zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Open Wireless Internet Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promote nationwide broadband competition through the use of wireless services by issuing nationwide licenses, for a term of at least 15 years, for two bands of frequencies, each composed of 20 megahertz of unpaired contiguous spectrum, one band under 3 gigahertz and not part of the recovered analog spectrum and the other band between 2155 and 2180 megahertz. Requires the FCC to ensure that licensees of spectrum obtained under these provisions are fully protected from, and fully protect, licensees of adjacent spectrum from harmful interference, including receiver overload and excessive out-of-band emissions. Requires licensees, among other things, to offer to consumers and authorized public safety users, without subscription, airtime, usage, or other charges, a data service that is faster than 200 kilobits per second, allows users to access any lawful content of their choice, and has an option that prevents underage users from accessing obscene or indecent material. Requires congressional approval before modification of any of these requirements takes effect. Requires a separate rule-making or other procedures for licensing through auction additional unpaired contiguous spectrum of 20 megahertz below 3 gigahertz, but states that the auction shall be conducted without the conditions specified in the immediately preceding paragraph unless the FCC finds it is in the public interest.

Date: 2008-08-01
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Sell Fuel Efficient Cars Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the Passenger Automobile Trade-In Program to provide eligible individuals with subsidies to purchase eligible new automobiles in exchange for eligible old automobiles. Defines as eligible individuals those who (among other requirements) do not have more than three passenger automobiles registered under his or her name and whose adjusted gross income was not more than $25,000 ($40,000 in the case of a joint tax return). Defines as eligible new automobiles (among other requirements) those that were manufactured by a U.S. automaker whose failure would have a systemic adverse effect on the overall U.S. economy, were assembled in the United States, and have a fuel economy of not less than 25 miles per gallon (MPG) or more than 4.9 MPG greater than the eligible old automobile. Defines as eligible old automobiles (among other requirements) those that are operable, were first registered by any person not less than ten years before a trade is initiated, and are registered under the eligible individual's name before December 1, 2008. Directs the Secretary to provide $10,000 to the seller (automaker) of each new automobile who trades a new automobile to an eligible individual in exchange for an old automobile. Requires the eligible individual to pay the seller the difference between the purchase price of the new automobile and the $10,000 provided by the Secretary. Requires eligible old automobiles to be destroyed and disposed of.

Date: 2008-12-11
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Robo COP Act: Robo Calls Off Phones - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), notwithstanding any other provision of law, to revise the do-not-call registry provisions of the Telemarketing Sales Rule to prohibit politically-oriented recorded message telephone calls to telephone numbers listed on that registry. Defines politically-oriented recorded message telephone call.

Date: 2009-01-06
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Modernize Our Bookkeeping In the Law for Employee's Cell Phone Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove certain limitations on the tax deduction for employee use of cellular telephones.

Date: 2009-01-26
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Taxation
Preventing Harassment through Outbound Number Enforcement Act of 2009 or the PHONE Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) impose a fine, a five-year prison term, or both, on anyone who knowingly uses or provides to another, in interstate or foreign commerce, false caller ID information with intent to wrongfully obtain anything of value; and (2) impose a fine, a one-year prison term, or both, on anyone who knowingly provides caller ID information with the intent to deceive the recipient of the call about the identify of the caller. Exempts from such prohibitions authorized activities of a U.S. law enforcement or intelligence agency. Provides for criminal forfeiture of any gains from violations of this Act and of any equipment, software, or other technology used to commit such violations. Expands the definition of "telephone call," for purposes of this Act, to mean a call made or received using any real time voice communications service, regardless of the technology or network used. Establishes fraud crimes related to electronic mail and caller ID spoofing as predicates for money laundering prosecutions.

Date: 2009-02-23
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Stop M-Spam Abuse as a Sales Industry Habit Act of 2009 or the SMASH Act of 2009 - Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to issue regulations to revise the Telemarketing Sales Rule to explicitly prohibit, as an abusive telemarketing act or practice, the sending of any electronic commercial message containing an unsolicited advertisement to a telephone number that is assigned to a commercial mobile service and listed on the FTC's do-not-call registry. Prohibits interpreting anything in this Act to preclude or override the applicability of specified provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 or the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 or rules prescribed under specified provisions of the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act.

