United States · United States Congress · 19 August 1982
Title I: Federal Tort Claims Amendments - Amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to make a tort claim resulting from a Government employee's negligent act which was within the scope of the employee's office or employment exclusive of any other civil action arising out of the same subject matter. Requires the substitution of the United States as the party defendant upon certification by the Attorney General that the defendant employee was acting within the scope of his or her employment. Makes such certification binding and conclusive. Amends definitions to make such Act applicable to the following agencies and their employees: (1) the Senate; (2) the House of Representatives; (3) U.S. courts; and (4) any agency of the judicial branch. Title II: Constitutional Torts - Provides that the district courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction of civil actions on claims for money damages based on constitutional torts. Establishes a constitutional tort remedy against the United States for an act of a Government employee which the Attorney General certifies was within the scope of such employee's office or employment. Limits recovery to the greater of either: (1) actual damages; or (2) liquidated damages in an amount which is the greater of $2,000 or, in the case of a continuing violation, $200 per day for each violation. Provides that if the conduct giving rise to the tort was done with the malicious intention to cause the deprivation of constitutional rights or with reckless disregard of the plaintiff's constitutional rights, damages shall not be more than $100,000. Authorizes the United States to assert as a defense to a constitutional tort the absolute or qualified immunity of the Government employee, or his or her reasonable good faith belief that his or her conduct was lawful. Requires a claimant before suing the United States for money damages based on a constitutional tort to have first presented the claim to the appropriate Federal agency. Permits either party to request a jury trial. Permits the Attorney General to settle or compromise a constitutional tort claim. Authorizes the award of attorney's fees to a successful claimant. Makes the remedy against the United States provided by the Federal Torts Claims Act and this Act for claims for money damages based on constitutional torts exclusive of any other civil action. Directs the Attorney General, where an action results in a judgment against the United States, to forward the matter to the employing agency for further investigation or disciplinary action. Exempts from tort claims: (1) the Tennessee Valley Authority; (2) the Panama Canal Commission; (3) Federal land banks; (4) Federal intermediate credit banks; and (5) banks for cooperatives. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Title III: Amendments to Other Laws; Applicability of Act - Makes conforming amendments relative to medical malpractice provisions concerning Federal health professionals. Makes additional technical amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1982
Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize a verdict of "guilty but mentally ill." Permits the court to impose on a defendant found guilty but mentally ill any sentence which the court can impose on a defendant convicted of the offense charged, taking into account such defendant's mental illness.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1982
Pharmacy Protection and Violent Offender Control Act of 1982 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to establish penalties for obtaining possession of a controlled substance from a pharmacist or distributor by robbery or extortion. Establishes mandatory terms of imprisonment for any person who commits such offense. Requires the Attorney General to include pharmacy crime data in the annual Uniform Crime Reports.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1982
Expresses the support of the Congress for beginning strategic arms reductions talks. Urges the Soviet Union to join with the United States in concluding an equitable and verifiable agreement which freezes strategic nuclear forces at equal and substantially reduced levels. Reaffirms congressional support for the position that the United States should not enter into an arms agreement which provides for force levels inferior to those of the Soviet Union. Declares that the United States should propose practical measures to: (1) reduce the danger of accidental nuclear war; (2) prevent the use of nuclear weapons by third parties, including terrorists; and (3) halt the worldwide proliferation of nuclear weapons. Insists that any arms control agreement must be fully verifiable.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1982
Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to provide that the cost of construction work in progress shall be included in the rate base used to establish electric utility rates.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1982
Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the inclusion of the disbursements from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and of the receipts from the old age, survivors and disability insurance taxes and the hospital insurance taxes on self-employment income, employees, and employers in the totals of the Federal budget. Exempts such disbursements and receipts from any general statutory limitation on Federal budget outlays.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1982
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit an Immigration and Naturalization Service official or employee from entering a farm or agricultural operation without a warrant or the owner's consent.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1982
Professional Sports Stabilization Act of 1982 - Declares that it shall not be unlawful under any antitrust law for a professional sports league and its member clubs to enforce rules: (1) requiring approval by the league membership for the relocation of a member club; or (2) providing for the division of league or member club revenues that promote comparable economic opportunities for member clubs. Prohibits State and local governments from imposing limitations on the collective conduct of sports leagues or member teams authorized by this Act. Specifies the applicability of this Act to actions commenced under the antitrust laws before its enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1982
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.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1982
Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement of receipts and outlays for that year in which total outlays are no greater than total receipts. Permits the revision of such statement. Permits an excess of outlays over receipts when approved by a vote of three-fifths of both Houses of Congress directed solely to that subject. Requires Congress and the President to ensure that actual outlays do not exceed the outlays set forth in such statement. Prohibits total receipts for any fiscal year set forth in such statement from increasing by a rate greater than the rate of increase in national income in the last calendar year ending before such fiscal year, unless a bill directed solely to approving specific additional receipts is passed by a majority of both Houses. Permits a waiver of such prohibitions for any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Prohibits Congress from requiring States to engage in additional activities without compensation equal to the additional costs. Requires that any amount of total receipts which exceeds total outlays be applied to repayment of the public debt. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States except those derived from borrowing and total outlays shall include all outlays except those for repayment of debt principal. Directs that changes in the following matters relative to Members of Congress be determined by procedures by recorded vote: (1) compensation for services; (2) treatment under the tax laws; and (3) rules of either House with respect to limitations on earned income.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1982
