United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1982
Antitrust Joint Research Act of 1982 - Authorizes the Attorney General to issue certificates of review to two or more persons to promote joint research and development programs. Directs the Attorney General to issue such a certificate for an applicant whose application: (1) specifies conduct which is limited to a research and development program and which does not violate Federal antitrust laws; and (2) contains any other information the Attorney General requires. Requires that such a certificate specify: (1) the conduct to which it applies; (2) the participating business entities; and (3) any conditions applicable to such conduct. Directs certificate recipients to notify the Attorney General of any change in conduct or business entities. Permits such recipient to apply to amend such certificate. Directs the Attorney General to modify or revoke a certificate, after providing 30 days notice, upon determining that conduct allowed under the certificate violates antitrust laws. Authorizes the certificate holders to bring an action in the appropriate U.S. district court to set aside such determination. Precludes any other judicial review of any determination by the Attorney General concerning the issuance, amendment, or revocation of a certificate. Declares that any such determination is inadmissable as evidence in any proceeding in support of any claim under antitrust laws. Exempts any certificate holder from a criminal action, a civil action, or liability for threatened loss or damage for a violationof Federal antitrust laws or similar State laws if: (1) the violation arises from conduct specified in the certificate; and (2) the certificate is in effect at the time the conduct occurs. Awards a certificate holder the cost of defending against a claim for damages resulting from a violation of antitrust laws if the court finds that: (1) the conduct alleged to violate such laws does not; and (2) the conduct is specified in the effective certificate. Declares that a certificate shall have no legal effect on the authority of a court to grant equitable relief in an action for an antitrust violation against certificate holders. Exempts information submitted by a person in connection with the issuance, amendment, or revocation of a certificate from the Freedom of Information Act. Specifies conditions for the disclosure of such information. Allows the Attorney General to issue guidelines describing the types of conduct that would and would not qualify for a certificate.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1982
Disability Amendments of 1982 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the termination of disability benefits on the grounds that the physical or mental impairment on which such benefits were based has ceased or did not exist (unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services finds that there has been medical improvement in the beneficiary's condition or that the initial disability determination was clearly erroneous under the disability standards in effect at the time). Requires that a preliminary disability decision by a State agency, or the Secretary, which is unfavorable to the disability benefit applicant contain a statement of the case with a discussion of the evidence, the basis for such decision, the right of the applicant to a review of the decision, and the right to submit additional medical evidence prior to such review. Entitles the applicant or the applicant's spouse, former spouse, surviving spouse, surviving divorced mother, child or parent to a review of the premliminary decision (including the right to make a personal appearance and submit additional medical evidence), upon a showing that his or her rights may be prejudiced by such decision and upon timely request. Sets forth the procedural requirements for a review of a preliminary disability decision. Provides that a preliminary disability decision may be affirmed, modified, or reversed on the basis of the review. Authorizes the State agency which made the initial disability determination to make any new disability determination required during review of the case after notification to the Secretary and in accordance with the rules governing such determinations. Requires that a decision by the Secretary after review which is unfavorable to the individual requesting the review contain a statement of the case with a discussion of the evidence and the basis for the Secretary's decision. Sets forth procedural requirements with respect to the submission of documentary evidence relating to disability on or after the date of the decision made after review. Requires that individuals requesting a review be informed of the requirements under this Act and of their right to representation at the review. Provides for reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing for disability benefit applicants who show that their rights may be prejudiced by a decision after review. Provides that the hearing decision may affirm, modify, or reverse the Secretary's findings of fact and the decision after review. Sets forth procedural requirements with respect to the submission of additional documentary evidence relating to disability on or after the date of the decision after review and before the commencement of the hearing on such decision. Requires the Secretary to prescribe a period of time after hearing decisions during which the Secretary, upon his or her own motion or at the request of the individual who requested the hearing, may review the hearing decision and affirm, modify, or reverse it. Makes such a review the final review of the decision. Provides that the decision shall be considered final if it is not so reviewed. Requires the Secretary to notify the individual involved with respect to a case where the Secretary initiates a review. Provides that an application for disability benefits filed before the first month in which the applicant satisfies the requirements for such benefits shall be considered valid only if: (1) the applicant satisfies such requirements before the Secretary makes a final decision on the application and no request for review has been made; or (2) the applicant satisfies such requirements before a decision on review is made in any case where review is requested. Requires that hearings on disability