United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 - Repeals provisions of Federal law prohibiting commerce in wildlife and fish (the Lacey and Black Bass Acts). Sets forth prohibitions against trade in any fish or wildlife taken or possed in violation of Federal, Indian tribal, State, or foreign law. Adds a new prohibition against trade in plants which are subject to State conservation of species laws. Increases the maximum civil penalties for violations to $10,000 (currently, $5,000 under the Lacey Act and $200 under the Black Bass Act). Establishes a strict liability penalty of up to $250 for transporting fish or wildlife in violation of the labeling requirements. Increases the maximum criminal penalties to a $20,000 fine and/or five years' imprisonment (currently, $10,000 and/or one year under the Lacey Act and $200 and/or three months' imprisonment). Stipulates that a conviction under this Act shall require only proof that the defendant knew there was conduct in violation of the underlying law, treaty, or regulation. Subjects all fish, wildlife, or plants traded in violation of this Act to forfeiture to the United States, regardless of the culpability requirements for civil penalties or criminal prosecution. Stipulates that vehicles and equipment shall be subject to such forfeiture only if the owner or conductor was a consenting party to the illegal act. Authorizes the Secretaries of the Treasury, the Interior, Commerce, and Transportation to utilize by agreement the personnel and facilities of any Federal or State agency or Indian tribe to enforce this Act. Permits any person authorized to enforce this Act to carry firearms, make an arrest without a warrant on reasonable grounds, execute and serve warrants, detain and inspect a vehicle or package upon entering or prior to leaving the United States, or hold a seized item pending the disposition of proceedings. Directs that, beginning in fiscal year 1982, the Secretaries of the Interior, the Treasury, or Commerce shall pay rewards to persons who furnish information leading to a conviction, assessment, or forfeiture for violations of this Act. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce to promulgate jointly regulations to implement the labeling requirements of this Act (governing packages containing fish or wildlife in interstate or foreign commerce) in accordance with existing commercial practices. Grants jurisdiction to the Federal district courts for actions arising under this Act. Transfers from the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe requirements and issue permits for the importation of wild animals and birds under humane and healthful conditions. Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to direct the payment of rewards for information leading to a conviction, assessment or forfeiture (currently, such payments are discretionary).
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
District of Columbia Bond Authorization Act of 1981 - Authorizes the District of Columbia to issue general obligation bonds to pay specified eligible liabilities and costs incidental to such bond issuance. Limits the aggregate principal amount of such bonds to a specified sum. Authorizes the District of Columbia City Council to authorize the issuance of such bonds without first submitting the issue to the President and Congress. Requires that such Council action shall include a payment financing plan for such bonds. Directs the Mayor to publish notice of any bond issuance authorized by the Council. Establishes a twenty-day limitation period beginning on such publication date. Sets forth procedures for the issuance, maturity, and execution of such bonds. Requires that bond proceeds shall be segregated from other District funds and expended solely for authorized purposes. Requires the district to report annually to Congress on its use of such proceeds and its payment of bond interest and principal. Specifies that such bonds shall be secured by the full faith and credit of the District. Authorizes the Council to pledge District revenues as additional security for such bonds. Authorizes the Mayor to sell such secured bonds within a specified period at either public or private sale. Exempts the obligation of bond proceeds, payments, or securities from the Congressional appropriation process. Declares that such bonds are: (1) exempt from Federal and District taxes; and (2) legal investments.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove the limitation on amounts of the investment tax credit which are attributable to application of the regular percentage to qualified investment in railroad property owned by a domestic common carrier. Provides for the refundability of such credit. Requires the maintenance of a separate account for amounts received as credit refunds. Limits withdrawals from such accounts to amounts used for maintenance, improvement, or acquisition of property or payment of the railroad retirement tax. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to reserve amounts received pursuant to imposition of the windfall profit tax equal to the decrease in revenues attributable to this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1981
Requests the President to designate the week of May 10 to May 16, 1981, as "CARE Week" in observance of the thirty-fifth anniversary of CARE (the Cooperative for American Relief Everywhere, Inc.).