Expresses congressional approval of the 1979 strategic arms limitation agreement between the Soviet Union and the United States (SALT II). Directs the President to transmit to the Soviet Union the necessary instruments of ratification.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1982
Expresses the sense of the Congress that if Israel is illegally denied its right to participate in the United Nations General Assembly or in any specialized agency of the United Nations the United States should: (1) suspend its participation in the General Assembly or specialized agency; and (2) withhold its assessed contribution to the United Nations or specialized agency until the illegal action is reversed.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1982
Amends the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to include within the definition of "securities" for the purposes of such Acts any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any security or certificate of deposit or any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to grant the Securities and Exchange Commission the authority to regulate the trading of such securities.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1982
Omnibus Congressional Compensation Reform Act of 1982 - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to eliminate the annual adjustment in compensation for Members of Congress. Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 to make the President's recommendation for congressional salaries of an advisory nature only, unless otherwise provided by law. Provides that the annual rate of pay for Members of Congress shall be the rate payable on the date of enactment of this Act. Repeals the provision of law which authorizes permanent appropriations for compensation for Members. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to require Members to substantiate their living expense deductions. Directs that any increase in compensation, tax benefits, or increase in outside earned income limitations (including honoraria) shall take effect at the beginning of the Congress following the Congress during which such benefits are authorized. Amends rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and rule XII of the Standing Rules of the Senate to require a recorded vote on such types of legislation. Makes it out of order in the House or Senate to consider such legislation if it contains items other than those relative to congressional benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1982
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a State, at its option, to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Labor under which the State shall: (1) collect the tax imposed by the Federal Unemployment Tax Act; (2) retain a specified portion of such tax to be used for the administration of the State's unemployment compensation law and public employment offices; and (3) pay to the Treasury the remaining portion of such tax not retained. Allows a State to deposit any unexpended funds into its unemployment fund for use in payment of unemployment compensation. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Labor to enter into such an agreement unless: (1) the Secretary of Labor determines that a State does not have an unemployment compensation law which meets the requirements of Federal law; or (2) the Secretary of the Treasury determines that the State is not able to properly collect and pay over the required employment tax. Authorizes the Secretaries to declare a State to be in violation of such arragement if either should determine that the State is not meeting the requirements of this Act. Provides that a refusal to enter into an agreement and a declaration of violation shall be subject to administrative and judicial review. Provides tax penalties for any violation of such an agreement. Provides that any State entering into such an agreement shall not be eligible to receive payments under title III or title IX of the Social Security Act or under the Wagner-Peyser Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code and titles III and IX of the Social Security Act to allow States, at their option, to maintain and manage their own unemployment funds.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1982
American Eagle Gold Coin Act of 1982 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint gold coins to be referred to as "American Eagles". Sets forth the specifications for four types of such gold coins. Declares that coins minted under this Act shall not be legal tender for public debts, public charges, taxes, duties or dues, but may be used for the payment of private debts. Sets forth the dates by which the Secretary shall begin delivery of such coins. Sets forth the formula by which the Secretary shall determine the daily price of such coins. Grants the Secretary the power to adjust the seigniorage charge on the sale of all such coins to finance the expenses of minting, delivering, and distributing them. Permits the exchange of gold bullion for such American Eagle coins. Permits the Secretary to prescribe necessary regulations. Declares that any gain or loss derived from the sale, exchange, or other disposition of any coin authorized by this Act shall not be recognized as a capital gain or loss under any Federal, State, or local income tax. Exempts the purchase or sale of any such coin from any Federal, State, or local sales, personal property, or excise tax.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1982
Small Business Free Enterprise Act - Title I: Incentives - Subtitle A: Social Security Tax Reduction - Eliminates employee and employer social security payroll taxes for employees of certain qualified small businesses. Subtitle B - Reduction in Capital Gain Tax Rates - Reduces the alternative tax on capital gains for certain small business corporations in the case of sales or exchanges of property used predominantly in the active conduct of a trade or business. Revises the method of computing the capital gains deduction for taxpayers other than corporations. States that, for purposes of the minimum tax, sales of certain small business property shall not be included in the computation of capital gains as a tax preference item. Subtitle C - Corporate Rate Reduction - Reduces the income tax on qualified small business corporations to five percent of taxable income. Subtitle D - Other Incentives - Allows small businesses to elect to compute the depreciation deduction by using the straight line method with a useful life of one year. Allows the full investment tax credit for qualified small business property. Permits qualified small businesses to use the cash method of accounting in reporting income. Provides that Federal minimum wage laws and the Occupational Safety and Health Act shall not apply to qualified small businesses. Title II: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for amendments made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1982