decisions after review be conducted on the record. Subjects such hearings to Federal law governing administrative hearings. Requires the Secretary to appoint administrative law judges to conduct such hearings. Entitles any individual who is dissatisfied with the final hearing decision to judicial review of that decision. Entitles an individual who shows that his or her rights may be prejudiced by a determination with respect to his or her continuing eligibility for disability benefits to the same type of review and hearing as is permitted in the case of an initial disability determination. Specifies the cases with respect to which State agencies may make new disability determinations for purposes of review under this Act. Permits an individual who has been found to be no longer eligible for disability benefits, and who has requested a hearing on such determination, to elect to have the payment of such benefits continued during the period of appeal. Provides that if the decision upon appeal affirms the determination that the individual is not entitled to such benefits, any benefits paid pursuant to such election shall be considered overpayments. Requires the Secretary to provide uniform standards which shall be applied at all levels of disability determinations. Provides that except in certain cases, if an individual has been found to be no longer eligible for disability benefits, the termination month for such benefits shall be the month in which: (1) a decision affirming such benefit termination has been made after review of the preliminary decision to this Act; or (2) the time for requesting such a review has expired. Sets forth evidentiary requirements with respect to disability determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 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 · 18 June 1982
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $10,000 to $15,000 the limitation on the income tax deduction for interest paid or accrued on investment indebtedness for individuals who invest in a corporation or partnership and who control such corporation or partnership through an employee ownership plan.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1982
Product Liability Act - Preempts State product liability laws. States that this Act governs any civil action for harm caused by a product which would have been based on: (1) strict or absolute liability in tort; (2) negligence or gross negligence; (3) breach of express or implied warranty and; (4) failure to discharge a duty to warn or instruct. Makes a manufacturer liable if the claimant establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that a product was unreasonably dangerous: (1) in construction or design; (2) because the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings of danger; or (3) because the product did not conform to an express warranty. Specifies the requisite findings which must be made for such proof of unreasonable danger to be determined. Subjects a product seller to liability if the claimant proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the claimant's harm was proximately caused by such seller's failure to use reasonable care with respect to the product. Enumerates circumstances under which such a seller is also subject to the liability of a manufacturer. Provides that all claims, under this Act shall be governed by the principles of comparative responsibility. Sets forth rules with respect to conduct affecting comparative responsibility, including misuse, alteration or modification of a product. Specifies the manner in which damages are to be apportioned. Requires that damages in any product liability claim be reduced by an amount paid as workers' compensation benefits. Prescribes statutes of limitation for recovery. Allows punitive damages to be awarded if the claimant proves by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the result of the product manufacturer's or sellers's reckless disregard for the safety of product users, consumers, or others who might be harmed by the product. Provides that evidence of corrective measures taken by a product seller after a harm has occurred would not be admissible in court to prove liability.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1982
Small Business Debt-Equity Relief Act of 1982 - States that no Intenal Revenue Service regulations determining whether an interest in a corporation is to be treated as stock or indebtedness shall apply to an instrument issued before 180 days after the regulations are submitted to Congress. Requires that any such proposed regulations shall be consistent with the findings of Congress set forth in this Act if the Secretary of the Treasury chooses to adopt them.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1982
Military Widows and Surviving Children Benefits Restoration Act - Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to make monthly payments equivalent to the child's insurance benefit under the Social Security Act before the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to certain children between the ages of 18 and 22 attending institutions of higher learning. Limits eligibility for such payments to children of veterans who died on active duty or from a service-connected disability. Directs the Secretary to make a lump-sum payment to persons who would have been entitled to such payments one month before the effective date of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to make monthly payments to the surviving spouse of such veteran in the amount such spouse would have received under the Social Security Act were she caring for a child under 16 (when such child is actually between 16 and 18 years of age). Directs the Secretary to make a lump-sum payment to persons who would have been entitled to such payments one month before the effective date of this Act. Directs the Secretary concerned to notify each member of the armed forces that his or her dependents will be ineligible for such benefits should the member die after the applicable date, in no case later than August 13, 1983. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide the Secretary concerned with information necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1982
