All Wireless communication Legislation - Federal Government
S.3420 - A bill to require the Federal Communications Commission to auction spectrum for a free and open access wireless service.
Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Bill Text A bill to require the Federal Communications Commission to auction spectrum for a free and open access wireless service. 8/1/2008--Introduced. Open Wireless Internet Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promote nationwide broadband competition through the use of wireless services by issuing nationwide licenses, for a term of at least 15 years, for two bands of frequencies, each composed of 20 megahertz of unpaired contiguous spectrum, one band under 3 gigahertz and not part of the recovered analog spectrum and the other band between 2155 and 2180 megahertz. Requires the FCC to ensure that licensees of spectrum obtained under these provisions are fully protected from, and fully protect, licensees of adjacent spectrum from harmful interference, including receiver overload and excessive out-of-band emissions. Requires licensees, among other things, to offer to consumers and authorized public safety [...] show full description Comment on Bill H.R.6702 - To impose requirements with regard to border searches of digital electronic devices and digital storage media, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 09/29/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism. Bill Text To impose requirements with regard to border searches of digital electronic devices and digital storage media, and for other purposes. 7/31/2008--Introduced. Securing Our Borders and Our Data Act of 2008 - Sets forth rules for the search or seizure at a U.S. border of digital electronic devices or digital storage media. Prohibits a search of the digital contents of such devices or media unless such search is based on: (1) a reasonable suspicion regarding the owner of such devices or media; and (2) an independent constitutional authority to make a seizure (other than the authority for border searches). Requires officers at U.S. borders to receive appropriate training to make searches of digital devices or media to minimize the possibility of irreparable damage to such devices or media. Allows the owners of such devices and media to request that searches be conducted out of public view. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) make rules regarding border [...] show full description S.3249 - A bill to restrict any State or local jurisdiction from imposing a new discriminatory tax on mobile wireless communications services, providers, or property.
Latest Action: 07/10/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6571) Bill Text A bill to restrict any State or local jurisdiction from imposing a new discriminatory tax on mobile wireless communications services, providers, or property. 7/10/2008--Introduced.
Mobile Wireless Tax Fairness Act of 2008 - Prohibits states or local governments from imposing any new discriminatory tax on mobile services, mobile service providers, or mobile service property for five years after the enactment of this Act. Defines "new discriminatory tax" as a tax imposed on mobile services, providers, or property that is not generally imposed on other types of services or property, or that is generally imposed at a lower rate. S.3182 - An original bill making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, science, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 06/23/2008 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Mikulski. With written report No. 110-397. Bill Text An original bill making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, science, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. 6/23/2008--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.)Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 -Makes appropriations for FY2009 for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, for science-related programs, and related agencies.Title I: Department of Commerce - Department of Commerce Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Commerce for FY2009 for: (1) the International Trade Administration; (2) the Bureau of Industry and Security; (3) the Economic Development Administration; (4) the Minority Business Development Agency; (5) economic [...] show full description 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 [...] show full description S.2998 - A bill to require accurate and reasonable disclosure of the terms and conditions of prepaid telephone calling cards and services, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 09/10/2008 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Hearings held. Bill Text A bill to require accurate and reasonable disclosure of the terms and conditions of prepaid telephone calling cards and services, and for other purposes. 5/8/2008--Introduced. Prepaid Calling Card Consumer Protection Act of 2008 - Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to require every prepaid telephone calling service provider and prepaid telephone calling card distributor to disclose certain information, including: (1) the number of calling units or minutes of domestic interstate calls provided or the dollar value and the domestic interstate rate per minute; (2) the calling unit or per minute rates for all served international preferred destinations; (3) the applicable per minute rates for all served international destinations; (4) all terms and conditions, including regarding fees, policies on refunds, recharges, decrements, and expiration, and time imitations; and (5) a toll-free customer service number and hours. Makes it unlawful to: (1) deduct anything but [...] show full description Latest Action: 06/12/2008 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 779. Bill Text To reauthorize Amtrak, and for other purposes. 6/11/2008--Passed House amended. (There are 2 other summaries) Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 - Title I: Authorizations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2013 for: (1) Amtrak capital and operating grants, including capital grants to states, to the Amtrak Office of the Inspector General, and for accessibility improvements and barrier removal for individuals with disabilities; (2) Amtrak repayment of long-term debt and capital leases; and (3) the rail cooperative research program. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009 for grants to Amtrak and states participating in the Next Generation Corridor Train Equipment Pool Committee. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to withhold up to one-half of 1% of certain funds for the costs of project management oversight of capital projects carried out by Amtrak.(Sec. 102) Authorizes appropriations for costs [...] show full description H.R.5846 - To require the Federal Communications Commission to auction spectrum for a free and open access broadband service.
