United States · United States Congress · 23 November 1981
Civil Aeronautics Board Sunset Act of 1981 - Title I: Termination and Transfer of Functions of the Civil Aeronautics Board - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to terminate certain functions of the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) pursuant to a specified timetable. Transfers certain authority of the CAB to the United States Postal Service and the Secretary of Transportation. Title II: Amendments to Conform to Civil Aeronautics Board Sunset and Related Aviation Amendments - Part A: Provisions to Take Effect on Date of Enactment - Directs that any certificate for temporary air transportation shall be issued for an initial period of at least five years. Revises provisions concerning the establishment and division of joint fares. Describes procedures for the reduction of airmail transportation subsidies. Denies the CAB the authority to find proposed fares for foreign air transportation of persons to be unjust or unreasonable if such fares are below specified limits. Prohibits States and subdivisions thereof from placing an unreasonable burden on or discriminating against interstate commerce. Sets forth procedures for certification for limited designation international markets. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning air carrier agreements. Directs the Secretaries of State and Transportation and the CAB to eliminate discrimination and unfair competitive practices faced by U.S. air carriers in foreign air transportation. Provides protection for employees affected by consolidations, mergers, or the acquisition of control. Part B: Provisions to Coincide with Termination Generally of Functions of the Civil Aeronautics Board - Subpart I: Federal Aviation Act of 1958 - Makes certificates of public convenience and necessity necessary only for air carriers engaged in foreign air transportation. Authorizes the CAB to issue charter air transportation certificates to any qualified applicants. Revises procedures for acquiring such certificates. Repeals provisions concerning special operating authorizations and certificates for all-cargo air service. Prohibits air carrier operating certificates from being issued unless the applicant therefor complies with all insurance regulations issued by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. Allows the CAB to intervene and appear in any suit, action, or proceeding under specified antitrust laws involving air carriers. Requires air carriers to give at least 90 days notice before terminating or suspending all air transportation to a particular point. Directs air carriers to file in advance with the CAB fare changes for interstate and overseas air transportation of persons. Repeals certain reporting requirements of the CAB. Makes air carrier tariffs applicable to foreign air transportation only. Repeals provisions concerning: (1) airport security in Alaska; and (2) aircraft loan guarantees. Revises requirements regarding the issuance of airport operating certificates. Subpart 2: Other Laws - Makes conforming amendments. Part C: Provisions to Coincide with Transfer of Functions and Sunset of the Civil Aeronautics Board - Subpart I: Federal Aviation Act of 1958 - Accelerates the termination of the CAB. Repeals provisions concerning airmail transportation. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to reduce reporting requirements under such Act. Transfers functions of the CAB relating to unfair and deceptive practices and unfair methods of competition to the Federal Trade Commission. Subpart 2: Other Laws - Makes conforming amendments. Part D: Provisions to Coincide with Later Terminations of Functions of the Civil Aeronautics Board - Revises provisions concerning air carrier agreements, joint fares, and through routes. Title III: Administrative and Personnel Provisions - Transfers to the appropriate agencies the personnel, assets, liabilities, and records connected with any function transferred by this Act. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the CAB and the appropriate agencies, to assist in such transfers. Declares that all orders, rules, and regulations issued or granted by the Board shall remain in effect according to their terms.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1981
Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1981 - Requires the United States to be represented on the International Pacific Halibut Commission by three Presidentially appointed commissioners. Sets forth the qualifications of the commissioners. Authorizes the Secretary of State to accept or reject on behalf of the United States the recommendations of the Commission. Grants the Secretary of Commerce the general responsibility to carry out this Act and the Convention between the United States and Canada for the Preservation of the Halibut Fishery of the Northern Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea. Authorizes Federal agencies to cooperate with the Commission. Makes unlawful certain actions by persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction and by foreign fishing vessels. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for such actions. Makes subject to forfeiture fishing vessels used and fish taken or retained in connection with actions prohibited by this Act. Sets forth the methods of carrying out forfeiture proceedings. Requires the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to enforce the Convention, this Act, and the regulations adopted under this Act. Specifies the authority of officers undertaking such enforcement, the courts having jurisdiction over such cases, and the methods of investigating such cases. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of State to provide office space for the Commission. Repeals the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1937.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1981
Requests the President to designate February 22, 1982, as a day of national celebration in honor of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of George Washington.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1981
Strategic Shipbuilding Security Act of 1981 - Directs that the main propulsion machinery of vessels which are required by law to be constructed or reconstructed in the United States be of at least 50 percent domestic manufacture.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1981