Violent Crime and Drug Enforcement Improvements Act of 1982 - Title I: Bail Reform - Bail Reform Act of 1982 - 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 of a person 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. 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. Creates certain rebuttable presumptions with regard to absence of such conditions. 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. 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 another person or property; and (2) the appeal raises a substantial question of law or fact. 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. 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. Title II: Witness-Victim Protection - Witness Victim Protection Act of 1982 - Amends rule 32 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to require that presentence reports contain information assessing the impact upon and cost to any person who was the victim of the offense. Amends the Federal criminal code to establish as offenses "tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant" and "retaliating against a witness or an informant." Amends the Bail Reform Act of 1966 to require as a condition of pretrial release that the defendant not commit these offenses. Grants general authority to the Attorney General to relocate or protect Government witnesses. Authorizes the Attorney General to initiate civil proceedings to restrain tampering with a witness or victim. Grants exclusive jurisdiction to the Federal courts over civil claims against the United States for damages caused by dangerous offenders who are released or escape from the lawful custody of a U.S. employee as a result of such employee's gross negligence. Directs the Attorney General to develop Federal guidelines for the fair treatment of crime victims to ensure all victims of crime are justly compensated. Title III: Controlled Substances Penalties - Controlled Substances Penalties Amendments Act of 1982 - Increases the fine levels for drug trafficking. Increases the penalties for trafficking in large amounts of controlled substances. Title IV: Protection of Federal Officials - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a Federal crime to kill, assault, or kidnap a cabinet officer or second ranking official in each executive department, Director or Deputy Director of Central Intelligence, U.S. Supreme Court justice or nominee, or senior presidential or vice presidential adviser. Includes as a Federal crime any attempt or conspiracy to commit such offenses. Title V: Sentencing Reform - Sentencing Reform Act of 1982 - 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. 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. 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. Eliminates the special sentencing provisions under current law for dangerous special offenders, youth offenders, young adult 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. 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. Title VI: Criminal Forfeiture - Comprehensive Criminal Forfeiture Act of 1982 - Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (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 issued 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. Authorizes the Drug Enforcement Administration to set aside 25 percent of the amounts realized from forfeitures under the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 for payment for information or assistance leading to forfeiture. Terminates this program on September 30, 1984. Title VII: Offenders With Mental Disease or Defect - Authorizes a special verdict of "not guility only by reason of insanity" for any criminal defendant who raises the issue of insanity by notice as currently provided. Establishes a new civil commitment procedure for persons found not guilty only by reason of insanity. Title VIII: Surplus Federal Property Amendments - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the Administrator of the General Services Administration to transfer to any State or local government surplus property determined by the Attorney General to be required for correctional facility use. Requires the Administrator to report annually to Congress on the acquisition cost of all donated personal property and real property disposed of during the preceding fiscal year. Title IX: - Miscellaneous Criminal Justice Improvements - Makes it a Federal offense to use interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire. Increases penalties for violent crimes committed in aid of racketeering activities. Expands explosives offenses to cover arson. Permits administrative forfeiture procedures for property valued at less than $100,000. Extends kidnapping jurisdiction to protect certain Federal officials if the crime is committed while the victim is engaged in his official duties. Extends Federal jurisdiction over the robbery of a pharmacy. Increases the penalties for distributing controlled substances in or on or within 1,000 feet of, an elementary or secondary school. Revises the provisions relating to offenses against families of Federal officials, currency and foreign transactions, truck theft, felony-murder, the Federal juvenile justice system, and emergency electronic surveillance. Urges the President to promote a declaration by the United Nations of an International Year Against Drug Abuse.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1982
Requests the President to designate the week beginning June 20, 1982, as Great Seal Bicentennial Week and announce the cutting of dies for the complete Seal.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1982
