United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals a nonrefundable income tax credit for 50 percent of the expenses paid or incurred to make alterations to their residences for the purpose of making such residences more accessible to, and usable by, a handicapped individual who is either the taxpayer, his spouse, or a dependent of the taxpayer. Limits the amount of such credit, for each such handicapped individual, to the lesser of $1,000 or an amount which, when added to previous year's credits, does not exceed $5,000. Reduces the amount of such credit by one-half of the amount by which the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer exceeds $20,000 ($35,000 in the case of married individuals filing jointly). Defines "handicapped individual" as any individual who has a medically identifiable mental or physical impairment which can be expected to result in death or which can be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months, and which severely limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual. Requires the handicapped individual to live in the principal residence for which the alterations are made for not less than a nine month period during the taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981
Requests the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Secretary of Commerce each to report to Congress on the impact on the U.S. economy of the acquisition of U.S. companies by foreign nationals.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of May 10 to May 16, 1981, as "CARE Week" in observance of the thirty-fifth anniversary of CARE (the Cooperative for American Relief Everywhere, Inc.).
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1981
Title I: Export Trading Companies - Export Trading Company Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote export trading companies by providing information and by facilitating contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest up to specified amounts in export trading companies upon notifying, but without obtaining the prior approval of, the appropriate Federal banking agency, if such investment does not cause an export trading company to become a subsidiary of such organization. Allows greater investment by Edge Act Corporations not engaged in banking. Permits any banking organization to invest beyond such limitations with prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency. Requires prior notification of such agencies in specified circumstances. Sets forth further limitations on export trading companies and investments by banking organizations. Specifies factors to be taken into consideration by the banking agencies. Permits such agencies to impose conditions in approving applications to invest in export trading companies. Requires such agencies to report to the appropriate Congressional committees with their recommendations concerning implementation of this Act, related changes in U.S. law, and effects of ownership of U.S. banks by foreign banking organizations. Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Sets forth the grounds for disapproval. Provides for remand for further consideration by the banking agency. Directs the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration to give special weight to export-related benefits when considering applications for loans and guarantees by export trading companies. Authorizes up to $20,000,000 to be appropriated for initial investments and operating expenses for each of the fiscal years 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, and 1985. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees to export trading companies or exporters, to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories, when adequate financing is not otherwise available and such guarantees will facilitate expansion of exports. Directs the Board of Directors to try to insure that a major share of such guarantees promotes exports from small, medium-size, and minority businesses or agricultural concerns. Title II: Export Trade Associations - Export Trade Association Act of 1981 - Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt the trade activities and methods of operation of certified export trade associations and export trading companies from the antitrust laws. Delays the effectiveness of any certificate upon the notification of the Secretary of Commerce by the Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of disagreement with the decision to issue a certificate. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by any association or export trading company seeking certification under this Act and by the Secretary in issuing such certificates. Permits automatic certification for existing associations. Provides for appeal of the Secretary's denial of certification. Authorizes the Attorney General or the FTC to bring an action to invalidate a certification. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General and the FTC, to publish guidelines for determining whether an association or export trading company will meet the certification requirements. Requires certified associations and export trading companies to submit annual reports to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Commerce an Office of Export Trade to promote export trade associations and trading companies. Requires such Office to report annually to the appropriate Congressional committees on all East-West trade transactions requiring validated licenses and on the role of U.S. export trading companies in East-West trade. Grants a temporary exemption from the Sherman Act antitrust provisions for existing associations. Requires that all applications for certification be kept confidential with specified exceptions. Authorizes the Secretary to require an association or trading company to modify its operation to be consistent with international obligations of the United States. Directs the President to appoint, with the Senate's advice and consent, a task force seven years after enactment to examine the effect of this Act and to make recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that, in accordance with specified international agreements, the Soviet Union should provide proper medical care for Viktor Brailovsky and permit him to emigrate to Israel with his family. Urges the President to: (1) continue to express U.S. opposition to the imprisonment and treatment of Brailovsky; and (2) inform the Soviet Union that the United States, in evaluating its relations with other countries, will consider the extent to which those countries honor their commitments to human rights under international law.