United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1981
Tax Simplification Act - Title I: Simplification of Individual Income Tax - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the income tax tables. Provides for an income tax rate of 14 percent for all individuals, estates, and trusts. Redefines "adjusted gross income" to eliminate the deductions from gross income for the following: (1) long-term capital gains; (2) moving expenses; (3) retirement savings; and (4) repayments of supplemental unemployment compensation benefits. Defines "allowable itemized deductions" as any deduction attributable to: (1) expenses for the production of income; (2) contributions to a church or convention or association of churches; (3) medical and dental expenses; and (4) alimony or separate maintenance payments. Repeals the deductions for: (1) interest, taxes, and depreciation of cooperative housing; (2) moving expenses; (3) retirement savings; (4) adoption expenses; and (5) long-term capital gains. Repeals the tax exclusion of: (1) certain death benefits; (2) gifts and inheritances; (3) income from discharge of indebtedness; (4) recovery of bad debts, prior taxes, and delinquency amounts; (5) income of States and municipalities; and (6) certain contributions to capital of a corporation. Modifies the medical expense deduction to allow a deduction only for medical expenses which exceed ten percent of a taxpayer's adjusted gross income (previously three percent of adjusted gross income). Title II: Reduction of Estate and Gift Tax Rates - Repeals the estate and gift tax tables. Provides for a tax rate of 14 percent for all estates and gifts. Decreases from $192,800 to $84,000 the unified credit against the estate and gift taxes, after 1986. Provides for a phase-in of such amount in taxable years 1983 through 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1981
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress. States that any such pay adjustment proposed in an even-numbered year of any Congress after the congressional elections and before the beginning of the following Congress shall be considered as occurring during the first session of the following Congress for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits any change in the compensation of Senators and Representatives until an election of Representatives has intervened.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1981
Bankruptcy Improvements Act of 1981 - Amends title 11 of the United States Code (Bankruptcy) to establish an eligibility test for liquidation bankruptcy relief based on the individual petitioner's ability to pay a reasonable portion of his debts out of future income. Permits the court to dismiss a bankruptcy case under chapter 7 (liquidation) upon the motion of any party in interest filed not later than 30 days after the meeting of creditors, and after notice and a hearing, if the debtor is ineligible for relief under such title. Requires the bankruptcy judge to preside at any meeting of creditors and to perform such additional judicial duties any may be required. Declares that the value of the creditor's interest in the estate's interest in such property shall be determined in light of the purpose of the valuation and of the proposed disposition or use of such property, and in conjunction with any hearing on such disposition or use or on a plan affecting such creditor's interest. Declares that the value of consumer goods which the debtor seeks to redeem in liquidation shall be presumed to be the established resale market price, if such market exists. Requires the debtor in bankruptcy cases to file a statement of income and expenses. Requires the debtor, if the debtor's schedule of assets and liabilities includes consumer debts which are secured by property of the estate, to file and serve upon each creditor holding such security and the trustee, a statement expressing the debtor's intention with respect to retention or surrender of the collateral. Requires the debtor, at or before the meeting of creditors provided for by such title, to perform his intention with regard to such secured creditors. Repeals the provisions concerning exempt property and makes the States responsible for establishing exemptions to bankruptcy proceedings. Makes any debt which was incurred on or within 90 days before the date of the filing of a petition under such title nondischargeable. Allows creditors to enforce liens which have not been voided in bankruptcy. Permits reaffirmation of consumer debts subject to the debtor's right to rescind any such agreement within 60 days or until a discharge is received, whichever occurs later, by giving a written notice of rescission to the creditor. Declares that at the meeting of creditors the court shall inform the debtor of the nature and effect of a discharge. Eliminates the trustee's power to avoid liens or recover payments made within 90 days of filing petition in bankruptcy (within one year in the case of an insider) unless the creditor had reasonable cause to believe the debtor was insolvent. Permits the court, upon notice and hearing, to require a creditor to accept payments in redemption of the value of a claim secured by a nonpossessory, nonpurchase money security interest in tangible personal property, over a reasonable period not to exceed five years, if such tangible personal property consists of specified objects. Allows a creditor, upon 10 days notice to the debtor and codebtor, to collect any portion of a debt from the codebtor which is not being paid by the debtor through the adjustment of debts of such debtor with a regular income. Requires payments under an adjustment of debts payment plan to commence at the time of the filing of the plan. Provides for the return of such funds after deducting the costs of administration if no plan is confirmed. Provides for the separate classification of co-debtor claims and non-dischargeable claims and authorizes payment of them under an adjustment of debts payment plan. Allows a debtor to choose such a repayment plan of up to five years. Bases such repayment upon the debtor's ability to repay out of future income after taking into account the basic living necessities for the debtor and dependents. Provides for an early discharge of debts where at least 70 percent of all allowed unsecured claims are paid. Permits a hardship discharge of otherwise non-dischargeable debts to the extent the debtor attempted to pay such debts under an adjustment of debts payment plan.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1981
Nuclear Waste Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to review the Department of Energy's research and development program for high-level radioactive waste disposal and to prepare a comprehensive management plan for research, development, and demonstration activities under this Act. Requires the Secretary to identify, within one year, three geographically distributed sites in different geologic media in the continental United States and to select one site for a test and evaluation facility by January 1, 1985. Specifies design requirements for such facility. Requires that the facility be in operation by the end of fiscal year 1988. Provides that the operation of the facility shall terminate when the Secretary determines it is no longer needed. Requires the Secretary to conduct various in situ research and development activities with respect to high-level radioactive waste disposal. Prohibits the conversion of the facility into a permanent disposal facility unless the Secretary can comply with legislation authorizing high-level radioactive waste repositories. Directs the Secretary, upon authorization by Federal law, to establish waste solidification facilities which provide a waste form resistant to the release of radionuclides in a repository. Requires that the waste forms and components of such facilities be ready for placement in the demonstration facility by the end of fiscal year 1988. Requires consultation and coordination with the officials of each State in which a potential facility site is located. Directs the Secretary to prepare and transmit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive management plan for the activities under this Act. Requires submission of a description of such plan as in effect each year to Congress. States that this Act shall not be construed to authorize remedial action or commercialization activities. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1981
Amends the Bail Reform Act of 1966 to authorize a judicial officer when making a pretrial release determination to consider whether a person charged with possession or transfer of a controlled substance will pose a danger to any other person or the community. Requires the judicial officer to hold a hearing for such persons to determine whether surety resources have been obtained by noncriminal means.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income gain from the sale of wetlands to an eligible conservation authority which are used for fish and wildlife conservation or preserved as a natural area. Requires that such sales be approved by State and Federal officials. Treats involuntary conversions of wetlands as sales for purposes of such exclusion.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1981
Amends titiles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to require Federal agencies to give to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, upon request, the names and social security account numbers of disability or SSI benefit recipients who are inmates of penal institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Fred Waring, Louis L'Amour, and the widow of Joe Louis. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of each medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1981
Repeals titles XV (National Health Planning and Development) and XVI (Health Resources Development) of the Public Health Services Act, effective September 30, 1982. Establishes a 20-year right of recovery for the United States against a facility built or modernized with title XVI funds.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1981
Amends the Freedom of Information Act to exempt from the disclosure requirements matters relating to: (1) internal personnel rules and practices and training or reorientation of personnel of the Central Intelligence Agency; (2) special activities, clandestine collection, or covert operations of the CIA; and (3) internal operation, office management, or organization of the CIA. Eliminates Federal court jurisdiction to enjoin the CIA from withholding records, except personnel records of an individual the disclosure of which is necessary for obtaining employment outside the Agency.
