zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to allow local educational agencies (LEAs) that receive federal assistance for the education of disabled children under the Act to reduce their spending for the education of such children if that reduction is attributable to reductions in their spending for employment related benefits for special education personnel.

Date: 2015-03-03
Topic: Education (Special)
Subject: Education
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Library of Congress Modernization Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill authorizes the Library of Congress to purchase, maintain, or replace reproducers for books published either in raised characters, on sound-reproduction recordings, or in any other form (currently limited to reproducers of sound-reproduction recordings) for the use of the blind and for other physically disabled U.S. residents.

(Sec. 3) The bill establishes the Library of Congress National Collection Stewardship Fund, whose amounts may be used for:

 preparing collection materials for long-term storage; and transferring amounts to the Architect of the Capitol for designing, constructing, altering, upgrading, and equipping collections preservation and storage facilities for the Library of Congress, or for acquiring real property by lease for the preservation and storage of Library of Congress collections. The Library of Congress shall report a plan for expenditures from the fund in its first five fiscal years of operation.

(Sec. 4) The bill requires continued service on the Joint Committee on the Library in a new Congress, until new committee members are appointed, of Members of Congress who served on such Committee in the previous Congress.

The bill also sets forth requirements for determining who shall serve as Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Library before its first organizational meeting in a new Congress.

Date: 2016-05-13
Topic: Education (Special)
Subject: Congress
Accessible Instructional Materials in Higher Education Act or the AIM HEA Act

This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President pro tempore of the Senate, and the Secretary of Education to establish an independent commission to develop and issue voluntary accessibility guidelines for postsecondary electronic instructional materials and an annotated list of information technology standards.

The Department of Education must review and, as appropriate, update the voluntary guidelines and information technology standards every five years.

An institution of higher education (IHE) that uses electronic instructional materials or related technologies that conform to the voluntary guidelines is deemed to be in compliance with its obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. An IHE that uses electronic instructional materials or related technologies that do not fully conform to the voluntary guidelines qualifies for a limited safe harbor from monetary liability under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 if the IHE complies with specified requirements.

Date: 2016-09-22
Topic: Education (Special)
Subject: Education
IDEA Full Funding Act

Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to reauthorize and make appropriations for the grant program to assist states and outlying areas to provide special education and related services to children with disabilities.

Sets the amount authorized each fiscal year at a percentage of the maximum amount of the grants all states may receive for special education. Increases that percentage each fiscal year from FY2016-FY2025, until it reaches 100% in FY2025 and each succeeding fiscal year.

Sets the appropriation for each fiscal year as an amount equal to the difference between the amount of such percentage that is applicable that fiscal year and a specified amount.

Makes funds appropriated for a fiscal year available for obligation on July 1 of such fiscal year through September 30 of the succeeding year.

Date: 2015-01-08
Topic: Education (Special)
Subject: Education
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.)

(Sec. 1) This bill authorizes the Library of Congress to purchase, maintain, or replace reproducers for books published either in raised characters, on sound-reproduction recordings, or in any other form (currently limited to reproducers of sound-reproduction recordings) for the use of the blind and for other physically disabled U.S. residents.

Date: 2016-07-13
Topic: Education (Special)
Subject: Congress
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: 2007-01-05
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Cell Phone Tax Moratorium Act of 2007 - Prohibits states from imposing any new discriminatory tax on mobile services (cell phones), mobile services providers, or mobile services property for three years after enactment of this Act. Defines "new discriminatory tax" as a tax imposed on mobile services, providers, or property which is not generally imposed on other types of services or property or is generally imposed at a lower rate.

Date: 2007-01-12
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Taxation
Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to issue regulations to revise the Telemarketing Sales (do-not-call) Rule to prohibit, as an abusive telemarketing act or practice, any politically-oriented telephone calls to persons who, after such regulations are issued, register with the FTC to include their telephone numbers on a "do-not-call" registry established to prohibit such calls.

