United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983
Government Printing Office Pay Reform Act of 1983 - Requires the pay of Government Printing Office employees to be administered under the prevailing rate system and the General Schedule. Provides that employees who, upon enactment of this Act, hold positions for which the pay rates are determined by conference with the Public Printer or by appeal to the Joint Committee on Printing, shall, with specified exceptions, continue to receive basic pay at a rate not below the rate in effect immediately before enactment of this Act, plus any increase payable under the prevailing rate system or the General Schedule. Repeals the limitation on the number of apprentices that the Public Printer may employ at one time.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
United States Caribbean Possessions Act - Title I: Eastern Caribbean Regional Development Fund - Lists countries which the President shall consider in designating beneficiary countries for purposes of this title. Prohibits the President from designating a country a beneficiary country: (1) if such country is a communist country; (2) if the country has taken certain expropriating actions against property owned by U.S. citizens; (3) if the country fails to act in good faith with respect to arbitral awards involving U.S. citizens or companies; (4) if the country affords preferential treatment to a developed country other than the United States which adversely affects U.S. commerce unless the President receives certain assurances; (5) if a government-owned entity in such country engages in the broadcast of copyrighted material belonging to U.S. copyright owners without their express consent; and (6) unless such country is party to a treaty regarding the extradition of U.S. citizens. Lists factors the President shall take into account in determining whether to designate a country a beneficiary country. Prohibits the President from terminating the designation of a country as a beneficiary country unless, at least 60 days before the termination, the President has notified the Congress and the beneficiary country of such determination. Directs the President to withdraw or suspend the designation of a country as a beneficiary country if, because of changed circumstances, the country would be barred from designation as a beneficiary country. Establishes in the Treasury the Eastern Caribbean Regional Development Fund. Appropriates to the Fund the amount of money collected from: (1) the import duties on articles entered from beneficiary countries; and (2) the taxes on rum imported into the United States from beneficiary countries. Authorizes the Administrator of the Fund to allocate and distribute the moneys in the Fund to island beneficiary countries. Sets forth the method of allocation. Title II: Tax and Tariff Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require that if the amount of taxes collected on rum imported into the United States from beneficiary countries exceeds the amount needed in the Eastern Caribbean Regional Development Fund the excess shall be covered into the treasuries of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Prohibits granting duty-free treatment to bulk rum manufactured outside the United States, its territories, or possessions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to authorize the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives to furnish, by contract or otherwise, educational services for congressional pages. (Currently such services are provided by the Board of Education of the District of Columbia.) Eliminates provisions of such services for Supreme Court pages. Revises the conditions of appointment for congressional pages. Requires that a House page be in the eleventh grade, serve for a full academic year, and not have served as a summer page. Requires that a Senate page be in the eleventh grade and serve for one or two full semesters. Sets forth requirements for summer pages of the House. Amends the Urgent Deficiency Appropriation Act, 1947, to repeal provisions which allow other minors who are congressional employees to attend the educational facilities for pages. Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1983
Church Audit Procedures Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restrict the Secretary of the Treasury from investigating or auditing churches unless the Secretary possesses evidence causing him to believe that a church: (1) is carrying on an unrelated trade or business; or (2) should not be granted tax-exempt status. Restricts the Secretary from beginning any investigation unless he has first provided the church with written notice that an investigation is being commenced. Sets forth the requirements of such notice. Requires that the Secretary must first approve an application by the regional counsel of the internal revenue region for examination of church records and religious activities before beginning any such examination. Requires the Secretary, prior to the approval of any such application, to offer in writing an opportunity for a conference to discuss facts, evidence, and issues relevant to the investigation. Requires the Secretary to notify the church in writing of the approval of the application for examination at least 15 days prior to the commencement of such examination. Limits the examination of religious activities to that necessary to determine whether an organization is a church or convention or association of churches. Limits the examination of church records to that necessary to determine the amount of tax imposed. Allows an organization which claims that the Secretary has violated the provisions of this Act to bring a civil action for injunctive relief against the Secretary. Reduces the statute of limitations for collection after assessment of tax to three years in the case of any organization which is a church or convention or association of churches.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1983
