zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
American Freedom Agenda Act of 2007 - Repeals the Military Commissions Act of 2006. Authorizes the President to establish military commissions for the trial of war crimes only in places of active hostilities against the United States where an immediate trial is necessary to preserve fresh evidence or to prevent local anarchy. Prohibits the President from detaining any individual indefinitely as an unlawful enemy combatant absent proof by substantial evidence that the individual has directly engaged in active hostilities against the United States. Prohibits the detention of any U.S. citizen as an unlawful enemy combatant. Entitles any individual detained as an enemy combatant by the United States to petition for a writ of habeas corpus. Prohibits any civilian or military tribunal of the United States from admitting as evidence statements extracted from the defendant by torture or coercion. Prohibits any federal agency from gathering foreign intelligence in contravention of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Subordinates the President's constitutional power to gather foreign intelligence to such prohibition. Gives the House of Representatives and Senate standing to file a declatory judgment action in an appropriate federal district court to challenge the constitutionality of a presidential signing statement that declares the president's intent to disregard provisions of a bill he has signed into law because he believes they are unconstitutional. Prohibits any U.S. officer or agent from kidnapping, imprisoning, or torturing any person abroad based soley on the president's belief that the subject of the action is a criminal or enemy combatant. Allows kidnapping if undertaken with the intent of bringing the kidnapped person for prosecution or interrogation to gather intelligence before a tribunal that meets international standards of fairness and due process. Provides that nothing in the Espionage Act of 1917 shall prohibit a journalist from publishing information received from the executive branch or Congress unless the publication would cause direct, immediate, and irreparable harm to U.S. national security. Prohibits the use of secret evidence by the President or any other member of the executive branch to designate an individual or organization with a U.S. presence as a foreign terrorist or foreign terrorist organization for purposes of the criminal law or civil sanctions.

Date: 2007-10-15
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Law
Civil Rights Act of 2008 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 to set forth requirements for: (1) establishing discrimination based on disparate impact; and (2) rights of action and recovery for unlawful discrimination (intentional or based on disparate impact). Amends those Acts and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to set forth requirements regarding a right of recovery for harassment. Amends the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) to provide that a state's receipt or use of federal financial assistance for a state program or activity constitutes a waiver of sovereign immunity for a suit by a program employee. Amends the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 to authorize civil actions in federal court for discrimination based on disability. Settlement Encouragement and Fairness Act - Modifies the definition of "prevailing party" for purposes of provisions governing the recovery of attorney's fees to include a party whose pursuit of a non-frivolous claim or defense was a catalyst for a voluntary or unilateral change in position by the opposing party that provides any significant part of the relief sought. Preservation of Civil Rights Protections Act of 2008 - Makes arbitration clauses in employment contracts unenforceable, with exceptions. Authorizes recovery of expert fees by prevailing parties in civil rights actions. Equal Remedies Act of 2008 - Repeals provisions limiting the amount of compensatory and punitive damages that may be awarded in cases of intentional discrimination in employment. Amends the FLSA to revise provisions governing discrimination in the payment of wages, including equal pay requirements. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit denying back-pay or other monetary relief for unlawful employment practices against undocumented immigrant workers. Applies specified provisions of this act to violations pending as of enactment or occurring prior to enactment.

Date: 2008-01-23
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Civil rights and liberties, minority issues
English as the Official Language Act of 2008 - Requires: (1) English to be the national language of the federal government; and (2) the federal government to preserve and enhance the role of English as the national language. Provides that no person has a right, entitlement, or claim to have the federal government act, communicate, perform or provide services, or provide materials in any language other than English, unless specifically provided by statute.Makes the English language version of a government form issued in a language other than English the sole authority for legal purposes.Declares that this Act does not prohibit the use of a language other than English.