Date: 2007-01-16
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Commerce
Telecommunications Ownership Diversification Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer election to exclude from gross income a portion of the gain from the sale of the assets of a telecommunications business to an eligible purchaser. Defines "eligible purchaser" as: (1) any economically and socially disadvantaged business as designated by the Secretary of the Treasury using specified criteria; or (2) a corporation or partnership which, following the sale of a telecommunications business, owns substantially all of the assets of such business and is at least five percent owned by the Telecommunications Development Fund established under the Communications Act of 1934. Allows an investment tax credit of ten percent of the taxable income of any local exchange carrier that is not a Bell operating company and is headquartered in an area designated as an empowerment zone by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Allows the exclusion from gross income of 50 percent of the gain from the sale or exchange of stock, held for more than five years, in an eligible purchaser engaged in a telecommunications business. Directs the Comptroller General, not later than January 1, 2007, and two years thereafter, to audit and report on the administration of this Act.

Date: 2007-01-22
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Taxation
Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Program to assist eligible educational institutions in acquiring, and augmenting use of, digital and wireless networking technologies to improve the quality and delivery of educational services at such institutions. Defines as eligible institutions: (1) historically Black colleges or universities, (2) a Hispanic-, Alaskan Native-, or Native Hawaiian-serving institution; (3) a tribally controlled college or university; or (4) an institution with a sufficient enrollment of needy students as defined under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Outlines authorized assistance activities. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an advisory council to advise on the best approaches toward maximum Program participation by eligible institutions; and (2) ensure that grant awards are made to all types of eligible institutions. Requires Program assessment every three years by the National Academy of Public Administration. (Sec. 3) Authorizes appropriations.

Date: 2007-01-24
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Consumer Telephone Records Protection Act of 2007 - Makes it unlawful for any person in interstate commerce to knowingly and intentionally: (1) obtain confidential phone records information under false pretenses; (2) sell or transfer confidential phone records information without prior authorization from the customer; and (3) receive or purchase confidential phone records information. Provides for Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforcement of such provisions. Makes such provisions inapplicable to law enforcement agencies. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a telecommunication carrier to notify a customer of any incidents in which proprietary network information relating to such customer is disclosed to someone other than the customer.

Date: 2007-02-06
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Telephone Excise Tax Repeal Act of 2007 - 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: 2007-02-27
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Taxation
Wireless Innovation Act of 2007 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete its proceeding and issue a final order in the Matter of Unlicensed Operation in the TV Broadcast Bands, ET Docket No. 04-186, which facilitates the operation of unlicensed devices in television white spaces.

Date: 2007-03-20
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Rural Broadband Deployment Act - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 with respect to rural broadband access loan or loan guarantee eligibility to: (1) not require a market survey for an applicant who is projecting less than 15% penetration of households in a service area; and (2) replace the credit support requirement, including the cash on hand requirement, with a minimum 20% of loan equity position (10% in specified situations of a single provider or limited broadband service participation area).

Date: 2007-06-05
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Alarm Customer VOIP Notification Act of 2007 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to adopt regulations requiring VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) service providers and VOIP equipment manufacturers to inform subscribers of the steps needed to maintain the proper functioning of any alarm, security, or personal emergency response system.

Date: 2007-06-14
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Military Affiliate Radio System Emergency Communication Act of 2007 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) require that high frequency (short-wave) transmitters, receivers, and related data and interface equipment that meet standards of service established for the Amateur Radio Service by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the frequency range of 2-30 megahertz are also approved for routine training functions and emergency communication service on any federal government Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS) or National Communication System Shared Resources High Frequency Radio Program (SHARES) channel within that frequency range; and (2) encourage and utilize MARS personnel, facilities, capabilities, and radio equipment to connect to the Internet in their emergency communication planning.. Prohibits the Secretary from: (1) requiring the discontinuance of the use in the radio service bands assigned to MARS or SHARES of any communications equipment that has been approved by the FCC for operation within the Amateur Radio Service; or (2) adding, or permitting any agency of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to add, any technical requirements for MARS stations.Authorizes the Secretary to add new transmitters and receivers to the MARS and SHARES networks provided the equipment meets FCC standards for operation in the Amateur Radio Service and is equipped with frequency stabilization modules.