Expresses the sense of Congress that no cuts should be made in the cost of living adjustments under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1982
Energy Information Administration Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 to authorize the Director of the Office of Energy Information and Analysis to provide the head of a Federal agency from which energy information is sought with a binding assurance that such information will not be disclosed to other Department of Energy offices. Permits an agency head to determine when a binding assurance of nondisclosure must be provided. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to provide that the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration is not required to disclose to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission any energy information obtained under a binding assurance of nondisclosure or gathered for statistical purposes. Makes data to be gathered for statistical purposes available to another Department of Energy office or to another Federal agency only upon receipt of a written request with a demonstration of need and with reasonable and binding assurances by the office or agency that the information will be used solely for statistical purposes. Permits an agency head to disclose in any proceeding confidential energy information gained under the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974 if: (1) such agency is a party to the proceeding; (2) disclosure is essential to the agency's effective participation in the proceeding; and (3) the agency head seeks an order protecting against disclosure of such information beyond that necessary to the agency's participation in the proceeding. Amends the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974 to remove the requirements that the Federal Energy Administrator promulgate rules requiring reports of energy information by persons engaged in the production, processing, refining, transportation by pipeline, or distribution of energy sources. Repeals the quarterly reporting requirements imposed on the Federal Energy Administrator with respect to energy imports, domestic energy reserves and production, refinery activities, and energy inventories. Authorizes the Federal Energy Administrator to require that persons engaged in crude oil or natural gas production keep and submit reports on energy information. (Currently the Administrator is directed to require such reports.) Repeals the requirement under the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 that the Federal Energy Administrator maintain a file on U.S. exports of coal and refined petroleum products. Repeals requirements imposed upon the Energy Information Administration under the Department of Energy Organization Act for financial reports from major energy-producing companies and for annual reports to the Department of Energy. Repeals coal reserve disclosure requirements imposed on persons or governmental entities holding such reserves under the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978. Repeals the middle distillate monitoring program under the Emergency Conservation Act of 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1982
Amends the Clean Air Act to repeal the requirement that new fossil fuel fired stationary sources of air pollution comply with a standard of performance which requires a percentage reduction in air pollutant emissions. Revises provisions for standards of performance for new stationary sources (NSPS) to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to take into consideration the cost of achieving the degree of emission limitation required by the NSPS, energy impact, and any environmental effects unrelated to air quality. Removes the requirement that the system of continuous emission reduction under NSPS be a "technological" system or process. Includes in the definition of such system or process the use of inherently low-polluting fuels or raw materials. Permits application of such amended requirements to fossil fuel fired electric utility steam generating units which were constructed or modified after September 18, 1978, and before the publication of regulations reflecting the amendments made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1982
Declares that if Israel or any other democratic state is denied its rights and privileges in the United Nations General Assembly the United States will suspend its participation in the General Assembly and will withhold its contribution to the United Nations until the action is reversed.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1982
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant a broadcast station license renewal application if the licensee has operated the station during the most recent license period: (1) in a manner which serves the public interest; and (2) without serious violations of related regulations or treaties. Directs the FCC to deny a renewal application and to consider applications for a construction permit for that station if the FCC determines that a broadcast station licensee has not met the requirements for license renewal.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1982
Prohibits the President from: (1) providing any military assistance for El Salvador under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) issuing any letters of offer or guarantees or extending any credits for El Salvador under the Arms Export Control Act; and (3) leasing defense articles and issuing export licenses for defense articles or services for El Salvador under the Arms Export Control Act. Directs the President to order the prompt withdrawal from El Salvador of all U.S. military personnel performing specified functions under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Prohibits a waiver of the requirements of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1982
Energy Consumer Regulatory Reform Act of 1982 - Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act, the National Energy Conservation Policy Act, and the Energy Reorganization Act by repealing provisions relating to energy conservation improvements to buildings. Repeals provisions of the National Energy Conservation Policy Act and the Energy Security Act relating to residential energy conservation service and commercial and apartment energy conservation service. Repeals energy efficiency standards and requirements for consumer products other than automobiles under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to repeal retail regulatory policies for electric and gas utilities. Repeals provisions of the Energy Conservation and Production Act relating to electric utility rate design initiatives. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act by repealing provisions relating to State energy conservation programs and general emergency energy authorities. Repeals the Emergency Energy Conservation Act of 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1982
Repeals provisions of the Energy Security Act which establish the U.S. Synthetic Fuels Corporation. Requires that projects and funds transferred to the Corporation pursuant to the Supplemental Appropriations and Rescission Act, 1980 be transferred back to the Department of Energy. Authorizes the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to terminate the affairs of the Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1982
Expresses the disapproval of Congress of the Federal Trade Commission's final rule relating to used motor vehicles submitted to Congress on January 28, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1982