Date: 2009-03-09
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Commerce
Cell Tax Fairness Act of 2009 - Prohibits states or local governments from imposing any new discriminatory tax on mobile services, mobile service providers, or mobile service property for five years after the enactment of this Act. Defines "new discriminatory tax" as a tax imposed on mobile services, providers, or property that is not generally imposed on other types of services or property, or that is generally imposed at a lower rate.

Date: 2009-03-16
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to make federal provisions which prohibit the obligation or expenditure of funds either in excess of appropriated amounts or in violation of sequestration orders under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1986 inapplicable to: (1) any amount collected or received as federal universal service contributions; or (2) the expenditure or obligation of amounts attributable to such contributions.

Date: 2009-04-28
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Telephone Excise Tax Repeal Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the excise tax on communication services (i.e., local telephone service, toll telephone service, and teletypewriter exchange service).

Date: 2009-04-30
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Taxation
Family Work Flexibility Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for the cost of teleworking equipment used by employees to telework and for expenses to maintain such equipment. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to the lesser of $500 for each teleworking employee or $50,000.

Date: 2009-06-11
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Taxation
Telephone Excise Tax Repeal Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the excise tax on communication services (i.e., local telephone service, toll telephone service, and teletypewriter exchange service).

Date: 2009-06-24
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Taxation
Spectrum Relocation Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to post on its website detailed transition plans from each federal entity that is eligible for payments from the Spectrum Relocation Fund for costs related to the reallocation of frequencies from federal to nonfederal use. Requires the federal entities, to the fullest extent possible, to provide for sharing and coordination of eligible frequencies with commercial licensees. Requires federal entities to complete spectrum relocation within one year of receiving relocation payments.

Date: 2009-06-24
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Adolescent Web Awareness Requires Education Act or the AWARE Act - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) make two-year grants to certain educational agencies, nonprofit organizations, and schools to carry out Internet crime awareness and cybercrime prevention programs; (2) grant priority in making such grants to entities that meet specified criteria, including the identification and targeting of children-at-risk of engaging in cybercrimes or becoming crime victims; (3) contract for research studies on Internet crime awareness and prevention; and (4) provide technical assistance and guidance to grant recipients. Authorizes grant recipients to use funds for specified purposes, including identifying, developing, and implementing Internet crime awareness and cybercrime prevention and public awareness programs, providing professional training to teachers and school personnel on cybercrime awareness and prevention, and coordinating and funding research to investigate online risks to children.

Date: 2009-09-23
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Calling Card Consumer Protection Act - (Sec. 3) Requires providers or distributors of prepaid calling cards, including cards that use interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or a successor protocol, to accurately disclose in a clear and conspicuous manner information about: (1) the provider's name, customer service number, and hours of service; (2) the card's number of minutes or dollar value; (3) per minute rates or a toll-free number to obtain rates; (4) fees and charges; (5) time period limits, any predetermined decrease in value over a period of time, and expiration dates; and (6) refund and recharge policies. Prohibits false, misleading, or deceptive disclosures on any calling card, packaging, advertisement, or related promotional material. Requires disclosures to be clear and conspicuous and located on the prepaid calling card unless the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) determines otherwise. (Sec. 4) Treats a violation as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act and requires the FTC to enforce this Act. (Sec. 5) Authorizes a state to enforce the provisions of this Act through a civil action to: (1) enjoin a practice; (2) enforce compliance; (3) obtain damage, restitution, or other compensation; or (4) obtain other appropriate relief. Requires a state before bringing such an action to provide the FTC with written notice and a copy of the complaint (unless the provision of notice is not feasible). Authorizes the FTC to intervene in any such action, which shall include the right to: (1) be heard with respect to any matter that arises in the action; (2) remove the action to U.S. district court; and (3) petition for appeal. (Sec. 6) Applies the provisions of this Act, beginning 180 days after the date on which final regulations are promulgated, to: (1) any prepaid calling card issued or placed into the stream of commerce; and (2) any related advertising, promotion, point-of-sale material, or voice prompt. (Sec. 7) Prohibits a state, after the date on which final regulations are promulgated, from establishing or continuing any law regarding disclosures to be printed on prepaid calling cards or packaging unless such requirements are identical to the requirements under this Act. (Sec. 8) Requires studies and reports to Congress by: (1) the Comptroller General on the effectiveness of this Act and its required disclosures; and (2) the FTC on the extent to which the business practices of the prepaid calling card industry exist in the prepaid wireless industry.

