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United States · Official source
2,803 records where Sen. Heflin, Howell [D-AL] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that U.S. representatives to international organizations should oppose the adoption of international marketing and distribution regulations that impede the export of U.S. products.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1983
Mortgage Retirement Account Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers an election to treat home mortgage prepayments as a tax deductible contribution to an individual retirement account. Allows amounts to be withdrawn from an individual retirement account for the purchase of a principal residence.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the month of May 1983 should be appropriately observed as Older Americans Month.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1983
Designates October 16, 1983, as World Food Day.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Sports Community Protection and Stability Act of 1983 - Declares that it shall not be unlawful under any antitrust law for a professional sports league and its member clubs to enforce rules or agreements: (1) authorizing the league membership to decide that a member club shall not be relocated from its league-franchised home area; or (2) providing for the division of league or member club revenues to promote comparable economic opportunity for member clubs. Prohibits any State or local government from imposing limitations on such collective conduct of professional sports leagues. Requires that any civil action under the antitrust laws to challenge a league decision granting permission to a member club to relocate be commenced in a U.S. district court other than the court for the district from which or to which the club is relocating Specifies the applicability of this Act to pending actions involving the relocation of a professional sports club.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that May 8 through May 14, 1983, be designated as National Product Safety Week in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the 15 percent reduction in percentage depletion for iron ore and coal.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate April 24 through April 30, 1983, as National Organ Donation Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate April 17 through April 24, 1983, as Jewish Heritage Week.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1983
Amends the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 to repeal the employer reporting requirements with respect to tips.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1983
Directs the President to designate June 12 through 18, 1983, as National Scleroderma Week.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Amends Federal agency and judicial procedures under the Equal Access to Justice Act relating to reimbursement of litigation expenses incurred by parties prevailing against the United States. Amends the definition of "a party" which may be so reimbursed to exclude any tax-exempt charitable organization whose net worth exceeds $5,000,000. Prohibits the appropriation to a Federal agency of funds specifically earmarked for the reimbursement of litigation expenses incurred by parties prevailing against the United States. Directs the court to specify the agency responsible for payment of such awards. (Requires such agencies, in effect, to make such reimbursements out of their general funds.) Repeals appropriations previously authorized to Federal agencies for such purposes. Repeals the October 1, 1984, termination date, thus making the provisions of the Equal Access to Justice Act permanent. Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, as added by the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982, which allow the reimbursement of litigation expenses to certain parties prevailing against the United States in tax cases.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
National Commission on Space Act - Directs the President to establish a National Commission on Space to make a comprehensive investigation of existing and proposed space activities in the United States to assess their adequacy in meeting the present and future needs of the Nation. Requires such study to include a review of methods by which space technology might be utilized and the adequacy of current and future space policy. Directs the Commission to report to the President and the appropriate congressional committees within 12 months. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
National Archives and Records Administration Act of 1983 - Establishes the National Archives and Records Administration as an independent establishment in the executive branch. Requires the Administration to be directed by the Archivist of the United States who shall be appointed by the President for a ten-year term. Directs the Archivist to appoint a Deputy Archivist. Sets forth the administrative duties and authority of the Archivist. Requires the Archivist to submit to Congress an annual report concerning the administration of functions of the Archivist and the Administration. Transfers to the Administration and the Archivist the functions, duties, and authority of the General Services Administration (GSA) and its Administrator, respectively, concerning: (1) congressional printing and binding; (2) the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations; (3) the distribution and sale of public documents; (4) archival administration; (5) presidential records; (6) the National Archives Trust Fund Board; (7) the National Historical Publications Commission; (8) records management; (9) the disposal of records; (10) official territorial papers; (11) Indian records placed with the Oklahoma Historical Society; (12) public laws, Constitutional amendments, and the United States Statutes at Large; and (13) electoral credentials and certificates. Transfers to the Administration the National Archives and Records Service and the office of Office Information Services of the Office of Information Resources Automated Data and Management (presently within GSA).