Amends rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require a recorded vote on the final passage of legislation that economically affects Members of Congress as a separate and distinct class.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1982
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the provision allowing an income tax deduction without substantiation for living expenses of Members of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1981
Clean Air Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Clean Air Act ("the Act") to revise provisions applicable to stationary and mobile sources of air pollution. Declares that such revision is for the purposes of: (1) preserving the basic framework and purposes of the Act; (2) continuing unchanged the Act's statutory requirements for setting and revising national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) (both "primary" NAAQS, relating to human health; and "secondary" NAAQS, relating to other "welfare" factors); (3) lessening the complexity in the process of achieving those standards and other requirements of the Act; (4) expediting the review and approval process for State implementation plans (SIPs); (5) providing reasonably appropriate extensions of time for States to attain NAAQS and providing administrative flexibility for States and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to achieve the purposes of the Act in a timely and reasonably effective way; (6) ensuring adequate consideration of economic, energy, safety, environmental, employment, and other relevant factors in achieving NAAQS and other requirements; (7) supporting training programs for State and local governments; and (8) providing sufficient budget authority and personnel for the Administrator to enable the EPA and the States to carry out the Act in a timely and efficient manner without undue reliance on contractors. Title I: Amendments Relating Primarily to Regulation of Stationary Sources - Revises title I (Air Pollution Prevention and Control) of the Act. Use of Best Available Data - Requires that the best available data obtained by monitoring or modeling be used in revisions of a list of air quality control regions that do not meet specified standards. Provides that, where available, "reliable monitoring data" shall be considered "the best available data." Directs the Administrator to decide upon "the best available data" and "reliable monitoring data." State Plans and State Implementation Plans Revision Process - Revises deadlines for development of State implementation plans (SIPs) to extend the current nine-month period to "a reasonable time as determined by the Administrator (but not to exceed two years)." Directs the Administrator to participate in public hearings conducted by a State, where appropriate to expedite the approval of any SIP revision. Authorizes the Administrator, with the consent of the State, to jointly conduct such hearings. Sets forth new provisions for a State Implementation Plan Revision Process. Directs the Administrator to publish prompt notice of any State submission of any SIP revision. Provides for a written comment period of 30 to 70 days. Permits the Administrator to approve or disapprove the SIP revision, without additional proceedings, where the revision was submitted after State administrative proceedings certified by the State to be at least comparable to specified Federal rulemaking proceedings (including reasonable notice and public hearing) and after the written comment period. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct additional proceedings within a specified period. Directs the Administrator to approve or disapprove the SIP revision 70 to 120 days after submission. Allows the Administrator to: (1) extend for up to 60 days the periods for submission of written comments and for final approval or disapproval; and/or (2) conduct additional proceedings. Requires published notice of and reasons for such extension. Requires published notice of approval or disapproval before the expiration of the 120-day period or the extended period. Deems any SIP revision that has not been approved or disapproved before the expiration of the required (or extended) period to have been approved. Directs the Administrator to publish notice and a copy of the revision, at the expiration of such period (or extension). Provides that specified "noncontroversial revisions" of SIPs shall be deemed approved upon adoption by a State. Requires a State, upon adoption of a noncontroversial SIP revision and expiration of a 30-day written comment period, to transmit notice, to the Administrator and the Federal Register, to be published as if it were a revision promulgated by the Administrator. Defines a "noncontroversial revision" as one: (1) for which no person has filed a written objection based on any provision of the Act or any regulation in effect under the Act; and (2) which is adopted by the State pursuant to Administrator-approved procedures (including reasonable notice and opportunity for participation by the public and the Administrator). Prohibits treating as a noncontroversial revision any change in a stationary source emission limitation, compliance schedule or timetable, or permit provision, until the Administrator has promulgated certain regulations requiring that such changes be limited to a stationary source already in operation and do not permit emissions increases in excess of an amount deemed by rule to be significant. Directs the Administrator to take specified factors into account in promulgating such regulations. Applies the term "noncontroversial revision" also to any revision relating only to specified information requirements. Permits State variances that are SIP revisions issued on a six-month emergency basis to be treated as approved revisions under a process similiar to that for noncontroversial revisions. Directs the Administrator to conduct periodic audits of SIPs and other State activities under the Act. Directs the Inspector General to periodically review, and report to Congress on, the Administrator's audit activities. Directs the Administrator to notify a State of information derived from such audits. Authorizes the Administrator, in addition to requiring appropriate State revision or invoking Federal revisions, to suspend the application of the new SIP revision process where a State fails to correct any deficiency or problem within an appropriate period. Requires that audit reports be available to the State and the public. Allows the Administrator to grant an extension of up to four years (currently a two-year extension) for SIP compliance with NAAQS. Specifies that the Administrator may delegate approvals or disapprovals of SIPs or SIP revisions. New Source Performance Standards - Revises provisions for New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) to limit the application of percentage reduction requirements (under which coal-burning facilities must remove a certain percentage of sulfur emissions) to those categories of stationary sources to which such requirements apply under regulations in effect on December 31, 1981. Enforcement - Provides a one-year period for compliance after issuance of specified Federal enforcement orders (not including Federal orders relating to violations of national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants or State enforcement orders). Repeals a requirement that the Administrator seek an injunction or assess a civil penalty in the case of any major stationary