Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 07/23/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A bill to promote and enhance public safety by facilitating the rapid deployment of IP-enabled 911 and E-911 services, encourage the Nation's transition to a national IP-enabled emergency network, and improve 911 and E-911 access to those with disabilities. 11/13/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) 911 Modernization and Public Safety Act of 2007 - Title I: Services and IP-Enabled Voice Service Providers - (Sec. 101) Amends the IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999 to require IP-enabled voice service providers to provide 911 service, including E-911 (enhanced 911) service, to their subscribers. Grants such providers, in meeting that requirement, the same rights, including rights of interconnection, on the same rates, terms, and conditions, as apply to a provider of commercial mobile service. Allows a state or tribal fee for 911 or E-911 services, provided it is used only for such services or related [...]

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Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.

Bill Text
To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to continue in effect and expand the Lifeline Assistance Program and the Link Up Program, and for other purposes.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Serving Everyone with Reliable, Vital Internet, Communications, and Education Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to expand the Lifeline Assistance Program and the Link Up Program. Requires a report to Congress on the benefit level for the programs that will encourage low-income consumers to seek broadband service, projections on potential broadband consumers if the service was economically feasible, industry requirements to provide broadband service in underserved areas, and policy proposals regarding gaps in broadband availability.

Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to update and reinvigorate universal service provided under the Communications Act of 1934. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Universal Service for Americans Act or USA Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require each communications service provider to contribute to support universal service (the provision of communications service in rural, insular, and high-cost areas), subject to exemptions. Modifies requirements regarding interconnection and rural telephone companies. Imposes on facilities-based IP-enabled voice service providers the same rights, duties, and obligations as a requesting telecommunications carrier if the provider elects to assert those rights. Prohibits a carrier from refusing to transport or terminate IP-enabled voice traffic solely because it is IP-enabled and prohibits a provider originating, transmitting, or terminating IP-enabled voice traffic from being exempted from paying compensation for interstate traffic solely because the [...]

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Latest Action: 02/27/2008 - Received in the House.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999, and for other purposes. 2/26/2008--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999 to impose on IP-enabled voice service providers engaged in interstate or foreign communication a requirement to provide 9-1-1 service, including enhanced 9-1-1 service, to its subscribers. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to issue regulations granting IP-enabled voice service providers right of access to 9-1-1 components that are necessary to provide 9-1-1 service, on the same rates, terms, and conditions that are provided to commercial mobile service providers. Requires the providers to establish a point of contact for public safety and government officials relative to 9-1-1 service and access. Authorizes the FCC to delegate enforcement [...]

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Latest Action: 02/27/2007 - Star Print ordered on S. 609.

Bill Text
A bill to amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act.

2/15/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to make federal provisions which prohibit the obligation or expenditure of funds either in excess of appropriated amounts or in violation of sequestration orders under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1986 inapplicable to: (1) any amount collected or received as federal universal service contributions; or (2) the expenditure or obligation of amounts attributable to such contributions.

Latest Action: 02/28/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to expand the contribution base for universal service, establish a separate account within the universal service fund to support the deployment of broadband service in unserved areas of the United States, and for other purposes. 2/28/2007--Introduced. Universal Service for the 21st Century Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require all telecommunications carriers (currently, only those providing interstate telecommunications services) to contribute to the universal service fund (a fund whose goal is to provide advanced telecommunications services to all areas of the country). Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a permanent mechanism to support universal service that will preserve and enhance its long-term financial stability. Gives the FCC exclusive jurisdiction to establish rates for inter-carrier compensation payments, including compensation for the origination and termination of intrastate [...]

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Latest Action: 03/20/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3372-3381)

Bill Text
A bill to reform the financing of Senate elections, and for other purposes. 3/20/2007--Introduced. Fair Elections Now Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) with respect to: (1) eligibility and qualifying contribution requirements, seed money limits, and benefits of fair elections financing of Senate election campaigns; (2) establishment of a Senate Fair Elections Fund; (3) eligibility for Fund allocations as well as such allocations; (4) a seed money contribution requirement; (5) contribution and expenditure requirements; (6) certification of whether or not a federal election candidate is a participating candidate; (7) benefits for participating candidates; (8) payment of fair fight funds; (9) administration of the Senate Fair Elections System; (10) reporting requirements for nonparticipating candidates; (11) modification of electioneering communication reporting requirements; and (12) the limitation on coordinated expenditures by political party committees [...]

