legislation
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273 rows where congress = 100 and policy_area = "Commerce" sorted by introduced_date descending
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| 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 |
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| 100-hr-5552 | 100 | hr | 5552 | A bill to provide that the Consumer Product Safety Commission amend its regulations regarding lawn darts. | Commerce | 1988-10-20 | 1988-11-05 | Became Public Law No: 100-613. | House | Rep. Dingell, John D. [D-MI-16] | MI | D | D000355 | 3 | Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to revoke the exemption from classification as a banned toy for use by children granted for lawn darts and other similar sharp-pointed toys, unless the Commission finds that such products do not have the potential for causing puncture wound injury. | 2024-02-05T14:30:09Z | |
| 100-hr-5558 | 100 | hr | 5558 | Veterans Entrepreneurship Promotion Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-10-20 | 1988-12-09 | Referred to Subcommittee on Labor-Management Relations. | House | Rep. McDade, Joseph M. [R-PA-10] | PA | R | M000399 | 50 | Veterans Entrepreneurship Promotion Act of 1988 - Title I: Findings, Purposes, and Definitions - Sets forth congressional findings and purposes with respect to small businesses owned and controlled by veterans. Amends the Small Business Act to add veteran-related definitions used in this Act. Title II: Procurement Assistance - Amends the Small Business Act to include small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans as a discrete group with respect to which the head of each Federal agency must establish goals for participation in procurement contracts. Requires annual reports to the Congress on the extent of participation by such businesses in agency procurement contracts. Includes veteran-owned businesses as a targeted group for purposes of Government contracts and subcontracts. Directs Federal agencies, in their procurement activities, to engage in affirmative action to identify and solicit offers from small businesses owned and controlled by veterans, by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and by veterans with service-connected disabilities. Title III: National Veterans Business Council - Establishes the National Veterans' Business Council to review the status of veteran-owned businesses nationwide and to develop detailed multiyear plans in connection with both private and public sector actions to assist and promote such businesses. Requires annual reporting to both the President and the Congress. Title IV: Statistical Data - Directs: (1) the Bureau of Labor Statistics to include in its census reports on veterans businesses specified information on sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations; (2) the Bureau of the Census to include in its Business Census data the number of corporations that are 51 percent or more owned by veterans; (3) the Small Business Administration's Office of the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to report on the most cost-effective and accurate ways to gather and present the statistics required in these census reports; and (4) Federal agencies to report … | 2026-03-23T12:41:21Z | |
| 100-s-2903 | 100 | s | 2903 | Trademark Protection Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-10-14 | 1988-10-14 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 3 | Trademark Protection Act of 1988 - Amends the Lanham Trademark Act to prohibit the importation or sale within the United States of goods manufactured outside the United States and bearing a trademark that is identical to a trademark owned by a U.S. citizen, corporation, or other entity and registered under U.S. trademark laws unless such owner consents to the importation for sale. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to exclude such goods from entry into the United States upon the request of a U.S. trademark owner who has filed a trademark registered certificate with the Secretary. Authorizes the trademark owner to bring an action against importers in any Federal district court to enjoin such importation and to obtain money damages and lost profits for the wrongful use of a trademark. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate regulations to enforce this Act. | 2025-08-28T20:07:47Z | |
| 100-hr-5528 | 100 | hr | 5528 | Fair Credit Reporting Amendments of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-10-13 | 1988-10-21 | Referred to Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs and Coinage. | House | Rep. Shaw, E. Clay, Jr. [R-FL-15] | FL | R | S000303 | 0 | Fair Credit Reporting Amendments of 1988 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require prompt disclosure by any consumer reporting agency to any consumer of adverse information about such consumer the agency receives. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to prescribe regulations defining the term "adverse information" for purposes of such Act. | 2025-08-28T20:06:12Z | |
| 100-hr-5519 | 100 | hr | 5519 | Joint Manufacturing Commodity Credit Corporation Opportunities Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-10-12 | 1988-10-19 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Wyden, Ron [D-OR-3] | OR | D | W000779 | 6 | Joint Manufacturing Commodity Credit Corporation Opportunities Act of 1988 - Declares that the conduct of any individual in making or performing a contract to carry out a flexible manufacturing network shall not be deemed illegal per se under the antitrust laws, but rather shall be judged on its reasonableness considering all relevant factors affecting competition. Defines "flexible manufacturing network" (FMN) as any group of activities, including attempting to make, making, or performing a contract, carried out by two or more persons for the purpose of: (1) purchasing raw materials, services, or facilities to jointly manufacture and distribute a product; (2) collecting and sharing information on production costs and manufacturing capacity necessary to prepare a bid to sell a product jointly manufactured by such persons, or information applicable to the marketing of such product; or (3) sharing information on manufacturing and distribution capacity for the purpose of jointly manufacturing and distributing such product. Excludes activites not reasonably required to carry out a flexible manufacturing network. Limits recovery under the Clayton Act to actual damages (for private suits), the total damage sustained (in suits by States), interest calculated at a specified rate, and costs, including a reasonable attorney's fee, if such claim results from conduct that is within the scope of a notification that has been filed under this Act for an FMN and is filed after such notification becomes effective. Specifies that interest shall be awarded on the damages involved for the period between the date of injury and the date of judgment, unless the court finds that such award is unjust under the circumstances. Limits recovery under this Act if the challenged conduct of a person defending against a claim is not in violation of any decree or order entered or issued after the effective date of this Act. Provides for the award of costs and attorney's fees. Establishes procedures for the filing of a notice with the Attorney G… | 2025-08-28T20:07:47Z | |
| 100-s-2881 | 100 | s | 2881 | A bill to amend the copyright laws to permit the unlicensed viewing of videos under certain conditions. | Commerce | 1988-10-12 | 1988-10-12 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Roth Jr., William V. [R-DE] | DE | R | R000460 | 0 | Amends Federal copyright law to provide that the performance or display of a work by means of a video cassette recorder and television set of a kind commonly used in private homes is not an infringement of copyright if: (1) the display occurs in a health-care (or health-related) facility; (2) no charge is made for such display; and (3) the display is not further transmitted to the public. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 100-s-2877 | 100 | s | 2877 | Business Incubator Review Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-10-07 | 1988-10-07 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs. | Senate | Sen. Bingaman, Jeff [D-NM] | NM | D | B000468 | 1 | Business Incubator Review Act of 1988 - Declares it to be U.S. policy that the Federal Government should encourage the development and operation of business incubators as an economic development tool. Directs the President to create a Business Incubator Review Group, including certain cabinet officers and other appropriate individuals, to review Federal policies and programs relating to business incubators and to report to appropriate congressional committees describing current programs and recommending improvements and changes. Terminates the Group 30 days after submission of the required report. Directs Group members to review business development regulations promulgated by their respective agencies and to take action to assure that business incubators are eligible for relevant grants and loans. Instructs the Secretary of Commerce, through the Clearinghouse for State and Local Initiatives on Productivity, Technology, and Innovation, to study and report to appropriate congressional committees on business incubators, including descriptions of State and local programs. Authorizes appropriations for this undertaking. Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to assign to the Clearinghouse for State and Local Initiatives on Productivity, Technology, and Innovation the duty to collect information on Federal programs supporting business incubators and to assist and advise State and local governments with respect to such programs. | 2025-08-28T20:06:45Z | |
| 100-hr-5482 | 100 | hr | 5482 | A bill to amend the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to prohibit discrimination by creditors against members of the Armed Forces. | Commerce | 1988-10-06 | 1988-10-15 | Referred to Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs and Coinage. | House | Rep. Panetta, Leon [D-CA-16] | CA | D | P000047 | 0 | Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act (title VII of which is the Equal Credit Opportunity Act) to prohibit discrimination by creditors on the basis of the grade of an applicant who is a member of the armed forces. | 2024-02-06T19:38:08Z | |