Comprehensive Smoking Prevention Education Act of 1981 - Amends title XVII (Health Information and Health Promotion) of the Public Health Service Act to establish in the Department of Health and Human Services an Office of Smoking and Health to inform the public of the health hazards of cigarettes. Sets forth the Office's authority and duties, including conducting research and assisting educational programs directly or through grants. Establishes an Interagency Committee on Smoking and Health to be composed of representatives from the Departments of Labor and Education, the Federal Trade Commission, and any other Federal agency designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Directs such Committee to meet at least four times a year and names the Director of the Office of Smoking and Health as it chairman. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report annually to the Congress. Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to make it unlawful to advertise or export (repeals the existing export exemption) cigarettes without the required labeling. Changes labeling requirements. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish cigarette labeling regulations as set forth by this Act. Eliminates certain congressional notification and reporting requirements. Increases the fine for violation of such Act from $10,000 to $100,000. Permits an individual civil action to be brought in U.S. district courts for violations of such Act. Requires such plaintiff to give 60-day notice to the FTC and the defendant. Permits intervention and consolidation. Allows the court to award attorneys fees and other costs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1981
Taxpayer Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in the collection of taxes, to provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act regarding communication and harassment in connection with debt collection. Prohibits the publication of any deficiency which has not been adjudged to be payable by a competent court. Permits individual taxpayers to bring a civil action in a U.S. district court for damages resulting from collection practices prohibited by this Act. Requires a Federal court order before property of a taxpayer may be levied upon for the collection of tax. Specifies that a showing of fraud or malfeasance or a misrepresentation, for purposes of modifying or reconsidering a closing agreement between an individual taxpayer and the Secretary of the Treasury, shall be taken into account only if such a showing or misrepresentation is determined by a competent court. Prohibits the Secretary from consenting to extend for more than one year the period for assessment of the income tax liability of any individual taxpayer. Requires the Secretary to prepare, for distribution to taxpayers, brief but comprehensive statements which set forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of taxpayers during an audit; (2) the procedures which the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws; and (3) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file taxpayer complaints. Requires a copy of such statement to accompany any tax forms sent to taxpayers. Prescribes criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation by employees of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws which inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Creates a civil cause of action for any taxpayer aggrieved by a prohibited investigation or by the deprivation of any civil rights. Permits the award of a judgment of costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to a prevailing taxpayer in any proceeding before the Tax Court. Makes binding on the Secretary : (1) a tax return prepared for the taxpayer by an officer or employee of the IRS acting in his official capacity to provide such assistance; and (2) written information or advice given to the taxpayer by such an officer or employee acting in his official capacity. Places the burden of proof, in administrative and judicial proceedings involving the IRS and a taxpayer, upon the IRS. Directs that all property of taxpayers, for purposes of the estate and gift tax, be valued at historical cost (original cost to the taxpayer or the basis of the property if it was not purchased). Prohibits the use in IRS personnel evaluations of amounts collected pursuant to audits or investigations. Precludes the Secretary from exercising any enforcement authority over churches or certain other organizations. Prohibits the audit of any group of taxpayers unless the Secretary has first met certain notice requirements or permitted members of the group to file an amended return. Sets forth conditions which must be met by the IRS before any action is taken to interfere with the property rights of a taxpayer. Requires the IRS, before securing the records of, or personal data concerning, any taxpayer, to: (1) notify the taxpayer in writing of the demand, the material sought, and the need for the material; (2) have commenced an action in a competent court against the taxpayer; and (3) have justified its need before the court consistent with the discovery rules of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. States that the IRS shall have no authority, in enforcing the tax obligations of any person, which is in conflict with the rights and privileges granted under the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that no limitation should be placed on the Federal income tax deduction for interest paid on a residential mortgage.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement of receipts and outlays for that year in which total outlays are no greater than total receipts. Permits Congress in such statement to provide for a specific excess of outlays over receipts by a three-fifths vote directed solely to that subject. Prohibits total receipts for any fiscal year set forth in such statement from increasing by a rate greater than the rate of increase in national income in the last calendar year ending before such fiscal year, unless Congress passes a bill directed solely to approving specific additional receipts and such bill has become law. Permits Congress to waive the provisions of this Act with respect to any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Prohibits the Congress from requiring that the States engage in additional activities without compensation equal to the additional costs. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States, except those derived from borrowing and total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States except those for repayment of debt principal.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1981