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $1,000 ($2,000 in the case of a joint return) the amount of interest and dividend income which may be excluded from gross income. Increases such exclusion to $5,000 ($10,000 in the case of a joint return) for individuals who are 65. Amends the Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1980 to repeal the termination date for such exclusion.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1981
Free Enterprise Postage Stamp Act - Establishes a Free Enterprise Postage Stamp Advisory Committee consisting of the Postmaster General, the Deputy Postmaster General, and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission. Directs the Committee to advise the United States Postal Service regarding the approval of bids for the printing, distribution, and sale of postage stamps containing the logos of domestic business enterprises. Authorizes the Postal Service to enter into contracts to print, distribute, and sell 2,000 issues of 50,000 of such stamps for domestic business enterprise for a minimum price of $10,000 each. Sets forth the specifications for acceptable business logos. Requires the Committee to advertise the availability of such stamps, review the bids received for each issue, and recommend the bids which would be the most economically advantageous to the Postal Service. Directs the Committee and the Postal Service to reject all bids for an issue if such action is in the public interest. Declares that all of the revenues from the sale of such stamps shall be deposited into the Postal Service Fund. Requires the Postal Service to report to Congress on the effectiveness of the sale of such stamps in raising revenues.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1981
Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to include insurance coverage for damage caused by flood-related landslides. Directs the Federal Insurance Administrator, within one year of enactment of this Act, to report to Congress on the feasibility of insuring property which is located outside of, but on the same real estate lot as, a currently insured residential structure. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to pay to any person who, during a specified period prior to enactment of this Act, incurred property damage caused by a flood-related landslide. Provides that such amount equal the amount payable if such damage had been covered by such insurance. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1981
Eliminates specified limitations on excess profits from contracts with any military department for the construction or manufacture of aircraft and naval vessels.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1981
State and Local Government Cost Estimate Act of 1981 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the Congressional Budget Office, for every significant bill or resolution reported in the House or Senate, to prepare and submit (along with its regular estimate of the Federal cost involved) an estimate of the costs which would be incurred by State and local governments in carrying out or complying with such bill or resolution. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Congressional Regulatory Review Procedure Act - Directs each Federal agency to submit a copy of each promulgated rule to the Senate and the House of Representatives. Declares that no rule shall become effective if: (1) both Houses of Congress adopt a concurrent resolution disapproving it within 90 days of continuous session of Congress; or (2) one House adopts such a resolution within 60 such days and the other House does not disapprove such resolution within 30 days thereafter. Authorizes either House of Congress to adopt a concurrent resolution directing an agency to reconsider and promulgate a rule. Declares that if either House adopts such a resolution and the other House does not disapprove it, the agency rule shall lapse unless the rule is promulgated within a specified period. Requires an agency to conduct a hearing for oral presentations when repromulgating a rule. Sets forth House and Senate procedures for the consideration of resolutions for the disapproval or reconsideration of agency rules. Establishes in each House a Resolution on Regulations Calendar to which any resolutions on rules shall be referred.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Elementary and Secondary Education Tuition Tax Credit Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer an income tax credit for 25 percent of the expenses paid for the elementary or secondary education of a dependent. Sets forth maximum dollar amounts allowable as a credit for calendar years 1981 and 1982, after which the credit expires. Treats tuition payments as paid for calendar years 1981 and 1982 if such payments are made during the particular calendar year or within one month of the beginning or close of such calendar year for education furnished during that year. Requires the individual for whom the tuition tax credit is allowed by this Act to be a full-time student during any four months of the calendar year or a part-time student during any eight months of the calendar year. Excludes from the definition of "expenses of elementary and secondary education" any amounts paid for books, supplies, meals, lodging, transportation, similar