Latest Action: 04/17/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E651) Bill Text To require the Federal Communications Commission to auction spectrum for a free and open access broadband service. 4/17/2008--Introduced. Wireless Internet Nationwide for Families Act of 2008 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promote nationwide broadband competition through the use of wireless services by issuing nationwide licenses, for a term of at least 15 years, for two bands of frequencies, each composed of 20 megahertz of unpaired contiguous spectrum, one band under 3 gigahertz and not part of the recovered analog spectrum and the other band between 2155 and 2180 megahertz. Requires licensees, among other things, to offer to consumers and authorized public safety users, without subscription, airtime, usage, or other charges, a data service that is faster than 200 kilobits per second and that has technology that protects underage users from accessing obscene or indecent material. Requires a [...] show full description H.R.5806 - To permit universal service support to schools under the Communications Act of 1934 to be used for enhanced emergency notification services.
Latest Action: 04/16/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet. Bill Text To permit universal service support to schools under the Communications Act of 1934 to be used for enhanced emergency notification services. 4/15/2008--Introduced.
School Emergency Notification Deployment Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish competitively neutral rules to permit universal service support to public and nonprofit elementary and secondary schools to be used for a communications service or system that can be used by school administrators and other public officials to deliver emergency messages to students and their parents, faculty, and staff, and their designated emergency contacts, via messages carried over telecommunications and information services, including those transmitted by providers of commercial mobile service. H.R.5788 - To amend title 49, United States Code, to establish prohibitions against voice communications using a mobile communications device on commercial airline flights, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 09/28/2008 - Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation. H. Rept. 110-900. Bill Text To amend title 49, United States Code, to establish prohibitions against voice communications using a mobile communications device on commercial airline flights, and for other purposes. 9/28/2008--Reported to House amended. (There is 1 other summary)
Halting Airplane Noise to Give Us Peace Act of 2008 - Prohibits any individual (except flight crew members, flight attendants, or federal law enforcement officers) from engaging in voice communications using a mobile communications device on a passenger aircraft during a flight. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to require all domestic and foreign air carriers to adopt this prohibition. Authorizes the Secretary to waive this prohibition for air carriers of foreign countries that have negotiated an alternative prohibition on voice communications using such devices during a flight. H.R.5793 - To restrict any State or local jurisdiction from imposing a new discriminatory tax on cell phone services, providers, or property.
Latest Action: 04/28/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law. Bill Text To restrict any State or local jurisdiction from imposing a new discriminatory tax on cell phone services, providers, or property. 4/15/2008--Introduced.
Cell Tax Fairness Act of 2008 - Prohibits states or local governments from imposing any new discriminatory tax on mobile services, mobile service providers, or mobile service property for five years after the enactment of this Act. Defines "new discriminatory tax" as a tax imposed on mobile services, providers, or property that is not generally imposed on other types of services or property, or that is generally imposed at a lower rate. H.R.5769 - To direct the Federal Trade Commission to revise the Telemarketing Sales Rule to explicitly prohibit the sending of a text message containing an unsolicited advertisement to a cellular telephone number listed on the national do-not-call registry.
Latest Action: 04/14/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. Bill Text To direct the Federal Trade Commission to revise the Telemarketing Sales Rule to explicitly prohibit the sending of a text message containing an unsolicited advertisement to a cellular telephone number listed on the national do-not-call registry. 4/10/2008--Introduced. Stop M-Spam Abuse as a Sales industry Habit Act of 2008 or the SMASH Act of 2008 - Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to issue regulations to revise the Telemarketing Sales Rule to explicitly prohibit, as an abusive telemarketing act or practice, the sending of any electronic commercial message containing an unsolicited advertisement to a telephone number that is assigned to a commercial mobile service and listed on the FTC's do-not-call registry. Prohibits interpreting anything in this Act to preclude or override the applicability of specified provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 or the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 or rules prescribed under specified provisions of the Telemarketing and Consumer [...] show full description H.R.5735 - To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education to disclose their emergency response and evacuation procedures.
Latest Action: 04/09/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor. Bill Text To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education to disclose their emergency response and evacuation procedures. 4/9/2008--Introduced.
Virginia Tech Victims Campus Emergency Response Policy and Notification Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require schools participating in title IV student assistance programs to include current campus policies regarding immediate emergency response and evacuation procedures in their required annual security reports to current and prospective students and staff. Requires such procedures to include: (1) notifying students and staff within 30 minutes after confirmation that an emergency exists on campus or public property; and (2) testing such procedures annually. H.R.5719 - 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.
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 S.2668 - A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to remove cell phones from listed property under section 280F.
Latest Action: 02/26/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1203) Bill Text A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to remove cell phones from listed property under section 280F. 2/26/2008--Introduced.
Modernize Our Bookkeeping In the Law for Employee's Cell Phone Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove certain limitations on the tax deduction for employee use of cellular telephones. S.2640 - A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance and improve insurance, housing, labor and education, and other benefits for veterans, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 02/14/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Bill Text A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance and improve insurance, housing, labor and education, and other benefits for veterans, and for other purposes. 2/14/2008--Introduced. Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2008 - Revises veterans' insurance benefits matters to: (1) direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to grant level-premium term life insurance to certain service-disabled veterans; (2) increase the maximum amount of supplemental service disabled veterans' insurance for totally disabled veterans; (3) provide retroactive traumatic injury coverage under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program for certain members of the Armed Forces who incurred a traumatic injury in the line of duty; (4) provide for the designation of a recipient of funds for traumatic injury coverage when the member is mentally incapacitated or experiencing an extended loss of consciousness; and (5) increase the maximum loan guarantee amount under the veterans' [...] show full description H.R.5450 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to remove cell phones from listed property under section 280F.
Latest Action: 02/14/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. Bill Text To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to remove cell phones from listed property under section 280F. 2/14/2008--Introduced.
Modernize Our Bookkeeping In the Law for Employee's Cell Phone Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove certain limitations on the tax deduction for employee use of cellular telephones. H.R.4835 - 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.
Latest Action: 12/18/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Bill Text 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. 12/18/2007--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 and [...] show full description S.2454 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to protect the privacy rights of subscribers to wireless communications services.
Latest Action: 12/12/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Bill Text A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to protect the privacy rights of subscribers to wireless communications services. 12/12/2007--Introduced. Wireless 411 Privacy Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit a provider of commercial mobile services, or any affiliate or agent of such provider (provider), from including the wireless telephone number (wireless number) of any subscriber in any wireless directory assistance service (WDAS) database unless the provider: (1) provides a conspicuous, separate notice to the subscriber of the right not be listed in any WDAS; and (2) obtains express prior listing authorization from such subscriber, and that authorization has not been withdrawn. Requires a provider to remove the wireless number of any subscriber from a WDAS upon request of that subscriber and without subscriber cost. Provides limited circumstances under which a provider may connect a calling party from a WDAS to a commercial mobile service subscriber.[...] show full description S.2361 - A bill to ensure the privacy of wireless telephone numbers, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Bill Text A bill to ensure the privacy of wireless telephone numbers, and for other purposes. 11/15/2007--Introduced.
Cell Phone Number Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit, without the express prior written authorization of each person involved: (1) selling or otherwise disseminating the wireless telephone information of any individual; or (2) publishing, marketing for sale, or otherwise disseminating any directory, index, or other list of the wireless telephone information of individuals. Allows more stringent state laws. H.R.4137 - To amend and extend the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 08/31/2008 - Cleared for White House. Bill Text To amend and extend the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes. 8/14/2008--Public Law. (There are 4 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since the Conference Report was filed in the House on July 30, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Higher Education Opportunity Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise and reauthorize HEA programs. Title I: General Provisions - (Sec. 101) Revises the general definition of an institution of higher education (IHE) to include schools that: (1) admit students whose secondary education was conducted in a home school setting; (2) award degrees (not necessarily bachelor's degrees) that are acceptable for admission to a graduate or professional degree program; and (3) enroll students who will be dually or concurrently enrolled in a secondary school. (Sec. 102) Revises the definition of an IHE for purposes of title [...] show full description H.R.4094 - To amend the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 to modify the minimum standards required for the electronic monitoring units used in the pilot program for monitoring sexual offenders.
Latest Action: 12/03/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. Bill Text To amend the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 to modify the minimum standards required for the electronic monitoring units used in the pilot program for monitoring sexual offenders. 11/6/2007--Introduced.
Amends the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 to revise the minimum standards, under a pilot program, for electronic monitoring of sex offenders to eliminate requirements that the tracking device: (1) contain cellular technology in a single unit; and (2) provide two- and three-way voice communication. S.2263 - A bill to require the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish an initiative to promote the research, development, and demonstration of miner tracking and communications systems and to promote the establishment of standards and other measurement services regarding underground communications to protect miners in the United States.
Latest Action: 10/30/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Bill Text A bill to require the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish an initiative to promote the research, development, and demonstration of miner tracking and communications systems and to promote the establishment of standards and other measurement services regarding underground communications to protect miners in the United States. 10/30/2007--Introduced. Mine Communications Technology Innovation Act - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish a program of research, development, and demonstration that includes the establishment of best practices, adaptation of existing technology, and efforts to accelerate the development of next generation technology and tracking systems for mine communications. Requires the Director to coordinate with federal agencies and industry to evaluate areas of research and development and best practices that will be most promising in protecting miner safety.Authorizes [...] show full description H.R.3877 - To require the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish an initiative to promote the research, development, and demonstration of miner tracking and communications systems and to promote the establishment of standards and other measurement services regarding underground communications to protect miners in the United States.
Latest Action: 10/30/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Bill Text To require the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish an initiative to promote the research, development, and demonstration of miner tracking and communications systems and to promote the establishment of standards and other measurement services regarding underground communications to protect miners in the United States. 10/29/2007--Passed House amended. (There are 2 other summaries) Mine Communications Technology Innovation Act - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish a program of research, development, and demonstration, including the establishment of best practices, adaptation of existing technology, and efforts to accelerate the development of next generation technology and tracking systems for mine communications.Requires the Director to evaluate areas of research and development and best practices that will be most promising in protecting miner safety.[...] show full description S.2171 - 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.
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. H.R.3789 - To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit certain disclosures of cell phone numbers.
Latest Action: 11/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. Bill Text To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit certain disclosures of cell phone numbers. 10/9/2007--Introduced.
Consumer Cellphone Number Distribution Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to six months for knowingly disclosing a wireless subscriber's unlisted cell phone number to another, for gain, without the express permission of such subscriber. H.R.3786 - To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to allow individuals called to military service to terminate telecommunications contracts entered into before the individual receives notice of a permanent change of station or deployment orders.
Latest Action: 06/19/2008 - Subcommittee Hearings Held. Bill Text To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to allow individuals called to military service to terminate telecommunications contracts entered into before the individual receives notice of a permanent change of station or deployment orders. 10/9/2007--Introduced. Servicemembers Telecom Contract Relief Act - Allows a person in military service to terminate a telecommunications contract for cellular phone service, cable or satellite television service, or internet service at any time after: (1) entry into military service; or (2) the date of the station or deployment orders. Requires for termination that: (1) the contract is executed by or on behalf of a person who thereafter and during the term of the contract enters military service (or receives order to enter military service) under an order specifying a period of not less than 90 days (or who enters military service under an order specifying a period of 90 days or less and who, without a break in service, receives [...] show full description H.R.3565 - To require rate integration for wireless interstate toll charges.
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. S.2046 - A bill to establish a pilot program for police departments to use anonymous texts from citizens to augment their anonymous tip hotlines.
Latest Action: 09/12/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Bill Text A bill to establish a pilot program for police departments to use anonymous texts from citizens to augment their anonymous tip hotlines. 9/12/2007--Introduced.
Text a Tip Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to state or local police departments to implement an anonymous tip program using cell phone text messaging to assist police in preventing and solving crimes. </ |
