Latest Action: 07/30/2008 - S.AMDT.5254 Referred to the Committee on Finance. To make a technical correction.

Bill Text
A bill to provide tax relief for the victims of severe storms, tornados, and flooding in the Midwest, and for other purposes. 7/23/2008--Introduced. Midwestern Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits to individuals affected by presidentially-declared natural disasters (i.e., severe storms, tornadoes, or flooding) in the states of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin on or after May 20, 2008, and before August 1, 2008 (Midwestern disaster area).Makes specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, which currently apply only to residents of the Gulf Opportunity Zone and the Hurricane Katrina disaster area, applicable to the Midwestern disaster area, including: (1) tax-exempt bond financing, the low-income housing tax credit, accelerated depreciation and increased expensing of business assets, an increase in the rehabilitation tax credit, extended carryback [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 07/10/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand the Coverdell education savings accounts to allow home school education expenses, and for other purposes.

7/10/2008--Introduced.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) payment of home school expenses from Coverdell education savings accounts; and (2) an annual inflation adjustment after 2008 to the contribution limit amount for such accounts.

Makes permanent provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 relating to Coverdell education savings accounts, including an increase in the contribution limit amount for such accounts.

Latest Action: 07/10/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow expenses relating to all home schools to be qualified education expenses for purposes of a Coverdell education savings account.

7/10/2008--Introduced.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow payment of home school expenses from Coverdell education savings accounts.

Latest Action: 06/12/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5595-5597)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain expiring provisions, and for other purposes. 6/12/2008--Introduced. Energy Independence and Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend various provisions relating to energy production and conservation and to individual and business-related activities.Extends through 2009 the tax credit for producing electricity from wind facilities and through 2011 for closed and open-loop biomass, geothermal, small irrigation, hydropower, landfill gas, and trash combustion facilities. Includes marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a renewable resource for purposes of such tax credit. Extends through 2014: (1) the energy tax credits for solar energy, fuel cell, and microturbine property; and (2) the residential energy efficient property tax credit. Allows a new investment tax credit for combined heat and power system property.Provides funding for new clean renewable energy [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 06/26/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide individuals temporary relief from the alternative minimum tax, and for other purposes. 6/25/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Title I: Individual Tax Relief - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend through 2008 the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts; and (2) extend through 2008 the offset of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and AMT tax liability.Title II: Revenue Provisions- (Sec. 201) Defines an "investment services partnership interest" as any interest in a partnership held by a person who provides services to a partnership by: (1) advising the partnership about investing in, purchasing, or selling specified assets; (2) managing, acquiring, or disposing of specified assets; or (3) arranging financing with respect to acquiring specified assets.[...]

show full description
Latest Action: 06/09/2008 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 771.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain expiring provisions, and for other purposes. 6/6/2008--Introduced. Alternative Minimum Tax and Extenders Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend expiring provisions relating to the alternative minimum tax, individual and business taxpayers, energy conservation, and tax administration. Extends through 2008 for individual taxpayers: (1) the offset of nonrefundable personal tax credits against regular and alternative minimum tax (AMT) liabilities; and (2) the increased AMT exemption amounts. Extends through 2009: (1) the election to deduct state and local sales taxes in lieu of state and local income taxes; (2) the tax deductions for qualified tuition and related expenses and for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers; (3) tax-free distributions from individual retirement accounts (IRAs) for charitable purposes; and (4) tax rules for treatment of [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 07/29/2008 - Motion by Senator Reid to reconsider the vote by which cloture was not invoked on the motion to proceed to the measure [Record Vote Number 150] agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7594)

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, to provide individual income tax relief, and for other purposes. 5/21/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on May 20, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.)Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend expiring tax provisions, and to extend tax benefits to individual and business taxpayers. Title I: Energy Tax Incentives - Subtitle A: Energy Production Incentives - Part I: Renewable Energy Incentives - (Sec. 101) Extends: (1) through 2009 the tax credit for producing electricity from qualified wind facilities; and (2) through 2011 the tax credits for producing electricity [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 04/17/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3156-3157)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to amend certain expiring provisions. 4/17/2008--Introduced. Alternative Minimum Tax and Extenders Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend expiring provisions relating to the alternative minimum tax, individual and business taxpayers, energy conservation, and tax administration. Extends through 2008 for individual taxpayers: (1) the offset of nonrefundable personal tax credits against alternative minimum tax (AMT) liability; and (2) increased AMT exemption amounts.Extends through 2009: (1) the election to include combat zone compensation as earned income for purposes of the earned income tax credit; (2) tax-free distributions from individual retirement plans (IRAs) for individuals called or ordered to active military duty and for charitable purposes; (3) the election to deduct state and local sales taxes in lieu of state and local income taxes; (4) the tax deductions for qualified tuition [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 04/17/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3155-3156)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand the availability of industrial development bonds to facilities manufacturing intangible property.

4/17/2008--Introduced.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) qualify manufacturing facilities that create intangible property for tax-exempt bond financing; and (2) revise the definition of "manufacturing facility" for purposes of certain limitations on tax-exempt bond financing to include facilities which are functionally related and subordinate to a manufacturing facility.