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 · 16 September 1981
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to establish in the Department of Health and Human Services the Office for the Supply of Internationally Controlled Drugs, to be responsible for regulating the domestic production of marihuana and the distribution of marihuana for medical, scientific, and research purposes. Establishes procedures for the production of medicinal marihuana. Permits the distribution of medicinal marihuana only to hospitals and pharmacies registered to dispense schedule II controlled substances for the purposes of treating glaucoma or the nausea of cancer patients or research approved under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1981
Department of Energy Organization Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to transfer from the Secretary of Energy to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) functions relating to the transportation of oil by pipelines, except that FERC's authority to determine rates for the transportation of oil by pipeline shall be limited to determining rates for the trans-Alaska pipeline.
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
Expresses the disapproval of the House of Representatives of the District of Columbia Council's approval of the District of Columbia Sexual Assault Reform Act of 1981.
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 · 21 July 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should: (1) prohibit U.S. participation in the Yamal natural gas pipeline project in the Soviet Union; (2) urge Western European nations and Japan not to participate in such project; (3) propose and enlist the cooperation of Western European nations and Japan in an alternative energy diversification project; and (4) promote this alternative energy diversification project.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an additional personal tax exemption of $1,000 for each child born to, or adopted by, a taxpayer during the taxable year. Provides a $3,000 tax exemption in the case of: (1) a child who is born with a handicap; or (2) the adoption of a child (a) whose natural parents were not members of the same race or (b) who has attained the age of 6 or (c) who is handicapped. Allows an income tax deduction for adoption expenses of more than $500 paid or incurred by a taxpayer. Limits such deduction to $3,500 ($4,500 in the case of an international adoption).
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer to elect either an income tax credit of $250 or an income tax deduction of $1,000 for maintaining a household which includes as a member a dependent age 65 or over. Provides an income tax deduction for the amount contributed to a trust established to provide care to a handicapped relative or parent who has attained the age of 65. Limits the deduction to $3,000 for each beneficiary.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1981
Education Savings Account Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction from gross income for contributions of cash, stocks, bonds, or other securities to a savings account for the purpose of paying the educational expenses of the taxpayer or his dependent. Limits such deduction to $2,500 per calendar year adjusted for inflation. Prohibits the establishment of an account for the benefit of more than one individual. Prohibits an individual from being a beneficiary of more than one account. Excludes distributions from such accounts from the gross income of the contributors so long as they are used exclusively for the payment of tuition, fees and other expenses required for enrollment or attendance at an institution of higher education, a vocational school, a secondary school, or an elementary school. Specifies sanctions for the use of account funds for other than educational expenses. Treats qualified distributions as income to the beneficiary for the taxable year in which the amounts were paid. Allows the beneficiary to elect to include such amounts in gross income in the taxable year in which the beneficiary attains age 25 and for each of the following nine years, in successive apportionments equal to ten percent of the total amount of such distributions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Olympic Coin Act of 1981 - Declares the purposes of this Act to be: (1) to provide for the minting of coins to commemorate the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games; and (2) to help finance those games without the use of tax revenues. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint: (1) not more than 30,000,000 copper-nickel clad coins with a face value of one dollar; (2) not more than 22,400,000 silver coins with a face value of ten dollars; (3) not more than 2,400,000 gold coins with a face value of fifty dollars; and (4) not more than 1,400,000 gold coins with a face value of one hundred dollars. Specifies the size and weight of such coins. Specifies that the designs of such coins shall be determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee. Sets certain minting specifications for such coins. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee which shall provide for the implementation of the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to furnish such coins to the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee at a price agreed to pursuant to such implementation agreement. Provides that all coins minted shall be delivered to the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee for distribution and sale to the public in accordance with the terms of the implementation agreement. Sets the delivery date for each series of coins. Provides that all proceeds received by the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee from the commercial sale of such coins shall be used for the purpose of staging and promoting the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games and assisting the U.S. Olympic Committee and amateur athletics. Provides that all coins authorized by this Act shall be legal tender. Directs that no coins shall be minted pursuant to this Act after December 31, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1981
