zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Notify Americans Before Outsourcing Personal Information Act - Prohibits a business from transferring personally identifiable information of a U.S. citizen to any foreign affiliate or subcontractor in another country without providing notice to such citizen that the information may be transferred to such affiliate or subcontractor. Authorizes a private cause of action in a state court to enforce compliance with this Act.

Date: 2007-11-15
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Commerce
Positive Alternatives Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to allow the use of TANF funds for alternative-to-abortion services, including: (1) information or counseling that promotes childbirth instead of abortion; and (2) other services designed to assist a woman to carry her unborn child to term.

Date: 2007-12-19
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Social welfare
Ultrasound Informed Consent Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require abortion providers, before a woman gives informed consent to any part of an abortion, to perform an obstetric ultrasound on the pregnant woman, explain the results, display the ultrasound images so the woman may view them, and provide a medical description of the ultrasound images, including the dimensions of the embryo or fetus and the presence of external members and internal organs, if present and viewable. Provides for: (1) civil penalties for willful failure to comply; and (2) a medical emergency exception. Prohibits construing this Act to require a woman to view the images or penalizing the physician or the woman if she refuses to look at the images.

Date: 2008-01-17
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Health
Employee Changing Room Privacy Act - Prohibits employers from engaging in video or audio monitoring of employees in restroom facilities, dressing rooms, or other areas in which it is reasonable to expect employees to change clothing. Prohibits employers from using monitoring results for any purpose and requires employers to immediately destroy any violating recording. Prohibits retaliation. Allows video monitoring or audio monitoring by a law enforcement agency as part of a criminal investigation and with a warrant. Provides for enforcement by the Secretary of Labor. Allows private suits by aggrieved employees. Asserts that this Act does not alter state law or collective bargaining agreements except where inconsistent with this Act.

Date: 2008-02-06
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Labor and employment
Technologies for Restoring Users' Security and Trust in Health Information Act of 2008 or the TRUST in Health Information Act of 2008 - Sets forth rights of individuals to protect their personal health information, including the right to inspect and copy such information. Sets forth obligations of a person that discloses, uses, or receives an individual's personal health information, including notification if the security of such information is breached.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and disseminate guidelines for the establishment of safeguards and procedures for use under this Act.Prohibits a person from disclosing, accessing, or using personal health information except as authorized under this Act.Requires the Secretary to designate an Office of Health Information Privacy within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to investigate complaints of alleged violations of this Act.Requires the Secretary to establish and implement standards for health information technology products.Provides for whistleblower protection.Establishes: (1) the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology; (2) the public-private Partnership for Health Care Improvement to make recommendations concerning standards for the electronic exchange of personal health information; and (3) the American Health Information Community to make recommendations concerning policies to support the widespread adoption of health information technology.Provides for health information technology grants.Requires the Secretary to develop and use health care quality measures.Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), to develop a Health Information Technology Resource Center to provide technical assistance and develop best practices for interoperable health information technology.Prohibits the expenditure of federal funds for the purchase of any new health information technology that is not consistent with applicable federal standards.

Date: 2008-02-14
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Health
State Secret Protection Act of 2008 - Declares that in any civil action brought in federal or state court the government has a privilege to refuse to give evidence and to prevent any person from giving evidence only if the government shows that public disclosure of the evidence that the government seeks to protect would be reasonably likely to cause significant harm to the national defense or the diplomatic relations of the United States. Requires the court to take steps, including in camera hearings and other proceedings, to protect sensitive information that comes before it. Sets forth rules regarding the participation of counsel or the disclosure of information when it presents a risk of harm. Provides for court-ordered presentation of adequate or nonprivileged substitutes for privileged evidence. Allows the government to: (1) assert the privilege in connection with any claim in a civil action to which it is a party; or (2) intervene in a civil action to which it is not a party in order to do so. Provides that once the government has asserted the privilege, and before the court makes any determinations, the court shall: (1) undertake a preliminary review of the information in question; and (2) provide the government an opportunity to seek protective measures under this Act. Establishes procedures and a standard for assessing the privilege claim. Allows disclosure of an item of evidence to a nongovernmental party, or admission at trial, if the court determines that the privilege is not validly asserted. Prohibits such disclosure or admission if the privilege is determined valid. Grants the courts of appeal jurisdiction of an appeal by any party from any interlocutory decision or order of a U.S. district court.

