United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1981
United States Olympic Development Fund Checkoff Act of 1981 - Permits taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns an election to contribute one dollar of their income tax refunds or one dollar forwarded with returns to support the fund established by this Act. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a United States Olympic Development Fund. Appropriates to the Fund an amount equivalent to the amount designated on tax returns to be available to the Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay amounts so transferred to the U.S. Olympic Committee for use in a program of expansion and improvement of amateur athletics. Sets forth reporting requirements with respect to the expenditure of such funds by the Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 9 September 1981
Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the appointment to the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund of one representative of employers, one representative of employees, one representative of beneficiaries, and one individual highly qualified in the management of investment funds. Requires that investments made by the Board secure the maximum possible interest yield commensurate with the safety of the Trust Funds. Fixes the interest rates for public-debt obligations issued for purchase by the Trust Funds at the average market yield on all marketable interest bearing U.S. obligations forming part of the public debt, all marketable interest bearing obligations which are not U.S. obligations but which are guaranteed by the United States, and all marketable federally sponsored agency interest bearing obligations which are lawful investments for fiduciary and trust funds under Federal control. Authorizes the managing Trustee to use the equipment and experts necessary to assure the maximum possible interest yield on Trust Fund investments.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1981
Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the appointment to the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund of one representative of employers, one representative of employees, one representative of beneficiaries, and one individual highly qualified in the management of investment funds. Requires the Board to make investments securing the maximum possible interest yield with the portion of the Trust Funds not required to meet current withdrawals. Fixes the interest rates for public-debt obligations issued for purchase by the Trust Funds at the average market yield on all marketable interest bearing U.S. obligations forming part of the public debt, all marketable interest bearing obligations which are not U.S. obligations but which are guaranteed by the United States, and all marketable federally sponsored agency interest bearing obligations which are lawful investments for fiduciary and trust funds under Federal control. Authorizes the Managing Trustee to use the equipment and experts necessary to assure the maximum possible interest yield on Trust Fund investments.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1981
Upper White Oak Bayou Flood Control Act of 1981 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct the project for flood control and recreation in the Upper White Oak Bayou area, Texas.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1981
Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1981 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) maintain an information program to provide small businesses an opportunity to participate in Federal small business innovation research (SBIR) programs; (2) coordinate a schedule for release of SBIR solicitations and prepare a master release schedule; (3) monitor SBIR programs within Federal agencies; and (4) report annually to the congressional Small Business Committees on the SBIR programs. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget of at least $100,000,000 in FY 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to spend a specified percentage of its budget in connection with an SBIR program. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget of at least $20,000,000 in FY 1982 or any subsequent fiscal year to establish specific goals for funding research and development agreements with small businesses. Directs each Federal agency to report annually to the SBA the number of awards over $10,000 made under the SBIR program and to concerns other than small business concerns. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in conjunction with the SBA, to promulgate regulations for the conduct of the SBIR programs. States that this Act does not authorize the appropriation of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1981
Petroleum Disruption Management Act of 1981 - Title I: Sequential Management Authority and Activation - Directs the President to prescribe four petroleum disruption management programs and transmit them to Congress for approval: (1) a Strategic Petroleum Reserve distribution program; (2) a private dedicated reserve program (PDR); (3) a national crude oil sharing program; and (4) a petroleum product disruption management program. Prohibits approval of a program unless each House of Congress, within 30 days of transmittal of a program, passes a resolution approving the program. Requires the President to submit a revised program if any program is not approved. Provides for the activation of a program whenever the President determines that a substantial or severe crude oil or energy supply disruption or interruption exists or is imminent, or a program is necessary in order to comply with the international energy program, and an approving joint resolution is passed within six days of transmittal. Limits such programs to 120 days duration, except the President may request additional 120 day periods. Title II: Private Crude Oil and Petroleum Product Storage Incentives - Directs the President to report on the advisability and alternative means of: (1) reducing the tax liability of persons who draw down crude oil and petroleum product reserves during oil supply disruptions; and (2) providing tax or other incentives for the construction of private-sector oil and petroleum product storage facilities and the maintenance of increased private-sector crude oil or petroleum product reserves. Title III: Strategic Petroleum Reserve and Private Dedicated Reserve Distribution - Authorizes the President to distribute crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, upon a determination that a substantial crude oil disruption exists, in amounts not in excess of 300,000 barrels daily for no more than 90 days annually. Provides for such distributions on a pro rata basis. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to prohibit the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Plan from becoming effective unless each House of Congress passes a resolution approving the Plan within 30 days of the Plan's transmittal to Congress. Requires that during a substantial crude oil disruption allocation shall be as provided for in this Act. Requires the Secretary of Energy to submit to Congress a report evaluating the expansion of the physical capacity of the Reserve through the use of temporary storage facilities. Directs the President to promulgate a rule establishing a PDR. Requires the rule establishing the PDR to, among other things: (1) provide for the equitable distribution of crude oil at competitive prices; (2) require designated refiners to provide crude oil to any qualified refiner experiencing a supply disruption; (3) distribute crude oil to such qualified refiners to permit them to operate at 95 percent of the national utilization rate; (4) provide that the obligation of each designated refiner to sell crude oil to qualified refiners shall be a given percentage of each designated refiner's average crude oil runs to distillation units during the previous 12 months; and (5) provide that the price paid by a qualified refiner will not exceed a stated level. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a report determining the minimum volume of reserves to be maintained in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and analyzing the advisability of distributing crude oil from the Reserve in lieu of activating the PDR. Title IV: National Crude Oil Sharing Program - Directs the President to promulgate a rule establishing a national crude oil sharing program. Requires the rule establishing such program to: (1) provide for the equitable sharing of crude oil at competitive prices among all regions during a severe disruption; (2) require refiners to offer for sale any crude oil supplies that would permit their refineries to operate in excess of the national utilization rate; (3) assure that refiners are able to purchase sufficient crude oil to permit operation at the national utilization rate; (4) provide that the price paid by a refiner will not exceed the weight-averaged price during the previous 60 day period; (5) provide for directives requiring a refiner to adjust the percentage yield of a refined petroleum product in order to increase output of that product in a time of short supply; and (6) provide for the adjustment of the quantities of crude oil allocated among refiners so as to ensure desired production levels. Title V: Petroleum Product Programs - Directs the President to promulgate a standby regulation which when implemented will provide: (1) for the mandatory allocation of refined petroleum products produced in or imported into the country in amounts specified in and at ceiling prices specified in such regulation; (2) an emergency use fee; or (3) other action specified in such regulation which is not otherwise specially authorized by other Federal law. Requires the standby regulation to provide for, among other things: (1) the protection of public health, safety and welfare (including maintenance of residential heating), and national defense; (2) maintenance of all public services; (3) maintenance of agricultural operations; (4) preservation of an economically sound and competitive petroleum industry; (5) equitable distribution of refined petroleum products at equitable prices; (6) allocation of refined petroleum products necessary to explore for and extract fuels and minerals; (7) economic efficiency; and (8) minimization of economic distortion. Title VI: Establishment of Advisory Data Collection and Coordination Functions - Directs the President to establish: (1) an Energy Emergency Council to be composed of members of the executive branch, to advise the President on matters relevant to the implementation of this Act and the activation and management of its programs; and (2) an Energy Advisory Committee, to consist of members of the petroleum industry and consumers, to advise the President and the Council on matters relevant to the implementation of this Act and the management and activation of its programs. Directs the Council, after consultation with the Committee, to evaluate the current energy information collection and monitoring systems within the Federal Government. Directs the Secretary to inform the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration whether the energy information now being collected is sufficient, whether changes are needed, and if so, to direct the Administrator to make the necessary changes. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a report examining the standards for activation of the programs. Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth provisions relating to administration and enforcement, including: (1) application of provisions of the Economic Stabilization Act of 1970 to regulations, orders, and Presidential actions undertaken pursuant to this Act; and (2) setting forth monetary penalties for violations of this Act. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to include this Act within those Acts for which the Secretary shall provide for making adjustments to any rule, regulation or order in order to prevent special hardship or inequity. Extends, until October 1, 1989, the authority for international voluntary agreements with respect to the International Energy Program under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Terminates this Act on October 1, 1989.