Family Protection Act - States as the purposes of this Act the strengthening of the American family and the elimination of governmental policies which diminish its strength and prosperity. Title I: Family Preservation - Establishes a legal presumption in favor of an expansive interpretation of the parents' role in supervising and determining the religious or moral formation of their child. Requires the notification of parents or guardians before a federally-funded program, project, or entity may provide contraceptive or abortion services to an unmarried minor. Prohibits Federal preemption of State laws relating to child or spousal abuse, or juvenile delinquency. Prohibits the expenditure of Federal funds for child abuse programs in any State unless the legislature of such State has specifically authorized such programs. Defines "child abuse and neglect" as physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, negligent treatment or maltreatment. Excludes from such definition discipline or corporal punishment applied by a parent or an individual authorized to act in the place of such parent. Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to prohibit the provision of legal assistance for any proceeding or litigation: (1) to compel an abortion or State or Federal funding for an abortion; (2) to obtain a divorce; or (3) to adjudicate the issue of homosexual rights. Directs the Secretary of the branch of the Armed Forces concerned to deduct from the monthly pay and allowances of a member of such Armed Forces who is living separate from his or her dependents an amount sufficient to provide for the support of such dependents. Prohibits the use of Federal funds by any organization which advocates, promotes, or suggests male or female homosexuality as a life style. Title II: Taxation - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer an income tax deduction for contributions to a savings account established to pay his expenses or those of a dependent at an educational institution (pre-school through college). Limits the amount of such deduction to $2,500 for a taxable year and permits only one account to be established on behalf of any individual. Provides for an inflation adjustment of such amount, based on the Consumer Price Index. Exempts from income taxation any distributions from such accounts which are used exclusively to meet the educational expenses of the dependent child. Treats qualified distributions as income to the beneficiary for the taxable year in which the beneficiary attains age 25, and for each of the following nine years, in successive installments equal to ten percent of the total amount of such distributions. Grants tax-exempt status to certain private educational institutions. Provides for the termination of the tax exemption of a school which is found to discriminate in the hiring of teachers or the admission of students on the basis of race, nationality, or ethnic background. Allows individuals who maintain a household which includes a dependent who has reached age 65 a nonrefundable income tax credit not in excess of $250 for the taxable year. Allows such individuals to take an income tax deduction in lieu of the credit. Limits the amount of such deduction to $1,000 for the taxable year. Allows an income tax deduction for contributions to a trust established by a taxpayer to provide care to such taxpayer's parents or handicapped relatives. Limits the amount of such deduction to $3,000 for a taxable year. Provides for the tax exemption of such trusts. Permits married individuals to compute on a separate basis the maximum retirement savings deduction to which each individual is entitled. Permits a maximum deduction of $3,000 for a spouse who is handicapped. Grants tax-exempt status to organizations providing day care for children. Allows contributors to a tax-exempt day care center to claim a business expense deduction for contributions not deductible as a charitable contribution. Allows an additional personal tax exemption of $1,000 for each child born to or adopted by a taxpayer during the taxable year. Permits an exemption of $3,000 for the adoption of a handicapped child over the age of three whose parents are not of the same race or for a child born to the taxpayer who is handicapped. Permits an income tax deduction from gross income for fees, court costs, attorney's fees, and other necessary expenses incurred in the adoption of a child. Limits the amount of such deduction to a maximum of $3,500 ($4,500 for an international adoption), with a $500 deductible. Title III: Education - Amends the General Education Provisions Act to prohibit payments under such Act to Federal, State, or local educational agencies or institutions which: (1) prohibit the involvement of parents and representatives of the community in decisions relating to the establishment or continuation of religious studies; (2) limit parental visits to public schools or classes or the right of parents to inspect their children's school records; (3) require the payment of dues or fees as a condition of employment for teachers; or (4) prohibit parental review of textbooks prior to their use in the classroom. States that no Federal funds may be made available for textbooks which do not reflect a balance between the status role of men and women and do not contribute to the American way of life. Guarantees the right of any State or local educational agency to set qualifications for teachers, set attendance requirements for students, and to limit or prohibit the intermingling of sexes in sports or other school-related activities. Amends the National Labor Relations Act to exclude from the definition of "employer" any corporation or association operating a school. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for the payment of allotments to States for the financing of elementary and secondary school programs. Directs the Secretary of Education to terminate the payment of such allotments if the programs for which funds are paid no longer comply with specified requirements. Permits judicial review of any finding of the Secretary with respect to applications for funding or termination of payments to a State. Prohibits the exercise of Federal control over the curriculum, administration, or personnel of any State or local school system. Repeals certain titles of such Act providing: (1) financial assistance to meet special educational needs of children; (2) basic skills improvement; (3) special projects; (4) educational improvement, resources, and support; (5) bilingual education programs; and (6) additional special programs. States that nothing in this Act or in other Federal law shall prohibit release time for parenthood education to be conducted by churches or parents. Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to prohibit the provision of legal assistance in any proceeding or litigation relating to racial quotas or the desegregation of elementary or secondary schools. Title IV: Voluntary Prayer and Religious Meditation - Voluntary Prayer and Religious Meditation Act of 1981 - States that each individual shall have the right to participate in voluntary prayer or religious meditation in any public building or other building supported by Federal funds. Prohibits Federal, State, or political subdivisions from abridging the free exercise of such prayer or meditation. Authorizes civil actions for violations of this title. Title V: Rights of Religious Institutions and Educational Affiliates - Prohibits the Federal Government from imposing legal requirements upon the operation of a church organization which sponsors a child care center, orphanage, foster home, social action training program, emergency shelter for abused children or spouses, school, or juvenile delinquency or drug abuse treatment center or home. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Grants jurisdiction to U.S. district courts to hear any cases arising under this Act. Provides for a six-year statute of limitations on actions brought under this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the administration of this Act and the progress of the States in effectuating its provisions. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1981