Aircraft Sabotage Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to redefine the offense of "destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities" to, among other revisions: (1) prohibit communicating false information which endangers any aircraft in flight; (2) prohibit any act of violence against any individual on an aircraft which is likely to endanger the aircraft in service; and (3) define "in service" to mean pre- and post-flight ground preparation. Establishes criminal penalties for whoever commits an offense in violation of the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation and is afterward found in the United States. Establishes a new Federal crime of "imparting or conveying threats" to commit an act which would constitute the felony of aircraft sabotage if executed. Amends the Federal Aviation Act to establish civil penalties for conveying false information regarding aircraft crimes and concealing a deadly weapon while boarding an aircraft. Makes any person who willfully and maliciously conveys false information criminally liable.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a specially struck gold medal to Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in recognition of the bicentennial anniversary of diplomatic and trade relations between the Netherlands and the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to coin and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1981
Bankruptcy Improvements Act of 1981 - Amends title 11 of the United States Code (Bankruptcy) to establish an eligibility test for liquidation bankruptcy relief based on the individual petitioner's ability to pay a reasonable portion of his debts out of future income. Permits the court to dismiss a bankruptcy case under chapter 7 (liquidation) upon the motion of any party in interest filed not later than 30 days after the meeting of creditors, and after notice and a hearing, if the debtor is ineligible for relief under such title. Requires the bankruptcy judge to preside at any meeting of creditors and to perform such additional judicial duties any may be required. Declares that the value of the creditor's interest in the estate's interest in such property shall be determined in light of the purpose of the valuation and of the proposed disposition or use of such property, and in conjunction with any hearing on such disposition or use or on a plan affecting such creditor's interest. Declares that the value of consumer goods which the debtor seeks to redeem in liquidation shall be presumed to be the established resale market price, if such market exists. Requires the debtor in bankruptcy cases to file a statement of income and expenses. Requires the debtor, if the debtor's schedule of assets and liabilities includes consumer debts which are secured by property of the estate, to file and serve upon each creditor holding such security and the trustee, a statement expressing the debtor's intention with respect to retention or surrender of the collateral. Requires the debtor, at or before the meeting of creditors provided for by such title, to perform his intention with regard to such secured creditors. Repeals the provisions concerning exempt property and makes the States responsible for establishing exemptions to bankruptcy proceedings. Makes any debt which was incurred on or within 90 days before the date of the filing of a petition under such title nondischargeable. Allows creditors to enforce liens which have not been voided in bankruptcy. Permits reaffirmation of consumer debts subject to the debtor's right to rescind any such agreement within 60 days or until a discharge is received, whichever occurs later, by giving a written notice of rescission to the creditor. Declares that at the meeting of creditors the court shall inform the debtor of the nature and effect of a discharge. Eliminates the trustee's power to avoid liens or recover payments made within 90 days of filing petition in bankruptcy (within one year in the case of an insider) unless the creditor had reasonable cause to believe the debtor was insolvent. Permits the court, upon notice and hearing, to require a creditor to accept payments in redemption of the value of a claim secured by a nonpossessory, nonpurchase money security interest in tangible personal property, over a reasonable period not to exceed five years, if such tangible personal property consists of specified objects. Allows a creditor, upon 10 days notice to the debtor and codebtor, to collect any portion of a debt from the codebtor which is not being paid by the debtor through the adjustment of debts of such debtor with a regular income. Requires payments under an adjustment of debts payment plan to commence at the time of the filing of the plan. Provides for the return of such funds after deducting the costs of administration if no plan is confirmed. Provides for the separate classification of co-debtor claims and non-dischargeable claims and authorizes payment of them under an adjustment of debts payment plan. Allows a debtor to choose such a repayment plan of up to five years. Bases such repayment upon the debtor's ability to repay out of future income after taking into account the basic living necessities for the debtor and dependents. Provides for an early discharge of debts where at least 70 percent of all allowed unsecured claims are paid. Permits a hardship discharge of otherwise non-dischargeable debts to the extent the debtor attempted to pay such debts under an adjustment of debts payment plan.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1981
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of title II benefits to an incarcerated felon during any month of confinement. Treats the benefits withheld as having been paid to the felon for purposes of the payment of benefits to other persons so entitled on the basis of the wages and self-employment income of the felon.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1981