| 100-hres-579 | 100 | hres | 579 | A resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to the protection provided by the Clayton Act and the Robinson-Patman Antidiscrimination Act against price discrimination by wholesale suppliers of products. | Commerce | 1988-10-06 | 1988-10-12 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Ford, Harold E. [D-TN-9] | TN | D | F000261 | 0 | Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Clayton Act and the Robinson-Patman Antidiscrimination Act protect a distributor of products against unfair price discrimination by its supplier through the sale of products at a lower price to another person in another market with knowledge that such products will be resold in the distributor's market. | 2021-06-10T20:24:21Z | |
| 100-hr-5409 | 100 | hr | 5409 | Alcoholic Beverage Labeling Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-09-28 | 1988-10-24 | Referred to Subcommittee on Health and the Environment. | House | Rep. Conyers, John, Jr. [D-MI-1] | MI | D | C000714 | 51 | Alcoholic Beverage Labeling Act of 1988 - Prohibits manufacturing, importing, or bottling for sale or distribution in the United States any alcoholic beverage unless its container bears a Government warning statement that: (1) according to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcohol during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects; and (2) consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs the ability to drive a car or operate machinery and may cause other health problems. Sets forth location and type size requirements for such statement. Makes such requirement inapplicable to alcoholic beverages for export from the United States or for delivery to a vessel or aircraft as supplier for consumption beyond the jurisdiction of U.S. internal revenue laws. Applies such requirement to those for sale, distribution, or shipment to members or units of the armed forces, including those located outside the United States. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury (the Secretary) to compromise, modify, or remit, with or without conditions, any such penalty. Vests jurisdiction to issue injunctions against such violations in U.S. district courts, upon application of the Attorney General acting through U.S. attorneys. Prohibits State law from requiring any alcohol and health statement, other than that required by this Act or other Federal law on any container of an alcoholic beverage, or any other package containing such container. Directs the Secretary to report promptly to the Congress any recommendations for amendments to this Act that are appropriate and in the public interest, upon finding that available scientific information would justify a change in, addition to, or deletion of all or part of such a statement after an appropriate investigation and consultation with the Surgeon General carried out after 24 months after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations regarding implementation of this Act. | 2025-08-28T20:08:21Z | |
| 100-hr-5414 | 100 | hr | 5414 | A bill to amend the Small Business Act to lower the interest rate on disaster loans made to small agricultural cooperatives. | Commerce | 1988-09-28 | 1988-09-28 | Referred to House Committee on Small Business. | House | Rep. Jontz, Jim [D-IN-5] | IN | D | J000265 | 7 | Amends the Small Business Act to apply the same interest rate ceilings in connection with disaster loans to both small business concerns and small agricultural cooperatives unable to obtain credit elsewhere (thus lowering the current interest rate on disaster loans to such cooperatives). | 2024-02-07T15:46:26Z | |
| 100-hr-5419 | 100 | hr | 5419 | Television Self-Regulation Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-09-28 | 1988-10-24 | Referred to Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance. | House | Rep. Tauke, Thomas Joseph [R-IA-2] | IA | R | T000053 | 0 | Television Self-Regulation Act of 1988 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to exempt from Federal antitrust laws any joint discussion or agreement by or among persons in the television industry for the limited purpose of developing standards designed to promote creative television programming and honest, responsible television advertising. Authorizes the Federal Communications Commission to consider, in the context of television broadcast license renewals, compliance with any voluntary guidelines resulting from such discussions. | 2025-08-28T20:07:15Z | |
| 100-s-2842 | 100 | s | 2842 | A bill to amend the Small Business Act to make non-profit organizations eligible for disaster loans at the same rate of interest as for-profit entities. | Commerce | 1988-09-28 | 1988-09-28 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business. | Senate | Sen. Boschwitz, Rudy [R-MN] | MN | R | B000647 | 0 | Amends the Small Business Act to apply the same interest rate ceilings in connection with disaster loans to both non-profit and for-profit small business concerns unable to obtain credit elsewhere. | 2025-01-14T17:16:56Z | |
| 100-s-2836 | 100 | s | 2836 | Delta Development Act | Commerce | 1988-09-27 | 1988-09-27 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. Bumpers, Dale [D-AR] | AR | D | B001057 | 16 | Delta Development Act - Establishes the Lower Mississippi Delta Development Commission to study and make recommendations concerning the economic needs and economic development of the Lower Mississippi Delta, defined to include areas in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Directs the Commission, among other things, to: (1) study the projected ten-year economic needs of the region; (2) review existing Federal, State, local, and private programs for business development and financing; (3) develop inventories of the region's business resources and natural resources; (4) study the role of small business in creating jobs in the region; and (5) make recommendations to the Congress regarding tax policies, business development programs, investment incentives, infrastructure development, and a number of other economic development issues. Requires the Commission to submit: (1) an interim report on its activities to specified congressional leadership, the President, and the Governors of the affected States, within nine months of its first meeting; and (2) its final report of required findings and recommendations to these same parties, within 18 months of the same meeting. Terminates the Commission 120 days after submission of its final report. Authorizes FY 1989 and 1990 appropriations. | 2025-08-28T20:07:55Z | |
| 100-hr-5378 | 100 | hr | 5378 | Lower Mississippi Delta Development Act | Commerce | 1988-09-26 | 1988-10-15 | Referred to Subcommittee on Economic Stabilization. | House | Rep. Whitten, Jamie L. [D-MS-1] | MS | D | W000428 | 3 | Lower Mississippi Delta Development Act - Establishes the Lower Mississippi Delta Development Commission to study and make recommendations concerning the economic needs and economic development of the Lower Mississippi Delta, defined to include areas in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Directs the Commission, among other things, to: (1) study the projected ten-year economic needs of the region; (2) review existing Federal, State, local, and private programs for business development and financing; (3) develop inventories of the region's business resources and natural resources; (4) study the role of small business in creating jobs in the region; and (5) make recommendations to the Congress regarding tax policies, business development programs, investment incentives, infrastructure development, and a number of other economic development issues. Requires the Commission to submit: (1) an interim report within nine months of its first meeting on its activities to specified congressional leadership, the President, and the Governors of the affected States; and (2) its final report of required findings and recommendations to these same parties, within 18 months of the same meeting. Terminates the Commission 120 days after submission of its final report. Authorizes FY 1989 and 1990 appropriations. | 2025-08-28T20:07:32Z | |
| 100-hr-5372 | 100 | hr | 5372 | Trademark Law Revision Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-09-23 | 1988-10-03 | Placed on Union Calendar No: 607. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | Trademark Law Revision Act of 1988 - Amends the Lanham Act to permit a person who has a bona fide intention to use a trademark in commerce to apply to register the trademark. (Current law provides only for registration of a trademark already in use in commerce.) Requires that such trademark actually be used in commerce before it becomes a registered trademark. States that an application on an intent-to-use basis constitutes constructive use of the mark which must be resolved either through ultimate registration or other disposition before a later application for the same mark may be registered. Sets forth a filing schedule under which applicants must submit a verified statement of use regarding the mark's initial use in commerce and the goods or services with which it shall be connected. Provides for the examination of applications for registration submitted on the basis of intent-to-use. Sets forth procedures for such applications. Permits concurrent registrations by consent regardless of filing dates. Modifies the time period within which proof of a mark's distinctiveness may be offered. Eliminates the separate register for service marks. Eliminates the separate register for collective and certification marks, permitting the use of the former to indicate that their owners perform the connected service or sell the goods associated with such marks. States that when the first use of a mark is made by a related company (a licensee), then that use will inure to the benefit of the applicant or registrant. Provides that the filing of an application to register a mark on the principal register constitutes constructive use of such mark (thus conferring a nationwide right of priority subject to certain exceptions). Prohibits issuance of a certificate of registration to a related company of the applicant under certain circumstances. Halves the terms of registration and renewal to ten years each. Prohibits the assignment of an intent-to-use application prior to registration unless such application is assigned to the app… | 2025-08-28T20:07:26Z | |
