United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Sunset Act of 1981 - Title I: Reauthorization of Government Programs - Sets forth a ten-year schedule for reauthorization of all Federal programs according to budget function and subfunction as set forth in the Budget of the United States Government for fiscal year 1979. Sets forth the procedure in the House of Representatives and the Senate for the consideration of any bill, resolution, or amendment which authorizes new budget authority. States that it is not in order for either House to consider any legislation which authorizes the enactment of new budget authority for a program for a period of more than ten years, for an indefinite period, or for any fiscal year beginning after the next reauthorization date applicable to such program. Provides that before the Congress can appropriate funds for any program, after its first reauthorization date, there must be a specific authorization in law to support the appropriation. Requires the committees of the Senate and House of Representatives to schedule and conduct a sunset review of programs to be reauthorized. Requires that the report accompanying such reauthorizations contain specified information and be completed during the Congress in which the program is scheduled for reauthorization. Exempts from the requirements of this Act specified programs such as interest on Federal debts, health care services, general retirement and disability payments, as well as litigation activities which have as their objectives the protection and implementation of civil rights guaranteed by the Constitution, and specified retirement pay and benefits. Allows the reauthorization schedule set forth in this Act to be changed by concurrent resolution of the two House of Congress and sets forth the procedure for such change. Requires all legislation and other matters related to changes in the dates for programs under this Act to be referred to the committee with legislative jurisdiction over any program affected by the proposal and, sequentially, to the Committee on Rules in the House Representatives and to the Committee on Rules and Administration in the Senate. Requires such committees to report any concurrent resolution or bill referred to it by a committee of legislative jurisdiction within 30 days, with a statement on each of its recommendations. Makes provisions for any proposed change which has been reported by a committee before June 1, 1982. Title II: Program Inventory - Directs the Comptroller General and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, in cooperation with the Director of the Congressional Research Service, to prepare an inventory of Federal programs. Declares that the purpose of such program inventory is to advise and assist Congress in carrying out reauthorization and reexamination requirements and to link such reauthorization and review process with the budget process. Requires the Comptroller General to submit such program inventory to each House of Congress no later than January 1, 1982. Sets forth the contents of the inventory program, including the type of authorization provided for such programs' new budget authority and the manner in which related program areas may be grouped for evaluation and review. Permits the Congressional committees, the Congressional Budget Office, and the Congressional Research Service to review the program inventory and to suggest revisions. Requires that the program inventory be revised at the end of each session of Congress, and that such revisions be reported to each House. Requires that periodic reports tabulate the progress of Congressional action on bills and resolutions authorizing budget authority for programs in the inventory. Requires the Comptroller General and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to submit periodic reports to the Congress on the adequacy of the functional and subfunctional categories for grouping programs of like missions or objectives. Title III: Program Reexamination - Requires each committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives to reexamine selected programs or groups of programs over which it has jurisdiction. Sets forth procedures for such review, and criteria for selection of program areas for evaluation. Directs each committee to consult with the appropriate committees of either the House of Representatives or the Senate in order to achieve coordination of program reevaluation. Directs each Committee to inform itself of the related activities of or available assistance from the General Accounting Office, the Congressional Budget Office, the Congressional Research Service, the Office of Technology Assessment, and other appropriate instrumentalities in the executive and judicial branches. Requires each committee to deliver a report on the reexamination to the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House at the date specified in the funding resolution first reported by such committee in 1983 and thereafter for the first session of each Congress. Allows two or more committees which have legislative jurisdiction over the same programs or portions of the same programs to examine such programs jointly and submit a joint report. Stipulates that such report: (1) contain the findings, recommendations, and justifications of the program; and (2) include specified information including, but not limited to, an assessment of the cost-effectiveness of the program and an identification of any trends, developments, and emerging conditions which are likely to affect the nature and extent of the problems or needs which the program is intended to address. Requires each executive department or agency which is responsible for a program selected for reexamination to submit a report to the Office of Management and Budget and to the appropriate committees of the Congress on its findings, recommendations, and justifications of specified aspects of the program. Title IV: Tax Expenditures - Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, after consultation with the Joint Committee on Taxation of the Congress, to prepare an inventory of tax expenditure provisions and to submit a report on such inventory to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House and the Senate Finance Committee. Defines the term "tax expenditure provision" as any provision of Federal law which allows a special exclusion, exemption, or deduction in determining liability for any tax or which provides a special credit against any tax, a preferential rate of tax, or a deferral of tax liability. Specifies the contents of the report, which include an estimate of the revenue loss from each tax provision. Requires the Director to: (1) submit a revised inventory to each House of Congress by December 1, 1982; (2) revise the inventory after the close of each session of Congress and report such revisions to Congress; and (3) periodically report on Congressional action on bills and resolutions which create or affect tax provisions. Directs the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance to prepare a reauthorization schedule for all tax provisions similar to the schedule set out for Federal programs in title I of this Act. Requires Congress to take final action on the reauthorization schedule for tax provisions before the end of the 97th Congress. Provides that each tax expenditure provision shall expire unless it is reauthorized by a law enacted during the Congress in which it is scheduled for review. Sets forth procedures and restrictions for the consideration of bills reauthorizing tax provisions, which are similar to the restrictions and procedures governing bills authorizing new budget authority for Federal programs as described in title I. Requires that the report accompanying a reauthorization bill include specified information. Permits Congress to prescribe technical rules necessary to mitigate adverse effects which might result for taxpayers who rely on a certain tax provision. Title V: Miscellaneous - Amends the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 to permit the committees of Congress to obtain from the agencies of the Government estimates or requests for appropriations, or requests for increases in an item of any such estimate or request, and recommendations as to how the revenue needs of the Government should be met. Sets forth administrative procedures and requirements. Directs the President, with the cooperation of the head of each appropriate agency, to submit to the Congress a "Regulatory Duplication and Conflicts Report" for all programs scheduled for reauthorization in the next Congress. Requires that each such report identify duplicative or conflicting rules and regulations promulgated by executive departments, independent agencies, and State and local governments and contain recommendations which address such conflicts or duplications. Directs the chairmen of the House and Senate committees having jurisdiction over a program scheduled for reauthorization during a Congress, to introduce a bill constituting a reauthorization within 15 days of the beginning of the second session of that Congress. Declares that it shall be in order to discharge a committee from consideration of such a bill if the committee fails to report the bill by a specified date. Makes it the duty of the Committees on Governmental Affairs and on Rules and Administration of the Senate and the Committees on Government Operations and Rules of the House of Representatives to review the operation of the procedures established by this Act and to submit a report every five years beginning December 31, 1988. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States and the District of Columbia shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each elector to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires the electors of President and Vice President in each State to have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislature, except that for electors of President and Vice President, the legislature of any State may prescribe less restrictive residence qualifications and for electors of President and Vice President the Congress may establish uniform residence qualifications. Provides that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number be at least 40 percent of the whole number of votes cast. Provides that if no pair of persons has such number, a runoff election shall be held in which the choice of President and Vice President shall be made from the two pairs of persons who received the highest number of votes. Requires the days for such elections to be determined by Congress and to be uniform throughout the United States. Requires Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results for such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Allows Congress to provide for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Postal Service should not increase the number of digits of the zip code until: (1) the Service and the Congress have fully examined the costs, social consequences, and technical issues associated with such action; and (2) the Service has fully examined other means of improving productivity in the sorting of mail.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1980
Court of Military Appeals Act of 1980 - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to eliminate the mandatory review by Courts of Military Review and the Court of Military Appeals of sentences affecting general or flag officers. Stipulates that such amendment shall not apply to cases begun before the effective date of this Act. Revises provisions relating to status, jurisdiction, membership, organization, procedure, and administration of the Court of Military Appeals. States, with regard to membership, that: (1) the Court shall consist of five members (presently three); (2) a member must be a member of the bar of a Federal court or the highest court of a State; and (3) not more than three members may be appointed from the same political party. Allows any retired judge of such court to become a senior judge and to temporarily perform the duties of an acting judge on such court because of such judge's illness or any vacancy on the court. States with regard to procedure, that: (1) the rules of practice may be prescribed by the Court; (2) the accused has 60 days from (a) the date of notification of the decision of a Court of Military Review, or (b) the date on which the decision of a Court of Military Review, after being served on appellate counsel for the accused, is deposited with the post office for delivery to the accused, to petition for review. States with regard to administrative procedures, that the Court: (1) shall provide for the publication of its reports for public use; (2) may appoint and fix the pay of necessary employees; and may make necessary expenditures and set fees for the copying of transcripts and other related documents. Sets forth transition provisions regarding: (1) continuation of status; (2) term of office; (3) employees; and (4) financial disclosure. Provides for Supreme Court review by writ of certiorari of: (1) cases reviewed by the Court of Military Appeals in which the sentence extends to death; (2) issues certified to the Court of Military Appeals by the Judge Advocate General; (3) issues reviewed by the Court of Military Appeals upon petition of the accused; and (4) other issues for which the Court of Military Appeals granted relief. States that Appellate Government counsel may represent the United States before the Supreme Court if so requested by the Attorney General in cases arising under the Military Code. Provides for appellate defense counsel representation in such cases.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1980
Federal District Court Organization Act of 1980 - Provides that the Court for the Central Judicial District of California shall be held at Santa Ana, in addition to Los Angeles as currently provided. Transfers the counties of Fremont and Page from the Southern to the Western Division of the Southern Judicial District of Iowa. Transfers the counties of Audrain and Montgomery from the Eastern to the Northern Division of the Eastern Judicial District of Missouri. Places within the Eastern Judicial District of North Carolina that portion of Durham County encompassing the Federal Correctional Institution in Butner, North Carolina. Transfers the counties of Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga, and Wilkes from the Middle to the Western Judicial District of North Carolina. Establishes a Lufkin Division in the Eastern Judicial District of Texas.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1980
Vietnam Era Veterans Agent Orange Act - Establishes a presumption of service-connected disability for certain diseases arising in Vietnam-era veterans (and for birth defects in their children) exposed to Agent Orange.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1980
Establishes the United States Holocaust Memorial Council which shall: (1) provide and encourage appropriate ways for the Nation to observe the Days of Remembrance to commemorate the holocaust; (2) plan, erect, and oversee the operation of a memorial museum to the victims of the holocaust; and (3) develop a plan for carrying out the recommendations of the report submitted to the President on September 27, 1979, by the President's Commission on the Holocaust. Authorizes the Council to receive public land in the District of Columbia on which it may erect the memorial. Terminates the Council's authority to construct a memorial if the erection of the memorial has not commenced within five years of enactment of this Act and sufficient funds to ensure completion of the memorial have not been certified to be available. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 August 1980
Judicial Councils Reform and Judicial Conduct and Disability Act of 1980 - Sets forth rules governing the composition and duties of the judicial councils of the circuit courts. Provides that a council shall consist of: (1) the chief judge of the court of appeals for the circuit; (2) up to seven appellate court judges in active service (chosen by seniority by majority vote of all such judges); and (3) an equal number of district court judges of the circuit in active service (chosen by seniority). Authorizes a council to hold hearings, and to compel the appearance of witnesses and the production of documents in the performance of its duties. Allows any person to file with the clerk of the court of appeals a written complaint against a judge of the court of appeals, a district court or a bankruptcy court, or a magistrate, alleging that such judge or magistrate: (1) has engaged in conduct prejudicial to the effective and expeditious administration of the business of the courts; or (2) is unable to discharge all the duties of office because of mental or physical disability. Directs the clerk to transmit such complaint to the chief judge of the court of appeals for the circuit and a copy to the judge affected. Authorizes the chief judge to: (1) dismiss the complaint upon a finding that it relates to the merits of a decision or is frivolous; or (2) close the complaint upon finding that appropriate corrective action has been taken. Directs a chief judge who does not enter such an order to appoint a special committee consisting of himself or herself and equal numbers of appellate and district court judges to investigate the complaint and file a comprehensive report with the judicial council which includes recommendations for appropriate action. Authorizes the judicial council upon receipt of such a report to: (1) conduct additional investigation; (2) take appropriate action to assure the effective and expeditious administration of the business of the courts within the circuit; or (3) refer the complaint and its recommendations for actions to the Judicial Conference of the United States. Includes among the actions which the council may take: (1) certifying