Prompt Payment Act of 1981 - Requires Federal agencies to pay interest on overdue payments to businesses for property or services. Requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to prescribe required payment dates. Specifies the procedures for computing such interest. Requires an agency to pay any interest charges out of funds made available for administration of its programs. Authorizes Federal grant recipients to provide for the payment of interest on overdue payments on their procurement contracts. Directs each agency to report to OMB annually on interest payments made during the fiscal year. Requires OMB to report to specified congressional committees on agency compliance with this Act. Requires the Director of OMB to delegate responsibility for OMB functions under this Act to the Office of Federal Procurement Policy.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1981
Amends titiles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to require Federal agencies to give to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, upon request, the names and social security account numbers of disability or SSI benefit recipients who are inmates of penal institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Fred Waring, Louis L'Amour, and the widow of Joe Louis. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of each medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the withholding tax requirements with respect to gambling winnings. Requires information returns for gambling winnings for payment of $10,000 or more. Provides a three year carryover and carryback for net gambling losses.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1981
National Usury Act - Establishes the legal rate of interest at a semiannual declining scale of between 15 and ten percent per year. Provides that, except with respect to loans of less than $2,500 made by petty loan companies or credit unions: (1) any agreement to charge interest in excess of ten percent per year on a loan of more than $300 is void as to the excess interest which may be recovered by the borrower; and (2) any partial payment on a debt must be first applied to the interest due. Prohibits the defense of usury in any debt recovery action. States that insurance premiums required to be paid under a secured loan agreement shall not exceed those required under similar nonloan policies. Sets forth provisions governing the application of the legal rate of interest to judgments. Requires persons engaged in the business of financing loans on personal property sold by dealers to purchasers on credit to pay interest at five percent per year on any reserve withheld from the dealer under the contract for financing. Makes such amount due immediately upon the close of the loan account. Requires that dealers receive biannual reserve accounts reports. Establishes a fine for dealer financing violations. Requires the board of directors of any institution which deals in bills of exchange to fix and make public the exchange rates. Prohibits officers of these institutions from deviating from such rates. Sets forth provisions governing secured and unsecured installment loans given by banks, trust companies, and combined banks and trust companies.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1981
Repeals titles XV (National Health Planning and Development) and XVI (Health Resources Development) of the Public Health Services Act, effective September 30, 1982. Establishes a 20-year right of recovery for the United States against a facility built or modernized with title XVI funds.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1981
Maritime Dry Bulk Trade Act - Directs the Secretary in the Department in which the Maritime Administration is operating to negotiate a Governing International Maritime Agreement with each nation with which the United States traded a specified amount of dry bulk cargo in 1980. Directs the Secretary to also negotiate such an agreement with nations whose U.S. trade was less than the specified amount if such a nation asks to negotiate an agreement. Lists the essential provisions of a Governing International Maritime Agreement. Directs the Secretary to enter into such an agreement with any group of nations which desires to execute the agreement on a regional basis. Prohibits such an agreement from becoming effective until 60 days after it is transmitted to Congress. Sets forth the procedures for a Congressional veto of such an agreement. Prohibits a non-national-flag ship from transporting dry bulk cargo with a trading partner except as authorized by the Governing International Maritime Agreement. Provides that five years after enactment of this Act: (1) non-national-flag ships not documented under the laws of a trading partner are prohibited from transporting dry bulk cargo; and (2) such ships documented under the laws of a trading partner are authorized to transport dry bulk cargo between the United States and any nation not a party to such an agreement. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Treasury to implement procedures to insure that non-national-flag ships do not transport bulk cargo in excess of the authorized amount. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to assist in implementing this Act. Requires it to report annually to Congress on its activities. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress annually on actions taken pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1981
National Usury Act - Establishes the legal rate of interest at ten percent per year. Provides that, except with respect to loans of less than $2,500, made by petty loan companies or credit unions: (1) day agreement to change interest in excess of ten percent per year on a loan of more than $300 is void as to the excess interest which may be recovered by the borrower; and (2) any partial payment on a debt must be first applied to the interest due. Prohibits the defense of usury in any debt recovery action. States that insurance premiums required to be paid under a secured loan agreement shall not be considered interest if the premiums do not exceed those charged under similar nonloan policies. Sets forth provisions governing the application of the legal rate of interest to judgments. Requires persons engaged in the business of financing loans on personal property sold by dealers to purchasers on credit to pay interest at five percent per year on any reserve withheld from the dealer under the contract for financing. Makes such amount due immediately upon the close of the loan account. Requires that dealers receive biannual reserve accounts reports. Establishes a fine for dealer financing violations. Requires the board of directors of any institution which deals in bills of exchange to fix and make public the exchange rates. Prohibits officers of these institutions from deviating from such rates. Sets forth provisions governing secured and unsecured installment loans given by banks, trust companies, and combined banks and trust companies.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1981