Establishes the Special Joint Committee on Arrangements to provide for the congressional commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Harry S. Truman. Declares it the duty of such committee to: (1) arrange a joint meeting of the Congress in commemoration of such anniversary; (2) plan proceedings for such joint meeting; and (3) coordinate activities with the Truman Centennial Committee. Enumerates the powers of such joint committee. Provides that the expenses of such joint committee may not exceed a specified amount and shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1983
Presidential Advisory Panel for Coordination of Government Debt Collection and Delinquency Prevention Activities Act - Establishes a Presidential Advisory Panel for Coordination of Government Debt Collection and Delinquency Prevention Activities to: (1) evaluate Federal policies on debt collection and delinquency prevention; (2) develop and recommend new policies and procedures; and (3) establish training manuals to increase the efficiency of employees involved in collection activities. Directs the Panel to submit a final report to the President and each House of Congress within 18 months after its first meeting. Terminates the Panel 30 days after submission of such report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Title I: Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit mental condition from being a defense to any charge of criminal conduct. Allows admission of expert evidence on the issue of state of mind when it is an element of the offense. Title II: Authorizes a verdict of "guilty but mentally ill" for any criminal defendant who raises the issue of insanity by notice as provided by Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Provides that if the defendant is found "guilty but mentally ill" the court may commit the defendant to serve all or a portion of the sentence in a suitable facility for treatment of his mental condition. Allows for transfer to a Federal prison when the defendant is no longer in need of custody, care or treatment. Provides that if the defendant is found not guilty, but the court determines that he is presently suffering from a mental condition where his release would create substantial danger to himself or another, then the court may commit him to custody of the appropriate State or to a suitable mental health facility. Requires the court to order the discharge of such a defendant upon recovery from his mental condition.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Title I: Amendments to Title 18, United States Code (18 U.S.C. 921-928) - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition. Adds a new definition, "engaged in the business," with respect to manufacturers, dealers, and importers. Defines as a manufacturer, dealer, or importer of firearms a person who manufactures or deals in a regular course of trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit. Excludes as dealers persons making occasional sales or repairs of firearms. Eliminates certain activities involving ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Makes it unlawful for any person to transfer any firearm to a person who does not reside in the same State if the transferor has reasonable cause to believe that acquisition of the firearm by such person would violate any State or local law or ordinance. Requires such transfer to be face to face. Presumes a licensee to have actual knowledge of the published laws of the State. Revises the current prohibition against certain classes of persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition. Includes as additional categories illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged members of the Armed Forces, and U.S. citizens who renounce their citizenship. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Declares that a licensed dealer's personal collection of firearms shall not be subject to recordkeeping requirements, under specific circumstances. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to revoke a license only where the holder "willfully" violates a provision of the Act. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee where such individual is not convicted of such charges. Allows the government to voluntarily dismiss criminal charges prior to trial and still proceed with revocation. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, firearms, or ammunition that the Secretary has reasonable cause to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises. Requires a warrant to be issued for such search. Restricts the firearms information obtained from licensees which the Secretary may make available to State or local governments. Establishes a limited recordkeeping requirement for firearms collectors. Establishes a "willful" scienter (knowledge) requirement with respect to general violations of the Act. Revises the current offense of using or carrying a firearm during commission of a Federal felony to: (1) include use of a destructive device; (2) delete the act of "carrying" a firearm to commit a felony; and (3) limit such offense to felonies over which the Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Retains the current penalty (one to ten years) for first offenses. Increases the penalty for second or subsequent offenses to five to 25 years imprisonment (currently, two to 25 years). Extends to first offenders the requirement, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence or grant probation. Prohibits the granting of parole to first and subsequent offenders. Declares that no person shall be subject to the additional, mandatory penalties if use of the firearm or destructive device was to protect persons or property. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the Gun Control Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Directs the court to award attorney fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in a proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Requires the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was without foundation or was initiated in bad faith. Limits seizure to firearms individually identified as involved in the violation. Revises the current procedure allowing persons who have been convicted of a crime to apply to the Secretary for relief from the firearms prohibitions to make the following changes. Permits any person prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition to apply for relief. Requires (instead of permits) the Secretary to grant release unless the applicant will be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety. Permits any person who is denied relief to seek de novo judicial review in Federal court. Imposes on the applicant the burden of proof. Makes the authority of the Secretary to permit importation of certain types of firearms and ammunition nondiscretionary. Extends the types of sporting firearms which may be imported. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Declares any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to Title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Sexual Exploitation of Children Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code dealing with the sexual exploitation of children. Increases the penalties for the sexual exploitation of children from $10,000 to $75,000 and, on a subsequent conviction, from $15,000 to $150,000. Establishes as an affirmative defense to prosecution that the medium (upon which such prosecution is based), when taken as a whole, possesses serious literary, artistic, scientific, social or educational value.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Broadcast Licensing, Renewal, and Deregulation Act of 1983 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish new procedures for reviewing petitions to deny broadcast license applications. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant a license renewal application by a radio or television broadcast station licensee unless the actions of the licensee evidences such serious disregard for the Communications Act and for the rules and policies of the FCC that denial of the application is justified. Prohibits the FCC from considering the applications of other persons for a broadcast station's facilities when the FCC is acting upon a license renewal application by a radio or television broadcast station. Permits persons holding construction permits or station licenses to transfer the permit or license without first obtaining an FCC finding that the transfer serves the public interest. Requires the FCC to be notified of such transfer. Provides for public notice of the transfer. Provides for disposition by the FCC of objections to such transfer. Prohibits the FCC from considering whether the public interest would be served by the transfer of the permit or license involved to a different person. Repeals certain provisions relating to the application of the antitrust laws. Prohibits the FCC from imposing requirements on radio or television licensees relating to: (1) programs; (2) programming formats; (3) ascertainment; (4) commercialization; and (5) maintenance of program logs.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
Malt Beverage Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that no antitrust law shall prohibit the importer, brewer, or trademark licensee of a trademarked malt beverage, when such beverage has substantial competition from other malt beverages in an area, from: (1) entering into an agreement granting a wholesale distributor the exclusive right to sell such beverage within any defined geographic area within a State; or (2) limiting such distributor to the sale of such beverage for ultimate resale to consumers in such area. Declares that this Act shall not affect any provision of State law.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1983
Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from repealing, amending, or otherwise modifying specified rules regarding network television syndication, network television financial interests, and prime time access before July 1, 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1983
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. Redefines such offense as using a firearm to commit a felony over which the district courts have exclusive jurisdiction or carrying a firearm during such a felony involving violence. Deletes the requirement that the firearm be carried "unlawfully". Increases the additional penalty imposed for such offense to not less than five years' imprisonment for a first offense (currently, one to ten years) and ten years for a second or subsequent offense (currently, two to 25 years). Extends to first offenders the stipulations, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence, grant probation, or impose concurrent sentences. Makes a first offender ineligible for parole for five years and a second or subsequent offender ineligible for ten years. Expresses the sense of Congress that the executive prosecute vigorously such offenses.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the highway use tax on heavy trucks. Increases the excise tax on diesel fuel from nine cents per gallon to 12 cents per gallon in 1983 and from 12 cents per gallon to 14 cents per gallon in 1984. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations exempting from such increases diesel fuel used in automobiles and light trucks.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1983
Amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act of 1977 to provide that provisions of such Act shall not apply to: (1) any surface sand, gravel, stone, or clay mine; or (2) any surface structure or road, if constructed by employees not engaged in mining.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1983
United States Olympic Checkoff Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns a contribution of one dollar of their income tax refunds or any cash amount voluntarily forwarded with their returns to support the U.S. Olympic Trust Fund. Establishes in the Treasury a U.S. Olympic Trust Fund (trust fund). Appropriates to such trust fund an amount equal to the amount designated on tax returns. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay amounts so transferred to the U.S. Olympic Committee. Allows specified administrative expenses to be paid from such trust fund.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the national security policy should reflect a national strategy of peace through strength. Sets forth the principles and goals of such a policy.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat research and experimental expenses attributable to activities conducted in the United States as allocable to sources of income within the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Administrative Rulemaking Reform Act - Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to revise rulemaking requirements. Exempts from notice and comment requirements: (1) only those matters pertaining to military or foreign affairs functions which are properly classified under executive order to be kept secret in the interest of the national defense or foreign policy; and (2) temporary emergency rules. Eliminates the current exemption for: (1) matters concerning public property, loans, grants, benefits, or contracts; (2) interpretive rules; and (3) general policy statements. Directs a Federal agency to: (1) make a reasonable attempt to notify persons likely to be affected by a proposed rulemaking; and (2) send a notice of a proposed rulemaking to any person requesting it. Requires each rulemaking notice to include: (1) the purpose, projected effective date, and text of the proposed rule; and (2) a list of the studies upon which the agency intends to rely in the rulemaking. Pemits an agency to: (1) invite persons representing different points of view to submit suggestions regarding the content of a proposed rule; or (2) create an advisory committee to report such suggestions. Directs an agency to give interested persons 45 days after notice of a rulemaking to submit written comments on the proposed rule. Permits an agency to extend such period and to hold hearings to receive oral comments. Requires an agency to: (1) implement appropriate procedures to resolve any controversial factual issue which will materially affect the substance of a proposed rule; and (2) state its resolution of such issue not later than the date the final rule is published. Requires each agency to maintain a public file of all relevant material and required statements for each rulemaking as well as the objections to the rule and the reasons for rejecting those objectives. Sets forth the procedure for the promulgation of a rule to replace an emergency rule. Terminates an emergency rule 210 days after it is issued or on the effective date of the rule replacing it, whichever occurs first. Declares that no person shall be required to comply with a rule adopted not in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, but permits a person to challenge such rule or raise it as a defense in an agency proceeding or a criminal prosecution. Directs an agency to submit a copy of each rule promulgated, with specified exceptions, to each House of Congress. Declares that the rule shall not become effective if: (1) within 60 days of continuous session of Congress (days) one House adopts a concurrent resolution disapproving the rule and the other House does not disapprove such resolution within 30 days thereafter; or (2) within 60 days a committee of either House has reported or been discharged from consideration of such a resolution and within 90 days both Houses have adopted it. Prohibits an agency from promulgating a new rule identical to one disapproved unless a statute affecting the subject matter of the rule is adopted. Authorizes either House to adopt a resolution directing agency reconsideration of a rule, other than an emergency rule. Declares that a new rule shall not become effective if: (1) within 60 days after it is promulgated a committee of either House has reported or been discharged from consideration of such a resolution; and (2) within 90 days after the rule is promulgated either House has adopted such resolution. Directs an agency to reconsider and repromulgate a revised rule within 60 days after such a resolution is adopted or the rule shall lapse. Requires an agency to repromulgate an existing rule within 180 days after the adoption of a resolution of reconsideration with respect to such rule or the rule shall cease to be effective. Sets forth House and Senate procedures for considering such resolutions of disapproval or reconsideration. Directs a court reviewing an agency rule to set aside any rule found to be unwarranted by material in the rulemaking file.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Amends the Automobile Dealers Day in Court Act to prohibit a manufacturer from selling, leasing, or offering to sell or lease any passenger car, truck, or stationwagon to any person (or any other dealer) at a price lower than the price at which the same model is sold to its franchised dealers. Prohibits a manufacturer from imposing restrictions on some purchasers of automobiles, but not others. Requires that all rebates, discounts, refunds or other promotional inducement or benefit be provided to all ultimate purchasers of the same model of motor vehicle during the same period of time. Establishes an exception to the Act for the sale of automobiles to Federal, State or local governmental units. Applies this Act to importers of covered motor vehicles who import directly or through distributorships. Allows an automobile dealer to recover reasonable attorneys fees resulting from an action under this Act. Limits standing for a cause of action for termination of an agreement under this Act to dealers who comply with all reasonable provisions of the franchise agreement in question.