Date: 2007-06-15
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Subway Cell Access Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require that each commercial mobile (wireless) service provider provide service for the universal emergency telephone number (911) within each subway boarding station in any geographic area in which such provider provides service at ground level. Requires such providers to: (1) make available to other wireless providers appropriate infrastructure, technology, and facilities to provide such service; and (2) facilitate the sharing of such infrastructure, technology, and facilities. Includes such emergency number service within federal provisions limiting state regulation of the placement of wireless facilities.

Date: 2007-07-10
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer election to defer from tax up to $50 million of the gain from the sale of the assets or stock of a telecommunications business to certain small businesses that own 10 or fewer broadcast stations. Limits to three the number of such purchases by any qualifying small business. Requires the recapture of such deferred gain for any telecommunications business resold within five years.Authorizes the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to guarantee loans made to small businesses for the purchase of a telecommunications business.

Date: 2007-07-11
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Rural America Digital Accessibility Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants or guarantee loans in order to facilitate the deployment by the private sector of broadband telecommunications networks and capabilities (including wireless and satellite services) to underserved rural areas. Limits to $100 million the total amount of such grants and loan guarantees.Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to research the enhancement or facilitation of broadband telecommunications services in rural and other remote areas, as well as Internet access through such services. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax credit to holders of qualified technology bonds (bonds representing an investment in projects to expand such telecommunications services). Sets a national technology bond limitation of $100 million for each of FY 2007 through 2011, and zero thereafter (with an exception) to be allocated by the Secretary among the qualified projects designated each year. Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance for the establishment and support of regional centers for the commercial use of advanced technologies by small and medium-sized businesses.

Date: 2007-08-03
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Same Number Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to declare that a provider of voice services (a telecommunications service or an IP-enabled voice service) has the duty to provide number portability to the extent technically feasible. Requires that the costs of establishing numbering administration arrangements and number portability be borne by all voice service providers on a competitively neutral basis. Requires designation of 9-1-1 as the universal emergency telephone number within the United States for both wireline and wireless telephone service.

Date: 2007-09-06
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Camera Phone Predator Alert Act - Requires any mobile phone containing a digital camera to sound a tone whenever a photograph is taken with the camera's phone. Prohibits such a phone from being equipped with a means of disabling or silencing the tone. Treats the requirement as a consumer product safety standard and requires enforcement by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Date: 2007-09-06
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Commerce
Connect The Nation Act - Provides for grants to develop and implement statewide initiatives to identify and track the availability and adoption of broadband service within each state.

Date: 2007-09-20
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Connect America Now Act - Provides for grants to develop, implement, and support statewide initiatives to identify and track the availability and adoption of broadband services within each state.

Date: 2007-10-18
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Protecting Consumers through Proper Forbearance Procedures Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant or deny, within one year, a petition by one or more telecommunications carriers or classes of carriers requesting that the FCC forbear from applying any regulation or provision under the Act. (Current law deems such a petition granted if not denied within one year.)

Date: 2007-10-22
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 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: 2007-12-05
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Stop M-Spam Abuse as a Sales industry Habit Act of 2008 or the SMASH Act of 2008 - Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to issue regulations to revise the Telemarketing Sales Rule to explicitly prohibit, as an abusive telemarketing act or practice, the sending of any electronic commercial message containing an unsolicited advertisement to a telephone number that is assigned to a commercial mobile service and listed on the FTC's do-not-call registry. Prohibits interpreting anything in this Act to preclude or override the applicability of specified provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 or the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 or rules prescribed under specified provisions of the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act.