Date: 2008-04-10
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Environmental Justice Enforcement Act of 2008 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to declare that discrimination based on disparate impact under federally assisted programs (including exclusion from participation and denial of benefits) is established only if a person aggrieved by discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin demonstrates that: (1) a covered entity has a policy or practice causing a disparate impact on that basis and fails to demonstrate that the challenged policy or practice is related to and necessary to achieve the nondiscriminatory goals of the program or activity alleged to have been operated in a discriminatory manner; or (2) a less discriminatory alternative policy or practice exists, but the covered entity refuses to adopt it. Authorizes an aggrieved person to: (1) bring a civil action in federal or state court to enforce such person's rights; and (2) recover equitable relief, attorney's fees, and costs.

Date: 2008-04-24
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Civil rights and liberties, minority issues
Susan B. Anthony Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 - Imposes criminal penalties for knowingly: (1) performing an abortion knowing that the abortion is sought based on the sex, gender, color or race of the child, or the race of a parent; (2) using force or the threat of force to intentionally injure or intimidate any person for the purpose of coercing a sex-selection or race-selection abortion; or (3) soliciting or accepting funds to finance a sex-selection abortion or a race-selection abortion. Provides for injunctive relief and the loss of federal funding. Provides for a private right of action for appropriate relief: (1) for the father if he is married to the mother at the time she has such an abortion; or (2) for the maternal grandparents of the unborn child if the mother is under 18 at the time of the abortion. Declares that appropriate relief includes money damages for all injuries, whether psychological, physical, or financial, including loss of companionship and support. Requires a medical or mental health professional to report known or suspected violations to law enforcement authorities. Imposes criminal penalties for a failure to so report. Prohibits a woman having such an abortion from being prosecuted or held civilly liable. Excludes from the definition of "abortion" actions taken to terminate a pregnancy if the intent is to save the life or preserve the health of the unborn child, remove a dead unborn child caused by spontaneous abortion, or remove an ectopic pregnancy.

Date: 2008-09-23
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a program of grants to state and local governments to assist eligible small businesses to build their capacities and access to contracting opportunities in the construction industry. Makes eligible for such assistance those small businesses owned and controlled by: (1) women; and (2) socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

Date: 2008-09-25
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Pigford Claims Remedy Act of 2007 - Declares that any Pigford claimant (relating to a racial discrimination action against the Department of Agriculture) who has not obtained a determination on the merits of a Pigford claim before enactment of this Act may, in a civil action, obtain that determination. Asserts that it is Congress' intent that this Act be liberally construed so as to effectuate its remedial purpose of giving a full determination on the merits for each denied Pigford claim. Defines: (1) "Pigford claimant" as an individual who submitted, before enactment of this Act, a late-filing request under the consent decree in the case of Pigford v. Glickman (1999); and (2) "Pigford claim" as a discrimination complaint as defined and documented by such consent decree.

Date: 2007-02-07
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Agriculture and food
Public Housing Equal Treatment Act of 2007 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to instruct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), when determining certain allocations for a public housing agency, to include as eligible units all public housing dwelling units that: (1) are owned by the public housing agency at the time of such determination; and (2) have previously received assistance under an agreement with HUD authorizing the agency to expend such funds on behalf of the units.

Date: 2007-02-26
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Housing and community development
Elk Population Management Act of 2007 - Declares that nothing in section 4 of the Act of March 2, 1929, (relating to prohibited acts of killing, wounding, or capturing wild birds and animals and fish in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado) or any other provision of law, prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from permitting an authorized individual to use lethal means to reduce the population of elk located within Theodore Roosevelt National Park, in accordance with the elk management plan for such Park (as defined in this Act). Instructs the Secretary to consult with the appropriate agency of the State of North Dakota to determine the level of participation of such agency in carrying out this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from permitting an individual to take any elk located within Theodore Roosevelt National Park for any purpose other than to carry out the elk management plan.