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Latest Action: 06/18/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H6408-6409)

Bill Text
To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require recipients of universal service support for schools and libraries to protect minors from commercial social networking websites and chat rooms. 2/16/2007--Introduced. Deleting Online Predators Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require schools and libraries that receive universal service support to enforce a policy that: (1) prohibits access to a commercial social networking website or chat room unless used for an educational purpose with adult supervision; and (2) protects against access to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors. Allows an administrator, supervisor, or other authorized person to disable such a technology protection measure during use by an adult, or by minors with adult supervision, to enable access for educational purposes. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to: (1) issue a consumer alert regarding use of the Internet by child predators [...]

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Latest Action: 06/20/2007 - Committee on Rules and Administration. Date of scheduled hearing. SR-301. 10:00 a.m.

Bill Text
A bill to reform the financing of Senate elections, and for other purposes. 5/3/2007--Introduced. Fair Elections Now Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) with respect to: (1) eligibility and qualifying contribution requirements, seed money limits, and benefits of fair elections financing of Senate election campaigns; (2) establishment of a Senate Fair Elections Fund; (3) eligibility for Fund allocations as well as such allocations; (4) a seed money contribution requirement; (5) contribution and expenditure requirements; (6) certification of whether or not a federal election candidate is a participating candidate; (7) benefits for participating candidates; (8) payment of fair fight funds; (9) administration of the Senate Fair Elections System; (10) reporting requirements for nonparticipating candidates; (11) modification of electioneering communication reporting requirements; and (12) the limitation on coordinated expenditures by political party committees [...]

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Latest Action: 05/07/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5923-5925)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide relief for servicemembers with respect to contracts for cellular phone service, and for other purposes.

5/7/2007--Introduced.

Servicemembers' Cellular Phone Contract Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to allow members of the Armed Forces who are called to active duty for a period of not less than 90 days to cancel or suspend their cell phone contracts without incurring early termination or reactivation fees.

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3407-3408)

Bill Text
A bill to promote the accurate transmission of network traffic identification information.

4/24/2008--Introduced.

Signaling Modernization Act of 2008 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a telecommunications service or IP-enabled voice service provide to ensure that all voice communications service traffic originating on its network contains the signaling information reasonably needed to facilitate intercarrier billing in accordance with industry standards. Requires a provider that transports or transits traffic between voice communications service providers to forward the signaling information it receives from another provider (without altering such signaling information) that is reasonably needed to facilitate intercarrier billing in accordance with industry standards, except as otherwise permitted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Latest Action: 11/14/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
To provide for a comprehensive nationwide inventory of existing broadband service, and for other purposes. 11/13/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Broadband Census of America Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct an annual assessment and report to the public on the nature and deployment of, and subscription to, broadband service capability throughout the states, including information comparing the extent of broadband service capability in other countries. Provides for enforcement as if the provisions of this paragraph were a part of the Communications Act of 1934. Considers a violation of the provisions of this paragraph to be a violation of that Act or a regulation promulgated under that Act. Makes the provisions of this paragraph ineffective six years after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 3) Directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and the [...]

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Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.

Bill Text
To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require certain schools having computers with Internet access that receive services at discounted rates to certify that, as part of the required Internet safety policy, the schools are educating minors about appropriate online behavior.

10/17/2007--Introduced.

e-Keep the Internet Decent and Safe Act of 2007 or the e-KIDS Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit schools with computers having Internet access from receiving discount access rates for services unless it certifies to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that, as part of its policy of Internet safety for minors, it is educating minors about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyberbullying awareness and response.

Latest Action: 12/19/2007 - Presented to President.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to establish a uniform set of customer service and consumer protection requirements for providers of wireless telecommunications services.