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1981
Title I: Export Trading Companies - Export Trading Company Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote export trading companies by providing information and by facilitating contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest specified amounts in export trading companies upon notifying, but without obtaining the prior approval of, the appropriate Federal banking agency, if such investment does not cause an export trading company to become a subsidiary of such organization. Allows greater investment by Edge Act Corporations not engaged in banking. Permits any banking organization to invest beyond such limitations with prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency. Requires prior notification of such agencies in specified circumstances. Sets forth further limitations on export trading companies and investments by banking organizations. Specifies factors to be taken into consideration by the banking agencies. Permits such agencies to impose conditions in approving applications to invest in export trading companies. Requires such agencies to report to the appropriate Congressional committees with their recommendations concerning implementation of this Act, related changes in U.S. law, and effects of ownership of U.S. banks by foreign banking organizations. Authorizes the appropriate Federal banking agency to exempt from specified requirements of the Federal Reserve Act any loan or extension of credit made by a national or State bank to an export trading company affiliate if such exemption is necessary to finance an affiliated export trading company and does not expose the bank to undue financial risks. Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Sets forth the grounds for disapproval. Provides for a remand for further consideration by the banking agency. Directs the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration to give special weight to export-related benefits when considering applications for loans and guarantees by export trading companies. Authorizes up to $10,000,000 to be appropriated for initial investments and operating expenses for each of fiscal years 1982-1986. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees for expansion to export trading companies or exporters when adequate financing is not otherwise available. Requires such loan guarantees to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories. Directs the Board of Directors to try to insure that a major share of such guarantees promotes exports from small, medium-size, and minority businesses or agricultural concerns. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to subsidize the employment of export managers by small business manufacturing firms which have not previously been substantial exporters. Limits such grants to the lesser of: (1) 50 percent of the expenses related to employing a full-time export manager for one year; or (2) $40,000. Sets forth the requirements for an application by a firm for such grant and the factors the Secretary shall consider in making such grants. Authorizes appropriations for each of fiscal years 1982-1984 to carry out this grant program. Directs the Secretary to evaluate this program and to submit such evaluation and any recommendation to Congress by a specified date. Title II: Export Trade Association - Export Trade Association Act of 1981 - Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt the trade, activities and methods of operation of certified export trade associations and export trading companies from the antitrust laws. Delays the effectiveness of any certificate upon the notification of the Secretary of Commerce by the Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of disagreement with the decision to issue a certificate. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by any association or export trading company seeking certification under this Act and by the Secretary in issuing such certificates. Permits automatic certification for existing associations. Provides for appeal of the Secretary's denial of certification. Requires firms to report changes in membership, export trade activities, or methods of operation to the Secretary and to apply for an amendment of their certificates. Directs the Secretary to revoke a firm's certificate if it does not comply with the requirements for an antitrust exemption or to amend such certificate so that it does comply with such requirements. Authorizes the Attorney General or the FTC to bring an action to invalidate certification. Provides for judicial review of such actions. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General and the FTC, to publish certification guidelines. Requires certified associations and export trading companies to submit annual reports to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Commerce an Office of Export Trade. Requires such Office to report annually to the appropriate Congressional committees on all East-West trade transactions requiring validated licenses and on the role of U.S. export trading companies in such trade. Requires, with specified exceptions, that all applications for certification be kept confidential. Authorizes the Secretary to require an association or trading company to modify its operation to be consistent with international obligations of the United States. Directs the President to appoint, with the Senate's advice and consent, a task force, seven years after enactment, to examine the effect of this Act and to make recommendations. Makes the amendments of the Webb-Pomerene Act set forth in this Act effective with regard to existing associations only at such time as such associations elected to be certified.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Business Accounting and Foreign Trade Simplification Act - Changes the name of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (FCPA) to the Business Practices and Records Act. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require securities issuers to maintain an internal accounting system that provides reasonable assurance that specified accountability and accuracy goals are met. Establishes the degree of previous knowledge necessary to find liability for violations of the accounting standards. Requires only good faith efforts at ensuring compliance by issuers who hold 50 percent or less of the equity of domestic or foreign firms. Transfers from the Security and Exchange Commission to the Department of Justice jurisdiction to enforce the antibribery prohibitions of the FCPA with respect to issuers. Changes the jurisdictional basis of the current corrupt practices prohibition to prohibit bribery "with respect to activities in interstate or foreign commerce" (currently, the basis is use of the mails or interstate commerce "in furtherance" of bribery). Prohibits payments or promises made "directly or indirectly" by a domestic concern to a foreign official in order to obtain business. Prohibits such payments that are made to influence a foreign official's act or induce such an official to violate a legal duty. Prohibits domestic concerns from directing or authorizing such payments. Exempts from such prohibition any payment to a foreign official to facilitate or expedite performance of official duties and which is customary in the country where made. Enumerates additional exemptions, including items of value given in return for hospitality or in token of regard and esteem, and marketing or demonstration expenses pertaining to the business presentation. Empowers the Attorney General to undertake any civil investigation which is necessary to enforce the Act. Makes the provision in the Business Practices and Records Act the exclusive Federal law authorizing Federal proceedings against a domestic concern for using the mails or any instrumentality of interstate commerce to violate such Act. Requires an interagency task force to issue guidelines specifying: (1) permissible conduct and arrangements associated with common types of export sales arrangements; and (2) business contracts and precautionary procedures which would create a rebuttable presumption of compliance. Provides for the establishment of a Business Practices and Records Act Review Procedure to answer specific inquiries concerning enforcement of such Act. Requires the Attorney General to issue opinions regarding compliance. Makes such opinions final and binding on all parties if the conduct does not involve a violation. Requires annual reports to Congress by: (1) the Attorney General concerning actions taken pursuant to such Act; and (2) the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission concerning the reporting requirements. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should negotiate agreements establishing standards of conduct for international business practices, a resolution procedure, and rates of commissions. Directs the President to report to Congress concerning the progress of such negotiations. Requires Congress to review the Business Practices and Records Act after receiving the President's report. Directs the President to report to Congress on the legal and practical consequences of specific action that the United States could take under existing law to: (1) promote international cooperation to prevent bribery of foreign officials, candidates, or parties in third countries; and (2) encourage persons or businesses operating in foreign countries to refrain from bribing foreign officials, candidates, or parties to the disadvantage of U. S. industry. Requires the report to contain recommendations for new legislation and an analysis of the potential effect on U. S. interests of the corruption of foreign officials and political leaders.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income interest or dividends earned on savings deposits which are used by the deposit institutions for residential mortgage lending purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
National Laser Institute Act - Establishes a National Laser Institute to study laser research and technology applications for future civilian and national security uses and to make recommendations to Congress regarding implementation of its findings and the coordination of the efforts of the Federal Government with respect to laser technology. Sets forth the composition and terms of membership of the Institute. States that members of the Institute shall have access to such classified or nonclassified information as is necessary to carry out their responsibilities under this Act. Directs the Institute to prepare and submit to the President and specified Committees of Congress an annual report regarding its activities under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of this Act. Terminates the provisions of this Act five years after the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Amends the highway safety programs uniform standards to include: (1) comprehensive alcohol-traffic safety programs; and (2) penalties to deter motorists from driving while under the influence of alcohol.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Prohibits the United States Postal Service from requiring the inclusion of a ZIP code in the address of any piece of mail, except as a condition for mailing at a reduced rate or rates for a subclass established to recognize the costs of handling mail bearing such a code.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit any State, or political subdivision thereof, which imposes an income tax on a corporation from taking into account any amount of income of, or attributable to, any foreign corporation which is also a member of an affiliated group to which the domestic corporation belongs, unless such amount is subject to Federal income tax. Prohibits any State, or political subdivision thereof, from taxing or otherwise taking into account: (1) the amount of the deduction for dividends paid by a corporation which has elected the Puerto Rico and possession tax credit for the taxable year; or (2) a certain percentage (determined according to specified formulae) of any dividend received from a domestic corporation which is not treated as income from sources within the United States (or a dividend received by a corporation from a foreign corporation).