personal expenses, and for education below the first-grade level or attendance at a kindergarten or nursery. Forbids any construction of this Act as granting the Government additional authority to examine the books or activities of any church school except to the extent necessary to determine whether such school is an eligible educational institution. Requires that any amount received by the taxpayer as a tuition tax credit be disregarded for purposes of determining the eligibility of the taxpayer for Federal, State, or local educational assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Higher Education Tuition Tax Credit Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer an income tax credit for 25 percent of the expenses paid for the college or post-secondary vocational education of the taxpayer or the taxpayer's spouse or dependents. Sets forth maximum dollar amounts allowable as a credit for calendar years 1981 and 1982, after which the credit expires. Excludes graduate students from eligibility for the credit. Requires the individual for whom the tuition tax credit is allowed by this Act to be a full-time student during any four months of the calendar year or a part-time student during any eight months of the calendar year. Excludes from the definition of "expenses of higher education" any amounts paid for books, supplies, and equipment for courses of instruction or meals, lodging, transportation, and other living expenses. Forbids any construction of this Act as granting the Government additional authority to examine the books or activities of any church school except to the extent necessary to determine whether such school is an eligible educational institution. Requires that any amount received by the taxpayer as a tuition tax credit be disregarded for purposes of determining the eligibility of the taxpayer for Federal, State, or local educational assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the business expense deduction to any trade or business conducted in the home of the taxpayer. Eliminates the restrictions on the deductibility of expenses relating to the rental of a residence to a family member. Permits a taxpayer to make repairs on rental properties on a full-time basis without being treated as using such properties for personal purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1981
Savings and Retirement Income Incentive Act of 1981 - Amends the Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1980 to make permanent the income tax exclusion for dividend and interest income. Increases such tax exclusion for persons over age 65 to $500 ($1,000 for joint returns). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $2,000 the amount of the income tax deduction for contributions to individual retirement accounts. Eliminates the prohibition against certain pension plan participants (e.g. government and military personnel) from making deductible contributions to individual retirement accounts. Increases the amount of nondeductible contributions which an individual may make to an individual retirement account in a taxable year and over such individual's lifetime. Permits contributors to an individual retirement account to withdraw from such an account up to $10,000, without tax penalty, in order to purchase a first home or finance the higher education of a dependent child. Allows an income tax deduction for voluntary employee contributions to tax-qualified employer pension and annuity plans.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow income tax deductions related to the rental of a residence to a family member of the taxpayer if such family member pays a fair rental and uses such residence as the principal place of residence.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Independent Federal Aviation Agency Act of 1981 - Establishes the Federal Aviation Agency as an independent agency of the United States. Authorizes the appointment of an Administrator and a Deputy Administrator by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Transfers to the Administrator all functions, powers, and duties of the Secretary of Transportation and other officers of the Department of Transportation which are exercised by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, under the Federal Aviation Act, the Airport and Airway Development Act, and other specified laws. States that all orders, determinations, and rulings which have been issued or allowed to become effective shall continue in effect and that no suit or other proceeding shall be abated by reason of the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Capital Cost Recovery Act of 1981 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Permits calculation of the investment tax credit for such property without regard to the useful life of the property. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits a taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Armed Forces Education Assistance Act of 1981 - Establishes an Armed Forces Educational Assistance Program for persons who enter military service after September 30, 1981, and serve on active duty for three years or more. Sets forth a schedule of educational assistance entitlement for such veterans as follows: (1) for service of 36 consecutive months but less than 48 consecutive months and an agreement to serve three years in the Ready Reserve, 18 months of assistance; (2) for service of 48 consecutive months but less than 72 consecutive months and an agreement to serve four years in the Ready Reserve, 36 months of assistance; and (3) for service of 72 consecutive months, 36 months of assistance. Allows an eligible veteran who has served on active duty for 16 years by September 30, 1987, to transfer his or her educational entitlement to spouse or children in such manner as prescribed by the Administrator concerned and under limitations set forth in this Act. Makes such veterans eligible for educational assistance for the six-year period following their discharge or release date. Sets forth procedures extending any applicable time period for such veterans who are prevented from initiating or completing a program of education under certain circumstances. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay tuition costs and a subsistence allowance to eligible veterans in the program. Terminates the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance program after September 30, 1983. Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs and the Secretary of Defense to submit a joint report to the Congress, not later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act, on plans for implementing the educational assistance provided in such Act. Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to the Congress semiannually on the effect of such program on the number and quality of individuals entering the Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Privacy of Public Assistance and Social Services Records Act of 1981 - Requires each State, as a condition for receiving Federal funding for public assistance and social services programs, to provide for the privacy of records used in the administering of such programs. Applies such requirement to the aid to families with dependent children program, medicaid, and the food stamp program, but not social security retirement, disability, or medicare programs, any program of unemployment compensation, or other Federal assistance programs which are subject to the Privacy Act of 1974. Enumerates general principles which a State fair information practice statute must contain, including provisions with respect to the manner and notice of information collection, access to and correction of records, accuracy of records, disclosure of personal information, and enforcement.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Amendments of 1981 - Amends the General Education Provisions Act to require educational agencies and institutions to adopt written policies providing for privacy protection of education records. Prohibits any such institution from disclosing individually identifiable information in education records other than directory information, with specified exceptions. Requires an institution to give public notice of information categories which it has designated as public directory information and to withhold release of such information upon request. Requires an institution to adopt reasonable procedures to prevent the collection of inaccurate information, including procedures which provide an opportunity for challenging or correcting such records. Sets forth guidelines with respect to student and parental participation in formulating the privacy policies and enforcement.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to require each medical care institution participating in the Medicaid or Medicare program to implement procedures which meet specific privacy protection requirements for the maintenance and disclosure of personal medical information. Requires medical care institutions to afford an individual (or his or her designated representative) a reasonable opportunity to inspect his or her personal medical information file. Permits the parent or guardian of a minor child to inspect the file of such minor, except that portion of the file which relates to: (1) venereal diseases of the minor; (2) family planning services (including abortions) sought and received by such minor; (3) alcohol or drug abuse services; and (4) mental health services. Requires that the individual seeking disclosure of his personal medical information file, sign and date a written authorization which permits a medical care institution to disclose specific information to specified persons for a specified period of time, and requires that such institution maintain a record of all such disclosures. Makes it the duty of medical care institutions to maintain accurate, relevant, timely, and complete files and to grant to individuals the right to request changes in their files. Requires such institutions either to make the requested changes and notify the individual of the change or to supply the individual with the reasons why such changes were not made and with an opportunity to file a statement disagreeing with the institution's refusal. Prohibits an institution from refusing to make a requested change if such change would make an individual's file accurate, relevant, timely, or complete. Requires medical care institutions to disclose to individuals with personal medical information on file the uses to which such files may be put without their prior authorization. Limits disclosure to those portions of such files which are necessary to accomplish the purposes for which disclosure was originally authorized. Permits disclosure of personal medical information files without prior authorization: (1) for consultation; (2) for compelling circumstances involving an individual's health and safety; (3) for audits, evaluations, and biomedical and epidemiological research; (4) to comply with public reporting statutes; (5) to supply admission and health status information; and (6) to comply with a lawful judicial or administrative subpoena.