| 100-hr-5310 | 100 | hr | 5310 | Truth in Auto Rental Act | Commerce | 1988-09-15 | 1988-09-26 | Referred to Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Competitiveness. | House | Rep. Dymally, Mervyn M. [D-CA-31] | CA | D | D000592 | 0 | Truth in Auto Rental Act - Requires commercial lessors of automobiles to disclose fully in the rental agreement each charge attached to the rental of the automobile and the total charge for the rental and to disclose such total cost prominently in any advertisement. Prohibits such lessors from charging an amount in excess of that stated in the rental agreement or the advertisement. Requires such lessors to arrange insurance for the automobile so that the lessee will not be subject to any liability for damage to the automobile beyond a reasonable deductible fee. Sets forth enforcement provisions covering: (1) private civil actions; (2) civil penalties; and (3) injunctive actions by, and investigative and subpoena authority of, the Secretary of Commerce. | 2025-08-28T20:09:04Z | |
| 100-hr-5312 | 100 | hr | 5312 | A bill to amend the Lanham Act to prevent the admission into the United States of articles of imported merchandise that are labeled with the name of a foreign country in contravention of the law of the country. | Commerce | 1988-09-15 | 1988-09-20 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-NY-18] | NY | D | G000047 | 0 | Amends Federal law prohibiting the importation of trademark-infringing goods to proscribe the importation of goods bearing the name of a foreign country or locality whose laws forbid that its name be used in such a manner. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 100-hr-5313 | 100 | hr | 5313 | A bill to amend the Lanham Act to limit the defense against trademark infringement relating to geographic origin. | Commerce | 1988-09-15 | 1988-09-19 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-NY-18] | NY | D | G000047 | 0 | Amends Federal trademark law to limit the defense against trademark infringement relating to geographic origin to a defense on the ground that the allegedly infringing use is of a name, term, or device fairly used only to describe a country of origin. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 100-hr-5283 | 100 | hr | 5283 | Lower Mississippi Delta Development Act | Commerce | 1988-09-13 | 1988-10-01 | See H.R.4784. | House | Rep. Oakar, Mary Rose [D-OH-20] | OH | D | O000001 | 2 | Lower Mississippi Delta Development Act - Establishes the Lower Mississippi Delta Development Commission to study and make recommendations concerning the economic needs and economic development of the Lower Mississippi Delta, defined to include areas in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Directs the Commission, among other things, to: (1) study the projected ten-year economic needs of the region; (2) review existing Federal, State, local, and private programs for business development and financing; (3) develop inventories of the region's business resources and natural resources; and (4) make recommendations to the Congress regarding tax policies, business development programs, investment incentives, infrastructure development, and a number of other economic development issues. Requires the Commission to submit: (1) an interim report on its activities to specified congressional leadership and to the Governors of the affected States, within nine months of this Act's enactment; and (2) its final report of required findings and recommendations to specified congressional leadership, the President, and the Governors of the affected States, within 18 months after enactment. Terminates the Commission not later than 90 days after submission of its final report. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-28T20:06:05Z | |
| 100-s-2735 | 100 | s | 2735 | Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-08-11 | 1988-08-11 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business. | Senate | Sen. Mikulski, Barbara A. [D-MD] | MD | D | M000702 | 0 | Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 - Title I: Congressional Findings and Purposes - Sets forth congressional findings and purposes with respect to small businesses owned and controlled by women. Title II: Demonstration Projects - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide financial assistance to private organizations to conduct demonstration projects giving financial, management, and marketing assistance to small businesses, including start-up businesses, owned and controlled by women. Describes application criteria. Requires the SBA to report to the congressional Small Business Committees on the projects. Terminates authority for this pilot program on October 1, 1991. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Procurement Assistance - Amends the Small Business Act to include small business concerns owned and operated by women as a discrete group for purposes of Government contracts and subcontracts and procurement programs. (Current law governing these programs refers only to small business concerns and small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals as groups targeted for assistance.) Instructs the Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization of each Federal agency to designate a Women-in-Business Specialist to be responsible for programs designed to assist concerns owned and controlled by women. Directs Federal agencies, in their procurement activities, to engage in affirmative action to identify and solicit offers from small businesses owned and controlled by either women or socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Title IV: Access to Capital - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to prohibit the Federal Reserve Board, except under limited circumstances, from exempting from such Act's provisions any class of transactions that are primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, or business or commercial loans made available by a financial institution. Limits to five years … | 2025-08-28T20:06:03Z | |
| 100-s-2744 | 100 | s | 2744 | A bill 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 | 1988-08-11 | 1988-08-22 | Referred to Subcommittee on Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks. | Senate | Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ] | AZ | D | D000185 | 1 | Amends Federal law regarding extensions of pharmaceutical patent terms to permit a separate extension for a product subject to a regulatory review period before it is put into commerce if the patent claim covers more than one: (1) product; (2) method of product use; or (3) product manufacturing method. Precludes the use of such extensions for a product other than the one for which the extension is sought. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 100-s-2727 | 100 | s | 2727 | Computer Software Rental Amendments Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-08-10 | 1988-08-22 | Referred to Subcommittee on Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 0 | Computer Software Rental Amendments Act of 1988 - Amends Federal copyright law to prohibit the person in possession of a computer software program from renting, leasing, or lending it for direct or indirect commercial advantage unless authorized to do so by the copyright owner (or licensee). Subjects a violator of this Act to specified remedies as an infringer of copyright. | 2025-08-28T20:06:34Z | |
| 100-hr-5189 | 100 | hr | 5189 | A bill to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to make grants to eligible small businesses to facilitate their participation in mobile trade fairs. | Commerce | 1988-08-09 | 1988-10-14 | Referred to Subcommittee on Exports, Tourism and Special Problems. | House | Rep. Young, Don [R-AK-At Large] | AK | R | Y000033 | 0 | Authorizes the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to make grants to small business concerns for up to $1,000 (but not more than one-half) of mobile trade fair participation costs. Permits grants only to businesses that export not more than one-half of one percent of their annual output of goods and services. Restricts a business to one grant in each of three consecutive years. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress describing activities under this Act. | 2024-02-07T15:46:26Z | |