Date: 2009-11-03
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Rural Broadband Initiative Act of 2010 - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish in the Department of Agriculture the Office of Rural Broadband Initiatives, to be headed by the Under Secretary for Rural Broadband Initiatives. States that the Under Secretary shall: (1) administer all rural broadband-related grant and loan programs previously administered by the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service, including the rural broadband access loan and loan guarantee program and the community connect grant program; (2) conduct rural outreach; (3) foster development of a comprehensive rural broadband strategic vision; (4) assess relevant technologies; (5) serve as a single information source for all federal rural broadband programs and services; and (6) provide technical assistance to state, regional, and local governments to develop broadband deployment strategies. Directs the Under Secretary to submit: (1) a comprehensive rural broadband strategy report to the President and to Congress; and (2) a plan for a Rural Broadband Advisory Panel to Congress. Establishes in the Treasury the National Rural Broadband Innovation Fund.

Date: 2010-01-27
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
E-Rate 2.0 Act of 2010 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to implement a five-year pilot program which distributes funding to secondary schools participating in the E-Rate program (which provides discounted telecommunications services to certain schools and libraries) so that they can provide residential broadband service vouchers to students who are eligible to participate in the school lunch program and have a computer at home. Includes community colleges and Head Start agencies in the E-Rate program. Directs the FCC to implement a pilot program that, for the five years following this Act's enactment, is the exclusive source of federal funding for broadband equipment and services for community colleges and Head Start agencies. Requires the FCC to implement a four-year pilot program that allows secondary schools that are eligible for the highest percentage discounted rates under the E-Rate program to apply for meaningfully discounted services and technologies for the use of electronic books. Directs the FCC to: (1) develop and implement policies and procedures to streamline and simplify the E-Rate program application process; and (2) complete the proceeding to revise the E-Rate program funding cap so that the cap accounts for inflation.

Date: 2010-02-09
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Next Generation 9-1-1 Preservation Act of 2010 - Revises provisions of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to provide for matching grants (with a federal share of up to 80%) to eligible entities for: (1) the implementation and operation of E-911 services, migration to an IP-enabled emergency network, and adoption and operation of Next Generation 9-1-1 services and applications; (2) the implementation of IP-enabled emergency services and applications enabled by Next Generation 9-1-1 services, including the establishment of IP backbone networks and the application layer software infrastructure needed to interconnect the multitude of emergency response organizations; and (3) training in 9-1-1 services of public safety personnel, including call-takers, first responders, and other individuals and organizations who are part of the emergency response chain. Defines "9-1-1 services" as service including both E-911 services and Next Generation 9-1-1 services. Defines "Next Generation 9-1-1 services" to mean an IP-based system comprised of hardware, software, data, and operational policies and procedures that: (1) provides standardized interfaces from emergency call and message services to support emergency communications; (2) processes all types of emergency calls, including voice, data, and multimedia information; (3) acquires and integrates additional emergency call data useful to call routing and handling; (4) delivers the emergency calls, messages, and data to the appropriate public safety answering point and other appropriate emergency entities; (5) supports data or video communications needs for coordinated incident response and management; or (6) provides broadband service to public safety answering points or other first responder entities. Requires a report to Congress from: (1) the Administrator of General Services (GSA) identifying the 9-1-1 capabilities of the multi-line telephone system in use by all federal agencies in all federal buildings and properties; and (2) the Comptroller General (GAO) concerning state and local use of 9-1-1 service charges.

Date: 2010-03-11
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to repeal provisions relating to assistance for the planning and construction of public telecommunications facilities, including regarding grants for such facilities and a requirement to develop a related long term plan.