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Privacy of Medical Information Act of 1981 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to require each medical care institution participating in the Medicaid or Medicare program to implement procedures which meet specific privacy protection requirements for the maintenance and disclosure of personal medical information. Requires medical care institutions to afford an individual (or his or her designated representative) a reasonable opportunity to inspect his or her personal medical information file. Permits the parents or guardian of a minor child to inspect the file of such minor, except that portion of the file which relates to: (1) venereal diseases of the minor; (2) family planning services (including abortion) sought and received by such minor; (3) alcohol or drug abuse services; and (4) any other medical services sought by the minor without the prior approval of his parent or guardian. Requires that individuals seeking disclosure of their personal medical information file, sign and date a written authorization which permits a medical care institution to disclose specific information to specified persons for a specified period of time, and requires that such institution maintain a record of all such disclosures. Makes it the duty of medical care institutions to maintain accurate, relevant, timely, and complete files and to grant to individuals the right to request changes in their files. Requires such institutions either to make the requested changes and notify the individual of the change or to supply the individual with the reasons why such changes were not made and with an opportunity to file a statement disagreeing with the institution's refusal. Prohibits an institution from refusing to make a requested change if such a change would make an individual's file accurate, relevant, timely, or complete. Requires medical care institutions to disclose to individuals with personal medical information on file the use to which such files may be put without their prior authorization. Permits disclosure of personal medical information files without authorization: (1) for consultation; (2) for compelling circumstances involving an individual's health and safety; (3) for audits, evaluations, and biomedical and epidemiological research; (4) to comply with public reporting statutes; (5) to supply admission and health status information; and (6) to comply with a lawful judicial or administrative subpoena. Authorizes an officer or agent of the United States to obtain personal medical information files by judicial or administrative subpoena if such subpoena is authorized by law and identifies the information sought with reasonable particularity and if the information sought is maintained by the medical-care institution pursuant to a statute or regulation or constitutes material evidence in the prosecution of a violation of a Federal law. Allows an individual whose file is sought by subpoena to challenge the issuance of the subpoena. Excludes from evidence in a court or agency proceeding personal medical information obtained in violation of the provisions of this Act. Establishes civil remedies for an individual aggrieved by a violation of this Act, and specifies criminal penalties for officials or employees of the Federal Government who disclose personal medical information in violation of this Act. Limits the transfer of personal medical information among agencies to that information which is necessary for the preparation of a proceeding brought to enforce a specific Federal statute. Includes within the definition of the Federal crime of mail fraud the procurement of medical information by false or fraudulent pretenses.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Prohibits any Federal department, establishment, or agency from using social security account numbers to identify accounts pertaining to individuals except where such use was occurring on January 1, 1977, and has not been discontinued or such use is specially authorized by a subsequent statute. States that, unless specifically authorized by a subsequent statute, the Government is not authorized to foster the development of a standard personal identifier or a central population register.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to impose restrictions on insurance institutions and insurance support organizations on the collection, use, and disclosure of consumer information. Requires any such institution to develop and maintain procedures to assure the accuracy of information it collects or discloses about an individual. Requires an insurance institution, upon request, to inform an individual whether it has recorded information pertaining to him and to permit such person to see, copy, and request correction or amendment of such information. Restricts disclosure of medical record information by an institution to another insurance institution or insurance support organization. Requires an institution which obtains an investigative report on an applicant to inform such person that he may be interviewed in connection with preparation of such report. Requires an institution to disclose to any individual who is the subject of an adverse underwriting decision: (1) the specific reason for the adverse decision; (2) the specific information relied upon, including identification of institutional sources; (3) the individual's right to inspect and copy such information; (4) amendment procedures; and (5) rights provided under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Requires an institution, before collecting information about an insured individual or applicant, to disclose to such person specific information, including all types of information which may be collected and all types of sources of information. Prohibits an insurance institution or insurance support organization from disclosing individually identifiable information without authorization, with specified exceptions. Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe regulations to carry out this Act and to enforce compliance.