Date: 2008-04-10
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Commerce
Universal Service Reform, Accountability, and Efficiency Act of 2008 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to revise the policies concerning the principles for the advancement of universal service to require that the policies be based on the principles of affordability, efficiency, certain contribution and distribution requirements, transparency, consumer focus, and access to advanced telecommunications services for schools, libraries, and rural health care providers. Requires that universal service support be used solely to provide voice (including IP-enabled voice) communications in high cost areas and to low-income households. Authorizes the FCC to select any contribution mechanism that is consistent with the above principles and that: (1) is based exclusively on providing voice communications service; (2) does not assess broadband transmission or Internet access services; and (3) includes a universal service contribution low-income exemption. Requires that universal service support decline over time. Allows, after this Act's auction, only eligible telecommunications providers to receive support for service in high cost areas. Prohibits the receipt of support for services in high cost areas having a high percentage of high income households. Prohibits a state from assessing interstate services in order to fund a state's universal service program. Requires a reverse auction plan in which each auction winner has the privileges and obligations of a provider-of-last-resort to be used to distribute universal service support for voice communications service in high cost areas. Provides for subsequent auctions, including transitioning away from subsidizing a provider-of-last-resort. Requires the FCC to: (1) determine whether the goals of universal service are being achieved in an economically efficient way; (2) strengthen the universal service program's oversight structure; (3) provide the FCC's Inspector General with resources to conduct regular and thorough audits; (4) permanently bar anyone committing universal service fraud from receiving future subsidies; and (5) develop increased penalties for service fund wrongdoing.

Date: 2008-06-24
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Universal Roaming Act of 2008 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a telecommunications carrier (and the carrier's affiliate) that receives federal universal service support in order to provide services for rural, insular, and high cost areas to offer automatic roaming services without territorial limitation or restriction on just and reasonable terms to a carrier that requests such services and provides technically compatible equipment. Allows a carrier to opt out of that requirement by notifying the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that the carrier will cease to obtain universal service support for the provision of services for such areas. Prohibits construing this Act as prescribing particular rates for the provision of automatic roaming services. Gives "automatic roaming" the meaning given it in FCC regulations.

Date: 2008-09-23
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Spectrum Relocation Improvement Act of 2008 - 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: 2008-09-28
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Universal Service for Americans Act or USA Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require each communications service provider to contribute to support universal service (the provision of communications service in rural, insular, and high-cost areas), subject to exemptions. Modifies requirements regarding interconnection and rural telephone companies. Imposes on facilities-based IP-enabled voice service providers the same rights, duties, and obligations as a requesting telecommunications carrier if the provider elects to assert those rights. Prohibits a carrier from refusing to transport or terminate IP-enabled voice traffic solely because it is IP-enabled and prohibits a provider originating, transmitting, or terminating IP-enabled voice traffic from being exempted from paying compensation for interstate traffic solely because the traffic is IP-enabled. Regulates IP-enabled voice service regarding: (1) accessibility for the disabled community; and (2) alarm or security systems or personal security or medical monitoring systems. Applies universal service provisions to any services under FCC jurisdiction that can effectively substitute for interexchange telecommunications services, including any such substitute classified as an information service that uses telecommunications. Establishes the Broadband for Unserved Areas Program to provide financial assistance for the deployment of broadband equipment and infrastructure to unserved areas throughout the United States. Declares that universal service support mechanisms and rules should be competitively neutral. Requires telecommunications and IP-enabled voice service providers to ensure, as technically possible, that all traffic contains or preserves identification information.

Date: 2007-01-04
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Telephone Excise Tax Repeal Act of 2007 - 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: 2007-01-04
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Taxation
Cell Phone Tax Moratorium Act of 2007 - Prohibits states from imposing any new discriminatory tax on mobile services (cell phones), mobile services providers, or mobile services property for three years after enactment of this Act. Defines "new discriminatory tax" as a tax imposed on mobile services, providers, or property which is not generally imposed on other types of services or property or is generally imposed at a lower rate.

Date: 2007-01-04
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Taxation
Calling for 2-1-1 Act of 2007 - 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: 2007-01-09
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Internet Freedom Preservation Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish certain Internet neutrality duties for broadband service providers (providers), including not interfering with, or discriminating against, the ability of any person to use broadband service in a lawful manner. Allows providers to engage in activities in furtherance of certain management and business-related practices, such as protecting network security and offering consumer protection services such as parental controls. Prohibits a provider from requiring a subscriber, as a condition on the purchase of broadband service, to purchase any cable service, telecommunications service, or IP-enabled voice service. Requires a report from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to specified congressional committees on provider delivery of broadband content, applications, and services.