| 100-hr-5177 | 100 | hr | 5177 | A bill to amend title 17, United States Code, relating to remedies in copyright infringement actions. | Commerce | 1988-08-08 | 1988-08-15 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Berman, Howard L. [D-CA-26] | CA | D | B000410 | 3 | Amends Federal copyright law to double the statutory damages in infringement actions. Sets forth circumstances under which a court is authorized to award attorney's fees to the prevailing party in an infringement action. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 100-hr-5109 | 100 | hr | 5109 | Mortgage Servicing Transfer Disclosure Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-07-28 | 1988-07-28 | Referred to Subcommittee on Financial Institutions Supervision, Regulation and Insurance. | House | Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-32] | NY | D | L000556 | 0 | Mortgage Servicing Transfer Disclosure Act of 1988 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require any person who makes federally related mortgage loans to disclose to each applicant for any such loan: (1) whether the servicing of such loan may be transferred while such loan is outstanding; (2) if the recent practice has been to transfer the servicing of a substantial number of federally related mortgage loans; and (3) whether it is probable that the servicing of such a loan will be transferred while such loan is outstanding. Specifies that no such disclosure shall be effective unless accompanied by a written statement, signed by the applicant, that the applicant has read and understood such disclosure. Requires any person transferring the servicing of a federally related mortgage loan to notify the borrower at the time of such transfer. Specifies the form and content of such notice. Requires the transferee of such loan servicing to give similar notice to the borrower. Provides that no loan payments made during the 60-day period following such a transfer shall be treated as late and no late fee shall be imposed if the loan payment is made by the borrower on or before the due date but is remitted to the wrong servicer. Requires any servicer of a federally related mortgage loan to respond in writing to any written request by the borrower for information relating to the servicing of such loan within 20 days of the receipt of such request. Provides that if the terms of any federally related mortgage loan require the borrower to make payments to the servicer of such loan for deposit into an escrow account for the payment of property taxes and insurance, then the servicer shall: (1) make the payments for such taxes and insurance in a timely manner; and (2) notify the borrower of any shortage of funds in the escrow account. Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study of the impact on consumers of the present and past practices of banks and thrift institutions and their mortgage subsidiaries… | 2025-08-28T20:05:27Z | |
| 100-hr-5111 | 100 | hr | 5111 | Mortgage Servicing Transfer Disclosure Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-07-28 | 1988-07-28 | Referred to Subcommittee on Financial Institutions Supervision, Regulation and Insurance. | House | Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-32] | NY | D | L000556 | 0 | Mortgage Servicing Transfer Disclosure Act of 1988 - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to require any person who makes federally related mortgage loans to disclose to each applicant for any such loan: (1) whether the servicing of such loan may be transferred while such loan is outstanding; (2) if the recent practice has been to transfer the servicing of a substantial number of federally related mortgage loans; and (3) whether it is probable that the servicing of such a loan will be transferred while such loan is outstanding. Specifies that no such disclosure shall be effective unless accompanied by a written statement, signed by the applicant, that the applicant has read and understood such disclosure. Requires any person transferring the servicing of a federally related mortgage loan to notify the borrower at the time of such transfer. Specifies the form and content of such notice. Requires the transferee of such loan servicing to give similar notice to the borrower. Provides that no loan payments made during the 60-day period following such a transfer shall be treated as late and no late fee shall be imposed if the loan payment is made by the borrower on or before the due date but is remitted to the wrong servicer. Requires any servicer of a federally related mortgage loan to respond in writing to any written request by the borrower for information relating to the servicing of such loan within 20 days of the receipt of such request. Provides that if the terms of any federally related mortgage loan require the borrower to make payments to the servicer of such loan for deposit into an escrow account for the payment of property taxes and insurance, then the servicer shall: (1) make the payments for such taxes and insurance in a timely manner; and (2) notify the borrower of any shortage of funds in the escrow account. Imposes civil liability for failure to comply with the requirements of this Act. Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study of the impact on co… | 2025-08-28T20:07:21Z | |
| 100-hr-5113 | 100 | hr | 5113 | Cigarette Restrictions Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-07-28 | 1988-08-08 | Referred to Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Hazardous Materials. | House | Rep. Luken, Thomas A. [D-OH-1] | OH | D | L000508 | 9 | Cigarette Restrictions Act of 1988 - Declares that consumer sales promotion of tobacco products is an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to issue regulations defining such unlawful acts or practices. Prohibits the sale of tobacco products unless sold over the counter in an establishment in which is posted a sign stating the sale of cigarettes to minors is strictly prohibited. Repeals provisions of the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act exempting cigarettes manufactured, imported, or packaged for export from the requirements of such Act. Requires the FTC to conduct a continuing study of the constituents of tobacco smoke, including: (1) random testing of cigarettes to determine the amounts of tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other constituents; and (2) an analysis of the levels of cigarette smoke constituents when people change their smoking behavior to compensate for lower levels of nicotine. Directs the FTC to: (1) arrange for a laboratory of the Government or a private, non-profit laboratory with no connection to a tobacco company to conduct the study; (2) as a condition to the arrangement, require such laboratory to conduct similar studies for private non-profit groups; and (3) report annually to the Congress on the results. Declares that State tort systems should be allowed to treat cigarettes like any other product even though warning labels are required and States are prohibited from requiring additional warning labels. Provides that States are not prevented from regulating the sales, distribution, or promotion of cigarettes. Requires cigarette packages to bear a warning label stating that nicotine in cigarettes is addictive, with specified format requirements, and in both English and the language of any country in which an exporter reasonably expects the cigarette to be sold. Makes this Act applicable with respect to cigarettes manufactured after one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. | 2025-08-28T20:04:58Z | |
| 100-hr-5050 | 100 | hr | 5050 | Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-07-14 | 1988-10-25 | Became Public Law No: 100-533. | House | Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-32] | NY | D | L000556 | 126 | (Measure passed Senate, amended) Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 - Title I: Congressional Findings and Purposes - Sets forth congressional findings and purposes with respect to small businesses owned and controlled by women. Title II: Demonstration Projects - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide financial assistance to private organizations to conduct demonstration projects giving financial, management, and marketing assistance to small businesses, including start-up businesses, owned and controlled by women. Describes application criteria. Requires the SBA to report to the congressional Small Business Committees on the projects. Terminates authority for this pilot program on October 1, 1991. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Access to Capital - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to permit the Federal Reserve Board to exempt from such Act's provisions any class of transactions that are primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, or business or commercial loans made available by a financial institution, but only after specific determinations are made. Limits to five years any exemption authorized under the circumstances specified in this Act, unless a subsequent determination is made that the exemption remains appropriate. Requires lenders to keep records relating to loans and to provide written notice to applicants of their right to receive notice of reasons for a loan denial. Authorizes the SBA to establish a certified loan program for lenders that display knowledge and proficiency with respect to SBA regulations and programs. Directs the SBA to encourage small business loans of $50,000 or less under both this new program and the preferred lenders program in FY 1989 through 1991 by permitting participating lenders to: (1) use their own forms without regard to SBA paperwork; and (2) retain one-half of the loan guarantee fee. Requires SBA reporting to specified congressional committees in connection with the certified loan prog… | 2024-02-07T15:46:26Z | |
| 100-hr-5051 | 100 | hr | 5051 | Fastener Quality Assurance Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-07-14 | 1988-08-09 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Dingell, John D. [D-MI-16] | MI | D | D000355 | 57 | Fastener Quality Assurance Act of 1988 - Defines "fastener" as a screw, nut, bolt, or stud having internal or external threads, or a washer commonly used to perform a load indicating or bearing stress distribution function, with a diameter of one-quarter inch or more and containing any steel. Prohibits the offering for sale or sale in interstate commerce of any fastener unless it bears a specified insignia and is part of a lot which: (1) conforms to standards and specifications represented by the manufacturer or ordered by the purchaser; and (2) has been inspected, tested, and certified according to this Act. Requires manufacturers to have a fastener lot sample inspected by a laboratory accredited under an approved system (including one owned or affiliated with the manufacturer if it is so accredited). Sets forth requirements governing sample size. Authorizes the laboratory, upon determination of conformance with the appropriate standards and specifications, to provide the manufacturer certificates with respect to such lot. Sets forth requirements for such certificates, the form of which is to be prescribed by the Secretary of Commerce (the Secretary) within 180 days after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary, also within such 180-day period, to issue regulations to establish a program for approval of any system for the accreditation of laboratories engaged in such inspection and testing of fasteners, if such system demonstrates that it has adopted or otherwise adheres to the requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard. Directs the Secretary, if the responsible technical committee withdraws the ASTM Standard, to: (1) approve an alternative standard issued by the ASTM or another voluntary consensus standards organization; or (2) issue a standard which incorporates the ASTM Standard together with any necessary modifications. Directs the Secretary to approve or reapprove any system which demonstrates that it has adopted or otherwise adheres to such a new standard. Pro… | 2025-08-28T20:05:07Z | |