Federal Trade Commission Amendments Act of 1982 - Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to define "unfair acts or practices" as those causing substantial injury to consumers which are not reasonably avoidable by them nor outweighed by countervailing benefits to them or to competition. Makes the State action doctrine applicable to Commission authority over unfair methods of competition. Exempts from the authority of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) State laws or regulations prescribing the scope of practice of any State-licensed professional. Repeals the authority of the FTC to award participation costs in rulemaking proceedings. Establishes a $1,000,000 limit on civil penalties assessed by the Commission. Permits civil penalty actions to be based only on cease and desist orders, but not consent agreements as currently provided. Permits a defendant to seek review of the Commission's determination that an act or practice was unfair or deceptive, which formed the basis of a cease and desist order against a former defendant. Continues, with modification, the congressional veto procedures governing Commission regulations. Requires the Commission, before issuing any remedial requirements under its consumer protection authority, to conduct a cost-benefit analysis. Conditions the issuance of proposed rulemaking by the Commission on a determination that the unfair or deceptive acts or practices are "prevalent." Extends the civil investigative demand procedures to the Commission's antitrust authority. Extends through FY 1985 current provisions restricting Commission authority with regard to agricultural cooperatives and trademarks. Prohibits on a permanent basis Commission authority to regulate commercial advertising under the "unfairness" standard. Exempts Federally insured credit unions from Commission jurisdiction. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the FTC in the amounts of $60,838,000 for FY 1983, $55,100,000 for FY 1984, and $54,600,000 for FY 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1982
Extends the congratulations of the Senate to the people and leaders of Greater Miami and Dade County, Florida, for their efforts in the production of the New World Festival of the Arts. Acclaims the Festival as a major cultural and artistic event.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1982
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend until December 31, 1987, the authority for the targeted jobs income tax credit. Extends the credit to all cooperative education students regardless of their economic status. Disallows the credit for employees who have worked for the same employer within the last 180 days. Limits the credit claimed on any individual to $4,500.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1982
Commends Israel for completing the Israeli withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula in accordance with the Camp David Accords. Expresses confidence that Israel and Egypt will continue normalizing relations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1982
Omnibus Victims Protection Act of 1982 - Title I: Victims Impact Statement - Amends rule 32 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to require that presentence reports contain information assessing the impact upon and cost to any person who was the victim of the offense. Title II: Protection of Victims and Witnesses from Intimidation - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish as offenses "tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant" and "retaliating against a witness or an informant." Amends the Bail Reform Act of 1966 to require as a condition of pretrial release that the defendant not commit these offenses. Grants general authority to the Attorney General to relocate or protect Government witnesses. Authorizes the Attorney General to initiate civil proceedings to restrain tampering with a witness or victim. Title III: Restitution - Authorizes a sentencing court to order the defendant to make restitution for any offense. Requires the court to state for the record the reasons for not ordering restitution. Directs the Attorney General to recommend to Congress laws necessary to compensate victims of crimes where restitution is not possible. Title IV: Federal Accountability for Escape or Release of a Federal Prisoner - Grants exclusive jurisdiction to the Federal courts over civil claims against the the United States for damages caused by dangerous offenders who are released or escape from the lawful custody of a U.S. employee as a result of such employee's gross negligence. Title V: Federal Guidelines for Fair Treatment of Crime Victims and Witnesses in the Criminal Justice System - Directs the Attorney General to develop Federal guidelines for the fair treatment of crime victims and witnesses. Requires the Attorney General to consider certain objectives in preparing the guidelines, including: (1) ensuring that victims receive prompt social and medical services; (2) giving victims and witnesses notice of important criminal justice proceedings and scheduling changes; (3) arranging for the prosecution to obtain the nonbinding views of victims of serious crimes during such stages as plea bargaining and pretrial release; (4) encouraging employers to continue to pay victims and witnesses for work absences to assist investigations and prosecutions; and (5) training law enforcement personnel in victim assistance. Title VI: Profit by a Criminal from Sale of his Story - Directs the Attorney General to recommend to Congress any laws that are necessary to ensure that no Federal felon derives any profit from the sale of his or her story until any victim of the offense receives restitution.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1982
Requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to determine cost growth statistics and to compile status information on major civil acquisitions. Defines "major civil acquisitions" as all construction, acquisition, and procurement projects involving more than $50,000,000 in Federal funds. Directs OMB to require agencies to report, on a quarterly basis and for subsequent transmital to Congress, the data OMB needs to determine such statistics and compile such information, including: (1) the initial and current cost estimates of a project, with an explanation of any cost growth of 25 percent or more and a description of actions taken to control cost growth; (2) the originally estimated completion date and the actual or currently estimated date, with an explanation for any difference exceeding six months; and (3) any changes in the size or quantity of a project, with an explanation for the changes. Directs OMB to: (1) notify Congress whenever it determines that the cost of a project has increased or will increase by 25 percent or more (discounting inflation); and (2) provide Congress with certain information about project costs. Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of additional funds for the project after such notification unless Congress enacts a joint resolution authorizing continued obligations and expenditures for one year.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1982