Date: 2007-01-09
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Wireless Innovation Act of 2007 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete its proceeding and issue a final order in the Matter of Unlicensed Operation in the TV Broadcast Bands, ET Docket No. 04-186, which facilitates the operation of unlicensed devices in television white spaces.

Date: 2007-01-09
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act of 2007 - Establishes within the National Science Foundation (NSF) an Office of Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology to: (1) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements (assistance) to eligible institutions to provide educational instruction in digital and wireless network technologies; and (2) strengthen the national digital and wireless infrastructure by increasing national investment in telecommunications and technology infrastructure at eligible institutions. Requires the NSF Director to establish an advisory council on the best approaches for involving eligible institutions in supported activities and for reviewing and evaluating submitted proposals. Requires the council to include members from minority serving institutions.Makes the following institutions eligible for such assistance: (1) a historically Black college or university; (2) a Hispanic-, Alaska Native-, or Native Hawaiian-serving institution; (3) a tribally controlled college or university; or (4) an institution determined to have enrolled a substantial number of minority, low-income students who received assistance under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Provides a matching funds requirement.

Date: 2007-01-12
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act - Establishes within the National Science Foundation (NSF) an Office of Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology to: (1) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements (assistance) to eligible institutions to provide educational instruction in digital and wireless network technologies; and (2) strengthen the national digital and wireless infrastructure by increasing national investment in telecommunications and technology infrastructure at eligible institutions. Requires the NSF Director to establish an advisory council on the best approaches for involving eligible institutions in supported activities and for reviewing and evaluating submitted proposals. Requires the council to include members from minority serving institutions.Makes the following institutions eligible for such assistance: (1) a historically Black college or university; (2) a Hispanic-, Alaska Native-, or Native Hawaiian-serving institution; (3) a tribally controlled college or university; or (4) an institution determined to have enrolled a substantial number of minority, low-income students who received assistance under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Provides a matching funds requirement.

Date: 2007-01-17
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Universal Service for the 21st Century Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require all telecommunications carriers (currently, only those providing interstate telecommunications services) to contribute to the universal service fund (a fund whose goal is to provide advanced telecommunications services to all areas of the country). Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a permanent mechanism to support universal service that will preserve and enhance its long-term financial stability. Gives the FCC exclusive jurisdiction to establish rates for inter-carrier compensation payments, including compensation for the origination and termination of intrastate telecommunications traffic. Establishes within the universal service fund the Broadband for Unserved Areas Account, to provide financial assistance for the deployment of broadband (high-speed) communications services to unserved areas throughout the United States. Allows assistance to be provided only to: (1) facilities-based providers of broadband communications service; and (2) one facility-based provider in any unserved area.

Date: 2007-02-28
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Consortium on the Impact of Technology in Aging Health Services Act of 2007 - Establishes the Consortium on the Impact of Technology in Aging Health Services. Requires the Consortium to conduct a study of all matters relating to the potential use of new technology to assist older adults and their caregivers, including: (1) methods for identifying technology that may be adapted to meet their needs; (2) methods for fostering scientific innovation in aging services technology within the business and academic communities; (3) barriers to innovation in and the adoption of technology and strategies for removing such barriers; (4) developments in such technology in other countries; and (5) methods for ensuring that U.S. businesses have a leadership role in the global market of such technology. Requires the Consortium to develop recommendations concerning: (1) developments in current technologies that may result in increased efficiency and cost savings to the healthcare system; (2) opportunities for research and development to accelerate the development and adoption of aging services technology; (3) methods to ensure that technology infrastructure is in place to deliver services; and (4) establishment of a federal interagency task force to facilitate the development and distribution of such technology and a National Resource Center to stimulate research, oversee demonstration projects, and provide training and assistance to entities that provide such services. Requires the Consortium to report recommendations regarding development of a national policy to address issues concerning technology and assistive health services for seniors, changes to federal laws and programs that would support and encourage the private sector to develop and make widely available consumer-empowered technology solutions, and establishment of a National Resource Center on Aging Services Technologies.