source not in compliance within 30 days of such a Federal enforcement order. Provides discretionary authority for the Administrator to seek injunctions or assess penalties in such cases or in any other cases of noncompliance beyond 30 days of such orders (and continues such discretionary authority in cases not involving major stationary sources). Directs the Administrator to carry out specified enforcement authorities through the use of full-time Federal officers or employees. States that contractors should be used only as necessary to provide technical support for such enforcement. Prohibits the Administrator from contracting with anyone other than a full-time Federal officer or employee to provide legal assistance for such enforcement. Requires (currently allows) each State to develop and submit to the Administrator a plan for carrying out noncompliance penalty provisions in such State. Repeals the authority of the Administrator to carry out noncompliance penalty provisions in a State under certain conditions. Authorizes (currently requires) the State, or the Administrator if the State has not received a delegation, to carry out penalty provisions to assess and collect a noncompliance penalty in specified circumstances. Authorizes the State to grant exemptions from penalties in cases of minor noncompliance (and continues the authority of the Administrator, when appropriate, to do so). Repeals a requirement that the Administrator send notices of noncompliance to specified persons, in the event the State fails to send such notices. Requires persons receiving such notices to submit a calculation of the amount of penalty owed and a schedule of payments within a reasonable period prescribed by the Administrator or the State (currently requires such submission within 45 days of notice issuance or petition denial). Makes a similar change in the deadline for submissions of petitions challenging such notice or alleging entitlement to an exemption. Provides that public hearings on such petitions be conducted by the Administrator or the State, as appropriate, and that decisions on such petitions be made within a reasonable time (currently requires the Administrator to hold such hearings unless the State agrees to do so and currently requires a decision within 90 days after receipt of the petition). Repeals provisions authorizing the Administrator to review State decisions on such petitions and requiring such review under certain conditions. Authorizes the State or the Administrator, as appropriate, to adjust or compromise any penalty assessment if the source is in compliance. Repeals provisions for: (1) final adjustments of penalties after compliance; and (2) Administrator objections to, and substitutions for, State noncompliance penalties. Revises requirements for noncompliance penalty assessed amount determinations and payment schedules. Attainment Date Extensions - Permits States to receive up to five-year extensions beyond the December 31, 1982, primary NAAQS attainment date for pollutants in nonattainment areas (the Act currently permits extensions up to December 31, 1987, for carbon monoxide and photochemical oxidants). Requires, in order to receive such extensions, that a State: (1) certify to the Administrator that attainment is not possible before December 31, 1982, despite implementation of all reasonably available measures; and (2) commit itself to not modifying State nonattainment plan provisions so as to adversely affect reasonable further progress. Directs the Administrator to publish notice of such certification and afford an opportunity of not more than 60 days for public comment, including a hearing where appropriate. Directs the Administrator, if satisfied that such attainment is not possible, to extend the deadline to a date providing for attainment as expeditiously as possible, but not later than December 31, 1987. Grants the Administrator discretionary authority, upon State application and after notice and public hearing, to provide an additional extension of an attainment date for any NAAQS, for up to six years beyond the December 31, 1987 extension. Conditions such additional extensions on a State demonstration that: (1) reasonable further progress toward attainment has been made during the previous extension period; (2) air quality problems are so severe and persistent, for identified reasons, that the previous extended deadline cannot be attained; (3) all applicable SIP provisions, including those relating to legislative and funding actions and reasonably available control technology are being adequately implemented; (4) an approved program has been adopted and implemented applicable to in-use motor vehicle emissions (including a vehicle inspection and maintenance program, where appropriate in the case of carbon monoxide and photochemical oxidants; and (5) a reasonable and practical program for attainment within a specified period has been submitted as a revision of the SIP. Directs the Administrator to: (1) promulgate regulations for determining the terms of such additional extensions; and (2) annually audit the progress of any State that has not attained a NAAQS by the additional extension deadline. Prohibits issuance of a construction or modification permit for any major stationary source which emits a pollutant for which a NAAQS has not been attained by the appropriate deadline. Permits case-by- case waivers of such prohibition for the construction of any new stationary source to replace an existing stationary source, upon determination that emissions from the new source of each air pollutant for which the area is designated a nonattainment area will be less than such emissions from the existing source. Directs the Administrator to: (1) enforce such permit requirements by issuing an order or bringing a civil action; and (2) seek an injunction or assess a civil penalty for violations of such prohibitions against construction or modification. Nonattainment (other amendments) - Revises other part D provisions for permit requirements in nonattainment areas to require that proposed new or modified major stationary sources comply with the best available control technology (BACT) standard, in the case of permits issued on or after the date 180 days after the enactment of this Act (compliance with the lowest achievable emission rate (LAER) standard is thus required only for permits issued before such date). Repeals a requirement that SIP provisions for nonattainment areas establish a specific schedule for implementation of a vehicle emission control inspection and maintenance (I and M) program in order to qualify for a deadline extension in meeting the primary NAAQS for photochemical oxidants or carbon monoxide. Requires that SIP nonattainment provisions for urban areas with greater than 500,000 population in which the 1981 photochemical oxidants and/or carbon monoxide level exceeded the respective primary NAAQS by 50 percent or more must contain a cost-effective program applicable to in-use motor vehicle emissions and not inconsistent with title II (Emission Standards for Moving Sources) of the Act. Requires that such program include an I and M program, if the Administrator deems this appropriate. Allows a State to decide that the I and M program will apply first to motor vehicle fleets and commercial operators and then, when the State determines necessary for attainment, to other vehicles. Permits any State to: (1) continue an I and M program for any nonattainment area which does not fall under the new requirements concerning urban areas with the above-mentioned population and pollution