization Act of 1970 to regulations, orders, and Presidential actions undertaken pursuant to this Act; and (2) setting forth monetary penalties for violations of this Act. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to include this Act within those Acts for which the Secretary shall provide for making adjustments to any rule, regulation or order in order to prevent special hardship or inequity. Extends, until October 1, 1989, the authority for international voluntary agreements with respect to the International Energy Program under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Terminates this Act on October 1, 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that U.S. foreign policy should reflect a national strategy of peace through strength with specified principles and goals.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1981
Directs the United States Postal Service to provide and sell a postage stamp issue to honor all American servicemen and civilians still unaccounted for as a result of the conflict in Indochina. Provides that such postage stamp shall be of such denomination, and shall be sold for such a time, as the United States Postal Service shall determine.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to apply those provisions relating to the minimum primary insurance amount and the minimum survivor's benefit to individuals who have reached age 80 and to members of religious orders which require vows of poverty and for which an election of coverage under the Internal Revenue Code is in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981
Wilderness Review Act of 1981 - Requires that lands recommended for wilderness and lands requiring further planning for purposes of this Act be identified in an executive communication by the Secretary of Agriculture. Prohibits judicial or administrative review of the second roadless area review and evaluation (RARE II) final environmental statement dated January 1979. Requires that the following lands be managed for multiple uses other than wilderness: (1) national forest system lands not identified under this Act as land recommended for wilderness, requiring further planning, or previously designated as wilderness; (2) lands recommended for wilderness pursuant to this Act and not designated as wilderness before January 1, 1985; and (3) lands identified by this Act as requiring further planning but (a) not recommended for wilderness by the Secretary before September 30, 1985, or (b) recommended for wilderness before such date but not designated as wilderness before January 1, 1988. Prohibits the Secretary from conducting any further statewide, regional, or national roadless area review and evaluation of national forest system lands for purposes of determining their suitability as wilderness without express congressional authorization, except for lands identified pursuant to this Act as requiring further planning. Prohibits the creation of protective perimeters or buffer zones around areas designated as wilderness. Requires the Secretary to manage lands recommended for wilderness and lands requiring further planning to preserve their wilderness character. Permits the authorization of nonwilderness uses which are in the public interest for lands recommended for wilderness and the modification of wilderness recommendations by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981
Title I: Bond Underwriting - Authorizes any national bank to deal in and underwrite bonds, notes, or similar securities. Retains current law limiting an association's dealings in stock to stock without recourse for the account of customers. Title II: Mutual Funds - Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to permit a bank, bank holding company, savings and loan association, mutual savings bank, or credit union to: (1) organize, operate, or render investment advice to an investment company; or (2) underwrite or issue securities of any investment company if the officers and employees selling the securities meet standards prescribed by the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, and the National Credit Union Administration Board. Title III: Reports to Congress - Directs the President, in consultation with certain Government officials and agencies overseeing the banking and finance industry, to report to Congress on the legal and regulatory provisions, structures, and procedures that differentiate the different types of financial corporations and to make recommendations for the modification of these barriers. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report annually to Congress on the effect of title I of this Act on the institutional distribution of the State and local government bond underwriting business. Title IV: Enactment - Makes this Act effective upon enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
Food Safety Amendments of 1981 - Title I - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise the procedures and criteria for consideration of food and color additive petitions and new animal drug applications. Excludes from the definition of "food additive": (1) a food contact substance; and (2) a basic or traditional food. Defines "food contact substance" to mean a substance used to package food upon which such substance is not intended to, and does not have, any physical effect. Revises the general definition of "safe" to include in its meaning the absence of significant risk under the intended conditions of use of a substance. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prescribe regulations to gradually eliminate a substance from the food supply upon a finding that such elimination will serve the public interest and not present a danger to public health. Requires that a determination of whether food is adulterated be based on an assessment of the risks from the probable consumption of such substance, taking into account all pertinent safety factors. Revises the procedures under which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) establishes tolerance levels for required or unavoidable substances in foods. Replaces the current formal hearing requirements for setting tolerances with the notice and comment rulemaking procedure. Adds to the criteria for establishing tolerances: (1) an assessment of the nature and extent of the risks from probable consumption of the substance, considering all safety factors and after consultation with the food safety committee (established by this Act); and (2) the effects of limits on the cost and availability of food. Requires the Secretary to specify the analytical procedure for determining tolerance compliance. Permits any party in an injunction, seizure, or criminal action by the FDA alleging food adulteration, to request the court to set a tolerance for any food for which there is no existing tolerance. Revises the procedures and criteria for consideration of food additive petitions. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures to facilitate early discussion of an additive prior to submission of a petition. Requires the FDA to file food additive petitions within 30 days after receipt. Requires the FDA to specify in detail its reasons expanded for denying a petition. Directs the Secretary to permit interim use of an already approved additive if it appears from initial review that such expanded use is safe. Directs the Secretary to base a determination of the safety of a food additive on all relevant factors, including risk assessment. Provides an exception to the "Delaney clause" (which deems as unsafe any additive which induces cancer when ingested by man or animal) upon a finding that use of the additive does not present a significant risk to health. Requires the Secretary, whenver an additive is limited on the basis that it induces cancer in man or animal, to refer such matter to the food safety committee and permit interested persons to provide information. Enumerates additional criteria for considering a food additive which has been identified as presenting a significant risk, but has a substantial history of use and no reasonably practicable substitute. Includes among such factors the nature and extent of the consequences of use and the feasibility and effect of providing information to consumers regarding the additive's risk. Provides for expedited judicial review of any failure by the FDA to meet the time limits for food additive determinations or to provide detailed reasons for denial of a petition. Authorizes the Secretary to issue an interim food additive regulation with respect to a substance the safety of which has been questioned by new, but inconclusive, information, upon a determination that there is a reasonable certainty that such substance is not harmful. Applies the new procedures for amending or repealing a food additive regulation to any action to limit a substance which is generally recognized as safe. Establishes a new simplified premarket notification system for food contact substances. Provides that a food contact substance shall be deemed unsafe unless: (1) it is not reasonably expected to become a component of food under its intended use; (2) it conforms to a regulation; or (3) a premarket notification has been registered with the FDA and the FDA fails to make a finding of significant risk to public health within 90 days. Subjects any such finding to judicial review. Permits a person to petition the Secretary for promulgation of a regulation in lieu of premarket notification. Directs the Secretary, for the purpose of receiving referrals respecting the safety of food substances, to request the National Academy of Sciences, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, or other independent entity having such scientific expertise, to establish a committee to study and report on the safety of food substances. Provides a procedure and the criteria for the Secretary to establish an advisory food safety committee in the event such entities decline to establish such committee. Authorizes any person who may be adversely affected by a Secretarial decision to request the Secretary to consult such a committee before he makes a final decision on the use of any food substance, food additive, new animal drug, or color additive. Establishes for new animal drugs and color additives a regulatory scheme similar to that set forth for food additives. Includes as a factor to be considered with respect to animal drugs the present commercial availability of approved alternatives. Eliminates the current requirement for individual product licenses for animal drug manufacturers. Establishes a one-time location registration of establishments at which a new animal drug is to be first mixed into animal feed. Repeals the animal drug provision requiring batch certification of five specific antibiotics. Title II - Amends the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Meat Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act to conform to provisions of this Act. Title III - Requires persons who have filed food or color additive petitions or new animal drug applications which were filed prior to enactment to elect consideration in accordance with existing law or law as amended by this Act. Provides that enforcement proceedings based on acts occurring prior to enactment shall proceed under prior law.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Federal Computer Systems Protection Act of 1981 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for using or attempting to use a computer which: (1) is operated on behalf of the Federal Government or a financial institution (where the prohibited conduct directly affects the computer operation); or (2) operates in interstate commerce, with intent to defraud, obtain property by false pretenses, embezzle, steal, or knowingly convert the property of another. Specifies factors which Federal law enforcement officers must consider in determining whether to exercise jurisdiction over such offense, where concurrent jurisdiction exists with a State or local government. Directs the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the extent of the exercise of such Federal jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Postal Service Amendments of 1981 - Authorizes the United States Postal Service to issue written demands requiring access to books, records, documents, or other objects believed to relate to any postal offense or civil matter under investigation by the Postal Service. Provides for the enforcement of such a demand by the appropriate district court. Authorizes the Postal Service to issue an order requiring any person to cease and desist from conducting a lottery or scheme for obtaining money or property by false representations through the mail. Declares that the resumption of such an activity through the use of any instrumentality of interstate commerce shall be considered to be a failure to comply with such order. Permits the Postal Service, in investigating whether a person is conducting such an activity, to tender the price of any article or service that such person has offered for sale. Declares that failure by such person to provide such article or service, or failure to comply with a written demand of the Postal Service for access to materials, shall constitute probable cause to believe such person is engaged in such activities, warranting the detention of such person's incoming mail. Establishes a civil penalty to be assessed by the Postal Service, after an opportunity for an agency hearing, against any person who: (1) attempts to evade an order directing the postmaster to return mail addressed to such person; (2) fails to comply with a cease and desist; or (3) assists another person in evading such an order.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Amends the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 to require a judicial officer, in setting conditions for pretrial release for any person charged with certain narcotics offenses, to consider which conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community, the personal safety of persons in the community, and the prevention of similar offenses by such person. Requires a judicial officer to deny release to any person charged with a narcotics offense who: (1) has previously been convicted of a felony narcotics offense under Federal, State, or foreign law; (2) is on parole, probation, or other conditional release for a felony offense under Federal or State law; (3) is an illegal alien; (4) was arrested in possession of a false passport; or (5) has been convicted of being a fugitive from justice. Requires the Government to provide clear and convincing evidence that the person charged falls within any such category and to establish that there is substantial probability that the person committed the offense . Permits the judicial officer to grant release to a person who has not been previously convicted of a felony narcotics offense upon a finding of special mitigating factors. Requires that the case of a person who is denied release be placed on an expedited calendar.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1981