Date: 2007-03-15
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Health
Simplified Small Business Telephone Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Allows an extension through 2007 for filing refunds for excise tax paid on nontaxable toll telephone service billed after February 28, 2003, and before August 1, 2006.Allows taxpayers eligible for such refunds to elect a specified refund amount based on adjusted gross income in lieu of the actual amount of nontaxable toll telephone service billed after February 28, 2003, and before August 1, 2006.

Date: 2007-04-17
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Taxation
Connect The Nation Act - Provides for grants to develop and implement statewide initiatives to identify and track the availability and adoption of broadband services within each state.

Date: 2007-04-24
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Servicemembers' Cellular Phone Contract Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to allow members of the Armed Forces who are called to active duty for a period of not less than 90 days to cancel or suspend their cell phone contracts without incurring early termination or reactivation fees.

Date: 2007-05-07
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Advanced Information and Communications Technology Research Act - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to develop a plan to increase sharing of spectrum between federal and nonfederal government users and establish a implementation pilot program. Requires the director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish the Telecommunications Standards and Technology Acceleration Research Program to support and promote innovation in the United States through high-risk, high-reward telecommunications research. Requires the director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a program of basic research in advanced information and communications technologies focused on enhancing or facilitating the availability and affordability of advanced communications services to all Americans. Requires related grants.

Date: 2007-05-24
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Max Cleland Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act - Establishes in the Department of Commerce an Office of Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology to: (1) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements (assistance) to eligible institutions to provide educational instruction in digital and wireless network technologies; and (2) strengthen the national digital and wireless infrastructure by increasing national investment in telecommunications and technology infrastructure at eligible institutions. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish an advisory council on the best approaches for involving eligible institutions in supported activities and for reviewing and evaluating submitted proposals. Requires the council to include members from minority serving institutions. Makes the following institutions eligible for such assistance: (1) a historically Black college or university; (2) a Hispanic-, Alaska Native-, or Native Hawaiian-serving institution; (3) a tribally controlled college or university; or (4) an institution determined to have enrolled a substantial number of minority, low-income students who received assistance under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Provides a matching funds requirement.

Date: 2007-06-19
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Same Number Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to declare that a provider of voice services (a telecommunications service or an IP-enabled voice service) has the duty to provide number portability to the extent technically feasible. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish number portability performance standards for such providers. Requires the FCC to designate one or more impartial entities to administer telecommunications and voice service numbering and to ensure that numbers are available on an equitable basis. Gives the FCC exclusive jurisdiction of those portions of the North American Numbering Plan that pertain to the United States. Requires that the costs of establishing numbering administration arrangements and number portability be borne by all voice service providers on a competitively neutral basis. Requires designation of 9-1-1 as the universal emergency telephone number within the United States for both wireline and wireless telephone service.

Date: 2007-07-11
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Community Broadband Act of 2007 - Prohibits any state or local government statute, regulation, or other legal requirement from having the effect of prohibiting any public provider from providing advanced telecommunications capability, or related services, to any person or any public or private entity. Defines "public provider" as a state or a political subdivision or instrumentality thereof, an Indian tribe, or any entity owned, controlled, or otherwise affiliated with a state, subdivision, instrumentality, or tribe. Requires any public provider that regulates competing providers of advanced telecommunications capability or services to apply its ordinances, rules, and policies without discrimination in favor of itself or any other provider it owns or is affiliated with. Requires a public provider, before it provides advanced telecommunications capability or services, to publish notice, provide local citizens and private-sector entities with an opportunity to be heard, identify any special capabilities or services to be provided in low-income areas or other demographically or geographically defined areas, and provide private-sector entities an opportunity to bid to provide the capability or services. Declares that the provisions of the two paragraphs immediately above do not apply when: (1) a public provider provides such capabilities or services other than to the public or to such classes of users as to be effectively available to the public; or (2) a state of emergency has been declared by the President, that state's governor, or any other elected local official authorized by law to declare a state of emergency. Prohibits the use of federal funds to assist a public provider in reviving or renewing an advanced telecommunications project that fails due to bankruptcy (unless in a presidentially-declared major disaster area) or is terminated by a public provider.