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 · 22 July 1981
Coal Pipeline Act of 1981 - Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to authorize a person to apply to the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) for a certificate of public convenience to construct, operate, or maintain a coal pipeline or to extend an existing coal pipeline. Directs the Commission to approve the application if the public convenience will be enhanced. Permits any person holding such a certificate to acquire rights-of-way on private lands by exercise of the power of eminent domain. Limits the scope of such exercise regarding rights to water or to certain historic or significant lands. Requires coal pipeline certificate holders to fulfill relevant common carrier transportation and service obligations. Requires the line pipe of all pipelines to be located underground, to the maximum extent practicable, consistent with environmental protection, safety, and good engineering and technological practices. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to grant or renew to a certificate holder rights-of-way on Federal lands for the construction, operation, maintenance, or extension of coal pipelines. Requires the Secretgary to first consult with the heads of other agencies which may administer such Federal lands. Requires a right-of-way to be granted or renewed in accordance with specified provisions of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe additional terms and conditions. Exempts existing coal pipeline rights-of-way and law suits commenced prior to enactment of this Act from certain provisions of this Act. Prohibits the United States or its agents from using or claiming water within any State for a coal pipeline unless pursuant to State substantive and procedural law. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations establishing uniform Federal standards applicable to certain aspects of coal pipeline facilities. Exempts existing coal pipelines from certain such standards. Authorizes the Attorney General, at the request of the Secretary of Transportation, to institute a civil action to enforce any such regulation. Authorizes the Attorney General, at the request of the Secretary of the Interior, to institute a civil action to enforce any provision of this Act. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for any person failing to comply with any provision or regulation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1981
Food Safety Amendments of 1981 - Title I - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise the procedures and criteria for consideration of food and color additive petitions and new animal drug applications. Excludes from the definition of "food additive": (1) a food contact substance; and (2) a basic or traditional food. Defines "food contact substance" to mean a substance used to package food upon which such substance is not intended to, and does not have, any physical effect. Revises the general definition of "safe" to include in its meaning the absence of significant risk under the intended conditions of use of a substance. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prescribe regulations to gradually eliminate a substance from the food supply upon a finding that such elimination will serve the public interest and not present a danger to public health. Requires that a determination of whether food is adulterated be based on an assessment of the risks from the probable consumption of such substance, taking into account all pertinent safety factors. Revises the procedures under which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) establishes tolerance levels for required or unavoidable substances in foods. Replaces the current formal hearing requirements for setting tolerances with the notice and comment rulemaking procedure. Adds to the criteria for establishing tolerances: (1) an assessment of the nature and extent of the risks from probable consumption of the substance, considering all safety factors and after consultation with the food safety committee (established by this Act); and (2) the effects of limits on the cost and availability of food. Requires the Secretary to specify the analytical procedure for determining tolerance compliance. Permits any party in an injunction, seizure, or criminal action by the FDA alleging food adulteration, to request the court to set a tolerance for any food for which there is no existing tolerance. Revises the procedures and criteria for consideration of food additive petitions. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures to facilitate early discussion of an additive prior to submission of a petition. Requires the FDA to file food additive petitions within 30 days after receipt. Requires the FDA to specify in detail its reasons expanded for denying a petition. Directs the Secretary to permit interim use of an already approved additive if it appears from initial review that such expanded use is safe. Directs the Secretary to base a determination of the safety of a food additive on all relevant factors, including risk assessment. Provides an exception to the "Delaney clause" (which deems as unsafe any additive which induces cancer when ingested by man or animal) upon a finding that use of the additive does not present a significant risk to health. Requires the Secretary, whenver an additive is limited on the basis that it induces cancer in man or animal, to refer such matter to the food safety committee and permit interested persons to provide information. Enumerates additional criteria for considering a food additive which has been identified as presenting a significant risk, but has a substantial history of use and no reasonably practicable substitute. Includes among such factors the nature and extent of the consequences of use and the feasibility and effect of providing information to consumers regarding the additive's risk. Provides for expedited judicial review of any failure by the FDA to meet the time limits for food additive determinations or to provide detailed reasons for denial of a petition. Authorizes the Secretary to issue an interim food additive regulation with respect to a substance the safety of which has been questioned by new, but inconclusive, information, upon a determination that there is a reasonable certainty that such substance is not harmful. Applies the new procedures for amending or repealing a food additive regulation to any action to limit a substance which is generally recognized as safe. Establishes a new simplified premarket notification system for food contact substances. Provides that a food contact substance shall be deemed unsafe unless: (1) it is not reasonably expected to become a component of food under its intended use; (2) it conforms to a regulation; or (3) a premarket notification has been registered with the FDA and the FDA fails to make a finding of significant risk to public health within 90 days. Subjects any such finding to judicial review. Permits