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to revise the provisions concerning the disclosure of Federal records on individuals. Defines "accessible record" to mean an individually identifiable record which is accessed by a retrieval scheme or indexing structure or is otherwise readily accessible. Imposes a general requirement on Federal agencies to make available to individuals upon request accessible records and substantially similar or derivative versions of such records. Requires that such disclosure reflect with reasonable accuracy the context or manner in which the agency uses the record. Requires an agency to make available to an individual upon request an accounting of the actual uses and disclosures made of the record within a reasonable period of time prior to such request. Enumerates as exceptions to such disclosure requirement certain current exceptions under the Freedom of Information Act, including national defense secrets, law enforcement investigatory information, and financial institution reports. Requires disclosure of any reasonably segregable portion of an exempted record. Authorizes an agency to establish special procedures for the disclosure of information which would adversely affect the health of any individual. Revises the limitations on disclosure of records to permit disclosure: (1) to persons other than an officer or employee of the agency concerned if certified for routine use; (2) for collateral uses upon certification by a designated official; or (3) to Members of Congress in specified circumstances. Requires an agency to take affirmative steps to enable individuals to supply information in as informed and uncoerced a manner as is reasonably possible. Requires an agency to notify the individual of whether disclosure is mandatory or voluntary, the consequences of not providing the information, collateral uses of the information, and identification of an agency official who can assist such person. Continues the current provision requiring agencies to maintain a reasonable degree of accuracy and relevance, but stipulates that this provision shall not prohibit an agency from maintaining unverified information to enforce criminal laws. Broadens the current provision which prohibits an agency from maintaining records with respect to first amendment rights. Requires an agency to: (1) notify sources and prior recipients of corrections to or statements of disagreement with individually identifiable records; and (2) reconsider any determination based on erroneous information after receipt of such information. Requires each Federal agency to designate one official to oversee the agency's implementation of this Act. Limits U.S. liability for violations of this Act to no more than $10,000 in excess of special damages sustained by the individual. Subjects Federal contractors or grantees to the provisions of this ACt, except for specified records. Stipulates that requests for information which could be processed under the Freedom of Information Act or the Privacy Act should be processed under the latter, but shall not result in the receipt of less information than would be received under the Freedom of Information Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to make restrictions on disclosure of credit information by consumer reporting agencies applicable to independent authorization services. Defines such services as the provision of consumer credit information for fees, dues, or on a nonprofit basis or the guarantee of payments to payor banks of checks signed by consumers. Requires a consumer creditor, before causing any credit information to be gathered about a consumer, to disclose to such consumer the types of information which may be collected and the types of institutions which may collect the information. Requires a creditor who uses information in denying credit or increasing credit charges to inform the consumer in clear language of: (1) the specific reason for the adverse decision; (2) the specific information relied upon; (3) the consumer's right to inspect and copy such information; and (4) all consumer rights provided under such Act. Directs a creditor to notify the collection agency to which it has referred a consumer debt when such debt is satisfied. Requires a credit card issuer to maintain reasonable procedures to prevent disclosures of inaccurate information to independent authorization services. Prohibits a credit reporting agency from making any consumer report which contains information identifying a person to whom a previous report respecting the consumer has been furnished.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Prohibits inclusion of the receipts and disbursements of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund and any amount in such Trust Fund in the totals of the budget of the United States Government. Exempts such receipts, disbursements, and amounts from any general limitations imposed on budget outlays of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Federal Information and Privacy Board Act of 1981 - Establishes the Federal Information Practices Board to oversee the effects of Governmental and nongovernmental information collection and management activities on the rights and privileges of individuals and to investigate Governmental and nongovernmental compliance with Federal laws and policies that affect information practices. Directs the Board to report to the President and Congress annually on its activities, on new technologies, and to make recommendations. Grants the Board unqualified access to any information under Government control. Limits use and disclosure of such information. Requires each Federal agency to consult with the Board prior to publication of any proposed rule under specified Federal information laws. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Modifies the termination date for veterans eligible for educational assistance to December 31, 1989, or five years after discharge or release from active duty, whichever is later.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, for five-year level premium term insurance, to waive the payment of premiums on National Service Life Insurance during a continuous disability beginning after the insured's 65th birthday.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Requires, upon application by the insured, waiver of the payment of premiums for National Service Life Insurance during any time after which the insured has attained the age of 70 and has paid premiums on the insurance for not less than 25 years.