Amends the Veterans Administration Health Professional Scholarship Program to make eligible part-time employees of the Department of Medicine and Surgery. Sets forth the payments and obligations concerning such persons.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1982
Repeals provisions of the Energy Security Act which establish the U.S. Synthetic Fuels Corporation. Requires that projects and funds transferred to the Corporation pursuant to the Supplemental Appropriations and Rescission Act, 1980 be transferred back to the Department of Energy. Authorizes the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to terminate the affairs of the Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1982
Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 for specified maritime programs of the Department of Transportation, including: (1) operating-differential subsidies; (2) research and development; and (3) operations and training expenses. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to allow an operator receiving or applying for an operating-differential subsidy to construct, reconstruct, or acquire its vessels of over 5,000 deadweight tons in a foreign shipyard without fiscal year limitation. Requires that additional limitations on new commitments for vessel construction loan guarantees be set in annual authorization Acts. Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from entering into new commitments to guarantee construction-differential subsidies in excess of a specified sum. Amends the Bankruptcy Code to permit the Secretary to foreclose on specified vessel mortgages (thus excepting the Secretary from the provisions of such Act which impose an automatic stay of any foreclosure proceedings). Subjects the Federal Maritime Commission to annual authorization. Authorizes appropriations for the Commission's use for FY 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1982
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify multiple lot issues of industrial development bonds for the small issue exemption for purposes of the tax exclusion of interest on such bonds. Requires that such multiple lots be sold at the same time, at the same interest rate, and under a common marketing plan. Requires that a common or pooled security be used to pay debt service on such obligations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1982
American Eagle Gold Coin Act of 1982 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint gold coins to be referred to as "American Eagles." Sets forth the specifications for four types of such gold coins. Declares that coins minted under this Act shall not be legal tender for public debts, public charges, taxes, duties or dues, but may be used for the payment of private debts. Sets forth the dates by which the Secretary shall begin delivery of such coins. Sets forth the formula by which the Secretary shall determine the daily price of such coins. Grants the Secretary the power to: (1) adjust the seigniorage charge on the sale of all such coins to finance the expenses of minting, delivering, and distributing them; and (2) regulate or suspend the quantity of coins made available for distribution or suspend their sale. Permits the exchange of gold bullion for such American Eagle coins. Permits the Secretary to prescribe necessary regulations. Declares that any gain or loss derived from the sale, exchange, or other disposition of any coin authorized by this Act shall not be recognized as a capital gain or loss under any Federal, State, or local income tax. Exempts the purchase or sale of any such coin from any Federal, State, or local sales, personal property, or excise tax.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1982
Enterprise Zone Tax Act of 1982 - 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 25 nominated areas per year. 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 (with a population of at least 50,000) or 2,500 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 streamlining 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 December 31, 1985 or three years after 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 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 Acquisitions Policies Act of 1970. Title II: Federal Income Tax Incentives Subtitle A - Credits for Employers and Employees - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a nonrefundable income tax credit for ten percent of the increase in payroll for all employees, taking into account a maximum of $15,000 in wages per employee. Allows such credit only for wages paid to employees who perform 90 percent of their services in work directly related to the conduct of the taxpayers' business located in the enterprise zone and who perform 50 percent of their services within such zone. Phases out such credit in the last three years of the enterprise zone designation. Allows a nonrefundable income tax credit for employers equal to 50 percent of the wages paid to certain disadvantaged workers for the first three years of the enterprise zone designation. Phases out such credit by ten percent a year beginning in the forth year after such designation. Requires a recapture of such credit for the early termination of such employees. Disallows a deduction for the portion of wages or salaries subject to such credit. Requires employers to furnish to each employee a written statement showing the amount of wages paid to such employee. Provides an income tax credit for enterprise zone employees equal to five percent of the first $9,000 of wages received each year. Phases out such credit in the last four 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 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. Subtitle C: Reduction in Capital Grain 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 expenses of property used in a business in an enterprise zone from the computation of the minimum tax. Expresses the sense of Congress that if the minimum tax is modified, enterprise zone capital gain will be excluded in computing minimum taxable income. Subtitle D: Extension of Carryover Periods - Extends the net operating loss and investment tax credit carryover period to the longer of 15 years or the duration of the enterprise zone designation for businesses operating in such zones. Subtitle E: Rules Relating to Industrial Development Bonds - Provides that rules relating to small issue tax-exempt industrial development bonds now in effect shall apply to bonds used to finance land or other depreciable property located in an enterprise zone, even if such rules are subsequently changed. Subtitle F: 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), designating 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 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 Zone 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 parts 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 · 30 March 1982