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
Title I: Amendments to Title 18, United States Code (18 U.S.C. 921-928) - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition. Adds a new definition "engaged in the business" with respect to manufacturers, dealers, and importers. Defines as a manufacturer, dealer, or importer of firearms a person who manufacturers or deals in a regular course of trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit. Excludes as dealers persons making occasional sales or repairs of firearms. Eliminates certain activities involving ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Makes it unlawful for any person to transfer any firearm to a person who does not reside in the same State, if the transferor has reasonable cause to believe that acquisition of the firearm by such person would violate any State or local law or ordinance. Requires such transfer to be face to face. Presumes a licensee to have actual knowledge of the published laws of the State. Revises the current prohibition against certain classes of persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition. Includes as additional categories illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged members of the Armed Forces, and U.S. citizens who renounce their citizenship. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Declares that a licensed dealer's personal collection of firearms shall not be subject to recordkeeping requirements, under specific circumstances. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to revoke a license only where the holder "willfully" violates a provision of the Act. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, where such individual is not convicted of such charges. Allows the government to voluntarily dismiss criminal charges prior to trial and still proceed with revocation. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, firearms, or ammunition that the Secretary has reasonable cause to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises. Requires a warrant be issued for such search. Restricts the firearms information obtained from licensees which the Secretary may make available to State or local governments. Establishes a limited recordkeeping requirement for firearms collectors. Establishes a "willful" scienter (knowledge) requirement with respect to general violations of the Act. Revises the current offense of using or carrying a firearm during commission of a Federal felony to: (1) include use of a destructive device; (2) delete the act of "carrying" a firearm to commit a felony; and (3) limit such offense to felonies over which the Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Retains the current penalty (one to ten years) for first offenses. Increases the penalty for second or subsequent offenses to five to 25 years imprisonment (currently, two to 25 years). Extends to first offenders the requirement, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence or grant probation. Prohibits the granting of parole to first and subsequent offenders. Declares that no person shall be subject to the additional, mandatory penalties if use of the firearm or destructive device was to protect persons or property. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the Gun Control Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Directs the court to award attorney fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in a proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Requires the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was without foundation or was initiated in bad faith. Limits seizure to firearms individually identified as involved in the violation. Revises the current procedure allowing persons who have been convicted of a crime to apply to the Secretary for relief from the firearms prohibitions. Permits any person prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition to apply for relief. Requires, instead of permits, the Secretary to grant release, unless the applicant will be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety. Permits any person who is denied relief to seek de novo judicial review in Federal court. Imposes on the applicant the burden of proof. Makes the authority of the Secretary to permit importation of certain types of firearms and ammunition nondiscretionary. Extends the types of sporting firearms which may be imported. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Declares any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to Title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
Commission to Reform Federal Campaign Finance Act of 1983 - Establishes the Commission to Reform Federal Campaign Finance (the Commission) to advise and assist the Congress in developing legislation to reform: (1) the financing of Federal election campaigns; and (2) the role of nonparty multicandidate political action committees in the financing of such campaigns. Delineates the composition, tenure, compensation, and duties of such Commission. Directs the Commission to consider specified matters and to report its recommendations to the Congress by a specified date. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of such report. Directs the Congressional Research Service, the General Accounting Office, and the Federal Election Commission to prepare and transmit briefing papers to the Commission. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
Designates the week of April 17, 1983 as National Building Safety Week.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1983
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to take necessary measures to control streambank erosion on the Warrior River in order to protect Mound State Park, Alabama. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1983