disability in accordance with current law; (2) requesting voluntary retirement; (3) ordering that the assignment of cases be temporarily suspended for a time certain; (4) censuring or reprimanding the judge or magistrate by private communication or public announcement; or (5) ordering other action appropriate under the circumstances. Stipulates that the council may not order the removal from office of any judge appointed for good behavior. Directs the judicial council to certify to the Judicial Conference a determination that a judge has engaged in conduct which: (1) might constitute grounds for impeachment under the Constitution; or (2) in the interest of justice is not amenable to resolution by the council. Directs the Judicial Conference to: (1) take appropriate action by majority vote; or (2) certify and transmit the record of the proceedings to the House of Representatives if it occurs in the council's determination that impeachment may be warranted. Allows a complainant aggrieved by a final order of the chief judge to petition the judicial council for review. Allows a judge aggrieved by an action of the judicial council to petition the the Judicial Conference for review. Provides that all orders and determinations shall be final and conclusive. Directs each judicial council to prescribe rules for the conduct of proceedings under this Act. Directs the Court of Claims, the Court of Customs and Patent Appeals, and the Customs Court to each establish procedures for the filing of complaints with respect to the conduct of any judge of such court. Requires the Judicial Conference to make a comprehensive survey of the condition of business in the Federal courts and prepare plans for assignment of judges where necessary. Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to include in the annual report to Congress a summary of complaints and actions taken under this Act. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 August 1980
Patent Term Restoration Act of 1980 - Amends the patent law to extend the terms of patents which encompass specified chemical products, processes for use of a chemical product, or devices, any of which are subject to certain nonpatent regulatory review periods. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such extension, including a seven year limitation. Directs the Commissioner of Patents to issue a certificate of extension stating the fact and length of the extension and identifying the product or device and the use and the claim to which such extension is applicable. Makes such certificate a part of the original patent. Authorizes the Commissioner to revoke such extension if the person subject to the regulatory review period is convicted of a criminal violation for submitting false or misleading data in support of such application.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1980
Amends the National Trails System Act to designate a trail system of approximately 1,000 miles in the State of Wisconsin as the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1980
Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act Amendments of 1980 - Amends the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act of 1963 to revise the definition of "farm labor contractor" to: (1) broaden specified exclusions from such definition (thus broadening certain exemptions from coverage under such Act); and (2) exclude from such definition (and such coverage) any nonprofit or cooperative association of farmers, growers, or ranchers, duly incorporated under appropriate State laws, and operated solely for the mutual benefit of the members thereof, and any full-time or regular employee of such association or cooperative who engages in such activity solely for such employer. Adds other definitions relating to such revisions. Revises the definition of "agricultural employment" to specify that listed activities take place on a farm or ranch. Limits the definition of "migrant worker" to mean (among individuals engaged in agricultural employment on a farm or ranch on a seasonal or temporary basis) only those who cannot regularly return to their domicile each day after working hours, or who are transported from and to their domicile each workday by the person who recruits, solicits, hires, or furnishes such worker for agricultural employment on a farm or ranch owned or operated by another person.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1980
Family Farm Antitrust Act of 1980 - Finds that vertical integration of the agricultural industry by corporations engaged in the processing, distributing and retail industries, and other conglomerate corporations, tends to create monopolies in the agricultural industry and produce unfair competition for family farms, contributing to the decline of rural populations and the consequent crowding of metropolitan centers. Declares it to be the national policy to restore competition to the agricultural industry and to provide for the continuance of the family farm. Provides that no person who is engaged in commerce in a business other than farming and whose nonfarming business assets exceed $5,000,000 shall engage in farming or the production of agricultural products or participate in farming by any means of acquisition or control of another person who is engaged in farming. Specifies exceptions including charitable, educational, or nonprofit institutions, and farmer-owned and controlled cooperatives. Permits the continuation of farming interests by persons otherwise in violation of this Act if such interests are not increased or expanded for the five-year period following enactment of this Act. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of provisions of such Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to submit recommendations to the Congress for adjustments to the limitation on nonfarming business assets to reflect changes in economic conditions. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire at fair market value any property or interest of which a person is required to divest himself under the provisions of this Act if the person is otherwise unable to divest himself of such property.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1980
California Wilderness Act of 1980 - Designates specified lands in the State of California as wilderness and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1980
Presidential Nomination Commission Resolution - Establishes the Commission on Presidential Nominations to make an investigation regarding the presidential nominating process. Directs the Commission to report to the President and Congress respecting such investigation, including recommendations for the 1984 presidential elections. States that the Commission shall cease to exist 60 days after submitting such report. Sets forth the powers of such Commission and related administrative provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1980
Appellate Court Reorganization Act of 1980 - Divides the current United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit into the following two circuits: (1) the Fifth Circuit, composed of the States of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, and consisting of 14 judges; and (2) the Eleventh Circuit, composed of the States of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and the Canal Zone, and consisting of 12 judges. (The current Fifth Circuit consists of all six States and has 26 judges.) Makes this Act effective July 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1980
Extends the congratulations of the House of Representatives to Wayland Academy of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, on 125 years of achievement in the field of education.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1980
Designates the following national forest system lands in the State of Texas as wilderness and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) the Turkey Hill Wilderness, Graham Creek Wilderness, and Jordan Creek Wilderness all in the Angelina National Forest; (2) the Big Slough Wilderness and the Alabama Creek Wilderness both in the Davy Crockett National Forest; (3) the Chamber's Ferry Wilderness and the Indian Mounds Wilderness both in the Sabine National Forest; and (4) the Little Lake Creek Wilderness, Four Notch Wilderness and the Big Creek Wilderness all in the Sam Houston National Forest.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1980
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Standing Committee on Federal Judiciary of the American Bar Association and the Attorney General take all measures necessary to end discrimination against potential lifetime Federal judges who do not qualify solely as a result of age barriers.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1980
Makes the Federal tort claims procedure the exclusive remedy in medical malpractice actions resulting from federally authorized National Guard training activities (repeals the current provision covering such liability).