Date: 2007-02-26
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Federal Railroad Safety Accountability and Improvement Act - Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2011 for the railroad safety program, including a safety risk reduction program to be implemented as part of such program. Eliminates the authority of the Secretary of Transportation (or state Secretary) to prescribe investigative and surveillance activities to enforce rail safety regulations and orders.Prohibits public disclosure of railroad safety risk reduction program records.Requires railroad carriers and states to report to the Secretary, and update periodically, unreported highway-rail (including non-vehicular pathway-rail) grade crossings and public highway-rail (including non-vehicular public pathway) grade crossings within the United States.Urges the development of new technology to prevent loss of life and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings.Sets forth requirements: (1) prohibiting the judicial review of railroad safety regulations or orders on the ground that they impact security; (2) authorizing the Secretary to waive compliance of such regulations and orders if there is an emergency event, it is in the public interest, and consistent with railroad safety; (3) authorizing the Secretary to monitor railroad radio communications to prevent rail accidents, or as part of an accident investigation; (4) authorizing the Secretary to prohibit individuals who have violated hazardous material transportation safety laws from performing safety-sensitive functions in the railroad industry until specified conditions are met; (5) repealing and reserving codified federal hours of service laws, requiring the conversion of such laws to regulations, and authorizing the Secretary to amend such regulations to prevent and mitigate fatigue in individuals performing safety-critical train related duties; (6) establishing maximum number of hours a train employee may be on duty; and (7) authorizing the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration and designated employees access to criminal history records of railroad employees.

Date: 2007-03-19
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Fair Pay Act of 2007 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit discrimination in the payment of wages on account of sex, race, or national origin. (Allows payment of different wages under seniority systems, merit systems, systems that measure earnings by quantity or quality of production, or differentials based on bona fide factors that the employer demonstrates are job-related or further legitimate business interests.) Prohibits the discharge of or any other discrimination against an individual for opposing any act or practice made unlawful by this Act, or for assisting in an investigation or proceeding under it. Directs courts, in any action brought under this Act for violation of such prohibition, to allow expert fees as part of the costs awarded to prevailing plaintiffs. Allows any such action to be maintained as a class action. Directs the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to: (1) undertake studies and provide information and technical assistance to employers, labor organizations, and the general public concerning effective means available to implement this Act; and (2) carry on a continuing program of research, education, and technical assistance with specified components related to the purposes of this Act. Makes conforming amendments relating to congressional and executive branch employees to the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 and the Presidential and Executive Office Accountability Act.

Date: 2007-04-11
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Labor and employment
S.I. Hayakawa Official English Language Act of 2007 - Makes English the official language of the U.S. government. Requires the government to: (1) conduct its official activities in English, including preparing publications, income tax forms, and informational materials in English; and (2) preserve and enhance the role of English as the official language of the United States. Provides that no person has a right, entitlement, or claim to have the government act, communicate, perform, or provide services or materials in any other language, unless expressly provided for in an applicable provision of law. Provides that this Act may not: (1) apply to the use of a language other than English for religious purposes, for training in foreign languages for international communication, or in school programs designed to encourage students to learn foreign languages; or (2) be considered to prevent the U.S. government from providing interpreters for persons over age 62. Repeals provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 regarding bilingual election requirements and regarding congressional findings of voting discrimination against language minorities, prohibition of English-only elections, and other remedial measures. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require that all public ceremonies in which the oath of allegiance is administered pursuant to such Act be conducted solely in English. Specifies that this Act may not be construed to preempt any state law.

Date: 2007-05-08
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Civil Rights Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow an exclusion from gross income for amounts received (either backpay or frontpay or punitive damages) on account of an unlawful discrimination claim; and (2) allow income averaging for backpay and frontpay amounts received from such claims.

Date: 2007-06-25
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Taxation
Pigford Claims Remedy Act of 2007 - Declares that any Pigford claimant (relating to a racial discrimination action against the Department of Agriculture) who has not previously obtained a determination on the merits of a Pigford claim may, in a civil action, obtain that determination. Asserts that it is Congress's intent that this Act be liberally construed so as to effectuate its remedial purpose of giving a full determination on the merits for each denied Pigford claim. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide a claimant with a report on farm credit loans made within the claimant's county or adjacent county during a specified period which shall contain information on all accepted applicants (but without any personally identifiable information), including: (1) the applicant's race; (2) the application and loan decision dates; and (3) the location of the office making the loan decision. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) expedited claim resolution; and (2) foreclosure limitation. Defines: (1) "Pigford claimant" as an individual who previously submitted a late-filing request under the consent decree in the case of Pigford v. Glickman (1999); and (2) "Pigford claim" as a discrimination complaint as defined and documented by such consent decree.