Trademark Counterfeiting Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties of up to five years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine ($1,000,000 fine for a corporation) for trafficking or attempting to traffic in counterfeit marks in the foreign or domestic commerce of the United States. Permits any injured owner of a mark registered on the principal register of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to sue for either treble claimant's damages or treble defendant's profits, whichever is greater, in Federal district court.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1983
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission from restricting the hours of operation or reducing the operating power of any AM broadcast station if: (1) such restriction or reduction would prevent the station from operating at full daytime power from two hours before sunrise until two hours after sunset; and (2) operation during such period would not interfere with the protected signal of an existing station. Prohibits the Commission from denying an application for a license to operate a new AM station or an application to expand the hours of operation of an existing station solely on the grounds that: (1) the area has adequate broadcasting service; or (2) an FM channel is available for the area. Prohibits the Commission from placing an applicant for a station license or construction permit at a disadvantage because that applicant is licensed to operate a station with restricted hours in the area if such applicant certifies that it will relinquish the restricted license if its application is approved. Exempts any application to alter the hours of operation of a standard broadcast station from public notice and comment requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1983
Designates the week of September 25 through October 1, 1983, as National Respiratory Therapy Week.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate July 16, 1983, as National Atomic Veterans' Day.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate May 6, 1983, as National Nurse Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should: (1) report to Congress on his intention to begin negotiations on a new long-term agricultural trade agreement with the Soviet Union; (2) seek, in such a new agreement, higher minimum and maximum supply guarantees and a provision for the export of value-added products; (3) report to Congress, by a specified date, on the potential economic and employment impacts of such a new agreement on U.S. agriculture and related industries; and (4) take appropriate measures to assure free movement of increased quantities of U.S. agricultural products to the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1983
Directs the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to correct erosion problems along the banks of the Coosa River, Alabama, in order to protect the Fort Toulouse National Historic Landmark and Taskigi Indian Mound.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1983
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend death benefits to rescue squad members who are certified by a State to carry out such duties.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1983
Enterprise Zone Act of 1983 - Title I: Designation of Enterprise Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the designation of enterprise zones by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for purposes of extending the tax incentives and regulatory flexibility measures provided by this Act. Specifies that State and local governments shall nominate areas for such designation. Limits the designation of enterprise zones to 75 nominated areas per year (one-third of which must be in rural areas). Limits the period during which such designations shall remain in effect. Specifies that the Secretary may designate such zones only if: (1) the area is within the jurisdiction of the local government; (2) the boundary of the area is continuous; (3) the area has a population of at least 4,000 if any portion thereof is located within a standard metropolitan statistical area (within a population of at least 50,000) or 1,000 otherwise, or is within an Indian reservation; and (4) the area meets specified unemployment and poverty requirements. Requires nominating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's designation, to agree in writing to follow a course of action which may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamling regulation of business, or receiving commitments of private entities to assist employees and residents of the area. Terminates the authority of the Secretary to designate enterprise zones on June 30, 1986 or three years after the publication of regulations pertaining to such zones, whichever is later. Describes areas to which preference shall be given in deciding to designate enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to the Congress every four years a report on the effects of such enterprise zones' designation. Requires that any property tax reduction effected by a local government under the terms of this Act be disregarded for purposes of determining the eligibility of a State or local government for Federal assistance or benefits. States that designation of an enterprise zone shall not give displaced persons from such an area any rights or benefits under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Exempts enterprise zones from certain requirements relating to Federal environmental policy. Title II: Federal Income Tax Incentives - Subtitle A: Credits for Employers and Employees - Allows employers located in enterprise zones a nonrefundable income tax credit for increased employment expenditures and employment of the disadvantaged. Allows a three year carryback and 15 year carryover of such credit. Sets the amount of such credit at ten percent of the increase in payroll (taking into account a maximum of $15,000 in wages per year per employee) plus 50 percent of the wages paid to certain disadvantaged workers for the first three years of the enterprise zone designation. Phases out such credit in the last three years of the enterprise zone designation. Disallows a deduction for the portion of wages taken into account for such credit. Allows employees located in enterprise zones a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to