United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit entitlement to title II benefits in the case of an individual who is not a U. S. citizen or national if such individual: (1) is not a permanent resident of the United States; or (2) is outside the United States. Prohibits the payment of title II benefits to any dependent or survivor of such an individual on the basis of such individual's wages and self-employment income. Makes such prohibition inapplicable if the benefit involved is payable to such an individual as the dependent or survivor of: (1) a U. S. citizen or national; (2) a permanent resident of the United States; or (3) a U. S. citizen or national residing outside the United States if the relationship required for such individual's entitlement already existed at the time such national or citizen reached age 50. Authorizes the payment of title II benefits to an individual who is not entitled to benefits pursuant to this Act until the total amount of such benefits equals the total amount of any taxes paid on the wages and self-employment income on which the benefits are based.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1981
Aerospace Force Act - Renames the United States Air Force the United States Aerospace Force. Renames and redesignates the Department and Secretary of the Air Force accordingly. Requires the Force to be trained and equipped for prompt and sustained offensive and defensive operations in air and space, including coordination with ground and naval forces and the preservation of free access to space for U.S. spacecraft. Directs the Secretary of the Aerospace Force to report to Congress on the feasibility of establishing a separate space command.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1981
Amends the Depository Institutions Deregulation Act of 1980 to suspend, during the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending six months after such date, the authority of the Depository Institutions Deregulation Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1981
Milwaukee Railroad and Rock Island Railroad Amendments Act of 1981 - Amends the Milwaukee Railroad Restructuring Act to revise procedures by which the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) oversees the purchase of bankrupt rail lines by financially responsible persons. Defines a "financially responsible person" as one who is capable of paying the purchase price of a railroad line and the expenses of providing service over the line for at least two years. Amends the Rock Island Railroad Transition and Employee Assistance Act to declare that the ICC's authority to grant temporary operating approval for the use of Rock Island or Milwaukee Railroad facilities shall continue until a plan of reorganization or liquidation is approved by the ICC and the bankruptcy court.
United States · United States Congress · 23 November 1981
Requires nationals of Communist countries to register with the Attorney General before engaging in certain activities involving Members of Congress and congressional employees. Requires the Attorney General to deport persons violating this Act. States that such deportations shall not be subject to judicial review or other related provisions under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1981
Federal Reserve System Reform Act - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to require the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to include within its annual report to Congress the impact, during the previous twelve calendar months, of the monetary policies and actions of the Board on selected sectors of the economy, including small business, housing, agriculture, and the accessibility of credit. Requires the Board to provide to specified Congressional committees additional information requested by such committees for purposes of analyzing the monetary policies and actions of the Board and their effect on the economy. Requires the net earnings of a Federal reserve bank, after all the dividend claims have been fully met, to be paid into the general fund of the Treasury. Eliminates the provisions of such Act which allowed the Board to levy assessments upon Federal reserve banks to pay its expenses. Authorizes appropriations as necessary for the operations of the Board. Permits the Board to enter into agreements with the Administrator of General Services with respect to the maintenance, operation, or protection of any building owned by the Board. Sets the term of office for members of the Board at five years. Permits any member of the Board to be removed for cause by the President. Declares that the term of office of the members of the Board shall commence on April 1 of the calendar year in which the term of the President making such designation commences. Requires that any vacancy in the office of the Chairman of the Board or Vice Chairman of the Board be filled in the same manner in which the original designation was made and that any such person only serve for the remainder of the term for which his or her predecessor was designated. Permits the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Board to serve after the expiration of his or her term until a successor has taken office. Prohibits any member of the Board from serving more than two terms as either Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Board. Prohibits any person from serving as a member of the Board for more than two terms of five years. Revises the membership of the Federal Open-Market Committee to include only the members of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury. Amends the Accounting and Auditing Act of 1950 to require a comprehensive audit of the Federal Reserve System by the Government Accounting Office. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the first concurrent resolution on the budget to set forth recommended targets with respect to the range within which each of the following items should be maintained, in light of economic conditions and all other relevant factors: (1) the rate of interest at which Federal Reserve banks make advances or discount or rediscount commercial paper; (2) the rate of interest charged by depository institutions on residential real estate loans, business and agricultural loans, consumer loans, and all other loans; and (3) the rate of growth or diminution of monetary and credit aggregates. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to require that monetary policy, including open-market operations, be carried out under such Act for each fiscal year in order to maintain the rate of interest charged on loans made by depository institutions and the rate of growth or diminution of the monetary and credit aggregates. Requires the Board to notify Congress of any proposed change in monetary policy if such change is a change in any rate of interest at which any Federal Reserve bank may make advances or discount or rediscount any class of commercial paper and would cause such rate to be outside of the range established in the most recent concurrent resolution on the budget adopted for the current fiscal year. Prohibits the Board from authorizing such a change in monetary policy if either House of Congress passes a resolution disapproving such proposed change. Provides for an immediate change in monetary policy in the event of a determination by the Board that extraordinary circumstances require it.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1981
Small Business Investment Incentives Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to repeal the $35,000,000 limitation on the amount of debentures issued by a small business investment company eligible for purchase or guarantee by the Small Business Administration. Permits small business investment companies to make loans to their employees for the purchase of company stock. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a non-refundable investment tax credit of 30 percent of the proceeds of a small business participating loan issued by a socially and economically disadvantaged small business and 20 percent of the proceeds of such a loan issued by a non-disadvantaged small business. Limits such credit to $30,000 ($60,000 in the case of a joint return) for such loans issued by a disadvantaged small business and $20,000 ($40,000 in the case of a joint return) for loans issued by a non-disadvantaged small business. Disallows such credit for loans issued by a related party and loans disposed of prematurely. Allows the carryover of any unused portion of such credit to each of the 7 taxable years following the unused credit year. Treats as long-term capital gain amounts actually paid to a taxpayer, with respect to a small business participating loan, which constitute the distribution of a share of the earnings of the issuer. Denies such capital-gain treatment in cases where the taxpayer would not qualify for the tax credit. Treats losses on a small business participating loan as ordinary losses. Allows an interest expense deduction for interest and share-of-earnings payments made on a small business participating loan. Treats as ordinary income the original issue discount interest of a small business participating loan. Defines "small business participating loan" as a written debt instrument issued by a qualified small business which: (1) is a general obligation of such business; (2) bears a stated interest rate of not less than 6 percent; (3) has a fixed maturity; (4) grants no voting or conversion rights in the business to the purchaser; and (5) provides for the payment of a share of the issuer's total earnings. Defines a "qualified small business" as one: (1) whose equity capital does not exceed $10,000,000; (2) the face value of all of whose outstanding small business participating loans does not exceed $1,000,000; and (3) which has no outstanding securities subject to regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the individual income tax rate reductions enacted by the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 shall be reflected in withholding adjustments six months sooner than scheduled.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1981
Increases the number of Assistant Secretaries of Defense from seven to eight. Designates one of the Assistant Secretaries as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategic and Homeland Defense.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1981