Date: 2010-06-09
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Cell Phone Early Termination Fee, Transparency, and Fairness Act or the Cell Phone ETF Act - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promulgate regulations requiring, at a minimum, that providers of commercial mobile service: (1) prorate any early termination fee over the term of a subscriber's contract; and (2) link the fee to the cost to the provider of the handset provided to the subscriber, reduced by the price paid by the subscriber for the handset at the start of a subscriber's contract. Prohibits construing this Act to preempt related state or local laws.

Date: 2010-06-23
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Broadcaster Freedom Act of 2009 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), notwithstanding any other provision of any Act, from having the authority to require broadcasters to present opposing viewpoints on controversial issues of public importance, commonly referred to as the Fairness Doctrine.

Date: 2009-01-06
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Telephone Excise Tax Repeal Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the excise tax on communication services (i.e., local telephone service, toll telephone service, and teletypewriter exchange service).

Date: 2009-01-06
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Taxation
Calling for 2-1-1 Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award a grant to each state to carry out a program for making available throughout that state the 2-1-1 telephone service for information and referral on human services. Requires a participating state to ensure that at least 50% of the resources of the program funded by the grant will be derived from other sources. Requires a state seeking a grant to carry out its activities through a lead entity to be known as a 2-1-1 Collaborative. Requires grant amounts to be used solely to make available to a state 2-1-1 telephone service for community information and referral on human services to all citizens of that state with phone access, including telephone connections between families and individuals seeking services and the service providers. Requires grant recipients to: (1) abide by the Key Standards for 2-1-1 Centers; and (2) collaborate with human service organizations to provide an exhaustive database of services with which to provide information or referral to individuals utilizing the 2-1-1 service.

Date: 2009-01-12
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
DTV Delay Act - Amends the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to delay the transition of television broadcasting from analog to digital to June 13, 2009. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to extend for a 116-day period the licenses for recovered spectrum, including the license period and construction requirements associated with those licenses. Extends to July 31, 2009, the deadline for requesting digital-to-analog converter box coupons. Authorizes the issuance, on request, of one replacement coupon for each coupon that expired without being redeemed. Declares that this Act does not prevent a station from ending analog broadcasting (and continuing to broadcast exclusively digitally) before June 13, 2009. Requires the FCC to permit the use, for authorized public safety radio services, of certain spectrum cleared as a result of a television station ceasing to broadcast analog signals before June 12, 2009, provided the FCC determines that such use does not cause harmful interference to full-power analog or digital television stations. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to extend through September 30, 2012 (under current law, September 30, 2011), the authority of the FCC to grant a license or permit under provisions relating to competitive bidding. Designates the amounts made available by this Act as an emergency requirement and necessary to meet emergency needs under the concurrent resolutions on the budget for FY2008-2009.

Date: 2009-01-26
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Prepaid Calling Card Consumer Protection Act of 2009 - Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to require every prepaid telephone calling service provider and prepaid telephone calling card distributor to disclose certain information, including: (1) the number of calling units or minutes of domestic interstate calls provided or the dollar value and the domestic interstate rate per minute; (2) the calling unit or per minute rates for each served international preferred destination; (3) the applicable per minute rates for each served international destination; (4) other material terms and conditions, including regarding fees, policies on refunds, recharges, decrements, and expiration, and time imitations; and (5) a toll-free customer service number and hours. Makes it unlawful to: (1) deduct anything but the per minute rate and disclosed fees; (2) provide fewer minutes or charge a higher per minute rate than promoted or advertised; (3) provide fewer minutes than the number of minutes announced, promoted, or advertised through any voice prompt; (4) have an expiration date less than one year after first use (or after additional minutes are purchased); (5) charge a fee for an unconnected call; and (6) deduct a per-minute rate in an increment greater than one minute for calls that are less than one full minute (but allows deducting different destination-specific rates for each full minute of calling time in certain circumstances). Prohibits avoiding liability by stating that the terms are subject to fees or charges. Treats violations as a violation of a rule defining an unfair or deceptive act or practice under specified provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from exercising any authority given to the FTC under this Act. Allows state civil enforcement and state laws offering greater protection to consumers.

Date: 2009-03-10
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Family Work Flexibility Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for the cost of teleworking equipment used by employees to telework and for expenses to maintain such equipment. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to the lesser of $500 for each teleworking employee or $50,000.