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
National Capital Boundary Stones Act - Makes the Secretary of the Interior, through the National Park Service, responsible for the preservation and maintenance of the original boundary stones delimiting the District of Columbia. Directs the Director of the National Park Service to submit a program to the Secretary for preserving such boundary stones. Sets forth provisions to be included in such program. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire the necessary lands and interests to carry out such program. Provides criminal penalties for willfully damaging or removing such boundary stones. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1981
Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to extend the interim loan authority of the Mayor of the District of Columbia to October 1, 1982, or the date of enactment of the fiscal year 1983 appropriation Act for the District of Columbia.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1981
Directs the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, under authority of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Steets Act of 1968, to provide the city of Atlanta, Georgia, with funds for extraordinary investigation expenses with respect to the recent murders of children. Authorizes appropriations in the amount of $1,800,000 for such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1981
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the manufacture, importation, installation, offer to sell, rent, or lease, or other distribution of telephone receivers or similar equipment manufactured after the date of enactment of this Act for use in connection with any interstate or foreign communication, unless such receiver or equipment is designed and manufactured to permit telephone reception by means of hearing aids with inductive receptors.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1981
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1981 - Enacts into law the short titles "Civil Rights Act of 1968" and "Fair Housing Act". Amends the Fair Housing Act to expand the definition of "discriminatory housing practice" to include any violation under such Act (thus codifying case law which holds that the obligation of Federal agencies to administer programs affirmatively to further the purposes of fair housing and the prohibition against interference with rights under the Act are separately actionable). Adds new definitions of "handicap" and "aggrieved person". Excludes from the meaning of "handicap" any impairment consisting of alcohol or drug abuse which would be a direct threat to the property or safety of others. Retains the two current exemptions from the prohibition against the discriminatory sale or rental of housing which are given to: (1) an owner of three or less single-family houses; and (2) the owner of a dwelling consisting of four or fewer family units who also resides in such dwelling (the "Mrs. Murphy" exemption). Makes it unlawful to: (1) refuse to sell or rent to a handicapped person unless such handicap would prevent a prospective occupant from conforming to specified non-discrimination rules and practices; and (2) discriminate against a handicapped person in the conditions of sale or rental, or in the provision of related services or facilities. Includes within such discrimination a refusal to: (1) permit reasonable modifications to permit access to the premises (but only if a renter agrees to restore the premises to their original condition); and (2) make reasonable accommodations in policies, services, or facilities to afford handicapped persons equal enjoyment of the premises. Stipulates that such discrimination shall not include a refusal to: (1) make alterations at the expense of sellers, landlords, owners, or persons acting on their behalf; (2) make modifications which would unreasonably inconvenience others; and (3) allow architectural modifications which materially decrease the value of a building or alter its intended use. Makes it unlawful for an insurer to discriminate in the provision or terms of insurance against hazards to a dwelling because of the race, color, religion, sex, handicap, or national origin of persons owning or residing in or near the dwelling. Adds handicapped persons as a protected class under other existing prohibitions on discriminatory activities. Modifies the housing financing discrimination provision to prescribe all conduct which denies or "otherwise makes unavailable" financial assistance because of race, color, religion, handicap, or national origin. Includes with such prohibition persons in the business of selling, brokering, or appraising real property. Establishes the Fair Housing Commission, composed of three members appointed by the President for staggered six-year terms. Stipulates that no more than two members may be of the same political party. Directs the Commission to: (1) appoint administrative law judges and other employees as necessary to carry out its functions; (2) promulgate a code of ethics to assure the independence of such judges; (3) promulgate rules of discovery for its proceedings consistent insofar as practicable with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; and (4) consider appeals from the proposed orders of the administrative law judges upon application of a party. Includes Federal agencies having regulatory authority over financial institutions within the executive departments and agencies which are currently required to administer their housing programs in an affirmative manner. Authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide financial as well as technical assistance to public and private organizations seeking to remedy housing discrimination. Establishes a new administrative enforcement procedure within the Department of Housing and Urban Development in addition to the current enforcement provisions of title VIII (allowing civil actions by private parties and the Attorney General). Directs the Secretary to make an investigation of all alleged discriminatory housing practices on his or her own initiative or upon the filing of a charge by an aggrieved person within one year of the alleged discrimination. Requires the Secretary to attempt to correct the discriminatory practice by informal methods of conference, conciliation, and persuasion. Requires the Secretary, if the aggrieved person and respondent consent to binding arbitration, to refer the charge to an arbitrator made available by the Community Relations Service of the Department of Justice. Continues the current authority of the Secretary to utilize discovery measures. Retains the current penalty for failing to produce information (up to a $1,000 fine and/or one year's imprisonment). Makes certain changes in the current requirements for referring charges to State or local agencies for investigation and enforcement. (Specifies, with respect to the rights and remedies provided by such agencies, the elements of "substantial equivalency" which permits certification and referrals of discrimination charges. Eliminates the Secretary's authority to recall referrals in the interest of justice or to protect the rights of the parties. Prohibits further action by the Secretary unless the agency fails to act in a timely fashion (current law gives the agency 30 days to commence proceedings). Requires the Secretary and other Federal agencies to cooperate to avoid duplication of their housing discrimination authority. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements to permit other agencies to carry out such responsibilities within their jurisdictions. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with specified Federal agencies for such purpose with respect to depository institutions. Permits an action for temporary or preliminary relief to be brought on behalf of the Secretary in accordance with rule 65 of the Federal rules of Civil Procedure when the Secretary establishes that voluntary compliance is unobtainable and prompt judicial action is necessary. Permits the Secretary to file an administrative complaint or refer the matter to the Attorney General for civil action if the investigation supports a finding of reasonable cause, except with respect to matters involving land use controls, which must be referred. Specifies the hearing procedures to be utilized if an administrative complaint is issued. Permits the administrative law judge to award appropriate relief and a civil penalty of up to $10,000. Permits the filing of a petition for judicial review of a final order in an appropriate court of appeals within 60 days after entry of such order. Provides that the findings of fact shall be conclusive if supported by substantial evidence in the record considered as a whole. Authorizes the administrative law judge to assess civil penalties for noncompliance with a final administrative order. Makes certain revisions in the private right of action for aggrieved persons under the Fair Housing Act. Extends the statute of limitations from 180 days to two years. Disallows simultaneous administrative and judicial proceedings involving the same charge. Permits the Attorney General to intervene upon certification that the civil action is of general public importance. Continues the current provision permitting the appointment of counsel. Removes the existing $1,000 limit on punitive damages for willful violations. Continues the authority of the Attorney General to initiate civil actions where there is reasonable cause to believe that a pattern or practice of resistance to title VIII rights has occurred. Permits the intervention of aggrieved persons in such actions. Permits the award of costs, including reasonable attorney fees, to prevailing parties in court and administrative proceedings (current law permits an award of attorney's fees only to prevailing parties who are financially unable to assume them). Directs the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to report to Congress on the need for and cost of retrofitting housing for handicapped persons. Authorizes appropriations for this Act, effective October 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1981
Fiscal Responsibilities Act of 1980 - Title I: To Discourage Taxflation by Requiring an Affirmative Vote of Congress before Tax Receipts Increase as a Percentage of Gross National Product - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require a separate vote of approval in both the House of Representatives and the Senate if any concurrent resolution on the budget sets forth a level of tax receipts which, expressed as a percentage of the gross national product, exceeds the previous fiscal year's tax level. Title II: To Require Approval by Three-Fifths of the Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate of any Budget which Provides for a Deficit - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the completion of action on the total budgetary figures contained in a concurrent resolution on the budget before any amendment to the amounts listed under the functional categories may be considered. Requires a three-fifths vote in both the House and Senate to adopt any budget resolution which recommends a deficit. Title III: To Require the President to Submit a Balanced Budget in which Neither Expenditures nor Revenues Exceed 21 Percent of the Gross National Product - Amends the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921, to limit the estimates of Federal expenditures and receipts contained in the President's budget to 21 percent of the gross national product. Requires the President, in the event that he submits a budget exceeding these limits, to submit at the same time an alternate budget which does not exceed them.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $1,000 ($2,000 in the case of a joint return) the amount of dividend and interest income which may be excluded from gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1981
Establishes the Commission for the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution to plan and develop activities to commemorate the historic events that preceded and are associated with the Constitution. Requires Federal departments and agencies to cooperate with the Commission in planning appropriate commemorative activities. Directs the Commission to submit annual reports to the President and the Congress by May 1 of each year through calendar year 1990 on its progress. Requires the Commission to submit a report to the President by May 1, 1985, including its recommendations and the plans of Federal, State, and local governments and private groups for such commemoration. Requires the Commission to submit a final report to the President not later than May 1, 1991, detailing the Commission's activities. Terminates the Commission on December 31, 1991. Authorizes appropriations to carry out provisions of this Act for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1982, and such additional amounts as may be necessary for subsequent fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1981
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, upon application by the States of Maryland and Virginia and the District of Columbia, to make a grant for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge. Requires the Federal share of the project costs to be 100 percent. Authorizes to be appropriated, out of the Highway Trust Fund, a specified sum to carry out the provisions of this Act beginning in fiscal year 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify the acquisition of work and breeding horses for investment tax credit treatment to the extent that the cost of such horses does not exceed $100,000 for the taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981