Disapproves the final rule promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission dealing with the matter of the trade regulation rule relating to the sale of used motor vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1981
Social Security Alien and Foreign Resident Limitations Act of 1981 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit entitlement to title II benefits in the case of an individual who is not a U.S. citizen or national and whose entitlement is based upon the wages and self-employment income of a resident of a foreign country who is entitled to old-age or disability benefits if such individual does not bear a spousal, filial, parental, divorced, or surviving relationship to such resident as of the date such resident reaches age 57. Prohibits entitlement to title II benefits in the case of an individual who is not a U.S. citizen or national on the basis of such individual's own wages and self-employment income. Entitles a non-U.S. citizen or national to a single lump-sum benefit on the basis of such individual's wages and self-employment income if such individual is lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence or employment purposes or such individual's status is changed to permit such individual to work in the United States. Prohibits entitlement to title II benefits in the case of a non-U.S. citizen or national whose entitlement is based upon the wages and self-employment income of a non-U.S. citizen or national who is not a permanent resident of the United States or who has not been admitted to the United States for employment purposes. Prohibits entitlement to title II benefits in the case of a U.S. citizen or national whose entitlement is based upon the wages and self-employment income of a non-U.S. citizen or national.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1981
Expresses the sense of the Congress that U.S. foreign policy should reflect a national strategy of peace through strength with specified principles and goals.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1981
Fiscal Year 1981 Airport Development Authorization Act - Amends the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 to extend the airport development aid program through fiscal year 1981. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to obligate a specified sum for carrying out noise compatibility programs under the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979. Authorizes the Secretary to approve certain applications for projects begun after September 30, 1980, and before the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1981
Maritime Act of 1981 - Transfers all of the functions, powers, duties, assets, and liabilities of the Maritime Administration of the Department of Commerce to the Department of Transportation. Establishes the office of the Maritime Administrator to head the Maritime Administration. Transfers personnel employed in connection with the functions transferred by this Act. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to make such incidental dispositions of personnel, assets, liabilities, records, and appropriations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Makes conforming amendments to specified Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
Domestic Energy and Strategic Material Security Act of 1981 - Directs the President to: (1) order the head of the appropriate Federal agencies to immediately remove restrictions not specifically required which impede the leasing and development of energy resources and strategic and critical material resources on Federal lands, as well as lands to which the Federal Government owns the mineral rights and the Outer Continental Shelf; (2) institute policies facilitating the development of energy resources and strategic and critical materials located within such areas; (3) identify any Federal restriction to such development and submit a list of such restrictions to the advisory panel established by this Act; and (4) appoint an advisory panel to review such list which shall report, within six months of receiving the list, to Congress and the President concerning such restrictions. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to order substantial lease offerings within the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska to begin immediately for private development only. Exempts any such lease from the environmental impact statement requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act. Directs the President to give leasing priority to the areas of Outer Continental Shelf that have the highest hydrocarbon potential and known hydrocarbon reserves. Directs the President to appoint the advisory panel necessary to carry out this Act. Sets forth provisions relating to panel members and their appointment. Requires the agencies involved with the implementation of this Act to annually report to Congress, providing the following minimum information: (1) the reasonableness of restrictions; (2) legislative or administrative recommendations; and (3) agency efforts to reduce constraints to leasing.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1981
Prohibits the Federal Trade Commission from investigating or taking any action concerning any State regulated profession until Congress enacts legislation which expressly provides that the Commission has authority over professions and that the Commission's authority preempts State authority. Vacates any such action taken during the period beginning on May 28, 1981, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Repeals title XV (National Health Planning and Development) and title XVI (Health Resources Development) of the Public Health Service Act. Stipulates that such repeals shall not affect outstanding loan obligations. Establishes Federal recovery rights on facilities receiving title XVI construction grants for 20 years.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1981