a person to petition the Secretary for promulgation of a regulation in lieu of premarket notification. Directs the Secretary, for the purpose of receiving referrals respecting the safety of food substances, to request the National Academy of Sciences, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, or other independent entity having such scientific expertise, to establish a committee to study and report on the safety of food substances. Provides a procedure and the criteria for the Secretary to establish an advisory food safety committee in the event such entities decline to establish such committee. Authorizes any person who may be adversely affected by a Secretarial decision to request the Secretary to consult such a committee before he makes a final decision on the use of any food substance, food additive, new animal drug, or color additive. Establishes for new animal drugs and color additives a regulatory scheme similar to that set forth for food additives. Includes as a factor to be considered with respect to animal drugs the present commercial availability of approved alternatives. Eliminates the current requirement for individual product licenses for animal drug manufacturers. Establishes a one-time location registration of establishments at which a new animal drug is to be first mixed into animal feed. Repeals the animal drug provision requiring batch certification of five specific antibiotics. Title II - Amends the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Meat Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act to conform to provisions of this Act. Title III - Requires persons who have filed food or color additive petitions or new animal drug applications which were filed prior to enactment to elect consideration in accordance with existing law or law as amended by this Act. Provides that enforcement proceedings based on acts occurring prior to enactment shall proceed under prior law.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1981
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Department of Justice should continue to provide the sums required to insure the operation and success of the seven regional criminal intelligence projects assisted through the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1981
Amends the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978 to require the bankruptcy court, in the case of a bankruptcy petition filed by a person engaged in the business of operating a farm produce storage facility, within specified time limits, to: (1) identify those farm producers who have produce in storage, and those parties which have secured interests in farm produce, within such facility; (2) audit the assets of the farm produce storage facility for the purpose of determining the extent of farm produce available for distribution to such producers and secured creditors; and (3) direct the abandonment of such farm produce according to procedures set forth by this Act. Declares that such procedures shall be applied by the court solely for the purpose of effectuating abandonment of farm produce which is not property of the estate, or is of inconsequential value to the estate, and shall not be construed to limit the right of any party to seek abandonment of any other property. Prohibits distribution of farm produce ordered abandoned by the court from being delayed due to the pendency of any appeal from the orders of abandonment, except that a stay of orders may be entered under specified conditions. Makes any such stay of orders appealable as of right by any aggrieved party. Grants to any farmer who, having delivered agricultural products to a licensed warehouseman upon a contract for sale and who has not received the agreed upon payment, a lien against products of like products in the licensed facility in excess of that required to satisfy receipted or other storage obligations, title to which may be then vested in such warehouseman, to the extent of the payment agreed upon for the purchase of the product sold. Attaches such lien at the time of the formation of the contract for sale and continues it until the obligations of the warehouseman to the seller of the products are satisfied.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1981
Declares that it is the general policy of the Federal Government to rely on competitive private industry to supply the products and services it needs. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in coordination with the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, to administer such policy.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Postal Service Amendments of 1981 - Authorizes the United States Postal Service to issue written demands requiring access to books, records, documents, or other objects believed to relate to any postal offense or civil matter under investigation by the Postal Service. Provides for the enforcement of such a demand by the appropriate district court. Authorizes the Postal Service to issue an order requiring any person to cease and desist from conducting a lottery or scheme for obtaining money or property by false representations through the mail. Declares that the resumption of such an activity through the use of any instrumentality of interstate commerce shall be considered to be a failure to comply with such order. Permits the Postal Service, in investigating whether a person is conducting such an activity, to tender the price of any article or service that such person has offered for sale. Declares that failure by such person to provide such article or service, or failure to comply with a written demand of the Postal Service for access to materials, shall constitute probable cause to believe such person is engaged in such activities, warranting the detention of such person's incoming mail. Establishes a civil penalty to be assessed by the Postal Service, after an opportunity for an agency hearing, against any person who: (1) attempts to evade an order directing the postmaster to return mail addressed to such person; (2) fails to comply with a cease and desist; or (3) assists another person in evading such an order.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1981