Date: 2009-06-18
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Taxation
Requires, notwithstanding specified provisions of the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005, that sums made available to administer the Public Safety Interoperable Communications Grant Program remain available until expended, but not beyond September 30, 2012. Extends the period for performance of any investment approved under the Program as of enactment of this Act by one year, but not later than September 30, 2011. Allows the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to extend, on a case-by-case basis, the period of performance for any such investment for a period of not more than 2 years, but not later than September 30, 2012.

Date: 2009-09-22
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Retroactive Immunity Repeal Act - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to repeal provisions relating to retroactive immunity protection for electronic communication service providers that participated in the Terrorist Surveillance Program.

Date: 2009-09-29
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily the duty on certain subassemblies for measuring equipment for telecommunication.

Date: 2009-10-29
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Cell Phone Early Termination Fee, Transparency, and Fairness Act or the Cell Phone ETF Act - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promulgate regulations requiring, at a minimum, that providers of commercial mobile service: (1) prorate any early termination fee over the term of a subscriber's contract; and (2) link the fee to the cost to the provider of the handset provided to the subscriber, reduced by the price paid by the subscriber for the handset at the start of a subscriber's contract. Prohibits construing this Act to preempt related state or local laws.

Date: 2009-12-03
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Next Generation 9-1-1 Preservation Act of 2010 - Revises provisions of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to provide for matching grants (with a federal share of up to 80%) to eligible entities for: (1) the implementation and operation of E-911 services, migration to an IP-enabled emergency network, and adoption and operation of Next Generation 9-1-1 services and applications; (2) the implementation of IP-enabled emergency services and applications enabled by Next Generation 9-1-1 services, including the establishment of IP backbone networks and the application layer software infrastructure needed to interconnect the multitude of emergency response organizations; and (3) training in 9-1-1 services of public safety personnel, including call-takers, first responders, and other individuals and organizations who are part of the emergency response chain. Defines "9-1-1 services" as service including both E-911 services and Next Generation 9-1-1 services. Defines "Next Generation 9-1-1 services" to mean an IP-based system comprised of hardware, software, data, and operational policies and procedures that: (1) provides standardized interfaces from emergency call and message services to support emergency communications; (2) processes all types of emergency calls, including voice, data, and multimedia information; (3) acquires and integrates additional emergency call data useful to call routing and handling; (4) delivers the emergency calls, messages, and data to the appropriate public safety answering point and other appropriate emergency entities; (5) supports data or video communications needs for coordinated incident response and management; or (6) provides broadband service to public safety answering points or other first responder entities. Requires a report to Congress from: (1) the Administrator of General Services (GSA) identifying the 9-1-1 capabilities of the multi-line telephone system in use by all federal agencies in all federal buildings and properties; and (2) the Comptroller General (GAO) concerning sate and local use of 9-1-1 service charges.

Date: 2010-03-15
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Pre-Paid Mobile Device Identification Act - Defines "authorized reseller" as any person authorized by a: (1) manufacturer to sell the manufacturer's mobile device or SIM card (subscriber identity module or equivalent data storage device); or (2) wireless carrier to sell pre-paid mobile devices or SIM cards to which the wireless carrier will provide wireless cellular service. Directs an authorized reseller before selling a pre-paid mobile device or SIM card to: (1) require the purchaser to provide the purchaser's name, address, and date of birth; (2) verify such information; and (3) record and transmit such sale information to the wireless carrier who shall keep a record of the transmission. Subjects: (1) a person who provides false information to criminal penalties; and (2) a non-complying authorized reseller or wireless carrier to civil fines. Makes it unlawful for any person who is not an authorized reseller to sell pre-paid mobile devices or SIM cards. Subjects a violator to fine, imprisonment, or both. States that if a person uses a pre-paid mobile device or SIM card obtained in violation of this Act to commit a federal criminal offense the minimum prison term for such offense required under federal statute shall be increased by one year.

Date: 2010-05-26
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Commerce
Telephone Excise Tax Repeal Act of 2011- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the excise tax on communication services (i.e., local telephone service, toll telephone service, and teletypewriter exchange service).

