United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish mandatory minimum two-year terms of imprisonment for the Federal crimes of burglary, aggravated assault, second degree murder, commission of an offense with a firearm or destructive device, rape, and robbery (including bank robbery). Increases the minimum term to four years for repeat offenders. States that the execution or imposition of sentences: (1) may not be suspended; (2) may not include probation or parole; and (3) is not subject to good time provisions or the Federal Youth Corrections Act. Specifies mitigating circumstances for the imposition of such mandatory sentences. Requires a sentencing hearing to determine if such circumstances are applicable.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to establish criminal penalties for breaking and entering a retail pharmacy with intent to steal a narcotic or other controlled substance or obtaining or attempting to obtain such drugs from a pharmacy by force or violence.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Natural Gas Production, Utilization, and Conservation Act - Title I: Removal of Artificial Impediments on Natural Gas Usage - Repeals the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978. Terminates the incremental pricing requirements of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 (the Act). Repeals provisions of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 relating to retail policies for natural gas utilities. Title II: Incentives for Increased Natural Gas Production - Provides that the provisions of the Act respecting the maximum lawful price for any first sale (a sale to a pipeline or other distributor) of natural gas produced from a well shall not apply if: (1) surface drilling began on or after January 1, 1983; and (2) a license or other proper form of authorization was issued with respect to drilling the well. Sets forth ceiling prices for certain pre-1983 wells. Prohibits the importation of natural gas unless the import price is not above the qualified import price (as defined by this Act). Provides for the decontrol of all first sales of natural gas, effective January 1, 1985. Repeals standby price control authority. Provides that effective January 1, 1985, provisions of the Natural Gas Act relating to the interstate sale of natural gas shall not apply to any first sale of gas committed or dedicated as of the day before enactment of this Act. Provides that prior to January 1, 1985, those same provisions of such Act shall not apply to any first sale of natural gas which was committed or dedicated to interstate commerce as of the day before enactment and which is: (1) high cost natural gas; (2) new natural gas; (3) natural gas produced from any new onshore production well; or (4) natural gas produced from wells drilled on or before January 1, 1983. Prohibits the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission from specifying the minimum duration of any contract for the purchase of natural gas. Prohibits the Commission, in the case of any person who would have been entitled to receive natural gas committed or dedicated to interstate commerce but for the deregulation provisions of this Act, from requiring that such gas be offered for sale to such person, either directly or through the granting of any right of first refusal of an offer made to any other person. Prohibits an interstate pipeline from passing on to its customers cost increases (cost passthroughs) in the natural gas it purchases from suppliers if the amount paid by the pipeline was excessive due to fraud (presently, the prohibition applies if the price is excessive due to fraud, abuse, or similar grounds). Authorizes a seller to make determinations in lieu of the appropriate Federal or State agency, for purposes of defining certain natural gas, by making a sworn certification to the agency. Title III: Removal of Artificial Impediments to Natural Gas Sales - Provides that, prior to January 1, 1985, those provisions of the Natural Gas Act relating to the interstate sale of natural gas shall not apply to any first sale of natural gas which was committed or dedicated as of the day before enactment of this Act and which is natural gas from the Outer Continental Shelf, if such sale is to an intrastate pipeline, local distribution company, or end user within any State. Exempts natural gas from the Outer Continental Shelf that is transported on behalf of any intrastate pipeline, local distribution company, or end user located within an affected State, from the provisions of the Natural Gas Act relating to the sale of gas, except that any pipeline may not charge more than a just and reasonable rate. Authorizes the Commission to permit any pipeline to sell, at rates that are just and reasonable, natural gas to: (1) any other pipeline; and (2) any local distribution company. Provides that, for purposes of provisions of the Natural Gas Act concerning the sale of natural gas, the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission shall not apply to any sale, or resale, of natural gas and such gas shall not be deemed to be in interstate commerce if the gas sold was transported in interstate commerce by an interstate pipeline pursuant to an emergency presidential order. Grants the President emergency purchase and allocation authority over any pipeline. Declares against public policy and unenforceable any provision of any contract for the sale (other than a first sale) or transportation of natural gas which prohibits: (1) the commingling of natural gas subject to such contract with natural gas which has been transported across the borders of any State; or (2) the sale or transportation in interstate commerce of natural gas subject to such contract.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury 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 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 statement to accompany any tax forms sent to taxpayers. 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 or organization 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. 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) information or advice given to the taxpayer by such an officer or employee acting in his official capacity. 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. 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. Requires the annual audit of the tax returns of IRS revenue agents and tax auditors. Requires a court order before property of a taxpayer may be levied upon for the collection of tax.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
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 tax 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 conflicts with rights and privileges granted under the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1982
Product Liability Act of 1982 - Sets forth uniform national standards for products liability cases. Preempts inconsistent Federal and State laws. Permits actions under this Act to be brought in State court or Federal court if the United States is a party or diversity jurisdiction exists. Prohibits recovery for other than commercial loss or damage to the product itself, except as otherwise provided in this Act. Sets forth basic standards of responsibility for manufacturers and product sellers other than manufacturers including wholesalers, distributors, retailers, lessors, packagers, and repairers. Establishes rules relating to proof in products liability cases with respect to Federal government standards and contract specifications. Prohibits admission of postmanufacturing improvements except for the purpose of impeaching a witness for the product seller who denies the feasibility of such improvements. Allows a manufacturer to introduce certain precautionary measures. Provides that all product liability actions shall be governed by the principles of comparative responsibility. Specifies the manner in which damages are to be apportioned. Provides that comparative damages apply only to compensatory damages. Requires the reduction of any damage award by the amount of workers' compensation benefits which are paid. Makes a product seller who acted with flagrant indifference to consumer safety, where the act was an extreme departure from accepted practice, liable for punitive damages. Establishes a two-year statute of limitations and a ten-year statute of repose.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1982
Criminal Justice Reform Act of 1982 - Title I: Offenders with Mental Disease or Defect - Insanity Defense Reform Act of 1982 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a defense to a Federal prosecution that at the time of the offense the defendant, as a result of mental disease or defect, lacked the state of mind required as an element of the offense charged. Requires the court to hold a hearing to determine the present mental condition of the defendant. Directs the court to commit such person to the custody of the Attorney General upon a finding by a preponderance of the evidence that the person is presently suffering from a mental disease or defect, rendering him mentally incompetent. Directs the Attorney General to hospitalize such person in a suitable facility. Provides that when the defendant has recovered and is able to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him, the court will order his release and set a date for trial. Authorizes a special verdict of "not guilty only by reason of insanity" for any criminal defendant who raises the issue of insanity by notice as provided by Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Provides for the hospitalization of persons found not guilty only by reason of insanity, convicted persons, imprisoned persons, and persons due for release who are found to suffer from mental disease or defect. Allows for discharge when such person is found to have recovered. Requires reimprisonment of any such person for whom a term of prison sentence has not yet expired. Title II Application of the Exclusionary Rule - Exclusionary Rule Application Act of 1982 - Allows evidence obtained as a result of a search or seizure to be admissible if the search or seizure was undertaken in a reasonable good faith belief that it was in conformity with the fourth amendment to the Constitution. Title III: Federal Intervention in State Criminal Proceedings - Federal Intervention Reform Act of 1982 - Conditions consideration of a habeas corpus claim by a State prisoner on a showing of actual prejudice resulting from the Federal right violated and that : (1) state action precluded assertion of the right; (2) the Federal right did not previously exist; or (3) the factual basis of the claim could not have been discovered by reasonable diligence. Establishes a one-year statute of limitations for habeas corpus actions brought by State prisoners. Vests authority to issue certificates for probable cause for appeal of habeas corpus orders exclusively in the courts of appeals. Permits denial on the merits of habeas corpus writs notwithstanding the failure to exhaust State remedies. Prohibits the granting of a habeas corpus writ with respect to any claim which has been fully and fairly adjudicated in State proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1982
Firearms Ownership Rights Act of 1982 - Title I: Findings and Purposes of this Act - Sets forth findings regarding the legislative history of the Gun Control Act of 1968 and Federal preemption of State and local firearms laws. Title II: Amendments to the Gun Control Act of 1968 - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to declare that no provision shall be construed to preempt a State law on the same subject matter, unless there is a direct and positive conflict between the laws which cannot be reconciled. Declares that Congress does intend to preempt any local government law which prohibits or regulates the ownership or possession of firearms or ammunition, unless the local law is created by Federal or State law. Makes any local government which enacts a law conflicting with this Act ineligible to receive Federal funds for law enforcement.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1982
Veterans' Employment and Education Assistance Act of 1982 - Title I: Employment Assistance - Extends eligibility for the program for employment and training of disabled and Vietnam-era veterans programs to include a veteran rated at any level of disability, rather than only those rated 30 percent or more disabled. Continues the 30 percent or more disabled requirement for purposes of giving preference in employment as veterans' benefits counselors and veterans' claims examiners. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment to promulgate regulations to administer such program. Requires that eligible veterans and persons be given priority in the provision of employment and training services. Makes officials within the Department of Labor who help administer this program responsible to the Assistant Secretary. Changes the position of State veterans' employment representative to that of State Director for Veterans' Employment. Assigns to each regional office of the Assistant Secretary a regional director for veterans' employment. Makes such directors functionally responsible for supervising the participation of veterans in Federal employment and training programs, job listings, discrimination complaints, and other specified duties. Requires that funds used to assist States in administering the disabled veterans' outreach program be specifically set forth in appropriation Acts. Permits a waiver of limitation on the percentage of outreach specialists which shall be stationed at local employment service offices in a State. Requires outreach specialists to develop programs with the Veterans Administration vocational rehabilitation staff and others to assure maximum assistance to veterans. Directs the Assistant Secretary to monitor the employment of such specialists. Directs the Secretary of Labor to estimate the funds necessary for the administration of the employment training and reemployment rights programs, including the amounts necessary to fund the disabled veterans' outreach program specialists programs. Requires the Secretary's annual report to include a report on activities under such program. Directs the Secretary, through the Assistant Secretary, to establish a program providing job counseling, training, and placement services for veterans through grants to State agencies and private, nonprofit organizations. Encourages such agencies to make cooperative arrangements with industry. Directs the Secretary to coordinate this program with other veterans' job training programs and to determine the effectiveness of an agency in providing services under this program. Permits the Secretary to furnish technical assistance as necessary. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Veterans' Affairs Committees of Congress on the conduct of this program. Establishes within the Department of Labor the Secretary's Committee on Veterans' Affairs to meet quarterly to bring veterans' employment problems to the attention of the Secretary. Extends eligibility for the employment and training programs for disabled and Vietnam-era veterans to include persons who, but for the receipt of military retired pay, would be eligible to receive compensation. Requires each Federal contractor who must take affirmative action to employ such veterans to make quarterly reports on the number and characteristics of new hires with the state veterans' employment director. Requires each Federal department and agency to list openings with a local employment service office, which shall give veterans priority in referral. Requires the Office of Personnel Management to publish a report which includes the number of openings and the number of veterans who were referred to and/or received a job. Repeals the exemplary rehabilitation certificates program. Title II: Education Assistance - Permits the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to station veterans' benefits counselors at locations other than Veterans Administration offices. Repeals the veterans' representatives program. Prohibits the Administrator from approving the enrollment of an eligible veteran or person in any sales or sales management course which does not provide specialize training. Eliminates the requirement that a vocational school prove 50 percent employment among its graduates to prevent the Administrator's disapproving a veteran's enrollment. Permits enrollment of a veteran in a farm cooperative training course. Permits the payment of a subsistence allowance to a veteran pursuing a rehabilitation program while residing in a halfway house or participating in a work-release program. Sets forth class hour attendance requirements for laboratory and shop portions of courses. Permits the Administrator to discontinue educational assistance to eligible veterans and persons enrolled at institutions or in courses with uncorrected violations of specified requirements. Reduces the detail required in the Administrator's annual report to Congress on the default of educational loans. Provides for the transfer of funds from the Secretary of a military department to the Administrator for the administration of an educational assistance program. Permits accelerated payments of assistance to veterans enrolled in a high-cost, short-term course. Increases from $75 to $100 the maximum monthly deduction from a person's military pay for contribution to a matching fund for educational assistance. Amends the Veterans' Education and Employment Assistance Act of 1976 to extend eligibility for educational benefits for post-Vietnam era veterans. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires applications for recovery of payments or over payments of benefits under laws administered by the Veterans Administration to be made within 180 days rather than within two years.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1982
Veterans Disability Compensation and Survivors' Benefits Amendments of 1982 - Title I: Compensation and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Rate Increases - Increases the rates of: (1) disability compensation; (2) additional compensation for dependents; (3) the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans; (4) dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses; (5) dependency and indemnity compensation for children; and (6) supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation for children. Title II Program Changes - Includes within the term "active duty for training" annual training duty performed by a member of a Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program as ordered for 14 or more days. Entitles veterans with service-connected, total blindness without light perception in both eyes to the same rate of monthly disability compensation as is paid for the anatomical loss of both eyes. Entitles to an increased rate of monthly compensation veterans with service-connected anatomical loss or loss of use of a hand or of a foot. Requires that additional compensation for dependents be adjusted downward to the nearest dollar. Extends dependency and indemnity compensation to survivors of veterans who were entitled to but did not receive service-connected disability compensation. Eliminates the four year cut-off for payment of claims under the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs. Prohibits the escheat of payments to the State. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to furnish a flag for burial (and subsequent retention by the next of kin) for persons designated by the Administrator as eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay the burial expenses of certain veterans of war whose bodies are held by a State and not claimed. Eliminates the requirement that the superintendent of a national cemetery under the jurisdiction of the Army be a disabled veteran.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1982
States that an employer of a member of a Reserve or National Guard component is not required to grant a leave of absence to such employee to perform active duty for training or inactive duty training in the armed forces for a total of more than 365 days within any 36 month period.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1982
Expresses the sense of Congress that legislation should be proposed and enacted to: (1) establish parity between the compensation of Government Printing Office (GPO) employees and the compensation of other Federal employees performing similar work; (2) fix the wages of GPO employees in accordance with the prevailing wage rate system applicable to executive branch employees; and (3) strengthen the Public Printer's ability to manage without infringing on the oversight responsibilities of the Joint Committee on Printing.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1982
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to provide that: (1) nurses employed at a Veterans Administration facility who work two regularly scheduled 12-hour tours of duty within a weekend shall be considered to have worked a full workweek and be paid as specified; or (2) such nurses who work on a tour of duty any part of which falls on a weekend may be paid additional pay (not to exceed 25 percent of the hourly rate). Extends from September 30, 1982, to September 30, 1983, the authority of the Administrator to contract for hospital care or medical services in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands without reference to patient loads or incidence of provision of medical services for veterans treated by the Veterans' Administration in the contiguous 48 States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1982
Requires that all activities carried out at a medical facility under the direct jurisdiction of the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs be performed by Federal employees, except as specified.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1982
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to provide that: (1) nurses employed at a Veterans Administration facility who work two regularly scheduled 12-hour tours of duty within a weekend shall be considered to have worked a full workweek and be paid as specified; or (2) such nurses who work on a tour of duty any part of which falls on a weekend may be paid additional pay (not to exceed 25 percent of the hourly rate).
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1982
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt holdings in an independent local newspaper business from the tax on excess business holdings of private foundations. Defines an "independent local newspaper business" as: (1) a proprietorship which publishes an independent local newspaper; (2) a partnership which publishes such a newspaper and which has none of its outstanding partnership interests traded in an established securities market; and (3) a corporation which publishes such a newspaper and which has none of its outstanding capital stock traded in an established securities market.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1982
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a State, at its option, to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Labor under which the State shall: (1) collect the tax imposed by the Federal Unemployment Tax Act; (2) retain a specified portion of such tax to be used for the administration of the State's unemployment compensation law and public employment offices; and (3) pay to the Treasury the remaining portion of such tax not retained. Allows a State to deposit any unexpended funds into its unemployment fund for use in payment of unemployment compensation. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Labor to enter into such an agreement unless: (1) the Secretary of Labor determines that a State does not have an unemployment compensation law which meets the requirements of Federal law; or (2) the Secretary of the Treasury determines that the State is not able to properly collect and pay over the required employment tax. Authorizes the Secretaries to declare a State to be in violation of such arragement if either should determine that the State is not meeting the requirements of this Act. Provides that a refusal to enter into an agreement and a declaration of violation shall be subject to administrative and judicial review. Provides tax penalties for any violation of such an agreement. Provides that any State entering into such an agreement shall not be eligible to receive payments under title III or title IX of the Social Security Act or under the Wagner-Peyser Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code and titles III and IX of the Social Security Act to allow States, at their option, to maintain and manage their own unemployment funds.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1982
Access to Postsecondary Education Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to raise the interest rates on student loans made, insured, or guaranteed under such Act. Sets the interest rate for such loans to cover the cost of instruction for any period beginning on or after August 1, 1982, at: (1) 10.75 percent per year on the unpaid principal balance of the loan to undergraduates; and (2) 12 percent per year for any other borrower. Provides that, for specified periods during which the average bond equivalent rate of auctioned Treasury bills differs from 12 percent per year by more than one percent, the applicable interest rate of such loans shall be adjusted according to specified formulas to reflect the Federal cost of borrowing. Requires the eligible institution to provide the lender a determination of need for a loan and the amount of such loan in order for a student to qualify for a portion of interest payment under provisions for Federal payments to reduce student interest costs. Repeals provisions for separate needs assessment for student loans. Revises provisions for need analysis to provide for adjustments to reflect any Federal financial assistance received by the family with respect to other dependents in postsecondary education programs. Repeals a provision which excludes all equity in a single principal place of residence from the computation of assets for purposes of determining the expected family contribution. Eliminates grace periods before repayment of specified student loans after academic failure. Increases the minimum repayment amounts of specified student loans. Increases the interest rate on defaulted student loans. Raises to ten percent of the principal the amount which an eligible lender may charge as an origination fee for specified student loans. Extends to August 1, 1984, the period during which the disclosure of such fee need not meet certain Federal and State disclosure requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1982
Natural Gas Production, Utilization, and Conservation Act - Title I: Removal of Artificial Impediments on Natural Gas Usage - Repeals the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978. Terminates the incremental pricing requirements of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 (the Act). Repeals provisions of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 relating to retail policies for natural gas utilities. Title II: Incentives for Increased Natural Gas Production - Provides for the decontrol of all first sales of natural gas, effective January 1, 1985. Sets forth ceiling price levels affecting specified sales prior to the 1985 decontrol. Repeals standby price control authority. Provides that effective January 1, 1985, provisions of the Act relating to the interstate sale of natural gas shall not apply to any first sale of gas committed or dedicated as of the day before enactment of this Act. Provides that prior to January 1, 1985, those same provisions of the Act shall not apply to any first sale of natural gas which was committed or dedicated to interstate commerce as of the day before enactment and which is: (1) high cost natural gas; (2) new natural gas; (3) natural gas produced from any new onshore production well; or (4) natural gas produced from wells drilled on or before January 1, 1982. Redefines sale to mean any sale, exchange, or other transfer for value (with respect to natural gas owned and produced by any pipeline, includes the intracorporate transfer of such natural gas to the transmission or distribution division of the pipeline). Includes in the definition of first sale any sale of any volume of natural gas to the the transmission or distribution division of a pipeline in the case of natural gas owned and produced by that pipeline. Title III: Removal of Artificial Impediments to Natural Gas Sales - Provides that, prior to January 1, 1985, those provisions of the Act relating to the interstate sale of natural gas shall not apply to any first sale of natural gas which was committed or dedicated as of the day before enactment of this Act and which is natural gas from the Outer Continental Shelf, if such sale is to an intrastate pipeline, local distribution company, or end user within any State. Exempts natural gas from the Outer Continental Shelf that is transported on behalf of any intrastate pipeline, local distribution company, or end user located within an affected State, from the provisions of the Act relating to the sale of gas, except that any pipeline may not charge more than a just and reasonable rate. Requires rates on sales of synthetic fuels charged by interstate pipelines to be just and reasonable. Provides that for purposes of provisions of the Act concerning the sale of natural gas the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission shall not apply to any sale, or resale, of natural gas and such gas shall not be deemed to be in interstate commerce if the gas sold was transported in interstate commerce by an interstate pipeline pursuant to an emergency presidential order. Prohibits the Commission from specifying the minimum duration of any contract for the purchase of natural gas. Prohibits the Commission, in the case of any person who would have been entitled to receive natural gas committed or dedicated to interstate commerce but for the deregulation provisions of this Act, from requiring that such gas be offered for sale to such person, either directly or through the granting of any right of first refusal of an offer made to any other person. Grants the President emergency authority over any pipeline. Provides special pricing provisions between January 1, 1985, and January 1, 1988, for: (1) contracts in effect before enactment and which had not been renegotiated; and (2) certain high-cost gas contracts not renegotiated after December 31, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1982
Extends for one year the authority of the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to contract for hospital care or medical services in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands without reference to patient loads or incidence of provision of medical services for veterans treated by the Veterans' Administration in the contiguous 48 states.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1982
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant a broadcast station license renewal application if the licensee has operated the station during the most recent license period: (1) in a manner which serves the public interest; and (2) without serious violations of related regulations or treaties. Directs the FCC to deny a renewal application and to consider applications for a construction permit for that station if the FCC determines that a broadcast station licensee has not met the requirements for license renewal.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1982
Community Air Service Act of 1982 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to continue Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) authority to require air carriers to establish just and reasonable joint fares. Transfers the authority of the CAB over joint rates, fares, and charges to the Department of Transportation. Sets forth procedures concerning the establishment and division of such joint fares. Terminates the authority of the CAB and the Secretary in regard to such joint rates six years after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1982
Entitles former members of the armed forces who are totally disabled because of a service- connected disability to the same travel privileges on military aircraft as retired members of the armed forces enjoy.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1982
Energy Consumer Regulatory Reform Act of 1982 - Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act, the National Energy Conservation Policy Act, and the Energy Reorganization Act by repealing provisions relating to energy conservation improvements to buildings. Repeals provisions of the National Energy Conservation Policy Act and the Energy Security Act relating to residential energy conservation service and commercial and apartment energy conservation service. Repeals energy efficiency standards and requirements for consumer products other than automobiles under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to repeal retail regulatory policies for electric and gas utilities. Repeals provisions of the Energy Conservation and Production Act relating to electric utility rate design initiatives. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act by repealing provisions relating to State energy conservation programs and general emergency energy authorities. Repeals the Emergency Energy Conservation Act of 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1982
Declares that any action by the United Nations to prevent a democratic state from exercising its rights to participate in the United Nations will seriously and harmfully affect congressional support for the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1981
Broadcast Licensing, Renewal, and Deregulation Act of 1981 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish new procedures for reviewing petitions to deny broadcast license applications. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant a license renewal application by a radio or television broadcast station licensee unless the actions of the licensee evidence such serious disregard for the Communications Act and for the rules and policies of the FCC that denial of the application is justified. Prohibits the FCC from considering the applications of other persons for a broadcast station's facilities when the FCC is acting upon a license renewal application by a radio or television broadcast station. Permits persons holding construction permits or station licenses to transfer the permit or license without first obtaining an FCC finding that the transfer serves the public interest. Requires the FCC to be notified of such transfer. Provides for public notice of the transfer. Provides for disposition by the FCC of objections to such transfer. Prohibits the FCC from considering whether the public interest would be served by the transfer of the permit or license involved to a different person. Repeals certain provisions relating to the application of the antitrust laws. Prohibits the FCC from imposing requirements on radio or television licensees relating to: (1) programs; (2) programming formats; (3) ascertainment; (4) commercialization; and (5) maintenance of program logs.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1981
Orphan Drug Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations to exempt from such Act drugs intended solely for drug treatment investigations. Defines "drug treatment investigation" as an investigation of a drug which involves human participants with a rare disease or condition. Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services an interagency committee known as the Committee on Orphan Drug Development. Makes it the function of such committee to promote the development of drugs for rare diseases or conditions (orphan drugs). Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to submit to the Committee an annual report on the rare disease and condition research activities of NIH. Requires the Committee to report by June 1 of each year to the appropriate congressional committees on its activities and the results of its evaluations, including the report submitted by NIH. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for qualified experimental expenses incurred while researching orphan drugs.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1981
Products Liability Act of 1982 - Sets forth uniform national standards for products liability cases. Provides that this Act preempts inconsistent Federal and State laws. Permits actions under this Act to be brought in State court or Federal court if the United States is a party or diversity jurisdiction exists. Prohibits recovery for other than commercial loss or damage to the product itself, except as otherwise provided in this Act. Sets forth basic standards of responsibility for manufacturers and product sellers other than manufacturers, including wholesalers, distributors, retailers, lessors, packagers, and repairers. Establishes rules relating to proof in products liability cases with respect to government standards and contract specifications. Prohibits admission of postmanufacturing improvements except for the purpose of impeaching a witness for the product seller who denies the feasibility of such improvements. Provides that all product liability actions shall be governed by the principles of comparative responsibility. Specifies the manner in which damages are to be apportioned. Requires the reduction of any damage award by the amount of workers' compensation benefits which are paid. Makes a product seller who acted with flagrant indifference to consumer safety, where the act was an extreme departure from accepted practice, liable for punitive damages. Establishes a three-year statute of limitations and a ten-year statute of repose.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1981
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and implement a program to encourage and assist food manufacturers to voluntarily declare the sodium content in their food products on the product labels. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to report to Congress within fifteen months of enactment of this Act on the results of such program. Requires the Secretary, not later than twelve months thereafter, to report to Congress on the adequacy of such program.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1981
Amends the Lanham Trademark Act to prohibit any State from requiring the alteration of or an additional trademark other than the trademark exhibited by the registrant in the certificate of registration issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
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 · 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 · 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
Safe Drinking Water Regulatory Reform Act - Amends title XIV of the Public Health Service Act (the "Safe Drinking Water Act") to revise regulatory procedures relating to safe drinking water requirements. Provides for administrative procedures and judicial review of such procedures relating to the promulgation or amendment, under such title, of: (1) any national interim primary drinking water regulation; (2) any revised national primary drinking water regulation; and (3) any regulation for State underground injection control programs. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a rulemaking docket for such rulemaking actions. Requires the establishment of an identical docket in the appropriate regional office of the Agency whenever a rule applies only within a particular State. Requires that notice in the Federal Register of such proposed rulemaking be accompanied by: (1) a statement of its basis and purpose; (2) the docket number, location, and times for public inspection; and (3) notice of the period available for public comment. Sets forth procedures for written and oral public comment and inclusion of such comment in the docket. Requires that a promulgated rule be accompanied by statements of: (1) its basis and purpose; (2) the reasons for any major changes from the proposed rule; (3) factual data and reasons supporting a determination that the benefits of applying the rule justify the compliance costs; (4) the reasons why any public comment alternatives to the proposed rule were rejected; and (5) response to significant public comment, criticism, and new data submissions. Prohibits basing the promulgated rule on any information not in the docket. Limits the record for judicial review to docket materials and required accompaniments to the promulgated rule. Directs the Administrator to convene a proceeding for reconsideration of a rule upon a demonstration that an objection of central relevance to the rule could not be raised during the public comment period. Provides for judicial review of refusals of such reconsideration. Authorizes the Administrator or the appropriate U.S. court of appeals to stay the effectiveness of the rule for up to three months during reconsideration. Sets forth provisions for judicial review of procedural determinations of the Administrator. Permits statutory deadlines for promulgation of rules to be extended to not more than six months after the proposal date, if necessary, to afford the public and the Agency adequate opportunity to carry out this Act. Permits petitions for judicial review of administrative actions under such Act to be filed only in the U.S. court of appeals for a judicial circuit in which a substantial portion of the associated impact or injury will occur. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Revises standards for primary drinking water regulations. Replaces regulation of contaminants having "any adverse effect" on human health with regulation of contaminants "posing an unreasonable risk to human health". Removes a requirement that such regulations provide for proper operation and maintenance of public water systems, minimum quality of water taken into the systems, and new facilities siting. Eliminates specified references to the Administrator's judgments or determinations and to allowance for "an adequate margin of safety" in promulgating such regulations. Requires the maximum contaminant level specified in revised national primary drinking water regulations for a contaminant to be as close to the recommended maximum contaminant level as is "reasonable" (currently, "feasible"). Removes specified provisions relating to requirements for the use of treatment techniques. Continues State primary enforcement responsibility whenever the Administrator revises or amends any national primary drinking water regulation. Requires a State with primary enforcement responsibility to show the Administrator that the State public water system supervision program meets the revised or added requirement, within a specified period. Requires the Administrator's approval of continuation of the State's primary enforcement responsibility. Authorizes the Administrator to waive a prohibition against making grants to State public water system supervision programs that have not assumed and maintained primary enforcement responsibility. Permits such waiver during any time within 18 months after the effective date of any amendment or revision of the national regulations if the State has assumed such responsibility and is making a diligent effort to comply with the new amendment or revision. Authorizes the Administrator to grant a State an additional six months to come into compliance, on a showing of good cause.
![Official portrait of Sen. Gramm, Phil [R-TX]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000365_200.jpg)