Olympic Coin Act of 1981 - Declares the purposes of this Act to be: (1) to provide for the minting of coins to commemorate the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games; and (2) to help finance those games without the use of tax revenues. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint: (1) not more than 30,000,000 copper-nickel clad coins with a face value of one dollar; (2) not more than 22,400,000 silver coins with a face value of ten dollars; (3) not more than 2,400,000 gold coins with a face value of fifty dollars; and (4) not more than 1,400,000 gold coins with a face value of one hundred dollars. Specifies the size and weight of such coins. Specifies that the designs of such coins shall be determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee. Sets certain minting specifications for such coins. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee which shall provide for the implementation of the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to furnish such coins to the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee at a price agreed to pursuant to such implementation agreement. Provides that all coins minted shall be delivered to the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee for distribution and sale to the public in accordance with the terms of the implementation agreement. Sets the delivery date for each series of coins. Provides that all proceeds received by the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee from the commercial sale of such coins shall be used for the purpose of staging and promoting the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games and assisting the U.S. Olympic Committee and amateur athletics. Provides that all coins authorized by this Act shall be legal tender. Directs that no coins shall be minted pursuant to this Act after December 31, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Family Enterprise Estate and Gift Tax Equity and Reduction Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the estate and gift tax rates. Increases the unified credit against the estate and gift taxes from $47,000 to $103,500 by specified annual increments through 1985. Increases from $175,000 to $600,000, by specified annual increments through 1985, the minimum gross estate requirement for filing of a return. Repeals the existing limitations on the marital deduction for gift and estate taxes. Permits an election by an executor to take into account a life estate which passes to a surviving spouse for purposes of determining the marital deduction. Includes amounts equal to the value of such interests in the estate of the surviving spouse for purposes of imposition of the estate tax. Increases from $3,000 to $10,000 the annual gift tax exclusion. Revises the definition of "qualified real property," for purposes of the special use valuation, to include: (1) real property which is put to a qualified use by a member of the decedent's family; (2) certain future interests; and (3) timber. Qualifies estates of decedents who were disabled or retired for the special use valuation if such decedents materially participated in the operation of the farm or business for five out of eight years preceding the year in which they became disabled or eligible for disability benefits, under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Permits the spouse of a decedent to use such valuation if the spouse has managed the farm or business for ten years preceding the decedent's death or takes over active management upon the decedent's death. Qualifies the owner of a woodland for the special use valuation if the owner or a member of the owner's family actively managed the property for ten years prior to the owner's death. Includes as property qualified for the valuation certain future and partial interests. Reduces from 15 to ten years the length of time a qualified property must be held and put to a qualified use following the decedent's death before it can be disposed of without incurring a recapture of estate tax benefits. Permits active management rather than material participation as a test for qualification of the estate for spouses, children under 21, students, and disabled individuals who receive property from a decedent who qualified for special use valuation. Modifies the formula for recapture upon partial disposition of qualified property to include in the calculation of the additional tax imposed the adjusted tax difference attributable to the property disposed of or ceased to be used for a qualified use. Repeals the $500,000 limitation on the aggregate decrease in the value of property to which the special use valuation is applied. Allows the like kind exchange of property without loss of special use valuation eligibility. Permits, for purposes of calculating the five-year period required for qualification of real property, the aggregation of periods with respect to exchange property with those with respect to property included in the gross estate. Repeals the requirement that an heir elect special treatment for involuntary conversions of qualified real property, thus making such treatment automatic upon such conversion. Applies the special use valuation provisions to: (1) property which passes to a trust all of the beneficiaries of which are members of the decedent's family without regard to whether any beneficiary has a present interest in the trust; and (2) property held by a trust in which the decedent has an interest which is includible in the decedent's estate and which passes to a qualified heir as though the decedent had a direct interest in the property. Alters the method of valuing farms and woodlands and provides an alternate discount method of valuation. Expands the definition of "member of the family," for purposes of determining special use valuation eligibility, to include members of a spouse's family. Permits a parent or fiduciary of a person under a legal disability to sign an agreement to the application of recapture provisions on behalf of such person. Specifies that the estate tax deduction for certain indebtedness of an estate shall not be reduced if the value of the property is determined by applying the special use valuation. States that gifts made within three years of a decedent's death shall be valued as of the time of transfer rather than as of the date of death. Allows an individual to elect to pay a gift tax rather than use the unified tax credit. Modifies the alternate extension of time for payment of the estate tax where the estate consists largely of an interest in a closely held business to: (1) allow an installment payment election if the value of the interest in the closely held business is either 25 percent of the value of the gross estate or 35 percent of the taxable estate; (2) alter the definition of "interest in a closely held business"; (3) increase to 50 percent the value of an interest disposed of which will accelerate the payment of tax; and (4) permit payment, but with a penalty, of an installment within six months after the due date. Revises rules for determining whether property qualifies as an interest in a closely held business with respect to property included in the gross estate which is transferred prior to death and ownership of assets leased to or used by a family-owned business. Revises rules regarding the qualification of corporate distributions of property in redemption of stock which is included in a decedent's gross estate. Removes the limitation on substantially disproportionate redemptions of stock of a corporation which is a closely held business. Revises the formula for determining whether such redemptions are substantially disproportionate and the rule for determining whether a shareholder's interest in a corporation is terminated. Applies the four percent rate of interest on estate tax payments extended under the alternate extension of time provisions to the entire amount of the tax to be paid. Permits an election to value at 50 percent of its value an interest in a closely held business the net equity of which is less than $50,000,000. Imposes an additional estate tax if such interest is disposed of within ten years after the decedent's death. Allows a disclaimer of an interest in property for estate tax purposes in specified circumstances where such disclaimer does not result in the passing of the interest concerned under the applicable State law.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1981