Date: 2011-01-25
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Taxation
Kelsey Smith Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require telecommunication carriers to provide, at the request of a law enforcement agency, call location information of users of a commercial mobile service or an IP-enabled voice service (e.g., cell phones) to such agencies and other public safety agencies to respond to emergency situations. Directs the Attorney General (DOJ), under the Byrne Law Enforcement Grant Program, to: (1) provide education and training to state and local law enforcement agencies and officials to collect and use call location information in emergency situations, and (2) develop and disseminate procedures to ensure that such agencies and officials have the necessary contact information to request and obtain call location information.

Date: 2011-03-01
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Wireless Tax Fairness Act of 2011 - Prohibits states or local governments from imposing any new discriminatory tax on mobile services, mobile service providers, or mobile service property (i.e., cell phones) for five years after the enactment of this Act. Defines "new discriminatory tax" as a tax imposed on mobile services, providers, or property that is not generally imposed on, or that is generally imposed at a lower rate on, other types of services, providers, or property, unless such tax was imposed and actually enforced prior to the enactment of this Act. Amends the federal judicial code to grant jurisdiction to federal district courts to grant injunctive and other appropriate relief to prevent, restrain, or terminate any acts in violation of this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a study, throughout the five-year moratorium imposed by this Act, to determine how, and the extent to which, taxes on mobile services, providers, or property impact the costs consumers pay for mobile services and the extent to which such moratorium has any impact on the costs consumers pay for mobile services.

Date: 2011-03-10
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Taxation
Next Generation Wireless Disclosure Act - Requires a person selling advanced wireless mobile broadband service (4G service or a successor technology) directly to a consumer to prominently, clearly, and accurately disclose service terms and conditions in marketing materials and upon sale. Excludes from such requirements transactions in which the consumer receives a device allowing access to a specified quantity of prepaid advanced wireless mobile broadband service when the average consumer would not expect the selling agents to have expertise regarding the terms and conditions. Directs a person: (1) packaging such prepaid service for ultimate sale to consumers to accurately and clearly display the terms and conditions on all marketing materials and packaging; and (2) selling wholesale service to another person for ultimate sale to consumers to disclose the information necessary to permit such other person to comply with this Act. Sets forth required disclosures including: (1) the guaranteed minimum transmit and receive data rates for Internet protocol packets, (2) reliability ratings, (3) service-based pricing, (4) network management policies, (5) utilized technology services, and (6) a website showing complete terms of service and coverage area maps. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) promulgate implementing regulations, (2) set minimum signal strength and data rates for a location to be within the coverage area of such service, and (3) enforce this Act as if it were a part of the Communications Act of 1934. Directs the FCC to complete an annual study evaluating the speed and pricing of advanced wireless mobile broadband service offered in the United States by the 10 largest service providers.

Date: 2011-06-22
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Commerce
Next Generation 9-1-1 Advancement Act of 2011 - Revises the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to provide for matching grants (with a federal share of up to 80%), through October 1, 2017, to eligible state or local governments or tribal organizations for: (1) implementing and operating 9-1-1 and E9-1-1 services, migrating to an IP-enabled emergency network, and adopting and operating Next Generation 9-1-1 services and applications; (2) implementing IP-enabled emergency services and applications enabled by Next Generation 9-1-1 services, including IP backbone networks and application layer software infrastructure needed to interconnect emergency response organizations; and (3) training public safety personnel. Directs the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information of the Department of Commerce and the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish a 9-1-1 Implementation Coordination Office. Defines "E9-1-1 services" as both phase I and II enhanced 9-1-1 services as described in specified Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations. Defines "Next Generation 9-1-1 services" to mean an IP-based system comprised of hardware, software, data, and operational policies and procedures that: (1) provides standardized interfaces from emergency call and message services to support emergency communications; (2) processes all types of emergency calls, including voice, data, and multimedia information; (3) acquires and integrates additional emergency call data useful to call routing and handling; (4) delivers the emergency calls, messages, and data to the appropriate public safety answering point and other appropriate emergency entities; (5) supports data or video communications needs for coordinated incident response and management; or (6) provides broadband service to public safety answering points or other first responder entities. Provides immunity and liability protection, to the extent consistent with specified provisions of the Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999, to a provider or user of Next Generation 9-1-1 services, a public safety answering point, and the officers, directors, employees, vendors, agents, and any authorizing government entity for: (1) releasing subscriber information related to emergency calls or services; and (2) other matters pertaining to 9-1-1, E9-1-1, or Next Generation 9-1-1 services, including the use or provision of such services. Directs the FCC to: (1) initiate a proceeding to create a specialized Do-Not-Call registry for public safety answering points, and (2) establish penalties and fines for autodialing (robocalls) and related violations.