Date: 2007-08-03
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Agriculture and food
Protecting English in the Workplace Act - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to declare that, notwithstanding any other equal employment opportunity provisions of the Act, it is not an unlawful employment practice for an employer to require an employee to speak, or an applicant for employment to agree to speak, English while engaged in work. Prohibits considering an individual to be engaged in work during a bona fide meal period, rest period, or any other break during which the individual is not required to perform any duties.

Date: 2007-12-12
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Civil rights and liberties, minority issues
Land and Liberty Protection Act of 2008 - Protecting Americans from Violent Crime Act of 2008 - Bars the promulgation and enforcement of regulations that prohibit individuals from possessing firearms in units of the National Park System and the National Wildlife Refuge System. Government Real Estate Accountability and Transparency Act of 2008 - Requires the submission of annual reports detailing the amount of land that is owned by the federal government and the costs of maintaining that land. No Trespassing Act of 2008 - Bars the Secretary of the Interior from approving a management plan for a National Heritage Area unless the local coordinating entity of the proposed Area notifies the individuals who reside or own property in that Area. Prohibits any National Park Service (NPS) employee or member of the local coordinating entity of a National Heritage Area from entering private property without the owner's consent. Taxpayer Property Protection Act of 2008 - Bars the Department of the Interior, the Department of Energy, and the Forest Service from assuming control of any land in a state unless the citizens of the political subdivisions in which the land is located approve the assumption of control by a referendum. Do No Harm Act of 2008 - Prohibits a National Heritage Area designation from taking effect until the President certifies that it will not cause an adverse impact on specified agriculture, livestock, energy, critical infrastructure, and housing concerns.

Date: 2008-04-02
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Fair Pay Act of 2008 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to declare that an unlawful employment practice occurs when the aggrieved person knew or should have known that the person was affected by the discriminatory compensation decision or other practice involved. Applies that amendment to claims of compensation discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to declare that an unlawful practice occurs when the aggrieved person knew or should have known that the person was affected by the discriminatory compensation decision or other practice involved.

Date: 2008-04-30
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Civil rights and liberties, minority issues
Strengthening Our Economy Through Small Business Innovation Act of 2008 - Amends the Small Business Act to extend: (1) the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program through FY2022; and (2) the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program through FY2023.Increases, for FY2009 and thereafter, the percentage allocation of a federal agency's annual extramural research and development budget that may be allocated to SBIR and STTR programs.Increases, for both the SBIR and STTR programs, the individual small business award levels for program participation at phase one and two levels.Includes energy, security, transportation, and water related research topics as "special consideration" SBIR research topics.Directs the Secretary of Defense to terminate the Airborne Laser program.

Date: 2008-09-08
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Commerce
Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act to revise the process for exercising the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to make purchases of troubled assets in any amount in excess of the $350 billion previously obligated. Changes the Joint Resolution of Disapproval, regarding the exercise of such authority, to a Joint Resolution of Approval. Prohibits the Secretary, that is, from exercising any authority to make any such purchases unless within 15 calendar days after Congress receives a report of the Secretary's plan to exercise the authority, a joint resolution approving the plan is enacted into law.

Date: 2008-11-19
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to make it unlawful for anyone before or during a federal election to knowingly communicate, or attempt to communicate, false election-related information about that election, with the intent to prevent another person from exercising the right to vote. Increases from one year to five years' imprisonment the criminal penalty for intimidation of voters. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and, if appropriate, amend the federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of any offense under this Act. Authorizes any person to report to the Attorney General false election information or intimidation of voters. Requires the Attorney General, immediately after receiving such a report, to consider and review it and, if there is a reasonable basis to find that a violation has occurred, to: (1) undertake all effective measures necessary to provide correct information to voters affected by the false information; and (2) refer the matter to the appropriate federal and state authorities for criminal prosecution or civil action after the election. Directs the Attorney General to study and report to Congress on the feasibility of providing such corrective information through public service announcements, the emergency alert system, or other forms of public broadcast. Requires the Attorney General to establish a Voting Integrity Task Force to carry out the requirements of this Act with respect to any general, primary, run-off, or special election for federal office.

Date: 2009-01-06
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act of 2009 - Imposes criminal penalties on anyone who knowingly or knowingly attempts to: (1) perform an abortion knowing that the abortion is sought based on the sex, gender, color or race of the child, or the race of a parent; (2) use force or the threat of force to intentionally injure or intimidate any person for the purpose of coercing a sex-selection or race-selection abortion; or (3) solicit or accept funds to finance a sex-selection abortion or a race-selection abortion. Authorizes injunctive relief. Deems a violation of this act to be prohibited discrimination under title VI (Federally Assisted Programs) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (Violators of title VI lose federal funding.) Provides for a private right of action for appropriate relief: (1) for the father if he is married to the mother at the time she has such an abortion; or (2) for the maternal grandparents of the unborn child if the mother is under 18 at the time of the abortion. Declares that appropriate relief includes money damages for all injuries, whether psychological, physical, or financial, including loss of companionship and support. Requires a medical or mental health professional to report known or suspected violations to law enforcement authorities. Imposes criminal penalties for a failure to so report. Prohibits a woman having such an abortion from being prosecuted or held civilly liable. Excludes from the definition of "abortion" actions taken to terminate a pregnancy if the intent is to save the life or preserve the health of the unborn child, remove a dead unborn child caused by spontaneous abortion, or remove an ectopic pregnancy.

Date: 2009-03-31
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
National Guard Employment Protection Act of 2010 - Provides employment and reemployment rights, beyond the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) five-year limit, for individuals ordered to full-time National Guard duty when the period of duty is expressly designated in writing by the Secretary of Defense (DOD).

Date: 2009-04-02
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Private Property Rights Protection Act of 2009 - Prohibits a state or political subdivision from exercising its power of eminent domain, or allowing the exercise of such power by delegation, over property to be used for economic development or over property that is used for economic development within seven years after that exercise, if the state or political subdivision receives federal economic development funds during any fiscal year in which the property is so used or intended to be used. Prohibits the federal government from exercising its power of eminent domain for economic development. Establishes a private cause of action for any private property owner or tenant who suffers injury as a result of a violation of this Act. Prohibits state immunity in federal or state court. Sets the statute of limitations at seven years. Requires the Attorney General to bring an action to enforce this Act in certain circumstances, but prohibits an action brought later than seven years following the conclusion of any condemnation proceedings. Requires the Attorney General to disseminate information on: (1) the rights of property owners and tenants under this Act; and (2) the federal laws under which federal economic development funds are distributed. Prohibits a state or political subdivision from exercising its power of eminent domain over property of a religious or other nonprofit organization because of the organization's nonprofit or tax-exempt status or any related quality if that state or political subdivision receives federal economic development funds during any fiscal year. Prohibits the federal government from exercising its power of eminent domain over property of a religious or other nonprofit organization because of the organization's nonprofit or tax-exempt status or any related quality.

Date: 2009-04-02
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Civil rights and liberties, minority issues
Fair Pay Act of 2009 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit discrimination in the payment of wages on account of sex, race, or national origin. (Allows payment of different wages under seniority systems, merit systems, systems that measure earnings by quantity or quality of production, or differentials based on bona fide factors that the employer demonstrates are job-related or further legitimate business interests.) Prohibits the discharge of, or any other discrimination against, an individual for opposing any act or practice made unlawful by this Act, or for assisting in an investigation or proceeding under it. Directs courts, in any action brought under this Act for violation of such prohibition, to allow expert fees as part of the costs awarded to prevailing plaintiffs. Allows any such action to be maintained as a class action. Directs the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to: (1) undertake studies and provide information and technical assistance to employers, labor organizations, and the general public concerning effective means available to implement this Act; and (2) carry on a continuing program of research, education, and technical assistance with specified components related to the purposes of this Act. Makes conforming amendments relating to congressional and executive branch employees to the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 and the Presidential and Executive Office Accountability Act.

Date: 2009-04-28
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Labor and employment
Servicemembers' Rights Protection Act - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to add a new title authorizing the Attorney General to bring a civil action in U.S. district court to enforce provisions of the Act. Includes under such civil relief restraining orders and injunctions, damages, and penalties. Authorizes a private cause of action for such enforcement by a servicemember, dependent, or other protected person under the Act.

Date: 2009-06-04
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Justice for Wards Cove Workers Act - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1991 to remove a provision excluding from application of the Act any disparate impact case filed before March 1, 1975, and decided after October 30, 1983. (Wards Cove Packing Co. v. Atonio, 1989, held that, in cases brought under title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the burden is on the plaintiff to prove an employer had no business necessity for a practice with discriminatory effects.) Applies the amendments made by the Civil Rights Act of 1991 to a case that is subject to the removed provision in the same way such amendments apply to any other case brought under the employment discrimination provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Date: 2009-06-25
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Labor and employment
Automobile Dealers Fair Competition Act of 2009 - Makes it unlawful for any new automobile manufacturer to unreasonably discriminate against or deny a franchise to an automobile dealer who applies for the retention of its franchise. Permits an automobile dealer to file an expedited action in a U.S. district court to restore its franchise. Defines: (1) "new automobile manufacturer" as an automobile manufacturing company established in 2009 that is the successor to another automobile manufacturing company and acquires the assets of the predecessor company in an transaction governed by federal bankruptcy law; and (2) "automobile dealer" as any automobile dealer in the United States that, on January 1, 2009, held a franchise granted by an automobile manufacturing company that was the predecessor company to a new automobile manufacturer to sell that company's automobiles, but has not entered into an agreement with the new manufacturer to continue serving as a franchisee.

Date: 2009-07-31
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Commerce
Equality for Women Farmers Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to attempt to notify potential claimants of a three-year opportunity to submit a claim for gender discrimination damages against the Department of Agriculture for failing to provide or review applications for farm loans, farm loan servicing, or disaster loans during the period January 1, 1981, through the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to appoint a Special Master to adjudicate such claims. Prohibits the Department from initiating foreclosure on collateral or secured property of an eligible claimant during such three-year period. Sets forth audit and reporting provisions.

Date: 2009-12-10
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Civil rights and liberties, minority issues
United States Commission on Civil Rights Reauthorization Act of 2010 - Amends the Civil Rights Commission Act of 1983 to authorize appropriations for FY2010-FY2014 to carry out the Act. Revises provisions for the filling of vacancies on the Commission to require that vacancies on the Commission be filled by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Maintains the current requirement that no more than four of the eight members may be of the same political party.

Date: 2010-02-02
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Civil rights and liberties, minority issues
Keep Terrorists at Bay Act of 2010 - Prohibits any court from ordering the release into the United States of an alien: (1) who is an unprivileged enemy belligerent (i.e., an alien who has engaged in or supported hostilities against the United States or was a part of Al Qaeda) or who has been determined by a Combatant Status Review Tribunal, at any time, to be an enemy combatant; and (2) who is or was in U.S. custody at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Prohibits the Secretary of State from issuing a visa to any such alien or the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) from admitting into the United States, or granting any type of immigration status to, any such alien. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit the Secretary of Homeland Security from paroling (i.e., admitting for a temporary period) any such alien into the United States.

Date: 2010-02-23
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Law
Housing Nondiscrimination Act of 2010 - Amends the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in housing sales and rentals, residential real estate-related transactions, and brokerage services. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to: (1) prohibit the intimidation, interference, or injury of individuals because of their sexual orientation or gender identity; and (2) state that nothing in that Act or in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 shall be construed to require any person to disclose a personal sexual orientation or gender identity. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination or segregation on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity in the use of public accommodations or public facilities.