Declares that the United States should propose to the Soviet Union: (1) a long-term, mutual, and verifiable nuclear forces freeze at equal and sharply reduced levels; and (2) practical measures to reduce the danger of an accidental nuclear war and to prevent the use of nuclear weapons by third parties. States that the United States and the Soviet Union should channel their resources away from amassing nuclear armaments and towards fighting poverty, hunger, and disease. Declares that the United States should continue to work for balanced arms reductions.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1982
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations exempting retirees or individuals over age 65 from interest penalties with respect to any underpayment of estimated tax. Requires that such underpayment be due to reasonable cause (defined to include mistake or ignorance of the law) and not to willful neglect.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1982
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit entitlement to title II benefits in the case of an individual who is not a U.S. citizen or national if such individual: (1) is not a permanent resident of the United States; or (2) is outside the United States. Prohibits the payment of title II benefits to any dependent or survivor of such an individual on the basis of such individual's wages and self-employment income. Makes such prohibition inapplicable if the benefit involved is payable to such an individual as the dependent or survivor of: (1) a U.S. citizen or national; (2) a permanent resident of the United States; or (3) a U.S. citizen or national residing outside the United States if the relationship required for such individual's entitlement already existed at the time such national or citizen reached age 50. Authorizes the payment of title II benefits to an individual who is not entitled to benefits pursuant to this Act until the total amount of such benefits equals the total amount of any taxes paid on the wages and self-employment income on which the benefits are based.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1982
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) express to the Soviet Union the United States' deep concern about the Soviet Union's depriving the Vashchenko and Chmykhalov families of religious freedom and refusing them permission to emigrate; (2) ensure that such families may reside in the U.S. embassy in Moscow until the Soviet Union authorizes their emigration; and (3) ensure provision of assistance for such families during their residence in the embassy.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1982
Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, through the Government National Mortgage Association, to assist middle- and lower-income families in acquiring a home or membership in a cooperative housing association by making periodic interest reduction payments on behalf of such families to mortgagees and lenders. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into contracts to provide interest reduction payments during any month unless the Federal Home Loan Bank Board's home mortgage interest rate index for the most recent two-month period exceeds 12.5 percent per year. Conditions eligibility for interest reduction payments on the insurability of the first mortgage or loan secured by such property. Sets forth the qualifications for insurance, which include requirements that: (1) the loan be executed by a borrower who has an annual income of less than $30,000; (2) the loan involve a one- to four-family dwelling the construction of which was completed on or after March 6, 1982; (3) the loan be amortized over 30 years; and (4) beginning with the second year, the loan payments be increased by a specified amount which shall be applied to the principal obligation until it is paid off. Limits the duration of the interest reduction payments to five years. Declares that the amount of all such payments shall constitute a second lien on the property. Requires repayment of such amount, not to exceed 60 percent of the homeowner's net equity: (1) upon the sale or disposition of the property; (2) upon the refinancing of the loan; or (3) when the owner ceases to occupy the property as a principal residence for a period exceeding nine months. Limits the amount of interest reduction payments to the difference between the amount of the monthly principal and interest payment under the terms of the loan and the amount such payment would be if the interest rate on the loan were: (1) 11 percent per year; or (2) four percentage points less than the rate specified in the loan, whichever rate is higher. Requires the Secretary to: (1) allocate the amount available to carry out this Act on the basis of the population, number of housing starts, and unemployment in each State relative to all States; and (2) assure that the allocated amounts are made available in a manner which maximizes participation by eligible lenders and borrowers. Declares that any mortgage insured or assisted under this Act shall be eligible for purchase by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Association Corporation. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1982
Artist's Tax Equity and Donation Act of 1982 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for the current fair market value of a literary, musical, or artistic composition created by the taxpayer and contributed to a charitable organization. Disallows a fair market value deduction for a contribution of property which was produced while the taxpayer was a Government officer or employee if such property arose out of the performance of the taxpayer's duties.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1982