Commission on the International Application of the United States Antitrust Laws Act - Establishes a Commission on the International Application of the United States Antitrust Laws. Directs the Commission to: (1) conduct a comprehensive study concerning international aspects of the antitrust laws of the United States; and (2) transmit to the President and Congress, within one year after its first meeting, a final report containing its findings and recommendations for administrative, judicial, and legislative action. Terminates the Commission after the submission of such report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981
Family Enterprise Estate and Gift Tax Equity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the estate and gift tax rates beginning in 1981. Increases the unified credit against the estate and gift taxes from $47,000 to $124,750 by specified annual increments through 1985. Increases from $175,000 to $600,000, by specified annual increments through 1985, the minimum gross estate requirement for filing of a return. Repeals the existing limitations on the marital deduction for gift and estate taxes. Increases from $3,000 to $10,000 the annual gift tax exclusion. Qualifies estates of decedents who were disabled or retired for the special valuation of certain farms based on use if such decedents materially participated in the operation of the farm for five out of eight years preceding the year in which they became disabled or eligible for disability benefits. Permits the spouse of a decedent to use such valuation if the spouse has managed the farm or business for ten years preceding the decedent's death or takes over active management upon the decedent's death. Qualifies woodlands for the special use valuation if the decedent or a member of the decedent's family owned and farmed the property for ten years prior to the decedent's death. Reduces from 15 to ten years the length of time a qualified property must be held and put to a qualified use following the decedent's death before it can be disposed of without incurring a recapture of estate tax benefits. Permits active management rather than material participation as a test for qualification of the estate for spouses, children under 21, students, and disabled individuals who receive property from a decedent who qualified for special use valuation. Repeals the $500,000 limitation on the reduction of the value of qualified real property permitted by the special use valuation. Allows the like kind exchange of property without loss of special use valuation eligibility. Revises the method of valuing farms by providing that the basis of such valuation shall be the average annual gross rental value. Authorizes the step-up in basis of such assets. Repeals the requirement that an heir elect special treatment for involuntary conversions of qualified real property, thus making such treatment automatic upon such conversion. States that gifts made within three years of a decedent's death shall be valued as of the time of transfer rather than as of the date of death. Authorizes an individual to elect to pay a gift tax rather than use the unified tax credit. Modifies the alternate extension of time for payment of the estate tax where the estate consists largely of an interest in a closely held business to: (1) allow an installment payment election if the value of the interest in the closely held business is either 35 percent of the value of the gross estate or 50 percent of the taxable estate; (2) increase to 50 percent the value of an interest disposed of which will accelerate the payment of tax; and (3) permit payment, but with a penalty, of an installment within six months after the due date. Allows a disclaimer of an interest in property for estate tax purposes in specified circumstances where such disclaimer does not result in the passing of the interest concerned under the applicable State law.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount of the earned income exclusion for U.S. citizens working abroad who are bona fide residents of a foreign country. Sets the amount of such exclusion at $50,000, plus 50 percent of the lesser of compensation exceeding $50,000 or $50,000. Repeals the requirement that such U.S. citizens work in hardship areas to be eligible for the tax exclusion. Reduces the length of the residency requirement for the tax exclusion. Provides for an income tax exclusion for the value of employer-provided lodging in a camp in cases where satisfactory housing is not generally available. Repeals the income tax deduction for certain living expenses of U.S. citizens abroad.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1981
Declares that seven members of named families have resided since a certain date in the United States Embassy in Moscow and have been living there in accordance with United States laws. Authorizes the granting of a visa and admission to the United States for permanent residence to each individual. Provides that each individual shall be held and considered to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence as of a specified date, and to have been physically present and residing therein continuously since such date.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1981
Declares three 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 · 27 January 1981
Makes the Federal tort claims procedure the exclusive remedy in medical malpractice actions resulting from federally authorized National Guard training activities (repeals the current provision covering such liability).
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Patent Term Restoration Act of 1981 - Amends the patent law to extend the terms of patents which encompass specified products or a method for using a product, any of which are subject to certain nonpatent regulatory review periods. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such extension, including a seven year limitation. Directs the Commissioner of Patents to issue to the owner of record of a patent a certificate of extension stating the fact and length of the extension and identifying the product and the use and the claim to which such extension is applicable. Makes such certificate a part of the original patent. Limits the application of such patent term extension to patents for products subject to regulation under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Public Health Service Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Act of March 4, 1913 (relating to virus, serum, toxin, and analogous products).
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1981
Authorizes the Committee on Rules and Administration from March 1, 1981, through February 28, 1982, to: (1) make expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate; (2) employ personnel; and (3) utilize the services of department or agency personnel on a reimbursable basis. Sets forth the limit on expenses by the committee during such period.
![Official portrait of Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000241_200.jpg)