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Acidic Deposition Study and Ecosystem Mitigation Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to provide for a program of acidic deposition analysis and mitigation. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to study and report, within the five-fiscal- year period following the submission of the final comprehensive research plan under the Acid Precipitation Act of 1980, on acidic deposition to specified congressional committees. Sets forth required inclusions and procedures for such report. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to any State or interstate agency to develop and implement on-site methods of mitigating the harmful effects on ecosystems resulting from high acidity which may be due to acidic deposition. Limits such grants to 75 percent of project costs. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for the five fiscal years following the enactment date of this Act for the preparation of such report and the making of such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Amends the Urgent Deficiency Appropriation Act, 1947, and the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970, to repeal certain provisions of law permitting the use of the Capitol Page School by congressional employees other than pages.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Coal Pipeline Act of 1983 - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to grant or renew rights-of-way over, under, upon, or through any Federal lands for the construction, operation, maintenance, or extension of coal pipelines, if the person seeking the right-of-way has been issued a certification that it is in the national interest to construct, operate, and maintain the pipeline (or extend the pipeline). Prohibits granting a right-of-way over, under, upon, or through an historic site unless there is no feasible alternative and planning is made to minimize damage to the site. Requires a right-of-way granted or renewed under this Act to be granted or renewed in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act. Prohibits the provisions of this act from affecting an existing or pending right-of-way except that if a certification has been made any renewal or extension may only be made pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations necessary to carry out this Act. Prohibits the United States or its agents from reserving, using, or claiming water in any State for a pipeline for which a certification has been issued unless such action takes place pursuant to State law. Authorizes acquisition of private lands by eminent domain if a certification has been issued, except with respect to historic sites or wildlife refuges. Requires the Secretary, if he or she determines that it is in the national interest, to approve an application for certification. Authorizes the Secretary to modify such application before its approval. Requires the Secretary in making such application determination to consider the extent to which a pipeline would: (1) help meet national needs; (2) enhance competition and provide new market outlets and opportunities; (3) contribute to national security; and (4) affect the environment. Directs the Secretary to notify the Attorney General of any pending application prior to making certification so as to permit the Attorney General to conduct an antitrust review. Requires every coal pipeline carrier issued a certification to provide service on reasonable request. Permits the use of eminent domain to acquire any portion of a right-of-way acquired under this Act if the use of such right-of-way is consistent with the operation and maintenance of the pipeline. Requires pipelines to be underground to the maximum extent possible. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations establishing uniform Federal standards for the safe design, installation, inspection, and maintenance of coal pipeline facilities. Exempts facilities under construction. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of such regulations. Authorizes the Attorney General to institute a civil action for a restraining order or injunction to enforce any provision of this Act. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit States and local governments to provide statements of tax refunds, credits, and offsets to individuals at any time during the calendar year for which such governments make a return, but not later than January 31 of the year following the year of the return. (Current law requires such statements to be furnished in January of the year following the year of the return.) Eliminates the requirement to furnish such statements with respect to any refunds, credits, or offsets made before January 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Hobbs Act Amendment of 1983 - Amends the Hobbs Act to establish penalties for obstructing, affecting, or interfering with commerce by willfully injuring, damaging, burning, or destroying to the value of $2,000 or more any real or personal property of any person at or near any place where work or business of an employer or owner is carried on or where such employer or owner transports, stores, or maintains property for business or other purposes. States that such violation, as well as the offense of interfering with commerce by extortion, shall not be nullified or mitigated even if committed in the course of a legitimate labor dispute.