Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to the purchase of prescription drugs by individuals who have attained retirement age, and to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the importation of prescription drugs and the sale of such drugs through Internet sites. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Prescription Drug Affordability Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable tax credit for 80 percent of the amount paid for a prescribed drug during the taxable year (and not compensated for by insurance or otherwise) by a taxpayer who has attained social security retirement age.Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to repeal provisions restricting the importation of prescription drugs. Allows a person who meets applicable legal requirements to be an importer of prescription drugs upon application to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires the Secretary to approve such an application if the drug meets [...]

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Latest Action: 05/22/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to promote simplification and fairness in the administration and collection of sales and use taxes. 5/22/2007--Introduced. Sales Tax Fairness and Simplification Act - Grants the consent of Congress to the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement (Agreement), the multistate agreement for the administration and collection of sales and use taxes adopted on November 12, 2002. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Agreement provides sufficient simplification and uniformity to warrant federal authorizations to states that are parties to it (member states) to require remote sellers (sellers without a physical presence in the taxing state) to collect and remit the sales and use taxes of such states and their local taxing jurisdictions.Authorizes each member state, after 10 states (comprising at least 20% of all states imposing a sales tax) have petitioned for and become member states, to require all sellers, except those sellers with gross remote taxable sales nationwide [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Bill Text
To repeal the prohibition on the payment of interest on demand deposits, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Business Checking Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends federal law to authorize interest-bearing or dividend-bearing transaction accounts for all businesses, permitting up to 24 transfers per month to another account of the owner in the same institution. Amends the Federal Reserve Act, the Home Owners' Loan Act, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to repeal the prohibition against the payment of interest on demand deposits. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to require the Board to survey biennially and report biennially to Congress on bank fees and certain services. Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989, and the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994, to repeal certain reporting requirements. Cites practices which shall not be treated as payment or receipt of interest [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S148)

Bill Text
A bill to make the moratorium on Internet access taxes and multiple and discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce permanent.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act of 2007 - Amends the Internet Tax Freedom Act to make permanent the ban on state and local taxation of Internet access and on multiple or discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce.

Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the importation of prescription drugs, and for other purposes. 1/10/2007--Introduced. Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to revise provisions governing the importation of prescription drugs. Waives the limitation on importation of prescription drugs that have been exported from the United States. Prohibits the importation of a qualifying drug unless such drug is imported by: (1) a registered importer; or (2) an individual for personal use. Establishes registration conditions for importers and exporters. Requires the Secretary to inspect places of business, verify chains of custody, inspect facilities, and determine compliance with registration conditions. Sets forth provisions governing the importation of qualifying drugs that are different from U.S. label drugs, including standards for judging such differences.[...]

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Latest Action: 02/12/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1855-1857)

Bill Text
A bill to reduce the Federal budget deficit, and for other purposes. 2/12/2007--Introduced. Act for Our Kids - Repeals the Television Broadcasting to Cuba Act. Amends the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 to prohibit federal funding of television broadcasting to Cuba. Terminates the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Requires federal agencies to reduce administrative expenses. Eliminates the Medicare Advantage Regional Plan Stabilization (SLUSH) Fund. Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit profiteering and fraud involving a contract or the provision of goods or services in connection with a war or military action. Requires: (1) suspension and debarment of unethical contractors; (2) disclosure by federal agencies, upon request, to the appropriate committee chairman or ranking member of audit reports regarding federal contractors; and (3) public access to information on federal contractor penalties and [...]

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Latest Action: 02/14/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for the regulation of Internet pharmacies. 2/14/2007--Introduced. Safe Internet Pharmacy Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to set forth the conditions under which a licensed Internet pharmacy may dispense or offer to dispense a prescription drug to a person in the United States. Requires an Internet pharmacy to: (1) maintain patient medication profiles; (2) ensure patient confidentiality; (3) offer interactive and meaningful consultation by a licensed pharmacist to the caregiver or patient; (4) establish a mechanism for patients to report errors and suspected and adverse drug reactions and for the pharmacy to document its response and report such information to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); and (5) verify the validity of prescriptions. Allows an Internet pharmacy to dispense a prescription for a controlled substance only if the treating provider confirms the accuracy of [...]

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Latest Action: 03/01/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law.

Bill Text
To make the moratorium on Internet access taxes and multiple and discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce permanent.

1/31/2007--Introduced.

Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act of 2007 - Amends the Internet Tax Freedom Act to make permanent the ban on state and local taxation of Internet access and on multiple or discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce.

Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Star Print ordered on the bill.

Bill Text
To protect users of the Internet from unknowing transmission of their personally identifiable information through spyware programs, and for other purposes. 6/6/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act or Spy Act - (Sec. 2) Makes it unlawful for any person who is not the owner or authorized user (user) of a protected computer (a computer exclusively for the use of a financial institution or the U.S. government, or a computer used in interstate or foreign commerce or communication) to engage in unfair or deceptive acts or practices in connection with specified conduct, including: (1) taking unsolicited control of the computer; (2) modifying computer settings; (3) collecting personally identifiable information; (4) inducing the owner or authorized user to disclose personally identifiable information; (5) inducing the unsolicited installation of computer software; and (6) removing or [...]

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Latest Action: 11/17/2008 - By Senator Leahy from Committee on the Judiciary filed written report. Report No. 110-521.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Controlled Substances Act to address online pharmacies. 4/1/2008--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to prohibit the delivery, distribution, or dispensing of controlled substances over the Internet without a valid prescription. Exempts telemedicine practitioners. Defines "valid prescription" as a prescription that is issued for a legitimate purpose by a practitioner who has conducted at least one in-person medical evaluation of the patient. Adds definitions to the Controlled Substances Act relating to online pharmacies and the issuance of prescriptions over the Internet.Imposes registration and reporting requirements on online pharmacies.Requires an online pharmacy to: (1) display on its Internet homepage a statement that it complies with the requirements of this Act; (2) comply [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 10/01/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10335)

Bill Text
A bill to regulate certain State and local taxation of electronic commerce, and for other purposes. 10/1/2008--Introduced. Prohibits a state from imposing any tax on electronic commerce (i.e., transactions conducted over the Internet or through Internet access) of any person unless that person has a physical presence in the state during the period to which such tax applies or is incorporated or domiciled in such state. Sets forth criteria for determining physical presence, including: (1) being physically in a state or assigning one or more employees to a state; (2) using the services of an agent to establish or maintain the electronic commerce in the state; or (3) leasing or owning tangible personal or real property in the state. Exempts from the definition of "physical presence" entering into an agreement to share revenue generated by the electronic commerce of another person, presence in the state for less than 15 days in a taxable year, and presence in a state [...]

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Latest Action: 10/03/2008 - Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 110-910.

Bill Text
To ensure that implementation of proposed regulations under subchapter IV of chapter 53 of title 31, United States Code, does not cause harm to the payments system, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 09/08/2008 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 945.

Bill Text
Making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. 8/1/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2009 - Title I: Department of Defense - Appropriates funds for FY2009 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force (military departments), DOD, the Army and Air National Guard, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing construction and related operation and maintenance for the military departments and DOD; (4) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund; (5) the Homeowners Assistance Fund; (6) chemical demilitarization construction; and (7) the Department of Defense [...]

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Latest Action: 06/16/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to prohibit text message spam. 6/16/2008--Introduced. Do-Not-Text Act of 2008 - Amends the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 to exclude from the definition of "mobile service commercial message" a commercial e-mail if the message's primary purpose is to: (1) facilitate, complete, or confirm a transaction between the message recipient and the sender; (2) provide warranty, recall, safety, or security information regarding the recipient's product or service; (3) provide notice of a change in terms or conditions, a change in the status of the recipient, or account statements regarding a subscription, membership, account, loan, or comparable ongoing commercial relationship; (4) provide information regarding an employment relationship or benefit plan in which the recipient is involved; or (5) deliver goods or services, including updates or upgrades, that the recipient is entitled to receive.Declares that provisions relating to the application of the Act to wireless do [...]