areas; or (2) submit revisions to modify or eliminate such program. Makes specified emissions level requirements for construction and operation in nonattainment areas inapplicable in the case of any SIP under which: (1) all new major stationary sources are required to comply with the best available control technology (BACT) standard; (2) an adequate emissions inventory is maintained; (3) all existing major stationary sources will be in compliance with emission limitations based upon reasonably available control technology (RACT) not later than 1987 (or earlier, as appropriate); and (4) notwithstanding the construction of new major stationary sources, there is a program for obtaining such annual reductions in emissions as represent reasonable further progress. Repeals provisions for Federal authority to withhold Federal grant funds for sewage treatment and highways in cases of noncompliance with the Act. Prevention of Significant Deterioration - Revises provisions for Prevention of Significant Deterioration of Air Quality (PSD). (PSD provisions currently specify allowable short-term and long-term "increments" of emissions of sulfur oxide and particulate matter - regulations for other pollutants are not yet final - in areas with cleaner air than that required by NAAQS. Currently the smallest increments are allowed in "class I" areas, which include "statutorily designated" large national parks and wilderness areas, with larger increments in "class II" areas, and the largest increments in "class III" areas.) Repeals the "increment" limitations (specified "maximum allowable increases over baseline concentrations") for class II and class III areas. Allows, in class I areas, the short-term increment limitation to be exceeded five times per year (currently only one short-term excess is permitted). Permits State Governors to rule that concentrations of particulate matter attributable to fugitive dust from specified sources shall not be taken into account in determining compliance with maximum allowable increases in ambient concentrations, unless the Administrator rules that the inclusion of such fugitive dust is necessary to carry out the purposes of PSD provisions. Eliminates provisions for PSD area redesignations as class III areas. Revises PSD preconstruction review analysis requirements to grant discretion to the permitting authority in determining whether continuous air quality monitoring data is necessary to determine whether emissions from a facility will exceed maximum allowable increases (class I area increments) or maximum allowable concentrations (primary and secondary NAAQS). Eliminates the special definition of "best available control technology" (BACT) for purposes of PSD provisions. Defines BACT for purposes of the Act to mean the applicable New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) (the EPA-set technology-based standards for categories of industries), along with applicable national emission limitation standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAPs). Retains determination of the BACT by the permitting authority on a case-by-case basis where no NSPS exists for a stationary source in a particular category. Allows State and local governments to adopt or enforce standards or limitations more stringent than the BACT standard. Provides that PSD preconstruction requirements shall only apply to physical or operational changes resulting in a significant net increase in source emissions of any air pollutant regulated under provisions for NAAQS, NSPS, or NESHAPs. Sets a de minimis amount for such increase at 100 tons per year (1,000 tons per year of carbon monoxide) for any air pollutant for which a NAAQS is established (except lead). Authorizes the Administrator to determine, by rule, that a lesser amount is necessary to carry out PSD purposes. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Eliminates the requirement that PSD regulations for hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, photochemical oxidants, and nitrogen oxides contain measures at least as effective as the "increment" limitations for sulfur oxides and particulate matter. Effective Data and Transitional Rules - Sets forth an effective date and transitional rules for the amendments relating to Nonattainment provisions and to PSD provisions. Regulatory Stability - Sets forth regulatory stability provisions establishing a ten-year "grandfather" period, commencing with construction or modification, during which a stationary source (unless subsequently modified) shall not be subject to more stringent requirements if the construction or modification is subject to NSPS, obtains a permit or approval, and meets all permit or approval requirements. Excludes from such "grandfather" provision any emission limitation or standard imposed on any stationary source with respect to: (1) hazardous pollutants designated under NESHAP provisions; (2) pollutants with no NAAQS in effect at commencement of the construction; or (3) any other air pollutant, if the Administrator judges that the public health or welfare may be endangered. Ozone Protection - Directs the President to report to the Congress annually, beginning within two years of the enactment of this Act, on the status of actions toward international agreements concerning the protection of stratosphere. Requires that copies of such reports be made available to the public. Directs the Administrator to make specified determinations, considerations of study results, and findings before any ozone protection regulation on chloroflurocarbon control is proposed or promulgated. Title II: Mobile Source Amendments - Revises part A (Motor Vehicle Emission and Fuel Standards) of title II (Emission Standards for Moving Sources) of the Act. Establishment of Emission Standards for New Motor Vehicle or New Motor Vehicle Engines - Requires that any more stringent new standard not become effective for at least: (1) 48 months after prescription or revision, in the case of heavy-duty vehicles or engines; and (2) 36 months after prescription or revision, in the case of all other new motor vehicles or engines. Provides that any more stringent new standards must reflect the degree of emission reduction the Administrator determines to be reasonably achievable through application of technology adequately demonstrated to be available for the appropriate model year. Directs the Administrator, in making such determination, to consider costs, applicability to gasoline or diesel-fueled vehicles or engines, impact on fuel economy, effect on level of all emissions from such vehicles or engines, safety, commercial use, and other appropriate factors. Authorizes the Administrator to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to review the technical feasibility of such proposed new standards and to submit written reports which shall be available to the public. Revises provisions relating to regulations applicable to emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen, and particulate matter from classes or categories of heavy duty vehicles or engines. Provides that the standards prescribed (after enactment of this Act) in such emissions regulations shall apply for a minimum period of four model years unless less stringent standards are prescribed for any model year during that period. Requires that standards applicable to emissions of oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter be prescribed at the same time. Directs the Administrator to arrange with NAS for a technological feasibility report with respect to any proposed standard for particulate matter to be