Date: 2007-07-23
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Minority Serving Institutions for Advanced Technology and Education Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to eligible institutions for specified activities, including: (1) acquiring equipment, instrumentation, networking capability, hardware and software, digital network technology, wireless technology, and infrastructure; (2) developing and providing educational services, including faculty development, related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; (3) providing technology-related training for teachers, library and media specialists, early childhood educators, and teacher aides; and (4) forming technology-related consortia or collaborative projects. Defines "eligible institution" as a historically Black college or university, a Hispanic-serving institution, a Tribal College or University, an Alaska Native-serving institution, a Native Hawaiian-serving institution, or an institution with a substantial number of minority, low-income students who received a federal Pell grant for the previous academic year. Requires the Secretary to convene an annual meeting of grant recipients to foster collaboration and capacity-building activities and to disseminate information and ideas generated by the meetings.

Date: 2007-07-23
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Education
Cell Phone Consumer Empowerment Act of 2007 - Requires that a wireless telephone service provider disclose, in a plain and conspicuous way, contract information regarding terms, charges, minutes, taxes and surcharges, and E-911 service in any publication of the contract, before a consumer enters into the contract, and in advertising. Requires wireless service bills to be clearly organized and use plain language, have taxes and fees in a separate section, and itemize roaming charges. Requires each provider to make available a map showing the wireless telephone service area of the provider and the wireless telephone service area of the provider in each state. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to monitor the quality of wireless telephone service provided in the United States by requiring semiannual reports of wireless service providers. Requires that early termination fees be prorated over the term of a wireless subscriber's contract in a way that reasonably links the fee to recovery of the cost of the device or other legitimate business expenses. Regulates service contract extensions, cancellation penalties, and changes in rates, terms, or conditions. Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to allow a member of the uniformed services to terminate a cellular phone service contract in specified circumstances involving service of at least 90 days. Preempts inconsistent state laws.

Date: 2007-09-07
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Do-Not-Call Improvement Act of 2007 - Prohibits having a specific expiration period for numbers in the do-not-call registry of the Telemarketing Sales Rule. Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to reinstate the registration of any telephone number that was removed from the registry before enactment of this Act under an FTC rule or practice requiring the removal of a telephone number from the registry five years after its registration. Authorizes the FTC to check telephone numbers listed on the do-not-call registry against national databases periodically and purge numbers that have been disconnected and reassigned. Requires the FTC to report to Congress on FTC efforts taken after enactment of this Act to improve the accuracy of the registry.

Date: 2007-09-26
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Commerce
Uniform Wireless Consumer Protection Act - Prohibits, notwithstanding any other provision of law (under current law, notwithstanding specified provisions), a state or local government from regulating or adjudicating the entry of or the rates charged by any provider of commercial mobile service or private mobile service.

Date: 2007-10-16
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Signaling Modernization Act of 2008 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a telecommunications service or IP-enabled voice service provide to ensure that all voice communications service traffic originating on its network contains the signaling information reasonably needed to facilitate intercarrier billing in accordance with industry standards. Requires a provider that transports or transits traffic between voice communications service providers to forward the signaling information it receives from another provider (without altering such signaling information) that is reasonably needed to facilitate intercarrier billing in accordance with industry standards, except as otherwise permitted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Date: 2008-04-24
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Prepaid Calling Card Consumer Protection Act of 2008 - Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to require every prepaid telephone calling service provider and prepaid telephone calling card distributor to disclose certain information, including: (1) the number of calling units or minutes of domestic interstate calls provided or the dollar value and the domestic interstate rate per minute; (2) the calling unit or per minute rates for all served international preferred destinations; (3) the applicable per minute rates for all served international destinations; (4) all terms and conditions, including regarding fees, policies on refunds, recharges, decrements, and expiration, and time imitations; and (5) a toll-free customer service number and hours. Makes it unlawful to: (1) deduct anything but 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 (unless clearly disclosed) an expiration date less than one year after first use (or after additional minutes are purchased); and (5) charge a fee for an unconnected call. Prohibits evading liability by using disclaimers or limitations. 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. Allows state civil enforcement and state laws offering equal or greater protection to consumers.

Date: 2008-05-08
Topic: Technology (Telecommunications)
Subject: Science, technology, communications