| 100-hr-5067 | 100 | hr | 5067 | Mortgage Servicing Transfer Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-07-14 | 1988-08-01 | Referred to Subcommittee on Housing and Community Development. | House | Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-32] | NY | D | L000556 | 0 | Mortgage Servicing Transfer Act of 1988 - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to require any person who makes federally related mortgage loans to disclose to each applicant for any such loan: (1) whether the servicing of such loan may be transferred while such loan is outstanding; and (2) if the recent practice has been to transfer the servicing of a substantial number of federally related mortgage loans, that it is likely that the servicing of such loan will be transferred. Prohibits the transfer of the servicing of any federally related mortgage loans unless the borrower has consented to such a transfer pursuant to a specific provision in the loan agreement. Prohibits the denial of a federally related mortgage loan because of an applicant's refusal to consent to any transfer of the servicing of such a mortgage loan. Requires any person transferring the servicing of a federally related mortgage loan to notify the borrower of such a transfer at the time of such transfer. Requires the transferee of such loan servicing to give similar notice to the borrower. Provides that no loan payments made during the 60-day period following such a transfer shall be treated as late and no late fee shall be imposed if the loan payment is made by the borrower on or before the due date but is remitted to the wrong servicer. Requires any servicer of a federally related mortgage loan to respond in writing to any written request by the borrower for information relating to the servicing of such loan within 20 days of the receipt of such request. Requires the continuation of any mortgage insurance which is in effect before such a transfer of the servicing of any federally related mortgage loan. Provides that if the terms of any federally related mortgage loan require the borrower to make payments to the servicer of such loan for deposit into an escrow account for the payment of property taxes and insurance, then the servicer shall: (1) make the payments for such taxes and insurance from the escrow account in a t… | 2025-08-28T20:08:44Z | |
| 100-s-2623 | 100 | s | 2623 | A bill to amend the Small Business Act to clarify the Administrator's authority to make economic injury disaster loans in case of drought. | Commerce | 1988-07-08 | 1988-07-08 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business. | Senate | Sen. Boschwitz, Rudy [R-MN] | MN | R | B000647 | 15 | Amends the Small Business Act to treat droughts as disasters for purposes of the economic injury disaster loan program. | 2025-01-14T17:16:56Z | |
| 100-s-2624 | 100 | s | 2624 | A bill to amend the Small Business Act to provide simplification of forms to encourage certified and preferred lenders to provide loans of $50,000 or less, and for other purposes. | Commerce | 1988-07-08 | 1988-07-08 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business. | Senate | Sen. Boschwitz, Rudy [R-MN] | MN | R | B000647 | 0 | Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a certified loan program for lenders that display knowledge and proficiency with respect to SBA regulations and programs. Directs the SBA to encourage small business loans of $50,000 or less under both this new program and the preferred lenders program in FY 1989 and 1990 by permitting participating lenders to use their own forms without regard to SBA paperwork. | 2025-01-14T17:16:56Z | |
| 100-s-2619 | 100 | s | 2619 | Small Business Administration Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-07-07 | 1988-07-14 | Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent. | Senate | Sen. Bumpers, Dale [D-AR] | AR | D | B001057 | 0 | (Measure indefinitely postponed in Senate, H.R. 4174 passed in lieu) Small Business Administration Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 1988 - Title I: General Reauthorization Provisions - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize FY 1989 Small Business Administration (SBA) program levels and appropriations for loans to finance small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion. Authorizes specific amounts for: (1) handicapped persons and organizations for the handicapped; (2) small businesses either located in urban or rural areas with high unemployment and low income or owned by low-income individuals; and (3) disabled veterans and Vietnam veterans. Authorizes FY 1989 program levels and appropriations for deferred participation loans and debenture guarantees for small business development companies. Authorizes specific amounts for: (1) handicapped persons and organizations for the handicapped; (2) small businesses either located in urban or rural areas with high unemployment and low income or owned by low-income individuals; (3) guarantees of debentures of State and local development companies; and (4) loans to finance the planning, design, or installation of pollution control facilities. Authorizes program levels for FY 1989 under specified provisions of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 for: (1) direct purchases and guarantees of debentures and purchases of preferred securities of small business investment companies; and (2) surety bond guarantees. Authorizes FY 1989 appropriations for SBA salaries and expenses and for disaster loans to small businesses. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (SBIA) to subject small business investment companies to biennial rather than annual examination. Provides for waiver of the examination for one year under specified circumstances. Directs the SBA to issue at least quarterly guarantees of small business investment company debentures and trust certificates. Amends the SBIA to permit a waiver of certain ownership requirement… | 2025-08-28T20:05:23Z | |
| 100-hr-4980 | 100 | hr | 4980 | A bill to authorize Small Business Administration disaster assistance to concerns affected by the 1988 drought, and for other purposes. | Commerce | 1988-07-06 | 1988-10-14 | Referred to Subcommittee on SBA, and the General Economy. | House | Rep. Smith, Neal Edward [D-IA-4] | IA | D | S000596 | 0 | Directs the Small Business Administration to make disaster loans available to businesses and agricultural concerns located in areas affected by the 1988 drought that the President or the Secretary of Agriculture has declared to be disaster areas. Prescribes special rules to govern the loans, including a provision mandating that the loan's maturity be determined solely by the borrower's ability to repay the loan from earnings. | 2024-02-07T15:46:26Z | |
| 100-hr-4970 | 100 | hr | 4970 | Transgenic Animal Patent Reform Act | Commerce | 1988-06-30 | 1988-09-26 | Referred to Subcommittee on Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | (Measure passed House, amended) Transgenic Animal Patent Reform Act - Amends Federal patent law to declare that it shall not be an act of infringement for a person whose occupation is farming to: (1) reproduce a patented transgenic farm animal through breeding; (2) use it in the farming operation; or (3) sell it or its offspring. Declares that it is an act of infringement for a person to sell the germ cells, semen, or embryos of a patented transgenic farm animal. Authorizes the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to accept a deposit of biological material to satisfy patent application requirements. Declares that human beings are not patentable subject matter. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 100-hr-4972 | 100 | hr | 4972 | A bill to authorize appropriations for the Patent and Trademark Office in the Department of Commerce, and for other purposes. | Commerce | 1988-06-30 | 1988-11-19 | Became Public Law No: 100-703. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 1 | (House agreed to Senate amendments with amendments) Title I: Patent and Trademark Office Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations to the Patent and Trademark Office for FY 1989 through 1991. Prohibits the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks from increasing or establishing additional patent and trademark fees during FY 1989 through 1991. Allows cost-of-living adjustments according to the Consumer Price Index. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report to the Congress regarding patent and trademark fee expenditures and collections, budget plans, and surplus fees. Repeals the prohibition against the imposition of a fee for the use of public patent and trademark search rooms and libraries. Directs the Commissioner to make U.S. patent and trademark information (and foreign patent documents) available for public search and retrieval. Prohibits the Commissioner from imposing fees for the use of such collections or for the use of public patent trademark search rooms or libraries. Authorizes the Commissioner to establish fees for public access to automated search systems of the Patent and Trademark Office. Provides for a limited amount of free access to all users of such systems for education and training purposes. Authorizes the Commissioner to waive fee payments by individuals upon a show of need or hardship if such waiver is in the public interest. Authorizes the Patent and Trademark Office to use fee revenues for its activities. Prohibits the Commissioner from: (1) entering during FY 1989 through 1991 into any agreement for the exchange of items or services related to automatic data processing resources; or (2) continuing existing agreements for such exchange after the date of enactment of this Act, except an agreement with a foreign government or an international intergovernmental organization. Title II: Patent Misuse Reform - Amends Federal patent law to permit a patent holder to: (1) refuse to license or use any rights to a patent; or (2) condition the license of any rights to the patent or its sale on … | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 100-s-2599 | 100 | s | 2599 | All-Terrain Vehicle Consumer Protection Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-06-29 | 1988-06-29 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce. | Senate | Sen. Gore, Albert, Jr. [D-TN] | TN | D | G000321 | 2 | All-Terrain Vehicle Consumer Protection Act of 1988 - Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (the Commission) to complete rulemaking proceedings regarding all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in order to promote public safety. Directs the Commission, within 60 days after enactment of this Act, to complete a rulemaking proceeding which prohibits the manufacture for sale, offer for sale, distribution in commerce, or importation into the United States by any manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of any three-wheel ATV (the prohibition). Requires the prohibition unless the Commission finds that the design and performance characteristics of such ATVs, without regard to any potential benefits to be derived from available notice and training, do not present an unreasonable risk of death and injury. Directs the Commission, if it determines not to promulgate a final rule under these requirements, to terminate the rulemaking proceeding and publish the determination and relevant information. Establishes the prohibition, if the Commission does not complete the rulemaking proceeding within the required time period, until such proceeding is completed. Directs the Commission, within 120 days after the enactment of this Act, to promulgate a final rule under which any person may return, for a refund from the distributor, any three-wheel ATV or any ATV designated, marketed, or purchased for use by children under the age of 16. Requires such refund rule unless the Commission finds that such a refund could not reduce the risk of death and injury associated with such ATVs. Requires such refund rule to provide: (1) procedures for notice of availability of the refund by distributors; (2) procedures for return at no expense to the purchase; (3) reasonable refund of purchase price, adjusted for vehicle age and condition; and (4) information required to demonstrate eligibility. Makes such returned ATVs subject to the prohibition. Directs the Commission, if it determines not to promulgate such final rule, to terminate the proceeding … | 2025-08-28T20:06:32Z | |
| 100-hr-4897 | 100 | hr | 4897 | Film Disclosure and Preservation Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-06-22 | 1988-06-29 | Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 4 | Film Disclosure and Preservation Act of 1988 - Amends Federal copyright law to mandate the conspicuous disclosure at each public exhibition of a materially altered film (including colorized film and any promotional or rental activity relating to it): (1) that it has been materially altered from the form in which it was first released to the public; (2) the nature of such alteration; and (3) any objection raised by an aggrieved party to such alteration. Requires any person who proposes to exploit a materially altered film to notify specified persons by registered mail of such intent. Permits statutory and punitive damages, including attorney's fees, to a party aggrieved by violations of the notice and disclosure requirements. Preempts State laws respecting the material alteration of films. Establishes the National Film Preservation Commission to: (1) determine methods to encourage the restoration and preservation of films; (2) report annually to the Congress regarding the efficacy of the disclosure requirements under this Act; and (3) report to the Congress whether categories of audiovisual works other than films should be brought within the scope of such disclosure requirements. | 2025-08-28T20:05:59Z | |
| 100-hr-4863 | 100 | hr | 4863 | A bill to amend Section 9 of the Small Business Act. | Commerce | 1988-06-20 | 1988-06-20 | Referred to House Committee on Small Business. | House | Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-32] | NY | D | L000556 | 3 | Amends the Small Business Act to: (1) lower from $10,000,000,000 to $20,000,000 the extramural research and development budget threshold that determines which agencies must establish a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program; and (2) increase to an absolute maximum of three percent the required percentage of an agency's extramural research and development budget funds devoted to its SBIR program. Makes the SBIR program permanent by repealing a provision of the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 that terminates authority for the program on October 1, 1993. | 2024-02-07T15:46:26Z | |
| 100-hr-4847 | 100 | hr | 4847 | A bill to amend the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to require the labeling of chronically hazardous art materials and for other purposes. | Commerce | 1988-06-16 | 1988-11-18 | Became Public Law No: 100-695. | House | Rep. Dwyer, Bernard J. [D-NJ-6] | NJ | D | D000586 | 26 | Amends the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to make the art materials labeling requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials effective as a regulation of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Requires manufacturers or repackagers of such materials to provide the Commission with the criteria used to determine whether or not such materials could cause chronic adverse health effects along with a list of materials that require hazard warning labels. Requires updates and revisions in labeling and standards as necessary. Directs the Commission to issue guidelines specifying criteria for determining when customary or foreseeable uses of such materials could result in a chronic hazard. Requires the Commission to review and amend such guidelines as appropriate. Directs the Commission to develop informational and educational materials about art materials and to distribute such materials to interested persons. | 2024-02-05T14:30:09Z | |
| 100-s-2525 | 100 | s | 2525 | A bill to amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to allow certain actions by State attorneys general. | Commerce | 1988-06-16 | 1988-06-16 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce. | Senate | Sen. Metzenbaum, Howard M. [D-OH] | OH | D | M000678 | 2 | Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act (the Act) to authorize State attorneys general to enforce prohibitions against unfair or deceptive practices in commerce under the Act. Authorizes any State attorney general to bring a civil action in the name of the State, in any U.S. district court having jurisdiction of the defendant, to secure specified relief for any violation of any provision of the Act, or any order issued or rule promulgated under it, respecting unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce. Requires a State attorney general, in order to bring such action, to allege that such acts or practices affect or may affect the State or its residents. Requires that the Federal Trade commission (FTC) and attorneys general of other States be notified of the commencement of such action: (1) at least 30 days before it is to be commenced; or (2) as early as practicable if the State attorney general commencing the action alleges that the harm to the public is ongoing or may recur, and petitions the court for temporary or preliminary relief from such harm. Authorizes the Commission by its own attorneys to intervene in any such action. Authorizes the attorney general of any other State to intervene in such an action if the State or its residents are or may be affected by the acts or practices about which the action is brought. Authorizes the court in such an action to: (1) impose a civil penalty as if the action were brought by the FTC or the U.S. Attorney General; (2) grant mandamus injunctions and further appropriate equitable relief; and (3) grant relief to redress injury to consumers or others resulting from such violations. Allows all such forms of penalties and relief to include: (1) relief relating to persons outside the State; and (2) relief applicable to conduct outside the State of any attorney general who is a party to the action. Authorizes a State attorney general to petition any court with jurisdiction of a person subject to such a court order to enforce it with respect to such per… | 2025-01-14T18:51:33Z | |
| 100-hr-4793 | 100 | hr | 4793 | A bill to amend the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to require that cigarettes and cigarette advertising bear a label stating the addictive quality of nicotine. | Commerce | 1988-06-10 | 1988-07-05 | Referred to Subcommittee on Health and the Environment. | House | Rep. Slattery, Jim [D-KS-2] | KS | D | S000477 | 68 | Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to require manufacturers and importers of cigarettes to place warnings on packages and in advertisements that the nicotine in cigarettes is an addictive drug. | 2024-02-05T14:30:09Z | |
| 100-hr-4732 | 100 | hr | 4732 | Toy Gun Safety and Child Protection Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-06-02 | 1988-08-11 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Levine, Mel [D-CA-27] | CA | D | L000264 | 11 | Toy Gun Safety and Child Protection Act of 1988 - Bans from commerce any toy which is sold as a replica of a gun and which is not designed to function as a gun (by requiring that such a toy be considered a banned hazardous product subject to the Consumer Product Safety Act). (Deems a toy a replica of a gun if it is substantially similar to the shape and size of a gun manufactured after 1898.) Makes such ban effective on the earlier of: (1) the expiration of 180 days after enactment of this Act; or (2) the effective date of Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations to implement such ban. Directs the Commission, in developing such regulations, to establish a task force on toy gun safety. Requires such task force to include representatives of law enforcement agencies, toy manufacturers, and consumer organizations. | 2025-08-28T20:06:06Z | |
| 100-s-2402 | 100 | s | 2402 | A bill to amend the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to require manufacturers and importers of cigarettes to place warnings concerning the addictive nature of cigarettes on packages and in advertisements. | Commerce | 1988-05-16 | 1988-05-16 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce. | Senate | Sen. Bradley, Bill [D-NJ] | NJ | D | B001225 | 7 | Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to require manufacturers and importers of cigarettes to place warnings concerning the addictive nature of cigarettes on packages and in advertisements. | 2025-01-14T18:51:33Z | |
| 100-hr-4543 | 100 | hr | 4543 | Cigarette Testing and Liability Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-05-05 | 1988-06-08 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Luken, Thomas A. [D-OH-1] | OH | D | L000508 | 16 | Cigarette Testing and Liability Act of 1988 - Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to require the Federal Trade Commission to provide for a continuing study of the constituents of tobacco smoke, including: (1) random testing of cigarettes produced or sold in the United States to determine the amount of specified ingredients of the smoke of cigarettes; and (2) the levels of such ingredients when people change their smoking behavior to compensate for lower levels of nicotine. Directs the Commission to: (1) arrange for a laboratory of the Federal Government or a private, nonprofit laboratory with no connection to a tobacco company to conduct the study; (2) require, as a condition to the arrangement, that the laboratory conduct similar studies for private nonprofit groups; and (3) report annually to the Congress on the results of the study. Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to provide that compliance with cigarette labeling and advertising requirements does not relieve any person from liability under common law or State statutory law. | 2025-08-28T20:07:56Z | |
| 100-hr-4497 | 100 | hr | 4497 | Fire Safe Cigarette Implementation Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-04-29 | 1988-05-17 | Referred to Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Competitiveness. | House | Rep. Boucher, Rick [D-VA-9] | VA | D | B000657 | 25 | Fire Safe Cigarette Implementation Act of 1988 - Reestablishes the Interagency Committee on Cigarette and Little Cigar Fire Safety to oversee the work of the Implementation Task Force. Establishes an Implementation Task Force to continue the work specified by the Cigarette Safety Act of 1984, including: (1) development of a validated test method to determine the ignition propensity of cigarettes and little cigars when in contact with upholstered furniture or mattresses; (2) development of performance data for current cigarettes, using the validated test method, so as to compare future cigarette performance; (3) study and computer modeling of ignition physics relating to cigarettes, little cigars, soft furnishings, and fabrics; (4) collection of data regarding the characteristics of cigarettes and little cigars, products ignited, and smokers involved in smoking-related fires as well as changes in the composition of smoke from modified cigarettes and little cigars, and societal costs from smoking-related fire injuries; and (5) commercial feasibility and economic impact of cigarettes and little cigars having reduced ignition propensity. Protects the confidentiality of trade secrets and confidential information provided to the Interagency Committee or the Task Force. Sets forth reporting requirements. Terminates the Task Force within three years and three months of this Act's enactment. | 2025-08-28T20:06:12Z | |
| 100-hr-4486 | 100 | hr | 4486 | Toy Safety and Child Protection Act | Commerce | 1988-04-28 | 1988-05-09 | Referred to Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Competitiveness. | House | Rep. Gejdenson, Sam [D-CT-2] | CT | D | G000120 | 39 | Toy Safety and Child Protection Act - Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue a consumer product safety standard requiring cautionary labeling warning of any dangers to children of specific ages for any children's toy which: (1) is manufactured for sale, offered for sale, distributed in commerce, or imported into the United States; and (2) includes a small part, as defined by the Commission. Sets forth labeling requirements. Requires the Commission to establish such standard, and rules implementing the requirements of such standard, by January 1, 1989. | 2025-08-28T20:08:22Z | |
| 100-s-2347 | 100 | s | 2347 | A bill to declare certain activities of manufacturers of soft drinks to be unfair acts or practices for purposes of the Federal Trade Commission Act. | Commerce | 1988-04-28 | 1988-09-28 | Committee on Commerce; Subcommittee on Consumer. Hearings held. | Senate | Sen. Inouye, Daniel K. [D-HI] | HI | D | I000025 | 0 | Declares certain activities of soft drink manufacturers or distributors which induce retailers to purchase soft drink syrup from such entities to the exclusion of soft drink syrup sold by others to be an unfair act or practice for the purpose of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Includes providing soft drink dispensing equipment, money, or credit at below fair market value (or furnishing such equipment or money without compensation) as unfair inducements. | 2026-01-07T14:11:22Z | |
| 100-hr-4463 | 100 | hr | 4463 | Cooperative Child Care Act for Responsible Efforts | Commerce | 1988-04-26 | 1988-05-25 | Referred to Subcommittee on Human Resources. | House | Rep. Martin, Lynn M. [R-IL-16] | IL | R | M000195 | 40 | Cooperative Child Care Act for Responsible Efforts - Title I: Grants for Small Businesses - Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to make grants of up to $250,000 each to eligible applicants to provide employee child care. Sets out eligibility requirements. Limits the number of grants to eight each fiscal year, half of which must be made to businesses in metropolitan areas having populations of at least 500,000. Directs the Administrator to present an evaluation of the grant projects to specified congressional committees no later than March 31, 1992. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Tax Incentives for Small Businesses - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit small businesses a ten percent investment tax credit in connection with certain depreciable property used as part of an on-site child care facility owned and operated by the employer for the care of enrollees, at least 50 percent of whom must be dependents of the employer's employees. Provides for recapture of the credit amount if the facility ceases to be a qualified child care center. Limits eligibility for the credit to small businesses having average annual gross receipts of $5,000,000 or less for the preceding three-year period. Permits the same small businesses a ten percent tax credit for expenses paid or incurred to operate such a facility. Title III: National Advisory Commission on Public and Private Cooperative Child Care Efforts - Establishes the National Advisory Commission on Public and Private Cooperative Child Care Efforts to study and report to specified congressional committees and to persons appointing Commission members concerning ways to promote coordination between Federal programs and American businesses in providing quality child care to working parents. Terminates the Commission 30 days following the submission of its required report. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-28T20:08:10Z | |
| 100-s-2326 | 100 | s | 2326 | Consumer Fraud Prevention Act | Commerce | 1988-04-26 | 1988-09-13 | Subcommittee on Consumer. Hearings held. | Senate | Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ] | AZ | R | M000303 | 2 | Consumer Fraud Prevention Act - Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to make it unlawful to disseminate any false advertisement for the purpose of inducing the purchase of services. (Current law addresses only dissemination of false advertisements regarding products.) Permits courts to join parties having common interests in false advertising suits brought under such Act. Modifies the procedures for the service of process by the Federal Trade Commission in cases involving temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions. Permits the FTC to use subpoenas to obtain physical evidence. Directs the United States Postal Service to amend its regulations concerning mail covers to permit the FTC the same access now permitted other law enforcement agencies. Allows the FTC to gain access to the financial records of consumer fraud suspects, after first obtaining a court order, upon a showing that the funds which are the subject of the records are likely to be dissipated, removed, or destroyed, and are subject to seizure by reason of having been obtained in violation of law. Permits the FTC to appoint State attorneys general to enforce FTC rules. Requires the FTC to extend its mail order rule to telemarketing. Requires the FTC to consider including in such final rule a requirement that telemarketers inform consumers of their rights under the rule. Directs the FTC to conduct a study of the life-care industry and, if appropriate, initiate a trade regulation rule proceeding. | 2025-08-28T20:07:26Z | |