Date: 2011-07-22
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Help Emergency Responders Operate Emergency Systems Act of 2011 or the HEROES Act of 2011 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to increase the electromagnetic spectrum allocation for public safety services by 10 megahertz within a specified range and reduce such allocation for commercial use by the same amount. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to license certain paired bands to the public safety broadband licensee (PSBL). Directs the FCC to establish rules to: (1) permit the PSBL to authorize public safety services providers to construct and operate a wireless public safety broadband network in the PSBL's spectrum, and (2) authorize the shared use of public safety broadband spectrum and network infrastructure by non-public safety services and the use of public safety broadband spectrum by emergency response providers. Requires: (1) the FCC to develop a public safety agency statement of requirements enabling nationwide interoperability and roaming across communications systems, and (2) the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish standards for meeting such requirements. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a grant program (a maximum 80% federal share of the costs for each project) to assist public safety entities in constructing a nationwide interoperable broadband network in the 700 megahertz band; (2) administer a program to reimburse up to 50% of network maintenance, operation, and improvement expenses; and (3) establish a narrowbanding compliance assistance program. Requires: (1) the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to reallocate for commercial use spectrum from a specified range, and (2) the FCC to establish rules for pairing spectrum within specified ranges and to auction licenses for such paired spectrum. Extends to September 30, 2020, the FCC's authority to grant a license or permit under applicable competitive bidding provisions. Prohibits a bidder from being deemed ineligible for or excluded from an auction on account of its size or the amount of its other spectrum holdings.

Date: 2011-09-20
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Mobile Informational Call Act of 2011 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to revise the categories of calls (other than a call made for emergency purposes or made with the prior express consent of the called party) in which people are prohibited from using any automatic telephone dialing system or an artificial or prerecorded voice. Prohibits such calls to any telephone number assigned to a cellular service, specialized mobile radio service, or other radio common carrier service, or any service for which the called party is charged for the call, unless the call is made for a commercial purpose that does not constitute a telephone solicitation. Defines "prior express consent" as the oral or written approval of a person: (1) for the initiation of a telephone call to such person by or on behalf of an entity with which such person has an established business relationship, and (2) that is provided when such person purchases a good or service or at any other point during such relationship. Deems a person who provides a telephone number as a means of contact to have evidenced such consent. Prohibits a state from imposing any requirement or prohibition with respect to the use of telephone equipment subject to federally regulated restrictions, except for telephone solicitations.

Date: 2011-09-22
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from forbearing from requirements specified in the Communications Act of 1934 with respect to the designation of eligible telecommunications carriers (ETC) to receive support under the universal service support program. Directs the FCC, within 120 days, to suspend ETC designations received through forbearance of such requirements. Requires an eligible ETC, in advertising the availability of services supported by federal universal service support mechanisms, to specify that the service charges are more than zero. Requires that: (1) the amount collected to support such universal service each year be the same amount collected for FY2011, and (2) $500 million from such amount be transferred annually to the general fund of the Treasury and be unavailable for obligation or expenditure. Directs the FCC to complete a rulemaking with respect to programs that provide universal service support to low income consumers (commonly known as the Lifeline and Link-up programs) to: (1) ensure that service is supported for only one telephone connection per household regardless of whether the telephone is provided through landline or commercial mobile service, (2) identify and prevent duplicate reimbursements, (3) require ETCs to implement a 60-day inactivity policy for commercial mobile services, and (4) guide the Universal Service Administrative Company on the recovery of improper payments.

Date: 2011-10-06
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Stop Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act of 2011 - Prohibits a provider of commercial mobile communications service from receiving universal service support under specified provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 for the provision of such service through the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Lifeline program (a program that provides discounts on monthly telephone service to qualifying low-income consumers).