five percent of qualified wages earned per year (taking into account a maximum of $9,000 in wages per year). Phases out such credit in the last three years of the enterprise zone designation. Subtitle B: Credits for Investment in Tangible Property in Enterprise Zones - Allows businesses an additional investment tax credit for investment in certain tangible property located in enterprise zones. Limits such credit to five percent for zone personal property and ten percent for new zone construction property, including rental property. Requires that the property subject to such credit be predominantly used in the zone, be purchased after zone designation, and not be acquired from relatives or related corporations. Requires the recapture of such credit upon early disposition of the property. Phases out such credit in the last three years of the enterprise zone designation. Subtitle C: Reduction in Capital Gain Tax Rates - Eliminates the capital gains tax on property of corporations acquired after the enterprise zone designation and used in a zone business. Qualifies certain low-income rental housing located in an enterprise zone for such treatment. Permits property to remain qualified for purposes of the revised capital gains treatment after a designation of an enterprise zone has terminated. Exempts gain from the sale or exchange of property used in a business in an enterprise zone from the computation of the minimum tax. Allows noncorporate taxpayers to deduct from gross income 100 percent of any net capital gain from qualified enterprise zone property. Subtitle D: Rules Relating to Industrial Development Bonds - Provides that limitations on the cost recovery deductions for property financed with tax-exempt industrial development bonds shall not apply to enterprise zone property. Provides that the termination of the small issue exemption shall not apply to industrial development bonds the proceeds of which are used to finance facilities in such enterprise zones. Subtitle E: Sense of the Congress with Respect to Tax Simplification - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Internal Revenue Service should simplify the administration and enforcement of any provision of the Internal Revenue Code affected by this Act. Title III: Regulatory Flexibility - Revises the definition of "small entity" for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions, to include qualified businesses (as defined in Title II of this Act), to include governments, and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones. Authorizes Federal agencies, upon request by a designating government, to waive or modify rules and regulations which pertain to the carrying out of projects or activities within an enterprise zone. Requires agencies to approve such request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development, or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in continuation of the rule unchanged. Disallows waiver or modification of a rule that would directly violate a statutory requirement (including the Davis-Bacon Act and Fair Labor Standards Act) or which would present a danger to the public health and safety. Provides that such waivers or modifications of a rule shall remain in effect as long as the zone designations. Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to promote the coordination of all enterprise zone programs and consolidate all periodic reports required under such programs into one summary report. Title IV: Establishment of Foreign-Trade Zones in Enterprise Zones - Requires the Foreign-Trade Board to consider on a priority basis and expedite the processing of applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to, and expedite applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. States that to the maximum extent practicable foreign-trade zones should be established within enterprise zones.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1983
Grants a Federal charter to the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs, Incorporated.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1983
Designates the week of May 22 through May 28, 1983, as National Digestive Diseases Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
National Security and Violent Crime Control Act of 1983 - Title I: Narcotics Law Enforcement - National Narcotics Act of 1983 - Establishes an Office of Director of National and International Drug Operations and Policy in the executive branch to plan and coordinate drug enforcement efforts of the Federal Government. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the revocation of the airman certificate of any person who violates any Federal or State law relating to the transportation or distribution of controlled substances. Provides criminal penalties for the use or sale of fraudulent certificates with the intent or knowledge that such certificates will be used to violate any such laws. Establishes criminal penalties for operating an aircraft with knowledge that such aircraft is used or intended to be used to violate any such laws. Directs the Attorney General to move expeditiously to conduct negotiations to secure the cooperation of law enforcement authorities in foreign countries in order to deprive domestic criminals of use of foreign havens for proceeds of crimes. Title II: Bail, Sentencing, and Criminal, Procedure Reform - Bail Reform Act of 1983 - Repeals the Bail Reform Act of 1966 and sets forth new bail procedures. Retains execution of a money bond as a condition for pretrial release. Authorizes a judicial officer to consider the safety of any person or the community when making a pretrial release determination. Establishes as a mandatory release condition that the person not commit a Federal, State, or local crime during release. Expands the discretionary release conditions to include that the defendant: (1) maintain employment or an educational program; (2) avoid contact with an alleged victim or potential witness; (3) report to a law enforcement or pretrial service agency; (4) comply with a curfew; (5) refrain