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Latest Action: 05/14/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4185-4186)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding oversight of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. 5/14/2008--Introduced. Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) it is critical that more progress be made by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in transparency, accountability, and security; (2) the private sector's success in Internet development is unparalleled and industry self-regulation must be assured through more effective ICANN contract compliance efforts; (3) WHOIS databases provide a vital tool for businesses, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and other law enforcement agencies to track down brand infringement, online fraud, identity theft, and other online illegal activity, as well as for consumers to determine the availability of domain names and communicate with online businesses; (4) increased international private sector participation in various ICANN processes should be encouraged; (5) the United [...]

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Latest Action: 04/09/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Bill Text
To establish a reward system to provide monetary awards to individuals who provide information relating to violations of the CAN-SPAM Act.

4/8/2008--Introduced.

Inform and Deter Spam Act or the ID Spam Act - Amends the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 to authorize the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), on it's motion or at it's direction, to add a civil penalty amount obtained for a violation of the Act to a fund to provide rewards to individuals who provide violation information.

Authorizes the CPSC, in its sole discretion, to grant a reward up to $100,000 to any individual who provided valuable violation information which resulted in a final court order against any violators. Declares that the receipt of a reward under this section does not constitute immunity from criminal liability. Makes it unlawful to provide false information. Authorizes regulations providing for procedures to protect informants' anonymity.

Latest Action: 02/25/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1126-1127)

Bill Text
A bill to prohibit the collection of identifying information of individuals by false, fraudulent, or deceptive means through the Internet, a practice known as "phishing", to provide the Federal Trade Commission the necessary authority to enforce such prohibition, and for other purposes. 2/25/2008--Introduced. Anti-Phishing Consumer Protection Act of 2008 or the APCPA - Makes it unlawful for a person to fraudulently: (1) solicit identifying information from a protected computer; (2) use a domain name in violation of the Trademark Act of 1946; (3) use a domain name in an electronic mail message, an instant message, or on a Web page; or (4) register a domain name in any domain name registration authority. Makes it unlawful for a domain name authority to replace or materially alter the contents of, or restrict access to, any domain name registrant's name or other identifying information in any domain name registration authority database if the authority has received written [...]

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Latest Action: 05/06/2008 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Bill Text
To establish broadband policy and direct the Federal Communications Commission to conduct a proceeding and public broadband summits to assess competition, consumer protection, and consumer choice issues relating to broadband Internet access services, and for other purposes. 2/12/2008--Introduced. Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2008 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to declare that it is U.S. policy to: (1) maintain the freedom to use broadband telecommunications networks, including the Internet, without unreasonable interference from or discrimination by network operators; (2) enable the United States to preserve its global leadership in online commerce and technological innovation; (3) promote the open and interconnected nature of broadband networks that enable consumers to reach, and service providers to offer, content, applications, and services of their choosing; and (4) guard against unreasonable discriminatory favoritism for, or degradation of, content by [...]

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Latest Action: 02/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Bill Text
To amend title 18, United States Code, and the Social Security Act to limit the misuse of Social Security numbers, to establish criminal penalties for such misuse, and for other purposes. 2/6/2008--Introduced. Social Security Number Misuse Prevention Act - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit the display, sale, or purchase of Social Security numbers without the affirmatively expressed consent of the individual, except in specified circumstances. Directs the Attorney General to study and report to Congress on all the uses of Social Security numbers permitted, required, authorized, or excepted under any federal law, including the impact of such uses on privacy and data security.Establishes a public records exception to the prohibition. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on Social Security numbers in public records. Grants the Attorney General rulemaking authority to enforce this Act's prohibition and to implement and clarify the permitted [...]

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Latest Action: 12/13/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Controlled Substances Act to prevent the abuse of dehydroepiandrosterone, and for other purposes.

12/13/2007--Introduced.

Dehydroepiandrosterone Abuse Reduction Act of 2007 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to impose civil penalties for knowingly selling, causing another to sell, or conspiring to sell a product containing dehydroepiandrosterone to an individual under the age of 18 years, including any such sale using the Internet.