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to prohibit assistance to any public agency unless there is in effect with respect to such agency a law enforcement officers' bill of rights which includes, at a minimum, the following: (1) allowing off-duty officers' to engage in political activities; (2) granting officers specified procedural rights in connection with investigations of their conduct on duty which may lead to a personnel action; (3) requiring officer representation on any policy complaint review board established in the jurisdiction; and (4) prohibiting mandatory disclosure of officers' finances.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1981
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a postage stamp to honor the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare brief but comprehensive pamphlets which set forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of taxpayers during an audit; (2) the procedures which the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may use in enforcing revenue laws; and (3) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file taxpayer complaints. Requires a copy of such pamphlet to accompany the first communication from the IRS to any taxpayer regarding tax liability. Establishes within the IRS an Office of Taxpayer Services, directed by an Assistant Commissioner of Internal Revenue, whose primary responsibilities shall include: (1) assisting taxpayers with information about tax returns, audit corrections, appeals procedures, and payment or document location; and (2) receiving and evaluating complaints of improper, abusive, or inefficient service by IRS personnel. Authorizes the Assistant Commissioner for Taxpayer Services to issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order prohibiting the Secretary, for up to 60 days after such issuance, from taking any assessment, collection, or other action adverse to a taxpayer if the Assistant Commissioner determines that such taxpayer is suffering from an unusual, unnecessary, or irreparable loss as a result of such action. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation by employees of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws which inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual which are not directly related to such tax laws; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Creates a civil cause of action for any taxpayer aggrieved by a prohibited investigation, or by the deprivation of any civil rights. Permits the award of a judgment of costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to a prevailing taxpayer in any proceeding before the Tax Court. Requires the IRS, upon a taxpayer's request, to conduct any interview regarding a deficiency assessment in the taxpayer's residence or place of business, at a reasonable time convenient to the taxpayer. Requires the officer or employee conducting such interview to warn the taxpayer that: (1) he has a right to remain silent; (2) any statement he makes may be used against him; and (3) he has the right to the presence of an attorney. Exempts certain income producing property from levy for nonpayment of taxes. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to establish, and to report annually to Congress on, a program to provide for a continuing audit and investigation of the efficiency, uniformity, and equity of the administration of the internal revenue laws of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1981
Sales Representatives Protection Act - Title I: Contracts Between Sales Representatives and Principals - Requires a principal who enters into a contract with a sales representative for the solicitation of orders for merchandise of the principal to furnish specified information to the representative, including monthly commission statements. Enumerates items to be included in any written contract between a principal and sales representative in order to conform with this Act. Title II: Indemnification - Exempts principals who have entered into a written contract in conformity with title I from the indemnification requirements of this title. Requires any principal to indemnify a sales representative in accordance with this title if such principal: (1) without good cause terminates a representative's assignment or reduces the geographical territory assigned to a representative; (2) reduces the rate of commission paid to a representative; or (3) reduces the number of accounts assigned within a geographical territory. Sets forth a formula for the indemnification of such representatives. Title III: Miscellaneous - Permits actions to be brought in Federal district court to enforce the rights or liabilities of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income interest earned on certificates of deposit issued by banks, certain savings institutions, or credit unions. Requires such certificates to be issued between June 30, 1981 and July 31, 1982, to have a one year maturity, and to bear interest at a rate not greater than 70 percent of the average yield of U.S. Treasury bills. Limits the amount of such exclusion to $1,000 ($2,000 for joint returns).
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1981
Maritime Appropriation Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1982 and 1983 - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for certain Department of Commerce maritime programs including: (1) operating-differential subsidy payments; (2) research and development; (3) reserve fleet expenses; (4) maritime education; and (5) operations and training. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1983 to carry out certain activities of the Maritime Administration. Authorizes supplemental appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 as may be necessary for increases in salary, retirement, or other employee benefits. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to allow a ship operator to elect to suspend its operating-differential subsidy contract (except those pertaining to the domestic intercoastal or coastwise service) under certain conditions.
![Official portrait of Rep. Snyder, M. G. (Gene) [R-KY-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000669_200.jpg)