10/16/2007--Introduced.

Uniform Wireless Consumer Protection Act - Prohibits, notwithstanding any other provision of law (under current law, notwithstanding specified provisions), a state or local government from regulating or adjudicating the entry of or the rates charged by any provider of commercial mobile service or private mobile service.

Latest Action: 09/18/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.

Bill Text
To require rate integration for wireless interstate toll charges.

9/18/2007--Introduced.

Insular Rate for Cellular Customers Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to declare that, for purposes of rate integration for wireless interstate telecommunications services, a provider of a commercial mobile radio service shall, with respect to any interstate services, be treated as a provider of interstate, interexchange telecommunications services.

Latest Action: 10/17/2007 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Hearings held.

Bill Text
A bill to provide for greater disclosure to, and empowerment of, consumers who have entered into a contract for cellular telephone service. 9/7/2007--Introduced. Cell Phone Consumer Empowerment Act of 2007 - Requires that a wireless telephone service provider disclose, in a plain and conspicuous way, contract information regarding terms, charges, minutes, taxes and surcharges, and E-911 service in any publication of the contract, before a consumer enters into the contract, and in advertising. Requires wireless service bills to be clearly organized and use plain language, have taxes and fees in a separate section, and itemize roaming charges. Requires each provider to make available a map showing the wireless telephone service area of the provider and the wireless telephone service area of the provider in each state. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to monitor the quality of wireless telephone service provided in the United States by [...]

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Latest Action: 09/06/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.

Bill Text
To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to facilitate number portability in order to increase consumer choice of voice service provider.

9/6/2007--Introduced.

Same Number Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to declare that a provider of voice services (a telecommunications service or an IP-enabled voice service) has the duty to provide number portability to the extent technically feasible.

Requires that the costs of establishing numbering administration arrangements and number portability be borne by all voice service providers on a competitively neutral basis.

Requires designation of 9-1-1 as the universal emergency telephone number within the United States for both wireline and wireless telephone service.

Latest Action: 07/23/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A bill to promote and enhance public safety by facilitating the rapid deployment of IP-enabled 911 and E-911 services, encourage the Nation's transition to a national IP-enabled emergency network, and improve 911 and E-911 access to those with disabilities. 11/13/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) 911 Modernization and Public Safety Act of 2007 - Title I: Services and IP-Enabled Voice Service Providers - (Sec. 101) Amends the IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999 to require IP-enabled voice service providers to provide 911 service, including E-911 (enhanced 911) service, to their subscribers. Grants such providers, in meeting that requirement, the same rights, including rights of interconnection, on the same rates, terms, and conditions, as apply to a provider of commercial mobile service. Allows a state or tribal fee for 911 or E-911 services, provided it is used only for such services or related [...]

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Latest Action: 11/02/2007 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Inouye without amendment. With written report No. 110-219.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to facilitate number portability in order to increase consumer choice of voice service provider. 11/2/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Same Number Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to declare that a provider of voice services (a telecommunications service or an IP-enabled voice service) has the duty to provide number portability to the extent technically feasible. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish number portability performance standards for such providers. Requires the FCC to designate one or more impartial entities to administer telecommunications and voice service numbering and to ensure that numbers are available on an equitable basis. Gives the FCC exclusive jurisdiction [...]

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Latest Action: 10/24/2007 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Inouye with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-204.

Bill Text
A bill to improve the quality of federal and state data regarding the availability and quality of broadband services and to promote the deployment of affordable broadband services to all parts of the Nation. 10/24/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Broadband Data Improvement Act - (Sec. 3) Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) revise the definitions of advanced telecommunications capability, or broadband; (2) identify tiers of broadband service in which most connections can reliably transmit full-motion, high definition video; and (3) revise certain provider reporting requirements to enable the FCC to identify actual numbers of broadband connections by customer type and geographic area. Requires the FCC to determine certain demographic data for geographical areas that are not served by any provider of advanced telecommunications capability. Requires expansion of the American Community Survey to elicit [...]

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