Cable Telecommunications Act of 1982 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to set forth provisions governing cable telecommunications. Grants the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) jurisdiction over cable systems solely as specified in this Act. Makes Federal regulations that are inconsistent with this Act null and void. Grants State and local governments the authority to adopt or continue in force any regulation that is not inconsistent with the grants of authority in this Act and is not forbidden by this Act. Prohibits regulation of the ownership of cable systems. Excludes from such prohibition: (1) regulation by the Federal antitrust laws; (2) FCC regulation of foreign persons to ensure reciprocal market access for U.S. cable enterprises in foreign markets; (3) the prohibition against State or local agencies acquiring an ownership interest in a cable system at less than fair market value or controlling a cable system's programming; and (4) the prohibition against telecommunications carriers, except those serving rural areas, providing cable services in the same operating area without FCC permission. Directs the FCC to require cable systems with 20 or more television broadcast channels to set aside on a nondiscriminatory basis: (1) ten percent of such channels for use by public, educational, and governmental channel programers; and (2) ten percent of such channels for use by leased channel programers until the FCC determines that there are reasonably available alternatives for providing programming service in a particular geographic area or market. Authorizes each State or local government or cable franchising authority to fix the rates, on a nondiscriminatory basis, charged for: (1) basic services; and (2) the use or sale of cable channel capacity or time on channels set aside for public, educational, or governmental programming. Prohibits regulation of the rates charged by cable system operators for leased channels. States that cable operators have no liability for programs on public, educational, governmental, or leased channels or for programs originated by a channel programer that is not affiliated with the cable system operator. Authorizes the FCC to regulate the carriage of radio and television broadcast signals by cable system operators. Prohibits requiring a cable operator to comply with the fairness doctrine, equal time, and reasonable access provisions of the Communications Act. Directs the FCC to establish a reasonable ceiling for the franchise fees charged by States and local governments to cable system operators. Prohibits unauthorized interception or receipt of broadband telecommunications. Prohibits disclosure of any personally identifiable information with respect to the cable subscriber or to the services provided the subscriber, except pursuant to court order or prior written consent of the subscriber. Authorizes criminal and civil penalties for violations of the cable subscriber's privacy. Directs the FCC to ensure that cable system operators: (1) conform to certain technical standards; (2) maintain and submit to the FCC the records and reports required by this Act; and (3) provide equal employment opportunity. Prohibits cable systems from retransmitting into an area within 50 miles of the home stadium of a club that belongs to a professional sports league the broadcast of a game involving that club or a member of that league without the club's consent. Authorizes courts to grant injunctions to prevent signal piracy. Makes persons who violate signal piracy provisions liable for damages. Sets forth methods of computing such damages. Provides for criminal penalties for violations of signal piracy provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1982
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a specially struck gold medal to Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in recognition of the bicentennial anniversary of diplomatic and trade relations between the Netherlands and the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to coin and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1982
White House Conference on Productivity Act - Title I: Findings - States the findings of Congress concerning U.S. productivity. Title II: The White House Conference on Productivity - Directs the President to call a White House Conference on Productivity, within one year, to develop recommendations to stimulate the U.S. productivity improvement rate. Lists the policy options the Conference shall consider. Requires the Conference to submit a report to the President. Requires the report to be made public. Directs the President to transmit to the Congress recommendations for legislative action to implement recommendations in the report. Title III: Administration - Provides for the administration of the Conference. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1982
Declares that the United States intends to continue its policy towards Cuba as expressed in a 1962 joint resolution which states that the United States is determined to: (1) prevent the Cuban regime from expanding; (2) prevent the creation in Cuba of an externally supported military capability endangering U.S. security; and (3) support Cuban self-determination.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1982
Requires a foreign country to have been declared in default to a private individual or corporation before the Treasury may make payments to such individual or corporation on federally guaranteed loans to the country.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1982
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Lech Walesa and others detained by Poland's government for political reasons should be released. Declares that Lech Walesa and other Solidarity members should be permitted to: (1) participate in negotiations concerning the future of Solidarity; (2) comment on the situation in Poland; and (3) travel freely.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1982
Requires that the Internal Revenue Code be amended to provide that after 1985 all income should be taxed at a rate of 20 percent or less. Sets forth guidelines for a new income tax scheme. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to propose legislation to implement this Act.
![Official portrait of Sen. Kasten, Robert W., Jr. [R-WI]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/k000019_200.jpg)