Amends the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 to require a judicial officer, in setting conditions for pretrial release for any person charged with certain narcotics offenses, to consider which conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community, the personal safety of persons in the community, and the prevention of similar offenses by such person. Requires a judicial officer to deny release to any person charged with a narcotics offense who: (1) has previously been convicted of a felony narcotics offense under Federal, State, or foreign law; (2) is on parole, probation, or other conditional release for a felony offense under Federal or State law; (3) is an illegal alien; (4) was arrested in possession of a false passport; or (5) has been convicted of being a fugitive from justice. Requires the Government to provide clear and convincing evidence that the person charged falls within any such category and to establish that there is substantial probability that the person committed the offense . Permits the judicial officer to grant release to a person who has not been previously convicted of a felony narcotics offense upon a finding of special mitigating factors. Requires that the case of a person who is denied release be placed on an expedited calendar.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1981
Missing Children Act - Directs the Attorney General to collect and preserve information which would assist in: (1) the identification of any deceased individual who has not been identified within 30 days of his or her death; and (2) the location of any missing child who is under the age of 17, does not have a history of running away, and has been missing for at least 48 hours.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1981
Amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 to include any independent contractor (other than a construction contractor) performing services at a mine in the definition of an "operator." Exempts from the requirements of the Act any independent construction contractor engaged by an operator for the construction, repair, or alteration of structures, facilities, utilities, or private ways or roads located on the surface area of any mine or as an excavations or equipment installations attendant to such activities. Requires the independent contractor's employees to: (1) enter their work area through access routes reserved for them; and (2) work in areas which are separate from mining or excavation activities. Requires the operator of a mine at which any construction activity is undertaken by an independent construction contractor to notify the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the type of activity and number of employees involved.
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 · 20 May 1981
Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act of 1963 to exempt from the definition of "farm labor contractor": (1) any agricultural employer who recruits and hires migrant workers for such person's own agricultural operation (currently the employer must personally engage in such hiring); (2) bona fide employees who perform such activity for their employer (currently full-time or regular employees who engage only incidentally in such activity); (3) any person who supplies students or other persons whose principal occupation is nonagricultural to perform certain seed industry work (currently only applies to corn and sorghum with a maximum four-week work period); and (4) nonprofit or cooperative associations of farmers, growers, or ranchers and their employees. Defines the terms "for such person's own operation" and "bona fide employee" for purposes of such Act. Redefines "migrant worker" to mean a seasonal or temporary agricultural worker who cannot normally return to his or her domicile after each working day (currently anyone employed in agriculture).
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain individuals to compute the amount of the income tax deduction for retirement savings on the basis of the earned income of their spouses, without regard to any community property laws.
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 · 7 May 1981
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) temporarily suspend the airman certificate of anyone indicted for a violation of the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act if operation of an aircraft is an element of the offense charged; and (2) revoke the airman certificate of anyone convicted of a violation of such Act if operation of an aircraft is an element of the offense for which the holder was convicted. Sets forth criminal penalties for the use or sale of fraudulent certificates with the intent or knowledge that such certificates will be used in connection with a violation of the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act. Provides criminal penalties for any person who: (1) while navigating an aircraft, knowingly and willfully violates such Act; and (2) is the owner of an aircraft and knowingly allows any person to use such aircraft in violation of such Act. Requires that such penalties shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other penalty imposed under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981
Title I: Short Title, Findings, and Purposes - National Minerals Security Act of 1981 - Sets forth findings and purposes. Title II: Mineral and Material Planning and Availability - Establishes the Council on Materials and Minerals to develop and implement a national minerals and materials policy. Title III: Domestic Mineral Resource Potential - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) review land use plans developed under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976; (2) consider the suitability of such public lands for mineral location and leasing; and (3) revise such plans accordingly. Requires any land use plan prepared under such Act and any review and any review conducted under this Act to: (1) contain an estimate of potential mineral resources; and (2) consider the development and extraction of any significant mineral deposit as a dominant use. Directs the Secretary to determine the number of acres of Federal lands withdrawn, classified, restricted, or closed to mineral location or leasing and the number of acres of land made available for mineral location