15 U.S.C. § 2805 (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 55: PETROLEUM MARKETING PRACTICES / Subchapter I: FRANCHISE PROTECTION / Section 2805: Enforcement provisions
Enforcement provisions
Status: in_force

(a) Maintenance of civil action by franchisee against franchisor; jurisdiction and venue; time for commencement of action

If a franchisor fails to comply with the requirements of section 2802, 2803, or 2807 of this title, the franchisee may maintain a civil action against such franchisor. Such action may be brought, without regard to the amount in controversy, in the district court of the United States in any judicial district in which the principal place of business of such franchisor is located or in which such franchisee is doing business, except that no such action may be maintained unless commenced within 1 year after the later of—

(1) the date of termination of the franchise or nonrenewal of the franchise relationship; or

(2) the date the franchisor fails to comply with the requirements of section 2802, 2803, or 2807 of this title.

(b) Equitable relief by court; bond requirements; grounds for nonexercise of court's equitable powers

(1) In any action under subsection (a), the court shall grant such equitable relief as the court determines is necessary to remedy the effects of any failure to comply with the requirements of section 2802, 2803, or 2807 of this title, including declaratory judgment, mandatory or prohibitive injunctive relief, and interim equitable relief.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (3), in any action under subsection (a), the court shall grant a preliminary injunction if—

(A) the franchisee shows—

(i) the franchise of which he is a party has been terminated or the franchise relationship of which he is a party has not been renewed, and

(ii) there exist sufficiently serious questions going to the merits to make such questions a fair ground for litigation; and

(B) the court determines that, on balance, the hardships imposed upon the franchisor by the issuance of such preliminary injunctive relief will be less than the hardship which would be imposed upon such franchisee if such preliminary injunctive relief were not granted.

(3) Nothing in this subsection prevents any court from requiring the franchisee in any action under subsection (a) to post a bond, in an amount established by the court, prior to the issuance or continuation of any equitable relief.

(4) In any action under subsection (a), the court need not exercise its equity powers to compel continuation or renewal of the franchise relationship if such action was commenced—

(A) more than 90 days after the date on which notification pursuant to section 2804(a) of this title was posted or personally delivered to the franchisee;

(B) more than 180 days after the date on which notification pursuant to section 2804(b)(2) of this title was posted or personally delivered to the franchisee; or

(C) more than 30 days after the date on which the termination of such franchise or the nonrenewal of such franchise relationship takes effect if less than 90 days notification was provided pursuant to section 2804(b)(1) of this title.

(c) Burden of proof; burden of going forward with evidence

In any action under subsection (a), the franchisee shall have the burden of proving the termination of the franchise or the nonrenewal of the franchise relationship. The franchisor shall bear the burden of going forward with evidence to establish as an affirmative defense that such termination or nonrenewal was permitted under section 2802(b) or 2803 of this title, and, if applicable, that such franchisor complied with the requirements of section 2802(d) of this title.

(d) Actual and exemplary damages and attorney and expert witness fees to franchisee; determination by court of right to exemplary damages and amount; attorney and expert witness fees to franchisor for frivolous actions

(1) If the franchisee prevails in any action under subsection (a), such franchisee shall be entitled—

(A) consistent with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, to actual damages;

(B) in the case of any such action which is based upon conduct of the franchisor which was in willful disregard of the requirements of section 2802, 2803, or 2807 of this title, or the rights of the franchisee thereunder, to exemplary damages, where appropriate; and

(C) to reasonable attorney and expert witness fees to be paid by the franchisor, unless the court determines that only nominal damages are to be awarded to such franchisee, in which case the court, in its discretion, need not direct that such fees be paid by the franchisor.

(2) The question of whether to award exemplary damages and the amount of any such award shall be determined by the court and not by a jury.

(3) In any action under subsection (a), the court may, in its discretion, direct that reasonable attorney and expert witness fees be paid by the franchisee if the court finds that such action is frivolous.

(e) Discretionary power of court to compel continuation or renewal of franchise relationship; grounds for noncompulsion; right of franchisee to actual damages and attorney and expert witness fees unaffected

(1) In any action under subsection (a) with respect to a failure of a franchisor to renew a franchise relationship in compliance with the requirements of section 2802 of this title, the court may not compel a continuation or renewal of the franchise relationship if the franchisor demonstrates to the satisfaction of the court that—

(A) the basis for such nonrenewal is a determination made by the franchisor in good faith and in the normal course of business—

(i) to convert the leased marketing premises to a use other than the sale or distribution of motor fuel,

(ii) to materially alter, add to, or replace such premises,

(iii) to sell such premises,

(iv) to withdraw from the marketing of motor fuel through retail outlets in the relevant geographic market area in which the marketing premises are located, or

(v) that renewal of the franchise relationship is likely to be uneconomical to the franchisor despite any reasonable changes or reasonable additions to the provisions of the franchise which may be acceptable to the franchisee; and

(B) the requirements of section 2804 of this title have been complied with.

(2) The provisions of paragraph (1) shall not affect any right of any franchisee to recover actual damages and reasonable attorney and expert witness fees under subsection (d) if such nonrenewal is prohibited by section 2802 of this title.

(f) Release or waiver of rights

(1) No franchisor shall require, as a condition of entering into or renewing the franchise relationship, a franchisee to release or waive—

(A) any right that the franchisee has under this subchapter or other Federal law; or

(B) any right that the franchisee may have under any valid and applicable State law.

(2) No provision of any franchise shall be valid or enforceable if the provision specifies that the interpretation or enforcement of the franchise shall be governed by the law of any State other than the State in which the franchisee has the principal place of business of the franchisee.

(Pub. L. 95–297, title I, §105, June 19, 1978, 92 Stat. 331; Pub. L. 103–371, §4, Oct. 19, 1994, 108 Stat. 3485; Pub. L. 110–140, title II, §241(b), Dec. 19, 2007, 121 Stat. 1540.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, referred to in subsec. (d)(1), are set out in the Appendix to Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

Amendments

2007—Subsecs. (a), (b)(1), (d)(1)(B). Pub. L. 110–140 substituted "2802, 2803, or 2807" for "2802 or 2803" wherever appearing.

1994—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 103–371 added subsec. (f).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2007 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–140 effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of Pub. L. 110–140, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1824 of Title 2, The Congress.
15 U.S.C. § 2216 (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 49: FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL / Section 2216: Authorization of appropriations
Authorization of appropriations
Status: in_force

(a) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the foregoing provisions of this chapter, except as otherwise specifically provided, with respect to the payment of claims, under section 2210 of this title, an amount not to exceed $25,210,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1980, which amount includes—

(1) $4,781,000 for programs which are recommended in the report submitted to the Congress by the Administrator pursuant to section 2220(b)(1) 1 of this title;

(2) $9,430,000 for the National Academy for Fire Prevention and Control;

(3) $307,000 for adjustments required by law in salaries, pay, retirement, and employee benefits;

(4) $500,000 for additional rural firefighting technical assistance and information activities;

(5) $500,000 for the study required by section 2222 1 of this title; and

(6) $110,000 for the study required by section 2223 1 of this title.

(b) There are authorized to be appropriated for the additional administrative expenses of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which are related to this chapter and which result from Reorganization Plan Numbered 3 of 1978 (submitted June 19, 1978) and related Executive orders, an amount not to exceed $600,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1980.

(c) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this chapter, except as otherwise specifically provided with respect to the payment of claims under section 2210 of this title, an amount not to exceed $23,814,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1981, which amount includes—

(1) not less than $1,100,000 for the first year of a three-year concentrated demonstration program of fire prevention and control in two States with high fire death rates;

(2) not less than $2,575,000 for rural fire prevention and control; and

(3) not less than $4,255,000 for research and development for the activities under section 278f of this title at the Fire Research Center of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, of which not less than $250,000 shall be available for adjustments required by law in salaries, pay, retirement, and employee benefits.

The funds authorized in paragraph (3) shall be in addition to funds authorized in any other law for research and development at the Fire Research Center.

(d) Except as otherwise specifically provided with respect to the payment of claims under section 2210 of this title, to carry out the purposes of this chapter, there are authorized to be appropriated—

(1) $20,815,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1982, and $23,312,800 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1983, which amount shall include—

(A) such sums as may be necessary for the support of research and development at the Fire Research Center of the National Institute of Standards and Technology under section 278f of this title, which sums shall be in addition to those funds authorized to be appropriated under the National Bureau of Standards Authorization Act for fiscal years 1981 and 1982; and

(B) $654,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1982, and $732,480 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1983, for executive direction by the Federal Emergency Management Agency of program activities for which appropriations are authorized by this subsection; and

(2) such further sums as may be necessary in each of the fiscal years ending September 30, 1982, and September 30, 1983, for adjustments required by law in salaries, pay, retirement, and employee benefits incurred in the conduct of activities for which funds are authorized by paragraph (1) of this subsection.

The funds authorized under section 278f of this title shall be in addition to funds authorized in any other law for research and development at the Fire Research Center of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

(e) Except as otherwise specifically provided with respect to the payment of claims under section 2210 of this title, to carry out the purposes of this chapter, there are authorized to be appropriated—

(1) $15,720,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1984, and $20,983,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1985; and

(2) such further sums as may be necessary in each of the fiscal years ending September 30, 1984, and September 30, 1985, for adjustments required by law in salaries, pay, retirement, and employee benefits incurred in the conduct of activities for which funds are authorized by paragraph (1) of this subsection.

The funds authorized under this subsection shall be in addition to funds authorized in any other law for research and development at the Fire Research Center of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

(f) Except as otherwise specifically provided with respect to the payment of claims under section 2210 of this title, to carry out the purposes of this chapter, there are authorized to be appropriated $22,037,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1986 and $18,300,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1987.

(g)(1) Except as otherwise specifically provided with respect to the payment of claims under section 2210 of this title, there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this chapter—

(A) $63,000,000 for fiscal year 2005, of which $2,266,000 shall be used to carry out section 2207(f) of this title;

(B) $64,850,000 for fiscal year 2006, of which $2,334,000 shall be used to carry out section 2207(f) of this title;

(C) $66,796,000 for fiscal year 2007, of which $2,404,000 shall be used to carry out section 2207(f) of this title;

(D) $68,800,000 for fiscal year 2008, of which $2,476,000 shall be used to carry out section 2207(f) of this title;

(E) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, of which $2,520,000 shall be used to carry out section 2207(f) of this title;

(F) $72,100,000 for fiscal year 2010, of which $2,595,600 shall be used to carry out section 2207(f) of this title;

(G) $74,263,000 for fiscal year 2011, of which $2,673,468 shall be used to carry out section 2207(f) of this title;

(H) $76,490,890 for fiscal year 2012, of which $2,753,672 shall be used to carry out section 2207(f) of this title;

(I) $76,490,890 for fiscal year 2013, of which $2,753,672 shall be used to carry out section 2207(f) of this title;

(J) $76,490,890 for fiscal year 2014, of which $2,753,672 shall be used to carry out section 2207(f) of this title;

(K) $76,490,890 for fiscal year 2015, of which $2,753,672 shall be used to carry out section 2207(f) of this title;

(L) $76,490,890 for fiscal year 2016, of which $2,753,672 shall be used to carry out section 2207(f) of this title;

(M) $76,490,890 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2023, of which $2,753,672 for each such fiscal year shall be used to carry out section 2207(f) of this title; and

(N) $95,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028, of which $3,420,000 for each such fiscal year shall be used to carry out section 2207(f) of this title.

(2) Of the amounts referred to in paragraph (1), not more than $4,150,000 is authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year for National Emergency Training Center site administration.

(h) In addition to any other amounts that are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this chapter, there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this chapter—

(1) $500,000 for fiscal year 1995 for basic research on the development of an advanced course on arson prevention;

(2) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1996 for the expansion of arson investigator training programs at the Academy under section 2220 of this title and at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, or through regional delivery sites;

(3) $4,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1995 and 1996 for carrying out section 2221 of this title, except for salaries and expenses for carrying out section 2221 of this title; and

(4) $250,000 for each of the fiscal years 1995 and 1996 for salaries and expenses for carrying out section 2221 of this title.

(Pub. L. 93–498, §17, Oct. 29, 1974, 88 Stat. 1545; Pub. L. 94–411, §1(a), Sept. 13, 1976, 90 Stat. 1254; Pub. L. 95–422, §1(a), Oct. 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 932; Pub. L. 96–121, §1, Nov. 16, 1979, 93 Stat. 863; Pub. L. 96–472, title II, §201, Oct. 19, 1980, 94 Stat. 2260; Pub. L. 97–80, title II, §201, Nov. 20, 1981, 95 Stat. 1081; Pub. L. 98–241, title II, §201, Mar. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 95; Pub. L. 99–97, Sept. 26, 1985, 99 Stat. 465; Pub. L. 99–359, §1, July 8, 1986, 100 Stat. 764; Pub. L. 100–418, title V, §5115(c), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1433; Pub. L. 100–476, §1, Oct. 6, 1988, 102 Stat. 2304; Pub. L. 102–522, title I, §101, Oct. 26, 1992, 106 Stat. 3410; Pub. L. 103–254, §7, May 19, 1994, 108 Stat. 682; Pub. L. 105–108, §2, Nov. 20, 1997, 111 Stat. 2264; Pub. L. 106–503, title I, §102, Nov. 13, 2000, 114 Stat. 2298; Pub. L. 108–169, title I, §103, Dec. 6, 2003, 117 Stat. 2036; Pub. L. 110–376, §3, Oct. 8, 2008, 122 Stat. 4057; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title XVIII, §1814, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 2118; Pub. L. 115–98, §2, Jan. 3, 2018, 131 Stat. 2239; Pub. L. 118–67, div. A, §2, July 9, 2024, 138 Stat. 1447.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–498, Oct. 29, 1974, 88 Stat. 1535, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2201 of this title and Tables.

Section 2220(b)(1) of this title, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), was repealed by Pub. L. 106–503, title I, §110(a)(1)(D), Nov. 13, 2000, 114 Stat. 2302.

Sections 2222 and 2223 of this title, referred to in subsec. (a)(5), (6), respectively, were repealed by Pub. L. 106–503, title I, §110(a)(1)(B), Nov. 13, 2000, 114 Stat. 2302.

Reorganization Plan Numbered 3 of 1978, referred to in subsec. (b), is set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

The National Bureau of Standards Authorization Act for fiscal years 1981 and 1982, referred to in subsec. (d)(1)(A), is Pub. L. 96–461, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2049, which enacted section 278g of this title, amended sections 278d and 278h of this title, and enacted provisions set out as notes under section 278g of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (g)(1)(M). Pub. L. 118–67, §2(2)(A), substituted "for each of fiscal" for "for for each of fiscal".

Subsec. (g)(1)(N). Pub. L. 118–67, §2(1), (2)(B), (3), added subpar. (N).

2018—Subsec. (g)(1)(M). Pub. L. 115–98 substituted "for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2023" for "fiscal year 2017" and inserted "for each such fiscal year" after "$2,753,672".

2013—Subsec. (g)(1)(E) to (M). Pub. L. 112–239 added subpars. (I) to (M) and realigned margins in subpars. (E) to (H).

2008—Subsec. (g)(1)(E) to (H). Pub. L. 110–376 added subpars. (E) to (H).

2003—Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 108–169 added subpars. (A) to (D) and struck out former subpars. (A) to (K) which authorized appropriations for fiscal years 1989 to 2003.

2000—Subsec. (g)(1)(I) to (K). Pub. L. 106–503 added subpars. (I) to (K).

1997—Subsec. (g)(1)(G), (H). Pub. L. 105–108 added subpars. (G) and (H).

1994—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 103–254 added subsec. (h).

1992—Subsec. (g)(1)(D) to (F). Pub. L. 102–522 added subpars. (D) to (F).

1988—Subsecs. (c)(3), (d), (e). Pub. L. 100–418 substituted "National Institute of Standards and Technology" for "National Bureau of Standards" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 100–476 added subsec. (g).

1986—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 99–359 substituted "are" for "is" and inserted "and $18,300,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1987".

1985—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 99–97 added subsec. (f).

1984—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 98–241 added subsec. (e).

1981—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–80 added subsec. (d).

1980—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 96–472 added subsec. (c).

1979—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–121 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), substituted provisions authorizing to be appropriated an amount not to exceed $25,210,000 for fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1980, for provisions authorizing appropriations not to exceed $3,750,000 for the transitional fiscal quarter of July 1, 1976 through Sept. 30, 1976, not to exceed $15,000,000 for fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1977, not to exceed $20,000,000 for fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1978, and not to exceed $24,352,000 for fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1979, and added pars. (1) to (6).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–121 added subsec. (b).

1978—Pub. L. 95–422 substituted "except as otherwise specifically provided, with respect to the payment of claims, under section 2210 of this title" for "except section 2210 of this title", struck out "and" after "September 30, 1977", and inserted provision authorizing appropriation of not to exceed $24,352,000 for fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1979.

1976—Pub. L. 94–411 substituted provisions authorizing to be appropriated not to exceed $3,750,000 for the transitional fiscal quarter of July 1, 1976, through Sept. 30, 1976, not to exceed $15,000,000 for fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1977, and not to exceed $20,000,000 for fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1978, for provisions authorizing to be appropriated such sums as are necessary, not to exceed $10,000,000 for fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and not to exceed $15,000,000 for fiscal year ending June 30, 1976.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center of the Department of the Treasury to the Secretary of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 203(4), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

For transfer of all functions, personnel, assets, components, authorities, grant programs, and liabilities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including the functions of the Under Secretary for Federal Emergency Management relating thereto, to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, see section 315(a)(1) of Title 6, Domestic Security.

For transfer of functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including the functions of the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency relating thereto, to the Secretary of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see former section 313(1) and sections 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

Arson Prevention Grants; Termination of Appropriations

Pub. L. 103–254, §8, May 19, 1994, 108 Stat. 683, provided that: "Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act [see Short Title of 1994 Amendment note set out under section 2201 of this title], no funds are authorized to be appropriated for any fiscal year after fiscal year 1996 for carrying out the programs for which funds are authorized by this Act, or the amendments made by this Act."

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Functions of National Fire Prevention and Control Administration [now United States Fire Administration] and National Academy for Fire Prevention and Control generally transferred to Federal Emergency Management Agency. For further details see Transfer of Functions note set out under section 2202 of this title.