prescribed for heavy-duty vehicles and engines. Revises provisions for a continuing pollutant specific study concerning the effects of air pollutant emissions. Revises deadlines for such study (making the next deadlines January 1, 1983, and before January 1 of each fourth year thereafter). Requires notice and opportunity for public comment before the Administrator determines that the operation or function of an emission control device, system, or element of design will cause or contribute to an unreasonable risk to public health, welfare, or safety. Adds to the factors the Administrator must consider in making such determination any information obtained from any manufacturer under specified compliance testing provisions. Revises standards for regulation of emissions from light-duty vehicles and engines manufactured during and after model year 1982 for specified pollutant grams per vehicle mile (gpm): (1) .41 gpm of hydrocarbons; (2) seven gpm of carbon monoxide; and (3) two gpm of oxides of nitrogen. Authorizes the Administrator to revise any such standard for any model year after model year 1986. Prohibits any revised standard from being more stringent than the standard applicable (without regard to any waiver) to light-duty vehicles and engines manufactured in the 1981 model year. Revises provisions for waivers of such emission standards. Directs the Administrator, after notice and opportunity for public hearing, to waive any emission standard for any model of vehicles or vehicle engines for up to four model years, upon petition and demonstration by the manufacturer that such waiver is necessary for the use of an innovative power train technology, innovative emission control device or system, or alternative fuel or power source. Adds "the potential to conserve energy" to factors to be considered in granting such waivers. Revises th maximum number of vehicles or engines per manufacturer to which such waivers may apply. Sets such maximum at 200,000 vehicles or engines per year of such waiver, but not more than 500,0000 for a four model years waiver. Prohibits extension or renewal of four model years waivers. Requires that such waivers include appropriate emissions standards to: (1) ensure, in the Administrator's judgment, no significant adverse impact on achieving applicable NAAQS; and (2) encourage development and production of such model. Limits to one-half the average original actual life for each class or category of motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine (other than light-duty or motorcycle) that period of use the Administrator is authorized to determine as appropriate for specified provisions relating to the "useful life" of such vehicles or engines. Provides that future regulations affecting the manufacture, distribution, or sale of motor vehicles or engines for high altitude areas of the United States: (1) shall include the exemptions provided in regulations for model year 1982; and (2) may provide specified high altitude performance adjustments. Prohibits any regulation requiring a percentage of reduction in emissions from high altitude motor vehicles greater than that required for non-high altitude motor vehicles. Prohibits regulations applying a numerical standard for determination of such percentage reduction for high altitude vehicles more stringent than that for non-high altitude vehicles. Prohibits regulations requiring that any emission control device or element of design needed to meet the applicable emissions standards under high altitude conditions also be installed on motor vehicles or engines intended for principal use in non-high altitude locations. Prohibited Acts - Includes among prohibited acts the failure or refusal by any manufacturer to comply with EPA requests for information for a study relating to the availability and distribution to motor vehicle dealers located at high altitudes of models of new light-duty motor vehicles. Compliance Testing and Certification - Revises provisions for compliance testing and conformity certification to direct the Administrator to reliably evaluate or require reliable evaluation of (but not necessarily to test or require testing of): (1) any new motor vehicle or new motor vehicle engine submitted by a manufacturer; and (2) any emission control system incorporated in a vehicle or engine submitted by any person. Repeals a one-year maximum limit on the period which a certificate of conformity may cover. Requires that compliance tests or other reliable evaluations determine the average emissions from vehicles or engines. Requires, in making such determination, that: (1) gasoline-fueled vehicles or engines not be in the same class or category as diesel-fueled; and (2) light-duty vehicles or engines not be in the same class or category as heavy-duty. Allows the inclusion of light-duty trucks, certified as such by the Administrator, in the same class or category as light-duty vehicles or engines. Directs the Administrator to establish an acceptable quality level for all new motor vehicles equivalent to the level applicable to 1981 model year light-duty vehicles. Repeals a requirement that all light-duty vehicles manufactured during and after model year 1984 comply with specified emission standards regardless of the altitude at which they are sold. Compliance by Vehicles and Engines in Actual Use - Revises provisions for compliance by vehicles and engines in actual use to base determinations of nonconformity with regulations by any class or category of vehicles and engines manufactured after a specified date upon the average performance in testing a statistically valid and representative sample. Permits manufacturers to elect to take other actions, in lieu of remedying such nonconformity, with respect to those or other vehicles or engines, consistent with the purposes of title II of the Act. Prohibits manufacturers from including together in the same such actions: (1) both gasoline and diesel-fueled vehicles or engines; or (2) both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles or engines. Directs the Administrator to consider the effects on competition, in approving a manufacturer's plan to remedy or take other actions with respect to such nonconformity. Repeals a requirement that dealers furnish purchasers of new light-duty motor vehicles certificates of conformity with applicable emission standards, including notice of purchaser warranty rights. State Standards - Provides that, in the case of any new motor vehicle or engine designed to comply with State emission control standards for which a waiver of Federal standards has been granted, compliance with such State standards shall be treated as compliance with applicable Federal standards. High Altitude Performance Adjustments - Repeals a provision requiring that there be a State-instituted motor vehicle inspection and maintenance (I and M) program in nonattainment areas of a State before authority relating to high altitude performance adjustments may be available to such State. Effective Date - Provides that specified foregoing amendments made by this title shall take effect with respect to vehicles and engines manufactured in model years beginning more than 60 days after the enactment of this Act. Study and Development of Alternative Emissions Control - Directs the Administrator to initiate a study and related proceedings, including appropriate informal public hearings, to: (1) develop alternative and practicable approaches to emission control of any air pollutant, subject to such regulation, from new motor vehicles or engines; and (2) evaluate the existing control