and leasing under this title and to report the results to Congress. Requires the Secretary to publish a notice in the Federal Register at least once every two years requesting the nomination of lands withdrawn, classified, restricted, or closed to be reviewed. Requires the Secretary to review lands nominated by any person to determine the suitability of such lands for mineral location or leasing. Extends the December 31, 1983, mining expiration date in the Wilderness Act to December 31, 1993. Title IV: Mineral and Material Data Acquisition and Analysis - Directs the Secretary to transfer the State Mining and Mineral Resources and Research Institutes to the administrative jurisdiction of the Bureau of Mines. Makes the Bureau the principal Federal agency for mineral data collection, compilation, analysis, and dissemination. Requires the Bureau and the U.S. Geological Survey to undertake stated activities directed towards ensuring an adequate supply of minerals and materials. Title V: Capital Formation and Taxation - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) define air or water pollution control facilities for purposes of the exclusion of interest on industrial development bonds; and (2) permit a deduction for the amortization of the amortizable basis of a pollution control facility, based on any amortization period of from one to 60 months. Title VI: Regulatory Reform - Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to require that notice of a proposed rule published in the Federal Register include: (1) a statement of the need for and objectives of the proposed rule; and (2) a description of all reasonable alternative public or private means for achieving the objectives of the proposed rule, together with an explanation of how the proposed rule achieves the objectives at lower cost or with fewer adverse effects than the alternatives. Requires an agency, after giving notice and giving interested persons the opportunity to participate in the rulemaking process, to conduct additional proceedings if the comments received from those interested reveal that there are disputed factual issues. Requires such proceedings to include informal public hearings, meetings or conferences, mediation, presentation of witnesses for direct and cross-examination, and additional opportunity for preparation of written rebuttals to any materials required in the notice of proposed rulemaking. Title VII: National Defense Stockpile - Amends the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act to require that all moneys received from the sale of materials in the National Defense Stockpile be transferred to the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund and be available only to acquire strategic and critical materials. Title VIII: Antitrust Restrictions - Directs the Attorney General to review antitrust laws, rules, and regulations to determine the extent to which they are consistent with the policy of this Act. Title IX: Foreign Policy - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) conduct an analysis of the foreign mineral and materials information requirements and resources of all executive branch departments and agencies; (2) direct the centralization of responsibility for the maintenance of a coordinated repository of foreign mineral, material, and related information in the Bureau of Mines; and (3) ensure that the Bureau maintains its foreign mineral, material, related information repository to be responsive to the information needs of all Federal agencies. Amends the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 to require the Secretary of State to report annually to the Secretary of the Interior concerning foreign policy as it relates to the availability of minerals for domestic use.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981
Noninstitutional Long-Term Care Services for the Elderly and Disabled Act - Amends the Social Security Act by adding a new title, title XXI (Noninstitutional Acute and Long-Term Care Services for the Elderly and the Disabled), to provide a comprehensive system of noninstitutional health, developmental, and social services for individuals with chronic disabilities. Entitles an eligible individual to the following benefits: (1) home health services; (2) homemaker-home health aide services; (3) adult day services; (4) respite care services for up to 14 days, or 336 hours, in any year; (5) service coordination; (6) home help services; and (7) other services, provided on a demonstration basis, which the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines may be of value. Sets forth definitions of such benefits. Provides benefits to every individual who: (1) has attained age 65; (2) is disabled and eligible for benefits under titles II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance), XVI (Supplemental Security Income), XVIII (Medicare), and XIX (Medicaid) of the Act; (3) was eligible for such benefits and ceased to be so eligible, but only if loss of benefits would seriously jeopardize such individual's ability to continue to live in a noninstitutional community residence and such individual's income is not sufficient to allow such individual to provide a reasonable equivalent of the services available under this Act; or (4) has been certified as eligible by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. States that no eligible individual shall be eligible to receive any benefits under title XXI or any long-term care benefits under titles XVIII, XIX, or XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Act unless such individual has a plan of care, as specified in this Act, and has been screened and assessed by a preadmission assessment and screening team (PAT) in order to determine the types and frequency of services required by such individual and in order to assure the maximum level of independence for such individual. Requires the Governor of each State to designate the State agency or agencies which shall administer or supervise the administration of the States' PAT program. Directs such agency or agencies to designate the PAT. Directs the Secretary to reimburse any PAT, and any State, for the reasonable costs incurred under this Act. Requires beneficiaries under title XXI to make copayments. Sets limits based on income for such copayments. Exempts those below the poverty line from copayments. Directs the Secretary to pay amounts for benefits incurred by an eligible individual in accordance with specified guidelines. Creates the Federal Long-Term Care Trust Fund into which specified funds will be deposited in order to make the payments required by this Act. Coordinates the provisions of this Act with titles XVIII, XIX, and XX of the Act by providing that no payment shall be made under such titles to or on behalf of an individual who is eligible under title XXI for services available under title XXI, unless the individual seeking coverage first undergoes a preadmission screening and assessment as provided in title XXI. States that this Act shall be effective between January 1, 1982, and December 31, 1987. Directs the Secretary to monitor the effects of this Act and report to Congress. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct an ongoing evaluation of the effects of this Act and to report to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
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 or dealer of firearms a person who manufactures or deals as 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. 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. Stipulates that a licensed dealer's personal collection of firearms shall not be subject to recordkeeping requirements. 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. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, firearms, or ammunition that the Secretary has probable cause to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises. 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 stipulations, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence or grant probation. Deletes the prohibition against concurrent sentences. Prohibits the granting of parole to first and subsequent offenders. Stipulates that no person shall be subject to the additional, mandatory penalties if use of the firearm or destructive device was to protect person or property. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the 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. 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). Establishes a Congressional veto procedure with respect to firearms regulations. Authorizes either House of Congress to adopt a resolution of disapproval within 90 days of the rule's promulgation. 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. Makes 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 · 29 April 1981
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to establish a price support program (of not less than 44 percent of parity) for the 1982-1985 sugar beet and sugar cane crops.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981
Malt Beverage Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that no antitrust law shall prohibit the importer, brewer, or trademark licensee of a trademarked malt beverage from entering into an agreement granting a wholesale distributor the exclusive right to sell such beverage within any defined geographic area within a State, or limiting such distributor to the sale of such beverage for ultimate resale to consumers in that area, when such beverage has substantial competition from other malt beverages in that area. Declares that this Act shall not affect any provision of State law.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to assure adequate supplies of peanuts for 1982 through 1985. Eliminates the national quota proclamation by the Secretary of Agriculture and eliminates his ability to apportion among the counties of a state allotments for the harvesting of peanuts. Provides formulas to determine farm yield, farm base production poundage and farm poundage quotas. Allows the Commodity Credit Corporation to make peanuts, received under loan agreements, available for domestic edible use. Requires the price to cover all costs involved in the peanut production including 100 percent of the loan value or in certain circumstances over 105 per cent of the loan value. Provides further price supports for peanut crops from 1982 to 1985. Allows the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans, purchases or other operations on quota and additional peanuts for the 1982 through 1985 crops. Makes the quota support rate reflect the national average costs of production.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 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 · 8 April 1981
Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to direct that motor vehicle safety standards established by the Secretary of Transportation that require the installation of any automatic occupant restraint system in passenger cars: (1) shall not apply to cars manufactured before September 1, 1983; and (2) shall thereafter apply equally to passenger cars.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct (currently authorizes) the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to issue permits for the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters at a disposal site or sites specified by the applicant (currently specified by the Secretary), unless the Secretary determines that such site cannot be specified through the application of certain guidelines or other considerations. Limits the definition of "navigable waters" for purposes of such permits to mean all waters which are presently used or are susceptible to use in their natural condition as a means to transport interstate or foreign commerce shoreward to their ordinary high water mark, including all waters which are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide shoreward to their mean high water mark. Declares that the discharge of dredged or fill material in waters other than navigable waters (as limited by such definition) is not prohibited by or otherwise subject to regulation under any Act of Congress. Revises procedures for application of the provisions of this Act by a State requesting Federal jurisdiction over nonnavigable waters. Repeals provisions relating to State permit programs for the discharge of dredged or fill material into other types of navigable waters. Eliminates the qualifying phrase "to the maximum extent practicable" in the requirement that specified agreements between Federal agencies assure that decisions on permit applications be made within 90 days of published notice.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1981
Directs the President to award a special gold medal to Fred Waring. Stipulates that funds may not be appropriated under this Act for any period before October 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1981
Lamb Meat Quota Act of 1981 - Limits the aggregate quantity of lamb meat that may be imported after 1981 to the smaller of: (1) 31,000,000 pounds; or (2) 12 percent of the domestic slaughter of lamb during the preceding year. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to estimate quarterly whether the domestic price of lamb exceeds the parity price and, on the basis of such estimate, to adjust the aggregate quantity of lamb meat which may enter the United States. Requires the Secretary to estimate annually the quota established, the domestic price of lamb, and any adjustment of the quota. Directs the Secretary to allocate such quotas among supplying countries on the basis of their share of the U.S. market.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1981
Proclaims Raoul Wallenberg an honorary citizen of the United States. Requests the President to ascertain his whereabouts from the Soviet Union and to secure his freedom.
![Official portrait of Rep. Stenholm, Charles W. [D-TX-17]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000851_200.jpg)