Top Legislation - View All
Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Business, Communications, Congress, Congressional veto, Economic concentration, Executive departments, Independent regulatory commissions, Law, Newspapers, Radio stations, Telecommunication, Telecommunication industry, Television stations
Latest Action: 05/19/2008 - Received in the House. Bill TextA joint resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission with respect to broadcast media ownership. 5/15/2008--Passed Senate without amendment. (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Disapproves the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and received by Congress on February 22, 2008, relating to broadcast media ownership. Declares that the rule shall have no force or effect.
Also tagged in: Accounting, Administrative procedure, Auditing, Broadband, Budgets, Business, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Cost control, Criminal justice, Disabled, Emergency communication systems, Emergency management, Executive departments, Federal preemption, Finance, Fraud, Humanities, Independent regulatory commissions, Indians, Internet, Law, Libraries, Medical care, Minorities, Off-budget expenditures, Performance measurement, Rural affairs, Rural health, Standards, State and local government, State laws, Surveys, Technology, Telecommunication, Telecommunication industry, Telecommunication rates, Telephone, Territories (U.S.)
Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Bill TextA 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 [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Actions and defenses, Administrative procedure, Business, Business records, Civil liberties, Communications, Computer security measures, Consumer education, Consumers, Criminal justice, Damages, Data banks, Executive departments, Federal preemption, Federal Trade Commission, Fines (Penalties), Forfeiture, Government information, Government publicity, Independent regulatory commissions, Injunctions, Internet, Law, Limitation of actions, Local laws, Parties to actions, Public service advertising, Punitive damages, Restrictive trade practices, Right of privacy, State and local government, State laws, Technology, Telecommunication, Telephone
Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Bill TextA bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the unlawful acquisition and use of confidential customer proprietary network information, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Protecting Consumer Phone Records Act - Makes it unlawful to: (1) acquire or use customer proprietary network information without written consent; (2) represent that another person has consented in order to acquire such information; (3) obtain unauthorized access to certain systems or records in order to acquire such information; (4) sell or offer for sale such information; or (5) request that another person unlawfully obtain such information. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for a civil forfeiture penalty for violation of this Act. Imposes on IP-enabled voice service providers a duty to protect the confidentiality of specified proprietary information. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require each telecommunications carrier [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Actions and defenses, Banks and banking, Business, Child pornography, Child sexual abuse, Children, Civil liberties, Consumer education, Consumers, Credit unions, Criminal justice, Electronic mail systems, Executive departments, Federal Trade Commission, Finance, Fines (Penalties), Foreign banks and banking, Government information, Government publicity, Humanities, Identification devices, Independent regulatory commissions, Injunctions, International finance, Internet, Law, Libraries, Parties to actions, Pornography, Restrictive trade practices, Right of privacy, Savings and loan associations, Sentences (Criminal procedure), Social security, Social security numbers, Technology, Telecommunication, Telephone, Web sites
Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Bill TextA bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prevent the carriage of child pornography by video service providers, to protect children from online predators, and to restrict the sale or purchase of children's personal information in interstate commerce. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to issue regulations requiring video services to prevent child pornography. Amends the Crime Control Act of 1990 to triple the fines on providers of electronic communication services or remote computing services who knowingly and willfully fail to report child pornography. Requires warning labels for websites depicting sexually explicit material. 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 [...] show full description
Latest Action: 01/09/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Bill TextA bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. 1/9/2007--Introduced. Wireless Innovation Act of 2007 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete its proceeding and issue a final order in the Matter of Unlicensed Operation in the TV Broadcast Bands, ET Docket No. 04-186, which facilitates the operation of unlicensed devices in television white spaces.
Latest Action: 01/18/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Bill TextA bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding white spaces, and for other purposes. 1/18/2007--Introduced. White Spaces Act of 2007 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete its proceeding and issue a final order in the Matter of Unlicensed Operation in the TV Broadcast Bands, ET Docket No. 04-186 (concerning vacant, or "white space," spectrum between television channels) not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act or October 1, 2007.
Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Broadband, Electric power transmission, Emergency communication systems, Energy, Executive departments, Governmental investigations, Independent regulatory commissions, Internet, Law, Radio broadcasting, Technology, Telecommunication, Wireless communication
Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet. Bill TextTo request a study by the Federal Communications Commission on the interference caused by broadband internet transmission over power lines. 1/12/2007--Introduced. Emergency Amateur Radio Interference Protection Act of 2007 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to report to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation respecting the interference potential of systems that transmit broadband Internet services over power lines.
Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Congress, Congressional reporting requirements, Consumer education, Consumers, Disabled, Emergency communication systems, Emergency management, Executive departments, Government information, Government paperwork, Government publicity, Independent regulatory commissions, Internet, Law, Legislation, Planning, Politics and government, State and local government, State politics and government, Technology, Telecommunication, Telecommunication rates, Telephone
Latest Action: 02/27/2008 - Received in the House. Bill TextA 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 [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Business, Competition, Correctional institutions, Correctional personnel, Criminal justice, Debit cards, Executive departments, Federal preemption, Fees, Finance, Independent regulatory commissions, Law, Prisoners, Prisoners' rights, State and local government, State laws, Telecommunication, Telecommunication industry, Telephone, Telephone rates
Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet. Bill TextTo amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission to prescribe rules regulating inmate telephone service rates. 1/18/2007--Introduced. Family Telephone Connection Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to consider the following types of regulation of inmate telephone service: (1) prescribing a maximum uniform per-minute rate (paid to telephone service providers); (2) prescribing a maximum uniform service connection or other per-call rate; (3) prescribing variable maximum rates depending on factors such as carrier costs or the size of the correctional facility; (4) requiring providers of inmate telephone service to offer both collect calling and debit account services; (5) prohibiting the payment of commissions by such providers to administrators of correctional facilities; and (6) requiring such administrators to allow more than one service provider at a facility [...] show full description
Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Cable television, Children, Closed caption television, Executive departments, Families, Independent regulatory commissions, Law, Parent and child, Technology, Telecommunication, Television and children, Television programs, Video tape recording, Wireless communication
Latest Action: 03/03/2008 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Pryor with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-268. Bill TextA bill to develop the next generation of parental control technology. 3/3/2008--Reported to Senate amended. (There is 1 other summary) Child Safe Viewing Act of 2007 - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to initiate a notice of inquiry to consider measures to examine: (1) the existence and availability of advanced blocking technologies that are compatible with various communications devices or platforms; and (2) methods of encouraging the development, deployment, and use of such technology by parents that do not affect the packaging or pricing of a content provider's offering. Defines "advanced blocking technologies" as technologies that can improve or enhance the ability of a parent to protect his or her child from any indecent or objectionable video or audio programming, as determined by the parent, transmitted through wire, wireless, or radio communication.
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Latest Legislation - View All
Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Business, Communications, Congress, Congressional veto, Economic concentration, Executive departments, Independent regulatory commissions, Law, Newspapers, Radio stations, Telecommunication, Telecommunication industry, Television stations
Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Bill TextDisapproving the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission with respect to broadcast media ownership. 3/13/2008--Introduced. Disapproves the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and received by Congress on February 22, 2008, relating to broadcast media ownership.
Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Business, Communications, Congress, Congressional veto, Economic concentration, Executive departments, Independent regulatory commissions, Law, Newspapers, Radio stations, Telecommunication, Telecommunication industry, Television stations
Latest Action: 05/19/2008 - Received in the House. Bill TextA joint resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission with respect to broadcast media ownership. 5/15/2008--Passed Senate without amendment. (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Disapproves the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and received by Congress on February 22, 2008, relating to broadcast media ownership. Declares that the rule shall have no force or effect.
Latest Action: 12/13/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Bill TextA bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prevent the granting of regulatory forbearance by default. 12/13/2007--Introduced. Protecting Consumers through Proper Forbearance Procedures Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant or deny, within one year, a petition by one or more telecommunications carriers or classes of carriers requesting that the FCC forbear from applying any regulation or provision under the Act. (Current law deems such a petition granted if not denied within one year.)
Latest Action: 12/06/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Bill TextTo amend the Communications Act of 1934, and increase consumer freedom of choice in the video marketplace. 12/6/2007--Introduced. Consumer Freedom of Choice in Cable Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to remove provisions authorizing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), when cable systems with at least 36 channels are available to 70% of U.S. households and are subscribed to by 70% of households to which such systems are available (sometimes referred to as the 70/70 rule), to promulgate additional rules necessary to provide diversity of information sources.
Latest Action: 12/05/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Bill TextA bill to require the Federal Communications Commission to either grant or deny a Petition for Reconsideration within 1 year after such Petition is first submitted. 12/5/2007--Introduced. Efficiency in Decision Making Act of 2007 - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to make a decision that either grants or denies a Petition for Reconsideration and issue a Memorandum Opinion and Order not later than one year after the submission of the petition. Deems a petition granted if the FCC fails to act within that time limit.
Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Business, Communications, Competition, Executive departments, Independent regulatory commissions, Law, Licenses, Newspapers, Radio stations, Telecommunication, Television industry, Television stations
Latest Action: 11/14/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet. Bill TextTo amend the Communications Act of 1934 to reduce restrictions on media ownership, and for other purposes. 11/13/2007--Introduced. Broadcast Ownership for the 21st Century Act - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to modify current cross-ownership limitations by eliminating provisions limiting the granting or renewal of an AM or FM radio or television broadcast license to any party on the basis of the ownership, operation, or control of a daily newspaper.
Also tagged in: Administrative procedure, Business, Communications, Culture, Economic concentration, Executive departments, Government information, Government publicity, Governmental investigations, Humanities, Independent regulatory commissions, Journalism, Law, Minorities, Minorities in mass media, Minority business enterprises, Newspapers, Radio journalism, Radio programs, Radio stations, Telecommunication, Telecommunication industry, Television programs, Television stations, Women, Women in business
Latest Action: 12/04/2007 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Date of scheduled consideration. SR-253. 2:30 p.m. Bill TextA bill to promote transparency in the adoption of new media ownership rules by the Federal Communications Commission, and to establish an independent panel to make recommendations on how to increase the representation of women and minorities in broadcast media ownership. 11/8/2007--Introduced. Media Ownership Act of 2007 - Amends the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in changing any of its regulations related to broadcast ownership, to publish notice in the Federal Register for least 90 days, followed by at least 60 days for public comment, followed by at least 30 days to reply to comments. Applies those requirements to any any changes related to broadcast and newspaper ownership made after October 1, 2007. Requires the FCC, before voting on any change in broadcast and newspaper ownership rules, to complete a separate rulemaking to promote the broadcast of local programming and content by broadcasters, including radio [...] show full description
Latest Action: 11/01/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13701-13702) Bill TextA bill to prohibit an applicant from obtaining a low-power FM license if an applicant has engaged in any manner in the unlicensed operation of any station in violation of section 301 of the Communications Act of 1934. 11/1/2007--Introduced. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to modify its rules authorizing the operation of low-power FM stations to prohibit any applicant from obtaining a low-power license if the applicant has engaged in any manner in the unlicensed operation of any station.
Latest Action: 10/23/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet. Bill TextTo amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prevent the granting of regulatory forbearance by default. 10/22/2007--Introduced. Protecting Consumers through Proper Forbearance Procedures Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant or deny, within one year, a petition by one or more telecommunications carriers or classes of carriers requesting that the FCC forbear from applying any regulation or provision under the Act. (Current law deems such a petition granted if not denied within one year.)
Latest Action: 12/17/2007 - The committee substitute as amended agreed to by Unanimous Consent. Bill TextA bill to amend the Do-Not-Call Implementation Act to eliminate the automatic removal of telephone numbers registered on the Federal "do-not-call" registry. 12/17/2007--Passed Senate amended. (There is 1 other summary) Do-Not-Call Improvement Act of 2007 - Prohibits having a specific expiration period for numbers in the do-not-call registry of the Telemarketing Sales Rule. Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to reinstate the registration of any telephone number that was removed from the registry before enactment of this Act under an FTC rule or practice requiring the removal of a telephone number from the registry five years after its registration. Authorizes the FTC to check telephone numbers listed on the do-not-call registry against national databases periodically and purge numbers that have been disconnected and reassigned. Requires the FTC to report to Congress on FTC efforts taken after enactment of this Act to improve [...] show full description
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