program. Sets forth the factors to be considered by the Administrator concerning such alternative approach. Requires that a report of such study, including public comments, be submitted to the appropriate committees of the Congress within one year. Sets forth criteria for proposed regulations under any such alternative approach. Prohibits promulgation of such regulations except after final rulemaking as required by this Act and pursuant to legislation reported from the appropriate committees of Congress and enacted either after the date of submission of the report of the study or after the date of submittal of the regulations to the Congress. Warranties and Parts Certifications - Repeals a requirement that manufacturers warrant that new motor vehicles or engines are: (1) designed, built, and equipped so as to conform with emissions standards at the time of sale; and (2) free from defects in materials and workmanship which cause failure to conform during the period of useful life. Requires, instead, a production warranty that the vehicle or engine is equipped with emission control components designed to enable such vehicle or engine to conform at the time of sale with emissions standards for the first 24 months or first 24,000 miles. Repeals provisions for motor vehicle or engine parts certifications by manufacturers or rebuilders for compliance with emissions standards. Limits a free replacement obligation of manufacturers to emissions control components installed for the sole (currently, sole or primary) purpose of reducing vehicle emissions. Limits specified performance warranties to: (1) the first 24 months or 24,000 miles; and (2) certain components installed for the sole purpose of emissions control. Revises provisions for manufacturers' instructions for the maintenance, replacement, and repair of emission control parts or components to eliminate requirements that: (1) such instructions correspond to regulations promulgated by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; and (2) the replacement parts be certified. Eliminates provisions for waivers of a prohibition against including conditions on the purchaser's using components or services unconnected with the manufacturer. Specifies that waivers of the prohibition against State or local standards for emissions control of new motor vehicles or engines subject to Federal standards will be given only: (1) insofar as numerical emission levels are concerned; and (2) if such standards and new motor vehicle certification and other tests are consistent with Federal standards. Specifies that tampering prohibitions refer to parts or components placed on or in motor vehicles or engines for the sole purpose of controlling emissions. Exempts communications regarding any part, component, system, or service provided without charge under the terms of the purchase agreement from specified prohibitions against manufacturer's communications conditioning warranty coverage on use of certain products or services. Prohibits State new motor vehicle emission standards in nonattainment areas from including any provision similar to the production or performance warranty provisions under the Act. Title III: Study and Conforming Provisions - High Altitude Study - Directs the Administrator, upon the request of any national association of motor vehicle dealers with a membership which includes a majority of U.S. retail franchisers selling imported and domestic new light-duty motor vehicles, to compile data relating to the availability and distribution to dealers located at high altitudes of all models of such vehicles manufactured by any specified manufacturer in a specified model year. Authorizes the Administrator to utilize specified information and to require manufacturers to submit relevant information (except information identifying shipments to individual dealers). Directs the Administrator, within six months after such a request is made, to submit to the Congress and publish in the Federal Register a report setting forth the data so compiled, including specified information. Title IV: Amendments Relating to Authorizations - Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for fiscal years 1982 through 1985. Provides for sums necessary for: (1) the Administrator and the States to effectively carry out the Act's provisions, including training of State and local personnel, enforcement, abatement, and control, consideration of SIPs and revisions, and audits; and (2) sufficient funding for personnel for the Administrator to carry out the Act, particularly its regulatory functions, without undue reliance on contractors. Requires that such authorization not be less than the appropriations authorized in fiscal year 1981 to carry out the Act (except provisions relating to the National Commission on Air Quality). Prohibits the Administrator from using any funds appropriated under the Act for any payment for a reduction-in-force in any fiscal year. Directs the Administrator to inform the appropriate committees of the Congress of the reasons for such reduction, its impact on carrying out the Act, and other detailed or pertinent information, at least 30 days prior to issuing any general notice of such reduction. Declares that nothing in this title shall authorize appropriations for any research and development activities under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1981
Broadcast Licensing, Renewal, and Deregulation Act of 1981 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish new procedures for reviewing petitions to deny broadcast license applications. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant a license renewal application by a radio or television broadcast station licensee unless the actions of the licensee evidence such serious disregard for the Communications Act and for the rules and policies of the FCC that denial of the application is justified. Prohibits the FCC from considering the applications of other persons for a broadcast station's facilities when the FCC is acting upon a license renewal application by a radio or television broadcast station. Permits persons holding construction permits or station licenses to transfer the permit or license without first obtaining an FCC finding that the transfer serves the public interest. Requires the FCC to be notified of such transfer. Provides for public notice of the transfer. Provides for disposition by the FCC of objections to such transfer. Prohibits the FCC from considering whether the public interest would be served by the transfer of the permit or license involved to a different person. Repeals certain provisions relating to the application of the antitrust laws. Prohibits the FCC from imposing requirements on radio or television licensees relating to: (1) programs; (2) programming formats; (3) ascertainment; (4) commercialization; and (5) maintenance of program logs.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1981
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit an individual to elect hospice care, in lieu of certain other benefits, during two periods of 180 days each during the individual's lifetime. Provides for full reimbursement of reasonable costs to a hospice program, subject to a ceiling. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the hospice reimbursement method. Defines hospice care as including items and services furnished to the terminally ill in their homes, on an outpatient basis, and on a short term inpatient basis.
![Official portrait of Rep. Collins, James M. [R-TX-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000638_200.jpg)