Urban Jobs and Enterprise Zone Act of 1981 - Title I: Designation of Enterprise Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the designation of enterprise zones, for a period ending December 31, 2001, and subject to the approval of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, by local governments or by State governments on behalf of local governments for purposes of extending the tax incentives and regulatory flexibility measures provided by titles II and III of this Act. Specifies that the Secretary may approve the designation of such zones only if: (1) the area is within the jurisdiction of the designating local government; (2) the boundary of the area is continuous and includes accessible vacant or underutilized properties; (3) the area has a population of at least 4,000 if any portion thereof is located within a standard metropolitan statistical area with a population of at least 50,000 or 2,500 otherwise or is an Indian reservation; and (4) the area meets specified unemployment and poverty requirements. Requires designating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's approval, to agree in writing to follow a course of action which may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, or receiving commitments of private entities to assist employees and residents of the area. Terminates the authority of the Secretary to designate enterprise zones on December 31, 1996. Sets forth minimum and maximum numbers of such designations. Describes areas to which preference shall be given in deciding to designate enterprise zones. Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to set forth the duties of the Secretary under this Act. Requires any property tax reduction effected by a local government under an agreed to program to be disregarded for purposes of determining the eligibility of a State or local government for Federal assistance or benefits. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) local governments should attempt to facilitate to the greatest extent possible the employment of poor and unemployed residents of their enterprise zones and should consider the effects of a designation upon area employment practices and patterns; and (2) whenever possible, foreign-trade zones should be established within enterprise zones and that in the case of any application for designation of a foreign-trade zone within an enterprise zone: (A) the Foreign-Trade Zone Board should expedite the application process; (B) the Board, in evaluating such application, should consider future development to be expected as a result of the incentives provided by this Act; and (C) the Board should provide technical assistance to the applicants. Title II: Taxation - Subtitle A: Refundable Credits for Employers and Employees - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a refundable income tax credit for five percent of the wages paid to unemployed or economically disadvantaged individuals who are certified as eligible under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act and who perform at least 50 percent of their services within an enterprise zone. Disallows a deduction for the portion of the wages or salaries equal to the amount of such credit. Allows individuals who are employees of qualified businesses and at least 50 percent of whose services during the taxable year are performed in an enterprise zone a refundable tax credit for five percent of the earned income attributable to services performed in an enterprise zone during a 36-month period. Limits such credit to $1,500 for any taxable year. Defines "qualified business" as a person: (1) at least 50 percent of whose gross receipts are attributable to the active conduct of a trade or business within an enterprise zone; and (2) at least 40 percent of whose employees are individuals whose employment qualifies for the employers' credit allowed under this subtitle and who are hired after the later of the date on which the conduct of a business in an enterprise zone is begun or the area is designated as such a zone. Subtitle B: Reduction in Capital Gain Tax Rates - Reduces the alternative tax on capital gains and increases the capital gains deduction. Qualifies certain low-income rental housing located in an enterprise zone for such treatment. Permits property to remain qualified for purposes of the revised capital gains treatment after a designation of an enterprise zone has terminated. Exempts gain from the sale or exchange of property used in a business in an enterprise zone from the computation of the minimum tax. Removes as an item of tax preference accelerated depreciation on real property used in such a business. Subtitle C: Reduction in Gross Income of Trades or Businesses Operating in Zone - Excludes from taxable income a specified percentage of the sum of any amount received by a qualified business from the active conduct of a trade or business within an enterprise zone and any interest on financing provided by a taxpayer to a qualified business in connection with the conduct of such business. Subtitle D: Other Incentives - Permits any qualified business to elect to use the cash receipts and disbursements method of accounting without regard to any inventory requirements if its gross receipts do not exceed $2,000,000 in any prior taxable year. Allows a 20-year carryover of net operating losses for qualified businesses. Qualifies for the investment tax credit low-income rental housing with respect to which the capital gains tax reduction is granted under subtitle B of this title. Subtitle E: Sense of the Congress with Respect to Tax Simplification - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Internal Revenue Service should simplify the administration and enforcement of any provision of the Internal Revenue Code affected by this title. Title III: Regulatory Flexibility - Revises the definition of "small entity," for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions, to include qualified businesses (as defined in title II of this Act), designating governments, and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1981
Medicaid Assistance Reform Amendments of 1981 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide a cap on Medicaid expenditures beginning with fiscal year 1982. Authorizes appropriations for the Medicaid program for fiscal year 1982 in a specified amount. Authorizes such appropriations for fiscal year 1983 and thereafter in amounts increased or decreased according to a specified formula. Authorizes appropriations for such sums as are necessary to make payments to States to operate Medicaid Fraud and abuse units. Authorizes appropriations for mechanized claims processing and information retrieval systems in a specified amount for fiscal year 1982 and in necessary amounts for succeeding fiscal years. Allocates such funds to States according to a specified formula. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine a Federal Medicaid allotment ratio for each State in accordance with specified guidelines. Provides 90 percent matching funds for the design, development, or installation of mechanized eligibility systems. Provides 75 percent matching funds for the operation of such systems.