Date: 2011-11-18
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
United States Call Center Worker and Consumer Protection Act - Requires a business enterprise that employs 50 or more employees, excluding part-time employees, or 50 or more employees who in the aggregate work at least 1,500 hours per week, exclusive of overtime, in a call center to notify the Secretary of Labor at least 120 days before relocating such center outside of the United States. Subjects violators to a civil penalty of up to $10,000 a day. Directs the Secretary to maintain and make publicly available a list of all such employers that relocate a call center. Requires such an employer to remain on the list for up to three years after each relocation. Makes such an employer ineligible for federal grants or federal guaranteed loans for five years after being added to the list, except where the employer demonstrates that a lack of such loan or grant would threaten national security, result in substantial job loss in the United States, or harm the environment. Requires the head of federal or state executive agency or military department, when awarding a civilian or defense-related contract, to give preference to a U.S. employer that does not appear on the list. Requires a business entity that initiates or receives a customer service communication to require each of its employees or agents participating in the communication to disclose their physical location at the beginning of each such communication unless all involved employees or agents are located in the United States. Exempts any communication: (1) initiated by a consumer if the consumer knows or reasonably should know that the employee or agent is located outside the United States, or (2) related to the provision of emergency services. Requires such a business entity, upon request, to transfer a customer to a customer service agent who is physically located in the United States. Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to exclude certain classes or types of business entities or customer services communications from the requirements of this Act under exceptionally compelling circumstances. Sets forth enforcement provisions.

Date: 2011-12-07
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Commerce
Requires a person who owns or operates a retail establishment and uses mobile device tracking technology in the establishment to display in a prominent location a notice that such technology is in use and that individuals can avoid being tracked by turning off their mobile devices. Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to promulgate regulations to implement such requirement. Provides for FTC enforcement of violations.

Date: 2011-12-08
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Commerce
E911 Surcharge Fairness Act of 2011 - Prohibits any state or local government from: (1) imposing a new unfair or inequitable E911 fee, tax, or surcharge with respect to any prepaid mobile service, provider, or customer; or (2) enforcing a new or existing E911 fee in an unfair or inequitable manner. Defines "E911 fee" as any 911 or E911 fee, tax, or surcharge specifically imposed or designated by a state or local government for the support of 911 or E911 communications systems and related public safety purposes. Defines as "unfair or inequitable" any E911 fee that: (1) cannot be collected from end-users who are the intended payors of the fees under the existing wireless business model of the prepaid mobile service provider, or (2) is enforced in a manner that imposes strict liability on a prepaid mobile service provider for its inability to collect such fee as so prescribed. Defines an "unfair or inequitable manner" as: (1) the imposition against a prepaid mobile service provider or seller of any E911 fee that the provider cannot collect from its end-user customers who are the intended payors of the fees under its existing wireless business model, (2) the enforcement of an E911 fee against a prepaid mobile service provider in a manner that creates strict liability for the provider or seller for its inability to collect as so prescribed, or (3) the imposition of a E911 fee in a manner that results in the fee being subject to other state or local taxes when such taxes are not equally imposed on the E911 fees paid by postpaid mobile service customers.

Date: 2012-01-18
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Taxation
Cell Phone Theft Prevention Act of 2012 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit a provider of commercial mobile or commercial mobile data service from providing service on a mobile electronic device reported to such provider as stolen by: (1) the person who holds the service account, if such person submits a copy of a report made to a law enforcement agency regarding the theft; or (2) another provider of commercial mobile or commercial mobile data service required by this Act to inform all other providers of a device reported stolen and of any information necessary for identification of the device. Defines "mobile electronic device" as a personal electronic device on which commercial mobile or commercial mobile data service is provided, excluding devices: (1) for which the consumer purchases service by paying in advance for a specified amount of calling or data usage, or (2) with respect to which the consumer does not have a direct relationship with the provider. Directs providers to make available to account holders the capability of deleting, from a remote location, all information that was placed on such a device after its manufacture. Prohibits a person from manufacturing in or importing into the United States for sale or resale to the public a mobile electronic device unless it is: (1) equipped with a unique identifier that allows a provider to identify such device, and (2) configured to enable a provider to make available the remote deletion capability required by this Act.

Date: 2012-03-22
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications