bill_id,congress,bill_type,bill_number,title,policy_area,introduced_date,latest_action_date,latest_action_text,origin_chamber,sponsor_name,sponsor_state,sponsor_party,sponsor_bioguide_id,cosponsor_count,summary_text,update_date,url
102-hr-6211,102,hr,6211,Act to Implement the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks,Commerce,1992-10-08,1992-10-09,Referred to the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property and Judicial Administration.,House,"Rep. Hughes, William J. [D-NJ-2]",NJ,D,H000930,1,"Act to Implement the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks - Amends the Trademark Act of 1946 to set forth the Madrid Protocol. Authorizes the owner of an application for mark registration pending before the Patent and Trademark Office or of a U.S. registration to file an international application with the Office. Requires the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to certify that particulars appearing in the international application correspond to those appearing in the basic registration and to transmit the application to the International Bureau of the World International Property Organization. Authorizes holders of international registrations based on U.S. registrations to request extensions of protection from the International Bureau or the Office. Entitles holders of international registrations to extensions of protection to the United States.  Bars protection for an international registration if the Office is the office of origin. Entitles holders of such registrations to a right of priority under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, subject to certain conditions. Subjects requests for extension of protection to opposition.  Bars extension of protection to any mark not registrable on the Principal Register.  Sets forth procedures for notifications of refusal of protection by the Commissioner. Grants extensions of protection for international registrations the same effect and validity as registrations on the Principal Register and extends corresponding rights and remedies to holders of such registrations. Cancels or invalidates an extension of protection to the United States for goods and services under an international registration that has been cancelled or is not renewed. Authorizes holders of cancelled international registrations to file applications for registration for a mark for cancelled goods and services with the Office (allowing transformation into a U.S. application). Requires an extension of protection to remain in force for the term of the international registration upon which it is based.  Cancels protection unless the holder files an affidavit showing current use of the mark in commerce or nonuse based on special circumstances. Authorizes extensions of protection only to persons who are nationals of or have other specified connections to a Contracting Party to the Protocol.",2025-08-26T15:15:29Z,
102-s-3372,102,s,3372,A bill to provide graduates of the Small Business Administration's Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development Program with opportunities to compete for certain contracts under limited circumstances.,Commerce,1992-10-08,1992-10-08,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business.,Senate,"Sen. Shelby, Richard C. [D-AL]",AL,D,S000320,0,"Provides that a contract to furnish products or services to a participating agency shall be competed for if:  (1) there is a reasonable expectation of receiving offers from two or more eligible small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who are capable of performing the contract; (2) a contract to furnish the same (or substantially similar) products or services is being performed under a contract competitively awarded pursuant to provisions of the Small Business Act (the Act); and (3) the contractor currently performing such contract will have graduated from the Small Business Administration's Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development Program prior to the issuance of the solicitation for the new contract. Requires the head of a participating agency to restrict the competition for the award of such a contract to small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.  Makes a small business concern, where the contractor currently performing the contract will have graduated from the Program prior to the issuance of the solicitation for such contract, ineligible for award of a contract resulting from a restricted competition unless such concern furnishes (and the contracting officer accepts) a plan to subcontract not less than 25 percent of the contract value to one or more small business concerns in the developmental stage of the Program. Directs the head of a Federal agency awarding a contract pursuant to a restricted competition under this Act to cooperate with the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to have any subsequent requirement for the product or service furnished pursuant to a contract awarded under the authority of the Act. Revises provisions of the Act regarding business activity targets to require that:  (1) during the developmental stage of its participation in the Program, a Program participant take all reasonable efforts within its control to attain the targets contained in its business plan for specified contracts (as under current law) on a noncompetitive basis; and (2) regulations promulgated during the transitional stage of the Program establish targets that reflect a reasonably consistent increase in specified contracts awarded (as under current law) on a noncompetitive basis. Repeals provisions prohibiting small business concerns from being required to provide a bond as a condition of receiving a subcontract under specified conditions and concerning waiver of bonds.",2025-01-14T17:16:56Z,
102-s-3386,102,s,3386,Small Business Opportunity and Fair Competition Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-10-08,1992-10-08,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business.,Senate,"Sen. Lieberman, Joseph I. [D-CT]",CT,D,L000304,1,"Small Business Opportunity and Fair Competition Act of 1992 - Amends the Small Business Act to include among the functions of the Office of Advocacy to identify and make annual reports to the Congress concerning activities that are performed by Federal agencies or by State or local government agencies utilizing a grant, loan cooperative agreement, or other Federal assistance and that:  (1) duplicate or compete with private enterprise and can be performed by private firms (including small business concerns and small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals) at lower overall cost to Federal, State, or local government; and (2) are not inherently governmental in nature and, if performed by private firms, would not impede the mission of the governmental agency. Authorizes breakout procurement center representatives to identify and make recommendations concerning Federal procurements of supplies (including equipment) or services that may result in the performance by a Federal department or agency of activities which:  (1) duplicate or compete with private firms and can be performed by private firms (including small business concerns and small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals) at lower overall costs to the United States; and (2) are not inherently governmental in nature and, if performed by private firms, would not impede the mission of the department or agency. Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to: (1) conduct a surveying and mapping demonstration program to demonstrate the capability of private firms to provide quality services to Federal departments and agencies at fair and reasonable fees; and (2) publish an inventory of survey and mapping activities of Federal departments and agencies and State or local government agencies utilizing a grant, loan cooperative agreement, or other Federal assistance with are performed by employees of such departments and agencies and by private firms. Requires the Administrator to develop and implement a demonstration program to increase contract opportunities for, and reduce Government competition with, private survey and mapping firms.  Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) program objectives; (2) the contract process; (3) waivers; (4) program term; (5) reporting requirements; and (6) cooperation of Federal departments and agencies. Specifies demonstration program elements, including:  (1) Federal Government agency leadership in the preparation of standards and specifications, in research in survey and mapping instrumentation and procedures and the prompt transfer of technology to the private sector, in providing technical guidance, coordination, and administration of all federally funded survey and mapping activities, in establishing a schedule with quantifiable goals for increasing the use by Federal, State, and local governments of contracts with private firms for current and future survey and mapping activities, and in performing only those survey and mapping activities that are inherently governmental in nature, that do not duplicate or unfairly compete with private firms, and that utilize such firms in performing new programs and activities; and (2) private sector leadership in performing survey and mapping activities at a value or cost-benefit ratio equal to or lower than existing Government performance of such activities, in performing survey and mapping activities that meet Federal standards, specifications, and schedules, and in assuming responsibility for performing survey and mapping activities resulting from basic research performed by Federal agencies.",2025-08-26T15:16:54Z,
102-s-3388,102,s,3388,A bill to provide graduates of the Small Business Administration's Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development Program with opportunities to compete for certain contracts under limited circumstances.,Commerce,1992-10-08,1992-10-09,Referred jointly to the House Committee on Small Business.,Senate,"Sen. Shelby, Richard C. [D-AL]",AL,D,S000320,0,"Provides that a contract to furnish products or services to a participating agency shall be competed for if:  (1) there is a reasonable expectation of receiving offers from two or more eligible small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who are capable of performing the contract; (2) a contract to furnish the same (or substantially similar) products or services is being performed under a contract competitively awarded pursuant to provisions of the Small Business Act (the Act); and (3) the contractor currently performing such contract will have graduated from the Small Business Administration's Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development Program prior to the issuance of the solicitation for the new contract. Requires the head of a participating agency to restrict the competition for the award of such a contract to small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.  Makes a small business concern, where the contractor currently performing the contract will have graduated from the Program prior to the issuance of the solicitation for such contract, ineligible for award of a contract resulting from a restricted competition unless such concern furnishes (and the contracting officer accepts) a plan to subcontract not less than 25 percent of the contract value to one or more small business concerns in the developmental stage of the Program. Directs the head of a Federal agency awarding a contract pursuant to a restricted competition under this Act to cooperate with the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to have any subsequent requirement for the product or service furnished pursuant to a contract awarded under the authority of the Act. Revises provisions of the Act regarding business activity targets to require that:  (1) during the developmental stage of its participation in the Program, a Program participant take all reasonable efforts within its control to attain the targets contained in its business plan for specified contracts (as under current law) on a noncompetitive basis; and (2) regulations promulgated during the transitional stage of the Program establish targets that reflect a reasonably consistent increase in specified contracts awarded (as under current law) on a noncompetitive basis. Repeals provisions prohibiting small business concerns from being required to provide a bond as a condition of receiving a subcontract under specified conditions and concerning waiver of bonds.",2025-02-04T16:54:13Z,
102-s-3359,102,s,3359,Manufacturing Application and Education Network Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-10-06,1992-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.,Senate,"Sen. Lieberman, Joseph I. [D-CT]",CT,D,L000304,0,"Manufacturing Application and Education Network Act of 1992 - Requires the Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Assistant Secretary of Energy for Conservation and Renewable Energy, and the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to comprise a selection committee which shall use competitive procedures to select a managing consortium to establish and administer the operations of the Manufacturing Application and Education Network (Network) Centers established in accordance with this Act.  Outlines criteria for selection of a managing consortium, including having a primary mission of developing and deploying advanced manufacturing technologies and having the capacity to transfer such technologies to other areas.  States that the first consortium so selected shall manage the Network Centers for five years, with each consortium selected thereafter managing such Centers for three years. Requires the consortium selected, with the support of a task force created later under this Act, to establish and oversee the administration of not less than 150 Network Centers within ten years after the date of enactment of this Act.  Requires each consortium to develop a Network propagation plan that shall:  (1) include a plan for the establishment of the Centers nationwide, upon the approval of the consortium; and (2) be based upon economic development and manufacturing profiles submitted to the consortium for approval by each of the 50 States.  Requires:  (1) the consortium to submit to the OSTP Director for distribution to all organizations involved in establishing the Centers a copy of establishment and business plans of each Center, as well as quarterly reports; and (2) the OSTP Director to report to the Senate and House Armed Services and Small Business Committees evaluating the progress and plans of the Network Centers. States that a Network Center may only be established and supported under this Act with the approval of the appropriate selected consortium, in consultation with a representative selected by the Secretary of Defense. Allows a consortium to approve the establishment and support of a Center only if such Center promotes the deployment of innovative and robust technology into U.S. manufacturing companies by conducting activities in:  (1) technology awareness; (2) technology education; (3) technology demonstration; (4) technology application support; and (5) technology advancement support.  Limits the amount of Federal funds authorized to be allocated to each Network Center by the consortium.  Requires each Network Center to enter into a written agreement with the United States to share all information and technology developed by the Center while using Federal funds. Requires the OSTP Director to establish a task force under the auspices of the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering and Technology.  Requires the task force to:  (1) develop a government-wide plan to utilize the skilled work force of the Federal laboratories to support Network Center operations; (2) develop a streamlined process for Federal agencies to identify and transfer existing Government technologies and equipment that would be of value to the Network; and (3) develop and implement a plan for the OSTP to periodically communicate to all relevant Federal agencies and the Congress concerning the progress being made in Federal programs involving technology transfer.  Requires assistance from certain Federal officials in maximizing export opportunities for small and disadvantaged small business concerns participating in Network Centers. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary for Export Administration, to:  (1) collect sourcing data on existing Federal procurements; (2) analyze such data in order to determine U.S. ability to supply components for critical and enabling technologies to current and future world markets; (3) identify the technologies that are deemed critical to reach full-scale production within a two-year period; and (4) provide detailed reports to the consortium on the findings. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize exclusive small business set-asides for Federal procurement of components and subsystems produced in Network Centers established under this Act.  Directs breakout procurement center representatives established under such Act to provide written notification to a contractor or subcontractor that if two or more bids are received from small or disadvantaged small business concerns participating in Network Centers under this Act, the procurement contract for such component or subsystem must be set aside for competition among small and disadvantaged small business concerns in the United States.  Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to establish a program to promote the award of Federal procurement contracts to small and disadvantaged small business concerns that participate in the Network Centers under this Act, including contracts for the procurement of systems and components of critical technologies. Provides credits to Federal contracting officers and their Government contractors who support the achievement of Government targets for small business contracting.  Outlines eligibility requirements for small or disadvantaged small business concerns to receive contract awards under the program, including a priority among such small and disadvantaged small businesses. Prohibits a contract awarded under such program from exceeding the lowest qualified bid received by a participating small or disadvantaged small business concern by more than ten percent.",2025-08-26T15:18:08Z,
102-s-3325,102,s,3325,"A bill to authorize appropriations for the Patent and Trademark Office in the Department of Commerce for fiscal year 1993, to provide that States are subject to suit for certain infringements of patents and plant variety protections, and infringements of trademarks, and for other purposes.",Commerce,1992-10-05,1992-10-09,Referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ]",AZ,D,D000185,0,"Title I:  Patent and Trademark Office Authorization - Patent and Trademark Office Authorization Act of 1992 - Authorizes appropriations to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for FY 1993. Prohibits the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, during such period, from entering into any agreement for the exchange of items or services related to automatic data processing resources (including hardware, software, related services, and machine readable data).  Exempts agreements entered into with a foreign government or an international intergovernmental organization relating to data for automation programs. Amends the Patent and Trademark Office Authorization Act of 1991 to extend a patent information dissemination program through October 1, 1993. Directs the Commissioner to submit a report to the Senate and House Judiciary Committees that:  (1) compares fees for use of the international and national stages of the Patent Cooperation Treaty currently required by the Patent and Trademark Office, the European Patent Office, and the Japanese Patent Office; (2) estimates the average cost to the Patent and Trademark Office of providing such service and the corresponding service for national cases; and (3) describes the method by which the Office calculates fee levels for such services. Authorizes the Commissioner to accept the payment of any patent maintenance fee which is made within 24 months after the six-month grace period (currently, after the six-month grace period) if the delay was unintentional, or at any time. Permits the Commissioner to enter into agreements with the Technology Administration of the Department of Commerce to establish a program to evaluate patents in high technology fields for purposes of identifying industry trends, technological needs, and commercial applications.  Authorizes appropriations. Title II:  Patent and Plant Variety Protection Remedy Clarification - Patent and Plant Variety Protection Remedy Clarification Act - Amends Federal patent law and the Plant Variety Protection Act to provide that neither the States, their officers, nor their instrumentalities are immune from patent or plant variety protection infringement liability.  Provides the same remedies against State entities as are available against any private entity. Title III:  Trademark Remedy Clarification - Trademark Remedy Clarification Act - Amends the Trademark Act of 1946 to provide that neither the States, their officers, nor their instrumentalities are immune from trademark infringement liability.  Provides the same remedies for trademark infringement against State entities as are available against any private entity.",2021-06-02T15:40:45Z,
102-s-3330,102,s,3330,A bill to make a technical amendment of the Clayton Act.,Commerce,1992-10-05,1992-10-09,Referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Metzenbaum, Howard M. [D-OH]",OH,D,M000678,1,"Amends the Clayton Act to require the Federal Trade Commission to publish certain adjusted figures, pertaining to interlocking directorates and officers, not later than January 31 (currently, October 30) of each year.",2021-06-02T15:40:47Z,
102-s-3342,102,s,3342,Copyright Compulsory License Reform Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-10-05,1992-10-05,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ]",AZ,D,D000185,1,"Copyright Compulsory License Reform Act of 1992 - Amends Federal copyright law to make certain limitations on exclusive rights concerning secondary transmissions and requirements for compulsory licensing applicable to multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) (currently, cable systems). Makes compulsory licenses inapplicable to a network station transmitted beyond the local service area unless the MVPD:  (1) limits the secondary transmission of the signal to persons who reside in unserved households; or (2) does not retransmit duplicate network programming in such area at the request of the station. Requires MVPDs that retransmit a network station beyond its local service area to submit information to the station regarding subscribers receiving secondary transmissions.  Makes willful or repeated secondary transmissions actionable under copyright infringement provisions if an MVPD fails to make such submission.  Sets forth remedies for violations by MVPDs of territorial restrictions on compulsory licensing. Requires MVPDs subject to compulsory licensing to submit statements of account and royalty fees to the Register of Copyrights.  Sets forth distribution procedures for royalty fees to copyright owners of programming that was the subject of secondary transmission. Requires compulsory licenses for MVPDs that are cable systems providing secondary transmissions of broadcast stations to terminate in accordance with specified procedures, including:  (1) voluntary negotiation proceedings for licensing rights to all copyrighted programming contained on retransmitted signals between cable systems and copyright owners; (2) arbitration proceedings for purposes of determining reasonable licensing fees and the establishment of arbitration panels; and (3) decisions on arbitration made by the Copyright Royalty Tribunal and appeal procedures.  Sets forth similar termination procedures for MVPDs other than cable systems, but exempts MVPDs which:  (1) have fewer than 5,000 subscribers; and (2) are not owned or controlled by an MVPD with more than 20,000 subscribers. Directs the Register to study and report to the Congress on whether such termination exemption is adequately serving the needs of copyright owners and affected MVPDs and is promoting the goal of reduced transaction costs for the clearance of copyrights to broadcast programming. Makes it unlawful for any organized professional sports club or league to unreasonably refuse to deal in the licensing of copyrights to sports programming necessary for the retransmission of a television broadcast of games by an MVPD.  Places the burden to demonstrate that it has not unreasonably refused to deal in licensing on the club or league if it attempts to reduce the number of games available to viewers during the 1992-1993 season or to increase the fees and rights payments associated with the retransmission of any games.  Makes sports antitrust immunity inapplicable to the determination of an unreasonable refusal to deal. Directs the Federal Communications Commission to survey and report triennially to the Congress on viewership of the 1992-1993 sports season to determine:  (1) the overall availability of sports programming to the public; (2) the average national cost to sports viewers; and (3) any data relevant to a determination of whether meaningful competition is available in the licensing of sports programming. Authorizes civil actions by broadcast television stations or MVPDs injured by unreasonable refusals to deal in copyright licensing by sports clubs or leagues. Repeals provisions concerning secondary transmissions of superstations and network stations by satellite carriers. Directs the Register to study and report to the Congress on whether marketplace mechanisms to ensure that consumers receive diverse, quality television and radio programming at reasonable prices without compulsory licensing exist or are likely to develop.",2025-08-26T15:13:51Z,
102-s-3306,102,s,3306,Ted Weiss Child Support Enforcement Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-10-02,1992-10-02,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking.,Senate,"Sen. Bryan, Richard H. [D-NV]",NV,D,B000993,0,"Ted Weiss Child Support Enforcement Act of 1992 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require a consumer reporting agency to include in a consumer report information on the failure of a consumer to pay overdue child support if that information is:  (1) provided by a State or local child support enforcement agency or verified by any local, State, or Federal government agency; and (2) not more than seven years old.",2025-08-26T15:14:51Z,
102-s-3296,102,s,3296,Industrial Innovation Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-10-01,1992-10-01,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Wofford, Harris [D-PA]",PA,D,W000665,0,"Industrial Innovation Act of 1992 - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to States to enable them to provide technical and financial assistance to small and medium-sized manufacturers doing business in the State. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth requirements relating to State grant applications, certifications, and allocation of grant amounts. Requires a report to the Congress on the grant program's effectiveness.",2025-08-26T15:15:40Z,
102-hr-6068,102,hr,6068,Small Business Recession Relief Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-09-30,1992-09-30,Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.,House,"Rep. Owens, Wayne [D-UT-2]",UT,D,O000156,0,Small Business Recession Relief Act of 1992 - Amends the Small Business Act to increase the amounts for deferred participation loans and other financings authorized to be made by the Small Business Administration in FY 1992 through 1994.,2025-08-26T15:14:41Z,
102-hr-6038,102,hr,6038,"To amend title 35, United States Code, to permit separate patent extensions for each product under a patent which is subject to full regulatory review and approval.",Commerce,1992-09-25,1992-09-28,Referred to the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property and Judicial Administration.,House,"Rep. Levine, Mel [D-CA-27]",CA,D,L000264,0,Amends Federal patent law to permit separate patent extensions for certain drug products:  (1) under a patent which is subject to full regulatory review and approval; and (2) which were developed at a qualified nonprofit institution of higher education.,2025-01-16T12:12:20Z,
102-hr-6022,102,hr,6022,Ted Weiss Child Support Enforcement Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-09-24,1992-10-27,Became Public Law No: 102-537.,House,"Rep. LaRocco, Larry [D-ID-1]",ID,D,L000098,0,"Ted Weiss Child Support Enforcement Act of 1992 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require a consumer reporting agency to include in a consumer report information on the failure of a consumer to pay overdue child support if that information is:  (1) provided by a State or local child support enforcement agency or verified by any local, State, or Federal Government agency; and (2) not more than seven years old.",2025-01-14T18:20:21Z,
102-hr-5982,102,hr,5982,Audio Home Recording Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-09-22,1992-10-15,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Competitiveness.",House,"Rep. Brooks, Jack B. [D-TX-9]",TX,D,B000880,7,"Audio Home Recording Act of 1992 - Amends Federal copyright law to set forth definitions relating to digital audio recording devices and media. Prohibits the importation, manufacture, or distribution of any digital audio recording device or interface device that does not conform to the Serial Copy Management System or any other system certified by the Secretary of Commerce as prohibiting unauthorized serial copying. Sets forth a mandatory filing procedure for the importation, manufacture, or distribution in the United States of digital audio recording devices or media.  Requires importers and manufacturers to file quarterly and annual statements of account with the Register of Copyrights (the Register). Mandates Register verification and audit of such statements.  Provides for confidentiality of statement information. Prescribes royalty payment guidelines for digital audio recording devices and media imported, manufactured, or distributed in the United States.  Requires that royalty payments be deposited into the Treasury. Identifies interested copyright parties entitled to royalty payments.  Prescribes royalty payment allocation and distribution procedures.  Permits alternative royalty collection and distribution arrangements to be negotiated among interested copyright parties. Prohibits certain copyright infringement actions based on the manufacture, importation, or distribution of digital or analog audio recording devices or media or on the noncommercial use by a consumer of such devices or media for making musical recordings. Sets forth civil remedies for violations of this Act, including impoundment, remedial modification and destruction of non-complying devices, and binding arbitration.",2025-08-26T15:17:09Z,
102-s-3258,102,s,3258,Industry-Government Competitiveness Demonstration Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-09-22,1992-09-22,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Roth Jr., William V. [R-DE]",DE,R,R000460,1,"Industry-Government Competitiveness Demonstration Act of 1992 - Establishes:  (1) as an independent establishment the American Industry Foundation to be headed by a Director; and (2) the Technology Commercialization Office within the Foundation. Sets the following as Foundation objectives:  (1) improved commercialization with emphasis on manufacturing enhancements, product design methods, and their linkage; (2) increased global competitiveness of American corporations; and (3) program success as measured by objective criteria established by the Director. Makes it the mission of the Foundation to assure Federal support for rapid commercialization of technology by U.S.  corporations, and the allocation of Federal research and development (R & D) resources to support competitiveness improvement by U.S. corporations. Earmarks a specified amount Federal R & D funding for Foundation consortia, core R & D programs, technology extension centers, and National needs programs.  Outlines guidelines for the Director to provide funding for such Foundation activities (and those Federal laboratories performing work for the Foundation) in such a manner as to accomplish the objectives set above for the Foundation and to improve the global competitiveness of American corporations. Requires the Foundation Director to fund in a competitive manner technology extension centers whose purpose is to strengthen the competitiveness of business entities with under 500 employees. Directs the Critical Technologies Institute (in coordination with the Foundation) to:  (1) establish a process for involving industry representatives in the selection of Federal R & D efforts in key technologies, evaluate their economic potential, and make recommendations to the Director; (2) in areas of such key technologies select and recommend core R & D programs, consortia, and National need programs; and (3) establish, coordinate, and serve as the facilitator of consortia, core R & D programs, and National need programs such that American industry representatives in each program adequately represent U.S. manufacturing capacity and are responsible for all management and achievement of performance measures.  Requires the Institute to prepare an annual report for the Director that:  (1) assesses U.S. industry competitiveness implications of all Government funded key technology efforts; and (2) identifies Federal policies that inhibit development and commercialization of key technologies. Sets forth rules governing the participation of Federal laboratories in work for the Foundation.",2025-08-26T15:18:09Z,
102-s-3240,102,s,3240,Industry Programs for Critical Technologies Act,Commerce,1992-09-17,1992-09-17,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Bingaman, Jeff [D-NM]",NM,D,B000468,0,"Industry Programs for Critical Technologies Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish an Industry Programs for Critical Technologies Committee to evaluate proposed critical technologies agreements with qualified nonprofit U.S. entities.  Sets forth approval criteria. Provides for five-year Federal program contributions of 50 percent in the first year, reduced by ten percent in each of the following four years. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:18:14Z,
102-hr-5961,102,hr,5961,Federal Fair Franchising Practices Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-09-16,1992-10-15,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Competitiveness.",House,"Rep. Scheuer, James H. [D-NY-8]",NY,D,S000124,0,"Federal Fair Franchising Practices Act of 1992 - Provides that a franchise shall include an implied duty by a party to the franchise to act in good faith in the performance and enforcement of the rights and duties established in the franchise, including an obligation, in making a decision or in exercising a power that directly affects the franchise or the franchised business concerned, to give due and equal regard to an interest of any other such party that is likely to be affected by the decision made or the power exercised. Requires  the franchisor, in its undertaking with a franchisee, to exercise the skill and knowledge normally possessed by franchisors in good standing in similar communities or trade areas, unless the franchisor:  (1) represents that it has greater skill or knowledge; or (2) conspicuously disclaims that it has the normal skill or knowledge.  Specifies that such duty may not be disclaimed or qualified by agreement or by conduct, but a franchisor may by written agreement define specifically the nature and scope of its skill or knowledge and of its undertaking with a franchisee. Permits a franchisor that has delivered to a prospective franchisee a valid offering circular to negotiate with the prospective franchisee concerning the terms of a franchise and to execute with the prospective franchisee a franchise whose terms reflect negotiated changes from the initial offering. Authorizes a franchise to obtain equipment, fixtures, supplies, and services used in the establishment and operation of a franchised business from any source if the goods and services meet any reasonable standard regarding their nature and quality that may be promulgated by the franchisor concerned, with exceptions. Prohibits a franchisor from terminating or refusing to renew a franchise whose term is indeterminate without good cause. Authorizes a franchisee to transfer a transferable interest to a transferee who meets a franchisor's reasonable, essential, and nondiscriminatory standards for new franchisees or transferees, as the standards are in effect on the date the franchisee and the transferee agree to the transfer.  Prohibits a franchisor from withholding its consent to such a transfer without good cause. Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) notice of proposed transfer; (2) consent to proposed transfer; (3) permissible and impermissible conditions on transfer; (4) rights of first refusal; (5) consent to a public offering; (6) consent to a pooling or exchange of interests or assets; (7) assignment of interests; (8) non-interference; (9) security interests of a franchisee; (10) effect of certain covenants; and (11) transfer of interests by a franchisor. Prohibits a franchisor from prohibiting, or enforcing a prohibition against, a franchisee engaging in any lawful business at any location after expiration of the term of the franchise, termination of the franchise by the franchisee for good cause, or transfer by the franchisee of its full interest in the franchise, with exceptions. Bars a franchisor from:  (1) inhibiting its franchisees from forming an association or from associating with other franchisees for any lawful purpose; and (2) penalizing a franchisee for organizing or participating in an association of franchisees. Requires a franchisor that has more than 500 franchisees outstanding, or more than 300 franchisees in the United States, to bargain in good faith with an organization of its franchisees that represents generally, or on a specific issue or set of issues, a majority of its franchisees in the United States, and that requests such bargaining. Prohibits (with exceptions) a franchisor from placing, or licensing another to place, a new outlet in unreasonable proximity to an established franchised outlet if:  (1) the intent or probable effect of establishing the new outlet is to cause a diminution of gross sales by the established outlet of more than ten percent in 12 months immediately following establishment of the new outlet; and (2) the established outlet offers goods or services identified by the same trademark as those offered from the new outlet or has premises that are identified by the same trademark as the new outlet.  Sets forth provisions regarding the burden of proof. Bars a franchisor, in granting franchises, considering approval of transfers of transferable interests, and administering its franchise system, from discriminating against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or physical handicap. Authorizes a party to a franchise who is injured or likely to be injured by a violation or impending violation of this Act or of Federal provisions relating to disclosure requirements and prohibitions concerning franchising and business opportunity ventures to bring an action for relief in a court of competent jurisdiction. Specifies that the prevailing party in such an action may recover its costs.  Permits a court, for purposes of determining whether to issue an injunction or a restraining order, to presume irreparable harm from such a violation, and to award preliminary injunctive relief without bond or other financial security in such an action. Makes this Act applicable to a franchised business that is operated in whole or in part in the United States, to a franchise that grants the right to engage in such a franchised business, and to parties to such a franchise. Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) waiver or avoidance; (2) effect of choice-of-law provisions; (3) effect of exclusionary provisions; (4) effect of certain stipulations; and (5) nonpreemption.",2025-08-26T15:15:34Z,
102-s-3222,102,s,3222,Small Business Capital Enhancement Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-09-09,1992-09-09,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking.,Senate,"Sen. Riegle, Donald W., Jr. [D-MI]",MI,D,R000249,2,"Small Business Capital Enhancement Act of 1992 - Establishes the Small Business Capital Enhancement Program to enhance the availability of financing for small business concerns. Authorizes any State to apply to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for approval as participating State under the Program and eligible for reimbursement by the Secretary. Sets forth application approval criteria. Provides that a State that is not a participating State but that has its own capital access program providing portfolio insurance for business loans (based on a separate loss reserve fund for each financial institution) may apply to the Secretary to be approved as a participating State, subject to specified requirements. Specifies that:  (1) if a State is approved for participation each financial institution with a particular agreement in effect with the participating State shall immediately be considered a participating financial institution; (2) reimbursements may be made under this Act in connection with all contributions made to the reserve funds by the State with respect to lending that occurs on or after the date on which the Secretary approves the State for participation; (3) if an amended participation agreement is required to secure participation approval by the Secretary, contributions subject to reimbursement shall include only those contributions made to a reserve fund with respect to loans enrolled on or after the date that an amended participation agreement becomes effective; and (4) a State with an existing program that is approved for participation may continue to implement the program utilizing the reserve funds accumulated under the State program. Prohibits the Secretary from approving a State for participation in the Program until at least $50,000,000 has been appropriated to the Secretary (subject to an appropriations Act), without fiscal year limitation, for the purpose of making reimbursements. Requires an approved participating State that wishes to amend its form of participation agreement and continue as a participating State to submit such amendment for review by the Secretary in accordance with specified provisions.  Provides that any such amendment shall become effective only after it has been approved by the Secretary. Establishes requirements with respect to the terms of participation agreements, including provisions regarding:  (1) establishment of separate reserve funds; (2) investment authority; (3) earned income and interest; (4) loan terms and conditions; (5) enrollment process; (6) coverage amount; (7) premium charges; (8) enrollment and other restrictions; (9) State contributions; (10) claims by financial institutions; (11) claims for other expenses; (12) payment and denial of claims; (13) subsequent recovery of claim amounts; (14) termination clauses; and (15) allowable withdrawals from the reserve fund. Sets forth reporting requirements.  Provides for reimbursement by the Secretary of participating States, based on specified formulas. Requires a participating State that withdraws funds from a reserve fund pursuant to terms of the participation agreement to reimburse the Secretary according to a specified formula. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:16:48Z,
102-hr-5848,102,hr,5848,To prohibit a rental car company from charging a surcharge or fee in a rental agreement for a vehicle based on the residence of the renter.,Commerce,1992-08-12,1992-09-14,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Competitiveness.",House,"Rep. Engel, Eliot L. [D-NY-19]",NY,D,E000179,0,Prohibits rental car companies from charging a renter a surcharge or fee for a vehicle based on the renter's residence.  Sets forth civil penalties.,2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
102-hr-5858,102,hr,5858,National Quality Commitment Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-08-12,1992-08-31,Referred to the Subcommittee on Technology and Competitiveness.,House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-32]",NY,D,L000556,0,National Quality Commitment Act of 1992 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to establish the National Commitment to Quality Award Program involving the awarding of a medal and at least three monetary competitive awards to institutions of higher education. Authorizes specialized monetary awards to any institution of higher education that excels in teaching or practicing either total quality management (TQM) or process manufacturing engineering services productivity improvement. Allows a recipient institution which agrees to help other institutions of higher education improve their TQM curriculum to publicize its receipt of the award.  Requires the award to be used to further improve the TQM and process manufacturing engineering curriculum  of the institution. Authorizes the use of gifts from public and private sources to carry out the award program.  Authorizes appropriations.,2025-08-26T15:15:57Z,
102-hr-5859,102,hr,5859,To amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act to prohibit the inclusion of certain information in files and credit reports relating to consumers.,Commerce,1992-08-12,1992-09-01,Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs and Coinage.,House,"Rep. Machtley, Ronald K. [R-RI-1]",RI,R,M000015,0,"Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to prohibit a consumer reporting agency from maintaining or furnishing information regarding a consumer's failure to make any payment if certain conditions exist, including that:  (1) the payment became due in a period during which a specified level of financial institutions were insolvent and there was a bank holiday based on the insolvency of a non-Federal deposit insurance fund; (2) the consumer's balance exceeded the payment due; and (3) the account is maintained current for one year before the consumer requests exclusion of such information.",2024-02-06T19:38:08Z,
102-hr-5868,102,hr,5868,Film Disclosure Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-08-12,1992-08-25,Referred to the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property and Judicial Administration.,House,"Rep. Mrazek, Robert J. [D-NY-3]",NY,D,M001057,18,Film Disclosure Act of 1992 - Amends the Lanham Act to require that each public exhibition of a materially altered motion picture (and each copy of such film offered to the public through sale or rental) bear a label which conspicuously discloses the fact of:  (1) the film's material alteration from the form in which it was first released to the public; (2) the nature of such alteration; and (3) any objections raised by the artistic authors with reference to such alteration. Delineates the compliance procedure for:  (1) distributors or networks that propose to exploit a materially altered film; and (2) motion pictures intended for home use through either retail purchase or rental. Grants an artistic author the right to seek injunctive relief in U.S. district courts to prevent violation of his or her rights under this Act.,2025-08-26T15:15:09Z,
102-hr-5880,102,hr,5880,Americans with Disabilities Business Development Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-08-12,1992-09-11,"Referred to the Subcommittee on SBA, the General Economy, and Minority Enterprise Development.",House,"Rep. Ramstad, Jim [R-MN-3]",MN,R,R000033,2,"Americans with Disabilities Business Development Act of 1992 - Amends the Small Business Act to:  (1) substitute the definition of ""disability"" (a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual) for ""handicapped individual""; and (2) include Americans with disabilities among those considered to be socially disadvantaged for purposes of such Act.",2025-08-26T15:15:30Z,
102-s-3196,102,s,3196,Small Manufacturers Modernization Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-08-12,1992-08-12,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT]",VT,D,L000174,0,"Small Manufacturers Modernization Act of 1992 - Amends Federal law to establish within the National Institute of Standards and Technology a Governor's Manufacturing Extension Program to support State efforts to:  (1) assist small manufacturers, including manufacturers in rural areas, obtain technology; and (2) assist small defense manufacturers to convert to nondefense production. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:16:56Z,
102-s-3150,102,s,3150,Federal Trade Commission Act Amendments of 1992,Commerce,1992-08-06,1992-09-30,Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 761.,Senate,"Sen. Bryan, Richard H. [D-NV]",NV,D,B000993,0,"Federal Trade Commission Act Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act  (the Act) to deny authority to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to find a method of competition unfair (in any action under the Sherman Act) if such method of competition would be held to constitute State action. Denies the FTC authority to:  (1) study, investigate, or prosecute agricultural cooperatives for any action not in violation of antitrust Acts; or (2) study or investigate agricultural marketing orders. Repeals the authority of the FTC to pay attorney fees, expert witness fees, and other costs of participating in a rulemaking proceeding. Prohibits the FTC from instituting a civil action, in cases involving consent orders, to obtain civil penalties for unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Permits a district court to review certain FTC determinations of law which found an act or practice unfair or deceptive. Permits the FTC to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking for certain rules only where it has reason to believe that the unfair or deceptive acts or practices are prevalent. Revises the effective dates for cease and desist orders issued by the FTC. Applies FTC civil investigative demand procedures only to acts, practices, or methods of competition declared unlawful by a law administered by the FTC. Denies the FTC authority to:  (1) declare unlawful an act or practice as unfair unless the act or practice causes or is likely to cause substantial injury to consumers which is not reasonably avoidable by consumers themselves and not outweighed by countervailing benefits to consumers or to competition; and (2) use any funds which are authorized to to be appropriated to carry out the Act for FY 1993 through 1995 for the purpose of initiating any new rulemaking proceeding under such Act which results in a rule prohibiting commercial advertising on the basis that such advertising constitutes an unfair act or practice in or affecting commerce. Authorizes the court to:  (1) summon any person, partnership, or corporation without regard to whether they reside or transact business in the district in which the suit is brought; and (2) serve process in any district.  Specifies requirements for the service of process. Authorizes the FTC to serve civil investigative demands to obtain physical evidence (under current law, restricted to documentary material) relevant to unfair or deceptive practices. Directs the FTC to submit semiannual reports in FY 1993 through 1995 to specified congressional committees on instances in which resale price maintenance or predatory pricing practices have been suspected or alleged. Directs the FTC to submit to appropriate congressional committees a report describing complaints made, investigations undertaken, recommendations and opinions given, and consent agreements and other dispositions made by the FTC.  Requires that such report also contain a statement of the reasons for the termination of any matter. Directs the FTC to report to specified congressional committees on instances in which predatory pricing practices in such industries have been suspected or alleged. Prohibits the FTC from using any funds which are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Act for FY 1993 through 1995 for the purpose of submitting statements to, appearing before, or intervening in the proceedings of, any Federal or State agency without first notifying specified congressional committees at least 60 days in advance, or as soon as practicable. Directs the FTC to:  (1) conduct an evaluation of the level of its personnel resources and the manner in which such resources are allocated and to submit the results to specified congressional committees; and (2) review its statutory responsibilities to identify matters within its jurisdiction where Federal enforcement is particularly necessary or desirable and those areas that might more effectively be enforced at the State or local level and to submit such information together with specific recommendations for greater Federal-State cooperation to such committees. Directs the FTC to conduct an investigation into and report to specific congressional committees on the practices of the automobile repair industry, particularly addressing the nature and extent of automobile repair fraud. Prohibits a credit repair organization from charging or receiving any money or other valuable consideration prior to completion of the services that such organization has agreed to perform for the consumer. Prohibits a loan broker from:  (1) receiving an advance fee in connection with arranging or attempting to arrange, offering to find for any individual, or advising any individual as to how to obtain, consumer credit; and (2) making or using any false or misleading representations or omitting any material fact in the offer or sale of such broker's services, or engaging in any act that operates as fraud or deception upon any person in connection with the offer or sale of such services. Specifies that any violation of such prohibitions shall be:  (1) treated as a violation of a rule of the FTC issued pursuant to the Act; and (2) subject to FTC enforcement under the enforement and penalty provisions applicable to violations of such rules. Sets criminal penalties for violation of such prohibitions. Specifies that such a violation by a person shall constitute prima facie evidence that such person is engaging in conducting a scheme or device for obtaining money or property through the mail by means of false representations. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-01-14T18:51:33Z,
102-s-3151,102,s,3151,Patent Filing Simplification Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-08-06,1992-09-15,"Referred to Subcommittee on Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks.",Senate,"Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ]",AZ,D,D000185,0,"Patent Filing Simplification Act of 1992 - Provides that a publication describing an invention in English in the United States published or authorized by an inventor shall constitute a regularly filed patent application, filed on the date of publication in the United States if:  (1) the applicant files with the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks (Commissioner) a copy of the publication, proof of the publication date, and the mandatory components of such application within one year (six months in the case of designs) after the date of publication or the foreign filing date; and (2) the nature of the publication and the proof of the publication date meet the requirements of regulations promulgated by the Commissioner.  Provides that proof of receipt of a copy of a publication in the Patent and Trademark Office (Office) library shall be conclusive evidence of publication on the date of receipt.  Authorizes the Commissioner to establish a surcharge to recover the cost to the Office of processing applications filed by publication. Exempts such applications from confidential status treatment by the Office.",2025-08-26T15:14:41Z,
102-hr-5769,102,hr,5769,Small Business Revitalization and Job Growth Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-08-04,1992-10-09,Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic and Commercial Law.,House,"Rep. McCrery, Jim [R-LA-4]",LA,R,M000388,0,"Small Business Revitalization and Job Growth Act of 1992 - Title I:  Amendments to Securities Acts - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to increase from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000 the aggregate amount of an issue of securities that may be exempted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from the regulatory requirements of such Act. Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the ICA) to exempt from the definition of an investment company any securities issuer whose outstanding securities are owned exclusively by persons who, at the time of acquisition, are qualified purchasers, except that such issuer shall be deemed an investment company for purposes of limitations governing the purchase by such issuer of any security issued by a registered investment company and the sale of any security issued by a registered open-end investment company to such issuer.  Defines as a ""qualified purchaser"" under the ICA any person whom the SEC has determined does not need the protections of the ICA, taking into consideration financial sophistication, net worth, and certain other financial knowledge and experience.  Revises the definition of the beneficial ownership of securities for purposes of the ICA. Provides an additional exemption from the definition of an investment company under the ICA in the case of any company that is not engaged in the business of issuing redeemable securities and the operations of which are subject to regulation by the State in which it is organized under statutes governing entities that provide financial or managerial assistance to enterprises doing or proposing to do business primarily in such State if:  (1) the purpose of such company is limited to the provision of such assistance; (2) at least 80 percent of the securities being offered for sale by such company represent persons who reside or have a substantial business presence in such State; (3) the securities are sold to accredited investors or other persons that the SEC may permit to purchase such securities; and (4) the company does not purchase any security issued by an investment company, or by a company that would be an investment company except for the exclusions from the definition of an investment company, other than investment-grade securities or securities required by its investment policies to invest in investment-grade or comparable securities.  Requires any company proposing to meet such exemption to file with the SEC a notification of intent to do so, subject to SEC approval. Amends the ICA to:  (1) increase from $100,000 to $10,000,000 the aggregate sums received by a closed-end investment company for the sale of its securities plus the value of remaining securities allowed to be held while still being exempted from provisions regulating investment companies; (2) include within the definition of ""eligible portfolio company"" any issuer that has total assets of not more than $4,000,000, and capital and surplus in excess of $2,000,000, allowing the SEC to adjust such figures to reflect changes in generally accepted indices for small businesses; (3) provide that a business development company, in order to be so considered, need not make available significant managerial assistance with respect to eligible portfolio companies or to any other company that meets such criteria as the SEC may permit; (4) allow acquisition by business development companies of the securities of eligible portfolio companies; (5) allow business development companies to issue without condition more than one class of senior securities representing indebtedness; (6) allow such companies to issue warrants, options, or other rights to convert securities to voting securities either alone or accompanied by securities; and (7) prohibit such warrants, options, or other rights of business development companies from being separately transferable unless no class of such rights and the securities (currently, senior securities) representing them has been publicly distributed. Title II:  Credit Relief - Amends the Small Business Act to provide that the amount of deferred participation loans authorized under such Act shall:  (1) mean the net amount of the loan principal guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and does not include any amount not guaranteed; and (2) be available for a national program, except that the SBA may use up to ten percent of the amount authorized each year for special or pilot programs directed to identified sectors of the small business community or to specific U.S. geographic region.  Increases the amount the SBA is authorized to make in deferred participation loans and other financings to small businesses, and, from such authorized sums, the amount authorized to make general business loans for specified purposes under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, and the Chairman of the SEC, in consultation with the SBA Administrator, to conduct a study of the potential benefits of, and legal, regulatory, and market-based barriers to, developing a secondary market for commercial real estate mortgage loans and loans to small businesses. Outlines study consideration requirements.  Requires a report. Directs the chief executive officer of the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC) to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the impact of its commercial real estate loan securitization program and the impact of the RTC's programs on the commercial real estate mortgage loan and small business loan secondary market. Directs the SBA Administrator to simplify the application process for a small business concern to receive a loan guarantee under the Small Business Act, including loan applications in connection with an additional loan guarantee application that is filed not later than two years after the initial application is filed. Title III:  Capital Formation - Enterprise Capital Formation Act of 1992 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for gain on investments in new small business stock (seed capital) held for at least five years.  Establishes special rules for such investments.  Provides for determining the maximum capital gains rate for small business net capital gain or seed capital gain. Treats capital gains on the sale of such stock as a preference item for purposes of the minimum tax. Title IV:  Health Care Provisions - Subtitle A:  Small Business Purchasing Groups - Defines a ""qualified small employer purchasing group,"" for purposes of this Subtitle, as an entity that the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines:  (1) is administered solely under authority and control of its member employers; (2) has as its membership solely small employers; (3) with respect to each State in which its members are located, consists of no fewer than 100 employers; (4) has member employers whose health care insurance plans are in compliance with applicable State law and model benefits plans and are not self-insured plans; (5) will be a nonprofit entity; and (6) has a board of directors with full authority to act on the part of the group. Directs the board of directors of the small employer purchasing group to:  (1) establish geographic areas within which participating carriers may offer health care insurance coverage to eligible employees and dependents; and (2) enter into contracts with qualified carriers for providing health insurance coverage to eligible employees and dependents, and to pay such carriers on at least a monthly basis at the contracted rates.  Outlines provisions relating to:  (1) general qualifications of carriers, including financial solvency; (2) program standards, including review of the quality and appropriateness of care covered; (3) uniformity of benefits; (4) the collection of insurance premiums from small employers; (5) notification from the board to employers of the availability of sponsored health insurance coverage from the program; and (6) conditions of participation in the program, including a requirement that an entity is a valid small employer and not formed solely to secure health insurance coverage. Finds that qualified small employer purchasing groups organized to obtain health insurance for its employer members affect interstate commerce, and that no State law shall preempt provisions of the model benefit health insurance plan as outlined above.  Amends the Internal Revenue Code to define the amount of the employer health insurance credit for a taxable year for Federal income tax purposes. Prohibits the taking of both a credit and a deduction for health insurance premiums paid under the model plan. Subtitle B:  Deductible Health Insurance Costs for Self-Employed Individuals - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 25 to 100 percent the allowable deduction of health insurance costs for self-employed individuals and their spouses and dependents.  Makes such increased deduction permanent (currently ends December 31, 1992). Subtitle C:  Improvements in Health Insurance for Small Employers - Adds a new Title XXI to the Social Security Act entitled ""Standards for Small Employer Health Insurance and Certification of Managed Care Plans.""  Treats as meeting the requirements of title XXI an insurer offering a health insurance plan to a small employer in a State on or after January 1, 1994, if:  (1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that the State has be established a regulatory program that provides for the application and enforcement of appropriate requirements under this title; and (2) the State has not established such a program or if the program has been decertified by the Secretary, the health plan has been certified by the Secretary as meeting the requirements of part B of title XXI.  Provides an extension of the date by which a regulatory program must be adopted by a State for States requiring legislation to be passed and which has a legislature which does not meet in 1993 in a legislative session.  States that requirements under title XXI shall not apply to pre-existing health insurance plans. Requires each State to report to the Secretary on the implementation and enforcement of standards with respect to health insurance plans offered to small employers.  Allows State standards more stringent than the requirements of title XXI. Directs the Secretary to require the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to:  (1) develop specific standards for small employer health insurance plans; and (2) report to the Secretary on implementation.  Directs the Secretary to develop appropriate standards if the NAIC fails to do so.  Requires such standards to provide alternative standards for guaranteeing the availability of health insurance plans for all small employers in a State.  Directs the Secretary to periodically review State regulatory programs, allow a State to adopt a plan of correction if necessary, and to decertify a State program and assume program responsibility, if necessary.  Directs the Comptroller General to periodically audit sample State regulatory programs.  Defines a ""small employer"" for purposes of title XXI as an employee who employs more than one but less than 51 employees on a typical business day. Requires each health insurer to register with the applicable regulatory authority for each State in which it issues or offers a health insurance plan to small employers.  Prohibits such insurer from excluding any eligible employee, or their spouse or dependent, under a plan, with the exception of waiting periods required generally under health insurance coverage.  Requires insurers offering a health insurance plan to small employers in a State to meet the standards for such insurance adopted by such State. Outlines provisions concerning:  (1) State standards on the guaranteed availability of small employer health insurance; (2) the State adopted of a regulatory program for such standards; (3) standards for guaranteed insurance availability for States not adopting such standards; (4) appropriate grounds for refusal by an insurer to renew, and for termination of, a health insurance plan (including nonpayment of premiums, fraud or misrepresentation, of failure to maintain minimum participation rates); (5) authority of an insurer to require minimum participation rates; (6) guaranteed renewability of such insurance unless reasons enumerated in; (4) above, occur; (7) nonrenewability of health insurance by an insurer who elects to terminate all of the health insurance plans issued to small employers in a State; and (8) a prohibition against an insurer denying, limiting, or conditioning health insurance coverage based on health status, claims experience, receipt of health care, medical history, or lack of evidence of insurability of an individual.  Allows a plan offered to a small employer under this title to exclude coverage with respect to a preexisting condition, but limits the period of such exclusion to six months.  Reduces such authorized preexisting condition exclusionary period by one month for each month in which as individual was already in a plan of continuous coverage with respect to particular servies on the date of initial coverage of the new plan. Prohibits the base premium rate charged by an insurer for any block of business (all of the small employers within a health insurance plan issued by the insurer) from exceeding by more than 20 percent the base premium rate charged for any other block of business, with exceptions. Limits similarly the variation of rates charged during a rating period to small employers within the same block of business of an insurer when such employers have similar demographic characteristics. Provides that, in establishing premium rates for health insurance plans offered to small employers:  (1) an insurer making adjustments with respect to age, sex, or geography must apply such adjustments consistently across all small employers; and (2) no insurer may use a geographic area smaller than a county or a certain zip code area.  Places limitations on the transfer by an insurer of employers among blocks of business, requiring employer consent.  Limits to five percent over the base premium rate the percentage increase in the premium rate authorized to be charged to a small employer for a new rating period.  Requires an insurer, at the time of offering a health insurance plan to a small employer, to fully disclose specified information relating to the insurer's rating practices with respect to small employers under a plan, and the insurer's right to change premium rates.  Requires at least 60 days' prior notice of the renewal terms of a plan about to expire.  Requires each participating insurer to file with the applicable regulatory authority a written actuarial certification of insurer compliance with standards and requirements of this title. Outlines the basic medical benefits which must be included in a benefits package offered by an insurer to small employers in a State as part of the health insurance plan.  Requires such insurer to offer a managed care plan to such small employers if the insurer offers a managed care plan in such State to employers that are not small employers.  Provides for cost sharing (premiums, deductibles, copayments) and out-of-pocket limits for health insurance plans containing basic benefit packages.  Preempts State-mandated benefit packages in favor of the benefits package described in the small employer health insurance plan. Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to taxes on group health plans to impose upon any person issuing a health insurance plan to a small employer a tax on the failure to meet at any time the applicable requirements of title XXI of the Social Security Act (as added by this Act).  Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine whether a person meets such requirements.  States that such tax shall be 25 percent of the gross premiums on health insurance plans issued to a small employer during a taxable year.  Treats corporations which are members of the same controlled group of corporations as one person for purposes of such tax, as well as partnerships and proprietorships under common control.  Waives the application of such tax where the failure to meet such requirements:  (1) could not have reasonably been discovered; and (2) is corrected within 30 days of discovery.  Allows the Secretary to waive all or part of such tax in the case of a failure due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.  Makes nondeductible for income tax purposes any tax so imposed. Direct the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on the standards for rating practices and the requirements for benefit packages established under the new title XXI of the Social Security Act, as well as on certain other aspects of insurance offered to small employers under this Act.  Requires the Comptroller General to include as part of such report any recommendations for adjusting rating standards under title XXI to eliminate variation in premiums. Subtitle D:  Improvements in Portability of Private Health Insurance - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on any person or group health plan that fails to satisfy the preexisting condition requirements of group health insurance plans as enumerated under title XXI of the Social Security Act.  Makes such tax $100 for each day of noncompliance.  Outlines actions to be taken in order for a failed requirement to be considered corrected.  Waives the application of such excise tax where the failure to meet such requirements:  (1) could not have reasonably been discovered; and (2) is corrected within 30 days of discovery.  Allows the Secretary to waive all or part of such tax in the case of a failure due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.  Stats that group health plans:  (1) may not deny, limit, or condition coverage based on health status, claims experience, receipt of health care, medical history, or lack of evidence of insurability of an individual; and (2) may exclude coverage with respect to the treatment of a preexisting condition, limiting the period of exclusion to six months.  Reduces such authorized preexisting condition exclusionary period by one month for each month for each month in which an individual was already in a plan of continuous coverage with respect to particular services on the date of initial coverage in the group health plan.  Requires any person who had provided previous coverage during a period of continuous coverage with respect to a covered individual to disclose to the group health plan the coverage and benefits provided to such individual. Subtitle E:  Health Care Cost Containment - Amends title XXI of the Social Security Act to add a new Part entitled ""Federal Certification of Managed Care Plans.""  Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a process for certification of managed care plans and utilization review programs meeting the requirements of this Part.  Defines a ""utilization review program"" as a system of reviewing the medical necessity, appropriateness, or quality of health care services and supplies provided under a health insurance plan or a managed care plan using specified guidelines.  Defines a ""managed care plan"" as a plan operated by a managed care entity that provides for the financing and delivery of health care services to persons enrolled in such plan through:  (1) arrangements with selected provders; (2) explicit standards for the selection of participating providers; (3) organizational arrangements for ongoing quality assurance and utilization review programs; and (4) financial incentives for persons enrolled in the plan to use the participating providers and procedures provided for by the plan. Defines related terms.  Directs the Secretary to:  (1) establish procedures for the periodic review and recertification of qualified managed care plans and qualified utilization review programs; and (2) terminate such certification when such plan or program no longer meets the applicable requirements for certification.  Permits certification through the recognition of a State licensure program or national accreditation body that establishes requirements at least equivalent to the requirements under this part. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Health Care Cost Commission, to establish Federal standards for the certification of qualified managed care plans and qualified utilization review programs. Requires such standards to first established within two years after enactment of this Subtitle.  Directs the Secretary to periodically review and update such standards, as appropriate. Prohibits the imposition by State law or regulation of specified limitations and restrictions on qualified managed care plans and qualified utilization review programs, with exceptions. Extends to January 1, 1992, the date by which the Administrator of Health Care Policy and Research must develop an initial set of guidelines and standards with respect to treatments and conditions that constitute a significant portion of national health expenditures. Directs the Administrator, in consultation with the National Institute of Mental Health and mental health providers, to develop outcomes research and practice parameters for mental health services, including diagnosis and treatment of childhood attention deficit syndrome disorders and manic depression.  Amends the Social Security Act with respect to research on outcomes of health cre services to change from 70 to 50 percent of authorized FY 1993 and 1994 funds for such research the amount to be obtained from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Increases the general authorization of FY 1992 through 1994 funds under such Act for such purpose. Subtitle F:  Medical Liability Reform - Chapter 1:  Definitions and Findings - Finds that the health care and insurance industries are industries affecting interstate commerce, and that the medical malpractice litigation system throughout the United States affects interstate commerce by contributing to the high cost of health care and premiums for malpractice insurance purchased by health care providers. Chapter 2:  Expedited Medical Malpractice Settlements - Allows any claimant to bring a civil action for damages for harm caused during the provision of medical care pursuant to applicable State law, except to the extent that such law is superseded by this Chapter. Allows any claimant to file with the claim for damages a settlement offer for a specific amount.  Directs the defendant, within 60 days or the time permitted by State law to respond to pleadings, whichever is longer, to make a settlement offer of a specific amount, except that if such pleadings include a motion to dismiss under applicable State law, the defendant may tender such relief to the claimant within ten days after the determination of the court regarding such motion.  Provides for time extensions in certain cases.  Outlines procedures for the rejection of settlement offers by the claimant and defendant in such cases.  Provides for the calculation of attorney's fees in such cases by an hourly rate. Chapter 3:  Alternative Dispute Resolution Procedures - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Alternative Dispute Resolution Board of Advisors to make recommendations to the Secretary concerning the establishment of a model voluntary alternative dispute resolution program (dispute program).  Directs the Secretary to approve a model dispute submitted by the Board, with any modifications that the Secretary deems appropriate. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a program to encourage States to develop and implement voluntary alternative dispute resolution procedures that meet the requirements of this Subtitle.  Requires each State to adopt its own dispute program or the Federal program submitted by the Board to the Secretary within two years after enactment of this Act. Provides that, with respect to a State that has a dispute program in effect, in lieu of or in addition to making a settlement offer a claimant or defendant may offer to proceed pursuant to the dispute program and its procedures.  Creates a rebuttable presumption that a refusal by an offeree to proceed under a dispute program was unreasonable or not in good faith if the verdict is rendered in favor of the offeror. Chapter 4:  Uniform Standards for Medical Malpractice Cases - Applies provisions of this chapter to any medical malpractice case brought in Federal or State court and any such case resolved through a dispute program.  Provides that in either such action, no person may be required to pay more than $100,000 in a single payment for future losses, but such person shall be permitted to make such payments on a periodic basis.  Limits in a civil medical malpractice action the total amount of damages that may be awarded for noneconomic losses resulting from an injury to $250,000, regardless of the number of health care professionals and providers against whom the claim is brought.  Reduces the total amount of damages received under such limits by any other payment that has been made to the injured individual (i.e., other insurance).  Places specified limits on attorney's fees authorizee to be collected under Chapter 4 actions. Provides that in either such action, the liability of each defendant for noneconomic damages shall be several only and not joint (requiring each such defendant to be liable only for their specific percentage of responsibility for the damages).  Provides a statute of limitations with respect to such cases.  Provides special medical malpractice liability provisions with respect to services provided during the delivery of a baby. Chapter 5:  Uniform Disciplinary Reforms - Requires a State to comply with requirements of this chapter within two years after enactment of this Act. Directs each State to: (1) allocate the total amount of fees paid to the State in each year for the licensing or certification of each type of health care practitioner, or State funds equal to such amount, to the agencies responsible for the conduct of licensing and disciplinary actions with respect to such practitioners; and (2) permit the general public to be respresented on State health care practitioner disciplary boards.  Provides immunity from liability for any member, consultant, witness, or other individual serving or having served on such a disciplinary board for either the board's operation or duties performed in good faith. Requires each State to have in effect within two years after enactment of this Act a Statewide risk management program to reduce the incidence of medical malpractice which meets any promulgated regulations.  Directs each State to establish a health care disciplinary trust fund to provide resources to disciplinary boards for their functions and to provide additional resouces for State consumer protection activities. Chapter 6:  Medical Products - Provides that punitive damages otherwise permitted by law shall not be awarded in an action against a health care producer of a drug or device that caused the harm complained of if the drug or device:  (1) was subject to approval or premarket approval under applicable Federal regulations with respect to the safety of the formulation or performance of the drug or device, or the adequacy of the packaging or labeling of the drug or device; and (2) by the the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or (3) is generally recognized as safe and effective pursuant to conditions established by the FDA.  States that such provision shall not apply when the defendant:  (1) withheld from, or misrepresented to, the FDA or other Federal agency official material and relevant information as to the performance of the drug or device; or (2) made an illegal payment to an FDA official to secure approval of the drug or device.  Outlines provisions with respect to evidence, punitive damages, and positive defense to strict liability against the health care producers of the drug or device. Subtitle G:  Uniform Claims Criteria - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, after consultation with group health plan entities and health care providers, to develop uniform claims criteria for use by beneficiaries and health care providers in submitting claims under this Act an under title XXI of the Social Security Act.  Provides a claims criteria deadline. Title V:  Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to prepare an estimate, for that fiscal year and the succeeding four fiscal years, of the cost which would be incurred by small business in carrying out or complying with any bill or resolution which is likely to result in an average annual cost to a small business of $1,000 or more. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that Federal provisions with respect to general notice requirements of proposed rule making shall apply to all rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary under the Code. Directs the SBA Administrator to establish a panel to provide recommendations to the Congress for a uniform statutory definition of the terms ""small business"" and ""small business concern.""  Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on the panel's findings and recommendations. Directs the Council of Economic Advisers, at the request of the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA, to review the appropriateness of any determination made by the head of a Federal agency with respect to the results of a regulatory flexibility analysis (the impact of a proposed rule or regulation on small entities) required before implementation of a proposed rule or regulation.  Directs the Council, upon review completion, to notify the President, the Chief Counsel, and the affected agency of its review determination, and to require the affected agency to modify its analysis, if found necessary.  Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Regulatory Flexibility Act, an Act designed to protect small business from excessive Federal regulation, is of significant importance to small business, and that Federal department and agency heads, as well as the Chief Counsel, must take all appropriate steps to ensure compliance with and enforcement of such Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that each Federal agency that issues rules, regulations, or orders which affect small business concerns or otherwise has some relationship with or affects small business concerns or that otherwise has some relationship with or affects small business should appoint one individual to serve as a small business ombudsman for that agency.  Requires such ombudsman to represent the issues of small business to such agency, assist in the arbitration of disputes between agencies and small business concerns, and make certain reports to the Congress and the SBA Administrator. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA should be permitted to appear as amicus curae (friend of the court) in any action or case brought in a U.S. court for the purpose of reviewing a rule.",2026-03-23T12:41:21Z,
102-hr-5732,102,hr,5732,To amend the Small Business Act to permit extended participation by disadvantaged small business concerns in business development programs.,Commerce,1992-07-31,1992-09-11,"Referred to the Subcommittee on SBA, the General Economy, and Minority Enterprise Development.",House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-32]",NY,D,L000556,15,Amends the Small Business Act to permit extended participation by disadvantaged small business concerns in business development programs.,2024-02-07T15:46:26Z,
102-s-2997,102,s,2997,"A bill to increase funding for the Small Business Innovation Research Program, and for other purposes.",Commerce,1992-07-22,1992-07-22,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business.,Senate,"Sen. Baucus, Max [D-MT]",MT,D,B000243,0,"Amends the Small Business Act to increase the 1993 and subsequent fiscal year amounts to be expended in connection with a small business innovative research (SBIR) program by each Federal agency that has an extramural budget for research or research and development (R&D) in excess of $100,000,000.  Makes such amount equivalent to 1.25 percent of such R&D budget for FY 1993 and increases such amount for each fiscal year thereafter up to a maximum of 3.0 percent of such R&D budget for FY 1997 and thereafter.  Reserves all of such amounts in excess of 1.25 percent of such R&D budget for an SBIR program involving R&D of specified critical technologies.  Requires each qualifying Federal agency, in expending such R&D amounts, to give a preference to such critical technology projects.  Provides limitations with respect to non-SBIR and Department of Energy defense programs.",2025-01-14T17:16:56Z,
102-hr-5628,102,hr,5628,"To amend the Competitiveness Policy Council Act to provide for reauthorization, to rename the Council, and for other purposes.",Commerce,1992-07-21,1992-08-03,"Referred to the Subcommittee on International Development, Finance, Trade and Monetary Policy.",House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-32]",NY,D,L000556,0,"Amends the Competitiveness Policy Council Act to:  (1) change the name of the Competitiveness Policy Council to the National Competitiveness Policy Commission (Commission); and (2) reauthorize the Commission through FY 1996 at current levels. Amends the National Competitiveness Policy Commission Act to make technical changes with respect to Commission duties, powers, staff and reporting requirements.",2024-02-06T19:38:08Z,
102-hr-5631,102,hr,5631,Civilian Technology Corporation Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-07-21,1992-07-21,"Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.",House,"Rep. Sangmeister, George E. [D-IL-4]",IL,D,S000056,0,"Civilian Technology Corporation Act of 1992 - Establishes the Civilian Technology Corporation to finance precommercial research and development technologies that are significant to the U.S.  technology base. Establishes in the Treasury the Civilian Technology Development Fund.  Authorizes Fund appropriations. Directs the President, the Senate, and the House of Representatives to jointly appoint a Corporation review panel which shall report to the President, the Congress, and the Corporation upon completion of its review. Sets forth Corporation reporting requirements.",2025-08-26T15:14:37Z,
102-hr-5535,102,hr,5535,Small Business Health Insurance Assistance Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-07-02,1992-09-11,"Referred to the Subcommittee on SBA, the General Economy, and Minority Enterprise Development.",House,"Rep. Torres, Esteban Edward [D-CA-34]",CA,D,T000316,0,"Small Business Health Insurance Assistance Act of 1992 - Amends the Small Business Act to establish the Small Business Health Insurance Advisory Council to:  (1) make recommendations on activities carried out by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to promote the procurement of adequate health insurance by owners and employees of small business concerns; (2) review and approve grant applications and review reports to the Congress; and (3) review and approve the quality of health insurance information and the training program for staff members of health information, counseling, and technical assistance programs established by this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to assist in the establishment by small business development centers of programs to provide owners and employees of small business concerns and associations with information, counseling, and technical assistance relating to the procurement of adequate health insurance.  Sets forth grant eligibility and program requirements. Directs the Administrator to conduct (at least annually) a program to provide training and information to staff members of such programs and to provide technical assistance to such centers for the development of programs.  Conditions the awarding of grants on annual evaluation and fiscal reports by applicants. Requires the Comptroller General to report annually to specififed congressional committees on expenditures of grants by applicants. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on activities under this Act to ensure that:  (1) all health insurance information provided is unbiased and accurate; (2) the special interests of any insurance agency or other business are not promoted over those of any other agency or business; and (3) each individual carrying out responsibilities under a program which involves the provision of health insurance information does not have conflicts of interests which affect such responsibilities. Requires the Administrator to submit specified reports to the Congress on issues concerning small business health insurance. Directs the Associate Administrator for Small Business Development Centers to maintain information relating to health insurance available to small business concerns as part of a clearinghouse. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:16:26Z,
102-s-2941,102,s,2941,Small Business Research and Development Enhancement Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-07-02,1992-10-28,Became Public Law No: 102-564.,Senate,"Sen. Rudman, Warren [R-NH]",NH,R,R000497,21,"Small Business Research and Development Enhancement Act of 1992 - Title I:  Small Business Innovation Research Program - Small Business Innovation Research Program Reauthorization Act of 1992 - Amends the Small Business Act regarding small business eligibility for Federal agency research and development awards to include in the evaluation process the consideration of ideas that appear to have commercial potential. Prescribes minimum Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program expenditure amounts for FY 1993 and thereafter for each Federal agency which in any fiscal year has an extramural budget for research or research and development in excess of $100,000,000. Includes amounts obligated within the Department of Defense (DOD) solely for operational systems development within the definition of ""extramural budget.""  Excludes from such definition amounts obligated within the Department of Energy solely for weapons activities or for naval reactor programs. Directs each Federal agency that is required to establish an SBIR program to:  (1) determine research topics within SBIR solicitations that give special consideration to broad research and to topics that further critical technologies; and (2) make payments in full to SBIR funding agreement recipients, subject to specified audit deadlines. Requires the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to modify SBIR policy directives to provide for:  (1) retention of rights to data by small businesses; (2) continued use of agency property; (3) follow-on contracts; (4) increased amounts of first and second phase awards; (5) notification of SBIR agencies and participants of critical technologies; (6) outreach to increase the participation of socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses; (7) gap-funding programs; and (8) procedures to ensure that small businesses that are submitting proposals for first phase funding and that have received more than 15 second phase awards in previous years are able to demonstrate the concepts developed from such awards. Eliminates a requirement for an annual report by the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Directs Federal agencies required to establish SBIR programs, upon making an SBIR solicitation award for which they only receive one proposal, to provide justification of such awards in their annual reports.  Requires such agencies to include justification in such reports for:  (1) first phase awards made to entities that have received more than 15 second phase awards during the preceding five fiscal years; and (2) awards made for critical technology topics. Requires Federal agencies to inform each awardee under a research funding agreement of the allowable expenses to be included under the agreement. Repeals the SBIR Program under the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982.  Extends the SBIR Program under the Small Business Act through FY 2000. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on research performed under SBIR agreements. Requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a recommendation to the Congress addressing whether there has been a reduction in the quality of research performed under the SBIR Program since FY 1993 such that increasing required expenditure amounts would adversely affect DOD research programs. Title II:  Small Business Technology Transfer Pilot Program - Small Business Technology Transfer Act of 1992 - Amends the Small Business Act to declare that it is the duty of the SBA to maintain a source file and information  program to assure small businesses the opportunity to participate in Federal agency small business technology transfer (STTR) programs, under which a portion of a Federal agency's research and development effort is reserved for small businesses for cooperative research and development through a three-phased process paralleling the SBIR process. Requires Federal agencies with research or research and development budgets exceeding $1,000,000 in FY 1994, 1995, or 1996 to expend specified percentages of such amount with small businesses in connection with an STTR program meeting prescribed requirements.  Outlines requirements for Federal agencies establishing such programs.  Requires the SBA Administrator to issue policy directives for the general conduct of STTR programs. Title III:  Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes Federal agencies required to conduct SBIR programs to enter into agreements with vendors to provide small businesses with technical assistance services such as access to networks or technical and business literature available through on-line data bases. Limits the amount of such assistance. Amends the Small Business Administration Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 1990 to extend the authorization for the Small Business Technology Transfer Demonstration Program through FY 1995. Amends the Small Business Act to add to the list of the SBA's duties the making of a grant to an institution of higher education for a small business institute to be used to provide business counseling and assistance to small businesses through the activities of students enrolled at the institution. Authorizes Federal agencies to enter into third phase agreements for additional work with small businesses that have been awarded funding agreements for the second phase of an SBIR or STTR program. Expresses the sense of the Congress that an entity awarded a funding agreement under the SBIR Program should, when purchasing equipment or products with such funds, purchase only American-made equipment and products to the extent possible. Authorizes the SBA to fund additional microloan programs in FY 1993 if it has funded fewer than 50 programs in FY 1992.",2025-01-14T17:16:56Z,
102-s-2946,102,s,2946,Small Business Defense Economic Transition Assistance Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-07-02,1992-07-02,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business.,Senate,"Sen. Lieberman, Joseph I. [D-CT]",CT,D,L000304,1,"Small Business Defense Economic Transition Assistance Act of 1992 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans to a small business concern that has been detrimentally affected by:  (1) the closure (or substantial reduction) of a Department of Defense (DOD) installation; or (2) the termination or substantial reduction of a DOD program under which the small business was a prime contractor or subcontractor (or supplier). Authorizes such loans also for a qualified individual seeking to establish or acquire and operate a small business.  Requires loan amounts to be provided in advance in appropriation Acts for such purpose.  Defines as a qualified individual seeking to establish or acquire a small business:  (1) a member of the armed forces honorably discharged from active duty involuntarily or under a separation incentive program; (2) a civilian DOD employee involuntarily separated or retired pursuant to a program for early retirement; or (3) an employee of a prime contractor, subcontractor, or supplier at any tier of a DOD program whose employment is involuntarily terminated (or voluntarily terminated under a program encouraging voluntary separation or early retirement) due to the termination or substantial reduction of a DOD program. Revises Federal provisions relating to services offered by small business development centers (SBDCs) to:  (1) repeal a provision requiring the SBDCs to assist small businesses in developing and implementing marketing and production strategies to enable them to better compete in the domestic market; and (2) add to SBDC services assistance to small businesses to develop and implement strategic business plans to respond to the planned closure or reduction of a DOD facility within the community or actual or projected reduction in the firms' business base due to the termination or reduction of a DOD program or of a contract in support of such a program.",2025-08-26T15:16:38Z,
102-s-2951,102,s,2951,A bill to enhance the participation by small business concerns owned and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in environmental cleanup and hazardous waste remediation contracts and subcontracts.,Commerce,1992-07-02,1992-07-02,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business.,Senate,"Sen. Stevens, Ted [R-AK]",AK,R,S000888,1,"Amends the Small Business Act to require the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of the Interior, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set a goal of allocating a specified percentage of funds in FY 1993 through 1997 for contracts with small businesses owned and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals for procurement related to DOE and EPA environmental cleanup and hazardous waste remediation activities. Requires the EPA Administrator and the Secretaries of Energy and the Interior to provide to such businesses:  (1) technical assistance and advocacy; (2) technology transfer; (3) advanced payments; and (4) the use of less than full and open competitive procedures when entering into contracts, if the price paid to such businesses does not exceed the fair market value by more than ten percent per contract. Directs the Secretaries and the Administrator to enforce goals applicable to the award of a percentage of the total subcontracting expenditures by a prime contractor to such businesses.  Provides for the payment of liquidated damages if a prime contractor has failed to make a good faith effort to comply with the subcontracting requirement.  Grants prime contractors an opportunity to demonstrate good faith prior to the imposition of damages. Requires the Secretaries and the Administrator to:  (1) regularly identify forthcoming procurements of significant size and duration with the potential for participation by such businesses; (2) work closely with representatives of such businesses to implement a plan to maximize their participation as subcontractors and suppliers; and (3) establish a mentor-protege program to promote the development, expansion, and technological sophistication of such businesses. Outlines the elements of the mentor program.  Provides for reimbursements to a mentor firm for progress or advanced payments or assistance made to a protege firm.  Permits unreimbursed costs incurred by a mentor firm in providing such assistance to be recognized as credit in lieu of subcontract awards for determining whether the firm attains a subcontracting participation goal. Considers business concerns that are 51 percent or more owned and operated by an Indian tribe to be small business concerns under this Act. Requires the Secretaries and the Administrator to ensure that business concerns benefitting from this Act employ, to the extent practicable, persons who reside in communities that have unemployment rates that are 50 or more percent above the national average. Directs the Administrator to adopt special standard industrial classifications for the environmental cleanup and hazardous waste remediation cleanup industries.  Requires the Administrator and the Secretaries to jointly develop bonding mechanisms to enable small businesses under this Act to obtain bonding necessary to obtain contracts and subcontracts in such industries.",2025-01-14T17:16:56Z,
102-s-2966,102,s,2966,A bill to amend the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to permit prepayment of debentures issued by State and local development companies.,Commerce,1992-07-02,1992-07-02,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business.,Senate,"Sen. Hatfield, Mark O. [R-OR]",OR,R,H000343,5,"Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to permit a qualified State or local development company that issues a debenture purchased by the Federal Financing Bank (Bank) and guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA), at the election of the small business borrower whose loan secures such debenture, to prepay the debenture by payment to the Bank of the unpaid principal balance, accrued interest, and any prepayment penalties. Provides that in the case of prepayment of a debenture under this Act in which a new debenture is issued by a qualified State or local development company and guaranteed by the SBA, the guarantee of the original debenture shall transfer to the new debenture, but shall not be treated as new credit authority. Requires the full faith and credit of the United States to be pledged to the payment of all guaranteed debenture amounts.  Permits the issuer to require the borrower to pay certain optional fees with respect to such prepayment.  Provides that if a borrower defaults on a loan securing a debenture guaranteed by the SBA, the SBA's guarantee shall be extinguished by payment to the Bank of the remaining principal balance plus accrued interest at the coupon rate on the debenture.",2025-01-14T17:16:56Z,
102-hr-5526,102,hr,5526,National Commitment to Quality Award Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-07-01,1992-07-15,Referred to the Subcommittee on Technology and Competitiveness.,House,"Rep. Ritter, Don [R-PA-15]",PA,R,R000277,4,"National Commitment to Quality Award Act of 1992 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to establish the National Commitment to Quality Award Program involving the awarding of a medal and at least three monetary competitive awards to institutions of higher education that have substantially benefited the economic and social well-being of the United States through adopting Total Quality Management (TQM) principles to govern their operations, emphasizing the importance of manufacturing process technology. Allows a recipient institution which agrees to help other institutions of higher education improve their TQM curriculum to publicize its receipt of the award.  Requires the award to be used to teach TQM and process manufacturing technology using TQM principles and to apply TQM to institution operations. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:15:51Z,
102-s-2936,102,s,2936,"A bill to amend the Competitiveness Policy Council Act to provide for reauthorization, to rename the Council, and for other purposes.",Commerce,1992-07-01,1992-10-09,"Referred to the House Committee on Banking, Finance + Urban Affrs.",Senate,"Sen. Bingaman, Jeff [D-NM]",NM,D,B000468,2,"Amends the Competitiveness Policy Council Act to rename it and to: (1) change the name of the Competitiveness Policy Council to the National Competitiveness Policy Commission; and (2) reauthorize the Commission through FY 1994 at decreased levels. Amends the National Competitiveness Policy Commission Act (as renamed) to make technical changes with respect to Commission duties, powers, staff, and reporting requirements.",2025-01-14T18:51:33Z,
102-hr-5489,102,hr,5489,"To provide that professional baseball teams, and leagues composed of such teams, shall be subject to the antitrust laws.",Commerce,1992-06-25,1992-06-25,Referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.,House,"Rep. Bilirakis, Michael [R-FL-9]",FL,R,B000463,1,"Provides that the antitrust laws shall apply to the business of providing for profit public baseball games between, and to leagues composed of, teams of professional baseball players.",2021-06-02T15:02:00Z,
102-hr-5475,102,hr,5475,"Providing policies with respect to approval of bills providing for patent term extensions, and to extend certain patents.",Commerce,1992-06-24,1992-08-06,Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.,House,"Rep. Hughes, William J. [D-NJ-2]",NJ,D,H000930,8,"Prohibits the approval by the Congress of any bill providing for the extension of the term of a patent unless the following requirements are met:  (1) any delay in the approval process constituting the basis for the extension must have been beyond the control of the patentee and directly caused by governmental misconduct established by presentation of adequate proof of dishonest or deceitful conduct; vindictive or retaliatory action; arbitrary, capricious, or grossly negligent performance of governmental duties; or serious failure to perform such duties (unusual or expected delay along does not constitute governmental misconduct); (2) governmental misconduct must have caused a substantial inequity to the patentee who, without the extension of the patent, will suffer material harm directly attributable to the delay in the approval process or the Government's action or inaction (requires such harm if relief is not granted to outweigh any harm to the public such as through higher prices or to competitors that will result from extension of the patent); (3) expired patents shall not be revived or extended except under the most extraordinary and compelling circumstances (prohibits such extension if the patentee fails to exercise due diligence to prevent the invention from entering the public domain); (4) if a patent is revised or extended, extension of intervening rights shall be provided to persons using the subject matter of the patent after its expiration, except that such rights shall not be provided in the case of statutory extension of unexpired patents with specified exception; or (5) action or inaction by the Federal Government must be of such a nature as to create a moral or ethical obligation on the part of the Government to provide relief to a patentee whose rights have been substantially injured by such action or inaction; and (6) any delay in the patent was not attributable to a lack of due diligence by the patentee. Provides that the Government's action or inaction may include altering, by statute or rule, the regulatory approval procedures, standards, or requirements in a case in which there has been material reliance by an applicant on the prior procedures, standards, or requirements. Extends the terms of certain patents for:  (1) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; (2) olestra; (3) the insignia of the United Daughters of the Confederacy; and (4) badges of the American Legion, the American Legion Women's Auxiliary, and the Sons of the American Legion.  Limits the rights derived from the extension of any patent by this Act to use for which the subject matter of the patent was approved by the Food and Drug Administration.",2025-07-21T19:32:26Z,
102-hr-5467,102,hr,5467,To amend the Small Business Act to permit extended participation by disadvantaged small business concerns in business development programs.,Commerce,1992-06-23,1992-09-11,"Referred to the Subcommittee on SBA, the General Economy, and Minority Enterprise Development.",House,"Rep. Ortiz, Solomon P. [D-TX-27]",TX,D,O000107,13,Amends the Small Business Act to permit extended participation by disadvantaged small business concerns in business development programs.,2024-02-07T15:46:26Z,
102-s-2863,102,s,2863,Toy Injury Reduction Act,Commerce,1992-06-17,1992-06-17,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Dodd, Christopher J. [D-CT]",CT,D,D000388,0,Toy Injury Reduction Act - Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to mandate certain label warnings on any toy or game containing small parts and intended for children of certain ages.  Authorizes enforcement through any remedies available to the Commission under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act.,2025-08-26T15:15:27Z,
102-s-2850,102,s,2850,Small Business Capital Access Program,Commerce,1992-06-16,1992-06-16,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business.,Senate,"Sen. Lieberman, Joseph I. [D-CT]",CT,D,L000304,3,"Small Business Capital Access Program - Establishes a Small Business Capital Access Board within the Small Business Administration (SBA) to carry out a Small Business Capital Access Program. Authorizes the SBA to contribute a specified amount to each participating State, to be credited to reserve funds established in connection with loans to small business concerns by participating financial institutions.  Requires SBA contributions to:  (1) be between 1.5 and 3.5 percent of the loan amount; and (2) match on a one-to-one basis the amounts contributed by the State. Requires States to:  (1) establish statutory authority to carry out the Program; (2) appropriate funds to cover premiums on enrolled loans; and (3) establish an administrative mechanism to carry out the management of reserve funds; the enrollment of loans; the payment of claims; and the designation of participating financial institutions.  Terminates participation if a State fails to meet such commitments within a 12-month period.  Authorizes the Board to extend the period to meet commitments if requested by a State. Requires States to establish reserve funds in the name of each participating financial institution for:  (1) depositing premium charges to be paid by institutions and borrowers and accounting for contributions by the States and SBA; and (2) disbursing funds to cover losses sustained by an institution in connection with Program loans. Permits the SBA to make contributions only in connection with a loan made to a borrower that is a small business concern that is authorized to conduct business, and has its primary business location, in a participating State.  Prohibits the use of loans to finance passive real estate ownership. Permits financial institutions in participating States to enroll loans if:  (1) they have agreed to all terms and conditions set forth under this Act or by the State; (2) the appropriate Federal banking agency has approved them for participation in the Program after consideration of safety and soundness, capitalization, and overall financial health; and (3) the State has agreed to establish reserve funds in their names. Sets forth loan enrollment requirements. Requires such institutions to prescribe premium charges for loans payable to reserve funds.  Requires lender and borrower payments to be equal.  Authorizes the lender to recover its payments through the financing of the loan.  Sets forth required State and SBA contributions to the reserve funds.  Limits the combined amount to be deposited by an institution into any fund over a three-year period to $150,000. Makes payments to the reserve fund the exclusive property of the participating State.  Authorizes withdrawal of fund income, subject to specified conditions. Authorizes a financial institution that charges off an enrolled loan to the reserve fund to file a claim with the State if:  (1) the claim occurs contemporaneously with the action to charge off the loan; and (2) the charge off is made in a manner consistent with the institution's usual method for making determinations on business loans that are not enrolled loans.  Sets forth provisions concerning partial payment of claims. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:13:38Z,
102-sjres-314,102,sjres,314,"A joint resolution to designate the period beginning on August 16, 1992 and ending on August 22, 1992, as ""National Convenience Store Appreciation Week"".",Commerce,1992-06-16,1992-06-16,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Burns, Conrad R. [R-MT]",MT,R,B001126,2,"Designates the period beginning August 16, 1992, and ending on August 22, 1992, as National Convenience Store Appreciation Week.",2025-07-21T19:32:26Z,
102-hr-5391,102,hr,5391,College Financial Aid Protection Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-06-11,1992-06-17,Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic and Commercial Law.,House,"Rep. Towns, Edolphus [D-NY-11]",NY,D,T000326,6,"College Financial Aid Protection Act of 1992 - Exempts from the antitrust laws agreements, or attempts to agree, by two or more institutions of higher education, on:  (1) financial assistance that may be provided to any individual by any of such institutions or by the family of such individual, in connection with enrolling in and attending any of such institutions; (2) a formula for determining such assistance; (3) any matter relating to requiring individuals who receive such assistance to engage in activities to obtain income to be expended to attend any of such institutions; (4) student fees; or (5) communication among such institutions regarding financial assistance provided, or to be provided, to such individual, or a plan, projection, or budget assumption regarding future student fees.",2025-08-26T15:17:23Z,
102-hr-5392,102,hr,5392,Electronic Commerce Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-06-11,1992-06-18,Referred to the Subcommittee on Technology and Competitiveness.,House,"Rep. Wolpe, Howard E. [D-MI-3]",MI,D,W000682,1,"Electronic Commerce Act of 1992 - Establishes in the National Institute of Standards and Technology a Program for Electronic Commerce to promote the use of electronic commerce technologies by U.S. manufacturing firms, particularly small- and medium-sized firms. Directs:  (1) the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Institute, to establish related Centers for Electronic Commerce; and (2) Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology to disseminate information and expertise received from such Centers. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:18:27Z,
102-hr-5348,102,hr,5348,International Fair Competition Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-06-09,1992-06-15,Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic and Commercial Law.,House,"Rep. Bryant, John W. [D-TX-5]",TX,D,B000997,4,"International Fair Competition Act of 1992 - Makes it  unlawful for any person to export an article from a foreign country into, or cause an article to be sold within, the United States at a price that is less than the average total cost of the article, if:  (1) the effect of the importation or sale of such articles may be to destroy or injure commerce, prevent the establishment of a line of commerce, or substantially lessen competition or tending to create a monopoly in any line of commerce in any section of the country; and (2) the foreign country's market in the article lacks effective price competition among competitors or is substantially closed to effective international competition. Repeals a provision stating that any person who violates, or conspires to violate, such prohibition is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by specified penalties.",2025-08-26T15:16:37Z,
102-hr-5328,102,hr,5328,"To amend title 35, United States Code, with respect to the late payment of maintenance fees, and for other purposes.",Commerce,1992-06-04,1992-10-23,Became Public Law No: 102-444.,House,"Rep. McCollum, Bill [R-FL-5]",FL,R,M000350,0,Authorizes the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to accept a later payment for patent maintenance fees made within 24 months after the six-month grace period if the delay is shown to the satisfaction of the Commissioner to have been unintentional.,2025-01-16T12:12:20Z,
102-hr-5309,102,hr,5309,To provide an antitrust exemption for medical self-regulatory entities when engaged in standard setting and enforcement activities designed to promote the quality of care and for other purposes.,Commerce,1992-06-03,1992-06-08,Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic and Commercial Law.,House,"Rep. Archer, Bill [R-TX-7]",TX,R,A000215,0,"Bars the recovery of damages, interest, costs, or attorney fees under the Clayton Act or similar State laws from any medical self-regulatory entity as a result of standard setting or enforcement activities designed to promote the quality of health care.",2021-06-02T14:57:02Z,
102-hr-5229,102,hr,5229,Fundamental Competitiveness Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-05-21,1992-08-05,Committee Hearings Held.,House,"Rep. Walker, Robert S. [R-PA-16]",PA,R,W000068,45,"Fundamental Competitiveness Act of 1992 - Title I:  Public Debt Reduction - Allows individual taxpayers to designate a portion of tax liability (not to exceed ten percent) on their tax returns to reduce the public debt. Establishes the Public Debt Reduction Trust Fund consisting of amounts so designated. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to provide for a sequestration of revenues equivalent to the estimated aggregate amount so designated. Specifies accounts exempted from such sequestration and establishes reporting requirements with respect to budget procedures. Title II:  Capital Formation - Establishes a method of computing the credit for increasing research activities based on aggregate research expenses, as an alternative to the method based on qualified research expenses. Establishes a variable capital gains deduction whose formulas on a sliding scale range from ten percent for assets held for one year up to 100 percent for assets held for ten years. Allows a deduction of 50 percent of the capital gain from stock investments by non-corporate taxpayers in start-up companies where initial stock offerings are held for two years. Requires indexing, based on the gross national product deflator, of the adjusted basis of certain assets (corporate stock and tangle property that is a capital asset of property used in a trade or business) that have been held for more than one year at the time of sale or other disposition, solely for the purpose of determining gain or loss.  Permits an income tax deduction in the amount of dividends paid by domestic corporations, except S corporations, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, and personal holding companies. Repeals the income tax deductions currently permitted in connection with:  (1) dividends received by a corporation; (2) dividends received by a corporation on the preferred stock of a public utility; and (3) dividends paid by a public utility on its preferred stock. Increases the deductible percentage of amounts received by a corporation from a qualified ten-percent owned foreign corporation. Allows a charitable deduction for corporate contributions of employee volunteer services to an educational organization. Establishes an investment tax credit for manufacturing and other productive equipment.  Provides for determining the applicable percentage of such credit, which includes an efficiency improvement percentage. Increases the limitation based on the amount of tax for purposes of the general business credit. Provides for the treatment of losses on stock in manufacturing companies as ordinary (as opposed to capital) losses. Allows a partial exclusion of dividends or interest received by an individual. Provides for ordinary-loss treatment for losses on investments in a qualified startup company.  Describes such company as one which:  (1) manufacture tangible personal property in the United States; (2) does not involve a business acquired from another person; and (3) has not been in existence for more than one taxable year at the time it issued stock. Title III:  Antitrust - Amends the Clayton Act to bar the acquisition by one corporation of stock of another, subject to specified conditions, where there is a significant probability that such acquisition will substantially increase the ability to exercise market power (currently, where the effect of such acquisition may be to substantially lessen competition or to tend to create a monopoly). Defines the ability to exercise market power for purposes of such provision as the ability of one or more firms profitably to maintain prices above competitive levels for a significant period of time.  Directs the court, in determining whether there is a significant probability that any acquisition will substantially increase the ability to exercise market power, to consider all economic factors relevant to the effect of the acquisition in the affected markets, including:  (1) the number and size distribution of firms and the effect of the acquisition thereon; (2) the ease or difficulty of entry by foreign or domestic firms; (3) the ability of smaller firms in the market to increase production in response to an attempt to exercise market power; (4) the nature of the product and terms of sale; (5) conduct of firms in the market; (6) efficiencies deriving from the acquisition; and (7) any other evidence indicating whether the acquisition will or will not substantially increase the ability, unilaterally or collectively, to exercise market power. Amends the National Cooperative Research Act of 1984 to include a joint production venture within the scope of such Act as an activity that shall not be deemed illegal per se under the antitrust laws. Changes the short title of such Act to the National Cooperative Research, Development, and Production Act. Title IV:  Business Liability - Subtitle A:  Findings - Makes findings with respect to the increasing amount of litigation in our society and the desirability of encouraging alternative dispute mechanisms and providing uniform legal standards in the areas of professional and product liability. Subtitle B:  Professionals' Liability Reform - Professionals' Liability Reform Act of 1992 - Establishes certain limitations and procedures regarding professional liability actions.  Preempts certain State laws. Provides that nothing in this Act shall prohibit any State from developing or implementing alternative procedures for:  (1) expediting the adjudication of professional liability claims; (2) resolving professional liability disputes; or (3) compensating for harm caused by professional services.  Requires professional liability actions to be brought within three years after the claimant discovered, or should have discovered, the harm. Requires the claimant, in any professional liability action, to establish: (1) that the professional negligently rendered professional services and that such negligence was the proximate cause of the harm; or (2) in a claim for economic injury, that the professional negligently rendered professional services to and for the direct and intended benefit of the claimant, and such services were the proximate cause of the harm.  Requires the claimant to establish that, at the time such services were provided, knowledge of the circumstances that caused the harm and a practical means to eliminate such circumstances were reasonably available. States that a professional shall not be liable in a professional liability action in which:  (1) the professional's services were rendered to an agency of the Federal or State government; (2) Federal or State contract specifications existed which were material to the claim; and (3) the services rendered conformed to such specifications. Permits future damage awards exceeding $100,000 to be made by periodic payments.  Requires that damage awards be offset by any amount received as compensation for the same injury.  Establishes a contingency fee schedule for plaintiffs' attorneys.  States that the principles of comparative liability shall apply unless persons engaged in concerted action which proximately caused the harm. Permits the awarding of punitive damages only where the conduct of the defendant:  (1) manifested a malicious and reckless disregard for safety; and (2) constituted an extreme departure from accepted standards of safety.  States that punitive damages may not be awarded in the absence of a compensatory award, or for the negligent provision of professional services.  Requires the trier of fact, at the request of the professional, to consider in a separate proceeding whether punitive damages are to be awarded.  Limits the claimant's actual recovery of punitive damages to three times the amount of compensatory damages.  States that excess punitive damages shall be paid to the State or Federal government. Makes any attorney who files a frivolous claim subject to pecuniary sanctions by the court. Requires each State to encourage professional organizations to form risk management programs. Subtitle C:  Product Liability Fairness - Part I:  General Provisions - Product Liability Fairness Act - Declares that this Act governs any product liability action brought against a manufacturer or product seller, on any theory, for harm caused by a product.  States that a civil action brought against a manufacturer or product seller for loss or damage to a product itself or commercial loss shall be governed by applicable commercial or contract law. Supersedes any inconsistent State law regarding recovery in such actions. Lists specific laws not superseded, including:  (1) defense of sovereign immunity asserted by any State or by the United States; (2) any Federal law (except the Federal Employees Compensation Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act); (3) the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976; (4) State choice-of-law rules; (5) the right of any court to transfer venue or to apply the law of a foreign nation or to dismiss a claim of a foreign nation or citizen on the ground of inconvenient forum; and (6) any statutory or common law cause of action, including an action to abate a nuisance, that authorizes a State or person to institute an action for civil damages or civil penalties, clean up costs, injunctions, restitution, cost recovery, punitive damages, or any other form of relief from contamination or pollution of the environment or the threat of it. Declares that U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction over any civil action under this Act, based on specified provisions of Federal law relating to district court jurisdiction. Declares that, if any provision of this Act would shorten the period during which a manufacturer or seller would otherwise be exposed to liability, the claimant may, notwithstanding that period, bring any civil action under this Act within one year after the effective date of this Act. Part II:  Out of Court Procedures - Allows any claimant to bring a civil action for damages against a person for harm caused by a product under applicable State law, except to the extent such law is superseded by this title. Sets forth expedited settlement measures, including:  (1) an option to include an offer of settlement, for a specific dollar amount, by the plaintiff in the complaint and by the defendant in a responsive pleading; and (2) awarding attorney's fees and costs, in certain circumstances, to the prevailing party if the other party does not accept the settlement offer. Sets forth alternative dispute resolution procedures, including:  (1) an option, in lieu of or in addition to a settlement offer, for a claimant or a defendant to offer to proceed under any voluntary alternative dispute resolution procedure established or recognized under the law of the State in which the action is brought or maintained; and (2) awarding of attorney's fees and costs to the offering party if the court determines that a refusal to so proceed was unreasonable or not in good faith.  Creates a rebuttable presumption that a refusal to so proceed was unreasonable, or not in good faith, if a verdict is rendered in favor of the offeror. Part III:  Court Procedures - Allows a person seeking to recover for harm caused by a product to bring a civil action against the manufacturer or seller under applicable State or Federal law, except to the extent such law is superseded by this Act. Establishes a standard of product seller liability for proximate causes of harm, established by a preponderance of the evidence, which fall under the categories of negligence or express warranty.  Allows the trier of fact, in a negligence action, to consider the conduct of the seller with respect to:  (1) the construction, inspection, or condition of the product; and (2) failure to pass on warnings or instructions from the manufacturer.  Deems the seller not liable for failure to provide warnings or instructions unless the claimant establishes that the seller failed to:  (1) provide warnings or instructions received while the product was in the seller's possession and control; or (2) make reasonable efforts to provide users with warnings and instructions which it received after the product left its possession and control. Deems a seller not liable except for breach of warranty where there was no opportunity to inspect the product in a manner which would or should, in the exercise of reasonable care, have revealed the aspect which allegedly caused the harm. Declares that the seller shall be treated as the manufacturer and be liable for harm caused by a product as if it were the manufacturer if:  (1) the manufacturer is not subject to service of process in any State in which the action might have been brought; or (2) the court determines that the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment against the manufacturer. Allows punitive damages, if otherwise permitted by applicable law, to be awarded in any civil action under this title to any claimant who establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the result of conduct manifesting a manufacturer's or product seller's conscious, flagrant indifference to the safety of those persons who might be harmed by a product.  Declares that a failure to exercise reasonable care in choosing among alternative product designs, formulations, instructions, or warnings is not of itself such conduct. Prohibits awarding punitive damages in the absence of a compensatory award, subject to exception. Prohibits punitive damages against a manufacturer or seller of a drug or medical device where:  (1) the drug or device was subject to pre-market approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or (2) the drug is generally recognized as safe and effective under conditions established by the FDA. Prohibits punitive damages against a manufacturer of an aircraft where:  (1) the aircraft was subject to pre-market certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); and (2) the manufacturer complied, after delivery, with FAA requirements and obligations with respect to continuing airworthiness. Provides for separate proceedings, if requested by the manufacturer or seller, with regard to punitive damages. Lists factors the trier of fact is allowed to consider in determining the amount of punitive damages. Bars any civil action under this title:  (1) unless filed within two years after the claimant discovered or should have discovered the harm and its cause, subject to exception; and (2) if the product involved is a capital good that is alleged to have caused harm which is not a toxic harm unless filed within twenty-five years after delivery of the product, provided the claimant has received or would be eligible for State or Federal workers' compensation.  Excludes a motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or railroad used primarily to transport passengers for hire from these time limitations.  States that nothing in these provisions affects the right of any person who is subject to liability under this Act to obtain contribution or indemnity from any other person who is responsible for the harm. Requires reduction in the damages awarded by the sum of all State or Federal workers' compensation benefits to which the employee is or would be entitled.  Requires a claimant in a civil action under this title who is or may be eligible to receive State or Federal workers' compensation to notify the claimant's employer of the civil action.  Requires an action to be stayed, at the sole discretion of the claimant, until a final determination is made on the amount payable as workers' compensation benefits.  Declares that, unless the manufacturer or seller has expressly agreed to indemnify or hold an employer harmless, neither the employer nor the workers' compensation insurance carrier shall have a right of subrogation, contribution, or implied indemnity against the manufacturer or seller or a lien against the claimant's recovery, except if the claimant's harm was not in any way caused by the fault of the claimant's employer or co-employees.  Allows the employer or workers' compensation insurer to intervene in the action to prove that fact. Prohibits a third party tortfeasor, where workers' compensation is involved, from maintaining any action for implied indemnity or contribution against the employer, any coemployee, or the exclusive representative of the injured person.  Prohibits, for a person who is or would have been entitled to receive workers' compensation, any other action, unless a State or Federal workers' compensation law permits recovery based on a claim of an intentional tort.  Makes these provisions inapplicable and declares that applicable State law shall control if the employer or the workers' compensation insurer asserts a right of subrogation, contribution, or implied indemnity against the manufacturer or seller or a lien against the claimant's recovery. Declares that, in any product liability action, the liability of each defendant for noneconomic damages shall be several and not joint. Requires the trier of fact to determine the proportion of responsibility of each party for the claimant's harm. Establishes a complete defense, in any civil action under this Act in which all defendants are manufacturers or sellers, that the claimant was under the influence of alcohol or any drug and that, as a result, the claimant was more than 50 percent responsible for the event which resulted in the harm.  Defines ""drug"" to mean any non-over-the-counter drug which has not been prescribed by a physician. Title V:  Long-Term Investment - Long-Term Investment Promotion Act of 1992 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to eliminate the requirement that publicly-held corporations report their financial status on a quarterly basis. Title VI:  Competitiveness Risk Assessment - Declares that no agency shall propose or promulgate a regulation without first analyzing its direct and indirect effects on the health and safety of consumers and workers, including effects due to wage and job losses, price increases, product restrictions, technological delays, and substitution effects. Title VII:  Department of Manufacturing And Commerce - Department of Manufacturing and Commerce Act of 1992 - Renames the Department of Commerce as the Department of Manufacturing and Commerce. Requires the President to establish a Manufacturing Advisory Commission to examine Federal agencies, programs, and offices responsible for manufacturing-related research and development, technology transfer, education, and trade in order to prepare a report for the Congress on the feasibility of consolidating such agencies, programs, and offices into a single Office of Manufacturing within the Department of Manufacturing and Commerce. Title VIII:  Amendments to the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to change from discretionary to mandatory a Federal agency's authority to permit the director of any of its laboratories to enter into cooperative research and development agreements on its behalf. Authorizes each Federal agency to copyright on behalf of the United States any computer software prepared in whole or in part by Government employees involved in cooperative research and development agreements. Includes software royalties in the current distribution format (agency, laboratory, author, and Treasury) under such Act.",2025-08-26T15:17:47Z,
102-hr-5232,102,hr,5232,Federal Franchise Disclosure and Consumer Protection Act,Commerce,1992-05-21,1992-07-09,Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic and Commercial Law.,House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-32]",NY,D,L000556,0,"Federal Franchise Disclosure and Consumer Protection Act - Makes it unlawful for any person, partnership, or corporation, in connection with the advertising, offering, licensing, contracting, sale, or other promotion in or affecting commerce of any franchise, or any relationship which is represented to be a franchise, to:  (1) employ a device, scheme, or artifice to defraud; (2) engage in an act, practice, or course of business which operates or is intended to operate as a fraud or deceit upon any person; (3) obtain money or property, or assist others to obtain money or property, by means of any untrue statement of material fact, or omission to state a material fact; or (4) disriminate among prospective franchisees on the basis of race, sex, religion, disability, or national origin, in the solicitation, offering, or sale of a franchise opportunity, or in the selection of any site or location for a franchise business. Makes it unlawful for any franchisor, subfranchisor, or franchise broker, in connection with any disclosure required by this Act or any disclosure document, notice, or report required by Federal law or regulation, to:  (1) make or cause to be made an untrue statement of material fact (including any statement of fact which has the intent or effect of misrepresenting the potential profitability or chances for success of a franchise opportunity) or omit to state a material fact; (2) fail to furnish any prospective franchisee with all information required to be disclosed by, and at the time and in the manner required by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in Trade Regulation Rule 436 (Franchise Rule); (3) fail to furnish any prospective franchisee with information which is current as of the close of the franchisor's most recent fiscal year, or within 90 days thereof, or which reflects any material changes since the close of such fiscal year; or (4) make any claim or representation to a prospective franchisee, whether oral or in writing, which is inconsistent with or contradicts any information provided to the prospective franchisee in any required disclosure. Defines ""omission of material fact"" to include the failure of a franchisor, subfranchisor, or franchise broker to furnish a prospective franchisee with specified information at the time and in the manner set forth by the FTC under the Franchise Rule, including:   (1) the name and principal place of business of the franchisor, its predecessor, parent firm, holding company, or other controlling entity of the franchisor, if any, and the name under which the franchisor is doing or intends to do business; (2) a statement disclosing the name and position of each of the franchisor's general partners or principal officers, and whether the franchisor or such persons have been convicted of specified crimes, were held liable, are subject to injunctive or restrictive orders, or settled specified cases involving fraud, or filed for bankruptcy, subject to specified requirements; (3) a statement of the total funds which must be paid by the franchisor to the franchisee or to any person affiliated with the franchisor, or which the franchisor or such affiliated person imposes or collects on behalf of a third party; (4) a description of any real estate, services, supplies, or equipment relating to the establishment or the operation of the franchise business which the franchisee is required by the franchisor to purchase, lease, or rent; (5) a statement describing the services and assistance which the franchisor, persons affiliated with the franchisor, or third parties designated by the franchisor are obligated to provide to the franchisee, under the terms of the franchise or any ancillary or collateral agreement, to obtain or commence the franchise operation and to carry on the franchise business; (6) a statement outlining a specific level or range of potential sales, costs, income, and gross or net profit which a franchisee can reasonably expect to attain through ownership and operation of a franchise; and (7) a balance sheet for the franchisor for the most recent fiscal year, and an income statement and statement of changes in financial position for the franchisor for the most recent three fiscal years. Authorizes the FTC to enforce the provisions of this Act.  Enhances current authority by extending the period during which the FTC may bring actions for violations. Authorizes any person injured by a violation of this Act to bring an action in Federal district court for a period of up to five years after the date, or three years following discovery, of the violation.  Allows persons injured by a violation, or threatened with injury by an impending violation, to bring actions in Federal court for injunctive relief. Prohibits a franchisor from requiring franchisees to agree to specific provisions in franchise agreements which would:  (1) violate specific prohibitions in this Act; (2) relieve any person of liability or duties imposed by this Act; or (3) waive or restrict any right granted under this Act. Provides that:  (1) whenever a franchise agreement provides for the use of arbitration to resolve a dispute arising under such agreement, each party to the agreement shall have the option, at any time after the dispute arises, to accept arbitration as the means of settling the controversy; and (2) acceptance of arbitration shall be in writing. Specifies that this Act preempts State laws only to the extent that such laws offer less protection to franchisees than provided by this Act. Directs the FTC to:  (1) conduct an ongoing study of the need to develop and implement additional provisions to prevent evasions or violations of the requirements of this Act or to strengthen disclosure of pertinent information to prospective franchisees; and (2) consider the extent to which such additional provisions may be implemented under the FTC's rulemaking authority.  Sets forth reporting requirements.",2025-08-26T15:14:14Z,
102-hr-5233,102,hr,5233,Federal Fair Franchise Practices Act,Commerce,1992-05-21,1992-07-09,Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic and Commercial Law.,House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-32]",NY,D,L000556,0,"Federal Fair Franchise Practices Act - Prohibits a franchisor or subfranchisor, in connection with the promotion, sale, licensing, performance, enforcement, and termination of any franchise agreement, or of an agreement for any relationship which is represented either orally or in writing to be a franchise, from:  (1) engaging in an act, practice, or course of business which operates, or is intended to operate, as a fraud or deceit upon any person; (2) employing unlawful or deceptive acts or practices in the operation of the franchisor's enterprise or method of business; or (3) discriminating among franchisees on the basis of race, sex, religion, disability, or national origin, with exceptions. Makes it unlawful for a franchisor or subfranchisor to:  (1) prohibit a franchisee from obtaining equipment, fixtures, supplies, or services used in the establishment or operation of the franchised business from sources of the franchisee's choosing, with exceptions; (2) terminate or otherwise cancel a franchise prior to its expiration without good cause; (3) prohibit, or enforce a prohibition against, any franchisee from engaging in any business at any location after expiration of a franchise or after termination of the franchise prior to its expiration for good cause; and (4) hinder or prohibit the free association of franchisees for any lawful purpose (including the formation of or participation in any trade association made up of franchisees), discriminate by imposing requirements not imposed on other similarly situated franchisees, or retaliate against any franchisee for membership or participation in a franchisee association. Sets forth minimum standards of conduct which impose upon:  (1) each party to the franchise contract a duty to act in good faith in its performance and enforcement (which obligates a party to a franchise, in making a decision that directly affects the franchise or the business conducted under the franchise, to give fair regard for the interests of the other parties that are likely to be affected by such decision and to refrain from conduct that may impair or injure the right of the other parties to receive the reasonably anticipated benefits of the franchise); (2) the franchisor a duty of due care (and unless a franchisor represents that it has greater skill or knowledge in its undertaking with its franchisees, or conspicuously disclaims that it has skill or knowledge, the franchisor is required to exercise the skill and knowledge normally possessed by franchisors in good standing in the same or similar types of business); and (3) the franchisor a fiduciary duty to its franchisees and obligates the franchisor to exercise the highest standard of care for franchisee interests where the franchisor undertakes to perform bookkeeping, collection, payroll, or accounting services on behalf of the franchisee, and where the franchisor requires franchisees to make contributions to any pooled advertising or promotional fund to be administered or supervised by the franchisor. Prohibits any franchisor or subfranchisor from requiring:  (1) any term or condition in a franchise agreement, or in any agreement ancillary or collateral to a franchise, which violates any provision of this Act; or (2) a franchisee to assent to any disclaimer, waiver, release, stipulation, or other provision which purports to relieve any person from a duty or liability imposed by this Act, except as part of a settlement of a bona fide dispute. Sets forth limitations on provisions:  (1) purporting to waive or restrict rights granted under this Act; and (2) depriving a franchisee of the application and benefits of this Act (or of a franchise law of the State), or of the right to commence certain actions against the franchisor. Specifies that:  (1) compliance with this Act or with an applicable State franchise law may not be waived, excused, or avoided; and (2) evidence of violation of this Act or of such State law shall not be excluded by virtue of an integration clause, any provision of a franchise (or ancillary or collateral) agreement, or any rule of evidence purporting to exclude consideration of matters outside the franchise agreement. Authorizes:  (1) any person injured by a violation of this Act to bring an action against the violator for damages, costs (including attorney fees), and appropriate equitable relief, subject to specified limitations; and (2) any such person, or a person threatened with injury by an impending violation of this Act, to bring an action in U.S. district court to obtain a declaratory judgment that an act or conduct constitutes (or would constitute) a violation of this Act and to enjoin such act or conduct (in which case the court may issue a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction to protect the public interest by halting a recurring or likely violation). Specifies that:  (1) nothing in this Act shall limit the right of a franchisor and a franchisee to agree to arbitration, mediation, or other nonjudicial resolution of a dispute, subject to certain limitations; (2) this Act preempts State law only to the extent that State law is inconsistent with any provision of this Act; and (3) nothing in this Act shall be interpreted to alter or relieve any franchisor or subfranchisor from the obligation to comply with any State laws (except to the extent inconsistent with this Act) or to preclude a State from enacting any law or regulation that affords greater protection to franchisees.",2025-08-26T15:15:31Z,
102-hr-5248,102,hr,5248,Patent and Trademark Office Authorization Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-05-21,1992-05-28,Subcommittee Hearings Held.,House,"Rep. Hughes, William J. [D-NJ-2]",NJ,D,H000930,1,"Patent and Trademark Office Authorization Act of 1992 - Authorizes appropriations to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for FY 1993 through 1995. Prohibits the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, during such period, from entering into any agreement for the exchange of items or services related to automatic data processing resources (including hardware, software, related services, and machine readable data).  Exempts agreements made in full compliance with all Federal procurement regulations or entered into with a foreign government or an international intergovernmental organization relating to data for automation programs.",2025-08-26T15:16:34Z,
102-s-2776,102,s,2776,Consumer Reporting Reform Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-05-21,1992-05-21,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking.,Senate,"Sen. Bryan, Richard H. [D-NV]",NV,D,B000993,1,"Consumer Reporting Reform Act of 1992 - Title I:  Amendments to the Fair Credit Reporting Act - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to specify that the term ""credit transaction which is not initiated by the consumer"" does not include use of a consumer report (CR) by a person with which the consumer has an account for purposes of reviewing or collecting the account. Allows the furnishing of a CR for a legitimate business need in connection with a business transaction that:  (1) is initiated by the consumer; or (2) is a direct marketing transaction for which the furnishing of a report is not prohibited by provisions enacted by this Act. Allows the furnishing of a CR for employment purposes only if certain disclosures are made, the employee or prospective employee consents, and the information will not be used in violation of any Federal or State equal employment opportunity law or regulation. Prohibits using or obtaining information from a CR unless it is obtained for an authorized purpose and the purpose is certified under certain provisions of the Act. Prohibits a consumer reporting agency (CRA) from prohibiting a CR user from disclosing the CR to the consumer if adverse action against the consumer is contemplated. Allows the furnishing of a CR in connection with a solicitation for credit that is not initiated by the consumer only if:  (1) the consumer so authorizes; or (2) the transaction consists of a firm offer of credit and the consumer has not elected to be excluded from such furnishing.  Limits the information disclosed.  Prohibits a CRA from furnishing to any person a record of inquiries solely resulting from credit transactions which are not initiated by a consumer. Prohibits the furnishing of a CR for use in direct marketing not initiated by the consumer if:  (1) the consumer notifies the agency that the consumer does not consent; or (2) certain information is disclosed. Requires CRAs to maintain a notification system, including a toll-free telephone number, which permits any consumer to elect to be excluded from lists provided in connection with solicitations of credit not initiated by the consumer.  Requires CRAs maintaining nation-wide files to maintain a notification system jointly with other such CRAs. Removes exceptions to prohibitions on reporting obsolete information.  (Current law prohibits reporting information which is over a specified number of years old, except for credit transactions, life insurance, or employment involving amounts over specified limits.) Requires information in a CR involving bankruptcy to include:  (1) the chapter of bankruptcy involved, if known; and (2) notice (if provided by the consumer to the CRA) of withdrawal by the consumer of the bankruptcy action before judgment. Regulates the beginning of the seven-year reporting period for certain types of information. Prohibits including in a CR any adverse information that is more than ten years old or that could not be included in any CR in accordance with specified provisions. Requires a CRA to:  (1) include information it has received that an account was voluntarily closed by the consumer; and (2) accept from a consumer and include in the consumer's file relevant and timely information that is not in computerized form if the information would have a positive impact on a determination of credit worthiness and is submitted in compliance with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations. Requires CRAs to notify regular information suppliers of the suppliers' responsibilities under the Act. Prohibits a person who procures a CR from reselling the information unless the identity of the end user and the purpose is disclosed to the CRA. Requires a CRA to disclose to a consumer:  (1) all information (currently, the nature and substance of all information) in the consumer's file; (2) certain information about the recipients of a CR on the consumer within two years for employment purposes and within one year (currently, six months) for any other purpose; (3) a record of inquiries in the last year that identified the consumer in connection with a credit transaction which is not initiated by the consumer; and (4) with any such disclosures, a summary of the consumer's rights under the Act.  Requires that the summary be included in the mandated notice of an investigative consumer report. Requires a CRA, within specified time periods, to:  (1) unless the dispute is frivolous, reinvestigate disputed information free of charge; (2) notify the information furnisher; (3) delete inaccurate or unverifiable information (regulates reinsertion and reappearance of such information); and (4) notify the consumer of the results of the reinvestigation.  Removes existing provisions requiring a CRA, on request of the consumer, to notify any person specifically designated by the consumer who has, within specified periods, received a CR which contained the disputed information. Regulates charges by CRAs for certain disclosures. Requires any person who takes an adverse action with respect to a consumer in connection with a transaction initiated by the consumer or an employment determination to notify the consumer, disclose the identity the CRA furnishing the report, advise the consumer of certain rights, and give certain information on any credit scoring system used. Requires any person who uses a consumer report in connection with any credit transaction which is not initiated by the consumer and which consists of a firm offer of credit to notify the consumer regarding specified matters, including the consumer's right to prohibit disclosure of information from the consumer's CR in connection with a transaction not initiated by the consumer. Requires any person who uses a consumer report in connection with any direct marketing transaction which is not initiated by the consumer to notify the consumer regarding specified matters, including the consumer's right to prohibit disclosure of information from the consumer's CR in connection with a transaction not initiated by the consumer. Subjects any person (currently, any CRA or user of information) to civil liability for willful or negligent noncompliance with the Act. Prohibits furnishing information to a CRA which the furnisher knows or should know is incomplete or inaccurate.  Requires notice by certain furnishers to CRAs regarding:  (1) corrections; (2) disputed information; (3) an account closed by the consumer; and (4) the delinquency preceding placing an account for collection, charging it to profit or loss, or similar actions. Excludes furnishers from the application of provisions relating to civil liability for willful or negligent noncompliance with these prohibitions and requirements. Requires these prohibitions and requirements to be enforced exclusively under provisions relating to administrative enforcement by the agencies identified in those provisions.  Limits related injunctions. Requires regular furnishers to notify consumers that the furnisher provides information to CRAs.  Requires furnishers to complete an investigation of disputed information within a specified time. Declares that certain provisions of the Act preempt any provisions of State law on substantially the same matters. Authorizes the chief law enforcement officer of a State to bring an action to restrain a violation of the Act, recover amounts, seek remedies as allowed under State laws, and collect a civil monetary penalty. Authorizes the FTC to use all its functions and powers under the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA) to enforce the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).  (Currently, the FTC is empowered to enforce the FCRA through specified provisions of the FTCA.) Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to issue an interpretation or any provision of the FCRA as it may apply to certain persons. Requires each CRA which compiles and maintains consumer reports nationwide to maintain a toll-free telephone number. Title II:  Credit Repair Organizations - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to provide that specified provisions of that Act may be cited as the Credit Repair Organizations Act. Prohibits credit repair organizations (CROs) from taking certain actions, including:  (1) charging or receiving any valuable consideration for any service before the service is fully performed; (2) advising any consumer to make an untrue or misleading statement; (3) advising any consumer to alter the consumer's identification to prevent the display of the consumer's credit record; or (4) other fraud or deception. Specifies a statement, which a CRO must provide to consumers before an agreement is executed, regarding the consumer, the CRO, and related rights, powers, and obligations. Requires written, signed contracts covering specified matters in order for a CRO to provide services. Allows a consumer to cancel a contract with a CRO within three days of making the contract. Declares void any consumer waiver of any protection under this title.  Makes an attempt to obtain a waiver a violation of this title. Voids any contract not in compliance with this title. Provides for civil liability for CRAs failing to comply with this title, including allowing punitive damages and class actions. Requires enforcement of this title under the FTCA by the FTC. Makes:  (1) a violation of this title an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of specified provisions of the FTCA; and (2) all functions and powers of the FTC available for enforcement of this title.  Allows State enforcement through Federal or State courts.",2025-08-26T15:14:33Z,
102-hr-5191,102,hr,5191,Small Business Equity Enhancement Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-05-18,1992-08-11,Message on Senate action sent to the House.,House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-32]",NY,D,L000556,18,"Small Business Equity Enhancement Act of 1992 - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to revise provisions with respect to debentures issued by small business investment companies (SBICs) to specify that: (1) the total amount of debentures and participating securities that may be guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and outstanding from an SBIC licensed under the Act shall not exceed 300 percent of the private capital of such SBIC; and (2) in no event shall the aggregate amount of outstanding leverage of any such SBIC which is commonly controlled (as determined by the SBA) exceed $90,000,000, except on a case-by-case-basis as determined by the SBA. Provides that:  (1) nothing under such provisions shall require any such SBIC that on March 31, 1993, has outstanding debentures in excess of 300 percent of its private capital to prepay such excess; and (2) any such SBIC may apply for an additional debenture guarantee or participating security with the proceeds to be used solely to pay the amount due on such maturing debenture, but the maturity date of the new debenture or security shall not be later than September 30, 2002. Sets forth a formula for determining the maximum amount of outstanding leverage made available to an SBIC licensed under the Act, to be effective after March 31, 1993. Authorizes the SBA to guarantee the payment of the redemption price and prioritized payments (includes stock dividends, interest on debentures, or priority returns on preferred limited partnership interests which are paid only to the extent of earnings) on participating securities issued by SBICs licensed pursuant to the Act, and authorizes a trust or pool acting on behalf of the SBA to purchase such securities.  Sets forth: (1) restrictions with respect to redemption of, prioritized payments on, and other issues regarding, such securities; and (2) terms and conditions regarding the computation of amounts due the SBA under such securities. Revises provisions of the Act related to the issuance and guarantee of trust certificates to provide for the redemption, whether voluntary or involuntary, of all participating securities residing in the pool, as well as debentures.  Bars any Federal, State, or local law from precluding or limiting the exercise by the SBA of its ownership rights in participating securities residing in a trust or pool against which trust certificates are issued. Directs the SBA to contract with an agent or agents to carry out on behalf of the SBA pooling and central registration functions (currently, with an agent to carry out central registration functions) including maintenance on behalf of and under the direction of the SBA of such commercial bank accounts as necessary to facilitate trusts or pools backed by debentures or participating securities guaranteed under the Act and issuance of trust certificates to facilitate such pooling. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize appropriations. Directs the SBA, prior to licensing and approving any request for financing, to determine the ability of an SBIC to make periodic payments on any debt of the SBIC which is interest bearing, taking into consideration the income which the SBIC anticipates on its contemplated investments, the experience of its owners and managers, its history as an entity, and its financial resources. Requires each SBIC to adopt written guidelines for determination of the value of its investments.  Makes the board of directors of corporations, the general partners of partnerships, and the owners of proprietorships solely responsible for making a good faith determination of the fair market value of the investments made by such SBIC.  Requires that such determinations be made and reported to the SBA at least semiannually or at more frequent intervals as the SBA determines appropriate (but any SBIC which does not have outstanding financial assistance under the Act shall be required to make such determinations and reports annually, unless the SBA determines otherwise). Subjects each SBIC to examinations made by the Investment Division of the SBA (currently, by SBA examiners).  Transfers resources related to the examination function under the Act by the Inspector General of the SBA to the SBA's Investment Division. Specifies that if any SBIC has obtained SBA financing which remains outstanding, the aggregate amount of obligations and securities acquired and for which commitments may be issued by such SBIC under the provisions of the Act for any single enterprise shall not exceed 20 percent of the private capital of such SBIC without SBA approval. Permits SBICs with outstanding financings (currently, SBICs) to invest funds, subject to specified conditions. Directs the SBA to:  (1) complete a review of regulations intended to provide for the safety and soundness of those SBICs which obtain SBA financing under the Act; and (2) exempt from such regulations, or separately regulate, those SBICs which do not obtain such financing.  Sets forth reporting requirements. Increases minimum capital requirements for SBICs licensed on or after October 1, 1992 (currently, 1979). Defines ""private capital"" to mean the private paid-in capital and paid-in surplus of a corporate licensee, or the private partnership capital of an unincorporated licensee, inclusive of any funds invested in the licensee by a public or private pension fund or by a State or local governmental entity (subject to certain restrictions), and unfunded commitments from institutional investors that meet SBA criteria but exclusive of any funds borrowed by the licensee from any source or obtained or derived directly or indirectly from any Federal source. Directs the SBA to permit those SBICs which have issued debentures pursuant to the Act to charge a maximum rate of interest based upon the coupon rate of interest on the outstanding debentures determined on an annual basis, plus other approved company expenses.  Permits SBICs to include in private capital for any purpose funds indirectly obtained from State or local governments. Amends the Small Business Act to provide that, subject to approval in appropriations Acts, amounts authorized for preferred stock, debentures, or participating securities under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 may be obligated in one fiscal year and disbursed or guaranteed in the following fiscal year. Amends the Federal bankruptcy code to prohibit SBICs licensed under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 from being debtors. Declares that it is congressional intent that in the award of financial assistance under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, priority be accorded to small business concerns which lease or purchase equipment which is produced in the United States.",2025-01-14T17:16:56Z,
102-s-2727,102,s,2727,Small Business Revitalization and Job Growth Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-05-14,1992-05-14,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Mack, Connie, III [R-FL]",FL,R,M000019,0,"Small Business Revitalization and Job Growth Act of 1992 - Title I:  Amendments to Securities Acts - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to increase from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000 the aggregate amount of an issue of securities that may be exempted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from the regulatory requirements of such Act. Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the ICA) to exempt from the definition of an investment company any securities issuer whose outstanding securities are owned exclusively by persons who, at the time of acquisition, are qualified purchasers, except that such issuer shall be deemed an investment company for purposes of limitations governing the purchase by such issuer of any security issued by a registered investment company and the sale of any security issued by a registered open-end investment company to such issuer.  Defines as a ""qualified purchaser"" under the ICA any person whom the SEC has determined does not need the protections of the ICA, taking into consideration financial sophistication, net worth, and certain other financial knowledge and experience.  Revises the definition of the beneficial ownership of securities for purposes of the ICA. Provides an additional exemption from the definition of an investment company under the ICA in the case of any company that is not engaged in the business of issuing redeemable securities and the operations of which are subject to regulation by the State in which it is organized under statutes governing entities that provide financial or managerial assistance to enterprises doing or proposing to do business primarily in such State if:  (1) the purpose of such company is limited to the provision of such assistance; (2) at least 80 percent of the securities being offered for sale by such company represent persons who reside or have a substantial business presence in such State; (3) the securities are sold to accredited investors or other persons that the SEC may permit to purchase such securities; and (4) the company does not purchase any security issued by an investment company, or by a company that would be an investment company except for the exclusions from the definition of an investment company, other than investment-grade securities or securities required by its investment policies to invest in investment-grade or comparable securities.  Requires any company proposing to meet such exemption to file with the SEC a notification of intent to do so, subject to SEC approval. Amends the ICA to:  (1) increase from $100,000 to $10,000,000 the aggregate sums received by a closed-end investment company for the sale of its securities plus the value of remaining securities allowed to be held while still being exempted from provisions regulating investment companies; (2) include within the definition of ""eligible portfolio company"" any issuer that has total assets of not more than $4,000,000, and capital and surplus in excess of $2,000,000, allowing the SEC to adjust such figures to reflect changes in generally accepted indices for small businesses; (3) provide that a business development company, in order to be so considered, need not make available significant managerial assistance with respect to eligible portfolio companies or to any other company that meets such criteria as the SEC may permit; (4) allow acquisition by business development companies of the securities of eligible portfolio companies; (5) allow business development companies to issue without condition more than one class of senior securities representing indebtedness; (6) allow such companies to issue warrants, options, or other rights to convert securities to voting securities either alone or accompanied by securities; and (7) prohibit such warrants, options, or other rights of business development companies from being separately transferable unless no class of such rights and the securities (currently, senior securities) representing them has been publicly distributed. Title II:  Credit Relief - Amends the Small Business Act to provide that the amount of deferred participation loans authorized under such Act shall:  (1) mean the net amount of the loan principal guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and does not include any amount not guaranteed; and (2) be available for a national program, except that the SBA may use up to ten percent of the amount authorized each year for special or pilot programs directed to identified sectors of the small business community or to specific U.S. geographic regions.  Increases the amount the SBA is authorized to make in deferred participation loans and other financings to small businesses, and, from such authorized sums, the amount authorized to make general business loans for specified purposes under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, and the Chairman of the SEC, in consultation with the SBA Administrator, to conduct a study of the potential benefits of, and legal, regulatory, and market-based barriers to, developing a secondary market for commercial real estate mortgage loans and loans to small businesses.  Outlines study consideration requirements.  Requires a report. Directs the chief executive officer of the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC) to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the impact of its commercial real estate loan securitization program and the impact of the RTC's programs on the commercial real estate mortgage loan and small business loan secondary market. Directs the SBA Administrator to simplify the application process for a small business concern to receive a loan guarantee under the Small Business Act, including loan applications in connection with an additional loan guarantee application that is filed not later than two years after the initial application is filed. Title III:  Capital Formation - Enterprise Capital Formation Act of 1992 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for gain on investments in new small business stock (seed capital) held for at least five years.  Establishes special rules for such investments.  Provides for determining the maximum capital gains rate for small business net capital gain or seed capital gain.  Treats capital gains on the sale of such stock as a preference item for purposes of the minimum tax. Title IV:  Health Care Provisions - Subtitle A:  Small Business Purchasing Groups - Defines a ""qualified small employer purchasing group,"" for purposes of this subtitle, as an entity that the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines:  (1) is administered solely under authority and control of its member employers; (2) has as its membership solely small employers; (3) with respect to each State in which its members are located, consists of no fewer than 100 employers; (4) has member employers whose health care insurance plans are in compliance with applicable State law and model benefits plans and are not self-insured plans; (5) will be a nonprofit entity; and (6) has a board of directors with full authority to act on the part of the group. Directs the board of directors of the small employer purchasing group to:  (1) establish geographic areas within which participating carriers may offer health care insurance coverage to eligible employees and dependents; and (2) enter into contracts with qualified carriers for providing health insurance coverage to eligible employees and dependents, and to pay such carriers on at least a monthly basis at the contracted rates.  Outlines provisions relating to:  (1) general qualifications of carriers, including financial solvency; (2) program standards, including review of the quality and appropriateness of care covered; (3) uniformity of benefits; (4) the collection of insurance premiums from small employers; (5) notification from the board to employers of the availability of sponsored health insurance coverage from the program; and (6) conditions of participation in the program, including a requirement that an entity is a valid small employer and not formed solely to secure health insurance coverage. Finds that qualified small employer purchasing groups organized to obtain health insurance for its employer members affect interstate commerce, and that no State law shall preempt provisions of the model benefit health insurance plan as outlined above.  Amends the Internal Revenue Code to define the amount of the employer health insurance credit for a taxable year for Federal income tax purposes.  Prohibits the taking of both a credit and a deduction for health insurance premiums paid under the model plan. Subtitle B:  Deductible Health Insurance Costs for Self-Employed Individuals - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 25 to 100 percent the allowable deduction of health insurance costs for self-employed individuals and their spouses and dependents.  Makes such increased deduction permanent (currently ends December 31, 1992). Subtitle C:  Improvements in Health Insurance for Small Employers - Adds a new Title XXI to the Social Security Act entitled ""Standards for Small Employer Health Insurance and Certification of Managed Care Plans.""  Treats as meeting the requirements of title XXI an insurer offering a health insurance plan to a small employer in a State on or after January 1, 1994, if:  (1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that the State has established a regulatory program that provides for the application and enforcement of appropriate requirements under this title; and (2) the State has not established such a program or if the program has been decertified by the Secretary, the health plan has been certified by the Secretary as meeting the requirements of part B of title XXI.  Provides an extension of the date by which a regulatory program must be adopted by a State for States requiring legislation to be passed and which has a legislature which does not meet in 1993 in a legislative session.  States that requirements under title XXI shall not apply to pre-existing health insurance plans. Requires each State to report to the Secretary on the implementation and enforcement of standards with respect to health insurance plans offered to small employers.  Allows State standards more stringent than the requirements of title XXI. Directs the Secretary to require the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to:  (1) develop specific standards for small employer health insurance plans; and (2) report to the Secretary on implementation.  Directs the Secretary to develop appropriate standards if the NAIC fails to do so.  Requires such standards to provide alternative standards for guaranteeing the availability of health insurance plans for all small employers in a State.  Directs the Secretary to periodically review State regulatory programs, allow a State to adopt a plan of correction if necessary, and to decertify a State program and assume program responsibility, if necessary.  Directs the Comptroller General to periodically audit sample State regulatory programs.  Defines a ""small employer"" for purposes of title XXI as an employer who employs more than one but less than 51 employees on a typical business day. Requires each health insurer to register with the applicable regulatory authority for each State in which it issues or offers a health insurance plan to small employers.  Prohibits such insurer from excluding any eligible employee, or their spouse or dependent, under a plan, with the exception of waiting periods required generally under health insurance coverage.  Requires insurers offering a health insurance plan to small employers in a State to meet the standards for such insurance adopted by such State.  Outlines provisions concerning: (1) State standards on the guaranteed availability of small employer health insurance; (2) the State adoption of a regulatory program for such standards; (3) standards for guaranteed insurance availability for States not adopting such standards; (4) appropriate grounds for refusal by an insurer to renew, and for termination of, a health insurance plan (including nonpayment of premiums, fraud or misrepresentation, or failure to maintain minimum participation rates); (5) authority of an insurer to require minimum participation rates; (6) guaranteed renewability of such insurance unless reasons enumerated in (4), above, occur; (7) nonrenewability of health insurance by an insurer who elects to terminate all of the health insurance plans issued to small employers in a State; and (8) a prohibition against an insurer denying, limiting, or conditioning health insurance coverage based on health status, claims experience, receipt of health care, medical history, or lack of evidence of insurability of an individual.  Allows a plan offered to a small employer under this title to exclude coverage with respect to a preexisting condition, but limits the period of such exclusion to six months.  Reduces such authorized preexisting condition exclusionary period by one month for each month in which an individual was already in a plan of continuous coverage with respect to particular services on the date of initial coverage of the new plan. Prohibits the base premium rate charged by an insurer for any block of business (all of the small employers within a health insurance plan issued by the insurer) from exceeding by more than 20 percent the base premium rate charged for any other block of business, with exceptions. Limits similarly the variation of rates charged during a rating period to small employers within the same block of business of an insurer when such employers have similar demographic characteristics. Provides that, in establishing premium rates for health insurance plans offered to small employers:  (1) an insurer making adjustments with respect to age, sex, or geography must apply such adjustments consistently across all small employers; and (2) no insurer may use a geographic area smaller than a county or a certain zip code area. Places limitations on the transfer by an insurer of employers among blocks of business, requiring employer consent.  Limits to five percent over the base premium rate the percentage increase in the premium rate authorized to be charged to a small employer for a new rating period.  Requires an insurer, at the time of offering a health insurance plan to a small employer, to fully disclose specified information relating to the insurer's rating practices with respect to small employers under a plan, and the insurer's right to change premium rates.  Requires at least 60 days' prior notice of the renewal terms of a plan about to expire.  Requires each participating insurer to file with the applicable regulatory authority a written actuarial certification of insurer compliance with standards and requirements of this title. Outlines the basic medical benefits which must be included in a benefits package offered by an insurer to small employers in a State as part of the health insurance plan.  Requires such insurer to offer a managed care plan to such small employers if the insurer offers a managed care plan in such State to employers that are not small employers.  Provides for cost sharing (premiums, deductibles, copayments) and out-of-pocket limits for health insurance plans containing basic benefit packages.  Preempts State-mandated benefit packages in favor of the benefits package described in the small employer health insurance plan. Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to taxes on group health plans to impose upon any person issuing a health insurance plan to a small employer a tax on the failure to meet at any time the applicable requirements of title XXI of the Social Security Act (as added by this Act).  Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine whether a person meets such requirements.  States that such tax shall be 25 percent of the gross premiums on health insurance plans issued to a small employer during a taxable year.  Treats corporations which are members of the same controlled group of corporations as one person for purposes of such tax, as well as partnerships and proprietorships under common control.  Waives the application of such tax where the failure to meet such requirements:  (1) could not have reasonably been discovered; and (2) is corrected within 30 days of discovery.  Allows the Secretary to waive all or part of such tax in the case of a failure due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.  Makes nondeductible for income tax purposes any tax so imposed. Direct the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on the standards for rating practices and the requirements for benefit packages established under the new title XXI of the Social Security Act, as well as on certain other aspects of insurance offered to small employers under this Act.  Requires the Comptroller General to include as part of such report any recommendations for adjusting rating standards under title XXI to eliminate variation in premiums. Subtitle D:  Improvements in Portability of Private Health Insurance - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on any person or group health plan that fails to satisfy the preexisting condition requirements of group health insurance plans as enumerated under title XXI of the Social Security Act.  Makes such tax $100 for each day of noncompliance.  Outlines actions to be taken in order for a failed requirement to be considered corrected.  Waives the application of such excise tax where the failure to meet such requirements:  (1) could not have reasonably been discovered; and (2) is corrected within 30 days of discovery.  Allows the Secretary to waive all or part of such tax in the case of a failure due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.  States that group health plans:  (1) may not deny, limit, or condition coverage based on health status, claims experience, receipt of health care, medical history, or lack of evidence of insurability of an individual; and (2) may exclude coverage with respect to the treatment of a preexisting condition, limiting the period of exclusion to six months.  Reduces such authorized preexisting condition exclusionary period by one month for each month in which an individual was already in a plan of continuous coverage with respect to particular services on the date of initial coverage in the group health plan.  Requires any person who had provided previous coverage during a period of continuous coverage with respect to a covered individual to disclose to the group health plan the coverage and benefits provided to such individual. Subtitle E:  Health Care Cost Containment - Amends title XXI of the Social Security Act to add a new Part entitled ""Federal Certification of Managed Care Plans.""  Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a process for certification of managed care plans and utilization review programs meeting the requirements of this Part.  Defines a ""utilization review program"" as a system of reviewing the medical necessity, appropriateness, or quality of health care services and supplies provided under a health insurance plan or a managed care plan using specified guidelines.  Defines a ""managed care plan"" as a plan operated by a managed care entity that provides for the financing and delivery of health care services to persons enrolled in such plan through:  (1) arrangements with selected providers; (2) explicit standards for the selection of participating providers; (3) organizational arrangements for ongoing quality assurance and utilization review programs; and (4) financial incentives for persons enrolled in the plan to use the participating providers and procedures provided for by the plan. Defines related terms.  Directs the Secretary to:  (1) establish procedures for the periodic review and recertification of qualified managed care plans and qualified utilization review programs; and (2) terminate such certification when such plan or program no longer meets the applicable requirements for certification.  Permits certification through the recognition of a State licensure program or national accreditation body that establishes requirements at least equivalent to the requirements under this part. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Health Care Cost Commission, to establish Federal standards for the certification of qualified managed care plans and qualified utilization review programs. Requires such standards to first be established within two years after enactment of this Subtitle.  Directs the Secretary to periodically review and update such standards, as appropriate.  Prohibits the imposition by State law or regulation of specified limitations and restrictions on qualified managed care plans and qualified utilization review programs, with exceptions. Extends to January 1, 1992, the date by which the Administrator of Health Care Policy and Research must develop an initial set of guidelines and standards with respect to treatments and conditions that constitute a significant portion of national health expenditures. Directs the Administrator, in consultation with the National Institute of Mental Health and mental health providers, to develop outcomes research and practice parameters for mental health services, including diagnosis and treatment of childhood attention deficit syndrome disorders and manic depression.  Amends the Social Security Act with respect to research on outcomes of health care services to change from 70 to 50 percent of authorized FY 1993 and 1994 funds for such research the amount to be obtained from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Increases the general authorization of FY 1992 through 1994 funds under such Act for such purpose. Subtitle F:  Medical Liability Reform - Chapter 1:  Definitions and Findings - Finds that the health care and insurance industries are industries affecting interstate commerce, and that the medical malpractice litigation system throughout the United States affects interstate commerce by contributing to the high cost of health care and premiums for malpractice insurance purchased by health care providers. Chapter 2:  Expedited Medical Malpractice Settlements - Allows any claimant to bring a civil action for damages for harm caused during the provision of medical care pursuant to applicable State law, except to the extent that such law is superseded by this Chapter. Allows any claimant to file with the claim for damages a settlement offer for a specific amount.  Directs the defendant, within 60 days or the time permitted by State law to respond to pleadings, whichever is longer, to make a settlement offer of a specific amount, except that if such pleadings include a motion to dismiss under applicable State law, the defendant may tender such relief to the claimant within ten days after the determination of the court regarding such motion.  Provides for time extensions in certain cases.  Outlines procedures for the rejection of settlement offers by the claimant and defendant in such cases.  Provides for the calculation of attorney's fees in such cases by an hourly rate. Chapter 3:  Alternative Dispute Resolution Procedures - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Alternative Dispute Resolution Board of Advisors to make recommendations to the Secretary concerning the establishment of a model voluntary alternative dispute resolution program (dispute program).  Directs the Secretary to approve a model dispute program submitted by the Board, with any modifications that the Secretary deems appropriate. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a program to encourage States to develop and implement voluntary alternative dispute resolution procedures that meet the requirements of this Subtitle.  Requires each State to adopt its own dispute program or the Federal program submitted by the Board to the Secretary within two years after enactment of this Act. Provides that, with respect to a State that has a dispute program in effect, in lieu of or in addition to making a settlement offer a claimant or defendant may offer to proceed pursuant to the dispute program and its procedures.  Creates a rebuttable presumption that a refusal by an offeree to proceed under a dispute program was unreasonable or not in good faith if the verdict is rendered in favor of the offeror. Chapter 4:  Uniform Standards for Medical Malpractice Cases - Applies provisions of this chapter to any medical malpractice case brought in Federal or State court and any such case resolved through a dispute program.  Provides that in either such action, no person may be required to pay more than $100,000 in a single payment for future losses, but such person shall be permitted to make such payments on a periodic basis.  Limits in a civil medical malpractice action the total amount of damages that may be awarded for noneconomic losses resulting from an injury to $250,000, regardless of the number of health care professionals and providers against whom the claim is brought.  Reduces the total amount of damages received under such limits by any other payment that has been made to the injured individual (i.e., other insurance).  Places specified limits on attorney's fees authorized to be collected under Chapter 4 actions. Provides that in either such action, the liability of each defendant for noneconomic damages shall be several only and not joint (requiring each such defendant to be liable only for their specific percentage of responsibility for the damages).  Provides a statute of limitations with respect to such cases.  Provides special medical malpractice liability provisions with respect to services provided during the delivery of a baby. Chapter 5:  Uniform Disciplinary Reforms - Requires a State to comply with requirements of this chapter within two years after enactment of this Act. Directs each State to: (1) allocate the total amount of fees paid to the State in each year for the licensing or certification of each type of health care practitioner, or State funds equal to such amount, to the agencies responsible for the conduct of licensing and disciplinary actions with respect to such practitioners; and (2) permit the general public to be represented on State health care practitioner disciplinary boards.  Provides immunity from liability for any member, consultant, witness, or other individual serving or having served on such a disciplinary board for either the board's operation or duties performed in good faith. Requires each State to have in effect within two years after enactment of this Act a Statewide risk management program to reduce the incidence of medical malpractice which meets any promulgated regulations.  Directs each State to establish a health care disciplinary trust fund to provide resources to disciplinary boards for their functions and to provide additional resources for State consumer protection activities. Chapter 6:  Medical Products - Provides that punitive damages otherwise permitted by law shall not be awarded in an action against a health care producer of a drug or device that caused the harm complained of if the drug or device:  (1) was subject to approval or premarket approval under applicable Federal regulations with respect to the safety of the formulation or performance of the drug or device, or the adequacy of the packaging or labeling of the drug or device; and (2) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or (3) is generally recognized as safe and effective pursuant to conditions established by the FDA.  States that such provision shall not apply when the defendant:  (1) withheld from, or misrepresented to, the FDA or other Federal agency official material and relevant information as to the performance of the drug or device; or (2) made an illegal payment to an FDA official to secure approval of the drug or device.  Outlines provisions with respect to evidence, punitive damages, and positive defense to strict liability against the health care producers of the drug or device. Subtitle G:  Uniform Claims Criteria - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, after consultation with group health plan entities and health care providers, to develop uniform claims criteria for use by beneficiaries and health care providers in submitting claims under this Act and under title XXI of the Social Security Act.  Provides a claims criteria deadline. Title V:  Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to prepare an estimate, for that fiscal year and the succeeding four fiscal years, of the cost which would be incurred by small business in carrying out or complying with any bill or resolution which is likely to result in an average annual cost to a small business of $1,000 or more. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that Federal provisions with respect to general notice requirements of proposed rule making shall apply to all rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary under the Code. Directs the SBA Administrator to establish a panel to provide recommendations to the Congress for a uniform statutory definition of the terms ""small business"" and ""small business concern.""  Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on the panel's findings and recommendations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that each Federal agency that issues rules, regulations, or orders which affect small business concerns or otherwise has some relationship with or affects small business should appoint one individual to serve as a small business ombudsman for that agency.  Requires such ombudsman to represent the issues of small business to such agency, assist in the arbitration of disputes between agencies and small business concerns, and make certain reports to the Congress and the SBA Administrator. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA should be permitted to appear as amicus curiae (friend of the court) in any action or case brought in a U.S. court for the purpose of reviewing a rule.",2025-08-26T15:17:17Z,
102-hr-5161,102,hr,5161,Small Business Manufacturing Extension Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-05-13,1992-06-01,Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Stabilization.,House,"Rep. Olver, John W. [D-MA-1]",MA,D,O000085,0,"Small Business Manufacturing Extension Act of 1992 - Directs the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (the Director) to establish a Small Business Manufacturing Extension Service (the Service) to coordinate and improve efforts to help small- and medium-sized manufacturers to increase their competitiveness and efficiency through improved equipment, processes, and practices. States that eligible applicants for grants under this Act shall be regional groups including substantial participation by private manufacturing industries.  Requires the Director to:  (1) award two-year grants on a competitive basis to establish extension offices; and (2) submit a periodic evaluation report on the Service to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:15:46Z,
102-s-2693,102,s,2693,Small Business Defense Adjustment Assistance Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-05-12,1992-05-12,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business.,Senate,"Sen. Pell, Claiborne [D-RI]",RI,D,P000193,0,"Small Business Defense Adjustment Assistance Act of 1992 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans to assist any small business concern determined to have suffered (or that will suffer) substantial economic injury as a result of the closing by the Government of a major military installation under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense (DOD), a significant reduction in the scope and size of operations at such an installation, or the cancellation of or a significant reduction in defense contracts with such concern under the jurisdiction of or related to DOD, in:  (1) continuing in business at its existing location; (2) reestablishing its business in a new location; or (3) purchasing or establishing a new business. Includes among services provided by a small business development center under the Act assisting in the development and formation of new businesses by individuals or small business concerns determined by the SBA to have suffered (or that will suffer) such substantial economic injury. Makes specified funds available to carry out this Act.",2025-08-26T15:16:23Z,
102-hr-5096,102,hr,5096,Antitrust Reform Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-05-07,1992-08-12,"Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 487.",House,"Rep. Brooks, Jack B. [D-TX-9]",TX,D,B000880,5,"Antitrust Reform Act of 1992 - Authorizes Bell operating companies (BOCs) to apply to the Attorney General, notwithstanding the Modification of Final Judgment entered into on August 24, 1982 (AT&T consent decree), for authorization to:  (1) engage in research and development related to telecommunications or customers premises equipment; (2) provide information services; (3) manufacture or provide telecommunications equipment, or manufacture customer premises equipment; or (4) provide interexchange telecommunications.  Requires such application to describe with particularity the nature and scope of each activity, and of each product, service, and geographic market for which authorization is sought. Specifies that the applicable date after which a BOC may apply for authorization:  (1) with respect to providing interexchange telecommunications, or an information service relating to an alarm monitoring service, shall be five years after the date of enactment; and (2) in any other case, shall be the date of enactment. Sets forth procedures regarding:  (1) the publication of applications in the Federal Register; (2) determinations by the Attorney General, following a comment period by interested persons; and (3) judicial review of such determinations. Makes it unlawful for a BOC to engage in activities to be permitted for BOCs under this Act (such activities) before authorized to do so pursuant to this Act, with exceptions for specified previously authorized activities. Prohibits a BOC with monopoly power in any exchange service market, with respect to such activities (with exceptions), from:  (1) discriminating in any relevant market between itself or an affiliated enterprise and any other person (or between any two such other persons) with respect to any product or service related to the provision or use of a telecommunications service if the effect of such action may be to substantially lessen competition, or to tend to create a monopoly, in any line of commerce; (2) using proceeds obtained from providing exchange service in such market to subsidize such activities in any relevant market; (3) becoming an affiliated enterprise of, or acquiring any exchange assets of, another BOC; and (4) engaging in such activities with another BOC in any relevant market in restraint of trade. Requires:  (1) each BOC to advise in writing each of its officers and responsible management personnel of the requirements of this Act and that violations may result in criminal liability; and (2) the chief executive officer of each BOC that is not owned or controlled by another BOC to certify annually in writing to the Attorney General whether such company and its affiliates have complied with the provisions of this Act. Specifies that:  (1) it shall be the duty of the U.S. Attorneys to institute proceedings to prevent and restrain violations of this Act in their districts; and (2) whoever knowingly engages (or attempts to engage) in specified activities prohibited by this Act shall be guilty of a felony (and, upon conviction, shall be punished to the same extent provided for a violation of the Sherman Act). Provides a private right of action (for damages and injunctive relief) for violation of this Act. Sets forth provisions with respect to:  (1) jurisdiction;  (2) subpoena; and (3) the relationship of this Act to other laws (including provision for cumulative penalties). Amends the Clayton Act to include this Act among the antitrust laws.",2021-06-02T14:54:40Z,
102-hr-5101,102,hr,5101,"To provide eligibility for small business concerns employing socially and economically disadvantaged individuals to participate in Federal procurement programs, and for other purposes.",Commerce,1992-05-07,1992-09-11,"Referred to the Subcommittee on SBA, the General Economy, and Minority Enterprise Development.",House,"Rep. Dreier, David [R-CA-33]",CA,R,D000492,0,"Defines the term ""small business concern employing socially and economically disadvantaged individuals"" as one in which at least 51 percent of its employees are socially and economically disadvantaged individuals as defined under the Small Business Act.",2024-02-07T15:46:26Z,
102-hr-5037,102,hr,5037,Residential Mortgage Credit Fairness Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-04-30,1992-05-15,Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs and Coinage.,House,"Rep. Gallo, Dean A. [R-NJ-11]",NJ,R,G000025,8,"Residential Mortgage Credit Fairness Act of 1992 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a creditor from:  (1) imposing terms and conditions for a residential mortgage transaction which are less favorable to the consumer than the terms and conditions which were originally disclosed to the consumer; or (2) limiting the availability or effectiveness of such terms and conditions to a specified period.  Allows an exception to such requirements if: (1) the disclosure contains a clear and conspicuous statement that such terms and conditions are subject to change; or (2) any delay in consummating the transaction is due to an unreasonable delay caused by the consumer. Requires that any disclosure made in connection with a residential mortgage shall:  (1) be mailed or delivered before the earlier of the date on which the credit is extended or three days after the creditor receives the consumer's application; and (2) include a statement of the rights and duties of the creditor and the consumer and any form to be used by the consumer to exercise the right to withdraw the application. Allows a consumer to withdraw a mortgage application without incurring any obligation to the creditor (other than certain reasonable fees) if the consumer provides the creditor written  notice within three days after receiving the required disclosure statement from the creditor. Specifies that, for purposes of such required disclosure statements, the term ""finance change"" shall include any fee imposed by the creditor for any such extension of credit. Increases the civil penalty for failure to make a required disclosure for a residential mortgage from a minimum of $100 and a maximum of $1,000 to a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $10,000.",2025-08-26T15:18:13Z,
102-hjres-474,102,hjres,474,"Designating the week of October 4 through 10, 1992, as ""National Customer Service Week"".",Commerce,1992-04-28,1992-04-30,Referred to the Subcommittee on Census and Population.,House,"Rep. Roberts, Pat [R-KS-1]",KS,R,R000307,222,"Designates October 4 through 10, 1992, as National Customer Service Week.",2024-02-06T20:04:02Z,
102-hr-4989,102,hr,4989,"To amend title 35, United States Code, to impose a 5-year moratorium on the granting of patents on invertebrate or vertebrate animals, including those that have been genetically engineered, in order to provide time for the Congress to fully assess, consider, and respond to the economic, environmental, and ethical issues raised by the patenting of such animals.",Commerce,1992-04-28,1992-04-28,Referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.,House,"Rep. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD-3]",MD,D,C000141,4,Imposes a five-year moratorium on the granting of patents on invertebrate or vertebrate animals.,2021-06-02T14:53:14Z,
102-hr-5005,102,hr,5005,To exempt any person operating a trade or business in the State of Ohio from all Federal laws and regulations applying with regard to such trade or business.,Commerce,1992-04-28,1992-04-30,Referred to the Subcommittee on Legislation and National Security.,House,"Rep. Traficant, James A., Jr. [D-OH-17]",OH,D,T000350,1,Exempts any person operating a trade or business in Ohio from all Federal laws and regulations applying to such trade or business.,2025-02-04T16:54:13Z,
102-hr-4884,102,hr,4884,To enhance the competition in the soft drink industry by improving the application of the antitrust laws to soft drink piggyback license arrangements for a temporary period of time.,Commerce,1992-04-09,1992-04-16,Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic and Commercial Law.,House,"Rep. Bryant, John W. [D-TX-5]",TX,D,B000997,7,"Withdraws until September 30, 1993, the authority of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prohibit or impede any proposed transfer of a soft drink trademark licensing contract or to challenge the lawfulness of any such past transfer. Permits the FTC, during such period, to retain whatever authority it may have had prior to enactment of this Act with respect to any proposed or past transfer otherwise subject to such provision, under specified limitations, if:  (1) the licensee transferring the license has a market share of at least 15 percent; (2) there is a third-tier alternative licensee; or (3) as a direct result of such transfer, one licensee would become the sole licensee for trademarked soft drinks in the relevant geographic market. Specifies that nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the authority of the Department of Justice to challenge transfers of soft drink trademark licensing contracts under the antitrust laws.",2021-06-02T14:52:32Z,
102-hr-4895,102,hr,4895,To amend the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to permit prepayment of debentures issued by State and local development companies.,Commerce,1992-04-09,1992-04-29,"Referred to the Subcommittee on SBA, the General Economy, and Minority Enterprise Development.",House,"Rep. Chandler, Rod D. [R-WA-8]",WA,R,C000293,22,"Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to permit a qualified State or local development company that issues a debenture purchased by the Federal Financing Bank (Bank) and guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA), at the election of the small business borrower whose loan secures such debenture, to prepay the debenture by payment to the Bank of the unpaid principal balance, accrued interest, and any prepayment penalties. Provides that in the case of prepayment of a debenture under this Act in which a new debenture is issued by a qualified State or local development company and guaranteed by the SBA, the guarantee of the original debenture shall transfer to the new debenture, but shall not be treated as new credit authority.  Requires the full faith and credit of the United States to be pledged to the payment of all guaranteed debenture amounts.  Permits the issuer to require the borrower to pay certain optional fees with respect to such prepayment.  Provides that if a borrower defaults on a loan securing a debenture guaranteed by the SBA, the SBA's guarantee shall be extinguished by payment to the Bank of the remaining principal balance plus accrued interest at the coupon rate on the debenture.",2024-02-07T15:46:26Z,
102-hr-4896,102,hr,4896,To extend the patent term of certain products.,Commerce,1992-04-09,1992-04-09,Referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.,House,"Rep. Clay, William (Bill) [D-MO-1]",MO,D,C000488,11,Amends Federal patent law to extend the patent term for certain drugs composed of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents if during the regulatory review process the patentee:  (1) filed a new drug application in 1982; (2) awaited approval by the Food and Drug Administration for at least 78 months; and (3) such new drug application was approved in 1991.  Prescribes a formula for patent term extension and sets forth administrative notification procedures.,2021-06-02T14:52:40Z,
102-hr-4900,102,hr,4900,Federal Insurance Solvency Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-04-09,1992-05-08,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Competitiveness.",House,"Rep. Dingell, John D. [D-MI-16]",MI,D,D000355,1,"Federal Insurance Solvency Act of 1992 - Title I:  Establishment of Federal Insurance Solvency Commission - Establishes the Federal Insurance Solvency Commission (the Commission) as an independent regulatory agency, whose members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, to oversee the financial soundness and solvency of the insurance industry. Sets forth the Commission's powers.  Directs the Commission to investigate each insolvent insurer or reinsurer which holds a Federal certificate of solvency to determine the causes of the insolvency. Authorizes the Commission to investigate the insolvencies of other insurers relevant to the financial condition of the national insurance industry.  Authorizes the Commission to refer to State and Federal enforcement authorities any matters warranting investigation for possible civil or criminal enforcement action. Requires the Commission to establish and regularly update an information data base regarding persons who have been convicted of a crime or administratively disciplined for insurance related activity, or who have been senior officers or directors of insolvent insurers or reinsurers.  Requires that such information be shared with appropriate State and Federal regulators and law enforcement officials.  Requires all certified insurers and reinsurers to cooperate with the Commission's implementation of the data base as a condition of their continued certification. Requires the Commission to submit annual reports to the President and the Congress. Establishes the Federal Insurance Regulation Advisory Committee (whose members shall be appointed by the Commission) to confer with the Commission, and request information and make recommendations regarding the insurance and reinsurance industry. Requires it to report annually to the Commission and certain congressional committees. Sets forth a fee schedule to be assessed and collected annually by the Commission from applicants for certificates and certificate holders in order to recover certification costs. Provides for late fee payment penalties.  Authorizes the Commission to revoke certificates for failure to make fee or penalty payments. Authorizes appropriations, including appropriations for rehabilitation and liquidation expenses incurred by the Commission in its capacity as receiver. Title II:  Federal Certificates of Solvency for Insurers - Authorizes the Commission to issue Federal certificates of solvency to insurers.  Directs the Commission to establish minimum financial standards for domestic insurers, including U.S. branches of foreign insurers, according to prescribed procedural and capitalization guidelines.  Sets forth additional criteria for Federal solvency certificates for domestic and foreign insurers to write surplus line insurance. Requires each federally certified insurer to be a member of the National Insurance Protection Corporation (NIPC) established by this Act.  Declares that federally certified insurers which are approved surplus lines insurers shall not participate in the NIPC for the purpose of business written as a nonadmitted insurer under the surplus lines law of any State. Authorizes the Commission to suspend or revoke a certificate of solvency for non-compliance with Commission standards.  States that as a result of such action an insurer will lose NIPC membership status and will be prohibited from selling insurance unless the insurer complies with the solvency standards applicable in the States in which the insurer does business.  Declares that policies written during suspension or after revocation shall not be covered by NIPC. Subjects federally certified insurers to State regulatory schemes and oversight within certain permissible parameters.  Delineates those State regulations and actions preempted by the Federal regulatory scheme for federally certified insurers.  Grants the Commission authority to:  (1) define those State regulatory schemes that have been preempted by this Act; and (2) issue orders to stay the effect of certain State laws or regulations, including those that subject federally certified insurers to discriminatory State action.  Exempts from State regulations federally certified insurers designated as highly capitalized by the Commission, and permitted to provide commercial insurance coverage to a large insurance buyer.  Vests the Commission with:  (1) responsibility to establish standards for such insurers; and (2) exclusive Federal jurisdiction over complaints regarding the business conduct of such insurers with respect to large insurance buyers. Title III:  Federal Certificates for Providers of Reinsurance - Authorizes the Commission to establish standards and procedures for granting certificates:  (1) for professional reinsurers; and (2) to provide reinsurance for certain other reinsurers and insurers. Directs the Commission to:  (1) require each certificate holder to submit an annual financial status report; (2) establish criteria for becoming a qualified financial institution for the purpose of establishing certain trust funds (thus permitting foreign banks with a United States presence to apply for such acceptance); and (3) establish procedures for consensual dispute resolution arising between reinsurance parties. Grants the Commission exclusive regulatory jurisdiction over professional reinsurers doing business in the United States. Requires the Commission to establish standards and procedures for the certification and regulation of professional reinsurers.  Outlines the certification standards. Authorizes the Commission to issue reinsurance certificates to insurers and to certain reinsurers that do not seek professional reinsurer certification.  Directs the Commission to establish certification standards and procedures for:  (1) reinsurance; (2) trust funds; and (3) foreign applicants.  Empowers the Commission to suspend or revoke a reinsurance certificate, or the certificate of a professional reinsurer, for noncompliance with such standards.  Sets forth credit guidelines under which reinsurance may be counted as either an asset or a deduction from liabilities. Exempts certain professional reinsurers certified under this Act from a State licensing or regulatory scheme regarding reinsurers or reinsurance transactions.  Subjects to State insurance regulation insurers and reinsurers with reinsurance certificates issued to those that do not seek certification as professionals.  Prohibits State law from discriminating against reinsurers based upon their Federal certification. Title IV:  Regulatory Enforcement - Directs the Commission to establish:  (1) a schedule for examinations of federally certified insurers and reinsurers, including special examinations whenever the Commission determines that such persons may be in a financially hazardous or impaired condition; and (2) accounting standards for the accurate reporting of such persons' financial status. Requires certified insurers and reinsurers to retain a qualified actuary to certify their reserves.  Requires federally certified insurers to reinsurers who are incorporated and part of a holding company system to register with the Commission, furnishing information as to its structure and members. Grants the Commission review and approval authority over mergers and acquisitions with a federally certified insurer or reinsurer. Requires the Commission to disapprove such transactions if they threaten the financial stability, soundness, or solvency of such entities, or substantially lessen competition in any line of insurance.  Cites factors which the Commission shall consider when making a disapproval determination.  Enumerates the criteria for transactions within a holding company system which includes a federally certified insurer or reinsurer.  Requires the Commission's prior approval for transactions between a certified insurer or reinsurer and any affiliate within a holding company system if such transactions involve five percent or more of the assets at the last year-end. Permits federally certified insurers or reinsurers that are part of a holding company system to affiliate with their counterparts that are not federally certified. Grants the Commission exclusive jurisdiction over mergers, acquisitions, and transactions within a holding company system that has only federally certified insurers or reinsurers.  Provides for shared jurisdiction between the Commission and State insurance regulators over a holding company system which includes both federally certified and non-federally certified insurers and reinsurers. Provides that if either regulator disapproves of a holding company system transaction within its respective jurisdiction, the transaction shall not proceed. Grants the Commission civil penalty and enforcement powers, including a prohibition against voting of securities, and their seizure and sequestration for non-compliance with the requirements of this Act.   Provides whistleblower protection and remedies to employees of federally certified insurers and reinsurers. Title V:  National Insurance Protection Corporation - Establishes the National Insurance Protection Corporation as a non-governmental, nonprofit corporation to provide:  (1) timely payment and protection against losses; and (2) continuation of coverage in the event of financial impairment or insolvency of federally certificated insurers. Grants the Commission oversight and supervisory powers over the NIPC.  Declares that:  (1) NIPC obligations are not covered by the full faith and credit of the United States; (2) it shall receive no financial assistance from or have any authority to borrow from the United States; and (3) funds due to or held by the NIPC shall not be included in the budget of the United States, nor may the United States borrow or pledge such funds. Sets forth NIPC membership and corporate power structure.  Requires the Commission to consult with the NIPC regarding the financial regulation of its member insurers, and to assure that the Commission implements this Act in a manner that does not impair the financial integrity of NIPC guaranty funds. Establishes the NIPC Fund (the Fund) to pay NIPC administrative expenses and covered claims.  Precludes the use of the Fund for any other purpose. Specifies the scope of insurance contracts guaranteed under this Act, including property, life, health, and annuity coverage.  Excludes specified forms of insurance from coverage under this Act. Sets forth guidelines for assessments on NIPC member insurers. Grants the NIPC borrowing authority (subject to the prior approval of the Board of Directors). Authorizes the Commission to:  (1) apply to Federal district court in the event of NIPC refusal to comply with this Act; and (2) make examinations of the NIPC, and require it to furnish reports and records upon request.  Requires the NIPC to submit an end-of-fiscal-year status report to the Commission for subsequent transmittal to the President and the Congress. Requires the NIPC to give written notice to the Commission whenever it concludes that there have been changes in the insurance marketplace which may have a negative impact on the financial condition or solvency of federally certified insurers and reinsurers. Limits the liability of member insurers under this Act exclusively to claims covered by NIPC assessments under this Act.  Sets forth liability and assessment parameters for member insurers with respect to State law or a State guaranty fund. Declares the NIPC shall not be deemed to be an insurer within the meaning of a State regulatory or tax scheme for the insurance industry.   Exempts the NIPC from all taxes or levies imposed by any State or local governmental entity.  Shields the NIPC and its personnel from liability for good faith actions or omissions in connection with this Act. Shields licensed insurance producers from liability for damages resulting from the financial impairment or insolvency of a member insurer unless the producer intentionally placed or maintained coverage knowing of such insurer's impairment. Requires the NIPC to:  (1) prescribe the manner of advertising NIPC membership and consumer protection afforded by this Act; and (2) assist the Commission in developing improved standards for insolvency prevention and detection. Sets forth the parameters of:  (1) the obligation of the NIPC as guarantor of covered benefits for claims following the Commission's declaration that a member insurer is financially impaired or insolvent; and (2) the effect of claims paid by the NIPC. Requires the NIPC to file with the Commission an annual statement of claims paid and estimates of claims anticipated.  Provides for a stay of judicial proceedings regarding an insolvent member insurer in order to permit a proper defense by the NIPC of all pending causes of action. Grants Federal district courts exclusive jurisdiction over litigation involving the NIPC. Title VI:  National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers - Establishes the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers (NARAB) as a nonprofit, nongovernmental corporation to provide a mechanism by which the multi-State services of State-licensed insurance producers may be more efficiently provided to policyholders, while preserving the rights of States to regulate insurance producers.  Subjects NARAB to the supervision and oversight of the Commission.  States that funds held or due to NARAB shall not be included in the United States budget, nor may the United States borrow or pledge such funds. Makes NARAB membership available to all State-licensed insurance agents, brokers, surplus lines brokers, insurance consultants, and limited insurance representatives.  Outlines membership structure. Sets forth NARAB corporate powers and corporate structure.  Requires the Commission to consult with NARAB concerning the regulation and activities of insurance producers. Grants NARAB borrowing authority, upon prior approval of the Board of Directors.  Subjects all NARAB members that are insurance producers to assessments to cover administrative costs. Authorizes the Commission to make examinations of NARAB and require it to furnish reports and records upon request.  Requires NARAB to submit an end-of-fiscal-year status report to the Commission for subsequent transmittal to the President and the Congress. Declares that NARAB shall not be deemed to be an insurer within the meaning of a State regulatory or tax scheme for the insurance industry.   Exempts the NIPC from all taxes or levies imposed by any State or local governmental entity.  Shields NARAB and its personnel from liability for good faith actions or omissions in connection with this Act. Retains the States regulatory mechanisms regarding insurance producers.  Preempts State regulatory mechanisms purporting to restrict NARAB members, or impose discriminatory conditions upon them. Grants NARAB, subject to Commission review, authority to:  (1) define by regulation State laws and regulations that have been preempted by this Act, if the issue of preemption is unclear; and (2) coordinate with State insurance regulators and the National Association of Securities Dealers. Title VII:  Rehabilitation and Liquidation - Grants Federal district courts exclusive jurisdiction over litigation involving NARAB.   Requires the Commission:  (1) to act as receiver of any federally certified insurer or reinsurer for rehabilitation or liquidation purposes; and (2) to be appointed as receiver in proceedings instituted pursuant to this Act.  States that the appropriate State insurance regulator shall act as receiver of any insurer or reinsurer which does not have a Federal certificate. Directs the Commission and the appropriate State insurance regulator to administratively seize an insurer or reinsurer whose financial condition is substantially and imminently threatened.  Grants Federal district courts exclusive jurisdiction to appoint a receiver of an insurer or reinsurer, and to supervise a rehabilitation or liquidation under this Act. Prescribes the administrative and procedural guidelines for both foreign and domestic insurers and reinsurers placed under Commission or State receivership, rehabilitation, or liquidation. Authorizes the Commission to contract with any State insurance regulator to assume the responsibility of administering receivership in existence before the effective date of this Act. Title VIII:  Definitions - Defines terms used in this Act. Title IX:  Technical and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the United States Code.",2025-08-26T15:15:49Z,
102-hr-4903,102,hr,4903,To amend the Small Business Act to eliminate a restriction on the maximum term of disaster loans available to businesses able to obtain credit elsewhere.,Commerce,1992-04-09,1992-04-29,"Referred to the Subcommittee on SBA, the General Economy, and Minority Enterprise Development.",House,"Rep. Dreier, David [R-CA-33]",CA,R,D000492,0,"Amends the Small Business Act to repeal the maximum three-year disaster loan limitation term placed upon small business concerns that: (1) are able to obtain credit elsewhere; and (2) had loans made to them with respect to a disaster commencing on or after October 1, 1987.",2024-02-07T15:46:26Z,
102-hr-4914,102,hr,4914,Strategic Manufacturing Alliance Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-04-09,1992-05-12,Referred to the Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education.,House,"Rep. Henry, Paul B. [R-MI-5]",MI,R,H000514,0,"Strategic Manufacturing Alliance Act of 1992 - Establishes in the Technology Administration of the Department of Commerce a Manufacturing Alliance Program to facilitate industry-specific consortia of academia and industry for the conduct of basic research and development, technology transfer, and worker training initiatives. Mandates grants to the consortia.",2025-08-26T15:15:45Z,
102-hr-4938,102,hr,4938,Small Business Incentive Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-04-09,1992-04-21,Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance.,House,"Rep. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA-7]",MA,D,M000133,1,"Small Business Incentive Act of 1992 - Title I:  Amendment to the Securities Act of 1933 - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to increase from $5 million to $10 million of small business offerings that are exempt from the registration requirements of the Act (thus removing some regulatory constraints in order to facilitate capital-raising by small businesses). Title II:  Amendments to the Investment Company Act of 1940 - Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Act) to exclude from the definition of investment company any issuer all of whose securities are held by certain investors whom the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has determined by rule or regulation possess such financial sophistication, net worth, and other specified factors as not to need the protections of the Act (thus exempting such companies from some of the Act's regulatory constraints).  Empowers the SEC to define, by rule, such ""qualified purchasers."" Sets forth conditions under which certain business and industrial development companies that are already subject to regulation by the State in which they are organized are exempt from the regulatory constraints of the Act. Increases from $100,000 to $10 million the maximum aggregate amount of proceeds that certain interstate closed-end investment companies may receive from the sale of their outstanding securities and still retain their exempt status under the Act. Expands the definition of eligible portfolio company to include any company which does not have total assets in excess of $4 million and capital and surplus in excess of $2 million (thus increasing the flow of capital by permitting business development companies to invest in more small businesses). Declares that a business development company is not required to make available significant managerial assistance with respect to any eligible portfolio company (as defined by this Act), or any other company that meets certain SEC criteria (thus encouraging the flow of capital to very small businesses).",2025-08-26T15:15:18Z,
102-hr-4954,102,hr,4954,Advance Fee Loan Scam Prevention Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-04-09,1992-05-21,Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.,House,"Rep. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY-10]",NY,D,S000148,14,Advance Fee Loan Scam Prevention Act of 1992 - Prohibits the receipt of advance fees by unregulated loan brokers arranging consumer credit for individuals. Grants the Federal Trade Commission enforcement powers under this Act.  Establishes criminal and civil forfeiture penalties for violations of this Act.,2025-08-26T15:15:55Z,
102-hr-4978,102,hr,4978,Patent System Harmonization Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-04-09,1992-04-30,Subcommittee Hearings Held.,House,"Rep. Hughes, William J. [D-NJ-2]",NJ,D,H000930,1,"Patent System Harmonization Act of 1992 - Amends Federal patent law to permit the payment of patent application fees in two parts. Prescribes guidelines for conditions for patentability based upon a ""first-to-file"" system (thus harmonizing the Federal system with that of other countries).  (Currently U.S. patents are premised upon a ""first-to-invent"" system.) Establishes prior user rights for persons who in good faith put inventions to commercial use prior to their being patented (thereby shielding them from liability for patent infringement). Modifies the guidelines under which an applicant for patent may benefit from an earlier filing date in either a foreign country, or in the United States. Requires the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to publish patent specifications and claims 18 months after a patent application filing date.  Mandates that patent applications be open to public inspection and copies be made available to the public within the same time-frame (currently patent applications are kept confidential while pending before the Patent Office). States that a patent application search and examination shall commence upon full payment of the patent application fees (which must be made within 18 months after the earliest application filing date in the United States). Provides for accelerated patent search and examination upon request and payment of a special fee. Increases the patent term from 17 years of date the patent is issued to 20 years from the date on which the application is filed in the United States. Provides for extension of a patent granted on an application which was ordered to be kept secret to up to 30 years after the original application date. Repeals the statutory invention registration guidelines. Declares that patents for designs shall be granted for a 17-year (currently 14-year) term from the date on which the application is filed in the United States. Amends right of priority guidelines to provide that a national application shall be entitled to the right of priority based on a prior filed international application (currently one which designated at least one country other than the United States). Repeals provisions regarding international patent applications designating the United States filed by unqualified applicants.",2025-08-26T15:17:04Z,
102-s-2578,102,s,2578,Advance Fee Loan Scam Prevention Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-04-09,1992-04-09,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking.,Senate,"Sen. Lieberman, Joseph I. [D-CT]",CT,D,L000304,3,Advance Fee Loan Scam Prevention Act of 1992 - Prohibits the receipt of advance fees by unregulated loan brokers arranging consumer credit for individuals. Grants the Federal Trade Commission enforcement powers under this Act.  Establishes criminal penalties and civil forfeiture penalties for violations of this Act.,2025-08-26T15:14:18Z,
102-s-2605,102,s,2605,Patent System Harmonization Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-04-09,1992-04-30,"Subcommittee on Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks. Hearings held.",Senate,"Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ]",AZ,D,D000185,0,"Patent System Harmonization Act of 1992 - Amends Federal patent law to permit the payment of patent application fees in two parts. Prescribes guidelines for conditions for patentability based upon a ""first-to-file"" system (thus harmonizing the Federal system with that of other countries).  (Currently U.S. patents are premised upon a ""first-to-invent"" system.) Establishes prior user rights for persons who in good faith put inventions to commercial use prior to their being patented (thereby shielding them from liability for patent infringement). Modifies the guidelines under which an applicant for patent may benefit from an earlier filing date in either a foreign country or in the United States. Requires the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to publish patent specifications and claims 18 months after a patent application filing date.  Mandates that patent applications be open to public inspection and copies be made available to the public within the same time-frame (currently patent applications are kept confidential while pending before the Patent Office). States that a patent application search and examination shall commence upon full payment of the patent application fees (which must be made within 18 months after the earliest application filing date in the United States). Provides for accelerated patent search and examination upon request and payment of a special fee. Increases the patent term from 17 years of date the patent is issued to 20 years from the date on which the application is filed in the United States. Provides for extension of a patent granted on an application which was ordered to be kept secret to up to 30 years after the original application date. Repeals the statutory invention registration guidelines. Declares that patents for designs shall be granted for a 17-year (currently 14-year) term from the date on which the application is filed in the United States. Amends right of priority guidelines to provide that a national application shall be entitled to the right of priority based on a prior filed international application (currently one which designated at least one country other than the United States). Repeals provisions regarding international patent applications designating the United States filed by unqualified applicants.",2025-08-26T15:16:21Z,
102-s-2609,102,s,2609,Small Business Access to Surety Bonding Survey Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-04-09,1992-04-09,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business.,Senate,"Sen. Wofford, Harris [D-PA]",PA,D,W000665,10,"Small Business Access to Surety Bonding Survey Act of 1992 - Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a survey and report to specified congressional committees on the experiences of businesses, especially small businesses, in obtaining surety bonds from corporate surety firms.",2025-08-26T15:15:15Z,
102-hr-4806,102,hr,4806,Consumers Credit Protection Amendments of 1992,Commerce,1992-04-08,1992-04-15,Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs and Coinage.,House,"Rep. Blackwell, Lucien E. [D-PA-2]",PA,D,B000517,2,"Consumers Credit Protection Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require, when a consumer with a good credit history loses a job due to any recession or the transfer of a job to a foreign country, reporting of the consumer's rating prior to the job loss and a statement that it is reasonable to assume that the consumer's rating would be good or satisfactory but for the loss of employment due to factors beyond the control of the consumer. Prohibits reporting of information more than three years old regarding an account placed for collection if the account is subsequently paid.",2025-08-26T15:16:46Z,
102-s-2554,102,s,2554,Technical Skills Enhancement Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-04-08,1992-04-08,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Rockefeller, John D., IV [D-WV]",WV,D,R000361,1,"Technical Skills Enhancement Act of 1992 - Mandates financial assistance to:  (1) Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology for additional technical training services for small- and medium-sized manufacturers; and (2) State governments, through the State Technology Extension Program, for establishing cooperation among technical training institutions, private training programs, and Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology and for developing programs to train personnel to provide technical skills services to manufacturing firm managers and workers. Requires:  (1) identification of the type and levels of technical training necessary for managers and workers who use advanced manufacturing technology; and (2) establishment of a clearinghouse on the best training materials and software. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:17:20Z,
102-s-2530,102,s,2530,John Heinz Competitive Excellence Award Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-04-02,1992-04-02,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking.,Senate,"Sen. Stevens, Ted [R-AK]",AK,R,S000888,60,"John Heinz Competitive Excellence Award Act of 1992 - Establishes the John Heinz Excellence Award, to be evidenced by a national medal coined and provided to the U.S. Senate by the U.S. Mint. Allows two such separate awards to be presented annually (one to a qualifying individual, including Federal, State, or local government employees, and one to a qualifying organization, institution, or business). Prohibits presentation of an award within a category in a given year if there is no qualified individual, organization, institution, or business recommended by the selection panel established by this Act. Sets forth qualification criteria for such awards. Requires the Senate majority and minority leaders to present such award to an individual and an organization, institution, or business that has demonstrated excellence in promoting U.S. industrial competitiveness in the international marketplace through technological innovation, productivity improvement, or improved competitive strategies. Directs the Office of Technology Assessment to:  (1) ensure that all nominees receive a detailed summary of any evaluation conducted of such nominee; and (2) make available to the nominee and the public a summary of each award winner's competitiveness strategy (excluding proprietary information unless the award winner consents).",2025-08-26T15:14:43Z,
102-hr-4731,102,hr,4731,To require the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a study and report to the Congress regarding the insurance industry in the United States.,Commerce,1992-04-01,1992-08-07,"Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 461.",House,"Rep. Erdreich, Ben [D-AL-6]",AL,D,E000201,0,"Directs the Secretary of Commerce to study the United States insurance industry, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and other selected senior Federal officials, as well as representatives from the private sector. Requires the Secretary, as part of such study, to investigate and evaluate selected aspects of the industry, including the possible adverse effects of its solvency or regulatory problems upon:  (1) personal and commercial lines of insurance in the United States; (2) the overall long-term stability, profitability, and competitiveness of the insurance industry; and (3) U.S. credit markets and financial intermediation. Sets a deadline by which the Secretary must submit a final detailed report to the Congress of the study's findings and conclusions.",2024-02-06T19:38:08Z,