Taxpayer Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in the collection of taxes, to provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act regarding communication and harassment in connection with debt collection. Prohibits the publication of any deficiency which has not been adjudged to be payable by a competent court. Permits individual taxpayers to bring a civil action in a U.S. district court for damages resulting from collection practices prohibited by this Act. Requires a Federal court order before property of a taxpayer may be levied upon for the collection of tax. Specifies that a showing of fraud or malfeasance or a misrepresentation, for purposes of modifying or reconsidering a closing agreement between an individual taxpayer and the Secretary of the Treasury, shall be taken into account only if such a showing or misrepresentation is determined by a competent court. Prohibits the Secretary from consenting to extend for more than one year the period for assessment of the income tax liability of any individual taxpayer. Requires the Secretary to prepare, for distribution to taxpayers, brief but comprehensive statements which set forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of taxpayers during an audit; (2) the procedures which the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws; and (3) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file taxpayer complaints. Requires a copy of such statement to accompany any tax forms sent to taxpayers. Prescribes criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation by employees of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws which inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Creates a civil cause of action for any taxpayer aggrieved by a prohibited investigation or by the deprivation of any civil rights. Permits the award of a judgment of costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to a prevailing taxpayer in any proceeding before the Tax Court. Makes binding on the Secretary : (1) a tax return prepared for the taxpayer by an officer or employee of the IRS acting in his official capacity to provide such assistance; and (2) written information or advice given to the taxpayer by such an officer or employee acting in his official capacity. Places the burden of proof, in administrative and judicial proceedings involving the IRS and a taxpayer, upon the IRS. Directs that all property of taxpayers, for purposes of the estate and gift tax, be valued at historical cost (original cost to the taxpayer or the basis of the property if it was not purchased). Prohibits the use in IRS personnel evaluations of amounts collected pursuant to audits or investigations. Precludes the Secretary from exercising any enforcement authority over churches or certain other organizations. Prohibits the audit of any group of taxpayers unless the Secretary has first met certain notice requirements or permitted members of the group to file an amended return. Sets forth conditions which must be met by the IRS before any action is taken to interfere with the property rights of a taxpayer. Requires the IRS, before securing the records of, or personal data concerning, any taxpayer, to: (1) notify the taxpayer in writing of the demand, the material sought, and the need for the material; (2) have commenced an action in a competent court against the taxpayer; and (3) have justified its need before the court consistent with the discovery rules of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. States that the IRS shall have no authority, in enforcing the tax obligations of any person, which is in conflict with the rights and privileges granted under the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1981
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the United States must manage its assets in a manner more prudent and beneficial to the interests of the American people; (2) all executive branch agencies should inventory their assets, estimate the approximate value of each asset, and identify the uses to which each asset is put; (3) the President should then identify which assets are surplus to Federal needs and should be candidates for liquidation; (4) the President should submit recommendations to Congress on any legislative and administrative revisions that may be needed to carry out such a program of liquidation in an orderly manner; (5) the receipts of this program should be used only to restrain and ultimately reduce the national debt; and (6) the Comptroller General should investigate and recommend to Congress and each agency improved processes for managing Federal assets, estimating their value, and liquidating those which are unneeded.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Bureau of Labor Statistics is deserving of full support for its announced corrections in the housing component of the Consumer Price Index (CPI); (2) these corrections should be implemented expeditiously; and (3) the Bureau should determine a policy for frequent periodic updating of the market basket, as well as for measuring quality and tax changes in the CPI.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that no limitation should be placed on the Federal income tax deduction for interest paid on a residential mortgage.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1981
Violent Crime Control Act of 1981 - Title I: Mandatory Sentences For Use of Firearms in Felonies - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control Act of 1970 to revise and increase the mandatory penalties for using or carrying a firearm during commission of a Federal felony. Makes the additional penalties inapplicable to offenses consisting solely of possessing, transporting, or selling a firearm. Increases the additional penalty to two years' imprisonment for a first offense (currently, one to ten years) and to five years for a second or subsequent offense (currently, two to 25 years). Extends to first offenders the stipulations, currently applicable only to second or subsequent offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence, grant probation, or impose concurrent sentences. Prohibits the granting of parole to any offender. Prohibits the Government attorney from plea bargaining with respect to this offense. Title II: Assassination-Related Killings - Amends the Federal criminal code to extend the current offense of killing designated Federal employees to include any Federal public servant engaged in the performance of, or on account of, his or her duties. Replaces the current crimes of Presidential and Congressional assassination with new offenses covering the assassination, assault, kidnapping, or conspiracy to kill or kidnap "United States officials." Includes Cabinet heads and Federal judges within such definition, in addition to the President, Vice President, and Members of Congress. Makes it a Federal crime to kill any civilian in the course of an assassination of a U.S. official. Authorizes the Attorney General to offer a reward of up to $100,000 for information and services concerning these offenses. Makes it the duty of any Federal agency to assist the Attorney General in the investigation and prosecution of violations. Title III: Bail Reform - Bail Reform Act of 1981 - Repeals the Bail Reform Act of 1966 and sets forth new bail procedures. Authorizes a judicial officer to consider the safety of any person of the community when making a pretrial release determination. Establishes as a mandatory release condition that the person not commit a Federal, State, or local crime during release. Authorizes pretrial release upon execution of an unsecured appearance bond. Expands the number of discretionary release conditions. Authorizes a judicial officer to order the detention for up to ten days of a person who is presently on pretrial release for a felony under Federal, State, or local law or on probation or parole or release pending sentencing or appeal for any offense if no conditions will assure his appearance and the safety of the community and any other person. Authorizes a judicial officer to order the pretrial detention of a person upon finding that: (1) no condition will reasonably assure such person's appearance and the safety of any other person and the community; and (2) there is a substantial probability that the person committed the offense. Requires that a detention hearing be held in any case involving: (1) a crime of violence; (2) any offense punishable by life imprisonment or death; or (3) a narcotics offense punishable by at least ten years' imprisonment. Permits the Government or the court to move for a detention hearing in any other case involving a serious risk of flight or obstruction of justice or any offense committed after the person has been convicted of two or more offenses for which a hearing is mandated. Enumerates additional factors to be considered by the judicial officer in making a release determination, including the defendant's past conduct, history of drug or alcohol abuse, criminal history, and the nature and seriousness of the danger to the community or any person. Requires the detention of a person who has appealed his conviction unless the judicial officer finds by clear and convincing evidence that: (1) such person is not likely to flee or pose a danger to another person or property; and (2) the appeal raises a substantial question of law or fact. Requires the detention of a person awaiting sentencing unless the officer finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is not likely to flee or pose a danger to any other person or the community. Authorizes a U.S. attorney to appeal a release order. Establishes mandatory additional penalties for commission of an offense while on pretrial release. Subjects a person who has been conditionally released and violates a condition of release to revocation of release and prosecution for contempt of court. Grants new authority to law enforcement officers to arrest a person who violates certain pretrial release conditions. Title IV: Insanity Defense Modifications - Amends Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to authorize a new plea of "guilty but insane" for any criminal defendant whose actions constitute all necessary elements of the offense charged but who lacks the requisite state of mind as a result of mental disease or defect. Permits the jury or the court in a non-jury trial to find a defendant guilty but insane. Requires the court in any such case to hold a hearing to determine the present mental condition of the convicted person. Directs the court to commit such person to the custody of the Attorney General upon a finding by a preponderance of the evidence that the person is presently suffering from a mental disease or defect as a result of which release would create a substantial danger to himself or to the person or property of another. Directs the Attorney General to release such person to a State which will assume responsibility for his custody and treatment or otherwise to hospitalize such person in a suitable facility. Requires the court to hold a hearing upon the certification by the director of the facility that such person's release will no longer create a substantial danger to himself or the person or property of another. Directs the court to order the discharge of a person who is found to have recovered. Provides for the hospitalization of persons found guilty, imprisoned persons, and persons due for release who are found to suffer from mental disease or defect. Title V: Modification of the Exclusionary Rule - Declares that evidence obtained in violation of the fourth amendment shall not be excluded in a criminal proceeding if the Government attorney shows by a preponderance of the evidence that the law enforcement officer acted with a reasonable, good faith belief that the search or seizure conformed