Interstate Compacts - Grants the consent and approval of Congress to amendments made by the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit regulation compact which delete the requirement that laborers and mechanics employed by the contractors and subcontractors of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar construction in the locality in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1981
Prohibits the Federal Trade Commission from investigating or taking any action concerning any State regulated profession until Congress enacts legislation which expressly provides that the Commission has authority over professions and that the Commission's authority preempts State authority. Vacates any such action taken during the period beginning on May 28, 1981, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1981
Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to exempt construction contracts and subcontracts financed by loans or grants made to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority under such Act from the prevailing wage provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain individuals to compute the amount of the income tax deduction for retirement savings on the basis of the earned income of their spouses, without regard to any community property laws.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Declares it the sense of the Congress that no legislation that would change the operations of the Guaranteed Student Loan Program before October 1, 1981, should or will be enacted. Prohibits the Secretary of Education from promulgating any rule which changes the operations of the Guaranteed Student Loan Program before October 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
Amends the Shipping Act, 1916, to prohibit any person or organization from entering, or coercing another to enter, into an agreement that requires a common carrier by water or other person subject to such Act not to do business with persons who load, unload, or prepare containers for shipment at locations away from shipping piers or docks.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a postage stamp to honor the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish criteria for the imposition of the death penalty for Federal crimes. Requires a separate sentencing hearing before a jury, or the court upon motion by the defendant, when the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty to an offense for which death is a possible penalty. Provides that no presentence report shall be prepared in such cases. Allows the defendant and the Government to present any information relevant to sentencing, without regard to the rules of evidence. Specifies mitigating and aggravating factors. Requires the jury to determine by majority vote whether the aggravating factors sufficiently outweigh the mitigating factors to justify the death sentence. Authorizes the court to sentence the defendant to death upon such a determination or to impose another authorized sentence. Provides that the sentence in any case in which the death penalty is authorized shall be appealable by either party. Limits the circumstances under which the offense of delivering defense information to aid foreign governments is punishable by death. Allows the death penalty to be imposed for the murder of foreign officials and for an offense of kidnapping resulting in the death of the person. Eliminates the death penalty for the crime of rape. Makes it a Federal crime to kill a Government employee holding a level one position of the Executive Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a commemorative postage stamp to honor Roberto Clemente. Provides that such stamp shall be issued in the denomination used for first-class mail up to one ounce in weight and shall be placed on sale during the month of August.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1981
George Washington Commemorative Coin Act - Amends the Coinage Act of 1965 to provide for the minting of not less than ten million half-dollar coins with a design emblematic of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of George Washington. Specifies the size and weight of such coins. Specifies certain inscriptions to be placed on such coins. Provides that such coins shall be sold to the public at a price equal to the cost of minting and distribution plus a surcharge of not more than 20 percent. Directs that an amount equal to all surcharges collected shall be used for the sole purpose of reducing the national debt. Directs that no such coins shall be minted after December 31, 1983. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1981
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) temporarily suspend the airman certificate of anyone indicted for a violation of the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act if operation of an aircraft is an element of the offense charged; and (2) revoke the airman certificate of anyone convicted of a violation of such Act if operation of an aircraft is an element of the offense for which the holder was convicted. Sets forth criminal penalties for the use or sale of fraudulent certificates with the intent or knowledge that such certificates will be used in connection with a violation of the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act. Provides criminal penalties for any person who: (1) while navigating an aircraft, knowingly and willfully violates such Act; and (2) is the owner of an aircraft and knowingly allows any person to use such aircraft in violation of such Act. Requires that such penalties shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other penalty imposed under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income interest earned on certificates of deposit issued by banks, certain savings institutions, or credit unions. Requires such certificates to be issued between June 30, 1981 and July 31, 1982, to have a one year maturity, and to bear interest at a rate not greater than 70 percent of the average yield of U.S. Treasury bills. Limits the amount of such exclusion to $1,000 ($2,000 for joint returns).
![Official portrait of Rep. Barnard, Doug, Jr. [D-GA-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/0cfaa9df4c43300bfb59befe46ba7cd8_200.jpg)