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to disclose to any party to a judicial or administrative tax proceeding whether a prospective juror has been the subject of a tax investigation or audit by the Internal Revenue Service. Restricts disclosure of tax return information to State and local tax officials by requiring that any disclosure directly relate to the administration or enforcement of State or local tax law. Permits the Secretary to refuse to make any disclosure which would identify a confidential informant or seriously impair any civil or criminal tax investigation. Prohibits disclosure of tax information to State or local tax officials unless their State or locality has adopted a law which restricts the disclosure of tax information to the same extent that this Act restricts disclosure. Requires the written consent of prospective presidential appointees and certain other prospective Federal Government appointees to disclosure of their tax returns. Limits the Secretary's authority to disclose the tax return information of individuals who owe child support payments to the disclosure of only that information which is required to locate such individuals. Repeals the authority of the Secretary to disclose nontax return information to another Federal agency for use in an administrative or judicial proceeding not relating to tax administration. Requires a Federal agency which seeks nontax return information to show in Federal district court that there is probable cause to believe that a specific Federal law has been violated, that such information is probative evidence of a fact in issue, that such disclosure is not otherwise prohibited by law, and that such information cannot reasonably be obtained from any other source.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Amends the Veterans' Rehabilitation and Education Amendments of 1980 to increase from 60 to 90 percent the percentage of tuition and fees for an approved program of flight training which is paid by the Veterans' Administration under the GI bill education assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Permits taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns an election to contribute any portion of their income tax refunds or any additional contributions forwarded with the returns to the support of the arts. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to modify income tax return forms to notify taxpayers of their option to contribute. Authorizes the payment of 100 percent of taxpayer refunds or contributions designated for the support of the arts to the National Endowment for the Arts (Arts Endowment). Directs the transfer of all such amounts, on a proportionate basis, to State arts agencies. Treats payments of funds to State agencies as donations from private persons and not as Federal assistance. Directs the transfer of amounts transferred to State agencies under this Act, on a proportionate basis, to local arts agencies. Imposes restrictions on the use of funds transferred to the Arts Endowment or State or local arts agencies for administrative purposes. Prohibits any local agency to which funds are paid under this Act from requiring any applicant for funds to meet any matching requirement. Prohibits the use of funds raised under this Act for grants to any endowment funds or for other investment purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Title I: Depository Services - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require a depository institution to exercise reasonable care in the use of consumer reporting agencies, independent authorization services, and independent check guarantee services. Requires a depository institution, before causing credit information to be gathered about a consumer, to disclose to such consumer all types of information which may be collected and all types of institutions which may collect the information. Requires a depository institution which uses information in denying credit or increasing credit charges to inform the consumer in clear language of: (1) the specific reason for the adverse decision; (2) the specific information relied upon; (3) the consumer's right to inspect and copy such information; and (4) consumer rights provided under such Act. Provides for enforcement of this Act by the appropriate Federal agencies. Title II: Electronic Funds Transfer Services - Requires an electronic funds transfer service to destroy individually identifiable account information 45 days after the date of each transaction. Requires providers of such services to establish and maintain procedures enabling individuals to promptly correct inaccuracies in transactions or account records generated by the service.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Authorizes the President to present on behalf of the Congress specially struck gold medals to fifty-three individuals held hostage in the United States Embassy in Iran. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) strike fifty-three gold medals with suitable emblems, devices and inscriptions; and (2) coin and sell bronze duplicates of such medals. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981
Directs the President to: (1) convene an International Conference on Communication and Information, by January 1, 1982, comprised of delegates from the principal industrialized nations; (2) prepare for and host such conference; and (3) report to Congress on the conference. Authorizes a specified sum to be appropriated to carry out this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1981