with fourth amendment requirements. States that evidence obtained in accordance with a warrant is prima facie evidence of good faith belief. Makes the United States liable for damages resulting from a search or seizure conducted by a law enforcement officer acting within the scope of employment in violation of the fourth amendment, unless the Government attorney shows the officer's reasonable good faith belief of constitutional compliance. Permits recovery of actual and punitive damages not exceeding $50,000. Authorizes the court to award reasonable attorney fees. Limits recovery of a person convicted of an offense for which evidence was illegally seized to actual physical personal injury and property damage. Authorizes a Federal agency to discipline an officer who conducts an illegal search or seizure upon a determination, after notice and hearing, that the officer lacked a good faith belief that the action was constitutional. Title VI: Sentencing Reform - Establishes as an independent body in the judicial branch the United States Sentencing Commission to set forth sentencing policies and practices for the Federal criminal justice system. Directs the Commission to promulgate: (1) sentencing guidelines, including appropriate fines and terms of probation and imprisonment; and (2) general policy statements regarding application of the guidelines. Requires the court to consider the Commission's guidelines and policy statements in imposing sentences in a criminal case. Requires the court to state in open court at the time of sentencing the reason for imposing a sentence at a point within the prescribed range or the specific reason for imposing a sentence outside of such range. Provides that in the case of a felony or misdemeanor carrying a maximum imprisonment term of one year, a defendant may appeal a sentence greater than the maximum allowed under the Commission's guidelines which are found by the sentencing court to be applicable, unless contrary to a plea agreement. Permits the Government, with the personal approval of the Attorney General or the Solicitor General, to appeal a sentence less than the applicable minimum. Title VII: Habeas Corpus Changes - Prohibits Federal magistrates from conducting evidentiary hearings in habeas corpus actions brought by State prisoners, except upon consent of the parties. Prohibits the consideration in a habeas corpus proceeding of a Federal question which was not properly presented under State law at trial and on appeal unless the petitioner establishes that the alleged violation of the Federal right was prejudicial and that: (1) the Federal right did not exist at time of trial and has been determined to be retroactive; (2) the State procedures precluded assertion of the right; (3) evidence was suppressed which prevented raising of the claim; or (4) material and controlling facts upon which the claim is based were unknown and could not have been ascertained by reasonable diligence. Establishes a three-year statute of limitations for habeas corpus actions brought by State prisoners. Prohibits a Federal evidentiary hearing from being conducted where State court records demonstrate that the factual issue was litigated and determined, unless the petitioner establishes the existence of at least one of six circumstances (currently, the State findings are presumed to be correct unless the petitioner establishes the existence of a circumstance). Requires the Federal court to view the State court record in the light most favorable to the prosecution. Title VIII: Corrections Construction and Development - Corrections Construction and Program Development Act of 1981 - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States for up to 75 percent of the cost of projects to: (1) construct, expand, and repair correctional facilities; and (2) improve correctional programs and practices. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1985. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the Administrator of the General Services Administration to donate surplus property to States for correctional purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement of receipts and outlays for that year in which total outlays are no greater than total receipts. Permits Congress in such statement to provide for a specific excess of outlays over receipts by a three-fifths vote directed solely to that subject. Prohibits total receipts for any fiscal year set forth in such statement from increasing by a rate greater than the rate of increase in national income in the last calendar year ending before such fiscal year, unless Congress passes a bill directed solely to approving specific additional receipts and such bill has become law. Permits Congress to waive the provisions of this Act with respect to any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Prohibits the Congress from requiring that the States engage in additional activities without compensation equal to the additional costs. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States, except those derived from borrowing and total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States except those for repayment of debt principal.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a specially struck gold medal to Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in recognition of the bicentennial anniversary of diplomatic and trade relations between the Netherlands and the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to coin and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Authorizes appropriations.
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 · 15 October 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.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1981
Amends the Federal Reserve Act to declare that the enforceability in any State of any due-on-sale clause contained in any fixed-rate real estate loan made or purchased by any national banking association shall be determined under the law of such State.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that an employee receiving benefits under an annuity, endowment, or life insurance contract, where part of the consideration for such contract is contributed by the employer, may elect to exclude from gross income an amount equal to the consideration contributed by such employee without regard to whether such consideration is recovered during the first three years of the annuity. Provides that, for purposes of such exclusion, non-deductible owner-employee contributions shall be treated as consideration for the contract contributed by the employee.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1981
Delays until 1983 the application of Revenue Ruling 81-216 which denies a tax exclusion of the interest on multiple lots of $1,000,000 each of industrial development bonds that are pooled and issued as one bond.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1981
Safe Drinking Water Regulatory Reform Act - Amends title XIV of the Public Health Service Act (the "Safe Drinking Water Act") to revise regulatory procedures relating to safe drinking water requirements. Provides for administrative procedures and judicial review of such procedures relating to the promulgation or amendment, under such title, of: (1) any national interim primary drinking water regulation; (2) any revised national primary drinking water regulation; and (3) any regulation for State underground injection control programs. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a rulemaking docket for such rulemaking actions. Requires the establishment of an identical docket in the appropriate regional office of the Agency whenever a rule applies only within a particular State. Requires that notice in the Federal Register of such proposed rulemaking be accompanied by: (1) a statement of its basis and purpose; (2) the docket number, location, and times for public inspection; and (3) notice of the period available for public comment. Sets forth procedures for written and oral public comment and inclusion of such comment in the docket. Requires that a promulgated rule be accompanied by statements of: (1) its basis and purpose; (2) the reasons for any major changes from the proposed rule; (3) factual data and reasons supporting a determination that the benefits of applying the rule justify the compliance costs; (4) the reasons why any public comment alternatives to the proposed rule were rejected; and (5) response to significant public comment, criticism, and new data submissions. Prohibits basing the promulgated rule on any information not in the docket. Limits the record for judicial review to docket materials and required accompaniments to the promulgated rule. Directs the Administrator to convene a proceeding for reconsideration of a rule upon a demonstration that an objection of central relevance to the rule could not be raised during the public comment period. Provides for judicial review of refusals of such reconsideration. Authorizes the Administrator or the appropriate U.S. court of appeals to stay the effectiveness of the rule for up to three months during reconsideration. Sets forth provisions for judicial review of procedural determinations of the Administrator. Permits statutory deadlines for promulgation of rules to be extended to not more than six months after the proposal date, if necessary, to afford the public and the Agency adequate opportunity to carry out this Act. Permits petitions for judicial review of administrative actions under such Act to be filed only in the U.S. court of appeals for a judicial circuit in which a substantial portion of the associated impact or injury will occur. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Revises standards for primary drinking water regulations. Replaces regulation of contaminants having "any adverse effect" on human health with regulation of contaminants "posing an unreasonable risk to human health". Removes a requirement that such regulations provide for proper operation and maintenance of public water systems, minimum quality of water taken into the systems, and new facilities siting. Eliminates specified references to the Administrator's judgments or determinations and to allowance for "an adequate margin of safety" in promulgating such regulations. Requires the maximum contaminant level specified in revised national primary drinking water regulations for a contaminant to be as close to the recommended maximum contaminant level as is "reasonable" (currently, "feasible"). Removes specified provisions relating to requirements for the use of treatment techniques. Continues State primary enforcement responsibility whenever the Administrator revises or amends any national primary drinking water regulation. Requires a State with primary enforcement responsibility to show the Administrator that the State public water system supervision program meets the revised or added requirement, within a specified period. Requires the Administrator's approval of continuation of the State's primary enforcement responsibility. Authorizes the Administrator to waive a prohibition against making grants to State public water system supervision programs that have not assumed and maintained primary enforcement responsibility. Permits such waiver during any time within 18 months after the effective date of any amendment or revision of the national regulations if the State has assumed such responsibility and is making a diligent effort to comply with the new amendment or revision. Authorizes the Administrator to grant a State an additional six months to come into compliance, on a showing of good cause.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1981
Directs the President to award the Purple Heart to any individual wounded or killed while held as a prisoner of war during World War I, World War II, or the Korean conflict.
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 · 4 August 1981
Federal Land Survey Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to notify affected agencies and the public of the intent to conduct, certify, or record any land survey or resurvey, at least 30 days prior to such intended action. Requires the Secretary to: (1) initiate the survey within six months of the notice of intent; (2) complete the survey affixing a permanent mark designating the year when established and otherwise complying with applicable state statutes; and (3) certify the survey in the appropriate land office within 90 days of its completion. Sets forth certain monumentation requirements for surveys involving both Federal and non-Federal lands. Provides a procedure for removal of any monumentation if the Secretary fails to certify such monument within the 90-day period. Authorizes the Secretary or his designee to conduct land surveys by contract with private sources in accordance with provisions of this Act. Requires the Secretary's designee to cooperate with the Interstate Commerce Commission to conduct cadastral surveys and plat maps necessary to perpetuate land boundaries adjacent to abandoned railroads or utilities. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with State governors and the President of the National Academy of Sciences, to: (1) conduct an assessment of multipurpose national cadastre information needs; and (2) develop a feasibility study for the establishment of a multipurpose national cadastre system. Requires the submission of such feasibility report to the Congress within three years of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1981
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should complete construction of a permanent manned operations center in low Earth orbit within ten years. Requests the President to submit to Congress within one year a plan for implementing such objective.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1981
Bail Reform Act of 1981 - Repeals the Bail Reform Act of 1966 and sets forth new bail procedures. Authorizes a judicial officer to consider the safety of any person or the community when making a pretrial release determination. Establishes as a mandatory release condition that the person not commit a Federal, State, or local crime during release. Authorizes pretrial release upon execution of an unsecured appearance bond. Expands the discretionary release conditions to require that the defendant: (1) maintain employment or an educational program; (2) avoid contact with an alleged victim or potential witness; (3) report to a law enforcement or pretrial service agency; (4) comply with a curfew; (5) refrain from possessing a firearm or using alcohol or narcotic drugs; (6) undergo medical treatment; (7) forfeit designated property upon failure to appear; and (8) return to custody at specified hours. Authorizes a judicial officer to order the detention for up to ten days of a person who is presently on pretrial release for a felony under Federal, State, or local law or on probation or parole or release pending sentencing or appeal for any offense, if no conditions will assure his appearance and the safety of the community and any other person. Authorizes a judicial officer to order the pretrial detention of a person upon finding that: (1) no condition will reasonably assure such person's appearance and the safety of any other person and the community; and (2) there is a substantial probability that the person committed the offense. Requires that a detention hearing be held in any case involving: (1) a crime of violence; (2) any offense punishable by life imprisonment or death; or (3) a narcotics offense punishable by at least ten years imprisonment. Permits the Government or the court to move for a detention hearing in any other case involving: (1) a serious risk of flight or obstruction of justice; or (2) any offense committed after the person has been convicted of two or more offenses for which a hearing is mandated. Enumerates additional factors to be considered by the judicial officer in making a release determination, including the defendant's past conduct, history of drug or alcohol abuse, criminal history, and the nature and seriousness of the danger to the community or any person. Requires the detention of a person who has appealed his conviction unless the judicial officer finds by clear and convincing evidence that: (1) such person is not likely to flee or pose a danger to another person or property; and (2) the appeal raises a substantial question of law or fact. Requires the detention of a person awaiting sentencing unless the officer finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is not likely to flee or pose a danger to any other person or the community. Authorizes a U.S. attorney to appeal a release order. Establishes mandatory additional penalties for commission of an offense while on pretrial release. Subjects a person who has been conditionally released and violates a condition of release to revocation of release and prosecution for contempt of court. Grants new authority to law enforcement officers to arrest a person who violates certain pretrial release conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1981
Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) maintain an information program to provide small businesses an opportunity to participate in Federal small business innovation research (SBIR) programs; (2) coordinate a schedule for release of SBIR solicitations and prepare a master release schedule; (3) monitor SBIR programs within Federal agencies; and (4) report annually to the congressional Small Business Committees on the SBIR programs. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget of at least $100,000,000 in FY 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to spend a specified percentage of its budget in connection with an SBIR program. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget of at least $20,000,000 in FY 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to establish specific goals for funding research and development agreements with small businesses. Directs each Federal agency to report annually to the SBA the number of awards over $10,000 made under the SBIR program and to concerns other than small business concerns. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in conjunction with the SBA, to promulgate regulations for the conduct of the SBIR programs. States that this Act does not authorize the appropriation of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1981
National Space and Aeronautics Policy Act of 1981 - Title I: Declaration of Policy - Establishes a comprehensive national civilian space and aeronautics policy to provide the basis for a world information system, earth orbital facilities, exploration of the solar system, and the development of other space and aeronautical activities. Title II: National Space and Aeronautics Policy - Sets forth national space and aeronautics principles in order to achieve the peaceful expansion of space and atmospheric environments for the benefit of mankind and the nation. Title III: Program - Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), in cooperation with private, governmental, and international groups, to pursue aggressive research and systems development in space and aeronautics science and technology. Specifies programs and target dates for the achievement of such research and systems development. Directs the Administrator of NASA, together with the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, in consultation with appropriate Federal agencies, to develop and submit to Congress a preliminary five year program including proposed annual funding requirements and a detailed research and development schedule. Requires a final five-year program, a ten-year plan, and 30-year policy goal to be submitted to Congress no later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires that status reports and revisions to the plan be submitted annually with the budget request beginning the third year after the enactment of this Act. Title IV: Government of Space Territories - Sets forth provisions for the government of space territories, including constitutional protections, the right to self- government, and admission to statehood.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that U.S. foreign policy should reflect a national strategy of peace through strength with specified principles and goals.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1981
Directs the United States Postal Service to provide and sell a postage stamp issue to honor all American servicemen and civilians still unaccounted for as a result of the conflict in Indochina. Provides that such postage stamp shall be of such denomination, and shall be sold for such a time, as the United States Postal Service shall determine.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1981
Permits any married Federal retiree to change his or her election to provide for or not to provide for an annuity to a surviving spouse or to change the amount of such an annuity after three years have expired since the date of such election; provided the retiree has fulfilled requirements to notify his or her spouse of such a change.
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
Interstate Compact - Grants the consent of the Congress to the agreement between the States of Kansas and Missouri which establishes their mutual boundary in the vicinity of the area known as the French Bottoms.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1981
Veterans' Compensation Amendments of 1981 - Title I: Veterans' Disability Compensation Benefits - Increases the rates of veterans' compensation for: (1) wartime disability compensation; (2) additional compensation for dependents; and (3) clothing allowances paid to certain disabled veterans. Title II: Survivors' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Benefits - Increases the rates of veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation for: (1) a surviving spouse; (2) surviving children; and (3) supplemental children's benefits. Provides for the adjustment of such benefits when the entitlement of a child is established retroactively or a child reaches age 18. Title III: Life Insurance Program Amendments - Increases the maximum amount of insurance coverage under the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance Program. Permits a member of the Retired Reserve of a uniformed service to obtain increased coverage as specified. Increases the maximum amount of insurance coverage under the Veterans' Group Life Insurance Program. Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe regulations for the administration of the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance Program by the Secretaries of the military departments. Permits the first beneficiary under a National Service Life Insurance policy to elect to receive payment in a lump sum. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to notify each individual insured under such policy or a United States Government Life Insurance policy of such changes and to provide forms for the election of a mode of payment. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - States that a funded personnel ceiling shall be provided to the Veterans' Administration. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to certify to the appropriate committees of Congress and to the Comptroller General that such ceiling has been provided. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the appropriate committees of Congress as to whether the Director has complied with such requirement. Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, before reorganizing or redistributing the functions of the bureaus, agencies, offices, or activities within the Veterans' Administration, to submit to Congress for 60 days a plan describing proposed changes. Makes such plan effective if neither House of Congress adopts a resolution of disapproval. Requires a veteran to have completed at least 24 months of an obligated period of service before such veteran is eligible for benefits administered by the Veterans' Administration, including disability benefits, hospital and medical care, and burial benefits. Preserves the right of certain blind veterans being furnished hospital or nursing home care in a Veterans' Administration blind rehabilitation center or clinic to continue to receive full pensions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Directs the Comptroller General to assign employees of the General Accounting Office to serve as ombudsmen for patients in Veterans' Administration facilities. Requires the Comptroller General to report at least annually to Congress on the activities and investigations carried out by such ombudsmen.
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.