Date: 2008-03-13
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Law
Free Speech Protection Act of 2008 - Allows any U.S. person against whom a lawsuit for defamation is brought in a foreign country on the basis of the content of any speech by that person that has been published, uttered, or otherwise disseminated in the United States to bring an action in a U.S. district court against any person who, or entity which, brought the suit, if the speech at issue in the foreign lawsuit does not constitute defamation under U.S. law.Allows the award of treble damages if it is determined by a preponderance of the evidence that the person or entity bringing the foreign lawsuit intentionally engaged in a scheme to suppress rights under the First Amendment to the Constitution by discouraging publishers or other media from publishing, or by discouraging financial supporters from employing, retaining, or supporting the research, writing, or other speech of an individual.

Date: 2008-04-16
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Law
Electronic Life Safety and Security Systems Federal Background Check Act of 2008 - Directs the Attorney General to establish a method to permit employers in the electronic life safety and security systems installation and monitoring industry to access criminal history records and other information to conduct background checks of prospective employees.

Date: 2008-04-29
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Paperwork Assistance Act - Requires a federal agency to inform any person receiving a collection of information from the agency of the agency's contact information, including a website and a telephone number, by which a person may obtain a specific contact person responsible for answering questions about the information collection and other information to assist in responding to the information collection.Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to include in the Director's annual report on information policy activities: (1) the status of implementation by agencies of the requirements of this Act; and (2) a description of how each agency has responded to complaints related to the agency's compliance with such requirements.Makes this Act's contact information requirements applicable to new or revised collections of information approved by the Director beginning one year after enactment.

Date: 2008-05-21
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Medicare Card Security Act of 2008 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to direct the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure that Social Security numbers are not displayed on Medicare cards.

Date: 2008-06-26
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Health
Medicare Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish cost-effective procedures to ensure that Social Security account numbers are not included on Medicare cards. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to report to Congress after one year on the implementation of this Act, including line-item estimates of and justifications for associated costs, taking into consideration, among other factors, cost-effectiveness and beneficiary outreach and education.

Date: 2008-07-24
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Health
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop procedures to permit car rental companies to have limited access to information in the National Driver Register in order for them to determine whether an individual possesses a valid driver's license.

Date: 2008-08-01
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Travelers' Privacy Protection Act of 2008 - Sets forth standards and procedures for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) border searches or seizures of electronic equipment transported by a U.S. resident. Prohibits a DHS official from considering race, ethnicity, national origin, or religion in selecting U.S. residents for such searches except as provided for by this Act. Sets forth limitations on the access to such equipment or the disclosure of related information. Authorizes claims to be made for damaged equipment. Sets forth remedy and enforcement provisions.

Date: 2008-09-26
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Immigration
Protecting Consumer Phone Records Act - Makes it unlawful to: (1) acquire or use customer proprietary network information without written consent; (2) represent that another person has consented in order to acquire such information; (3) obtain unauthorized access to certain systems or records in order to acquire such information; (4) sell or offer for sale such information; or (5) request that another person unlawfully obtain such information. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for a civil forfeiture penalty for violation of this Act. Imposes on IP-enabled voice service providers a duty to protect the confidentiality of specified proprietary information. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require each telecommunications carrier to notify customers of unlawful disclosure of such information. Prohibits a commercial mobile services provider from providing any customer's wireless telephone number information to any wireless directory assistance service without express prior customer authorization. Requires de-listing on customer request without cost to the customer. Prohibits providers from publishing the information without such authorization. Prohibits fees for exercising these rights. Preempts any inconsistent state or local requirements. Requires that violations of certain provisions of this Act be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and treated as unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Gives the FCC concurrent enforcement jurisdiction. Provides for enforcement by states and preemption of state law. Requires public education about the protection afforded such information.

Date: 2007-01-04
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Servitude and Emancipation Archival Research ClearingHouse Act or the SEARCH Act - Directs the Archivist of the United States to establish, as part of the National Archives, a national database consisting of historic records of servitude and emancipation in the United States to assist African Americans in researching their genealogy. Requires the National Historical Publications and Records Commission to maintain the database.