1 See References in Text note below.
15 U.S.C. § 4723 (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 73: EXPORT ENHANCEMENT / Subchapter III: EXPORT PROMOTION / Section 4723: Market Development Cooperator Program
Market Development Cooperator Program
Status: in_force

(a) Authority of Secretary of Commerce

In order to promote further the exportation of goods and services from the United States, the Secretary of Commerce is authorized to establish, in the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce, a Market Development Cooperator Program. The purpose of the program is to develop, maintain, and expand foreign markets for nonagricultural goods and services produced in the United States.

(b) Implementation of Program

The Secretary of Commerce shall carry out the Market Development Cooperator Program by entering into contracts with—

(1) nonprofit industry organizations,

(2) trade associations,

(3) State departments of trade and their regional associations, including centers for international trade development, and

(4) private industry firms or groups of firms in cases where no entity described in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) represents that industry,

(in this section referred to as "cooperators") to engage in activities in order to carry out the purpose of the Market Development Cooperator Program set forth in subsection (a). The costs of activities under such a contract shall be shared equitably among the Department of Commerce, the cooperator involved, and, whenever appropriate, foreign businesses. The Department of Commerce shall undertake to support direct costs of activities under such a contract, and the cooperator shall undertake to support indirect costs of such activities. Activities under such a contract shall be carried out by the cooperator with the approval and assistance of the Secretary.

(c) Cooperator partnership program

(1) In general

(A) As part of the Market Development Cooperator Program established under subsection (a), the Secretary of Commerce shall establish a partnership program with cooperators under which a cooperator may detail individuals, subject to the approval of the Secretary, to the United States and Foreign Commercial Service for a period of not less than 1 year or more than 2 years to supplement the Commercial Service.

(B) Any individual detailed to the United States and Foreign Commercial Service under this subsection shall be responsible for such duties as the Secretary may prescribe in order to carry out the purpose of the Market Development Cooperator Program set forth in subsection (a).

(C) Individuals detailed to the United States and Foreign Commercial Service under this subsection shall not be considered to be employees of the United States for the purposes of any law administered by the Office of Personnel Management, except that the Secretary of State may determine the applicability to such individuals of section 2669(f) of title 22 and of any other law administered by the Secretary of State concerning the detail of such individuals abroad.

(2) Qualifications of participants

In order to qualify for the program established under this subsection, individuals shall have demonstrated expertise in the international business arena in at least 2 of the following areas: marketing, market research, and computer data bases.

(3) Expenses of the program

(A) The cooperator who details an individual to the United States and Foreign Commercial Service under this subsection shall be responsible for that individual's salary and related expenses, including health care, life insurance, and other noncash benefits, if any, normally paid by such cooperator.

(B) The Secretary of Commerce shall pay transportation and housing costs for each individual participating in the program established under this subsection.

(d) Budget Act

Contracts may be entered into under this section in a fiscal year only to such extent or in such amounts as are provided in appropriations Acts.

(Pub. L. 100–418, title II, §2303, Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1342.)
15 U.S.C. § 56 (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 2: FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION; PROMOTION OF EXPORT TRADE AND PREVENTION OF UNFAIR METHODS OF COMPETITION / Subchapter I: FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION / Section 56: Commencement, defense, intervention and supervision of litigation and appeal by Commission or Attorney General
Commencement, defense, intervention and supervision of litigation and appeal by Commission or Attorney General
Status: in_force

(a) Procedure for exercise of authority to litigate or appeal

(1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) or (3), if—

(A) before commencing, defending, or intervening in, any civil action involving this subchapter (including an action to collect a civil penalty) which the Commission, or the Attorney General on behalf of the Commission, is authorized to commence, defend, or intervene in, the Commission gives written notification and undertakes to consult with the Attorney General with respect to such action; and

(B) the Attorney General fails within 45 days after receipt of such notification to commence, defend, or intervene in, such action;

the Commission may commence, defend, or intervene in, and supervise the litigation of, such action and any appeal of such action in its own name by any of its attorneys designated by it for such purpose.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (3), in any civil action—

(A) under section 53 of this title (relating to injunctive relief);

(B) under section 57b of this title (relating to consumer redress);

(C) to obtain judicial review of a rule prescribed by the Commission, or a cease and desist order issued under section 45 of this title;

(D) under the second paragraph of section 49 of this title (relating to enforcement of a subpena) and under the fourth paragraph of such section (relating to compliance with section 46 of this title); or

(E) under section 57b–2a of this title;

the Commission shall have exclusive authority to commence or defend, and supervise the litigation of, such action and any appeal of such action in its own name by any of its attorneys designated by it for such purpose, unless the Commission authorizes the Attorney General to do so. The Commission shall inform the Attorney General of the exercise of such authority and such exercise shall not preclude the Attorney General from intervening on behalf of the United States in such action and any appeal of such action as may be otherwise provided by law.

(3)(A) If the Commission makes a written request to the Attorney General, within the 10-day period which begins on the date of the entry of the judgment in any civil action in which the Commission represented itself pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2), to represent itself through any of its attorneys designated by it for such purpose before the Supreme Court in such action, it may do so, if—

(i) the Attorney General concurs with such request; or

(ii) the Attorney General, within the 60-day period which begins on the date of the entry of such judgment—

(a) refuses to appeal or file a petition for writ of certiorari with respect to such civil action, in which case he shall give written notification to the Commission of the reasons for such refusal within such 60-day period; or

(b) the Attorney General fails to take any action with respect to the Commission's request.

(B) In any case where the Attorney General represents the Commission before the Supreme Court in any civil action in which the Commission represented itself pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2), the Attorney General may not agree to any settlement, compromise, or dismissal of such action, or confess error in the Supreme Court with respect to such action, unless the Commission concurs.

(C) For purposes of this paragraph (with respect to representation before the Supreme Court), the term "Attorney General" includes the Solicitor General.

(4) If, prior to the expiration of the 45-day period specified in paragraph (1) of this section or a 60-day period specified in paragraph (3), any right of the Commission to commence, defend, or intervene in, any such action or appeal may be extinguished due to any procedural requirement of any court with respect to the time in which any pleadings, notice of appeal, or other acts pertaining to such action or appeal may be taken, the Attorney General shall have one-half of the time required to comply with any such procedural requirement of the court (including any extension of such time granted by the court) for the purpose of commencing, defending, or intervening in the civil action pursuant to paragraph (1) or for the purpose of refusing to appeal or file a petition for writ of certiorari and the written notification or failing to take any action pursuant to paragraph 3(A)(ii).

(5) The provisions of this subsection shall apply notwithstanding chapter 31 of title 28, or any other provision of law.

(b) Certification by Commission to Attorney General for criminal proceedings

Whenever the Commission has reason to believe that any person, partnership, or corporation is liable for a criminal penalty under this subchapter, the Commission shall certify the facts to the Attorney General, whose duty it shall be to cause appropriate criminal proceedings to be brought.

(c) Foreign litigation

(1) Commission attorneys

With the concurrence of the Attorney General, the Commission may designate Commission attorneys to assist the Attorney General in connection with litigation in foreign courts on particular matters in which the Commission has an interest.

(2) Reimbursement for foreign counsel

The Commission is authorized to expend appropriated funds, upon agreement with the Attorney General, to reimburse the Attorney General for the retention of foreign counsel for litigation in foreign courts and for expenses related to litigation in foreign courts in which the Commission has an interest.

(3) Limitation on use of funds

Nothing in this subsection authorizes the payment of claims or judgments from any source other than the permanent and indefinite appropriation authorized by section 1304 of title 31.

(4) Other authority

The authority provided by this subsection is in addition to any other authority of the Commission or the Attorney General.

(Sept. 26, 1914, ch. 311, §16, as added Mar. 21, 1938, ch. 49, §4, 52 Stat. 114; amended Pub. L. 93–153, title IV, §408(g), Nov. 16, 1973, 87 Stat. 592; Pub. L. 93–637, title II, §204(a), Jan. 4, 1975, 88 Stat. 2199; Pub. L. 109–455, §§5, 7(b), 13, Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3375, 3379, 3382; Pub. L. 112–203, §1, Dec. 4, 2012, 126 Stat. 1484.)

Amendment of Section

For repeal of amendment by section 13 of Pub. L. 109–455, see Termination Date of 2006 Amendment note below.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2012—Pub. L. 112–203, §1, amended Pub. L. 109–455, §13. See 2006 Amendment notes below.

2006—Subsec. (a)(2)(E). Pub. L. 109–455, §7(b), which added subpar. (E) reading "under section 57b–2a of this title;", was repealed by Pub. L. 109–455, §13, as amended by Pub. L. 112–203, §1. See Termination Date of 2006 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–455, §5, which added subsec. (c) relating to attorneys used and money expended for foreign litigation, was repealed by Pub. L. 109–455, §13, as amended by Pub. L. 112–203, §1. See Termination Date of 2006 Amendment note below.

1975—Pub. L. 93–637 substituted provisions authorizing the Commission at its election to appear in court by its own name and designate its attorneys for such purpose, for provisions relating to the certification of facts by the Commission to the Attorney General who brought the appropriate proceedings, or, after compliance with section 45(m) of this title, itself brought the appropriate proceedings.

1973—Pub. L. 93–153 inserted provisions authorizing the Federal Trade Commission to itself cause appropriate proceedings to be brought after compliance with the requirements of section 45(m) of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Termination Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by sections 5 and 7(b) of Pub. L. 109–455 repealed effective Sept. 30, 2027, and provisions amended by Pub. L. 109–455 to be amended to read as if Pub. L. 109–455 had not been enacted, see section 13 of Pub. L. 109–455, set out as a note under section 44 of this title.

Effective Date of 1975 Amendment

Pub. L. 93–637, title II, §204(c), Jan. 4, 1975, 88 Stat. 2200, provided that: "The amendment and repeal made by this section [amending this section and repealing section 45(m) of this title] shall not apply to any civil action commenced before the date of enactment of this Act [Jan. 4, 1975]."

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of Federal Trade Commission, with certain exceptions, to Chairman of such Commission, see Reorg. Plan No. 8 of 1950, §1, eff. May 24, 1950, 15 F.R. 3175, 64 Stat. 1264, set out under section 41 of this title.
15 U.S.C. § 4401 (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 70: COMPREHENSIVE SMOKELESS TOBACCO HEALTH EDUCATION / Section 4401: Public education
Public education
Status: in_force

(a) Development

(1) The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish and carry out a program to inform the public of any dangers to human health resulting from the use of smokeless tobacco products. In carrying out such program the Secretary shall—

(A) develop educational programs and materials and public service announcements respecting the dangers to human health from the use of smokeless tobacco;

(B) make such programs, materials, and announcements available to States, local governments, school systems, the media, and such other entities as the Secretary determines appropriate to further the purposes of this chapter;

(C) conduct and support research on the effect of smokeless tobacco on human health; and

(D) collect, analyze, and disseminate information and studies on smokeless tobacco and health.

(2) In developing programs, materials, and announcements under paragraph (1) the Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Education, medical and public health entities, consumer groups, representatives of manufacturers of smokeless tobacco products, and other appropriate entities.

(b) Assistance

The Secretary of Health and Human Services may provide technical assistance and may make grants to States—

(1) to assist in the development of educational programs and materials and public service announcements respecting the dangers to human health from the use of smokeless tobacco,

(2) to assist in the distribution of such programs, materials, and announcements throughout the States, and

(3) to establish 18 as the minimum age for the purchase of smokeless tobacco.

(Pub. L. 99–252, §2, Feb. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 30.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 99–252, §11, Feb. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 35, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Except as provided in sections 3(f) and 5(b) [sections 4402(f) and 4404(b) of this title] and subsection (b), this Act [enacting this chapter and amending section 342 of Title 21, Food and Drugs] shall take effect one year after the date of enactment of this Act [Feb. 27, 1986].

"(b) Exception.—Sections 2, 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 4(b), 7, 8, 9 [sections 4401, 4402(b) to (e), 4403(b), and 4406 to 4408 of this title], and 10 [amending section 342 of Title 21] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Feb. 27, 1986]."

Short Title

Pub. L. 99–252, §1, Feb. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 30, provided that: "This Act [enacting this chapter and amending section 342 of Title 21, Food and Drugs] may be cited as the 'Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986'."
15 U.S.C. § 2432 (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 51: NATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY OF WORKING LIFE / Subchapter III: FEDERAL AGENCY COORDINATION AND LIAISON WITH CENTER / Section 2432: Internal review
Internal review
Status: in_force

Each department, agency, and independent establishment of the Federal Government, in coordination with the Center, shall study and review the promulgation and implementation of its statutory authority, policies, and regulations, and shall identify such statutes, policies, and regulations which adversely affect productivity growth in the public or private sectors of the United States, or those which impede the efficient functioning of the Nation's economy, and shall recommend to the President and the Congress, or implement where appropriate, alternative statutes, policies, and regulations which will contribute to the achievement of the purposes of this chapter.

(Pub. L. 94–136, title III, §302, Nov. 28, 1975, 89 Stat. 740.)
15 U.S.C. § 9058d (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 116: CORONAVIRUS ECONOMIC STABILIZATION (CARES ACT) / Subchapter III: ECONOMIC STABILIZATION AND ASSISTANCE TO SEVERELY DISTRESSED SECTORS OF THE UNITED STATES ECONOMY / Section 9058d: Homeowner Assistance Fund
Homeowner Assistance Fund
Status: in_force

(a) Appropriation

In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is appropriated to the Secretary of the Treasury for the Homeowner Assistance Fund established under subsection (c) for fiscal year 2021, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $9,961,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2025, for qualified expenses that meet the purposes specified under subsection (c) and expenses described in subsection (d)(1).

(b) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Conforming loan limit

The term "conforming loan limit" means the applicable limitation governing the maximum original principal obligation of a mortgage secured by a single-family residence, a mortgage secured by a 2-family residence, a mortgage secured by a 3-family residence, or a mortgage secured by a 4-family residence, as determined and adjusted annually under section 1717(b)(2) of title 12 and section 1454(a)(2) of title 12.

(2) Dwelling

The term "dwelling" means any building, structure, or portion thereof which is occupied as, or designed or intended for occupancy as, a residence by one or more individuals.

(3) Eligible entity

The term "eligible entity" means—

(A) a State; or

(B) any entity eligible for payment under subsection (f).

(4) Mortgage

The term "mortgage" means any credit transaction—

(A) that is secured by a mortgage, deed of trust, or other consensual security interest on a principal residence of a borrower that is (i) a 1- to 4-unit dwelling, or (ii) residential real property that includes a 1- to 4-unit dwelling; and

(B) the unpaid principal balance of which was, at the time of origination, not more than the conforming loan limit.

(5) Fund

The term "Fund" means the Homeowner Assistance Fund established under subsection (c).

(6) Secretary

The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Treasury.

(7) State

The term "State" means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

(c) Establishment of Fund

(1) Establishment; qualified expenses

There is established in the Department of the Treasury a Homeowner Assistance Fund to mitigate financial hardships associated with the coronavirus pandemic by providing such funds as are appropriated by subsection (a) to eligible entities for the purpose of preventing homeowner mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities or home energy services, and displacements of homeowners experiencing financial hardship after January 21, 2020, through qualified expenses related to mortgages and housing, which include—

(A) mortgage payment assistance;

(B) financial assistance to allow a homeowner to reinstate a mortgage or to pay other housing related costs related to a period of forbearance, delinquency, or default;

(C) principal reduction;

(D) facilitating interest rate reductions;

(E) payment assistance for—

(i) utilities, including electric, gas, home energy, and water;

(ii) internet service, including broadband internet access service, as defined in section 8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation);

(iii) homeowner's insurance, flood insurance, and mortgage insurance; and

(iv) homeowner's association, condominium association fees, or common charges;

(F) reimbursement of funds expended by a State, local government, or designated entity under subsection (f) during the period beginning on January 21, 2020, and ending on the date that the first funds are disbursed by the eligible entity under the Homeowner Assistance Fund, for the purpose of providing housing or utility payment assistance to homeowners or otherwise providing funds to prevent foreclosure or post-foreclosure eviction of a homeowner or prevent mortgage delinquency or loss of housing or utilities as a response to the coronavirus disease (COVID) pandemic; and

(G) any other assistance to promote housing stability for homeowners, including preventing mortgage delinquency, default, foreclosure, post-foreclosure eviction of a homeowner, or the loss of utility or home energy services, as determined by the Secretary.

(2) Targeting

Not less than 60 percent of amounts made to each eligible entity allocated amounts under subsection (d) or (f) shall be used for qualified expenses that assist homeowners having incomes equal to or less than 100 percent of the area median income for their household size or equal to or less than 100 percent of the median income for the United States, as determined by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, whichever is greater. The eligible entity shall prioritize remaining funds to socially disadvantaged individuals.

(d) Allocation of Funds

(1) Administration

Of any amounts made available under this section, the Secretary shall reserve—

(A) to the Department of the Treasury, an amount not to exceed $40,000,000 to administer and oversee the Fund, and to provide technical assistance to eligible entities for the creation and implementation of State and tribal programs to administer assistance from the Fund; and

(B) to the Inspector General of the Department of the Treasury, an amount to not exceed $2,600,000 for oversight of the program under this section.

(2) For States

After the application of paragraphs (1), (4), and (5) of this subsection and subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, the Secretary shall allocate the remaining funds available within the Homeowner Assistance Fund to each State of the United States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico based on homeowner need, for such State relative to all States of the United States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as of March 11, 2021, which is determined by reference to—

(A) the average number of unemployed individuals measured over a period of time not fewer than 3 months and not more than 12 months; and

(B) the total number of mortgagors with—

(i) mortgage payments that are more than 30 days past due; or

(ii) mortgages in foreclosure.

(3) Small State minimum

(A) In general

Each State of the United States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico shall receive no less than $50,000,000 for the purposes established in (c) 1.

(B) Pro rata adjustments

The Secretary shall adjust on a pro rata basis the amount of the payments for each State of the United States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico determined under this subsection without regard to this subparagraph to the extent necessary to comply with the requirements of subparagraph (A).

(4) Territory set-aside

Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, of the amounts appropriated under subsection (a), the Secretary shall reserve $30,000,000 to be disbursed to Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands based on each such territory's share of the combined total population of all such territories, as determined by the Secretary. For the purposes of this paragraph, population shall be determined based on the most recent year for which data are available from the United States Census Bureau.