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1980
Comprehensive Housing Development Act of 1980 - Amends the National Housing Act to increase the allowable maximum amount for mortgage assistance payments under such Act. Authorizes appropriations for such mortgage assistance payments through October 1, 1981. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, under the mortgage insurance program, to insure a mortgage involving a principal obligation which exceeds, by up to ten percent, the maximum limits specified under the Act, if such mortgage relates to a dwelling to be occupied by a physically handicapped person and the additional principal reflects the cost of making the dwelling accessible to such person. Allows the Secretary, in order to prevent inflationary conditions and related governmental actions from having a severely disproportionate effect on the housing industry, to make and contract to make periodic assistance payments to mortgagees or other lenders on behalf of homeowners (including the owners of mobile homes). Terminates such authority on September 30, 1981, or at such earlier date as the Secretary may deem appropriate. Specifies that such payments may be made only on behalf of a homeowner who satisfies such eligibility requirements as may be prescribed by the Secretary. Requires a homeowner to continue to occupy the property which secures the mortgage or loan in order to receive such assistance payments. Sets forth the formula for determining the amount of such assistance payments. Allows the Secretary to include in the payment to the mortgagee or other lender such amount as the Secretary deems appropriate to reimburse the mortgagee or lender for its reasonable and necessary expenses in handling the mortgage or loan. Limits assistance payments for mobile homes to no more than 20 percent of the total number of units for which assistance is approved. Allows the Secretary, upon application by the mortgagee, to insure a mortgagor who meets the eligibility requirements for assistance payments as set forth by the Secretary. Sets forth the eligibility requirements for such insurance. Allows the Secretary to provide for graduated mortgage assistance payments, and to insure mortgages with varying rates of amortization, for not in excess of 100,000 mortgages. Extends until October 1, 1981, the authority of the Government National Mortgage Association to enter into new commitments to purchase mortgages under the interim mortgage purchase authority of the National Housing Act, as amended by the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Act of 1974. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize appropriations to cover losses sustained by the General Insurance Fund. Allows the Secretary to make, and contract to make, periodic interest reduction payments on behalf of the owner of a multifamily rental project. Allows such payments to be made for a period of not more than 30 years to mortgagees holding mortgages secured by such project. Sets forth the formula for determining the amount of such payments. Sets forth the eligibility requirements which must be met in order to receive such payments. Requires the Secretary to provide that such payments are made only with respect to that part of the mortgage concerning the portion of the project which is used for residential purposes and only for the benefit of the families residing in such projects. Specifies that such payments may be made only to a project located within the jurisdictional boundaries of a unit of general local government which has made substantial progress in meeting its annual goals for housing for lower- income persons as specified in its housing assistance plan submitted pursuant to the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Requires the Secretary, in making such assistance, to give a preference to projects which have or will receive financial contributions from a State or local government which will result in lower rental charges to the families residing therein. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to require an applicant for grants for State and local community development programs to submit a housing assistance plan which: (1) accurately surveys the condition of housing stock in the community designed for persons who have incomes which do not exceed 150 percent of the median income for the area; (2) assesses the housing assistance needs of such person; (3) specifies a realistic goal of the number of rental dwelling units which will be provided such persons as a result of such program; and (4) indicates the general locations of such dwelling units.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1980
Corporate Democracy Act of 1980 - Title I: Directors and Shareholders - Requires any corporation which under Title VII is subject to this Act to have a majority of independent directors on its board. Defines an "independent director" to exclude any person related to the corporation through an affiliate, a director, officer or managing agent, a law firm, a bank, or a supplier or customer. Prohibits any person from serving as a director or officer for more than two corporations subject to this Act. Specifies the duty of loyalty and care owed to such corporations by their directors. Requires each corporation subject to this Act to have a supervisory committee and a public policy committee, each composed of a majority of independent members. Sets forth provisions relating to the nomination and election of directors including: (1) requiring that the degree of support necessary for inclusion of a candidate on the ballot be determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission; (2) requiring that all nominees receive equal amounts of money and access to corporate resources in soliciting proxies; and (3) strictures against the classification and staggering of directors to undermine minority representation provided by cumulative voting. Entitles the shareholders to a vote on any disposition of more than five percent of the firm's assets or stock or any authorization of stock or securities. Title II: Corporate Disclosure - Requires each corporation subject to this Act to publish an annual report which contains specified information including the diversity of its employees, its compliance with environmental requirements, its largest shareholders, its operations and their location in the world, and its political activities. Directs that such reports be made available to the public upon request. Empowers the Securities and Exchange Commission to require further disclosure from such corporations. Title III: Employment Maintenance - Requires each corporation within the purview of this Act, which proposes to change operations in a manner which would disrupt the employment of more than 500 individuals, to give advance notice of the change to the Secretary of Labor. Directs the Secretary to conduct an investigation of the change upon request of a labor union representative or ten percent of the employees involved. Directs the Secretary to publish a report with recommendations for minimizing the economic and social dislocation resulting from the change. Requires such corporations to give specified assistance to employees and local governments affected by a change in operations. Authorizes Federal assistance for training programs and job placement services to assist affected employees. Authorizes the Secretary to provide loans, loan guarantees, and technical assistance to employee organizations for the purpose of expanding operations at an affected plant, acquiring the plant or another in the vicinity, or expanding or identifying new markets to present employment opportunities. Sets forth penalties and establishes an employees' right to equitable relief for failure to comply with the requirements of this title. Title IV: Rights of Employees - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to establish a right of employees to be free from discharge, adverse action, or discrimination with respect to their employment except for just cause. Stipulates that just cause does not include: (1) the employee's exercise of legal rights; (2) the refusal to engage in unlawful conduct; (3) the refusal to submit to a polygraph or similar test; or (4) the refusal to submit to a search, other than a routine inspection, without legal process. Title V: Criminal and Civil Sanctions - Directs a Federal district court to require a corporation which has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to a violation of this Act to give notice thereof to shareholders and others injured by the violation. Requires the district courts to order restitution of persons injured by corporations found guilty. Imposes a sentence of up to twice the damage caused or gain derived from a violation of this Act. Empowers the courts to disqualify any director, officer, or managing agent of a corporation who is convicted of a violation of law arising out of such position for a period not to exceed the maximum sentence imposed for the violation. Authorizes the courts to appoint a Special Master to oversee corporate operations to assure compliance with Federal laws. Make directors, officers, and managing agents of corporations subject to this Act liable for omission to perform a duty imposed by Federal law and reckless failure to supervise conduct of a corporation. Imposes a duty on such individuals to report risks presented by the corporation's products or operations to Federal and State authorities. Title VII: Jurisdiction, Enforcement, and Right of Action - Makes this Act applicable to any manufacturing, mining, retailing, or utility corporation organized and doing business in the United States which has had, in any of the three years preceding the determination of jurisdiction, more than $250,000,000 in assets or annual sales, or more than 5,000 employees. Exempts from title I any corporation with fewer than 25 shareholders and any American subsidiary of a foreign corporation which is not listed on a domestic stock exchange. Increases the amounts which establish jurisdiction by ten percent each year. States that this Act shall take effect six months after its enactment and directs specified Federal agencies to promulgate implementing regulations by such date. Empowers any person aggrieved by a violation of this Act to commence a civil action in Federal court for damages or injunctive relief. Sets forth provisions governing a shareholder's right to a derivative suit. Permits any shareholder of a corporation subject to this Act to request an investigation of the corporation's compliance with this Act by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Empowers the Commission to utilize compulsory process in such investigations. Entitles any party with standing under this Act, other than the Government, to recovery of attorney's fees in certain circumstances. States that the rights and remedies provided by this Act are supplementary to others afforded by law.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1980
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the Committee on Ways and Means should study, and consider legislation to achieve the goals of recent proposals by certain prominent economists to control inflation by providing tax benefits to employers who moderate price increases for their products and employees who moderate wage demands.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1980
Amends the patent and trademark laws of the United States to authorize an individual to: (1) cite to the Patent and Trademark Office prior art patents or publications which are pertinent to a later patent; and (2) request to reexamine a patent to determine whether such a prior patent or publication has any bearing on the patentability of any claim of such patent. Requires the Commissioner of Patents within three months of such a request to make a determination as to whether the cited prior patent raises a substantial new question of the patentability of any claim of the later patent. Authorizes the Commissioner on his or her own initiative to make such a determination at any time. States that a determination that no new question is raised shall be final. Directs the Commissioner, upon determining that there is a new question of patentability, to order and conduct a reexamination. Requires that the patent owner be provided at least two months to file a statement on such question and that the person making the reexamination request be provided two months to respond to such statement. Declares that the patent owner shall be provided an opportunity in any reexamination to amend any claim of the patent in order to distinguish the claim from the prior patent cited or in response to a decision adverse to the patentability of the claim. Authorizes the owner to appeal any adverse decision. Directs the Commissioner, upon the conclusion of any reexamination or appeal proceeding, to issue and publish a certificate cancelling any unpatentable claim, confirming any valid claim, and incorporating any amended claim in the patent. Revises the schedule of fees for Patent Office services. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish fees for all services and materials relating to patents and trademarks, including application and maintenance. Sets forth the level and schedule of payments for such fees and the procedure for their payment. Makes the revenues from such fees available to carry out the activities of the Patent Trademark Office. Government Patent Policy Act of 1980 - Sets forth policies and procedures relating to contract rights to federally funded inventions. Requires each Federal contractor to provide the responsible agency with timely written reports containing specified information on each contract invention. Prohibits the release of such information until a reasonable time in which to file patent applications or one year has elapsed. Permits a contractor that is a small business or a nonprofit organization to file a patent application in any country within a reasonable time, subject to the Government's minimum rights. Sets forth restrictions on the exclusive license of contractors in specified fields of use for national security and antitrust considerations. Grants to a contractor a nonexclusive royalty-free license to practice the contract invention in all countries where it does not receive title and in all fields of use and in all countries in which it does not receive an exclusive license. Sets forth the Government's minimum rights in any contract invention, including the right to royalty-free use and the right to sublicense to other governments in the national interest. Authorizes the Government to wholly or partially terminate the contractor's title or exclusive rights in any patent or contract invention in any field of use: (1) for national security purposes; (2) if no timely and effective action to achieve practical application of the invention has been taken by such contractor; (3) if the contractor's rights in the invention would violate the antitrust laws; or (4) if the contractor has failed to comply with the reporting requirements of this Act. Permits an agency to deviate from the specified allocation of patent rights in the public interest. Sets forth the requirements for a waiver of specified reserved rights. Permits a contractor's employee-inventor to receive some or all of such contractor's patent rights. Sets forth the provisions governing inventions made by Federal employees. Requires such employees to file timely reports containing complete technical information on any inventions they make. Sets forth the criteria which the responsible agency must use to determine the rights of the Government and of Federal employee-inventors, including the relationship of such invention to the duties of the employee, the contribution of Federal funds, equipment, or information, and national security considerations. Permits a review of agency determinations as specified. Authorizes an agency to provide an incentive awards program to promote the production and disclosure of employee inventions. Sets forth the criteria to be used in determining eligibility for such an award and the amount to be bestowed. Permits an agency to share the income received from any patent license with the employee-inventor. Permits an agency to grant exclusive or partially exclusive domestic licenses under specified federally owned patent rights to achieve the desired practical application, subject to specified minimum government rights. Authorizes the Government to wholly or partially terminate any license in a field of use: (1) for national security purposes; (2) if no timely and effective action to achieve practical application of the invention has been taken; or (3) if the licensee has failed to comply with the terms of the license. Permits any exclusive licensee to enforce his or her rights under the license without joining the United States as a party. Requires such licensee to give prompt notice of his or her suit to the Attorney General and to the agency that granted the license. Sets forth procedures for a hearing and judicial review of specified agency determinations. Authorizes an agency to gain, maintain, or transfer to other agencies patent rights in any invention in which the Government has an interest in order to promote the use of inventions having significant commercial potential or otherwise beneficial to the national interest. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) consult with other agencies about areas of science and technology with potential for commercial development; (2) coordinate a program to assist other agencies in exercising the authority granted under this Act; (3) evaluate inventions referred by agencies; (4) help agencies seek and maintain patents in the United States and in foreign countries; (5) develop a Government-wide program to stimulate transfer to the private sector of potentially valuable Federally-owned technology; and (6) publish notice of all federally-owned patent rights that are available for licensing.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1980
Computer Software Copyright Act of 1980 - Amends the Copyright Act of 1976 to limit the exclusive rights of a copyright owner in a computer program. Permits owners of a copy of such program to adapt such program for utilization or archival purposes without infringing the copyright.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1980
Small Business Motor Fuel Marketer Preservation Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans to small businesses acquiring gas stations from a refiner. Makes it unlawful for a refiner, other than an independent or small refiner, to operate a gas station in the United States. Requires a refiner, in disposing of any interest in such a station, to offer a right of first refusal to the dealer at such station. Sets forth the requirements for such an offer. Makes it unlawful for a refiner to: (1) exceed specified annual sales limitations in any State (requires the Federal Trade Commission to determine specified limitation formulas); and (2) sell motor fuel at any time at any point of transfer at different prices (except for price differentials which reflect manufacturing, sale, or delivery differences). Stipulates that a refiner shall: (1) be in violation of this Act if such refiner withholds available motor fuel from a purchaser and then resells such fuel at a lower price to refiner-operated stations; and (2) not be prevented from charging a uniform surcharge in connection with a sale of motor fuel as consideration for the purchaser's use of a refiner's trademark or other such identifying symbol. Makes it unlawful for any person to interfere in any way with the purchasing, selling, or storing of motor fuel by a dealer. Makes it unlawful for any dealer at a station displaying a trademark or identifying symbol of a particular refiner to sell motor fuel not refined by such refiner without providing notice to purchasers. Requires each refiner within three months of enactment to provide to the Federal Trade Commission information regarding the number of: (1) gallons of motor fuel sold, consigned, or distributed in each State during the preceding year; (2) gallons of motor fuel sold to its stations in each State during the preceding year; and (3) barrels of crude oil produced and refined during the preceding year. Requires persons owning 50 or more motor fuel stations in the United States to report specified information to the Commission. Sets forth fines for violation of this Act. Permits civil actions to be brought against violators of the requirements of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1980
State Justice Institute Act of 1980 - Establishes in the District of Columbia the State Justice Institute as a private nonprofit corporation to further the development of improved judicial administration in State courts in the United States. Directs the Institute to: (1) direct a national assistance program to assure persons ready access to a fair and effective system of justice; (2) foster coordination and cooperation with the Federal judiciary; (3) make recommendations concerning the proper allocation of responsibility between the State and Federal court systems; (4) promote recognition of the importance of the separation of powers doctrine to an independent judiciary; and (5) encourage education for State court judges and support personnel. Authorizes the Institute to award grants and enter into cooperative agreements or contracts to: (1) conduct research, demonstrations, or special projects relating to the purposes of this Act; (2) serve as a clearinghouse of information regarding State judicial systems; (3) participate in joint projects with other agencies, including the Federal Judicial Center; (4) evaluate the impact of programs carried out under this Act upon the quality of criminal, civil, and juvenile justice; (5) encourage judicial education; (6) serve in a consulting capacity to State and local justice systems; and (7) be responsible for the certification of national programs to improve State judicial systems.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1980
Places within the Eastern Judicial District of North Carolina that portion of Durham County encompassing the Federal correctional institution, Butner, North Carolina.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1980
Food Security Act of 1980 - Declares it to be U.S. policy to develop a wheat reserve solely to provide for emergency food needs in developing countries. Directs the President, in order to carry out such policy, to establish a reserve stock of wheat of up to 4,000,000 metric tons for specified purposes. Permits stocks of wheat for such reserve to be acquired: (1) through purchases from producers or in the market, if the Secretary of Agriculture determines that such purchases will not unduly disrupt the market; and (2) by designation by the Secretary of stocks of wheat acquired by the Commodity Credit Corporation. Authorizes the President to release such designated or acquired wheat reserve stocks to provide, on a donation or sale basis, emergency food assistance to developing countries at any time that the U.S. domestic wheat supply is so limited that quantities cannot be made available for disposition, except for humanitarian purposes, under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. Provides that up to 300,000 tons of wheat may be released from the reserve in any fiscal year for use under such Act in providing urgent humanitarian relief in developing countries which suffer major disasters (as determined by the President), in circumstances of unanticipated and exceptional need when the normal means of obtaining food assistance make timely programming impossible. Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees on wheat so released and its timely replenishment. Allows such wheat to be processed in the U.S. and shipped to the recipient country as wheat flour, when necessary. Requires that such wheat be made available under such Act, with specified provisions as to determinations of availability inapplicable thereto. Directs the Secretary to provide for reserve management as to location and class of wheat needed to meet emergencies, rotation to avoid spoilage and deterioration, and prompt equivalent replacement of removed quantities. Specifies that stocks of wheat shall not: (1) be considered a part of the total domestic supply (including carryover) for certain purposes; or (2) be subject to any quantitative export limitations under the Export Administration Act of 1979. Directs the Secretary to utilize the funds and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation in carrying out this Act, except that any restrictions applicable to the acquisition, storage, or disposition of Corporation owned or controlled commodities shall not apply to wheat for or in the reserve. Requires that the Corporation be reimbursed for actual costs under such program. Declares final any determination by the President or the Secretary under this Act. Provides that: (1) this Act shall take effect on October 1, 1980; (2) the authorities of this Act shall expire on September 30, 1983; and (3) any wheat in the reserve when such authorities expire shall be distributed under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act in fiscal year 1984 and subsequent fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to limit the sum of all severance taxes or fees, for any fiscal year, levied upon or collected from any taxpayer by a State or any political subdivision thereof on coal destined for shipment in interstate commerce for use in any powerplant or major fuel- burning installation or on any improvements or other rights, property, or assets produced, owned, or used in connection with the production of such coal. States that such tax shall not exceed a total of 12 1/2 percent of the value of such coal produced during a fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1980
Extends congratulations to the members of the United States Olympic team for their athletic performances in the XIII winter Olympic games and to Eric Heiden for his achievements in the speed skating events at the games.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1980
National Heritage Policy Act of 1979 - Title I - Declares the findings of Congress concerning the identification and protection of resources significant to the national heritage. Title II: National Heritage Program - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish a national heritage program and an historic preservation program. Directs the Secretary to establish and administer a National Register of Natural Areas which shall include resources of national, state and local significance. Declares that items of national significance shall be designated as "National Natural Landmarks" and such designations shall only apply to an area which clearly meets the standards for national significance as established by this Act. Requires the Secretary to expand and administer the National Register of Historic Places which shall include resources of national, state, and local significance. Requires the Secretary, within one year of the effective date of this Act, to develop or expand regulations or guidelines, as appropriate, for: (1) documentation of significant information concerning such resources; (2) eligibility criteria for inclusion in the Natural or Historic Register; and (3) nominations to the Natural or Historic Register by the State natural heritage officer of the State historic preservation officer as established by this Act. Requires the Secretary to establish revised criteria for the designation of nationally significant areas and places on the Registers. Requires the Secretary, within 18 months after the effective date of this Act, to develop regulations and guidelines for State natural heritage programs and State historic preservation programs, and to request the Governor of each participating State to designate a State natural heritage officer and historic preservation officer. Declares that there may be one person for both such positions. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) develop a process for the voluntary involvement of the public in the conservation and preservation of natural and historic resources; (2) extend honorific Federal recognition of exceptional efforts by local governments and the private sector in the identification and protection of significant heritage resources; (3) develop and provide technical and nontechnical information and assistance on all aspects of natural and historic heritage conservation; and (4) study, in cooperation with other agencies and private and public organizations, the feasibility and necessity of establishing or developing other protective measures at the Federal, State, and local level for natural areas and historic places. Directs each Federal agency, with the advice of the Secretary and in cooperation with the State historic preservation officer, to locate and nominate to the Historic Register, historic resources located on lands which it owns or administers. Specifies measures to be taken by Federal agencies to provide for the maintenance, preservation, rehabilitation, or restoration of federally owned historic resources. Requires the head of any Federal agency having direct or indirect jurisdiction over a proposed Federal or federally assisted undertaking in any State or having authority to license any such undertaking, prior to the approval of the expenditure of any Federal funds or the issuance of any license, to take into account the effect of the undertaking on any area included in or eligible for inclusion in the Natural Register. Specifies that, prior to the approval of any Federal undertaking which may adversely affect any natural or historic landmark, the head of the Federal agency involved shall determine that no feasible alternative to such undertaking exists. Requires the Council on Heritage Conservation, with the concurrence of the Secretary, to promulgate regulations or guidelines for the exemption of Federal undertakings from requirements of this Act. Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance to States for the conservation of natural areas. Includes networks, cultural landscapes, and neighborhoods significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, or culture, in the National Register. Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for the Historic Preservation Fund through fiscal year 1983. Title III: Council on Heritage Conservation - Renames the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation the Council on Heritage Conservation. Directs the Council to: (1) review Federal policies and programs affecting historic places natural areas; and (2) inform and educate interested Federal agencies, State and local governments, Indian tribes, other nations, and international organizations and private groups and individuals as to the authorized activities of the Council. Authorizes appropriations for the assessment for United States membership in the International Centre for Study of Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property for fiscal years 1979 and 1980. Stipulates that no appropriation may be authorized and no payment made to the Centre in excess of 25 percent of the total annual assessment of such organization. Title IV: Administrative Provisions - Permits the Secretary of the Interior to accept donations and bequests of money and personal property for the purposes of this Act. Allows the head of each Federal agency, after consultation with the Secretary, to withhold from public disclosure, information which might reveal the specific location of sites, objects, buildings, structures, terrestrial communities, aquatic communities, geologic features, or landforms which are eligible for or included in the Natural Register or the Historic Register, whenever it is determined that the disclosure of such information would create a risk of harm to such locations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Court of Military Appeals Act of 1980 - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to eliminate the mandatory review by Courts of Military Review and the Court of Military Appeals of sentences affecting general or flag officers. Stipulates that such amendment shall not apply to cases begun before the effective date of this Act. Revises provisions relating to status, jurisdiction, membership, organization, procedure, and administration of the Court of Military Appeals. States with regard to membership, that: (1) the Court shall consist of five members (presently three); and (2) a member must be appointed before reaching 65 years of age, and must be a member of the bar of a Federal court or the highest court of a State. States with regard to organization, that: (1) the seal of the Court shall be judicially noticed; (2) a majority of the Court shall constitute a quorum (presently two judges for a quorum); and (3) the principal office of the Court shall be in the District of Columbia. States with regard to procedure, that: (1) the rules of practice may be prescribed by the Court, and as far as practical, shall be the same as those used before the United States courts of appeal; (2) the accused has 60 days from (a) the date of notification of the decision of a Court of Military Review, or (b) the date on which the decision of a Court of Military Review is deposited with the post office for delivery to the accused, to petition for review. States with regard to administrative procedures, that the Court: (1) shall provide for the publication of its reports for public use; (2) may appoint and fix the pay of necessary employees; and may make necessary expenditures and set fees for the copying of transcripts and other related documents. States with regard to retirement and survivors' annuities, that: (1) a judge of the Court must retire at age 70; (2) a judge who has at least 15 years of service on the Court may retire at age 65; (3) a judge who is not reappointed to the Court may retire if (a) he/she has served on the Court at least 15 years; and (b) he/she advised the President in writing of a willingness to accept such reappointments; (4) a judge who becomes permanently disabled shall be retired; (5) the chief judge may fill a temporary vacancy with a retired judge; (6) specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 relating to judges' retired pay shall apply to judges of the Court in the same manner as such provisions apply to United States Tax Court judges; and (7) judges of the Court may provide annuities to their surviving spouses and dependent children in the same manner and subject to the same conditions as judges of the United States Tax Court under specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, and that annuity deductions shall be deposited in the Treasury as the "Court of Military Appeals judges survivors annuity fund." Sets forth transition provisions regarding: (1) continuation of status; (2) term of office; and (3) employees; (4) senior judges; and (5) retirement. Provides for Supreme Court review by writ of certiorari of: (1) cases reviewed by the Court of Military Appeals in which the sentence extends to death; (2) issues certified to the Court of Military Appeals by the Judge Advocate General; (3) issues reviewed by the Court of Military Appeals upon petition of the accused; and (4) other issues for which the Court of Military Appeals granted relief. States that Appellate Government counsel may represent the United States before the Supreme Court if so requested by the Attorney General in cases arising under the Military Code. Provides for Appellate defense counsel representation in such cases. Makes technical amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1980
Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to authorize appropriations to carry out the activities of the Legal Services Corporation in the amount of $383,000,000 for fiscal year 1981 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1982 and 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1980
Judicial Conduct and Disability Act of 1980 - Allows any person to file with the clerk of the court of appeals a written complaint against a judge of the court of appeals, a district court, a bankruptcy court, or a magistrate, alleging that such official has engaged in conduct prejudicial to the effective and expeditious administration of the business of the courts. Directs the clerk to transmit such complaint to the chief judge of the court of appeals for the circuit and a copy of the complaint to the judge affected. Authorizes the chief judge to: (1) dismiss the complaint upon a finding that it relates to the merits of a decision or is frivolous; or (2) close the complaint upon assuring that appropriate corrective action has been taken. Directs a chief judge who does not enter such an order to appoint a special committee consisting of himself and equal numbers of appellate and district court judges to investigate the complaint and file a comprehensive report with the judicial council which includes recommendations for appropriate action. Authorizes the judicial council upon receipt of such a report to: (1) conduct additional investigation; (2) take appropriate action to assure the effective and expeditious administration of the business of the courts within the circuit; or (3) refer the complaint and its recommendations for action to the Judicial Conference of the United States. Directs the judicial council to promptly certify to the Judicial Conference a determination that conduct has been revealed which might constitute grounds for impeachment under the Constitution. Directs the Judicial Conference to: (1) take appropriate action by majority vote; or (2) certify and transmit the record of proceedings to the House of Representatives if it concurs in the council's determination that impeachment may be warranted. Allows a complainant aggrieved by a final order of the chief judge to petition the judicial council to petition the Judicial Conference for review. Provides that all orders and determinations shall be final and conclusive. Directs each judicial council to prescribe rules for the conduct of proceedings under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1980