Date: 2007-01-16
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Full-Strength Bureau Initiative Act of 2007 or the FBI Act of 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 to fund 1,000 additional Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) field agents.

Date: 2007-02-08
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Domestic Pet Turtle Market Access Act of 2007 - Prohibits the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from restricting the sale by a turtle farmer or other commercial retail seller of a turtle that is less than 10.2 centimeters in diameter as a pet if: (1) the turtle is raised, shipped, and sold using methods proven to keep the turtle free of salmonella, using salmonella safety standards comparable to standards for other animals allowed for sale as pets or animal products allowed for sale as food products; (2) the FDA has approved a plan submitted by the turtle farmer or seller relating to compliance with this Act; and (3) the farmer or seller makes certain disclosures to the buyer. Sets forth required disclosures, which include: (1) information regarding the dangers that could result if the turtle is not properly handled and safely maintained, the proper handling of the turtle, and the proven methods of treatment that keep the turtle safe from salmonella; (2) a detailed explanation of how to properly treat the turtle to keep it safe from salmonella; and (3) a statement that buyers of pet turtles should not abandon the turtle or abandon it outside, but should instead return them to a commercial retail pet seller or other organization that would accept turtles no longer wanted as pets.Requires the turtle farmer or seller to submit a plan to the FDA that includes use of non-antibiotic compounds that suppress or eliminate the presence of salmonella in turtle hatchlings. Directs the FDA to accept or reject such a plan within 30 days.

Date: 2007-02-08
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Animals
Truth in Caller ID Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to make it unlawful for any person in the United States, in connection with any telecommunications service or Internet protocol (IP)-enabled voice service, to cause any caller identification (ID) service to knowingly transmit misleading or inaccurate caller ID information with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value, unless such transmission is exempted in connection with: (1) authorized activities of law enforcement agencies; or (2) a court order specifically authorizing the use of caller ID manipulation. Prohibits construing these provisions to authorize or prohibit any investigative, protective, or intelligence activities performed in connection with official duties and in accordance with all applicable laws, by a law enforcement agency of the United States, a state or its political subdivision, or a U.S. intelligence agency. Provides civil and criminal penalties for violations. Allows enforcement by states, granting the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) the right to intervene.

Date: 2007-02-28
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Protecting Consumer Phone Records Act - Makes it unlawful for a person to: (1) acquire or use an individual's customer proprietary network information (CPNI) without written consent; (2) misrepresent that another person has consented to the acquisition of CPNI in order to obtain such information; (3) obtain unauthorized access to data processing systems or records in order to obtain such information; (4) sell, or offer to sell, CPNI; or (5) request that another person obtain CPNI from a telecommunications carrier or IP (Internet Protocol)-enabled voice service provider, knowing that the other person will obtain such information in an unlawful manner. Provides: (1) exceptions; and (2) civil and criminal penalties for violations, with a private right of action for providers and consumers. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to revise or supplement its regulations to require telecommunications carriers or IP-enabled voice service providers to protect the security and confidentiality of CPNI. Requires each such carrier or provider to notify customers of an incident in which CPNI relating to that customer was disclosed to someone other than the customer in violation of this Act (allowing a delay in such notification for law enforcement or homeland security purposes). Requires enforcement of the requirements of this Act by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the FCC, and the states. Directs the FTC and FCC to jointly establish and implement a media and distribution campaign to teach the public about the protection afforded CPNI under this Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, and the Communications Act of 1934.

Date: 2007-03-06
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Do-Not-Call Registry Fee Extension Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Do-Not-Call Implementation Act to replace provisions relating to fees regarding the "do-not-call" registry of the Telemarketing Sales Rule with provisions requiring the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to collect an annual fee to implement and enforce the registry or any other regulation issued by the FTC under specified provisions of the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act. Sets the fee amount per area code accessed, subject to a maximum amount, and indexes the amount to inflation. Prohibits any arrangement to divide the fee among various clients of a telemarketer or service provider. (Sec. 3) Replaces current reporting requirements with provisions requiring the FTC to report biennially to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives. Requires an additional, one-time FTC report to those committees on the effectiveness of do-not-call outreach and enforcement efforts to senior citizens and immigrant communities, the impact of the exceptions to the do-not-call registry on businesses and consumers, and the impact on do-not-call enforcement of abandoned calls made by predictive dialing devices.

Date: 2007-03-06
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Commerce
Positive Aging Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to : (1) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to public and private nonprofit entities for projects to demonstrate ways of integrating mental health services for older adults into primary care settings and for multidisciplinary geriatric mental health outreach teams in community settings where older adults reside or receive social services; (2) require the Director of the Center for Mental Health Services to designate a Deputy Director for Older Adult Mental Health Services to address the mental health needs of older adults; (3) require the inclusion of representatives of older adults and their families and geriatric mental health professionals on the Advisory Council for the Center; (4) designate as a project of national significance the treatment of older adults with substance-related disorders; and (5) require state plans under the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant program to describe outreach to, and services for, older individuals and individuals who are homeless and living in rural areas.

Date: 2007-03-23
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Health
Social Security Account Number Protection Act - Prohibits any financial or related institution covered by this Act (covered entity), unless for a specific use for which no other identifier reasonably can be employed, from soliciting a Social Security number from an individual except: (1) for use in an identification, verification, accuracy, or identity proofing process; (2) for any purpose permitted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act or the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act; or (3) to comply with the requirements of federal, state, or local law. Specifies further exceptions to this prohibition. Prohibits a covered entity from displaying an individual's Social Security account number (or any derivative) on any card or tag commonly provided to employees (or to their family members), faculty, staff, or students for purposes of identification. Prohibits a state from displaying an individual's Social Security account number on his or her driver's license. Prohibits prisoner access to Social Security numbers. Prohibits the sale, provision, or display of Social Security numbers to the general public, or its acquisition or use to identify or locate a person with intent to injure or harm that person, or to use the person's identity for an illegal purpose. Specifies exceptions to this prohibition. Allows the sale, provision, or display of an individual's Social Security account number to the general public to the extent consistent with the individual's voluntary and affirmative written consent, but only if: (1) the terms of the consent and the right to refuse are presented to the individual in a clear, conspicuous, and understandable manner; (2) the individual is placed under no obligation to provide such consent; and (3) the terms and conditions of the consent authorize the individual to limit the sale, provision, or display to purposes directly associated with the transaction with respect to which the consent is sought. Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission, state attorneys general, and certain other federal regulatory agencies to enforce this Act..

Date: 2007-04-25
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Social welfare
Social Security Number Online Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit a state, local government, or any officer, employee, or contractor of a state or local government, from displaying to the general public on the Internet all or any portion of any Social Security account number. Establishes a fine of up to $5,000 a day on any state or local government that has a policy or practice of substantial noncompliance with the requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action against a state, local government, or officer, employee, or contractor of such state or local government for appropriate relief for any violation of this Act. Directs the Attorney General to award grants to states and local governments to come into compliance with such prohibition.

Date: 2007-06-25
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Compassionate Care for Servicewomen Act - Requires emergency contraception to be included on the basic core formulary of the uniform formulary of pharmaceutical agents for the pharmacy benefits program of the Department of Defense. States that prior authorization shall not be required for such contraception.

Date: 2007-07-17
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Health Information Privacy and Security Act - Requires a person who holds, uses, or discloses protected health information to: (1) permit an individual who is the subject of such information to inspect and copy the information; (2) establish safeguards and procedures to ensure the privacy, confidentiality, security, accuracy, and integrity of such information; and (3) establish and maintain a record of each protected health information disclosure.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to support demonstration projects to improve the communication of information pertaining to health privacy rights with individuals with limited English proficiency and limited health literacy.Prohibits any person from disclosing, accessing, or using protected health information, except as authorized under this Act. Requires the Secretary to develop and disseminate model written authorizations for the disclosure of such information.Provides for notice to an individual of a security breach with regard to protected health information.Sets forth purposes under which disclosure is permitted, including for public health, health oversight, and law enforcement purposes.Directs the Secretary to designate the Office of Health Information Privacy to: (1) receive and investigate complaints of alleged violations of this Act; (2) provide guidance to health care providers and other relevant individuals concerning the interpretation and implementation of privacy protections; and (3) provide recommendations concerning improvements in the privacy and security of protected health information and concerning medical privacy research needs.Requires the Secretary to establish and implement standards for health information technology products. Sets forth criminal and civil penalties for knowing and intentional violations of this Act.Provides that this Act does not preempt federal or state laws or regulations that provide greater protections.

Date: 2007-07-18
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Health
Ultrasound Informed Consent Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require abortion providers, before a woman gives informed consent to any part of an abortion, to perform an obstetric ultrasound on the pregnant woman, explain the results, display the ultrasound images so the woman may view them, and provide a medical description of the ultrasound images, including the dimensions of the embryo or fetus and the presence of external members and internal organs, if present and viewable. Provides for: (1) civil penalties for willful failure to comply; and (2) a medical emergency exception. Prohibits construing this Act to require a woman to view the images or penalizing the physician or the women if she refuses to look at the images.

Date: 2007-09-20
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Health
National Security Letter Reform Act of 2007 or the NSL Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code, the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act to establish new criteria for the use of National Security Letters issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to wire or electronic communications service providers, financial institutions, and consumer credit reporting agencies for the production of specified records and information about customers or subscribers. Allows the issuance of a National Security Letter only where: (1) the records sought relate to an ongoing, authorized and specifically identified national security investigation (other than a threat assessment); and (2) there are specific and articulable facts for believing that such records pertain to a suspected agent of a foreign power and such agent's activities. Requires the Attorney General to establish minimization and destruction procedures for the disclosure and disposal of information and records received by the FBI in response to a National Security Letter.Revises criteria for judicial review of nondisclosure orders applicable to recipients of National Security Letters.Amends the USA Patriot Act to require expanded public disclosure of the number and types of National Security Letter requests for information. Terminates as of December 31, 2009, certain authorities for issuing National Security Letters. Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to revise procedures for, and judicial review of, access to business records in national security investigations.Directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish a secure electronic system for the submission of documents and other information to courts established under FISA.Expands protections for communications service providers, financial institutions, and consumer reporting agencies that disclose subscriber or customer identifying information to a government authority when such entity reasonably believes that an emergency involving immediate danger of death or serious physical injury to any person requires disclosure without delay. Requires the Attorney General to issue guidelines for using the least intrusive means of collecting sensitive information in national security investigations.

Date: 2007-09-25
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Directs the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to prescribe rules to protect privacy and security concerns relating to all filing of documents and the public availability of documents retained by, or filed electronically with, the Court.

Date: 2007-09-25
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Cell Phone Number Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit, without the express prior written authorization of each person involved: (1) selling or otherwise disseminating the wireless telephone information of any individual; or (2) publishing, marketing for sale, or otherwise disseminating any directory, index, or other list of the wireless telephone information of individuals. Allows more stringent state laws.

Date: 2007-11-15
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Openness Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act of 2007 or the OPEN Government Act of 2007 - Amends Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provisions to define "representative of the news media" and "news," specify examples of news-media entities, and provide that a freelance journalist shall be regarded as working for a news-media entity if the journalist can demonstrate a solid basis for expecting publication through that entity.Provides that, for purposes of recovery of attorney fees and other litigation costs under FOIA, a complainant has substantially prevailed if the complainant has obtained relief through either: (1) a judicial order or an enforceable written agreement or consent decree; or (2) a voluntary or unilateral change in position by the agency, provided that the complainant's claim is not insubstantial. Requires attorney fees to be paid only from appropriations of an agency against which a claim or judgment has been rendered.Directs the Attorney General to notify the Special Counsel of and report on civil actions taken for arbitrary and capricious rejections of requests for agency records.Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) the tolling of the time limit within which agencies determine whether to comply with a request for records; and (2) refunding search fees if an agency fails to comply with time limits. Requires each agency to make available its FOIA Public Liaison to assist in resolving requester disputes.Requires agencies to establish: (1) a system to assign an individual tracking number for each FOIA request that will take longer than ten days to process; and (2) a telephone line or Internet service to provide information on the status of requests.Revises certain reporting requirements relating to FOIA requests and agency responses. Establishes the Office of Government Information Services within the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to: (1) review agency compliance with FOIA policies; (2) recommend policy changes; and (3) offer mediation services between FOIA requesters and administrative agencies as a non-exclusive alternative to litigation. Requires each agency to designate a Chief FOIA Officer and at least one FOIA Public Liaison.Requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to report on personnel policies related to FOIA.

Date: 2007-12-06
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Computer Trespass Clarification Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) exclude from the definition of "computer trespasser" for purposes of determining the legality of interceptions of computer communications any person who has any relationship with the owner or operator of a protected computer (currently, only persons who have a contractual relationship with the owner or operator of a protected computer are excluded); (2) require the owner or operator of a protected computer to be attempting to respond to communications activity that threatens the integrity or operation of such computer before authorizing the interception of a computer trespasser's communications by a person acting under color of law (e.g., law enforcement officers); and (3) limit the length of warrantless surveillance of a computer trespasser to the earlier of 96 hours or as soon as communications that are sought are obtained.

Date: 2007-12-07
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Child Custody Protection Act - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit transporting a minor child across a state line to obtain an abortion (deems such transporting to be a de facto abridgment of the right of a parent under any law in the minors state of residence that requires parental involvement in the minors abortion decision). Makes an exception for an abortion necessary to safe the life of the minor. Makes it an affirmative defense to a prosecution or civil action under this Act that a defendant: (1) reasonably believed that before the minor obtained the abortion, the required parental consent or notification or judicial authorization took place; or (2) was presented with documentation showing that a court waived parental notification requirements or authorized the minor's abortion.Defines "abortion" as the termination of a pregnancy with an intention other than to increase the probability of a live birth, preserve the life or health of the child after live birth, terminate an ectopic pregnancy, or remove a dead unborn child who died as the result of a spontaneous abortion, accidental trauma, or a criminal assault on the pregnant female or her unborn child. Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to one year on anyone who has committed an act of incest with a minor and knowingly transports such minor across a state line to obtain an abortion.

Date: 2008-01-22
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
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: 2008-01-24
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Civil rights and liberties, minority issues
Amends the Protect America Act of 2007 (currently set to expire on February 1, 2008) to extend its authority until July 1, 2009.

Date: 2008-01-25
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Pregnant Women Health and Safety Act - Subjects any physician who knowingly performs an abortion in violation of this Act to fines and/or imprisonment. Requires a physician who performs an abortion to: (1) have admitting privileges at a local hospital; and (2) notify the patient of the location of the hospital where the patient can receive follow-up care by the physician if complications arise. Provides for an exception for an abortion that is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life is endangered by a physical disorder, physical illness, or physical injury, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself. Prohibits a woman upon whom an abortion is performed from being prosecuted for conspiracy to violate this Act. Requires each abortion clinic that receives federal funds or assistance to: (1) be licensed by the state; and (2) be in compliance with the requirements for ambulatory surgery centers under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, except for the requirement of a certificate of public need. Allows a state board of health to waive the application of certain structural requirements for licensing purposes.

Date: 2008-03-31
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Health
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 provides written notification through the mail of the designation to each individual who resides, or owns property that is located, in that Area. Prohibits any employee of the National Park Service (NPS) or member of the local coordinating entity of a National Heritage Area (including any designee of the NPS or the local coordinating entity) from entering private property in such Area without the owner's written consent.

Date: 2008-04-02
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Federal Spending and Taxpayer Accessibility Act - Directs the Congressional Research Service (CRS) to create a free public Internet website that includes data for fiscal years after FY2007 and allows the user to search specified information on each federal earmark, including the intended recipient, total dollar amount, the sponsoring Member of Congress, and the status of the bill to which it is attached. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to provide, upon an eligible individual's request, his or her taxpayer account statement. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to include the financial outlays exceeding $25,000 of all federal agencies for fiscal years after FY2008 on the Internet website established by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006. Declares that nothing in this Act shall require the disclosure of classified information.

Date: 2008-04-14
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Medicare Card Security Act of 2008 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to direct the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure that Social Security numbers are not displayed on Medicare cards.

Date: 2008-04-24
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Health
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 (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Civil rights and liberties, minority issues
Free Speech Protection Act of 2008 - Allows any U.S. person against whom a lawsuit for defamation is brought in a foreign country on the basis of the content of any speech by that person that has been published, uttered, or otherwise disseminated in the United States to bring an action in a U.S. district court against any person who, or entity which, brought the suit, if the speech at issue in the foreign lawsuit does not constitute defamation under U.S. law.Allows the award of treble damages if it is determined by a preponderance of the evidence that the person or entity bringing the foreign lawsuit intentionally engaged in a scheme to suppress rights under the First Amendment to the Constitution by discouraging publishers or other media from publishing, or by discouraging financial supporters from employing, retaining, or supporting the research, writing, or other speech of an individual.

Date: 2008-05-06
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Law
Open and Transparent Smithsonian Act of 2008 - Makes the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act, federal law relating to open meetings of federal agencies, and the Federal Advisory Committee Act applicable to the Smithsonian Institution. Makes this Act applicable to: (1) all actions taken by the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution or any other officer or employee of the Smithsonian Institution before, on, or after the enactment date of this Act; (2) any record created before, on, or after that date; and (3) any meeting held before, on, or after that date. Amends the Privacy Act to allow a federal agency, upon request by the chairperson or ranking member of a committee, subcommittee, or joint committee of Congress, to make a disclosure of any record which is contained in a system of records to that chairperson or ranking member.

Date: 2008-07-16
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Government operations and politics
State Video Tax Fairness Act of 2008 - Prohibits any state from imposing a discriminatory tax on any means of providing multichannel video programming distribution services, including Internet protocol technology (or any successor protocol), direct broadcast satellite delivery, and cable television services. Defines a tax as discriminatory if the net tax imposed on one means of providing multichannel video service is higher than the net tax rate imposed on another. Applies this prohibition only to any tax imposed on or after January 1, 2008.

Date: 2008-08-01
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Amends the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992, as amended by the Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act of 2008, to require the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to prohibit any golden parachute payment on or after enactment of this Act with respect to any executive officer or director of: (1) the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and any affiliate; (2) Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and any affiliate; and (3) any Federal Home Loan Bank.

Date: 2008-09-09
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Social Security Number Protection Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and begin to implement procedures to eliminate the unnecessary collection, use, and display of Social Security account numbers of Medicare beneficiaries on Medicare identification cards and communications. Prohibits a Social Security card also from storing a Social Security account number electronically. Allows the display of a Social Security number on written or electronic communications only if the Secretary determines that its inclusion on such communications is essential for the operation of the Medicare program.

Date: 2008-09-17
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Health
Presidential Library Donation Reform Act of 2009 - Amends federal law regarding presidential archival depositories to require any presidential library fundraising organization to submit quarterly reports to the National Archives and Records Administration and specified congressional committees on every contributor who gave the organization a contribution or contributions (whether monetary or in-kind) totaling $200 or more for the quarterly period. Requires the Archivist of the United States to make such information available to the public through the Internet as soon as is practicable after each quarterly filing. Makes it unlawful for contributors or fundraising organizations to knowingly and willfully submit false information or omit material information. Prescribes criminal penalties for violation of such prohibitions.

Date: 2009-01-06
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2009 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit using a Social Security account number except for specified Social Security and tax purposes. Prohibits the Social Security Administration from divulging the Social Security account number of an individual to any federal, state, or local government agency or instrumentality, or to any other individual. Amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to prohibit any federal, state, or local government agency or instrumentality from requesting an individual to disclose his Social Security account number on either a mandatory or a voluntary basis. Prohibits any two federal agencies or instrumentalities from implementing the same identifying number with respect to any individual (except as authorized by the Social Security Act). Prohibits any federal agency from: (1) establishing or mandating a uniform standard for identification of an individual that is required to be used by any other federal or state agency, or by a private person, for any purpose other than that of conducting the authorized activities of the standard-establishing or -mandating federal agency; or (2) conditioning receipt of any federal grant, contract, or other federal funding on the adoption, by a state or local government, or by a state agency, of such a uniform standard.

Date: 2009-01-06
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Government operations and politics