from possessing a firearm or using alcohol or narcotic drugs; (6) undergo medical treatment; (7) agree to forfeit designated property, including money, upon failure to appear; and (8) return to custody at specified hours. Prohibits a judicial officer from imposing financial conditions that result in the pretrial detention of a person. Authorizes a judicial officer to order the detention for up to ten days if a person: (1) who is presently on pretrial release for a felony under Federal, State, or local law or on probation or parole or release pending sentencing or appeal for any offense, upon a determination that such person may flee or pose a danger to any person or the community; or (2) is not a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Requires that a detention hearing be held in any case involving: (1) a crime of violence; (2) any offense punishable by life imprisonment or death; (3) a narcotics offense punishable by at least ten years' imprisonment; (4) a serious risk of flight or obstruction of justice; or (5) any felony committed after the person has been convicted of two or more offenses for which a hearing is mandated. Authorizes a judicial officer after such a hearing to order the pretrial detention of a person upon finding that no condition will reasonably assure such person's appearance and the safety of any other person and the community. Enumerates additional factors to be considered by the judicial officer in making a release determination, including the defendant's past conduct, history of drug or alcohol abuse, criminal history, and the nature and seriousness of the danger to the community or any person and the weight of the evidence against the person. Requires the detention of a person who has appealed his conviction unless the judicial officer finds by clear and convincing evidence that: (1) such person is not likely to flee or pose a danger to the safety of any other person or the community and; and (2) the appeal raises a substantial question of law or fact likely to result in reversal or an order for a new trial. Requires the detention of a person awaiting sentencing unless the officer finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is not likely to flee or pose a danger to any other person or the community. Authorizes a U.S. attorney to appeal a release order. Allows the person released to move for amendment of the conditions of release. Allows a person to file a motion for revocation or amendment of a detention order. Makes a person guilty of an offense for failing to appear after having been released. Provides increased penalties for persons charged with more serious offenses. Makes it an affirmative defense to such crime that uncontrollable circumstances prevented the person from appearing. Establishes mandatory additional penalties for commission of an offense while on pretrial release. Subjects a person who has been conditionally released and violates a condition of release to revocation of release and prosecution for contempt of court. Authorizes a surety to arrest a person charged with an offense who is released upon execution of an appearance bond with such surety. Requires such person to be delivered promptly to a judicial officer for a revocation determination. Grants new authority to law enforcement officers to arrest a person who violates pretrial release conditions. Sentencing Reform Act of 1983 - Sets forth a new sentencing structure applicable to a defendant who is found guilty of an offense under any Federal statute. Permits an individual to be sentenced to a term of imprisonment or probation and a fine, and to receive additional sanctions, including: (1) forfeiture for certain racketeering crimes and drug-related offenses; (2) an order of notice to victims of crimes in cases involving fraud or deceptive practices; or (3) an order of restitution in cases involving bodily injury or property damage. Permits an organization to receive these penalties, with the exception of imprisonment. Authorizes the imposition of a term of probation, unless specifically prohibited, for all but the most serious class of felonies. Requires as a mandatory condition of probation that a defendant not commit another crime. Enumerates 20 discretionary conditions. Sets forth a fine schedule for the categories of offenses generally at higher levels than current law. Includes higher maximums for organizational defendants. Directs the court to consider the defendant's financial status in determining the amount of a fine and the method of payment. Sets maximum terms of imprisonment for five classes of felonies (A to F), three classes of misdemeanors (A to C), and an infraction (five day maximum). Allows the court, in imposing a sentence of imprisonment for a felony or misdemeanor, to include a term of supervised release after imprisonment. Imposes maximum penalties for the "Career Criminal". Eliminates the parole system. Permits a defendant to petition for a sentence reduction upon a showing of extraordinary and compelling reasons. Limits this motion for defendants who are sentenced to six or more years of imprisonment. Allows the defendant or the government to file a notice of appeal in the district court for review of a final sentence. Creates the United States Sentencing Commission. Specifies factors to be considered by a sentencing court, including the guidelines and policy statements issued by the United States Sentencing Commission. Requires the court to impose a sentence within the range set forth by the Commission unless aggravating or mitigating circumstances exist that were not adequately considered by the Commission in formulating the guidelines. Requires the court to state in open court at the time of sentencing the reason for imposing a sentence at a point within the prescribed range, or the specific reason for imposing a sentence outside of such range. Eliminates the special sentencing provisions under current law for dangerous special offenders, youth offenders, and drug addicts, but provides for these categories of offenders under the proposed sentencing guidelines. Excludes capital punishment as an authorized penalty, but leaves unaffected the current death penalty and procedures for aircraft hijacking. Provides for congressional review of the operation of the sentencing system after receipt of a study by the General Accounting Office. Amends the Federal criminal code to establish a mandatory term of imprisonment whenever: (1) serious bodily injury results from the defendant's participation in the offense; or (2) the offense is a felony and the defendant was previously convicted of a Federal or State felony, unless a substantial period of time has elapsed. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control Act of 1970 to revise and increase the mandatory penalties for using or carrying a firearm during commission of a Federal felony. Defines such offense as using a firearm to commit a felony over which the district courts have exclusive jurisdiction or carrying a firearm during such a felony involving violence. Deletes the requirement that the firearm be carried "illegally." Increases the additional penalty imposed for such offense from one to ten years' imprisonment to five to ten years' imprisonment for a first offender and from two to 25 years to ten years to life imprisonment for a second or subsequent offender. Extends to first offenders the directions, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence or grant probation and that the additional sentence not run concurrently with any term of imprisonment imposed for the offense itself. Makes a first offender ineligible for parole for five years and a second or subsequent offender ineligible for ten years. Expresses the sense of Congress that the executive prosecute vigorously such offenses. Violent Juvenile Offender Act of 1983 - Amends the juvenile delinquency provisions of the criminal code to lower the age to seventeen for purposes of the section. Permits a juvenile to be proceeded against in Federal district court upon certification of the Attorney General that the offense charged is a felony and that there is substantial Federal interest in the case or the offense to warrant the exercise of Federal jurisdiction. Revises the factors (including the age of the individual and the type of crime) to be considered in delinquency proceedings in district court. Revises procedures for the use of juvenile records. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Service Act to authorize the donation of surplus Federal property to a State for housing violent juvenile offenders. Federal Diversion Act of 1983 - Authorizes the preparation of a diversion program for eligible individuals charged with non-violent Federal offenses. Includes in such program, among other activities: medical, educational, vocational, social, and psychological services; corrective and preventive guidance; counseling; restitution to the victim of the offense; and uncompensated community service. Includes among the criteria for eligibility that the person has not exhibited a continuing pattern of criminal behavior. Sets forth the admissions procedure for such program. Requires a person admitted to the program to waive formally all applicable statutes of limitations and his or her right to a speedy trial. Provides that upon the expiration of the diversion period the Government shall dismiss with prejudice the indictment, information, or complaint. Authorizes the Government to resume prosecution upon finding that the person is not fulfilling his or her obligations under the plan or that new facts demonstrate that the individual is unsuitable for the program. Allows the person charged to contest such a determination. States that the district planning panel established by current law, with other individuals as the group may appoint, shall constitute a diversion advisory committee to plan for implementation and review of the diversion program. Directs the Attorney General to conduct research and report to the President, Congress, and the Judicial Conference of the United States with respect to the diversion program. Title III: Organized Crime - Directs the Attorney General to submit annually to the congressional Judiciary Committees a report on how reorganization of the Drug Enforcement Administration and narcotics and organized crime control policies of the Department of Justice will accomplish specified goals, including: (1) immobilizing at least one organized crime entity each year; (2) reducing narcotic trafficking by meeting annual goals; and (3) reducing the economic incentives for drug traffickers by forfeiting assets of major narcotics traffickers. Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for anyone who commits or commissions a contract murder, attempted murder, or assault. Provides that a direct or indirect contract between two or more persons involving an offer, agreement, or solicitation to commit a contract murder shall constitute prima facie evidence that the act was commissioned for "anything of value." Applies the penalties for contract murder to any person who uses actual or threatened force to coerce another to commit a murder, attempted murder, or assault in violation of State law. Directs the Attorney General to designate criteria for Federal involvement in the prosecution of contract murders. States that this Act does not preempt State law in this area. Makes it a Federal offense to kill any attorney, agent, or employee of the U.S. Government employed to investigate or prosecute violations of Federal criminal statutes or any employee of the Intelligence Community. Establishes a new offense of assaulting, kidnapping, murdering, or threatening the relative of any Federal employee covered by the current assault statute, with intent to interfere with such employee's official duties. Amends the obstruction of justice statute to expand the class of persons protected from coercion to include potential witnesses and informants (current law protects actual witnesses). Amends the Freedom of Information Act to expand the exception relating to informants to limit disclosure of information which "tends to disclose" an informant's identity. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to permit a court to reduce a sentence of a cooperating defendant upon application of a U.S. Attorney. Amends the wiretap statute to require a judge to review in camera any information as to previous wiretap applications which might compromise a current or pending case or investigation. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to permit disclosure of Federal grand jury information to a State or local law enforcement official who is assisting a U.S. Attorney in the enforcement of Federal criminal law. Comprehensive Forfeiture Act of 1983 - Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute (RICO) to specify that property subject to forfeiture for racketeering activity includes: (1) all proceeds obtained directly or indirectly from racketeering activity; (2) real and tangible and intangible personal property; and (3) positions, offices, appointments and benefits obtained through illegal activity. Makes property forfeitable to the United States upon the commission of the act giving rise to forfeiture. Permits the forfeiture of property which has been transferred to a third party, but includes a provision protecting innocent bona fide purchasers. Authorizes a court to order the forfeiture of substitute assets of the defendant where the original property cannot be located or traced. Authorizes a court to take appropriate action preserving the availability of property during the pre-indictment period effective for up to 90 days. Specifies the circumstances under which a temporary restraining order may be entered without notice to the affected party. Authorizes the Attorney General to grant petitions for remission or mitigation of forfeiture. Directs the Attorney General to establish regulations governing the restitution and disposition of forfeited property. Amends the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 to establish general criminal forfeiture provisions for felony violations under titles II and III. Includes provisions similar to the RICO amendments of this Act, relating to property subject to forfeiture, third party transfers, asset substitution, pre-indictment orders, and remission. Authorizes a court to issue a warrant authorizing the seizure of property subject to forfeiture in the same manner provided for a search warrant, if other injunctive relief would not assure the availability of the property. Provides that a criminal forfeiture proceeding shall stay any civil forfeiture proceeding with respect to the same property. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States, the "Drug Assets Forfeiture Fund" and the "Customs Forfeiture Fund." Transfers the proceeds from the sale or other disposition of the forfeited property into these accounts. Grants law enforcement authority to customs agents. Anti-Arson Act of 1983 - Establishes an Interagency Committee on Arson Prevention and Control to coordinate Federal anti-arson programs and to provide assistance to State and local governments for the prevention, detection, and control of arson. Directs the Committee to report to Congress on the success of its activities within 18 months of enactment. Terminates the Committee two years from the date of enactment. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to: (1) classify arson as a major crime in the Uniform Crime Reports; and (2) develop a special statistical report for arson in cooperation with the National Fire Data Center. Directs the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration to: (1) conduct a research program for the development of techniques and equipment for use by State and local fire fighting and law enforcement personnel for arson prediction, prevention, and control; (2) establish anti-arson educational and training programs for State and local government; (3) develop materials for community awareness programs; and (4) provide information relative to the prevention, prediction, occurrence, and control of arson. Authorizes appropriations for the Administration for such purpose. Amends the National Housing Act to require that FAIR (fair access to insurance requirements) plans be issued only after insurers obtain information from a prospective policyholder with respect to arson. Title IV: Amendments to Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Justice Assistance Act of 1983 - Eliminates the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration including the Office of Community Anti-Crime Programs and the Office of Justice Assistance, Research, and Statistics. Retains the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the National Institute of Justice. Establishes a new Office of Justice Assistance (OJA), to be headed by a Director appointed by the President. Places the National Institute of Justice and the Bureau of Justice Statistics within the new Office of Justice Assistance. Replaces the formula grant program with "national priority implementation and replication programs," under which grants are authorized for programs which address critical problems of violent and serious crime and for programs which have been certified to be successful. Enumerates 15 criteria for the awarding of these grants. Limits the amount of grants that may be awarded annually within any State. Limits the Federal share of the new priority grant programs to a period of four years and includes a cash match requirement. Eliminates the current national priority grant program. Retains the discretionary grant program. Limits the purposes of discretionary grants to: (1) educational and training programs for criminal justice personnel; (2) the provision of technical assistance; and (3) national demonstration programs which are likely to be successful but unlikely to be funded. Establishes a Justice Assistance Board to: (1) recommend to the Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Assistance funding and program priorities; (2) review and evaluate the activities of the OJA and Federal policies and priorities in justice assistance; and (3) coordinate its activities with the other justice