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 · 20 May 1981
Public Land Reform Act of 1981 - Title I: Short Title; Findings and Declaration of Policy; Definitions - Declares that the Federal Government retains ownership of substantial territory considered unreserved unappropriated public lands in States wholly west of the one-hundredth meridian. Provides that it is the policy of this Act to place all such lands, presently held in trust for the States in which they are situated, in State ownership. Excludes from the definition of unreserved unappropriated public lands the following: (1) lands within the boundaries of national parks, national monuments, and national wildlife and migratory bird sanctuaries established prior to May 1, 1981; (2) designated units of the National Wilderness Preservation System; (3) lands within boundaries of military and Indian reservations; (4) lands essential to the operation, maintenance, and access to the U.S. Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Water and Power Resources Services projects, and designated highways; (5) lands necessary to the operation, maintenance, and access to shipyards, docks, security and defense establishments, magazines, arsenals, and Federal buildings; (6) lands selected under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and other applicable law; and (7) lands within the boundaries of any national forest. Title II: Federal Land Transfer Board - Authorizes the Governor of any State seeking to acquire such unreserved and unappropriated lands to petition the President within ten years of the enactment of this Act to establish a Federal Land Transfer Board for such State. Directs the President to establish such a Board consisting of State and Federal members within 90 days of the receipt of such an application. States that the Board shall serve until all conveyances of such lands within the State are carried out. Requires each Federal Land Transfer Board to coordinate its activities with the State management agency established pursuant to this Act. Directs each Board to carry out the required land transfers within two years of its determination that a State's application meets the requirement of this Act. Empowers the Land Transfer Boards to resolve land claims and disputes arising from the implementation of this Act. Grants any State aggrieved by a decision of a Land Transfer Board on its application the right to public hearing and review before the Board. Empowers the United States courts of appeals to hear appeals from final order of the Boards. States that judicial review shall be on the record made before the Board and that the Board's findings shall be conclusive if supported by substantial evidence. Prohibits members of the Board from directly or indirectly receiving compensation as a result of any land transfer carried out pursuant to this Act. Title III: State Land Management Agencies - Requires each State seeking the conveyance of unreserved and unappropriated land under this Act to establish a State land management agency to: (1) hold any transferred lands in trust for all people of the United States; (2) protect the interests of persons who have acquired rights in such land under Federal law; (3) provide for an ongoing inventory and study of public lands within the State with a view toward determining the best methods of management and utilization; (4) provide for the continued annual payments to units of local government in which entitlement lands are situated; (5) transfer to the United States those property interests necessary to continue lawful, Federal activities; and (6) continue to administer lands previously administered by the United States pursuant to a treaty or interstate compact in conformance with the terms of such treaty or compact. Title IV: Conveyance From State Ownership - Prohibits any State from conveying lands conveyed to it by the Federal Land Transfer Board unless such land is difficult and not economical to manage, or no longer necessary for the purpose for which it was acquired, or disposal of it will serve important public objectives. Title V: Miscellaneous - Declares that the United States shall retain control over the oceans, seas, navigable rivers, streams, and lakes, and projects of the Corps of Engineers and Water and Power Resources Service. Directs the President to modify agreements with other nations if necessary to implement this Act. Grants the consent of Congress to any interstate compact relating to the management and use of such lands if it has been approved by the appropriate Federal Land Transfer Boards. Grants the consent of Congress to any amendments to the Enabling Act of a State receiving a conveyance of land which may be necessary to revoke any disclaimer to title of public lands not granted by the United States to the State. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to report to the Congress, within 18 months of enactment of this Act, on the results of a study of the relative costs and benefits of Federal and State land management activities. Authorizes sums as may be necessary to carry out provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code and title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage under the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program for Members of Congress and the Vice President.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1981
Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to require all presidential polling places to close no later than eleven o'clock p.m. eastern standard time on election day. Establishes penalties for early release of such election results by any election official or other person having election-related responsibilities.
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
Declares that no provision of the Taylor Grazing Act grants any Federal authority to disapprove a State's selection of indemnity lands for the support of education.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to permit the National Committee of American Airmen Rescued by General Mihailovich to construct and maintain a monument to General Draza Mihailovich in recognition of the role he played in saving the lives of approximately 500 United States airmen in Yugoslavia during World War II. Provides that such monument shall be located on Federal public land within the District of Columbia. Directs that private funds shall be the sole source for the construction and maintenance of such monument.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1981 - Title I: Amendments to Title I of the Clean Air Act - Amends title I (Air Pollution Prevention and Control) of the Clean Air Act ("the Act"). Planning and Control Program Grant Regulations - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in making regulations for grants to State agency planning and control programs, to give due consideration to the extent to which an air pollution control agency has assumed responsibility for carrying out the provisions of such Act. Air Quality Criteria and Control Techniques - Eliminates the 12-month deadline within which the Administrator must issue air quality criteria for an air pollutant after its inclusion on a specified list. Permits proposed air quality criteria and associated documents to be published by the Administrator only after notice and 90 days opportunity for public comment. Prohibits issuance in final form of any such criteria without prior approval of the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee. Sets forth required inclusions in any document containing air quality criteria for any pollutant. Directs the Administrator to carry out another critical clinical or toxicological study before taking any final action regulating any pollutant, if the Administrator or the Committee questions the validity of the original study. Requires the Administrator to issue specified information to the States and appropriate agencies only after (currently, simultaneously with) issuance of such criteria. Prohibits information on air pollution control techniques from being issued until a 90-day period for public comment has expired after the Administrator publishes a draft document setting forth the proposed information. Requires that each air pollution control technique guideline or information issued by the Administrator include a determination of the associated costs of the technique. Eliminates requirements that the Administrator publish specified planning guidelines and control techniques information. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) - Directs the Administrator, upon issuance or reissuance of air quality criteria dealing with an air pollutant, to publish: (1) a notice of intention to propose (a) a primary or secondary NAAQS (or both) or (b) regulations controlling such pollutant under specified provisions; or (2) a determination that regulation of such pollutant under the Act is necessary to protect public health and welfare. Requires a 90-day period after issuance of criteria before publication of proposed regulations prescribing NAAQS for pollutants. Requires a 90-day public comment period after the date of such publication before such regulations may be promulgated. Directs the Administrator to publish specified impact assessments at the time of any proposed or final regulation establishing such standards. Provides that primary NAAQS be requisite to protect the public health from "significant risk of" adverse health effects (currently, protect the public health, "with an adequate margin for safety"). Provides that secondary NAAQS be requisite to protect the public welfare from "significant risks of" any known or anticipated adverse effects (currently, simply "protect from" such effects). Requires reviews of air quality criteria three years after the enactment of this Act and at ten-year intervals thereafter (currently, five-year intervals). Raises the number of members of the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee from seven to ten. Replaces the one required member from the National Academy of Sciences with a required member representing industries subject to the Act. Adds required memberships for appointees of the Director of the National Institutes of Health, the President of the National Academy of the Sciences, the Surgeon General, and the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors. Directs the Committee to approve or disapprove air quality criteria and to review any scientific evidence upon which the Administrator bases any proposed listing of a pollutant. Requires the Committee to review such criteria three years after enactment of this Act and at ten-year intervals thereafter (currently, five-year intervals). State Implementation Plans (SIPs) - Eliminates the nine-month deadline for States to adopt, and submit to the Administrator, SIPs after promulgation of NAAQS. Requires that the Administrator be notified of, and entitled to make comments and objections in, public hearings on SIPs or SIP revisions. Revises procedures for SIP approval. Revises required provisions of SIPs. Requires that primary NAAQS promulgated in final form before the enactment of this Act be attained no later than December 31, 1990. Specifies no maximum period for the attainment of later primary NAAQS (currently, within three years of SIP approval). Eliminates a requirement that SIPs specify a reasonable time at which secondary NAAQS will be attained. Retains the requirement that SIPs provide for the attainment of NAAQS as expeditiously as practicable. Eliminates requirements that SIPs: (1) include transportation controls; and (2) provide for periodic inspection and testing of motor vehicles. Revises SIP approval provisions for: (1) SIP revisions; and (2) stationary source construction or modification in nonattainment areas. Repeals a provision that such plans must require major stationary source owners or operators to pay fees to the permitting authority to cover specified costs. Revises procedures for approval of SIP revisions. Prohibits the Administrator from requiring the inclusion of any transportation control program or vehicle inspection and maintenance program as a condition for SIP approval. Allows States to include such programs in SIPs. Prohibits the Administrator, except under specified conditions, from including such programs in any SIP promulgated for an air quality control region. Extends to one year (currently, 60 days) the minimum period permitted to States for specified revisions of SIPs. Repeals provisions relating to: parking surcharge, management of parking supply, and preferential bus/carpool lane regulations; noncommercial retrofits, gas rationing, and reduction of on-street parking; and bridge tolls or charges. Repeals provisions relating to SIP deadline extension procedures. Permits a State environmental agency to issue a temporary emergency suspension of any part of an SIP, without action by the President, if such agency determines that: (1) the suspension may be necessary because of the severity of a national or regional energy emergency; (2) other measures for responding to the emergency may be inadequate; and (3) the suspension will not result in the violation of a primary NAAQS. Limits such suspensions to 14 days, except when the Governor petitions for a further suspension by the President, in which case the State may extend its suspension until a Presidential determination is reached. Permits only one suspension for any source on the basis of the same set of circumstances. Provides that the amendments made by this Act shall apply only with respect to SIPs (or SIP portions or revisions) submitted by a State, or promulgated by the Administrator, after the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that any SIP approved or promulgated before such enactment date shall remain in force and effect until such SIP is revised or a new SIP (or portion) takes effect. Requires upon application of the Governor of the State, immediate deletion of any transportation control program or vehicle inspection and maintenance program from SIPs approved or promulgated before such enactment date. Provides that such SIPs shall continue in force and effect notwithstanding such deletion. Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources (NSPS) - Repeals the NSPS requirement that fossil fuel fired stationary sources achieve a "percentage reduction" of emissions. Directs the Administrator to review and, if appropriate, revise NSPS at least every six years (currently, four years). Revises deadlines for the promulgation of regulations establishing NSPS. Specifies a substantial likelihood of "a greater degree of emission limitation," rather than "a greater continuous emission reduction," as one factor in determining waivers of NSPS to encourage innovative technology. Includes, among those conversions to coal which are not to be deemed "modifications" of a source, a conversion to coal by a facility originally constructed with the capability to use coal as a primary energy source and the conversion of which to coal is not required under any authority of law. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations providing an NSPS for each stationary source or category of stationary sources for which an NSPS was in effect before the enactment of this Act. Makes the amendments made by this Act applicable to stationary source construction or modification commencing after the effective date of the applicable regulations promulgated after the date of enactment of this Act. National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) - Prohibits inclusion of any air pollutant on the published list of hazardous air pollutants (for which the Administrator intends to establish NESHAPs) prior to review by the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee of the pertinent scientific evidence upon which the proposed listing is based. Enforcement - Eliminates the provision that the Administrator must commence actions for injunctions or penalties against owners or operators of stationary sources under specified conditions (but retains the discretionary authority of the Administrator to commence such actions). Provides that State-ordered deadlines for final compliance by a stationary source with an SIP shall be no later than December 31, 1990, with specified exceptions. Makes these amendments (relating to enforcement) effective with respect to orders issued and actions commenced after the date of enactment of this Act. Noncompliance Penalties - Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations, within one year after the date of enactment of this Act, requiring noncompliance penalties against specified persons. Eliminates the requirement that the State or the Administrator assess and collect a noncompliance penalty against specified persons (but continues their authority to do so). Eliminates specified deadlines for notifying persons of noncompliance. Eliminates provisions requiring that noncompliance penalty regulations: (1) authorize the Administrator to review State decisions regarding petitions challenging noncompliance orders or alleging entitlement to exemptions; and (2) direct the Administrator to conduct such review upon certain showings by petitioners. Replaces opportunity for a hearing on the record with an opportunity for comment by an owner or operator concerning specified penalties and schedules. Revises provisions for determining the amount of a noncompliance penalty and the schedule of its payment. Eliminates specified deadlines for imposition of noncompliance penalties. Declares that these amendments (relating to noncompliance penalties) shall be effective with respect to any such penalty initially imposed after the effective date of regulations promulgated after the date of enactment of this Act. Stack Heights - Declares current stack height provisions inapplicable to stationary sources: (1) constructed or modified after the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) with specified emissions levels. Prohibits the construction of any stack or dispersion technique, from such sources, which does not comply with good engineering practice, as determined by specified regulations. Makes such compliance a requirement in SIP permit programs. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations to carry out these new provisions for stack heights, including variances in complex and high terrain areas. Ten-Year "Grandfather" - Exempts from later emission limitations or standards any stationary source that met or meets all applicable emission limitations and standards in effect under the SIP at the time construction or modification commenced or commences, for a ten-year period beginning on the date of submission of a completed application for a permit for such construction or modification. Makes such exemption inapplicable to emission limitations or standards imposed with respect to: (1) air pollution that presents a clear and imminent danger to public health; or (2) an air pollutant for which no NAAQS is in effect at the time the completed application is submitted. State Permit Programs - Allows State permit programs to consist of State regulations that meet specified requirements. Requires the approval of the Administrator in the case of permits for major stationary sources with specified emissions levels. Prevention of Significant Deterioration of Air Quality (PSD) - Replaces the stated PSD program purpose of insuring economic growth consistent with the preservation of "existing clean air resources," with the purpose of insuring such economic growth consistent with the preservation of "the use and enjoyment of clean air areas and the development of energy resources and facilities" (PSD areas are those with cleaner air than that required by NAAQS). PSD Increments and Ceiling - Eliminates "increment" requirements (maximum allowable increases over baseline concentrations of sulfur oxides and particulate matter) for class II and class III PSD areas. Eliminates "short-term" increment requirements (for 24-hour and three-hour periods) for class I PSD areas (international and national parks and wilderness areas of specified sizes, and other areas as designated by the States). Permits pollutants in excess of the required PSD ceilings maximum allowable concentrations in class II areas where: (1) the operation of a source in a manner which results in such exceedance provides other environmental or public health and welfare benefits; (2) the amount and frequency of the exceedance is not excessive; (3) the population at risk is small; (4) the effect is localized; and (5) the costs for additional controls necessary to avoid such exceedance are significant. Area Redesignation - Permits a State to redesignate PSD areas as class I or class II as it deems appropriate (with the exception of "Federal class I" areas established as class I by the Act and Indian reservation lands). Eliminates reference to class III areas and allows major emitting facilities to be constructed and operated in areas designated or redesignated as class II. Eliminates special protections for specified areas in excess of 10,000 acres in size which are national: (1) monuments; (2) primitive areas; (3) preserves; (4) recreation areas; (5) wild and scenic rivers; (6) lakeshores or seashores; or (7) parks or wilderness areas (if any of these are established after a specified date). Preconstruction Requirements - Eliminates certain prerequisites, including analysis of any air quality impacts projected for a PSD area as a result of growth associated with a facility to be constructed. Authorizes the State (or the Administrator in specified cases) to determine on a case-by-case basis whether specified monitoring is necessary. Limits the PSD requirement that a proposed facility be subject to the "best available control technology (BACT) for each pollutant subject to an NAAQS BACT to those pollutants emitted or resulting from such facility in major amounts. Eliminates provisions for an exemption from a preconstruction demonstration requirement. Eliminates a prohibition against issuance of construction permits in cases where the Federal Land Manager demonstrates that facility emissions will have an adverse impact on air quality related values even though concentrations will not exceed increment limitations maximum allowable increases). Eliminates provisions relating to State authority to issue permits where the owner or operator demonstrates that facility emissions will have no adverse impact on such values even though concentrations will exceed incremental limitations (maximum allowable increases). Limits specified PSD required analyses of ambient air quality possibly affected by emissions from a proposed facility to those pollutants subject to NAAQS that are emitted in major amounts. Excludes from any air quality modelling specified for PSD preconstruction requirement purposes any modelling with respect to fugitive dust. Permits the major emitting facility construction to comply with PSD program requirements by means of enforceable emission offset credits or other enforceable alternative control measures. PSD Regulation of Other Pollutants - Eliminates a requirement that PSD program regulations for pollutants other than sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, provide specific measures at least as effective as the increments established for sulfur dioxide and particulate matter to fulfill the goals and purposes of the PSD program. Eliminates a provision authorizing the inclusion in such regulations of air quality increments, emission density requirements, or other measures. PSD Definitions - Restricts PSD program regulation to modifications that, together with other specified changes, increase net allowable emissions of sources or facilities by specified amounts. Revises the definition of "best available control technology" (BACT) for PSD program purposes. Equates the BACT with the NSPS (New Source Performance Standard) where an applicable NSPS exists. Visibility Protection for Federal Class I Areas - Directs the Administrator to: (1) conduct a study of the causes and extent of visibility impairment resulting from air pollution; and (2) report the results to the Congress. Prohibits any visibility protection regulations from taking effect, and suspends any such regulation which took effect before the date of enactment of this Act, until such report has been filed with the Congress. Provides that such amendments to the PSD provisions shall take effect in the same manner as provided for amendments to the SIP provisions. Nonattainment Areas - Revises provisions relating to SIP requirements for nonattainment areas to eliminate the definition of "lowest achievable emission rate" (LAER). Revises deadlines for the attainment of NAAQS in any nonattainment area. Requires that an inventory of actual emissions from all sources be contained in a public document, but not be included in the SIP (as is currently required). Eliminates requirements that specified SIPs provide for: (1) analyses of alternatives to proposed major emitting facilities prior to construction or modification permit issuance; and (2) specific schedules for implementation of a vehicle emission control inspection and maintenance program. Conforms SIP identification of other necessary compliance measures to the revised deadlines for attainment of NAAQS. Eliminates provisions requiring that SIP revisions contain enforceable measures to assure attainment of an applicable standard by a specified date. Sets forth provisions relating to the determination of "reasonable available control technology" (RACT). Revises provisions relating to permit requirements to eliminate a requirement that the proposed source comply with the lowest achievable emission rate" (LAER). Requires that stationary sources to which new source performance standards (NSPS) are not applicable, and which, without pollution control technology, will emit any air pollutant in excess of specified levels, comply with best available control technology (BACT) emissions limitations determined by the Administrator. Repeals specified limitations on certain Federal assistance (under the Act and under specified provisions for transportation projects and grant awards) in any air quality control region where any NAAQS has not been attained for which transportation control measures are necessary and certain SIP submissions are lacking. Replaces "lowest achievable emission rate" (LAER) information with information on "reasonably available control technology" (RACT) in guidance documents which the Administrator must issue to States. Eliminates deadlines for the publication of such documents. Provides that amendments to the provisions for SIP requirements for nonattainment areas shall take effect in the same manner as provided for amendments to other SIP provisions. Title II: Amendments to Title III - Adds a definition of "applicable implementation plan." Directs the Administrator to undertake a continuing program of research on environmental emergencies involving air pollution. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to carry out such purpose. Directs the Administrator to publish notice in the Federal Register of all citizen suits brought under the Act after the date of enactment of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977. Repeals provisions relating to restrictions on grants to sewage treatment works based on air pollution considerations. Revises provisions for economic impact assessment (retitling such provisions "Regulatory Impact Assessment") to end the applicability of such provisions to promulgations or revisions of new source performance standards (NSPS). Adds to required elements of such assessments an analysis of the effects of a standard or regulation on available energy supply. Repeals provisions relating to how certain economic impact assessment provisions: (1) are to be construed; or (2) are to be treated for purposes of citizen suits or judicial review. Revises provisions for air quality monitoring to direct the Administrator to validate air quality models used for SIPs. Requires that the limitations of the modeling technique be taken into account in the regulatory program when models are not validated. Directs the Administrator to develop and implement performance evaluation procedures for air quality models and apply such procedures to all recommended models. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act for fiscal years 1982 through 1985. Title III: Amendment to Other Laws - Amends the Energy Security Act to change from ten years to five years the period covered by a comprehensive research plan setting forth a coordinated program to identify the causes and effects of acid precipitation and actions to limit or ameliorate its harmful effects.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1981
Extends the authorization for the nonprofit use of copyrighted works beyond face to face teaching activities and beyond services at religious assemblies. Permits the nonprofit performance of a nondramatic literary or musical work in a transmission to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Title I: Amendments to Title 18, United States Code (18 U.S.C. 921-928) - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition. Adds a new definition "engaged in the business" with respect to manufacturers, dealers, and importers. Defines as a manufacturer or dealer of firearms a person who manufactures or deals as a regular course of trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit. Excludes as dealers persons making occasional sales or repairs of firearms. Eliminates certain activities involving ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Makes it unlawful for any person to transfer any firearm to a person who does not reside in the same State, if the transferor has reasonable cause to believe that acquisition of the firearm by such person would violate any State or local law or ordinance. Revises the current prohibition against certain classes of persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition. Includes as additional categories illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged members of the Armed Forces, and U.S. citizens who renounce their citizenship. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Stipulates that a licensed dealer's personal collection of firearms shall not be subject to recordkeeping requirements. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to revoke a license only where the holder "willfully" violates a provision of the Act. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, where such individual is not convicted of such charges. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, firearms, or ammunition that the Secretary has probable cause to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises. Restricts the firearms information obtained from licensees which the Secretary may make available to State or local governments. Establishes a limited recordkeeping requirement for firearms collectors. Establishes a "willful" scienter (knowledge) requirement with respect to general violations of the Act. Revises the current offense of using or carrying a firearm during commission of a Federal felony to: (1) include use of a destructive device; (2) delete the act of "carrying" a firearm to commit a felony; and (3) limit such offense to felonies over which the Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Retains the current penalty (one to ten years) for first offenses. Increases the penalty for second or subsequent offenses to five to 25 years' imprisonment (currently, two to 25 years). Extends to first offenders the stipulations, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence or grant probation. Deletes the prohibition against concurrent sentences. Prohibits the granting of parole to first and subsequent offenders. Stipulates that no person shall be subject to the additional, mandatory penalties if use of the firearm or destructive device was to protect person or property. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Directs the court to award attorney fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in a proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Requires the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was without foundation or was initiated in bad faith. Limits seizure to firearms individually identified as involved in the violation. Revises the current procedure allowing persons who have been convicted of a crime to apply to the Secretary for relief from the firearms prohibitions to make the following changes. Permits any person prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition to apply for relief. Requires, instead of permits, the Secretary to grant release, unless the applicant will be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety. Permits any person who is denied relief to seek de novo judicial review in Federal court. Makes the authority of the Secretary to permit importation of certain types of firearms and ammunition nondiscretionary. Extends the types of sporting firearms which may be imported. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Establishes a Congressional veto procedure with respect to firearms regulations. Authorizes either House of Congress to adopt a resolution of disapproval within 90 days of the rule's promulgation. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Makes any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Natural Gas Utilization Act - Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to repeal certain prohibitions on the use of natural gas as a primary energy source in existing electric powerplants and major fuel-burning installations. Repeals the system compliance option provisions of the Act, which provides that existing powerplants owned or operated by a utility shall be considered in compliance with prohibitions relating to natural gas usage if the utility has in effect an approved system compliance plan. Permits local distribution companies to provide natural gas service to residential customers for use in outdoor lighting fixtures installed, and receiving natural gas, before the enactment of the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978. Requires each local distribution company, in accordance with rules established by the Secretary of Energy, to: (1) periodically inform its customers of the amount of natural gas consumed by outdoor lighting; and (2) report such information method to the Secretary. Permits the Secretary to grant a permanent exemption from the prohibitions on the use of natural gas in a gas-coal mixture in a new powerplant or installation if: (1) emissions would be reduced; and (2) disregarding any variances, the proportion of natural gas in a mixture complies with applicable environmental requirements. Repeals the Federal requirement of incremental pricing under the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981
Malt Beverage Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that no antitrust law shall prohibit the importer, brewer, or trademark licensee of a trademarked malt beverage from entering into an agreement granting a wholesale distributor the exclusive right to sell such beverage within any defined geographic area within a State, or limiting such distributor to the sale of such beverage for ultimate resale to consumers in that area, when such beverage has substantial competition from other malt beverages in that area. Declares that this Act shall not affect any provision of State law.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of title II benefits to an incarcerated felon during any month of confinement. Treats the benefits withheld as having been paid to the felon for purposes of the payment of benefits to other persons so entitled on the basis of the wages and self-employment income of the felon.
![Official portrait of Rep. Dannemeyer, William E. [R-CA-39]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000044_200.jpg)