Date: 2010-03-11
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Civil rights and liberties, minority issues
Airport Security Act of 2010 - Directs the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration [TSA]) to establish a program to prohibit all but specified authorized individuals from possessing a firearm at a covered airport, including any individual who enters the airport, or exits public transportation at it, for air travel, meeting another individual, picking up cargo, or employment. Directs the Assistant Secretary to require airport operators to: (1) display conspicuous notices summarizing the program at each airport entrance; and (2) require law enforcement personnel to monitor the airport to prevent violations and escort air travelers who are authorized to carry a firearm. Prescribes criminal penalties for nonauthorized individuals who knowingly possess a firearm at a covered airport.

Date: 2010-05-18
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Fair and Impartial Recruitment Act of 2010 - Directs the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration [TSA]) to: (1) issue regulations to establish a waiver process to allow an air carrier, foreign air carrier, airport operator, or government to hire an individual who has been disqualified for employment for a position as an airport security screener or in which an individual has unescorted access to a sterile airport area because of a conviction of a specified crime; and (2) establish an appeals process for a disqualified individual that includes notice and an opportunity for a hearing before an impartial third party. Requires the Assistant Secretary to issue a waiver to an individual: (1) who, based on certain criteria, does not pose a terrorism risk; and (2) without regard to whether that individual would otherwise be disqualified by reason of a felony conviction, if the employer establishes acceptable alternate security arrangements.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Honest Services Restoration Act - Amends the federal criminal code to include as a fraud offense a scheme or artifice by a public official to engage in undisclosed self-dealing. Defines "undisclosed self-dealing" to mean: (1) performing an official act to benefit or further a financial interest of such public official, a spouse or minor child, a general business partner, a business or organization in which the public official is serving as an employee, officer, director, trustee, or general partner, or an individual, business, or organization with whom the public official is negotiating for, or has any arrangement concerning, prospective employment or financial compensation; and (2) knowingly falsifying, concealing, covering up, or failing to disclose material information regarding a financial interest as required by law.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Fourth Health Insurance Protects America--Can't Repeal IT (HIPA-CRIT) Act - Repeals provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that prohibit group and individual health plans from imposing any preexisting condition exclusion with respect to enrollees who are 19 years of age or older, effective as of the date of the enactment of such Act.

Date: 2010-11-29
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Health
Fifth Health Insurance Protects America--Can't Repeal IT (HIPA-CRIT) Act - Repeals provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that prohibit a health plan offering group or individual health insurance coverage from imposing any preexisting condition exclusion with respect to enrollees who are under 19 years of age.

Date: 2010-11-29
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Health
Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) Act - Amends the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, or marital status in housing sales and rentals, residential real estate-related transactions, and brokerage services. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to prohibit the intimidation, interference, or injury of individuals because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, or marital status. Redefines "discriminatory housing practice" to specify that the definition: (1) applies regardless of whether the discriminatory practices occur pre- or post-acquisition; and (2) includes a failure to comply with administrative requirements of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including related regulations, in a manner affirmatively to further nondiscrimination policies. Redefines "familial status" to include individuals (under age 18) residing with: (1) a foster parent or another person having physical custody of such individuals; or (2) anyone standing in loco parentis of such individuals (currently, the designee of such parent or other person having such custody, with the parent's or other person's written permission). Amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act to grant the Attorney General pre-litigation subpoena power if there is reason to believe that any person may be in possession, custody, or control of any documentary material or information relevant to an investigation under the respective Act. States that discrimination against a person because of a handicap includes the failure, in connection with a real estate-related transaction, to make reasonable accommodations for such persons. Revises the limitations on filing complaints and commencing civil actions by certain individuals alleging discriminatory housing practices to deem that the failure to design and construct a dwelling that meets requirements for reasonable modifications for handicapped persons shall continue (and with it the alleged discriminatory housing practice) until such time as the dwelling conforms to them.

Date: 2010-12-08
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Civil rights and liberties, minority issues
Establishes the National Commission on Presidential War Powers and Civil Liberties to investigate, and report to the President and Congress on, the broad range of executive branch national security policies undertaken since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, including: (1) detention by the Armed Forces and the intelligence community; (2) the use by such entities of enhanced interrogation techniques or techniques not authorized by the Uniform Code of Military Justice; (3) "ghosting" or other policies intended to conceal an individual's capture or detention; (4) extraordinary rendition; (5) domestic warrantless electronic surveillance; (6) targeted killings away from conventional battlefields; and (7) the use of state secrets or other litigation tactics or privileges to avoid judicial review of national security actions.