advisory bodies. Retains the training and manpower development programs. Authorizes a State to apply for emergency Federal law enforcement assistance in the event that a crime problem of serious and epidemic proportions exists. Requires the Attorney General, in approving or disapproving such application, to consider: (1) the nature and extent of the crime problem; (2) the emergency or extraordinary circumstances; (3) the availability of State and local resources; (4) the need to avoid unnecessary Federal involvement in local concerns; and (5) alternative sources of assistance. Authorizes appropriations for law enforcement assistance. Public Safety Officers Assistance Act of 1983 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to establish a national program of group life insurance for public safety officers of a State or local government which has applied to the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to participate in such program and agrees to withhold a premium from such officers' pay. Creates an Advisory Council on Public Safety Officers' Group Life Insurance to advise the Administration on such program. Establishes in the Treasury a Public Safety Officers' Group Life Insurance Revolving Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to require a court to impose consecutive sentences on any defendant who commits and is convicted of a felony while on bail or release on personal recognizance for another offense and was also convicted of the original offense.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1983
Authorizes the granting of a visa and admission to the United States for permanent residence to a named individual.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1983
Declares four named individuals to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1983
Declares a named individual to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1983
Bankruptcy Court Act of 1983 - Amends Federal law to establish procedures for the recall to district court of any case or proceeding under title 11 (the Bankruptcy Code) which is pending before the bankruptcy court. Grants the district courts discretion to determine the entire case so recalled, or to refer such case to either: (1) bankruptcy judges designated to serve as special masters; or (2) a United States magistrate. Changes venue of Title ll cases or proceedings from bankruptcy court to district court. Provides that representatives of title 11 estates may commence proceedings for specified amounts only in the district court for the district in which the defendant resides. Changes venue of cases ancillary to foreign proceedings from bankruptcy court to district court. Authorizes change of venue from one district court to another and allows district courts to cure or waive defects in venue. Authorizes district courts to order that specified issues be tried without a jury. Confers upon bankruptcy judges in regular active service all jurisdiction and powers conferred upon United States magistrates. Authorizes the designation of bankruptcy judges to serve as United States magistrates. Vests responsibility for the expeditious determination of title 11 cases and proceedings upon the chief judge of each district court. Authorizes the judicial council of each circuit to issue orders regarding the powers of district and bankruptcy courts in cases or proceedings under Title ll.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1983
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to a named individual in full satisfaction of all claims against the United States arising out of the alleged negligence of federally employed medical personnel at an Air Force hospital in West Germany.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1983
Confers jurisdiction upon the United States Claims Court, notwithstanding any time limitations, to hear, determine, and render judgment on any claim by a named individual against the United States arising out of an automobile collision resulting from the alleged negligence of a Federal employee.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1983
Deems a named veteran to be suffering from a service-connected disability resulting from service in Nagasaki, Japan, for purposes of entitlement to disability compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1983
Declares four named individuals to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to declare congressional policy with respect to the marketing and sale of passenger air transportation. Directs the Civil Aeronautics Board to vacate Order 82-12-85, adopted on December 16, 1982, and to adopt as its final decision in docket numbered 36595 the recommended order of an administrative law judge dated June 1, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income, amounts received by certain law enforcement officers as statutory or negotiated subsistence allowances. Limits such exclusion to $5 per day.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983
Makes permanent the exemption from Federal unemployment tax of service performed on certain fishing vessels.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an income tax deduction for expenses incurred for legal services.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate February 27, 1986, as Hugo LaFayette Black Day.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate May 25, 1983, as Missing Children Day.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1983
Designates the week of April 3 through April 9, 1983, as National Drug Abuse Education Week.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Recognizes the pause for the Pledge of Allegiance as part of the celebration of National Flag Day.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the month of January 1984 as National Eye Health Care Month.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate May 1983 as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the national security policy should reflect a national strategy of peace through strength. Sets forth the principles and goals of such a policy.