Fusion Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish research, development, and demonstration programs involving magnetic fusion energy systems to: (1) construct and operate a fusion engineering test facility by 1986; (2) construct and operate a magnetic fusion demonstration facility before the end of this century; (3) maintain and expand the base programs for fusion energy research and the development and testing of appropriate alternative confinement technologies; (4) maintain a strong research and development program in advanced fusion fuels; and (5) ensure an uninterrupted source of scientific and engineering talent from institutions of higher learning to support such effort. Requires such programs to include a study of the potential of using fusion energy for the production of synthetic fuels and the electrification of ground transportation systems. Directs the Secretary to disseminate information promoting the practical uses of fusion energy.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1980
Family Farm Development Act of 1980 - Title I: Family Farm Development Service - Establishes within the Department of Agriculture a Family Farm Development Service, containing a Research Board, which shall devise a national long-term plan for the development of a system providing incentives to encourage small and moderate-size family farmers to use and develop new and improved farming techniques, technology, and mechanisms of food production and distribution. Directs the Administrator of the Family Farm Development Service to submit to the Secretary of Agriculture and to the Congress: (1) a report containing such plan before the end of the three-and-one-half-year development period; and (2) an annual report on specified activities. Title II: Research Program - Directs the Administrator of the Family Farm Development Service to conduct an intensive research grant program concerning the improvement of small and moderate-sized family farms. Directs the Secretary to submit to the President and the Congress an annual report, with recommendations, on such research program. Title III: Education, Training, and Demonstration Programs - Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to establish extension programs providing small farmers with education and demonstration assistance, using paraprofessionals. Directs the Secretary: (1) to provide small farmers with pest control and soil improvement instruction; (2) to establish a program encouraging family farmers to hire and train apprentice farmers; and (3) to establish a scholarship program for farmers and potential farmers to study organic farming methods in foreign countries. Title IV: Loans for Appropriate Technology - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to include among the purposes for which loans may be made or insured under such Act, payment of costs: (1) of appropriate technology use; and (2) incident to instituting methods of sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management among the purposes for which loans may be made or insured under such Act. Sets as a condition for eligibility for such loans being a resident of the U.S. (formerly required U.S. citizenship). Provides that loans made or insured to institute sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management methods shall be repayable in installments determined by the Secretary to reduce initial repayments. Title V: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Farm Tax Equity Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to limit the deductions attributable to the trade or business of farming to a maximum amount consisting of the sum of the taxpayer's gross income plus $17,500 reduced by the amount by which the nonfarm adjusted gross income of such taxpayer exceeds $17,500. Provides for an annual inflation adjustment of such amount. States that such limitation shall not apply if the taxpayer's nonfarm adjusted gross income does not exceed $17,500 or if the taxpayer elects to compute his taxable income on the accrual method of accounting. Requires the accrual method of accounting for any person engaged in the trade or business of farming whose gross income from farming exceeds $100,000, or an amount adjusted for inflation. Provides for a capital gains tax applicable to transfer of rural land by foreign investors. Requires specified reporting procedures relating, to such tax. Title VI: Family Farm Ownership Program - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants of from $100,000 to $500,000 to units of general local government for the purchase of land suitable for farming, which land shall be sold to new or young farmers. Requires the Secretary to give priority to applicants who demonstrate that the preservation of family farming is of vital importance to the area in which the applicant is located. Establishes revolving fund accounts of grant recipients. Sets forth provisions concerning selection of purchaser and conditions of sale. Title VII: Industrial Hydrocarbons and Alcohols - Authorizes the Secretary to make, and to guarantee, loans for the construction and first year operation of facilities to produce industrial hydrocarbons and alcohols from agricultural commodities, forest products, and their byproducts for direct use or blending as motor or industrial fuel. Declares eligible for such assistance, upon application: (1) any producer who operates a family farm or group of such producers; (2) any private nonprofit organization; and (3) any State or local government. Sets forth: (1) the terms of agreement required from recipients of such aid; (2) limitations on financial assistance; (3) consequences of noncompliance with conditions for such aid; and (4) exemption of specified surplus commodities from marketing agreements or orders. Title VIII: Farm Marketing Programs - Directs the Division of Cooperative Marketing of the Department of Agriculture to give primary emphasis to services to small and moderate-sized family farmers. Amends the National School Lunch Act to direct the Secretary to make cash payments to State educational agencies, upon application, in lieu of not to exceed 25 percent of the value of the commodities such agencies would have received under the school lunch program. Requires that such cash payments be used by such agencies to purchase program commodities designated from time to time by the Secretary as being in abundance nationally, or by the Secretary or the State Governor as being in abundance in the school area. Directs the Secretary to establish and carry out pilot projects in 12 States under which county extension offices will use computer terminals to assist family farmers in attaining information clarifying various market alternatives. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, not to exceed 75 percent of costs, to establish a direct marketing system between consumers and farmers. Title IX: Food Price Stabilization - Establishes a Food Price Review Board to monitor increases in the price of any food product, and to recommend to the President the issuance of orders limiting or adjusting the amount of any such increase so that it is equal to, and not more than, the amount of any increase in the price received by the grower or producer of any raw food product involved. Empowers the President to issue such orders. Title X: Miscellaneous Amendments; Definitions - Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to make it an unfair or deceptive practice affecting commerce for any person engaged in the retail sale of food to sell any food product without a sign at the point of sale containing the amount received by farmers for the agricultural commodities which were used to produce the food product involved. Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to include farmers and individuals residing in counties with populations of less than 50 persons per square mile among those whose special difficulties of access to legal services or special legal problems should be taken into account by the Legal Services Corporation in determining and implementing its priorities. Directs the Legal Services Corporation to make grants and contracts for research and for information clearinghouses on legal issues and governmental administrative practices involving farm ownership and operation. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for such purposes. Defines terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1979
Telephone Privacy Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit unsolicited commercial telephone calls to a telephone subscriber who has notified the telephone company that he does not wish to receive such calls. Directs the Federal Communications Commission to prescribe regulations specifying the manner in which a telephone subscriber shall notify the telephone company that he does not wish to receive unsolicited calls. Prescribes criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Excludes from the definition of "unsolicited commercial telephone calls" calls made in response to an express request of the individual called or made in connection with an overdue debt or contractual obligation.
![Official portrait of Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/k000020_200.jpg)