Latest Action: 04/16/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to conform return preparer penalty standards, delay implementation of withholding taxes on government contractors, enhance taxpayer protections, assist low-income taxpayers, and for other purposes. 4/15/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the standards for imposing penalties on tax return preparers for understatements of tax to require: (1) substantial authority for a position with respect to an item on a tax return if such position was not disclosed with the return; and (2) a reasonable basis for a position that was disclosed with the return. Requires tax return preparers to have a reasonable belief that a position with respect to a tax shelter or a reportable transaction (a transaction having a potential for tax avoidance or evasion) will more likely than not be sustained on [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to strengthen and permanently preserve social security. 3/13/2008--Introduced. Saving Social Security Act of 2008 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part B (Investment-Based Social Security) outlining a new program to allow any individual born on or after January 1, 1963, and meeting certain criteria, to receive Social Security benefits from a portion of their wages or self-employment income that has been contributed to a designated Social Security savings account for employees (SAFE Account) for investment. Guarantees a total monthly benefit to be not less than the monthly benefit promised under the current OASDI program (which is redesignated as part A (Debt-Based Social Security)). Allows certain individuals to elect to waive SAFE account eligibility. Establishes in the Treasury a SAFE Investment Fund which shall be maintained in the same manner as the Thrift Savings Fund (for [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 03/11/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1878-1879)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for disability savings accounts, and for other purposes. 3/11/2008--Introduced. Disability Savings Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax exemption for disability savings accounts that have a value of $250,000 or less and are established for beneficiaries under the age of 65 who are blind or disabled.Allows tax-free distributions from such accounts for certain services provided to account beneficiaries, including education services, respite care, clothing, therapy, nutritional management, and funeral and burial expenses.Allows tax credits for contributions of up to $2,000 made to a disability savings account and for certain entities that maintain disability savings accounts.Permits disability savings accounts to be disregarded in determining eligibility for Medicaid benefits and certain other means-tested federal programs.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 05/08/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A bill to authorize certain programs and activities in the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy, to implement further the Act approving the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America, to amend the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003, and for other purposes. 5/8/2008--Public Law.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.)Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 - Title I: Forest Service Authorizations - (Sec. 101) Designates certain lands in the Skykomish River Valley, Washington, as the Wild Sky Wilderness, to be managed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Directs the Secretary to establish a trail plan. Authorizes the use of helicopter access to construct and maintain a joint [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 03/11/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the establishment of financial security accounts for the care of family members with disabilities, and for other purposes.

3/11/2008--Introduced.

Financial Security Accounts for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2008- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish tax-exempt financial security accounts for individuals with disabilities to pay certain expenses of such individuals, including expenses for education, medical care, and employment training.

Allows individual taxpayers a tax deduction, up to $2,000 per year, for cash contributions to such an account.

Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit the disregard of financial security accounts for disabled individuals in determining eligibility for Medicaid benefits. Permits the disregard of amounts in such accounts for purposes of determining eligibility for certain means-tested federal programs.

Latest Action: 02/25/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1139-1140)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to encourage investment in affordable housing, and for other purposes. 2/25/2008--Introduced. Affordable Housing Investment Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise and enhance tax incentives for investment in affordable housing, including by: (1) renaming the low-income housing tax credit as the affordable housing credit; (2) revising the applicable percentage rates for such credit; (3) increasing the amount of such credit for low-income buildings that are part of state-designated projects; (4) revising rules for the treatment of scattered site and rural residential rental housing projects; (5) permitting affordable housing credits for federally-assisted moderate rehabilitation developments; (6) allowing an offset against alternative minimum tax liability for affordable housing tax credit amounts; (7) exempting interest on certain exempt private activity bonds, qualified mortgage revenue bonds, qualified veterans' [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 02/14/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1059-1061)

Bill Text
A bill to establish a national renewable energy standard, to extend and create renewable energy tax incentives, and for other purposes. 2/14/2008--Introduced. American Renewable Energy Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require that electric utilities that sell electricity to consumers generate or purchase a specified percentage (increasing from 2% in 2010 to 20% in 2024) of their electricity from renewable resources (e.g., solar, wind, geothermal, ocean, biomass, landfill gas, or incremental hydropower or geothermal energy).Renewable Energy Tax Incentives Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for investment in renewable energy sources and conversation, including by: (1) extending the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources, the energy tax credit, the small ethanol producer tax credit, and the tax credits for investment in clean new renewable energy bonds, biodiesel used as fuel,[...]

show full description
Latest Action: 02/14/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1061-1063)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to improve programs carried out through youth opportunity grants, and for other purposes. 2/14/2008--Introduced. Supporting Training and Employment Potential for Underemployed Populations Act, or the STEP UP Act - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to revise Youth Opportunity Grant Program requirements to direct the Secretary of Labor to make grants to local boards and eligible entities to carry out programs that provide job training and employment activities and related services to youth and young adults (allows up to 25% of funds to be made available for hard-to-serve young adults) as defined in this Act who live in empowerment zones, enterprise communities, or high poverty areas. Earned Income Tax Credit Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to revise requirements with respect to the earned income tax credit, including to increase the maximum earned income tax credit [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 03/17/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law.

Bill Text
To provide that no tax or fee may be imposed on certain coins and bullion.

2/13/2008--Introduced.

Tax-Free Gold Act of 2008 - Prohibits the imposition of tax on any