Pay Continuity Act of 1981 - Appropriates the funds necessary to pay the salaries of employees of the Executive branch, Members of Congress, and members of the uniformed services during any period when such funds are not available because the legislation making appropriations to the Government entity responsible for paying such individuals has not been enacted on time.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits the total amount of money expended by the United States in any fiscal year from exceeding the total amount of revenue received by the United States during such fiscal year, except in time of war as declared by the Congress. Allows the suspension of the amendment by a joint resolution approved by a vote of three-fifths of the Members of each House of the Congress and approved and signed by the President, or by a vote of two-thirds of the Members of each House of the Congress. Requires tax rates to be reduced to offset the effects of inflation. Establishes a procedure for the approval of bills or joint resolutions affecting taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1981
Family Enterprise Estate and Gift Tax Equity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the unified credit against the estate and gift taxes from $47,000 to $155,800 by specified annual increments through 1985. Increases from $175,000 to $500,000, by specified annual increments through 1985, the minimum gross estate requirement for filing of a return. Repeals the existing limitations on the marital deduction for gift and estate taxes. Increases from $3,000 to $6,000 the annual gift tax exclusion. Qualifies estates of decedents who were disabled or retired for the special valuation of certain farms based on use if such decedents materially participated in the operation of the farm for five out of eight years preceding the year in which they became disabled or eligible for disability benefits, under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Permits the spouse of a decedent to use such valuation if the spouse has managed the farm or business for ten years preceding the decedent's death or takes over active management upon the decedent's death. Qualifies the owner of a woodland for the special use valuation if the owner or a member of the owner's family actively managed the property for ten years prior to the owner's death. Reduces from 15 to ten years the length of time a qualified property must be held and put to a qualified use following the decedent's death before it can be disposed of without incurring a recapture of estate tax benefits. Permits active management rather than material participation as a test for qualification of the estate for spouses, children under 21, students, and disabled individuals who receive property from a decedent who qualified for special use valuation. Repeals the $500,000 limitation on the reduction of the value of qualified real property permitted by the special use valuation. Allows the like kind exchange of property without loss of special use valuation eligibility. Allows valuation based on net crop share rentals as an alternative method of valuing farms. Repeals the requirement that an heir elect special treatment for involuntary conversions of qualified real property, thus making such treatment automatic upon such conversion. States that gifts made within three years of a decedent's death shall be valued as of the time of transfer rather than as of the date of death. Authorizes an individual to elect to pay a gift tax rather than use the unified tax credit. Modifies the alternate extension of time for payment of the estate tax where the estate consists largely of an interest in a closely held business to: (1) allow an installment payment election if the value of the interest in the closely held business is either 35 percent of the value of the gross estate or 50 percent of the taxable estate; (2) increase to 50 percent the value of an interest disposed of which will accelerate the payment of tax; and (3) permit payment, but with a penalty, of an installment within six months after the due date. Allows a disclaimer of an interest in property for estate tax purposes in specified circumstances where such disclaimer does not result in the passing of the interest concerned under the applicable State law.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $20,000 to $75,000 in 1981 (with annual adjustments up to $95,000 in 1985 and thereafter) the earned income exclusion for U.S. citizens working abroad who are bona fide residents of a foreign country. Repeals the requirement that, as a condition of their employment, such individuals reside in a hardship area. Reduces from 17 to 11 months the residency requirement for such exclusion. Provides for an income tax exclusion for the value of employer-provided lodging in a camp in cases where satisfactory housing is not generally available. Reduces from 17 to 11 months the foreign residency requirement with respect to the deduction for certain housing expenses of living abroad.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from taxation income earned from sources outside the United States for all individuals who are bona fide residents of foreign countries or who are present in a foreign country for a specified time (current law excludes such income of such individuals only if they reside in camps located in hardship areas). Eliminates restrictions on such tax exclusion with respect to: (1) the dollar amount of such exclusion; (2) the taxable year to which the income earned abroad is attributed; (3) community income earned abroad; and (4) meals and lodgings provided by the employer. Repeals provisions added by the Tax Reform Act of 1976 which allow income tax deductions for various expenses related to living abroad.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1981
Establishes a Joint Select Committee on Defense Readiness and Mobilization Capability to investigate and report on defense readiness and mobilization capability, including an analysis of: (1) the kind and extent of threats to the national defense; and (2) the quality and quantity of manpower, material, transportation, budgetary, and programmatic resources needed at present and able to be mobilized in the future. Sets forth the requirements for appointment to the joint select committee.
![Official portrait of Rep. Goldwater, Barry, Jr. [R-CA-20]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000268_200.jpg)