102-s-2508,102,s,2508,"A bill to amend the Unfair Competition Act to provide for private enforcement of the Unfair Competition Act in the event of unfair foreign competition, and to amend title 28, United States Code, to provide for private enforcement of the customs fraud provisions.",Commerce,1992-04-01,1992-08-12,Committee on Judiciary. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.,Senate,"Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA]",PA,R,S000709,1,"Amends the Clayton Act to include a specified antidumping provision among U.S. antitrust laws. Amends such antidumping provision of the Unfair Competition Act of 1916 to allow any person who is injured in her or his property or business by the sale or importation of an article made in a foreign country to bring a civil action against the manufacturer, exporter, or related importer of such article if:  (1) the article is imported or sold in the United States at less than its foreign market or constructed value; or (2) the foreign country or person or organization of such country is providing (directly or indirectly) a subsidy with respect to the manufacture, production, or exportation of such article; and (3) the sale or importation causes or threatens material injury to U.S. industry or labor or prevents the establishment or modernization of U.S. industry. Restricts the court jurisdiction of such an action to the District Court of the District of Columbia or the Court of International Trade. Entitles a prevailing party to appropriate equitable relief, or if such relief is inadequate, to compensatory damages and legal expenses. Sets a four-year statute of limitations for actions under this Act. Permits the United States to intervene in an action under this Act as a matter of right.  Subjects any court order under this Act to nullification by the President. Allows any person who is injured in his or her business or property by the fraudulent, grossly negligent, or negligent entry or introduction of merchandise into U.S. commerce to bring a civil action in the District Court of the District of Columbia or the Court of International Trade, without respect to the amount in controversy. Entitles a prevailing party to appropriate equitable relief or, if such relief is inadequate, compensatory damages and legal expenses. Permits the United States to intervene in such an action as a matter of right.  Subjects any court order to nullification by the President. Expresses the sense of the Congress that this Act is consistent with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.",2026-01-07T14:11:22Z,
102-hr-4706,102,hr,4706,Child Safety Protection and Consumer Product Safety Commission Improvement Act,Commerce,1992-03-31,1992-09-15,Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,House,"Rep. Collins, Cardiss [D-IL-7]",IL,D,C000634,3,"Child Safety Protection and Consumer Product Safety Commission Improvement Act - Title I:  Authorization of Appropriations - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) to authorize appropriations to carry out specified provisions of the Act.  Authorizes appropriations for Commission relocation expenses. Title II:  Toy Safety - Mandates certain warning labels in conjunction with any toy or game for children of specified ages which contain small parts, balloons, small balls, or marbles.  Considers noncomplying items misbranded hazardous substances under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA). Title III:  Amendments to Consumer Product Safety Act - Amends the CPSA to change the titles of two of the Commission's officers. Substitutes a reference to product safety standards for a reference to product safety rules in provisions exempting certain persons from the application of specified provisions relating to prohibited acts.  Adds a requirement that the Commission, in determining the amount of any penalty and any compromise of penalty, consider the nature of the failure to comply and the nature of the risk of injury.  Modifies Commission powers.  Repeals provisions relating to congressional vetoes of consumer product safety rules. Modifies rules regarding:  (1) review by other Federal agencies of information obtained by the Commission relating to trade secrets or related matters; and (2) inspection and recordkeeping requirements. Requires manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to report to the Commission an apparent failure to comply with certain provisions of the FHSA or the Flammable Fabrics Act (FFA). Amends the CPSA, the FHSA, and the FFA to change procedures and considerations regarding civil penalties.  Modifies rulemaking procedures under the FHSA and the FFA. Establishes a consumer product safety standard and requires certain labeling regarding buckets with a capacity of four to six gallons. Mandates certain actions by the Commission regarding bicycle helmets.  Requires every manufacturer of a product subject to a standard under the Act to label the product to disclose the country in which the product was finally assembled.  Requires certain reports and studies, including regarding: (1) summaries of information provided to a manufacturer prior to public disclosure; and (2) the effectiveness of actions under substantial product hazards provisions of the CPSA and the FHSA. Title IV:  Technical Amendments to the Federal Hazardous Substances Act - Amends the FHSA to replace references to the Secretary and Department of Health and Human Services (formerly the Secretary and Department of Health, Education, and Welfare) with references to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Exempts actions brought by the Commission under specified provisions of the CPSA from requirements that all actions under the FHSA be brought under the name of the United States. Repeals provisions of the FHSA relating to the Toxicological Advisory Board and to congressional vetoes of hazardous substances regulations. Title V:  Technical Amendments to the Flammable Fabrics Act - Amends the FFA to replace references to the Secretary of Commerce with references to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Repeals provisions relating to congressional vetoes of flammability regulations. Title VI:  Technical Amendments to the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 - Amends the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 to replace references to the Secretary of Health and Human Services with references to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Title VII:  Buy American - Requires the Commission to apply the requirements of the Buy American Act to all procurements made with funds provided under the authorization in specified provisions of this Act. Makes any person who falsely labels a product as made in America ineligible to receive any contract or subcontract made with funds under such provisions.",2025-01-14T18:51:33Z,
102-s-2489,102,s,2489,National Quality Commitment Award Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-03-26,1992-03-26,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Domenici, Pete V. [R-NM]",NM,R,D000407,9,National Quality Commitment Award Act of 1992 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to establish the National Commitment to Quality Award Program involving the awarding of a medal and at least three monetary competitive awards to institutions of higher education. Authorizes specialized monetary awards to any institution of higher education that excels in teaching or practicing either total quality management (TQM) or process manufacturing engineering services productivity improvement. Allows a recipient institution which agrees to help other institutions of higher education improve their TQM curriculum to publicize its receipt of the award.  Requires the award to be used to further improve the TQM and process manufacturing engineering curriculum  of the institution. Authorizes the use of gifts from public and private sources to carry out the award program.  Authorizes appropriations.,2025-08-26T15:14:18Z,
102-hr-4567,102,hr,4567,Audio Home Recording Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-03-25,1992-09-22,For Further Action See H.R.3204.,House,"Rep. Collins, Cardiss [D-IL-7]",IL,D,C000634,1,"Audio Home Recording Act of 1992 - Amends Federal copyright law to: (1) set forth definitions relating to digital audio recording devices and media; and (2) prohibit certain copyright infringement actions based on the manufacture, importation, or distribution of a digital or analog audio recording device or medium, or the use of such device or medium for making audiograms, except where commercial advantage is involved. Sets forth a mandatory recordation and filing procedure for the importation, manufacture, or distribution in the United States of digital audio recording devices or media.  Requires importers and manufacturers to file quarterly and annual statements of account with the Register of Copyrights (the Register).  Mandates Register verification of such statements, and sets forth verification guidelines.  Provides that verification audit costs shall be borne by interested copyright parties.  Sets forth confidentiality guidelines for mandatory statements of account. Prescribes royalty payment guidelines for digital audio recording devices and media imported, manufactured, or distributed in the United States.  Requires that royalty payments be deposited into the Treasury. Identifies interested copyright parties entitled to royalty payments.  Prescribes royalty payment allocation and distribution procedures.  Permits alternative royalty collection and distribution arrangements to be negotiated among interested copyright and manufacturing parties.  Maintains Copyright Tribunal jurisdiction over such negotiated arrangements insofar as nonparticipant interests are affected. Prohibits:  (1) the importation, manufacture, and distribution of any digital audio recording device or audio interface device that does not conform to certain standards and specifications to implement the Serial Copy Management System (SCMS); and (2) the circumvention of the SCMS. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to publish in the Federal Register a certain Technical Reference Document setting forth standards and specifications pertinent to the SCMS.  Authorizes the Secretary to implement such System according to prescribed guidelines. Sets forth civil remedies for violations of this Act, including impoundment, remedial modification and destruction of non-complying devices, and binding arbitration.",2025-01-16T12:12:20Z,
102-s-2395,102,s,2395,Automotive Competitiveness Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-03-24,1992-03-24,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Baucus, Max [D-MT]",MT,D,B000243,0,Automotive Competitiveness Act of 1992 - Directs the President to: (1) negotiate a trade agreement with Japan limiting Japanese automotive exports (including vehicles with less than 70 percent of incorporated U.S. goods) to the United States; and (2) increase tariffs on such exports in order to achieve similar reductions if an agreement is not reached by a specified date. Terminates the trade agreement after seven years.  Directs the International Trade Commission to:  (1) review such agreement biennially and recommend its termination of notification; and (2) recommend termination unless U.S. automobiles take quality improvement and executive salary reduction measures.  Makes any Commission recommendation effective unless disapproved by passage of a joint resolution of both Houses of the Congress.,2025-08-26T15:14:26Z,
102-hr-4511,102,hr,4511,Copyright Broadcast Retransmission Licensing Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-03-19,1992-06-18,Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended).,House,"Rep. Hughes, William J. [D-NJ-2]",NJ,D,H000930,2,"Copyright Broadcast Retransmission Licensing Act of 1992 - Amends Federal copyright law to bring within its purview broadcast retransmission systems (formerly designated as ""cable systems""). Defines such a system as one which:  (1) receives signals embodying a performance or display of a work transmitted by licensed broadcast stations; and (2) makes secondary transmissions of such signals to subscribing members of the public who pay for the service. Sets forth the compulsory licensing requirements for such broadcast retransmission systems.  Defines the ""local service area"" of a television broadcast and of a radio broadcast station. Sets forth termination of compulsory licensing procedures and terms for certain broadcast retransmission systems. Requires the Copyright Royalty Tribunal to make annual rate adjustments that reflect national fluctuations in the Consumer Price Index.  Authorizes petitions for specified royalty rate adjustments to be filed each February. Repeals existing limitations on the exclusive rights of secondary transmissions of superstations and network stations for private home viewing. Directs the Register of Copyrights to study and report to the Congress on whether market place mechanisms exist (or are likely to develop) which will ensure that consumers receive diverse, quality radio and television programming at reasonable prices without the need for compulsory licensing.",2025-08-26T15:16:27Z,
102-hr-4497,102,hr,4497,Lease-Purchase Agreement Act,Commerce,1992-03-18,1992-06-24,Subcommittee Hearings Held.,House,"Rep. LaRocco, Larry [D-ID-1]",ID,D,L000098,0,"Lease-Purchase Agreement Act - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to exempt from the application of this Act agreements: (1) primarily for commercial or agricultural purposes; (2) between a lessor and any organization or government entity; (3) for the lease of a safe deposit box; or (4) for the lease or bailment of personal property that is incidental to the lease of real property. Defines ""lease-purchase agreement,"" for the amendments made by this Act, to mean an agreement for use of personal property by a consumer, for an initial period of four months or less, that is automatically renewable with each payment and that permits but does not require purchase. Requires, on or before the consummation of any lease-purchase agreement, that the lessor provide certain disclosures, including:  (1) charges, terms, and cash price; (2) the consumer's responsibilities for the property; and (3) possible transfer of the manufacturer's warranty on purchase. Requires each item displayed as available for lease-purchase to have a label disclosing only the cash price, whether the property is new or used, the amount and type of each payment, and the number and total amount of payments necessary to own the property. Requires a lease-purchase agreement to:  (1) set forth the repair obligations of the consumer and lessor; (2) allow the consumer to terminate without penalty at the expiration of any lease term; and (3) allow reinstatement, at the option of the consumer, of the agreement in certain circumstances after a missed payment.  Prohibits a lease-purchase agreement from containing any: (1) confession of judgment; (2) negotiable instrument; (3) grant of a property interest in any property except the leased property; (4) wage assignment; or (5) consumer waiver of claims or defenses.  Allows repossession during a reinstatement period without affect on a consumer's right to reinstate. Applies the general disclosure requirements to renegotiation. Requires a written receipt for each payment. Requires certain disclosures in specified types of advertisements for lease-purchase agreements. Provides for enforcement of the amendments made by this Act by the Federal Trade Commission as a violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act and by other agencies under other Acts. Provides for:  (1) civil liability by a lessor to a consumer for violation of this Act, including provisions for class actions, recovery of attorney's fees, and liability of assignees; and (2) criminal liability. Preempts inconsistent State laws, allowing exemptions where State laws offer similar or greater consumer protection. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to remove from specified provisions references to leases, lessors, and lessees.",2025-08-26T15:17:42Z,
102-hr-4479,102,hr,4479,"To direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to review criteria used to certify qualified development companies to ensure that application of such criteria does not adversely affect certification of qualified development companies in rural areas, and for other purposes.",Commerce,1992-03-17,1992-04-29,"Referred to the Subcommittee on SBA, the General Economy, and Minority Enterprise Development.",House,"Rep. McEwen, Bob [R-OH-6]",OH,R,M000432,1,Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to review and modify regulatory certification guidelines (including minimum population requirements) to ensure that their application does not adversely affect certification of a qualified development company in a rural area. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress on the results of such review.,2024-02-07T15:46:26Z,
102-s-2352,102,s,2352,A bill to provide a cause of action for parties injured in United States commerce as a result of anticompetitive barriers to United States competition abroad.,Commerce,1992-03-13,1992-10-07,Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent.,Senate,"Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]",IA,R,G000386,0,"Amends the Sherman Act to create a civil cause of action by an injured party against a person who obtains benefits from anticompetitive market protection (i.e., conduct that violates the laws of a foreign jurisdiction prohibiting unreasonable restraints of trade and that inhibits competition by U.S. persons in such jurisdiction) and employs such benefits in interstate or import commerce of the United States, thereby causing injury to the business or property of another party engaged in such commerce.  Makes such person liable for actual damages and the cost of the suit, including attorney fees. Authorizes the court to award simple interest on actual damages for the period beginning on the date of service of the complaint and ending on the date of judgment, or for any shorter period, if the court finds that such award is just under the circumstances (based on whether the plaintiff or defendant made motions or asserted a claim or defense so lacking in merit as to show that the party acted in bad faith; violated any rule, statute, or court order providing for sanctions for dilatory behavior or otherwise providing for expeditious proceedings; or engaged in conduct primarily for the purpose of delay or increasing the cost of litigation).",2026-01-07T14:11:22Z,
102-hr-4451,102,hr,4451,Compulsory License Clarification Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-03-12,1992-03-17,Referred to the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property and Judicial Administration.,House,"Rep. Boucher, Rick [D-VA-9]",VA,D,B000657,1,"Compulsory License Clarification Act of 1992 - Amends Federal copyright law to modify the definition of ""cable system"" to include a facility which makes secondary transmissions of signals by microwave or any other technologies employed for the local distribution of secondary transmissions of broadcast programming.",2025-08-26T15:17:16Z,
102-hr-4426,102,hr,4426,"To amend title 17, United States Code, to exclude copyright protection for certain legal compilations.",Commerce,1992-03-11,1992-05-14,Subcommittee Hearings Held.,House,"Rep. Frank, Barney [D-MA-4]",MA,D,F000339,0,Amends Federal copyright law to deny copyright protection to any means of identifying parts of State and Federal legal compilations. Declares that this exclusion does not affect the right of any State to charge fees for making its legal compilations available as part of the public domain.,2025-01-16T12:12:20Z,
102-hr-4397,102,hr,4397,Bank Fraud Disaster Loan Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-03-05,1992-03-06,"Referred to the Subcommittee on SBA, the General Economy, and Minority Enterprise Development.",House,"Rep. Campbell, Tom [R-CA-12]",CA,R,C000100,0,Bank Fraud Disaster Loan Act of 1992 - Authorizes the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to make a direct loan to any person who shows prima facie evidence of suffering economic injury attributable to bank fraud. Makes the Disaster Loan Fund the sole source of such loans. Authorizes the deposit of specified amounts into the Disaster Loan Fund from fines collected for specified bank fraud offenses. Amends the Small Business Act and the Victims of Crime Act to reflect the provisions of this Act.,2025-08-26T15:14:34Z,
102-hr-4400,102,hr,4400,Small Business Innovation Development Amendment Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-03-05,1992-10-06,See S.2941.,House,"Rep. Skelton, Ike [D-MO-4]",MO,D,S000465,47,"Small Business Innovation Development Amendment Act of 1992 - Amends the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 to extend the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program from October 1, 1993, to October 1, 2000. Amends the Small Business Act, regarding small business eligibility for Federal agency research and development awards, to include in the three-phase evaluation process determining the technological feasibility of ideas, those ideas that appear to have commercial potential. Includes amounts obligated within the Department of Defense (DOD) solely for operational systems development within the definition of ""extramural budget.""  Excludes from such definition amounts obligated within the Department of Energy (DOE) solely for weapons activities or for naval reactors programs. Prescribes minimum SBIR expenditure amounts for FY 1993 through 1998 and thereafter for each Federal agency which in any fiscal year has an extramural budget for research, or research and development, in excess of $100,000,000.  Requires the head of each qualifying Federal agency during FY 1996 to determine whether there has been a demonstrable reduction in the quality of research performed under funding agreements awarded by that agency under the SBIR program since the beginning of FY 1993 such that increasing the expenditure percentages beyond the FY 1996 level would adversely affect the performance of that agency's research programs.  Requires the post-FY 1996 expenditure limits to remain at the FY 1996 level if a demonstrable reduction in research quality is found by such agency head.  Directs the Comptroller General to report his recommendation with respect to such determination to the head of each such agency and the Congress. Requires each Federal agency that is required to establish an SBIR program to:  (1) determine unilaterally research topics within its SBIR solicitations, giving special consideration to topics which permit substantial applicant participation in research project formulation; and (2) make payments in full to SBIR funding agreement recipients, subject to specified audit deadlines. Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (the Administrator) to issue directives for the conduct of general SBIR policy to provide for:  (1) rights to data; (2) continued use of agency property; (3) follow-on contracts; (4) increased amounts of Phase 1 awards; and (5) documentation by small business concerns that have received more than 20 Phase I awards during the preceding five fiscal years of the extent of the commercialization of the previous SBIR research. Repeals the requirement for an annual report by the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Provides that if a Federal agency required to establish an SBIR program makes an SBIR solicitation award for which it receives only one proposal, it shall provide written justification of such award in its next annual report.  Requires certain justification for the award of a Phase II award to small business recipients of more than 20 Phase I awards which have not been able to achieve an average rate of commercialization in their SBIR research. Requires each Federal agency to inform each awardee under a research funding agreement of the allowable expenses to be included under the funding agreement. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on specified changes to the SBIR Program made by this Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that an entity awarded a funding agreement under the SBIR Program should, when purchasing equipment or products with such funds, purchase only American-made equipment and products to the extent possible. Amends the Small Business Act to declare that it is the duty of the Small Business Administration to develop and maintain a source file and information program to assure small business concerns the opportunity to participate in Federal agency small business technology transfer (STTR) programs, under which a portion of a Federal agency's research and development effort is reserved for small business concerns for cooperative research and development through a specified three-phased process paralleling the SBIR process. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget exceeding $1,000,000,000 in any fiscal year to expend specified percentages of such amount during FY 1994 through 1998 and thereafter with small business concerns in connection with an STTR program meeting prescribed requirements and regulations. Requires the head of each qualifying Federal agency and the Comptroller General to make determinations identical to those made under the SBIR Program with respect to whether there has been a demonstrable reduction in the quality of research performed under funding agreements to support continuation of the expansion of the STTR programs for fiscal years after 1996.  Outlines specified requirements to be followed by each qualifying Federal agency establishing a STTR program under this Act.  Requires the SBA to issue policy directives for the general conduct of the STTR programs within the Government.  Requires such directives to be issued after consultation with Federal agencies establishing a STTR program. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the Congress by September 30, 1996, on the implementation of the STTR programs required to be established under this Act.  Requires such report to be prepared after consultation with economists who study technological change. Provides that a Federal agency may enter into a Phase III contract with a small business concern that is awarded a Phase II funding agreement under an SBIR or STTR program for additional work to be performed during or after the Phase II period.  Requires each funding agreement under an SBIR or STTR program to include provisions setting forth the respective rights of the United States and the small business concern with respect to intellectual property rights and rights to carry out follow-on research.",2025-06-06T14:17:56Z,
102-hr-4411,102,hr,4411,"To establish a Buy-American Fund to encourage American consumers to purchase products bearing a ""made in America"" label, to create guidelines for the use of ""made in America"" labels, and to protect against the misuse of such labels, and for other purposes.",Commerce,1992-03-05,1992-03-23,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Competitiveness.",House,"Rep. Traficant, James A., Jr. [D-OH-17]",OH,D,T000350,0,"Establishes in the Treasury the Buy American Fund.  Directs the Secretary of Commerce to make grants from the Fund to persons to create and market advertisements to encourage American consumers to purchase products bearing made-in-America labels.  Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits a product from bearing a label which states that it was made in America unless:  (1) it has been registered with the Department of Commerce; and (2) the Secretary has determined that 60 percent of the product was manufactured, and its final assembly occurred, in the United States.  Requires products with made-in-America labels to be registered with the Department of Commerce.  Sets forth penalties for fraudulent use of such labels.",2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
102-hr-4412,102,hr,4412,"To amend title 17, United States Code, relating to fair use of copyrighted works.",Commerce,1992-03-05,1992-10-24,Became Public Law No: 102-492.,House,"Rep. Hughes, William J. [D-NJ-2]",NJ,D,H000930,5,"Amends the Copyright Act of 1976 to provide that the unpublished nature of a work shall not bar a finding of fair use if the finding is based on the following factors:  (1) the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes; (2) the nature of the copyrighted work; (3) the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and (4) the effect of the use upon the potential market for, or value of, the copyrighted work.",2025-01-16T12:12:20Z,
102-hr-4350,102,hr,4350,Tobacco and Nicotine Health and Safety Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-02-27,1992-03-23,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.,House,"Rep. Synar, Mike [D-OK-2]",OK,D,S001139,24,"Tobacco and Nicotine Health and Safety Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to create a new chapter on tobacco products.  Makes unlawful the distribution of a tobacco product that presents risks to health:  (1) to persons under the age of 18, or under the higher age limit set by the State involved; (2) if it is misbranded or adulterated as prescribed by this Act; or (3) as a free sample or by coupons or other discounting. Requires States to enact laws and promulgate regulations as necessary to ensure compliance.  Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, if State enforcement is insufficient to comply with the age requirements of this Act, to impose requirements on the form, manner, and location of tobacco product sales in that State. Deems a tobacco product misbranded if:  (1) its labeling is false or misleading in any particular; (2) its labeling fails to contain the statements required by the Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act and the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act; (3) its labeling fails to contain the statement ""Federal Law Prohibits Sale to Minors""; or (4) other requirements are not met.  Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services, by regulation, to require manufacturers to provide additional information to consumers through labeling, inserts, or other means.  Allows the Secretary to modify the existing warning labels so long as the modifications do not weaken the health message in the warnings. Deems a tobacco product adulterated if:  (1) the level of any tobacco additive is in violation of a requirement set under this Act; (2) the nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, or other harmful constituent level has not been established under this Act; (3) it contains any added poisonous or deleterious substance that may render it injurious to health; or (4) other conditions are met. Requires manufacturers, importers, or packagers to provide the Secretary with a list of additives used in tobacco products. Authorizes the Secretary to establish public disclosure requirements for such additives. Requires the Secretary to test and establish the tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other harmful constituent levels for each brand of tobacco product before such product may be lawfully sold.  Authorizes the Secretary to make such information public. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on the use of tobacco additives and the levels of harmful constituents in tobacco products. Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to change the required Surgeon General's warning messages. Deems to be a drug any product that contains nicotine but does not meet the FDCA definition of tobacco products.",2025-08-26T15:17:54Z,
102-s-2298,102,s,2298,Tobacco Health and Safety Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-02-27,1992-02-27,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Bingaman, Jeff [D-NM]",NM,D,B000468,0,"Tobacco Health and Safety Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to create a new chapter on tobacco products.  Makes unlawful the distribution of a tobacco product that presents risks to health:  (1) to persons under the age of 18, or under the higher age limit set by the State involved; (2) if it is misbranded or adulterated as described by this Act; or (3) as a free sample or by coupons or other discounting. Requires States to enact laws and promulgate regulations as necessary to ensure compliance.  Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, if State enforcement is insufficient to comply with the age requirements of this Act, to impose requirements on the form, manner, and location of tobacco product sales in that State. Deems a tobacco product misbranded if:  (1) its labeling is false or misleading in any particular; (2) its labeling fails to contain the statements required by the Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act and the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act; (3) its labeling fails to contain the statement ""Federal Law Prohibits Sale to Minors""; or (4) other requirements are not met.  Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services, by regulation, to require manufacturers to provide additional information to consumers through labeling, inserts, or other means.  Allows the Secretary to modify the existing warning labels so long as the modifications do not weaken the health message in the warnings. Deems a tobacco product adulterated if:  (1) the level of any tobacco additive is in violation of a requirement set under this Act; (2) the nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, or other harmful constituent level has not been established under this Act; (3) it contains any added poisonous or deleterious substance that may render it injurious to health; or (4) other conditions are met. Requires manufacturers, importers, or packagers to provide the Secretary with a list of additives used in tobacco products. Authorizes the Secretary to establish public disclosure requirements for such additives. Requires the Secretary to test and establish the tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other harmful constituent levels for each brand of tobacco product before such product may be lawfully sold.  Authorizes the Secretary to make such information public. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on the use of tobacco additives and the levels of harmful constituents in tobacco products. Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to change the required Surgeon General's warning messages. Deems to be a drug any product that contains nicotine but does not meet the FDCA definition of tobacco products.",2025-08-26T15:13:42Z,
102-sjres-262,102,sjres,262,"A joint resolution designating July 4, 1992, as ""Buy American Day"".",Commerce,1992-02-27,1992-02-27,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Kasten, Robert W., Jr. [R-WI]",WI,R,K000019,50,"Designates July 4, 1992, as Buy American Day.",2025-07-21T19:32:26Z,
102-s-2256,102,s,2256,Film Disclosure Act of 1992,Commerce,1992-02-25,1992-09-22,"Subcommittee on Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 102-1136.",Senate,"Sen. Simpson, Alan K. [R-WY]",WY,R,S000429,2,Film Disclosure Act of 1992 - Amends the Lanham Act to require that each public exhibition of a materially altered motion picture (and each copy of such film offered to the public through sale or rental) bear a label which conspicuously discloses the fact of:  (1) the film's material alteration from the form in which it was first released to the public; (2) the nature of such alteration; and (3) any objections raised by the artistic authors with reference to such alteration. Delineates the compliance procedure for:  (1) distributors or networks that propose to exploit a materially altered film; and (2) motion pictures intended for home use through either retail purchase or rental. Grants an artistic author the right to seek injunctive relief in U.S. district courts to prevent violation of his or her rights under this Act.,2025-08-26T15:17:36Z,
102-hjres-415,102,hjres,415,"Designating July 4, 1992, through July 11, 1992, as ""Buy American Week"".",Commerce,1992-02-19,1992-02-24,Referred to the Subcommittee on Census and Population.,House,"Rep. Goodling, William F. [R-PA-19]",PA,R,G000291,30,"Designates July 4 through 11, 1992, as Buy American Week.",2024-02-06T20:04:02Z,