Date: 2010-12-08
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Respect for Rights of Conscience Act of 2010 - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to permit a health plan to decline coverage of specific items and services that are contrary to the religious beliefs of the sponsor, issuer, or other entity offering the plan or the purchaser or beneficiary (in the case of individual coverage) without penalty.  Declares that such plans are still considered to: (1) be providing the essential health benefits package or preventive health services, (2) be a qualified health plan, and (3) have fulfilled other requirements under PPACA. Declares that nothing in PPACA shall be construed to authorize a health plan to require a provider to provide, participate in, or refer for a specific item or service contrary to the provider's religious beliefs or moral convictions. Prohibits a health plan from being considered to have failed to provide timely or other access to items or services or to fulfill any other requirement under PPACA because it has respected the rights of conscience of such a provider. Prohibits an American Health Benefit Exchange or other official or entity acting in a governmental capacity in the course of implementing PPACA from discriminating against a health plan, plan sponsor, health care provider, or other person because of an unwillingness to provide coverage of, participate in, or refer for, specific items or services. Creates a private cause of action for the protection of individual rights created under this Act. Authorizes any person or entity to assert a violation of this Act as a claim or defense in a judicial proceeding. Designates the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to receive and investigate complaints of discrimination based on this Act. Makes this Act effective as if it were included in PPACA.

Date: 2010-12-22
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Health
Title VII Fairness Act - Amends the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 and title VII (Equal Employment Opportunities) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to delay the start of the time period for filing charges of employment discrimination until the aggrieved person has, or should be expected to have, enough information to support a reasonable suspicion of the discrimination, provided the aggrieved person demonstrates that the person did not have, and should not have been expected to have, enough information to support a reasonable suspicion of such discrimination on the date on which the alleged discrimination occurred. Prohibits applying these amendments to alleged discrimination relating to pensions or pension benefits. Applies the above Civil Rights Act of 1964 amendment to discrimination claims brought under: (1) specified provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and (2) provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 relating to employment by the federal government.

Date: 2009-01-07
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Civil rights and liberties, minority issues
Limitations on Interrogation Techniques Act of 2009 - Prohibits any individual in the custody or control of personnel of an element of the intelligence community or contractor or subcontractor thereof, regardless of nationality or physical location, from being subject to the following interrogation techniques: (1) forcing the individual to be naked, perform sexual acts, or pose in a sexual manner; (2) placing hoods or sacks over the head of the individual or using duct tape over the eyes; (3) applying beatings, electrical shock, burns, or similar forms of physical pain; (4) using the technique known as waterboarding; (5) using military working dogs; (6) inducing hypothermia or heat injury; (7) conducting mock executions; or (8) depriving the individual of adequate food, water, or medical care.

Date: 2009-01-14
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Transparency for Homeowners Act of 2009 - Prohibits any person from providing, and any mortgage originator from receiving, compensation that is based on or varies with the terms of any home mortgage loan (other than the loan amount).

Date: 2009-04-28
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Defines "covered individual" as any individual who: (1) has been determined by a Combatant Status Review Tribunal to be an enemy combatant or is awaiting the determination of such a tribunal; (2) is in U.S. custody at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; and (3) is not a U.S. citizen or an alien admitted for permanent residence. Prohibits: (1) a court from ordering a covered individual's release into the United States; and (2) the Secretary of State from issuing any visa and the Secretary of Homeland Security from admitting or providing any type of status to a covered individual that permits such individual's entry or admission into the United States. States that a covered individual who is no longer held as an enemy combatant shall be: (1) released into the Secretary of Homeland Security's custody for expeditious transfer to such individual's country of nationality or to another country; and (2) housed separately from aliens detained as enemy combatants in a manner consistent with the safety of U.S. personnel.

Date: 2009-05-20
Topic: Civil Rights (General)
Subject: Immigration