(5) Tribal set-aside

The Secretary shall allocate funds to any eligible entity designated under subsection (f) pursuant to the requirements of that subsection.

(e) Distribution of funds to States

(1) In general

The Secretary shall make payments, beginning not later than 45 days after March 11, 2021, from amounts allocated under subsection (d) to eligible entities that have notified the Secretary that they request to receive payment from the Fund and that the eligible entity will use such payments in compliance with this section.

(2) If a State does not request allocated funds by the 45th day after March 11, 2021, such State shall not be eligible for a payment from the Secretary pursuant to this section, and the Secretary shall, by the 180th day after March 11, 2021, reallocate any funds that were not requested by such State among the States that have requested funds by the 45th day after March 11, 2021. For any such reallocation of funds, the Secretary shall adhere to the requirements of subsection (d), except for paragraph (1), to the greatest extent possible, provided that the Secretary shall also take into consideration in determining such reallocation a State's remaining need and a State's record of using payments from the Fund to serve homeowners at disproportionate risk of mortgage default, foreclosure, or displacement, including homeowners having incomes equal to or less than 100 percent of the area median income for their household size or 100 percent of the median income for the United States, as determined by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, whichever is greater, and minority homeowners.

(f) Tribal set-aside

(1) Set-aside

Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, of the amounts appropriated under subsection (a), the Secretary shall use 5 percent to make payments to entities that are eligible for payments under clauses (i) and (ii) of section 9058a(b)(2)(A) of this title for the purposes described in subsection (c).

(2) Allocation and payment

The Secretary shall allocate the funds set aside under paragraph (1) using the allocation formulas described in clauses (i) and (ii) of section 9058a(b)(2)(A) of this title, and shall make payments of such amounts beginning no later than 45 days after March 11, 2021, to entities eligible for payment under clauses (i) and (ii) of section 9058a(b)(2)(A) of this title that notify the Secretary that they request to receive payments allocated from the Fund by the Secretary for purposes described under subsection (c) and will use such payments in compliance with this section.

(3) Adjustment

Allocations provided under this subsection may be further adjusted as provided by section 9058a(b)(2)(B) of this title.

(Pub. L. 117–2, title III, §3206, Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat. 63.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and not as part of the CARES Act which in part comprises this chapter.

1 So in original. Probably should be preceded by "subsection".
15 U.S.C. § 3151 (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 58: FULL EMPLOYMENT AND BALANCED GROWTH / Subchapter III: GENERAL PROVISIONS / Section 3151: Nondiscrimination
Nondiscrimination
Status: in_force

(a) Exclusion from participation or denial of benefits

No person in the United States shall on the ground of sex, age, race, color, religion, national origin or handicap be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity funded pursuant to the implementation of this chapter, including membership in any structure created by this chapter.

(b) Noncompliance notification; remedies of Secretary of Labor

Whenever the Secretary of Labor determines that a recipient of funds made available pursuant to this chapter has failed to comply with subsection (a), or an applicable regulation, the Secretary shall notify the recipient of the noncompliance and shall request such recipient to secure compliance. If within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed sixty days, the recipient fails or refuses to secure compliance, the Secretary of Labor may—

(1) refer the matter to the Attorney General with a recommendation that an appropriate civil action be instituted;

(2) exercise the powers and functions provided by title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.) 1 or

(3) take such other action as may be provided by law.

(c) Civil action by Attorney General

When a matter is referred to the Attorney General pursuant to subsection (b), or whenever the Attorney General has reason to believe that a recipient is engaged in a pattern or practice in violation of the provisions of this section, the Attorney General may bring a civil action in the appropriate United States district court for any and all appropriate relief.

(d) Enforcement analysis in Report of President

To assist and evaluate the enforcement of this section, and the broader equal employment opportunity policies of this chapter the Secretary of Labor shall include, in the annual report referred to in section 1022a(f)(2)(B) of this title, a detailed analysis of the extent to which the enforcement of this section achieves positive results in both the quantity and quality of jobs, and for employment opportunities generally.

(Pub. L. 95–523, title IV, §401, Oct. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 1907; Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §405(d)(12)(B)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681–421.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

For definition of "this chapter", referred to in subsecs. (a), (b), and (d), see References in Text note set out under section 3102 of this title.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is Pub. L. 88–352, July 2, 1964, 78 Stat. 241. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is classified generally to subchapter V (§2000d et seq.) of chapter 21 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2000a of Title 42 and Tables.

Amendments

1998—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–277 substituted "include, in the annual report referred to in section 1022a(f)(2)(B) of this title," for "include, in the annual Employment and Training Report of the President provided under section 705(a) of CETA,".

1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a semicolon.
15 U.S.C. § 237 (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 6: WEIGHTS AND MEASURES AND STANDARD TIME / Subchapter VI: STANDARD BARRELS / Section 237: Standard barrels for lime
Standard barrels for lime
Status: in_force

There is established a large and a small barrel of lime, the large barrel to consist of two hundred and eighty pounds and the small barrel to consist of one hundred and eighty pounds, net weight.

(Aug. 23, 1916, ch. 396, §1, 39 Stat. 530.)
15 U.S.C. § 4603a (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 72: SEMICONDUCTOR RESEARCH / Subchapter I: COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM / Section 4603a: Study and report by Semiconductor Technology Council
Study and report by Semiconductor Technology Council
Status: in_force

(a) Study and report

Not later than February 1, 1989, and annually thereafter for each fiscal year in which appropriated funds are expended for Sematech the Semiconductor Technology Council established under section 4603(a) of this title shall conduct a study and submit a report to the Governmental Affairs Committee and the Armed Services Committee of the Senate and to appropriate committees of the House of Representatives concerning Federal participation in Sematech. The study and report shall be conducted under the direction of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology.

(b) Council recommendations and report

The Council shall include in the report submitted under subsection (a) the following:

(1) identification of potential sources of Federal funding from department and agency budgets for Sematech and recommendations concerning methods and terms of Federal financial participation in Sematech, including grants, loans, loan guarantees, and contributions in kind. The feasibility of methods of Federal recoupment shall also be considered;

(2) definition and assessment of continued Federal participation in Sematech including, but not limited to, issues of technology research and development, civilian and defense industrial base objectives and initiatives, and commercialization. The report shall include a summary of the most recent plans, milestones, and cost estimates for Sematech, including any changes and alterations, and shall comment on Sematech's accomplishments and shortfalls in the preceding fiscal year;

(3) coordination of inter-agency participation, including all matters pertaining to Federal funding and decisionmaking, and other issues regarding Federal participation in Sematech; and

(4) any other issues and questions the Council deems appropriate shall be considered.

(Pub. L. 100–418, title V, §5422, Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1468; Pub. L. 102–245, title I, §103(e), Feb. 14, 1992, 106 Stat. 9; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title II, §263(g), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1610.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, and not as part of part F of title II of division A of Pub. L. 100–180 which comprises this subchapter.

Amendments

1993—Pub. L. 103–160 substituted "Semiconductor Technology Council" for "Advisory Council on Federal Participation in Sematech" in section catchline and subsec. (a).

1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–245 substituted "Technology" for "Economic Affairs".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Committee on Governmental Affairs of Senate changed to Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of Senate, effective Jan. 4, 2005, by Senate Resolution No. 445, One Hundred Eighth Congress, Oct. 9, 2004.
15 U.S.C. § 2650 (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 53: TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL / Subchapter II: ASBESTOS HAZARD EMERGENCY RESPONSE / Section 2650: Asbestos contractors and local educational agencies
Asbestos contractors and local educational agencies
Status: in_force

(a) Study

(1) General requirement

The Administrator shall conduct a study on the availability of liability insurance and other forms of assurance against financial loss which are available to local educational agencies and asbestos contractors with respect to actions required under this subchapter. Such study shall examine the following:

(A) The extent to which liability insurance and other forms of assurance against financial loss are available to local educational agencies and asbestos contractors.

(B) The extent to which the cost of insurance or other forms of assurance against financial loss has increased and the extent to which coverage has become less complete.

(C) The extent to which any limitation in the availability of insurance or other forms of assurance against financial loss is the result of factors other than standards of liability in applicable law.

(D) The extent to which the existence of the regulations required by subsections (c) and (d) of section 2643 of this title and the accreditation of contractors under section 2646 of this title has affected the availability or cost of insurance or other forms of assurance against financial loss.

(E) The extent to which any limitation on the availability of insurance or other forms of assurance against financial loss is inhibiting inspections for asbestos-containing material or the development or implementation of management plans under this subchapter.

(F) Identification of any other impediments to the timely completion of inspections or the development and implementation of management plans under this subchapter.

(2) Interim report

Not later than April 1, 1988, the Administrator shall submit to the Congress an interim report on the progress of the study required by this subsection, along with preliminary findings based on information collected to that date.

(3) Final report

Not later than October 1, 1990, the Administrator shall submit to the Congress a final report on the study required by this subsection, including final findings based on the information collected.

(b) State action

On the basis of the interim report or the final report of the study required by subsection (a), a State may enact or amend State law to establish or modify a standard of liability for local educational agencies or asbestos contractors with respect to actions required under this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 94–469, title II, §210, as added Pub. L. 99–519, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2986.)
15 U.S.C. § 2628 (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 53: TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL / Subchapter I: CONTROL OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES / Section 2628: Authorization of appropriations
Authorization of appropriations
Status: in_force

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator for purposes of carrying out this chapter (other than sections 2626 and 2627 of this title and subsections (a) and (c) through (g) of section 2609 of this title) $58,646,000 for the fiscal year 1982 and $62,000,000 for the fiscal year 1983. No part of the funds appropriated under this section may be used to construct any research laboratories.

(Pub. L. 94–469, title I, §29, Oct. 11, 1976, 90 Stat. 2050; Pub. L. 97–129, §1(b), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1686; renumbered title I, Pub. L. 99–519, §3(c)(1), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2989.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1981—Pub. L. 97–129 substituted provisions relating to authorization of appropriation of $58,646,000 for fiscal year 1982, and $62,000,000 for fiscal year 1983, for provisions relating to such authorization of $10,100,000 for fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1977, $12,625,000 for fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1978, and $16,200,000 for fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1979.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Jan. 1, 1977, see section 31 of Pub. L. 94–469, set out as a note under section 2601 of this title.
15 U.S.C. § 1534 (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 40: DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE / Section 1534: Assessment of fees for access to environmental data
Assessment of fees for access to environmental data
Status: in_force

(a) Basis of assessment

Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Secretary is authorized to assess fees, based on fair market value, for access to environmental data and information and products derived therefrom collected and/or archived by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

(b) Eligible recipients; waiver of fees in cases of foreign governments and international organizations

(1) The Secretary shall provide data, information, and products described in subsection (a) to Federal, State, and local government agencies, to universities, and to other nonprofit institutions at the cost of reproduction and transmission, if such data, information, and products are to be used for research and not for commercial purposes.

(2) The Secretary shall waive the assessment of fees under subsection (a) as necessary to continue to provide data, information, or products to foreign governments and international organizations on a basis of exchanging such data, information, and products or as otherwise provided by international agreement.

(3) The Secretary shall waive the assessment of fees authorized by subsection (a) as necessary to continue to provide weather warnings, watches, and similar products and services essential to the mission of the National Oceanic Atmospheric 1 Administration.

(c) Publication of fee schedules in Federal Register; initial schedule effective for three-year period

The initial schedule of any fees assessed under this section, and any subsequent amendment to such schedule, shall be published by the Secretary in the Federal Register at least 30 days before such fees will take effect. The initial schedule shall remain in effect without amendment for the three-year period beginning on the date that fees under the schedule take effect.

(d) Effective date of assessments; progressive increments

Any assessment of fees under this section by the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service for archived data shall meet the following requirements:

(1) The initial schedule of fees established by the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service for archived data shall remain in effect for the 3-year period beginning on the date that the fees under that schedule take effect.

(2) With respect to the first one-year period during which the initial fee schedule is in effect, fees shall be assessed at no more than one-third of the fair market value specified in subsection (a).

(3) With respect to the second one-year period during which the initial fee schedule is in effect, fees shall be assessed at not more than two-thirds of such fair market value.

(4) With respect to the third one-year period during which the initial fee schedule is in effect, and with respect to any period thereafter, fees shall be assessed at no more than the full amount of such fair market value.

(e) Data archive center operations; availability of fees for expenses of centers

Fees collected under this section by the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service for archived data shall be available to the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service for expenses incurred in the operation of its data archive centers.

(f) Report to Congressional committees

The Secretary shall, not later than 90 days after November 17, 1988, submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report which sets forth—

(1) any plan of the Secretary for assessing fees under this section by the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service for archived data, including the methodology and bases by which the amount of such fees shall be determined, and the estimated revenues therefrom; and

(2) any plan of the Secretary for using revenues generated from such fees, as well as other resources, to improve the capability of the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service to collect, manage, process, archive, and disseminate the increasing amounts of data generated from satellites, radars, and other technologies.

(g) Other assessment authorities unaffected

The authority of the Secretary to assess fees under this section shall be in addition to, and shall not be construed to limit, the authority under any other law to assess fees relating to the environmental data activities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including the authority of the Secretary pursuant to section 1307 of title 44. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the Secretary to assess fees for nautical and aeronautical products of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in addition to those fees authorized under section 1307 of title 44.

(Pub. L. 100–685, title IV, §409, Nov. 17, 1988, 102 Stat. 4100; Pub. L. 101–508, title X, §10201(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–392.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–508, §10201(a)(1), substituted "and information and products derived therefrom collected and/or archived by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration" for "data archived by the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 101–508, §10201(a)(2), inserted ", information, and products" after "provide data" and substituted "data, information, and products are" for "data is".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 101–508, §10201(a)(3), inserted ", information, or products" after "provide data" and substituted "basis of exchanging such data, information, and products" for "data exchange basis".

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 101–508, §10201(a)(4), added par. (3).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–508, §10201(a)(6), inserted "by the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service for archived data" after "under this section" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 101–508, §10201(a)(5), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "No fees shall be assessed under this section until after September 30, 1989."

Subsecs. (e), (f)(1). Pub. L. 101–508, §10201(a)(6), inserted "by the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service for archived data" after "under this section".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 101–508, §10201(a)(7), inserted before period at end ", including the authority of the Secretary pursuant to section 1307 of title 44. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the Secretary to assess fees for nautical and aeronautical products of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in addition to those fees authorized under section 1307 of title 44".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effect of Amendments

Pub. L. 101–508, title X, §10201(b), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–393, provided that:

"(1) The increase in revenues to the United States attributable to the amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall not exceed—

"(A) $2,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1991, 1992, and 1993; and

"(B) $3,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1994 and 1995.

"(2) Increases in revenues to the United States described in paragraph (1) shall be achieved by the Secretary of Commerce through fair and equitable increases in fees for services offered by the various programs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

"(3) The Secretary of Commerce shall notify the Congress of any changes in fee schedules under section 409 of the Act of November 17, 1988 (15 U.S.C. 1534), before such changes take effect."

1 So in original. Probably should be preceded by "and".
15 U.S.C. § 717v (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 15B: NATURAL GAS / Section 717v: Separability
Separability
Status: in_force

If any provision of this chapter, or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance, shall be held invalid, the remainder of the chapter, and the application of such provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby.

(June 21, 1938, ch. 556, §25, formerly §23, 52 Stat. 833; renumbered §25, Pub. L. 109–58, title III, §314(b)(1)(A), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 690.)
15 U.S.C. § 784 (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 16B: FEDERAL ENERGY ADMINISTRATION / Subchapter I: FEDERAL ENERGY ADMINISTRATION / Section 784: Exports of coal and refined petroleum products
Exports of coal and refined petroleum products
Status: in_force

(a) File concerning export transactions, sales, exchanges or shipments: establishment and maintenance; scope of information

The Administrator is authorized and directed to establish and maintain a file which shall contain information concerning every transaction, sale, exchange or shipment involving the export from the United States to a foreign nation of coal, crude oil, residual oil or any refined petroleum product. Information to be included in the file shall be current and shall include, but shall not be limited to, the name of the exporter (including the name or names of the holders of any beneficial interests), the volume and type of product involved in the export transaction, the manner of shipment and identification of the vessel or carrier, the destination, the name of the purchaser if a sale, exchange or other transaction is involved, and a statement of reasons justifying the export.

(b) Information and report to committee of Congress or head of Federal agency from Administrator; exception: disclosure detrimental to national security

Upon request of any committee of Congress or the head of any Federal agency, the Administrator shall promptly provide any information maintained in the file and a report thereon to such committee, or agency head, except where the President finds such disclosure to be detrimental to national security.

(c) Information to Administrator from Federal agency

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any Federal agency which collects or has information relevant to the functions required by this section shall make such information available to the Administrator.

(d) Collection of independent information

The Administrator shall not be required to collect independently information described in subsection (a) if he can secure the information described in subsection (a) from other Federal agencies and the information secured from such agencies is available to the Congress pursuant to a request under subsection (b).

(Pub. L. 93–275, §25, May 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 114; Pub. L. 94–385, title I, §111, Aug. 14, 1976, 90 Stat. 1132.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1976—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 94–385 added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

Federal Energy Administration terminated and functions vested by law in Administrator thereof transferred to Secretary of Energy (unless otherwise specifically provided) by sections 7151(a) and 7293 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.
15 U.S.C. § 6803 (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 94: PRIVACY / Subchapter I: DISCLOSURE OF NONPUBLIC PERSONAL INFORMATION / Section 6803: Disclosure of institution privacy policy
Disclosure of institution privacy policy
Status: in_force

(a) Disclosure required

At the time of establishing a customer relationship with a consumer and not less than annually during the continuation of such relationship, a financial institution shall provide a clear and conspicuous disclosure to such consumer, in writing or in electronic form or other form permitted by the regulations prescribed under section 6804 of this title, of such financial institution's policies and practices with respect to—

(1) disclosing nonpublic personal information to affiliates and nonaffiliated third parties, consistent with section 6802 of this title, including the categories of information that may be disclosed;

(2) disclosing nonpublic personal information of persons who have ceased to be customers of the financial institution; and

(3) protecting the nonpublic personal information of consumers.

(b) Regulations

Disclosures required by subsection (a) shall be made in accordance with the regulations prescribed under section 6804 of this title.

(c) Information to be included

The disclosure required by subsection (a) shall include—

(1) the policies and practices of the institution with respect to disclosing nonpublic personal information to nonaffiliated third parties, other than agents of the institution, consistent with section 6802 of this title, and including—

(A) the categories of persons to whom the information is or may be disclosed, other than the persons to whom the information may be provided pursuant to section 6802(e) of this title; and

(B) the policies and practices of the institution with respect to disclosing of nonpublic personal information of persons who have ceased to be customers of the financial institution;

(2) the categories of nonpublic personal information that are collected by the financial institution;

(3) the policies that the institution maintains to protect the confidentiality and security of nonpublic personal information in accordance with section 6801 of this title; and

(4) the disclosures required, if any, under section 1681a(d)(2)(A)(iii) of this title.

(d) Exemption for certified public accountants

(1) In general

The disclosure requirements of subsection (a) do not apply to any person, to the extent that the person is—

(A) a certified public accountant;

(B) certified or licensed for such purpose by a State; and

(C) subject to any provision of law, rule, or regulation issued by a legislative or regulatory body of the State, including rules of professional conduct or ethics, that prohibits disclosure of nonpublic personal information without the knowing and expressed consent of the consumer.

(2) Limitation

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to exempt or otherwise exclude any financial institution that is affiliated or becomes affiliated with a certified public accountant described in paragraph (1) from any provision of this section.

(3) Definitions

For purposes of this subsection, the term "State" means any State or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the Virgin Islands, or the Northern Mariana Islands.

(e) Model forms

(1) In general

The agencies referred to in section 6804(a)(1) of this title shall jointly develop a model form which may be used, at the option of the financial institution, for the provision of disclosures under this section.

(2) Format

A model form developed under paragraph (1) shall—

(A) be comprehensible to consumers, with a clear format and design;

(B) provide for clear and conspicuous disclosures;

(C) enable consumers easily to identify the sharing practices of a financial institution and to compare privacy practices among financial institutions; and

(D) be succinct, and use an easily readable type font.

(3) Timing

A model form required to be developed by this subsection shall be issued in proposed form for public comment not later than 180 days after October 13, 2006.

(4) Safe harbor

Any financial institution that elects to provide the model form developed by the agencies under this subsection shall be deemed to be in compliance with the disclosures required under this section.

(f) Exception to annual notice requirement

A financial institution that—

(1) provides nonpublic personal information only in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b)(2) or (e) of section 6802 of this title or regulations prescribed under section 6804(b) of this title, and

(2) has not changed its policies and practices with regard to disclosing nonpublic personal information from the policies and practices that were disclosed in the most recent disclosure sent to consumers in accordance with this section,

shall not be required to provide an annual disclosure under this section until such time as the financial institution fails to comply with any criteria described in paragraph (1) or (2).

(Pub. L. 106–102, title V, §503, Nov. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1439; Pub. L. 109–351, title VI, §609, title VII, §728, Oct. 13, 2006, 120 Stat. 1983, 2003; Pub. L. 114–94, div. G, title LXXV, §75001, Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1787.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2015—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 114–94 added subsec. (f).

2006—Pub. L. 109–351 designated concluding provisions of subsec. (a) as (b), inserted heading, substituted "Disclosures required by subsection (a)" for "Such disclosures", redesignated former subsec. (b) as (c), and added subsecs. (d) and (e).

Executive Documents

Termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

For termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, see note set out preceding section 1681 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.
15 U.S.C. § 3704b (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 63: TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION / Section 3704b: National Technical Information Service
National Technical Information Service
Status: in_force

(a) Powers

(1) The Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Director of the National Technical Information Service (hereafter in this section referred to as the "Director") is authorized to do the following:

(A) Enter into such contracts, cooperative agreements, joint ventures, and other transactions, in accordance with all relevant provisions of Federal law applicable to such contracts and agreements, and under reasonable terms and conditions, as may be necessary in the conduct of the business of the National Technical Information Service (hereafter in this section referred to as the "Service").

(B) In addition to the authority regarding fees contained in section 2 of the Act entitled "An Act to provide for the dissemination of technological, scientific, and engineering information to American business and industry, and for other purposes" enacted September 9, 1950 (15 U.S.C. 1152), retain and, subject to appropriations Acts, utilize its net revenues to the extent necessary to implement the plan submitted under subsection (f)(3)(D).

(C) Enter into contracts for the performance of part or all of the functions performed by the Promotion Division of the Service prior to October 24, 1988. The details of any such contract, and a statement of its effect on the operations and personnel of the Service, shall be provided to the appropriate committees of the Congress 30 days in advance of the execution of such contract.

(D) Employ such personnel as may be necessary to conduct the business of the Service.

(E) For the period of October 1, 1991 through September 30, 1992, only, retain and use all earned and unearned monies heretofore or hereafter received, including receipts, revenues, and advanced payments and deposits, to fund all obligations and expenses, including inventories and capital equipment.

An increase or decrease in the personnel of the Service shall not affect or be affected by any ceilings on the number or grade of personnel.

(2) The functions and activities of the Service specified in subsection (e)(1) through (6) are permanent Federal functions to be carried out by the Secretary through the Service and its employees, and shall not be transferred from the Service, by contract or otherwise, to the private sector on a permanent or temporary basis without express approval of the Congress. Functions or activities—

(A) for the procurement of supplies, materials, and equipment by the Service;

(B) referred to in paragraph (1)(C); or

(C) to be performed through joint ventures or cooperative agreements which do not result in a reduction in the Federal workforce of the affected programs of the service,1

shall not be considered functions or activities for purposes of this paragraph.

(3) For the purposes of this subsection, the term "net revenues" means the excess of revenues and receipts from any source, other than royalties and other income described in section 13(a)(4) 2 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3710c(a)(4)), over operating expenses.

(4) Omitted.

(b) Director of the Service

The management of the Service shall be vested in a Director who shall report to the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Secretary of Commerce.

(c) Advisory Board

(1) There is established the Advisory Board of the National Technical Information Service, which shall be composed of a chairman and four other members appointed by the Secretary.

(2) In appointing members of the Advisory Board the Secretary shall solicit recommendations from the major users and beneficiaries of the Service's activities and shall select individuals experienced in providing or utilizing technical information.

(3) The Advisory Board shall review the general policies and operations of the Service, including policies in connection with fees and charges for its services, and shall advise the Secretary and the Director with respect thereto.

(4) The Advisory Board shall meet at the call of the Secretary, but not less often than once each six months.

(d) Audits

The Secretary of Commerce shall provide for annual independent audits of the Service's financial statements beginning with fiscal year 1988, to be conducted in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

(e) Functions

The Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Service, shall—

(1) establish and maintain a permanent repository of nonclassified scientific, technical, and engineering information;

(2) cooperate and coordinate its operations with other Government scientific, technical, and engineering information programs;

(3) make selected bibliographic information products available in a timely manner to depository libraries as part of the Depository Library Program of the Government Publishing Office;

(4) in conjunction with the private sector as appropriate, collect, translate into English, and disseminate unclassified foreign scientific, technical, and engineering information;

(5) implement new methods or media for the dissemination of scientific, technical, and engineering information, including producing and disseminating information products in electronic format; and

(6) carry out the functions and activities of the Secretary under the Act entitled "An Act to provide for the dissemination of technological, scientific, and engineering information to American business and industry, and for other purposes" enacted September 9, 1950 [15 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.], and the functions and activities of the Secretary performed through the National Technical Information Service as of October 24, 1988, under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 [15 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.].

(f) Notification of Congress

(1) The Secretary of Commerce and the Director shall keep the appropriate committees of Congress fully and currently informed about all activities related to the carrying out of the functions of the Service, including changes in fee policies.

(2) Within 90 days after October 24, 1988, the Secretary of Commerce shall submit to the Congress a report on the current fee structure of the Service, including an explanation of the basis for the fees, taking into consideration all applicable costs, and the adequacy of the fees, along with reasons for the declining sales at the Service of scientific, technical, and engineering publications. Such report shall explain any actions planned or taken to increase such sales at reasonable fees.

(3) The Secretary shall submit an annual report to the Congress which shall—

(A) summarize the operations of the Service during the preceding year, including financial details and staff levels broken down by major activities;

(B) detail the operating plan of the Service, including specific expense and staff needs, for the upcoming year;

(C) set forth details of modernization progress made in the preceding year;

(D) describe the long-term modernization plans of the Service; and

(E) include the results of the most recent annual audit carried out under subsection (d).

(4) The Secretary shall also give the Congress detailed advance notice of not less than 30 calendar days of—

(A) any proposed reduction-in-force;

(B) any joint venture or cooperative agreement which involves a financial incentive to the joint venturer or contractor; and

(C) any change in the operating plan submitted under paragraph (3)(B) which would result in a variation from such plan with respect to expense levels of more than 10 percent.

(Pub. L. 100–519, title II, §212, Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2594; Pub. L. 102–140, title II, Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 804; Pub. L. 102–245, title V, §506(c), Feb. 14, 1992, 106 Stat. 27; Pub. L. 110–161, div. B, title I, §109, Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 1893; Pub. L. 113–235, div. H, title I, §1301(b), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2537.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This section, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), was in the original "this subtitle", meaning subtitle B (§§211, 212) of title II of Pub. L. 100–519, Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2594, which enacted section 3704b of this title and amended section 3710 of this title. For complete classification of this subtitle to the Code, see Short Title of 1988 Amendment note set out under section 3701 of this title and Tables.

Section 13(a)(4) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980, referred to in subsec. (a)(3), probably means section 14(a)(4) of the Act, which is classified to section 3710c(a)(4) of this title. Section 13 of the Act was renumbered section 14 by Pub. L. 100–418, title V, §5122(a)(1), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1438.

The Act entitled "An Act to provide for the dissemination of technological, scientific, and engineering information to American business and industry, and for other purposes" enacted September 9, 1950, referred to in subsec. (e)(6), is act Sept. 9, 1950, ch. 936, 64 Stat. 823, which is classified generally to chapter 23 (§1151 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

The Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980, referred to in subsec. (e)(6), is Pub. L. 96–480, Oct. 21, 1980, 94 Stat. 2311, which is classified generally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3701 of this title and Tables.

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the National Technical Information Act of 1988, and not as part of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 which comprises this chapter.

Subsec. (a)(4) of this section repealed subsec. (h) of section 3710 of this title.

Amendments

2007—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110–161 substituted "Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology" for "Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology".

1992—Subsec. (e)(5). Pub. L. 102–245 inserted ", including producing and disseminating information products in electronic format" after "engineering information".

1991—Subsec. (a)(1)(E). Pub. L. 102–140 added subpar. (E).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"Government Publishing Office" substituted for "Government Printing Office" in subsec. (e)(3) on authority of section 1301(b) of Pub. L. 113–235, set out as a note preceding section 301 of Title 44, Public Printing and Documents.

Termination of Advisory Boards

Advisory boards established after Jan. 5, 1973, to terminate not later than the expiration of the 2-year period beginning on the date of their establishment, unless, in the case of a board established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government, such board is renewed by appropriate action prior to the expiration of such 2-year period, or in the case of a board established by the Congress, its duration is otherwise provided by law. See sections 1001(2) and 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

National Technical Information Service Revolving Fund

Pub. L. 102–395, title II, Oct. 6, 1992, 106 Stat. 1853, provided that: "For establishment of a National Technical Information Service Revolving Fund, $8,000,000 without fiscal year limitation: Provided, That unexpended balances in Information Products and Services shall be transferred to and merged with this account, to remain available until expended. Notwithstanding 15 U.S.C. 1525 and 1526, all payments collected by the National Technical Information Service in performing its activities authorized by chapters 23 and 63 of title 15 of the United States Code shall be credited to this Revolving Fund. Without further appropriations action, all expenses incurred in performing the activities of the National Technical Information Service, including modernization, capital equipment and inventory, shall be paid from the fund. A business-type budget for the fund shall be prepared in the manner prescribed by 31 U.S.C. 9103."

1 So in original. Probably should be capitalized.

2 See References in Text note below.
15 U.S.C. § 662 (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 14B: SMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PROGRAM / Subchapter I: GENERAL PROVISIONS / Section 662: Definitions
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter—

(1) the term "Administration" means the Small Business Administration;

(2) the term "Administrator" means the Administrator of the Small Business Administration;

(3) the terms "small business investment company", "company", and "licensee" mean a company approved by the Administration to operate under the provisions of this chapter and issued a license as provided in section 681 of this title;

(4) the term "State" includes the several States, the territories and possessions of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia;

(5) the term "small-business concern" shall have the same meaning as in the Small Business Act [15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.], except that, for purposes of this chapter—

(A) an investment by a venture capital firm, investment company (including a small business investment company) employee welfare benefit plan or pension plan, or trust, foundation, or endowment that is exempt from Federal income taxation—

(i) shall not cause a business concern to be deemed not independently owned and operated regardless of the allocation of control during the investment period under any investment agreement between the business concern and the entity making the investment;

(ii) shall be disregarded in determining whether a business concern satisfies size standards established pursuant to section 3(a)(2) of the Small Business Act [15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)]; and

(iii) shall be disregarded in determining whether a small business concern is a smaller enterprise; and

(B) in determining whether a business concern satisfies net income standards established pursuant to section 3(a)(2) of the Small Business Act [15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)], if the business concern is not required by law to pay Federal income taxes at the enterprise level, but is required to pass income through to the shareholders, partners, beneficiaries, or other equitable owners of the business concern, the net income of the business concern shall be determined by allowing a deduction in an amount equal to the sum of—

(i) if the business concern is not required by law to pay State (and local, if any) income taxes at the enterprise level, the net income (determined without regard to this subparagraph), multiplied by the marginal State income tax rate (or by the combined State and local income tax rates, as applicable) that would have applied if the business concern were a corporation; and

(ii) the net income (so determined) less any deduction for State (and local) income taxes calculated under clause (i), multiplied by the marginal Federal income tax rate that would have applied if the business concern were a corporation;

(6) the term "development companies" means enterprises incorporated under State law with the authority to promote and assist the growth and development of small-business concerns in the areas covered by their operations;

(7) the term "license" means a license issued by the Administration as provided in section 681 of this title;

(8) the term "articles" means articles of incorporation for an incorporated body and means the functional equivalent or other similar documents specified by the Administrator for other business entities;

(9) the term "private capital"—

(A) means the sum of—

(i) the paid-in capital and paid-in surplus of a corporate licensee, the contributed capital of the partners of a partnership licensee, or the equity investment of the members of a limited liability company licensee; and

(ii) unfunded binding commitments, from investors that meet criteria established by the Administrator, to contribute capital to the licensee: Provided, That such unfunded commitments may be counted as private capital for purposes of approval by the Administrator of any request for leverage, but leverage shall not be funded based on such commitments; and

(B) does not include any—

(i) funds borrowed by a licensee from any source;

(ii) funds obtained through the issuance of leverage; or

(iii) funds obtained directly or indirectly from any Federal, State, or local government, or any government agency or instrumentality, except for—

(I) funds obtained from the business revenues (excluding any governmental appropriation) of any federally chartered or government-sponsored corporation established prior to October 1, 1987;

(II) funds invested by an employee welfare benefit plan or pension plan; and

(III) any qualified nonprivate funds (if the investors of the qualified nonprivate funds do not control, directly or indirectly, the management, board of directors, general partners, or members of the licensee);

(10) the term "leverage" includes—

(A) debentures purchased or guaranteed by the Administration;

(B) participating securities purchased or guaranteed by the Administration; and

(C) preferred securities outstanding as of October 1, 1995;

(11) the term "third party debt" means any indebtedness for borrowed money, other than indebtedness owed to the Administration;

(12) the term "smaller enterprise" means any small business concern that, together with its affiliates—

(A) has—

(i) a net financial worth of not more than $6,000,000, as of the date on which assistance is provided under this chapter to that business concern; and

(ii) an average net income for the 2-year period preceding the date on which assistance is provided under this chapter to that business concern, of not more than $2,000,000, after Federal income taxes (excluding any carryover losses) except that, for purposes of this clause, if the business concern is not required by law to pay Federal income taxes at the enterprise level, but is required to pass income through to the shareholders, partners, beneficiaries, or other equitable owners of the business concern, the net income of the business concern shall be determined by allowing a deduction in an amount equal to the sum of—

(I) if the business concern is not required by law to pay State (and local, if any) income taxes at the enterprise level, the net income (determined without regard to this clause), multiplied by the marginal State income tax rate (or by the combined State and local income tax rates, as applicable) that would have applied if the business concern were a corporation; and

(II) the net income (so determined) less any deduction for State (and local) income taxes calculated under subclause (I), multiplied by the marginal Federal income tax rate that would have applied if the business concern were a corporation; or

(B) satisfies the standard industrial classification size standards established by the Administration for the industry in which the small business concern is primarily engaged;

(13) the term "qualified nonprivate funds" means any—

(A) funds directly or indirectly invested in any applicant or licensee on or before August 16, 1982, by any Federal agency, other than the Administration, under a provision of law explicitly mandating the inclusion of those funds in the definition of the term "private capital";

(B) funds directly or indirectly invested in any applicant or licensee by any Federal agency under a provision of law enacted after September 4, 1992, explicitly mandating the inclusion of those funds in the definition of the term "private capital"; and

(C) funds invested in any applicant or licensee by one or more State or local government entities (including any guarantee extended by those entities) in an aggregate amount that does not exceed 33 percent of the private capital of the applicant or licensee;

(14) the terms "employee welfare benefit plan" and "pension plan" have the same meanings as in section 3 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [29 U.S.C. 1002], and are intended to include—

(A) public and private pension or retirement plans subject to such Act [29 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.]; and

(B) similar plans not covered by such Act that have been established and that are maintained by the Federal Government or any State or political subdivision, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, for the benefit of employees;

(15) the term "member" means, with respect to a licensee that is a limited liability company, a holder of an ownership interest or a person otherwise admitted to membership in the limited liability company;

(16) the term "limited liability company" means a business entity that is organized and operating in accordance with a State limited liability company statute approved by the Administration;

(17) the term "long term", when used in connection with equity capital or loan funds invested in any small business concern or smaller enterprise, means any period of time not less than 1 year;

(18) the term "Energy Saving debenture" means a deferred interest debenture that—

(A) is issued at a discount;

(B) has a 5-year maturity or a 10-year maturity;

(C) requires no interest payment or annual charge for the first 5 years;

(D) is restricted to Energy Saving qualified investments; and

(E) is issued at no cost (as defined in section 661a 1 of title 2) with respect to purchasing and guaranteeing the debenture;

(19) the term "Energy Saving qualified investment" means investment in a small business concern that is primarily engaged in researching, manufacturing, developing, or providing products, goods, or services that reduce the use or consumption of non-renewable energy resources; and

(20) the term "underlicensed State" means a State in which the number of licensees per capita is less than the median number of licensees per capita for all States, as calculated by the Administrator.

(Pub. L. 85–699, title I, §103, Aug. 21, 1958, 72 Stat. 690; Pub. L. 86–502, §3, June 11, 1960, 74 Stat. 196; Pub. L. 87–341, §2, Oct. 3, 1961, 75 Stat. 752; Pub. L. 92–595, §2(a), Oct. 27, 1972, 86 Stat. 1314; Pub. L. 94–305, title I, §106(a), June 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 666; Pub. L. 102–366, title IV, §410, Sept. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 1017; Pub. L. 104–208, div. D, title II, §208(a), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–739; Pub. L. 105–135, title II, §213, Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2601; Pub. L. 106–9, §2(c), Apr. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 17; Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title IV, §402], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–690; Pub. L. 110–140, title XII, §1205(b), Dec. 19, 2007, 121 Stat. 1773; Pub. L. 115–333, §2(1), Dec. 19, 2018, 132 Stat. 4488.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

For definition of "this chapter", referred to in text, see References in Text note set out under section 661 of this title.

The Small Business Act, referred to in par. (5), is Pub. L. 85–536, §2(1 et seq.), July 18, 1958, 72 Stat. 384, which is classified to chapter 14A (§631 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 631 of this title and Tables. The term "small-business concern" is defined in section 632 of this title.

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, referred to in par. (14), is Pub. L. 93–406, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 829, which is classified principally to chapter 18 (§1001 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of Title 29 and Tables.

Section 661a of title 2, referred to in par. (18)(E), was in the original "section 502 of the Credit Reform Act of 1990", which was translated as reading "section 502 of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Amendments

2018—Par. (20). Pub. L. 115–333 added par. (20).

2007—Pars. (18), (19). Pub. L. 110–140 added pars. (18) and (19).

2000—Par. (5)(A)(i). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title IV, §402(a)], inserted before semicolon at end "regardless of the allocation of control during the investment period under any investment agreement between the business concern and the entity making the investment".

Par. (17). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title IV, §402(b)], added par. (17).

1999—Par. (5). Pub. L. 106–9, §2(c)(1), designated existing provisions after "for purposes of this chapter" as subpar. (A), redesignated former subpars. (A) to (C) as cls. (i) to (iii), respectively, and added subpar. (B).

Par. (12)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 106–9, §2(c)(2), inserted before "; or": "except that, for purposes of this clause, if the business concern is not required by law to pay Federal income taxes at the enterprise level, but is required to pass income through to the shareholders, partners, beneficiaries, or other equitable owners of the business concern, the net income of the business concern shall be determined by allowing a deduction in an amount equal to the sum of—

"(I) if the business concern is not required by law to pay State (and local, if any) income taxes at the enterprise level, the net income (determined without regard to this clause), multiplied by the marginal State income tax rate (or by the combined State and local income tax rates, as applicable) that would have applied if the business concern were a corporation; and

"(II) the net income (so determined) less any deduction for State (and local) income taxes calculated under subclause (I), multiplied by the marginal Federal income tax rate that would have applied if the business concern were a corporation".

1997—Par. (9)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 105–135 added subcl. (I) and redesignated former subcls. (I) and (II) as (II) and (III), respectively.

1996—Par. (5). Pub. L. 104–208, §208(a)(1), inserted before semicolon at end ", except that, for purposes of this chapter, an investment by a venture capital firm, investment company (including a small business investment company) employee welfare benefit plan or pension plan, or trust, foundation, or endowment that is exempt from Federal income taxation—

"(A) shall not cause a business concern to be deemed not independently owned and operated;

"(B) shall be disregarded in determining whether a business concern satisfies size standards established pursuant to section 3(a)(2) of the Small Business Act; and

"(C) shall be disregarded in determining whether a small business concern is a smaller enterprise".

Par. (9). Pub. L. 104–208, §208(a)(2), amended par. (9) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (9) read as follows: "notwithstanding any other provision of law, the term 'private capital' means the private paid-in capital and paid-in surplus of a corporate licensee, or the private partnership capital of an unincorporate licensee, inclusive of (A) any funds invested in the licensee by a public or private pension fund, (B) any funds invested in the licensee by State or local government entities, to the extent that such investment does not exceed 33 percent of a licensee's total private capital and otherwise meets criteria established by the Administration, and (C) unfunded commitments from institutional investors that meet criteria established by the Administration, but it excludes any funds which are borrowed by the licensee from any source or which are obtained or derived, directly or indirectly, from any Federal source, including the Administration: Provided, That no unfunded commitment from an institutional investor may be used for the purpose of meeting the minimum amount of private capital required by this chapter or as the basis for the Administration to issue obligations to provide financing; and".

Pars. (10) to (16). Pub. L. 104–208, §208(a)(3), added pars. (10) to (16) and struck out former par. (10) which read as follows: "the term 'leverage' includes debentures purchased or guaranteed by the Administration, participating securities purchased or guaranteed by the Administration, or preferred securities issued by companies licensed under section 681(d) of this title and which have been purchased by the Administration."

1992—Pars. (9), (10). Pub. L. 102–366 added pars. (9) and (10).

1976—Par. (8). Pub. L. 94–305 added par. (8).

1972—Par. (3). Pub. L. 92–595 substituted "section 681" for "section 681(c)".

Par. (7). Pub. L. 92–595 substituted "section 681" for "section 681(c)".

1961—Par. (3). Pub. L. 87–341, §2(1), inserted "licensee" and substituted "company approved by the Administration to operate under the provisions of this chapter and issued a license as provided in section 681(c) of this title" for "small business investment company organized as provided in subchapter III of this chapter, including (except for purposes of sections 681 and 687(f) of this title) a State-chartered investment company which has obtained the approval of the Administrator to operate under the provisions of this chapter as provided in section 688 of this title and a company converted into a small business investment company under section 691 of this title".

Par. (7). Pub. L. 87–341, §2(2), added par. (7).

1960—Par. (4). Pub. L. 86–502 substituted definition of "State" for definition of "United States".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2007 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–140 effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of Pub. L. 110–140, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1824 of Title 2, The Congress.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–135 effective Oct. 1, 1997, see section 3 of Pub. L. 105–135, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

Effect of Small Business Equity Enhancement Act of 1992 on Securities Laws

Nothing in amendment by Pub. L. 102–366 to be construed to affect applicability of securities laws or to otherwise supersede or limit jurisdiction of Securities and Exchange Commission, see section 418 of Pub. L. 102–366, set out as a note under section 661 of this title.

1 See References in Text note below.
15 U.S.C. § 633 (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 14A: AID TO SMALL BUSINESS / Section 633: Small Business Administration
Small Business Administration
Status: in_force

(a) Creation; principal, branch, and regional offices

In order to carry out the policies of this chapter there is created an agency under the name "Small Business Administration" (herein referred to as the Administration), which Administration shall be under the general direction and supervision of the President and shall not be affiliated with or be within any other agency or department of the Federal Government. The principal office of the Administration shall be located in the District of Columbia. The Administration may establish such branch and regional offices in other places in the United States as may be determined by the Administrator of the Administration. As used in this chapter, the term "United States" includes the several States, the Territories and possessions of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and the District of Columbia.

(b) Appointment of Administrator, Deputy Administrator, and Associate Administrators; duties of Administrator: preparation of data base and publication of economic indices and annual report; risk management database; computer security and education program

(1) The management of the Administration shall be vested in an Administrator who shall be appointed from civilian life by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and who shall be a person of outstanding qualifications known to be familiar and sympathetic with small-business needs and problems. The Administrator shall not engage in any other business, vocation, or employment than that of serving as Administrator. In carrying out the programs administered by the Small Business Administration including its lending and guaranteeing functions, the Administrator shall not discriminate on the basis of sex or marital status against any person or small business concern applying for or receiving assistance from the Small Business Administration, and the Small Business Administration shall give special consideration to veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States and their survivors or dependents. The President also may appoint a Deputy Administrator, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Administrator is authorized to appoint Associate Administrators (including the Associate Administrator specified in section 671 of this title) to assist in the execution of the functions vested in the Administration. One such Associate Administrator shall be the Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development, who shall administer the Office of Veterans Business Development established under section 657b of this title. One of the Associate Administrators shall be designated at the time of his appointment as the Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development who shall be an employee in the competitive service or in the Senior Executive Service and a career appointee and shall be responsible to the Administrator for the formulation and execution of the policies and programs under sections 636(j) and 637(a) of this title which provide assistance to minority small business concerns. The Deputy Administrator shall be Acting Administrator of the Administration during the absence or disability of the Administrator or in the event of a vacancy in the office of the Administrator. One such Associate Administrator shall be the Associate Administrator for International Trade, who shall be the head of the Office of International Trade established under section 649 of this title. One such Associate Administrator shall be the Chief Hearing Officer, who shall administer the Office of Hearings and Appeals established under section 634(i) of this title.

(2) The Administrator also shall be responsible for—

(A) establishing and maintaining an external small business economic data base for the purpose of providing the Congress and the Administration information on the economic condition and the expansion or contraction of the small business sector. To that end, the Administrator shall publish on a regular basis national small business economic indices and, to the extent feasible, regional small business economic indices, which shall include, but need not be limited to, data on—

(i) employment, layoffs, and new hires;

(ii) number of business establishments and the types of such establishments such as sole proprietorships, corporations, and partnerships;

(iii) number of business formations and failures;

(iv) sales and new orders;

(v) back orders;

(vi) investment in plant and equipment;

(vii) changes in inventory and rate of inventory turnover;

(viii) sources and amounts of capital investment, including debt, equity, and internally generated funds;

(ix) debt to equity ratios;

(x) exports;

(xi) number and dollar amount of mergers and acquisitions by size of acquiring and acquired firm; and

(xii) concentration ratios; and

(B) publishing annually a report giving a comparative analysis and interpretation of the historical trends of the small business sector as reflected by the data acquired pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this subsection.

(3) Risk management database.—

(A) Establishment.—The Administration shall establish, within the management system for the loan programs authorized by subsections (a) and (b) of section 636 of this title and title V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [15 U.S.C. 695 et seq.], a management information system that will generate a database capable of providing timely and accurate information in order to identify loan underwriting, collections, recovery, and liquidation problems.

(B) Information to be maintained.—In addition to such other information as the Administration considers appropriate, the database established under subparagraph (A) shall, with respect to each loan program described in subparagraph (A), include information relating to—

(i) the identity of the institution making the guaranteed loan or issuing the debenture;

(ii) the identity of the borrower;

(iii) the total dollar amount of the loan or debenture;

(iv) the total dollar amount of government exposure in each loan;

(v) the district of the Administration in which the borrower has its principal office;

(vi) the principal line of business of the borrower, as identified by Standard Industrial Classification Code (or any successor to that system);

(vii) the delinquency rate for each program (including number of instances and days overdue);

(viii) the number and amount of repurchases, losses, and recoveries in each program;

(ix) the number of deferrals or forbearances in each program (including days and number of instances);

(x) comparisons on the basis of loan program, lender, district and region of the Administration, for all the data elements maintained; and

(xi) underwriting characteristics of each loan that has entered into default, including term, amount and type of collateral, loan-to-value and other actual and projected ratios, line of business, credit history, and type of loan.

(C) Deadline for operational capability.—The database established under subparagraph (A) shall—

(i) be operational not later than June 30, 1997; and

(ii) capture data beginning on the first day of the second quarter of fiscal year 1997 beginning after such date and thereafter.

(4)(A) The Administrator shall establish a small business computer security and education program to—

(i) provide small business concerns information regarding—

(I) utilization and management of computer technology;

(II) computer crimes committed against small business concerns; and

(III) security for computers owned or utilized by small business concerns;

(ii) provide for periodic forums for small business concerns to improve their knowledge of the matters described in clause (i); and

(iii) provide training opportunities to educate small business users on computer security techniques.

(B) The Administrator, after consultation with the Director of the Institute of Computer Sciences and Technology within the Department of Commerce, shall develop information and materials to carry out the activities described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.

(c) Revolving funds; disaster loan fund; business loan and investment fund; payments into funds; appropriations; reports to Congress; business-type budgets; borrowing authority: terms and conditions of notes, interest rate, public debt transactions; payments into miscellaneous receipts; authorization of appropriations for losses and interest subsidies

(1) There are established in the Treasury the following revolving funds: (A) a disaster loan fund which shall be available for financing functions performed under sections 634(e), 636(b)(1), 636(b)(2), 636(b)(3), 636(b)(4), 636(d)(2), and 636(m) of this title; and (B) a business loan and investment fund which shall be available for financing functions performed under sections 634(g), 636(a) and 637(a) of this title, and titles III, IV and V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [15 U.S.C. 681 et seq., 692 et seq., 695 et seq.].

(2) All repayments of loans and debentures, payments of interest and other receipts arising out of transactions heretofore or hereafter entered into by the Administration (A) pursuant to sections 634(e), 636(b)(1), 636(b)(2), 636(b)(3), 636(b)(4), 636(b)(5), 636(b)(6), 636(b)(7), 636(b)(8), 636(d)(2), and 636(g) of this title, shall be paid into a disaster loan fund; and (B) pursuant to sections 634(g), 636(a), 636(h), 636(i), 636(l),1 636(m), and 637(a) of this title, and titles III, IV and V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [15 U.S.C. 681 et seq., 692 et seq., 695 et seq.], shall be paid into the business loan and investment fund.

(3) Unexpended balances of appropriations made to the fund pursuant to this subsection, as in effect immediately prior to the effective date of this paragraph, shall be allocated, together with related assets and liabilities, to the funds established by paragraph (1) in such amounts as the Administrator shall determine.

(4) The Administration shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations, Senate Select Committee on Small Business, and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives, as soon as possible after the beginning of each calendar quarter, a full and complete report on the status of each of the funds established by paragraph (1). Business-type budgets for each of the funds established by paragraph (1) shall be prepared, transmitted to the Committees on Appropriations, the Senate Select Committee on Small Business, and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives, and considered, and enacted in the manner prescribed by law (sections 9103 and 9104 of title 31) for wholly owned Government corporations.

(5)(A) The Administration is authorized to make and issue notes to the Secretary of the Treasury for the purpose of obtaining funds necessary for discharging obligations under the revolving funds created by paragraph (1) and for authorized expenditures out of the funds. Such notes shall be in such form and denominations and have such maturities and be subject to such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Administration with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury. Such notes shall bear interest at a rate fixed by the Secretary of the Treasury, taking into consideration the current average market yield of outstanding marketable obligations of the United States having maturities comparable to the notes issued by the Administration under this paragraph. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized and directed to purchase any notes of the Administration issued hereunder, and, for that purpose, the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to use as a public debt transaction the proceeds from the sale of any securities issued under chapter 31 of title 31, and the purposes for which such securities may be issued under such chapter are extended to include the purchase of notes issued by the Administration. All redemptions, purchases, and sales by the Secretary of the Treasury of such notes shall be treated as public debt transactions of the United States. All borrowing authority contained herein shall be effective only to such extent or in such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriation Acts.

(B)(i) Moneys in the funds established in paragraph (1) not needed for current operations may be paid into miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury.

(ii) Following the close of each fiscal year, the Administration shall pay into the miscellaneous receipts of the United States Treasury the actual interest that the Administration collects during that fiscal year on all financings made under this chapter.

(C) Except on those loan disbursements on which interest is paid under paragraph (5)(B)(ii), the Administration shall pay into miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury, following the close of each fiscal year, interest received by the Administration on financing functions performed under this chapter and titles III and V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [15 U.S.C. 681 et seq., 695 et seq.] providing the capital used to perform such functions originated from appropriated funds. Such payments shall be treated by the Department of the Treasury as interest income, not as retirement of indebtedness.

(D) There are authorized to be appropriated, in any fiscal year, such sums as may be necessary for losses and interest subsidies incurred by the funds established by paragraph (1), but not previously reimbursed.

(d) Creation and composition of Loan Policy Board; establishment of policies

There is created the Loan Policy Board of the Small Business Administration, which shall consist of the following members, all ex officio: The Administrator, as Chairman, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of Commerce. Either of the said Secretaries may designate an officer of his Department, who has been appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to act in his stead as a member of the Loan Policy Board with respect to any matter or matters. The Loan Policy Board shall establish general policies (particularly with reference to the public interest involved in the granting and denial of applications for financial assistance by the Administration and with reference to the coordination of the functions of the Administration with other activities and policies of the Government), which shall govern the granting and denial of applications for financial assistance by the Administration.

(e) Prohibition on provision of assistance

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administration is prohibited from providing any financial or other assistance to any business concern or other person engaged in the production or distribution of any product or service that has been determined to be obscene by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(f) Certification of compliance with child support obligations

(1) In general

For financial assistance approved after the promulgation of final regulations to implement this section, each recipient of financial assistance under this chapter, including a recipient of a direct loan or a loan guarantee, shall certify that the recipient is not more than 60 days delinquent under the terms of any—

(A) administrative order;

(B) court order; or

(C) repayment agreement entered into between the recipient and the custodial parent or State agency providing child support enforcement services,

that requires the recipient to pay child support, as such term is defined in section 662(b) 1 of title 42.

(2) Enforcement

Not later than 6 months after October 22, 1994, the Administration shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to enforce compliance with the requirements of this subsection.

(g) Business Opportunity Specialists

(1) Duties

The exclusive duties of a Business Opportunity Specialist employed by the Administrator and reporting to the senior official appointed by the Administrator with responsibilities under sections 637, 644, 657a, and 657f of this title (or the designee of such official) shall be to implement sections 636, 637, and 657r of this title and to complete other duties related to contracting programs under this chapter. Such duties shall include—

(A) with respect to small business concerns eligible to receive contracts and subcontracts pursuant to section 637(a) of this title—

(i) providing guidance, counseling, and referrals for assistance with technical, management, financial, or other matters that will improve the competitive viability of such concerns;

(ii) identifying causes of success or failure of such concerns;

(iii) providing comprehensive assessments of such concerns, including identifying the strengths and weaknesses of such concerns;

(iv) monitoring and documenting compliance with the requirements of sections 636 and 637 of this title and any regulations implementing those sections;

(v) explaining the requirements of sections 636, 637, 644, 657a, 657f, and 657r of this title; and

(vi) advising on compliance with contracting regulations (including the Federal Acquisition Regulation) after award of such a contract or subcontract;

(B) reviewing and monitoring compliance with mentor-protege agreements under section 657r of this title;

(C) representing the interests of the Administrator and small business concerns in the award, modification, and administration of contracts and subcontracts awarded pursuant to section 637(a) of this title; and

(D) reporting fraud or abuse under section 636, 637, 644, 657a, 657f, or 657r of this title or any regulations implementing such sections.

(2) Certification requirements

(A) In general

Consistent with the requirements of subparagraph (B), a Business Opportunity Specialist described under section 636(j)(10)(D) of this title shall have a Level I Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (or any successor certification) or the equivalent Department of Defense certification.

(B) Delay of certification requirement

The certification described in subparagraph (A) is not required—

(i) for any person serving as a Business Opportunity Specialist on December 12, 2017, until the date that is one calendar year after the date such person was appointed as a Business Opportunity Specialist; or

(ii) for any person serving as a Business Opportunity Specialist on or before January 3, 2013, until January 3, 2020.

(3) Job posting requirements

The duties and certification requirements described in this subsection shall be included in any initial job posting for the position of a Business Opportunity Specialist.

(h) Commercial market representatives

(1) Duties

The principal duties of a commercial market representative employed by the Administrator and reporting to the senior official appointed by the Administrator with responsibilities under sections 637, 644, 657a, and 657f of this title (or the designee of the official) shall be to advance the policies established in section 637(d)(1) of this title relating to subcontracting, including—

(A) helping prime contractors to find small business concerns that are capable of performing subcontracts;

(B) for contractors awarded contracts containing the clause described in section 637(d)(3) of this title, providing—

(i) counseling on the responsibility of the contractor to maximize subcontracting opportunities for small business concerns;

(ii) instruction on methods and tools to identify potential subcontractors that are small business concerns; and

(iii) assistance to increase awards to subcontractors that are small business concerns through visits, training, and reviews of past performance;

(C) providing counseling on how a small business concern may promote the capacity of the small business concern to contractors awarded contracts containing the clause described in section 637(d)(3) of this title; and

(D) conducting periodic reviews of contractors awarded contracts containing the clause described in section 637(d)(3) of this title to assess compliance with subcontracting plans required under section 637(d)(6) of this title.

(2) Certification requirements

(A) In general

Consistent with the requirements of subparagraph (B), a commercial market representative referred to in section 644(q)(3) of this title shall have a Level I Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (or any successor certification) or the equivalent Department of Defense certification.

(B) Delay of certification requirement

The certification described in subparagraph (A) is not required—

(i) for any person serving as a commercial market representative on December 12, 2017, until the date that is one calendar year after the date on which the person was appointed as a commercial market representative; or

(ii) for any person serving as a commercial market representative on or before November 25, 2015, until November 25, 2020.

(3) Job posting requirements

The duties and certification requirements described in this subsection shall be included in any initial job posting for the position of a commercial market representative.

(Pub. L. 85–536, §2[4], July 18, 1958, 72 Stat. 384; Pub. L. 85–699, title II, §202, formerly §202(a), Aug. 21, 1958, 72 Stat. 690, renumbered Pub. L. 87–341, §11(h)(1), Oct. 3, 1961, 75 Stat. 757; amended Pub. L. 86–367, §1, Sept. 22, 1959, 73 Stat. 647; Pub. L. 87–70, title III, §305(c), June 30, 1961, 75 Stat. 167; Pub. L. 87–198, Sept. 5, 1961, 75 Stat. 468; Pub. L. 87–305, §3, Sept. 26, 1961, 75 Stat. 666; Pub. L. 87–341, §§11(h)(3), (4), 12, Oct. 3, 1961, 75 Stat. 757; Pub. L. 87–550, §1(a), July 25, 1962, 76 Stat. 220; Pub. L. 89–59, §§1(c), 2, June 30, 1965, 79 Stat. 207; Pub. L. 89–78, July 21, 1965, 79 Stat. 243; Pub. L. 89–117, title III, §316(d), Aug. 10, 1965, 79 Stat. 484; Pub. L. 89–334, Nov. 8, 1965, 79 Stat. 1294; Pub. L. 89–409, §§1, 2, May 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 132; Pub. L. 89–779, §8(a), (b), Nov. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 1364; Pub. L. 90–104, title I, §102, Oct. 11, 1967, 81 Stat. 268; Pub. L. 90–448, title XVII, §1721, Aug. 1, 1968, 82 Stat. 610; Pub. L. 91–173, title V, §504(c), Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 802; Pub. L. 91–558, title I, §101, Dec. 17, 1970, 84 Stat. 1468; Pub. L. 91–596, §28(c), Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1618; Pub. L. 91–597, §25(c), Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1634; Pub. L. 92–16, May 18, 1971, 85 Stat. 39; Pub. L. 92–320, §1, June 27, 1972, 86 Stat. 382; Pub. L. 92–385, §2(b), Aug. 16, 1972, 86 Stat. 556; Pub. L. 92–500, §8(b), Oct. 18, 1972, 86 Stat. 899; Pub. L. 92–595, §3(a), Oct. 27, 1972, 86 Stat. 1316; Pub. L. 93–237, §§1, 3(b), 8, Jan. 2, 1974, 87 Stat. 1023–1025; Pub. L. 93–386, §§2(a)(2), (3), 7, Aug. 23, 1974, 88 Stat. 742, 748; Pub. L. 94–273, §2(5), Apr. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 375; Pub. L. 95–14, §§1–3, Mar. 24, 1977, 91 Stat. 25; Pub. L. 95–89, title I, §101(a)–(c), title II, §§201, 202, title III, §304, title IV, §401, Aug. 4, 1977, 91 Stat. 553, 557, 559; Pub. L. 95–315, §4, July 4, 1978, 92 Stat. 379; Pub. L. 95–507, title II, §206, Oct. 24, 1978, 92 Stat. 1766; Pub. L. 96–302, title I, §121, title IV, §401, July 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 842, 849; Pub. L. 96–481, title I, §103, Oct. 21, 1980, 94 Stat. 2321; Pub. L. 97–35, title XIX, §§1908, 1913(b), 1915, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 778, 780; Pub. L. 98–270, title III, §306, Apr. 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 161; Pub. L. 98–352, §5, July 10, 1984, 98 Stat. 331; Pub. L. 98–362, §§3, 4, July 16, 1984, 98 Stat. 431, 433; Pub. L. 100–590, title I, §111(a), Nov. 3, 1988, 102 Stat. 2995; Pub. L. 100–656, title IV, §401(a), Nov. 15, 1988, 102 Stat. 3873; Pub. L. 101–37, §11(a), June 15, 1989, 103 Stat. 73; Pub. L. 101–515, title V, §1(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 2140; Pub. L. 101–574, title II, §221(a), Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2823; Pub. L. 102–140, title VI, §609(k), Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 831; Pub. L. 103–403, title VI, §§601, 611, 612, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4201, 4204; Pub. L. 104–208, div. D, title I, §102, Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–725; Pub. L. 106–50, title II, §201(a), Aug. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 235; Pub. L. 108–447, div. K, title I, §132(a), (c), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3452, 3453; Pub. L. 110–234, title XII, §12068(b)(1), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1410; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title XII, §12068(b)(1), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 2172; Pub. L. 111–240, title I, §§1202(b)(2), 1203(b), Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2521; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VIII, §§865(a)(1), (b), 869(a)(2), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 927, 928, 938; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, §§1704, 1705, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1806, 1807.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The effective date of this paragraph, referred to in subsec. (c)(3), is July 1, 1966, pursuant to Pub. L. 89–409, §2.

The Small Business Investment Act of 1958, referred to in subsecs. (b)(3)(A) and (c)(1), (2), (5)(C), is Pub. L. 85–699, Aug. 21, 1958, 72 Stat. 689. Titles III, IV, and V of the Act are classified generally to subchapters III (§681 et seq.), IV (§692 et seq.), and V (§695 et seq.) of chapter 14B of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 661 of this title and Tables.

Section 636(l) of this title, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(B), was amended generally to read "[RESERVED]." by Pub. L. 104–208, div. D, title I, §107(d), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–732. Subsequently, Pub. L. 111–240, title I, §1131(a), Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2512, struck out that subsec. (l) and added a new subsec. (l).

Section 662 of title 42, referred to in subsec. (f)(1), was repealed by Pub. L. 104–193, title III, §362(b)(1), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2246.

Codification

In subsec. (c)(4), (5)(A), "(sections 9103 and 9104 of title 31)" substituted for "(sections 102, 103, and 104 of the Government Corporation Control Act (31 U.S.C. 847–849))", and "chapter 31 of title 31" and "such chapter" substituted for "the Second Liberty Bond Act, as amended" and "such Act, as amended,", respectively, on authority of Pub. L. 97–258, §4(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1067, the first section of which enacted Title 31, Money and Finance.

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

Prior Provisions

Prior similar provisions were contained in section 204 of act July 30, 1953, ch. 282, title II, 67 Stat. 233, as amended by acts Aug. 9, 1955, ch. 628, §3, 69 Stat. 547; Feb. 2, 1956, ch. 29, §1, 70 Stat. 10; July 31, 1956, ch. 804, title I, §§106(a), 107(b), 70 Stat. 737; Pub. L. 85–4, Feb. 11, 1957, 71 Stat. 4; Pub. L. 85–120, §1, Aug. 3, 1957, 71 Stat. 341, which was previously classified to this section. See Codification note set out under section 631 of this title.

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 115–91, §1704, amended subsec. (g) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (g) related to certification requirements for Business Opportunity Specialists.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 115–91, §1705, amended subsec. (h) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (h) related to certification requirements for commercial market representatives.

2015—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 114–92, §869(a)(2), inserted at end "One such Associate Administrator shall be the Chief Hearing Officer, who shall administer the Office of Hearings and Appeals established under section 634(i) of this title."

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 114–92, §865(a)(1), added subsec. (g).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 114–92, §865(b), added subsec. (h).

2010—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 111–240, §1203(b), substituted "Associate Administrators" for "five Associate Administrators" in fifth sentence and inserted at end "One such Associate Administrator shall be the Associate Administrator for International Trade, who shall be the head of the Office of International Trade established under section 649 of this title."

Subsec. (b)(3)(B)(x). Pub. L. 111–240, §1202(b)(2), substituted "district and region of the Administration" for "Administration district and region".

2008—Subsec. (c)(1), (2). Pub. L. 110–246, §12068(b)(1), in pars. (1) and (2) substituted "636(d)(2)" for "636(c)(2)" and in par. (2) struck out "636(e)," after "636(a),".

2004—Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 108–447, §132(a), (c), temporarily added subsecs. (g) and (h), which related to gifts and co-sponsorship of events, respectively. See Termination Date of 2004 Amendment note below.

1999—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 106–50 substituted "five Associate Administrators" for "four Associate Administrators" in fifth sentence and inserted after fifth sentence "One such Associate Administrator shall be the Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development, who shall administer the Office of Veterans Business Development established under section 657b of this title."

1996—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 104–208 added par. (3).

1994—Subsec. (c)(5)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 103–403, §601, amended cl. (ii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (ii) read as follows: "The Administration shall pay into miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury, following the close of each fiscal year, interest on the average of loan disbursements outstanding throughout the year providing such disbursements are made from amounts appropriated for the disaster loan fund after October 1, 1980 or are made from repayments of principal of loans made from funds appropriated to the disaster loan fund, or from amounts appropriated to the business loan and investment fund on or after October 1, 1981 or are made from repayments of principal of loans made from funds appropriated to the business loan and investment fund and received on or after October 1, 1981. This interest shall be calculated solely on the amount of loan disbursements net of losses at the rate provided under paragraph (5)(A)."

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 103–403, §611, added subsec. (e).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 103–403, §612, added subsec. (f).

1991—Subsec. (c)(1)(A), (2)(B). Pub. L. 102–140 inserted reference to section 636(m).

1990—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 101–515 and Pub. L. 101–574 amended par. (1) identically, substituting "The President also may appoint a Deputy Administrator, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Administrator is authorized to appoint" for "The Administrator is authorized to appoint a Deputy Administrator and".

1989—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 101–37 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 100–656, §401(a), see 1988 Amendment note below.

1988—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 100–656, §401(a), as amended by Pub. L. 101–37, inserted "who shall be an employee in the competitive service or in the Senior Executive Service and a career appointee" after "Capital Ownership Development".

Subsec. (c)(1)(B), (2)(B). Pub. L. 100–590, §111(a), substituted "III, IV" for "III".

1984—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 98–362, §§3, 7(b), added par. (3) and provided for future repeal of par. (3). See Effective and Termination Dates of 1984 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 98–362, §4, added par. (4).

Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 98–270 inserted reference to section 636(b)(4).

Subsec. (c)(1)(B), (2)(B). Pub. L. 98–352 inserted reference to section 634(g).

1981—Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 97–35, §1913(b), substituted "636(c)(2) of this title" for "636(b)(4), 636(b)(5), 636(b)(6), 636(b)(7), 636(b)(8), 636(c)(2), and 636(g) of this title".

Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 97–35, §1908, struck out reference to sections 636(e), 636(h), 636(i), and 636(l).

Subsec. (c)(5)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 97–35, §1915, substituted "for the disaster loan fund after October 1, 1980 or are made from repayments of principal of loans made from funds appropriated to the disaster loan fund, or from amounts appropriated to the business loan and investment fund on or after October 1, 1981 or are made from repayments of principal of loans made from funds appropriated to the business loan and investment fund and received on or after October 1, 1981" for "after October 1, 1980 or are made from repayments of principal of loans made from appropriated funds".

1980—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–302, §401, designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 96–481, which provided for "striking all after the phrase 'Capital Ownership Development' through the period" and inserting new text in lieu thereof was executed by striking all after "Capital Ownership Development" through period at end of sentence and not at end of paragraph which resulted in substituting provisions that the Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development shall be responsible to the Administrator for the formulation and execution of the policies and programs under sections 636(j) and 637(a) of this title for provisions, that such Administrator shall be responsible for the formulation of policy relating to the Administration's programs which provide assistance to minority small business concerns and in the review of the Administration's execution of such programs in light of such policy.

Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 96–302, §121, inserted provisions other than subpar. (B)(ii) and incorporated partly in subpar. (A) and in subpar. (B)(ii) prior par. (5) provisions requiring Administration payment of interest on outstanding cash disbursements at close of each fiscal year into the miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury from par. (1) funds at rates that consider current average yields on outstanding interest-bearing marketable Federal debt obligations of comparable maturities as calculated for the September preceding the fiscal year.

1978—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–507 substituted "Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development" for "Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business".

Subsec. (c)(1)(B), (2)(B). Pub. L. 95–315 inserted reference to section 636(l).

1977—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 95–89, §§101(a), 304, 401(1), struck out end text from cls. (A) and (B) reading ", including administrative expenses in connection with such functions"; inserted in cl. (A) reference to section 634(e); and inserted in cl. (A) and struck out from cl. (B) reference to section 636(b)(3).

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 95–89, §§201, 304, 401(2), inserted in cl. (A) reference to section 636(g); inserted in cl. (A) reference to section 634(e); and inserted in cl. (A) and struck out from cl. (B) reference to section 636(b)(3).

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 95–89, §101(b), struck out last sentence authorization of appropriations of capital for the funds in amounts necessary to carry out the functions of the Administration to remain available until expended.

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 95–89, §§101(c), 202, repealed provisions of par. (4) which limited the total amount of loans, guarantees, and other obligations, to be outstanding at any one time: under sections 636(a), (b)(3), (e), (h), (i) and 637(a) of this title to $7,400,000,000; under title III of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to $887,500,000; under title V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to $525,000,000; and under section 636(i) of this title to $525,000,000; redesignated par. (5) as (4) and substituted reference to submission of reports to the Senate Select Committee on Small Business and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives for the prior reference the Committees on Banking and Currency of the Senate and House of Representatives; substituted reference to transmission of business-type budgets to the Committees on Appropriations, the Senate Select Committee on Small Business, and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives for prior reference to such transmission to the Congress; and deleted the second sentence providing that if at the close of the preceding calendar quarter the aggregate amount outstanding or committed by the Administration in carrying out its functions under the sections or titles referred to in former par. (4) exceeded 75 per centum of the total amount authorized to be outstanding under such sections or titles, the Administration's report shall include its recommendations for such additional authority as it deems appropriate.

Pub. L. 95–14 substituted "$7,400,000,000" for "$6,000,000,000", "$525,000,000" for "$450,000,000", and "$887,500,000" for "$725,000,000".

Subsec. (c)(5), (6). Pub. L. 95–89, §202, redesignated pars. (5) and (6) as (4) and (5), respectively.

1976—Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 94–273 substituted "September" for "June".

1974—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 93–386, §7, in fourth sentence increased from three to four the number of Associate Administrators authorized to be appointed and inserted fifth sentence authorizing one of the Associate Administrators at the time of appointment to be designated as Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business. As enacted section 7 of Pub. L. 93–386 amended the third sentence and inserted a fourth sentence to subsec. (b), however the amendment was executed to fourth sentence and the new sentence was inserted as a fifth sentence editorially since this would appear to be the probable intent of Congress.

Pub. L. 93–237, §8, inserted provisions that the Administrator shall not discriminate on the basis of sex or marital status against any person or small business concern applying for or receiving assistance from the Administration and that the Administration shall give special consideration to veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States and their survivors or dependents in carrying out the programs administered by the Administration.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 93–386, §2(a)(2), inserted references to sections 636(b)(8) and 636(i) and struck out reference to title IV of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.

Pub. L. 93–237, §3(b), substituted "636(h)" for "636(g)" in cl. (B).

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 93–386, §2(a)(2), inserted references to sections 636(b)(8) and 636(i) of this title and struck out reference to title IV of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.

Pub. L. 93–237, §3(b), substituted "636(h)" for "636(g)" in cl. (B).

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 93–386, §2(a)(3), in cl. (A) substituted "636(i), and 637(a) of this title, shall not exceed $6,000,000,000" for "and 637(a) of this title, and title IV of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, shall not exceed $4,875,000,000", in cl. (B) substituted "$725,000,000" for "$556,250,000", and in cl. (D) substituted "section 636(i) of this title, shall not exceed $450,000,000" for "title IV of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 shall not exceed $381,250,000".

Pub. L. 93–237, §§1, 3(b), substituted "$4,875,000,000" for "$4,300,000,000" and "636(h)" for "636(g)" in cl. (A), "$556,250,000" for "$500,000,000" in cl. (B), "$525,000,000" for "$500,000,000" in cl. (C) and "$381,250,000" for "$350,000,000" in cl. (D).

1972—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 92–595 inserted reference to section 636(g).

Pub. L. 92–500 made disaster loan fund available for financing functions performed under section 636(g) of this title.

Pub. L. 92–385, §2(b)(1), inserted reference to section 636(b)(7).

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 92–595 inserted reference to section 636(g).

Pub. L. 92–385, §2(b)(2), inserted reference to sections 636(b)(5), 636(b)(6), 636(b)(7).

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 92–595 inserted reference to section 636(g).

Pub. L. 92–320 substituted "$4,300,000,000", "$500,000,000", and "$350,000,000" for "$3,100,000,000", "$450,000,000" and "$300,000,000", respectively.

1971—Subsec. (c)(4)(A). Pub. L. 92–16 substituted "$3,100,000,000" for "$2,200,000,000".

1970—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 91–597 made disaster loan fund available for financing requirements imposed by section 636(b)(5) of this title relating to additions and alterations pursuant to the Egg Products Inspection Act, etc. See, also, 1969 Amendment note hereunder.

Pub. L. 91–596 made disaster loan fund available for financing functions under section 636(b)(6) of this title.

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 91–558 substituted "$2,200,000,000" for "$1,900,000,000" in cl. (A), "$500,000,000" for "$300,000,000" in cl. (C), and "$300,000,000" for "$200,000,000" in cl. (D).

1969—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 91–173 made disaster loan fund available for financing functions under section 636(b)(5) of this title, relating to loans to coal mine operators.

1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–448 inserted "the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands,".

1967—Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 90–104, §102(1)–(4), substituted $1,900,000,000 for $1,400,000,000 in cl. (A), $450,000,000 for $400,000,000 in cl. (B), $300,000,000 for $200,000,000 in cl. (C), and $200,000,000 for $100,000,000 in cl. (D).

1966—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–779 substituted "a Deputy Administrator and three Associate Administrators (including the Associate Administrator specified in section 671 of this title)" for "three Deputy Administrators" as the officers to be appointed by the Administrator to assist in the execution of the functions vested in the Administration, and inserted provision that the Deputy Administrator shall be acting Administrator of the Administration during the absence or disability of the Administrator or in the event of a vacancy in the office of the Administrator.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 89–409, §1, increased by $125 million the appropriation authorization for the single SBA fund from $1,841 million to $1,966 million and the authorization for outstanding loans and commitments for regular business loans, disaster loans, and prime contract authority from $1,375 million to $1,500 million.

Pub. L. 89–409, §2, provided for a disaster loan fund and business loan and investment fund in place of one prior SBA fund, incorporated existing provisions in par. (2), provided for allocation of unexpended balances of appropriations for prior single fund and for an appropriation authorization in par. (3), removed disaster loans from any limitation, provided limitations in par. (4) of $1,400 million for regular business loans, displaced business disaster loans, trade adjustment loans, prime contract authority, and loans under title IV of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, $400 million for small business investment companies, $200 million for loans to State and local development companies, $100 million for loans under title IV of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, incorporated existing reporting provisions in par. (4), including additional requirement of inclusion of recommendations whenever 75 percent of any ceiling in outstanding obligations is exceeded, required establishment of business-type loans, and incorporated existing provisions in par. (6).

1965—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 89–334 substituted "$1,841,000,000" for "$1,721,000,000".

Pub. L. 89–117 substituted "$1,721,000,000" for "$1,716,000,000" and inserted proviso that the limitation imposed by fifth sentence concerning the maximum aggregate permitted to be outstanding from the fund for functions under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 be inapplicable to functions under title IV thereof.

Pub. L. 89–78 increased from $341,000,000 to $461,000,000 the limit on the aggregate permissible amount outstanding from the fund at any time for the exercise of the functions of the Administration under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958.

Pub. L. 89–59 inserted references to section 636(c)(2) in first sentence and in fourth sentence, where first appearing and in cl. (2) thereof, and increased the authorized appropriations to the revolving fund from $1,666,000,000 to $1,716,000,000 and the aggregate amount outstanding at any one time for regular business loans, disaster loans, and prime contract authority from $1,325,000,000 to $1,375,000,000.

1962—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 87–550 increased the authorized appropriations to the revolving fund from $1,200,000,000 to $1,666,000,000, and the aggregate amount outstanding for purposes of sections 636(a), 636(b), and 637(a) of this title from $875,000,000 to $1,325,000,000, and for functions under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 from $325,000,000 to $341,000,000 directed that appropriations to the revolving fund shall remain available until expended, required all repayments of loans and debentures, payments of interest, and other receipts arising out of transactions financed from the fund to be paid into the fund, and a report to Congressional committees whenever the aggregate amount outstanding for the purposes of sections 636(a) and 637(a) of this title exceeds $1,222,000,000, or for the purpose of section 636(b) of this title exceeds $103,000,000, changed the method of computing interest paid into miscellaneous receipts by substituting provisions requiring payment, following the close of each fiscal year, of interest on the outstanding cash disbursements from the fund, at rates determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, taking into consideration the current average yields on outstanding interest-bearing marketable public debt obligations of the United States of comparable maturities as calculated for the month of June preceding such fiscal year, for provisions which required payment of interest, at the close of each fiscal year, on the net amount of cash disbursements from advances at a rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, taking into consideration the current average rate on outstanding interest-bearing marketable public debt obligations of the United States of comparable maturities, and eliminated provisions which authorized advances from the revolving fund when requested by the Administration.

1961—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 87–341, among other changes, substituted "$1,200,000,000" for "$1,125,000,000" wherever appearing, and "$325,000,000" for "$250,000,000".

Pub. L. 87–305 substituted "$1,125,000,000" for "$1,020,000,000" wherever appearing, and "$725,000,000" for "$595,000,000".

Pub. L. 87–198 substituted "$1,020,000,000" for "$1,000,000,000" wherever appearing, and "$595,000,000" for "$575,000,000".

Pub. L. 87–70 substituted "$1,000,000,000" for "$975,000,000" wherever appearing, and "$150,000,000" for "$125,000,000".

1959—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 86–367 substituted "$975,000,000" for "$900,000,000" wherever appearing, and "$575,000,000" for "$500,000,000".

1958—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 85–699 substituted "$900,000,000" for "$650,000,000" wherever appearing, and inserted provisions authorizing the revolving fund to be used in the exercise of the functions of the Administration under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and providing that not more than an aggregate of $250,000,000 shall be outstanding at any one time for the exercise of the functions under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Committee on Small Business of Senate changed to Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of Senate. See Senate Resolution No. 123, One Hundred Seventh Congress, June 29, 2001. Previously, Select Committee on Small Business of Senate became Committee on Small Business of Senate. See Senate Resolution No. 101, Ninety-Seventh Congress, Mar. 25, 1981.

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of Title 7, Agriculture.

Termination Date of 2004 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–447, div. K, title I, §132(c), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3453, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 637 of this title] are repealed on October 1, 2006."

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–208, div. D, §3, Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–725, provided that: "Except as otherwise expressly provided, this Act [probably should be "division", see Short Title of 1996 Amendment note set out under section 631 of this title] and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on October 1, 1996."

Effective Date of 1990 Amendments

Pub. L. 101–574, title II, §221(b), Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2823, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to any vacancy in the position of Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 15, 1990]."

Pub. L. 101–515, §1(b), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 2140, provided that: "The provisions of subsection (a) of this section [amending this section] shall apply to any vacancy in the position of Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration after the effective date of this Act [Nov. 5, 1990]."

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–37 applicable as if included in Pub. L. 100–656, see section 32 of Pub. L. 101–37, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–656 effective Aug. 15, 1989, see section 803(b)(1)(C) of Pub. L. 100–656, as amended, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

Effective and Termination Dates of 1984 Amendments

Pub. L. 98–362, §7, July 16, 1984, 98 Stat. 434, as amended by Pub. L. 100–590, title I, §131(a), Nov. 3, 1988, 102 Stat. 3004; Pub. L. 101–515, title V, §11, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 2145; Pub. L. 101–574, title II, §212, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2821; Pub. L. 102–140, title VI, §609(g), Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 826; Pub. L. 102–366, title II, §225, Sept. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 1001; Pub. L. 103–403, title IV, §401(b), Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4190; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(66), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4312, provided that:

"(a) This Act [amending this section and sections 632 and 637 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 631 and 637 of this title] shall take effect on October 1, 1984.

"(b) The amendments made to section 4(b)(3) of the Small Business Act [15 U.S.C. 633(b)(3)] by section 3 of this Act are repealed on October 1, 1988. The amendments made to section 8(b)(1)(A) of the Small Business Act [15 U.S.C. 637(b)(1)(A)] by section 5(a)(2) of this Act are repealed on October 1, 1994. Nothing in this section shall preclude the Administrator from continuing such committee under the authority of section 8(b)(3) of the Small Business Act and chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code."

[Section 401(b) of Pub. L. 103–403, which directed that section 7(b) of Pub. L. 98–362, set out above, be amended in the second sentence by striking out "and the amendments made to section 8(b)(1)(A) of the Small Business Act by section 5(a)(2) of this Act are" and inserting "is", could not be executed, because the language sought to be struck out begins with "The amendments" and not "and the amendments", and because the amendment would result in an incomplete sentence.]

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–270 effective Oct. 1, 1983, see section 313 of Pub. L. 98–270, set out as an Effective Date of 1984 Amendments note under section 632 of this title.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by sections 1908 and 1913(b) of Pub. L. 97–35 effective Oct. 1, 1981, and amendment by section 1915 of Pub. L. 97–35 effective Aug. 13, 1981, but not to affect any financing made, obligated, or committed under this chapter or chapter 14B of this title prior to Aug. 13, 1981, see section 1918 of Pub. L. 97–35, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–302 effective Oct. 1, 1980, see section 507 of Pub. L. 96–302, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–89, title I, §106, Aug. 4, 1977, 91 Stat. 557, provided that: "This title [amending this section, sections 636, 694, 694–2, and 694c of this title, and provisions set out as a note under section 631 of this title] shall become effective on October 1, 1977."

Effective Date of 1970 Amendments

For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 91–597, see section 29 of Pub. L. 91–597, set out as a note under section 1031 of Title 21, Food and Drugs.

Amendment by Pub. L. 91–596 effective 120 days after Dec. 29, 1970, see section 34 of Pub. L. 91–596, set out as a note under section 651 of Title 29, Labor.

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

Pub. L. 89–409, §2, May 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 132, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective July 1, 1966.

Transfer of Functions

Functions, powers, and duties of Office of Audits and Investigations in Small Business Administration transferred to Office of Inspector General in Small Business Administration, as established by Pub. L. 95–452, §2, Oct. 12, 1978, 92 Stat. 1101, formerly set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. See section 422(a)(1)(T) of Title 5.

Administrator's Order

Pub. L. 106–50, title VII, §701, Aug. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 249, provided that: "The Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall strengthen and reissue the Administrator's order regarding the third sentence of section 4(b)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 633(b)(1)), relating to nondiscrimination and special considerations for veterans, and take all necessary steps to ensure that its provisions are fully and vigorously implemented."

Completion of Planning for Loan Monitoring System

Pub. L. 105–135, title II, §233, Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2607, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Administrator shall perform and complete the planning needed to serve as the basis for funding the development and implementation of the computerized loan monitoring system, including—

"(1) fully defining the system requirement using on-line, automated capabilities to the extent feasible;

"(2) identifying all data inputs and outputs necessary for timely report generation;

"(3) benchmark loan monitoring business processes and systems against comparable industry processes and, if appropriate, simplify or redefine work processes based on these benchmarks;

"(4) determine data quality standards and control systems for ensuring information accuracy;

"(5) identify an acquisition strategy and work increments to completion;

"(6) analyze the benefits and costs of alternatives and use to demonstrate the advantage of the final project;

"(7) ensure that the proposed information system is consistent with the agency's information architecture; and

"(8) estimate the cost to system completion, identifying the essential cost element.

"(b) Report.—

"(1) In general.—On the date that is 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 2, 1997], the Administrator shall submit a report on the progress of the Administrator in carrying out subsection (a) to—

"(A) the Committees; and

"(B) the Comptroller General of the United States.

"(2) Evaluation.—Not later than 28 days after receipt of the report under paragraph (1)(B), the Comptroller General of the United States shall—

"(A) prepare a written evaluation of the report for compliance with subsection (a); and

"(B) submit the evaluation to the Committees.

"(3) Limitation.—None of the funds provided for the purchase of the loan monitoring system may be obligated or expended until 45 days after the date on which the Committees and the Comptroller General of the United States receive the report under paragraph (1)."

Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development

Pub. L. 100–656, title IV, §401(b), Nov. 15, 1988, 102 Stat. 3873, as amended by Pub. L. 101–37, §11(b), June 15, 1989, 103 Stat. 73, provided that: "The position of Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development referred to in paragraph (1) of section 4(b) of the Small Business Act [15 U.S.C. 633(b)(1)] shall be a career reserved position."

Availability of Funds

Pub. L. 100–71, title I, July 11, 1987, 101 Stat. 396, provided in part that: "hereafter, notwithstanding any law, rule or regulation, moneys in any fund established by the Small Business Act [15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.] which are not needed for current operations shall remain in such funds and shall be available solely to carry out the provisions and purposes of programs operated from such funds pursuant to law as provided in appropriations Acts."

Finding and Purpose of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–362, §2, July 16, 1984, 98 Stat. 431, provided that:

"(a) The Congress hereby finds that—

"(1) there is increased dependency on, and proliferation of, information technology (including computers, data networks, and other communication devices) in the small business community;

"(2) such technology has permitted an increase in criminal activity against small business;

"(3) small businesses in particular frequently lack the education and awareness of computer security techniques and technologies which would enable them to protect their computer systems from unauthorized access and the manipulation or destruction of their computer hardware, software, and stored data;

"(4) profitmaking organizations have substantial expertise in computer technology, communications, and management assistance that is not otherwise available; and

"(5) the use of this expertise in the Small Business Administration's training delivery system would improve substantially the quantity and quality of the agency's management assistance programs.

"(b) The purposes of this Act [amending this section and sections 632 and 637 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 631 and 637 of this title] are—

"(1) to improve the management by small businesses of their information technology,

"(2) to educate and encourage small businesses to protect such technology from intentional or unintentional manipulation or destruction; and

"(3) to permit cooperation with profitmaking organizations in providing management assistance to small business."

Audit by General Accounting Office of Small Business Administration; Report to Congress

Pub. L. 93–386, §13, Aug. 23, 1974, 88 Stat. 750, directed General Accounting Office to conduct a full-scale audit of Small Business Administration, including all field offices and to submit audit to House and Senate not later than six months from Aug. 23, 1974.

Nonavailability of Unobligated Funds After June 30, 1974

Pub. L. 93–237, §1, Jan. 2, 1974, 87 Stat. 1023, provided in part that any additional amounts authorized by Pub. L. 93–237 [amending this section, sections 636 and 639 of this title, section 1961 of Title 7, Agriculture, and section 3142–1 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, section 636 of this title, and sections 1961 and 1969 of Title 7] which were not obligated by June 30, 1974, were no longer to be available after that date.

Additional Capital for Revolving Fund

The following acts appropriated additional capital:

1965—$76,000,000—Pub. L. 89–309, ch. IX, Oct. 31, 1965, 79 Stat. 1151.

$84,000,000—Pub. L. 89–309, ch. IX, Oct. 31, 1965, 79 Stat. 1151 [effective only upon enactment into law of authorizing legislation].

$150,000,000—Pub. L. 89–164, title V, Sept. 2, 1965, 79 Stat. 641.

$100,000,000—Pub. L. 89–16, title I, ch. IX, Apr. 30, 1965, 79 Stat. 92.

1964—$45,000,000—Pub. L. 88–635, ch. IX, Oct. 7, 1964, 78 Stat. 1032.

1963—$90,000,000—Pub. L. 88–245, title V, Dec. 30, 1963, 77 Stat. 798.

1962—$300,000,000—Pub. L. 87–843, title V, Oct. 18, 1962, 76 Stat. 1102.

$40,000,000—Pub. L. 87–545, title I, July 25, 1962, 76 Stat. 213.

1961—$160,000,000—Pub. L. 87–332, Sept. 30, 1961, 75 Stat. 742.

$20,000,000—Pub. L. 87–125, title IV, Aug. 3, 1961, 75 Stat. 281.

1960—$50,000,000—Pub. L. 86–451, title III, May 13, 1960, 74 Stat. 102.

1959—$150,000,000—Pub. L. 86–88, title III, July 13, 1959, 73 Stat. 209.

1958—$200,000,000—Pub. L. 85–766, ch. II, Aug. 27, 1958, 72 Stat. 867.

$20,000,000—Pub. L. 85–457, June 13, 1958, 72 Stat. 186.

1957—$100,000,000—Pub. L. 85–170, ch. II, Aug. 28, 1957, 71 Stat. 428.

$45,000,000—Pub. L. 85–19, ch. I, Apr. 20, 1957, 71 Stat. 16.

1956—$50,000,000—Act June 20, 1956, ch. 415, title III, 70 Stat. 325.

Business Loan and Investment Fund; Increase in Financing Functions; Monthly Reports to Congress

Pub. L. 91–151, title III, Dec. 23, 1969, 83 Stat. 378, provided that: "The Small Business Administration shall promptly increase the level of its financing functions utilizing the business loan and investment fund established under section 4(c)(1)(B) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 633(c)(1)(B)) [subsec. (c)(1)(B) of this section] by $70,000,000 above the level prevailing at the time of enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 1969]. The Small Business Administration shall submit to Congress a monthly report of its implementation of this section."

Transfer of Funds for Trade Adjustment Loans

Pub. L. 89–409, §3(b), May 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 133, provided in part that any unexpended balances of appropriations heretofore appropriated for the purposes of such section [former section 637a of this title] were transferred to the business loan and investment fund established by section 4(c)(1) of the Small Business Act [subsec. (c)(1) of this section].

Such transfer of funds as effective July 1, 1966, see section 3(c) of Pub. L. 89–409, set out as Effective Date of 1966 Amendment note under section 636 of this title.

Executive Documents

Termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

For termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, see note set out preceding section 1681 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

Transfer of Functions

Loan Policy Board, provided for in subsec. (d) of this section, abolished and functions, including functions of chairman and other officers, transferred to Administrator of Small Business Administration by sections 11(b) and 13(a) of Reorg. Plan No. 4 of 1965, eff. July 27, 1965, 30 F.R. 9353, 79 Stat. 1321, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

1 See References in Text note below.
15 U.S.C. § 77yyy (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 2A: SECURITIES AND TRUST INDENTURES / Subchapter III: TRUST INDENTURES / Section 77yyy: Penalties
Penalties
Status: in_force

Any person who willfully violates any provision of this subchapter or any rule, regulation, or order thereunder, or any person who willfully, in any application, report, or document filed or required to be filed under the provisions of this subchapter or any rule, regulation, or order thereunder, makes any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, shall upon conviction be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.

(May 27, 1933, ch. 38, title III, §325, as added Aug. 3, 1939, ch. 411, 53 Stat. 1177; amended Pub. L. 94–29, §27(d), June 4, 1975, 89 Stat. 163.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1975—Pub. L. 94–29 substituted "$10,000" for "$5,000".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1975 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 94–29 effective June 4, 1975, see section 31(a) of Pub. L. 94–29, set out as a note under section 78b of this title.
15 U.S.C. § 1681f (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 41: CONSUMER CREDIT PROTECTION / Subchapter III: CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES / Section 1681f: Disclosures to governmental agencies
Disclosures to governmental agencies
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 1681b of this title, a consumer reporting agency may furnish identifying information respecting any consumer, limited to his name, address, former addresses, places of employment, or former places of employment, to a governmental agency.

(Pub. L. 90–321, title VI, §608, as added Pub. L. 91–508, title VI, §601, Oct. 26, 1970, 84 Stat. 1131.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective upon the expiration of one hundred and eighty days following Oct. 26, 1970, see section 504(d) of Pub. L. 90–321, as added by Pub. L. 91–508, set out as a note under section 1681 of this title.
15 U.S.C. § 7803 (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 104: SPORTS AGENT RESPONSIBILITY AND TRUST / Section 7803: Enforcement
Enforcement
Status: in_force

(a) Unfair or deceptive act or practice

A violation of this chapter shall be treated as a violation of a rule defining an unfair or deceptive act or practice prescribed under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)).

(b) Actions by the Commission

The Commission shall enforce this chapter in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all applicable terms and provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were incorporated into and made a part of this chapter.

(Pub. L. 108–304, §4, Sept. 24, 2004, 118 Stat. 1127.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Federal Trade Commission Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is act Sept. 26, 1914, ch. 311, 38 Stat. 717, which is classified generally to subchapter I (§41 et seq.) of chapter 2 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 58 of this title and Tables.
15 U.S.C. § 1244 (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 29: MANUFACTURE, TRANSPORTATION, OR DISTRIBUTION OF SWITCHBLADE KNIVES / Section 1244: Exceptions
Exceptions
Status: in_force

Sections 1242 and 1243 of this title shall not apply to—

(1) any common carrier or contract carrier, with respect to any switchblade knife shipped, transported, or delivered for shipment in interstate commerce in the ordinary course of business;

(2) the manufacture, sale, transportation, distribution, possession, or introduction into interstate commerce, of switchblade knives pursuant to contract with the Armed Forces;

(3) the Armed Forces or any member or employee thereof acting in the performance of his duty;

(4) the possession, and transportation upon his person, of any switchblade knife with a blade three inches or less in length by any individual who has only one arm; or

(5) a knife that contains a spring, detent, or other mechanism designed to create a bias toward closure of the blade and that requires exertion applied to the blade by hand, wrist, or arm to overcome the bias toward closure to assist in opening the knife.

(Pub. L. 85–623, §4, Aug. 12, 1958, 72 Stat. 562; Pub. L. 111–83, title V, §562, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2183.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2009—Par. (5). Pub. L. 111–83 added par. (5).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on the sixtieth day after Aug. 12, 1958, see section 6 of Pub. L. 85–623, set out as a note under section 1241 of this title.
15 U.S.C. § 8814 (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 114: NATIONAL QUANTUM INITIATIVE / Subchapter I: NATIONAL QUANTUM INITIATIVE / Section 8814: National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee
National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee
Status: in_force

(a) In general

The President shall establish a National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee.

(b) Qualifications

The Advisory Committee shall consist of members, appointed by the President, who are representative of industry, universities, and Federal laboratories and are qualified to provide advice and information on quantum information science and technology research, development, demonstrations, standards, education, technology transfer, commercial application, or national security and economic concerns.

(c) Membership consideration

In selecting the members of the Advisory Committee, the President may seek and give consideration to recommendations from the Congress, industry, the scientific community (including the National Academy of Sciences, scientific professional societies, and universities), the defense community, and other appropriate organizations.

(d) Duties

(1) In general

The Advisory Committee shall advise the President, the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science, and the Subcommittee on Economic and Security Implications and make recommendations for the President to consider when reviewing and revising the Program.

(2) Independent assessments

The Advisory Committee shall conduct periodic, independent assessments of—

(A) any trends or developments in quantum information science and technology;

(B) the progress made in implementing the Program;

(C) the management, coordination, implementation, and activities of the Program;

(D) whether the Program activities and the goals and priorities established under section 8813(d)(2) of this title are helping to maintain United States leadership in quantum information science and technology;

(E) whether a need exists to revise the Program;

(F) whether opportunities exist for international cooperation with strategic allies on research and development in, and the development of open standards for, quantum information science and technology; and

(G) whether national security, societal, economic, legal, and workforce concerns are adequately addressed by the Program.

(e) Reports

Not later than 180 days after December 21, 2018, and at least biennially thereafter, the Advisory Committee shall submit to the President, the appropriate committees of Congress, and such other committees of Congress as the Advisory Committee deems appropriate a report on the findings of the independent assessment under subsection (d), including any recommendations for improvements to the Program.

(f) Travel expenses of non-Federal members

Non-Federal members of the Advisory Committee, while attending meetings of the Advisory Committee or while otherwise serving at the request of the head of the Advisory Committee away from their homes or regular places of business, may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5, for individuals in the Government serving without pay. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit members of the Advisory Committee who are officers or employees of the United States from being allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with existing law.

(g) FACA exemption

The Advisory Committee shall be exempt from section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).1

(Pub. L. 115–368, title I, §104, Dec. 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 5096; Pub. L. 117–81, div. F, title LXVI, §6606(c)(3), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2444.)

Termination of Section

For termination of section, see section 8815 of this title.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, referred to in subsec. (g), is section 14 of Pub. L. 92–463, which was set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and was repealed and restated as section 1013 of Title 5 by Pub. L. 117–286, §§3(a), 7, Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4204, 4361.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 117–81 substituted ", the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science, and the Subcommittee on Economic and Security Implications" for "and the Subcommittee".

Executive Documents

Executive Order No. 13885

Ex. Ord. No. 13885, Aug. 30, 2019, 84 F.R. 46873, which established the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 14073, §5, May 4, 2022, 87 F.R. 27910, set out below.

Ex. Ord. No. 14073. Enhancing the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee

Ex. Ord. No. 14073, May 4, 2022, 87 F.R. 27909, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 104(a) of the National Quantum Initiative Act (Public Law 115–368) (NQI Act) [15 U.S.C. 8814(a)], and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and in order to ensure continued American leadership in quantum information science and its technology applications, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Purpose. Quantum information science (QIS) can enable transformative advances in knowledge and technology for industry, academia, and government. Accordingly, the National Quantum Initiative (NQI), which aims to ensure the continued leadership of the United States in QIS and its technology applications, is a substantial and sustained national priority. The NQI Program, established pursuant to section 101 of the NQI Act [15 U.S.C. 8811], encompasses contributions from across the Federal Government, as exemplified by the QIS research, development, demonstration, and training activities pursued by executive departments and agencies (agencies) with membership on either the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science (SCQIS) or the NSTC Subcommittee on Economic and Security Implications of Quantum Science (ESIX).

Sec. 2. Establishment. (a) To ensure that the NQI Program and the Nation are informed by evidence, data, and perspectives from a diverse group of experts and stakeholders, the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee (Committee) is hereby established. Consistent with the NQI Act [15 U.S.C. 8801 et seq.], the Committee shall advise the President, the SCQIS, and the ESIX on the NQI Program.

(b) The Committee shall consist of the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (Director) or the Director's designee and not more than 26 members, appointed by the President, who are United States citizens representative of industry, universities, and Federal laboratories, and who are qualified to provide advice and information on QIS and technology research, development, demonstrations, standards, education, technology transfer, commercial application, or national security and economic concerns.

(c) The Committee shall have two Co-Chairs. The Director or the Director's designee shall serve as one Co-Chair of the Committee. The President shall designate another Co-Chair from among the appointed members to serve as Co-Chair with the Director.

Sec. 3. Functions. (a) The Committee shall advise the President and the SCQIS and the ESIX (Subcommittees) and make recommendations for the President to consider when reviewing and revising the NQI Program. The Committee shall also carry out all responsibilities set forth in section 104 of the NQI Act.

(b) The Committee shall meet at least twice a year and shall:

(i) respond to requests from the President or the Co-Chairs of the Committee for information, analysis, evaluation, or advice relating to QIS and its technology applications;

(ii) solicit information and ideas from a broad range of stakeholders on QIS, including the research community, the private sector, academia, national laboratories, agencies, State and local governments, foundations, and nonprofit organizations;

(iii) review the national strategy for QIS; and

(iv) respond to requests from the Subcommittees.

Sec. 4. Administration. (a) The heads of agencies shall, to the extent permitted by law, provide the Committee with information concerning QIS and its technology applications when requested by a Committee Co-Chair.

(b) The Co-Chairs of the Committee may establish standing subcommittees and ad hoc groups, including technical advisory groups, to assist and provide information to the Committee.

(c) The Director may request that members of the Committee, standing subcommittees, or ad hoc groups who do not hold a current clearance for access to classified information receive appropriate clearances and access determinations pursuant to Executive Order 13526 of December 29, 2009 (Classified National Security Information) [50 U.S.C. 3161 note], as amended, or any successor order.

(d) The National Quantum Coordination Office shall provide technical and administrative support to the Committee, pursuant to section 102(b) of the NQI Act [15 U.S.C. 8812(b)].

(e) Committee members shall serve without any compensation for their work on the Committee, but may receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by law for persons serving intermittently in the Government service (5 U.S.C. 5701–5707).

Sec. 5. Revocation. Executive Order 13885 of August 30, 2019 (Establishing the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee) [formerly set out above], is hereby revoked.

Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) Insofar as the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended [Pub. L. 92–463] ([former] 5 U.S.C. App.) [see 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.] (FACA), may apply to the Committee, any functions of the President under the FACA, except for those in section 6 of the FACA [see 5 U.S.C. 1005], shall be performed by the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Director, in accordance with the guidelines and procedures established by the Administrator of General Services.

(b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(c) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(d) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

J.R. Biden, Jr.      

1 See References in Text note below.
15 U.S.C. § 2060 (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 47: CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY / Section 2060: Judicial review of consumer product safety rules
Judicial review of consumer product safety rules
Status: in_force

(a) Petition by persons adversely affected, consumers, or consumer organizations

Not later than 60 days after a consumer product safety rule is promulgated by the Commission, any person adversely affected by such rule, or any consumer or consumer organization, may file a petition with the United States court of appeals for the District of Columbia, or for the circuit in which such person, consumer, or organization resides or has his principal place of business for judicial review of such rule. Copies of the petition shall be forthwith transmitted by the clerk of the court to the Commission or other officer designated by it for that purpose and to the Attorney General. The record of the proceedings on which the Commission based its rule shall be filed in the court as provided for in section 2112 of title 28. For purposes of this section, the term "record" means such consumer product safety rule; any notice or proposal published pursuant to section 2056, 2057, or 2058 of this title; the transcript required by section 2058(d)(2) of this title of any oral presentation; any written submission of interested parties; and any other information which the Commission considers relevant to such rule.

(b) Additional data, views, or arguments

If the petitioner applies to the court for leave to adduce additional data, views, or arguments and shows to the satisfaction of the court that such additional data, views, or arguments are material and that there were reasonable grounds for the petitioner's failure to adduce such data, views, or arguments in the proceeding before the Commission, the court may order the Commission to provide additional opportunity for the oral presentation of data, views, or arguments and for written submissions. The Commission may modify its findings, or make new findings by reason of the additional data, views, or arguments so taken and shall file such modified or new findings, and its recommendation, if any, for the modification or setting aside of its original rule, with the return of such additional data, views, or arguments.

(c) Jurisdiction; costs and attorneys' fees; substantial evidence to support administrative findings

Upon the filing of the petition under subsection (a) of this section the court shall have jurisdiction to review the consumer product safety rule in accordance with chapter 7 of title 5, and to grant appropriate relief, including interim relief, as provided in such chapter. A court may in the interest of justice include in such relief an award of the costs of suit, including reasonable attorneys' fees (determined in accordance with subsection (f) 1 and reasonable expert witnesses' fees. Attorneys' fees may be awarded against the United States (or any agency or official of the United States) without regard to section 2412 of title 28 or any other provision of law. The consumer product safety rule shall not be affirmed unless the Commission's findings under sections 2058(f)(1) and 2058(f)(3) of this title are supported by substantial evidence on the record taken as a whole.

(d) Supreme Court review

The judgment of the court affirming or setting aside, in whole or in part, any consumer product safety rule shall be final, subject to review by the Supreme Court of the United States upon certiorari or certification, as provided in section 1254 of title 28.

(e) Other remedies

The remedies provided for in this section shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any other remedies provided by law.

(f) Computation of reasonable fee for attorney

For purposes of this section and sections 2072(a) and 2073 of this title, a reasonable attorney's fee is a fee (1) which is based upon (A) the actual time expended by an attorney in providing advice and other legal services in connection with representing a person in an action brought under this section, and (B) such reasonable expenses as may be incurred by the attorney in the provision of such services, and (2) which is computed at the rate prevailing for the provision of similar services with respect to actions brought in the court which is awarding such fee.

(g) Expedited judicial review

(1) Application

This subsection applies, in lieu of the preceding subsections of this section, to judicial review of—

(A) any consumer product safety rule promulgated by the Commission pursuant to section 2064(j) of this title (relating to identification of substantial hazards);

(B) any consumer product safety standard promulgated by the Commission pursuant to section 2089 of this title (relating to all-terrain vehicles);

(C) any standard promulgated by the Commission under section 2056a of this title (relating to durable infant and toddler products); and

(D) any consumer product safety standard promulgated by the Commission under section 2056b of this title (relating to mandatory toy safety standards).

(2) In general

Not later than 60 days after the promulgation, by the Commission, of a rule or standard to which this subsection applies, any person adversely affected by such rule or standard may file a petition with the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit for judicial review of such rule. Copies of the petition shall be forthwith transmitted by the clerk of the court to the Commission or other officer designated by it for that purpose and to the Attorney General. The record of the proceedings on which the Commission based its rule shall be filed in the court as provided for in section 2112 of title 28.

(3) Review

Upon the filing of the petition under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the court shall have jurisdiction to review the rule in accordance with chapter 7 of title 5 and to grant appropriate relief, including interim relief, as provided in such chapter.

(4) Conclusiveness of judgment

The judgment of the court affirming or setting aside, in whole or in part, any final rule under this section shall be final, subject to review by the Supreme Court of the United States upon certiorari or certification, as provided in section 1254 of title 28.

(5) Further review

A rule or standard with respect to which this subsection applies shall not be subject to judicial review in proceedings under section 2066 of this title (relating to imported products) or in civil or criminal proceedings for enforcement.

(Pub. L. 92–573, §11, Oct. 27, 1972, 86 Stat. 1218; Pub. L. 94–284, §§10(b), 11(a), May 11, 1976, 90 Stat. 507; Pub. L. 97–35, title XII, §1211(h)(1)–(3)(A), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 723; Pub. L. 97–414, §9(j)(2), Jan. 4, 1983, 96 Stat. 2064; Pub. L. 110–314, title II, §236(a), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3075.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2008—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 110–314 added subsec. (g).

1983—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–414 substituted "subsection (f)" for "section 2059(e)(4) of this title".

1981—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–35, §1211(h)(2), substituted reference to section 2058(d)(2) of this title for reference to section 2058(a)(2) of this title.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–35, §1211(h)(1), substituted reference to section 2058(f)(1) and (3) of this title for reference to section 2058(c) of this title.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 97–35, §1211(h)(3)(A), added subsec. (f).

1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–284, §11(a), permitted the Commission to file the record of its proceedings on which its rule was based with the court in lieu of transmitting the record to the Attorney General.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 94–284, §10(b), inserted provision permitting the court to award costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, in the interest of justice.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–35 effective Aug. 13, 1981, see section 1215 of Pub. L. 97–35, set out as a note under section 2052 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective on the sixtieth day following Oct. 27, 1972, see section 34 of Pub. L. 92–573, set out as a note under section 2051 of this title.

Pending Actions Unaffected

Pub. L. 110–314, title II, §236(b), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3076, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall not apply to any petition filed before the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 14, 2008] for judicial review of any action by the Consumer Product Safety Commission."

1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a closing parenthesis.
15 U.S.C. § 5413 (2024) — Title 15: COMMERCE AND TRADE / Chapter 80: FASTENERS / Section 5413: Repealed. Pub. L. 104-113, §11(j), Mar. 7, 1996, 110 Stat. 782
Repealed. Pub. L. 104-113, §11(j), Mar. 7, 1996, 110 Stat. 782
Status: repealed

Section, Pub. L. 101–592, §14, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 2952, related to appointment of an advisory committee to be available for consultation with Secretary on matters related to fasteners.