| 100-hr-4441 | 100 | hr | 4441 | A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require a health warning on the labels of bottles containing alcoholic beverages. | Commerce | 1988-04-21 | 1988-10-22 | See H.R.5210. | House | Rep. Conyers, John, Jr. [D-MI-1] | MI | D | C000714 | 53 | Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require one of several specified health warnings to appear on the labels of bottles containing alcoholic beverages. Specifies required contents, including warnings relating alcohol consumption to birth defects, impairment of driving ability, hypertension, liver disease, and possible addiction. Directs that each such warning: (1) be in a conspicuous and prominent place on the container; (2) be randomly displayed by a manufacturer or packager in as equal a number of times as is possible on each brand of the beverage; and (3) be randomly distributed in all parts of the United States where such brand is marketed. Exempts from the foregoing requirements alcoholic beverages sold or distributed for export or for consumption outside the United States, except those sold or distributed to members of the U.S. armed forces located outside of the United States. Provides that compliance with the warning label requirements of this Act does not exempt any person from any common law duty to warn. | 2024-02-05T14:30:09Z | |
| 100-hr-4429 | 100 | hr | 4429 | A bill to direct the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study to determine methods of enhancing interstate and foreign commerce in New York City and northern New Jersey. | Commerce | 1988-04-20 | 1988-09-06 | Field Hearings Held in New York, New York. | House | Rep. Guarini, Frank J. [D-NJ-14] | NJ | D | G000511 | 13 | Directs the Secretary of Commerce to study methods of enhancing interstate and foreign commerce in New York City and northern New Jersey. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a report summarizing the study and containing recommendations for promoting such commerce. | 2024-02-07T16:02:17Z | |
| 100-hr-4409 | 100 | hr | 4409 | Small Business Rural Economic Development Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-04-19 | 1988-04-19 | Referred to House Committee on Small Business. | House | Rep. Hatcher, Charles [D-GA-2] | GA | D | H000340 | 18 | Small Business Rural Economic Development Act of 1988 - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) increase the emphasis on rural economic needs and the promotion of the development company program in rural areas; and (2) develop a plan to increase procurement and export trade seminars there. Amends provisions relating to loans to State or local development companies for plant acquisition or expansion to: (1) permit up to 15 percent of any loan to be used for working capital if the small business being assisted is located in a rural area with an unemployment rate above the national average; and (2) permit the leasing of up to 33 percent of a new facility if growth projections indicate that the assisted business will both need and use the additional space provided by the new construction. Directs the SBA to establish a pilot program to approve appropriate certified development companies located predominantly in rural areas as participating lenders in the basic small business loan program administered under the Small Business Act. Requires both interim and final SBA reports to specified congressional committees with respect to the pilot program. Revises provisions relating to SBA guarantees of development company debentures. Amends the Small Business Act to reduce the administrative and lending fees permitted in connection with loans in rural areas. | 2025-08-28T20:05:21Z | |
| 100-hr-4373 | 100 | hr | 4373 | Lower Mississippi Delta Development Act | Commerce | 1988-04-13 | 1988-09-13 | For Further Action See H.R.5283. | House | Rep. Espy, Mike [D-MS-2] | MS | D | E000218 | 51 | Lower Mississippi Delta Development Act - Establishes the Lower Mississippi Delta Development Commission to study and make recommendations concerning the economic needs and economic development of the Lower Mississippi Delta, defined to include areas in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Directs the Commission, among other things, to: (1) study the projected ten-year economic needs of the region; (2) review existing Federal, State, local, and private programs for business development and financing; (3) develop inventories of the region's business resources and natural resources; (4) study the role of small business in creating jobs in the region; and (5) make recommendations to the Congress regarding tax policies, business development programs, investment incentives, infrastructure development, and a number of other economic development issues. Requires the Commission, no later than one year after its first meeting, to present its required findings and recommendations to specified congressional leadership and committees, the President, and the Governors of the affected States. Requires termination of the Commission within one year after submission of its report. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-28T20:06:53Z | |
| 100-s-2246 | 100 | s | 2246 | Lower Mississippi Delta Development Act | Commerce | 1988-03-31 | 1988-09-28 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 1014. | Senate | Sen. Bumpers, Dale [D-AR] | AR | D | B001057 | 16 | (Reported to Senate from the Committee on Environment and Public Works with amendment, S. Rept. 100-557) Lower Mississippi Delta Development Act - Establishes the Lower Mississippi Delta Development Commission to study and make recommendations concerning the economic needs and economic development of the Lower Mississippi Delta, defined to include areas in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Directs the Commission to: (1) identify and study the economic development, infrastructure, employment, transportation, resource development, education, health care, housing and recreation needs of the Lower Mississippi region; and (2) develop a ten-year plan describing recommendations and priorities for alleviating these needs. Enumerates Commission duties in connection with plan development, including: (1) to review existing Federal, State, local, and private programs for business development and financing; (2) to develop inventories of the region's business resources and natural resources; (3) to study the role of small business in creating jobs in the region; (4) to evaluate the proper roles of the public and private sectors in fostering the economic development of the region; and (5) to assess the area's health, educational, job training, housing, and poverty relief needs. Requires the Commission, no later than one year after its first meeting, to present an interim report to specified congressional leadership and committees, the President, and the Governors of the affected States. Requires a final report of required findings and recommendations within 18 months of the first meeting. Terminates the Commission within 180 days after submission of its final report. Authorizes FY 1989 through 1990 appropriations. Requires member States to contribute to Commission costs. | 2025-01-14T17:12:38Z | |
| 100-s-2259 | 100 | s | 2259 | Preferred Surety Bond Guarantee Program Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-03-31 | 1988-04-12 | Committee on Small Business. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 100-692. | Senate | Sen. Nunn, Sam [D-GA] | GA | D | N000171 | 3 | Preferred Surety Bond Guarantee Program Act of 1988 - Title I: Amendments to the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to empower the Small Business Administration to: (1) enter into surety bond guarantee commitments under terms that vary on the basis of SBA experience with the particular surety; and (2) engage in a pilot program under which it may authorize any surety meeting specified standards to issue, monitor, and service guarantee bonds (including making indemnification payments against losses in avoiding breach) without further SBA approval. (Current law requires prior SBA approval of bond underwriting and administration decisions.) Revises SBA guarantee liability limits to equal not more than: (1) 70 percent of any loss paid by a surety authorized to issue bonds without further SBA approval; and (2) 90 percent of both losses paid by sureties needing SBA approval for bond issuance and losses associated with bonds issued to small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Disclaims SBA indemnification liability if a surety breaches material provisions of the guarantee agreement or substantially violates relevant SBA regulations. Title II: Administration, Evaluation, and Termination of the Pilot Program - Sets forth reporting, recordkeeping, and annual audit requirements with respect to sureties participating in the expanded surety guarantee program. Directs the Comptroller General to submit to specified congressional committees a report evaluating the effects during the program's first two fiscal years on both participation by standard surety firms and access to bonds by small business concerns, especially those owned and controlled by the economically disadvantaged. Terminates on September 30 of either 1991 or the third fiscal year following this Act's enactment the program permitting sureties to issue bonds without prior SBA approval. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides for the deobligation, up… | 2025-08-28T20:09:14Z | |
| 100-hr-4310 | 100 | hr | 4310 | A bill to extend for an additional 5-year period certain provisions of title 17, United States Code, relating to the rental of sound recordings. | Commerce | 1988-03-30 | 1988-10-20 | Passed Senate with amendments and an amendment to the Title by Voice Vote. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 12 | (Measure passed Senate, amended) Amends the Record Rental Amendment of 1984 to extend from five years to 13 years the proscription against the rental, leasing, or lending of phonorecords for profit-making purposes. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to provide financial assistance for: (1) construction costs of a Biotechnology Research Center at the University of Kansas in Lawrence; and (2) construction and equipment costs for model educational and telecommunications network and technology resource centers (METNATER centers) at the Massachusetts Corporation for Educational Telecommunications. Authorizes appropriations: (1) up to a lump sum for the Biotechnology Research Center; and (2) for FY 1989 through 1991 for the METNATER centers. Grants a Federal charter to the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum. Amends specified Federal law relating to operation of the National Park System to authorize appropriations for the purchase of property and the construction of a landscaped parking lot for the Martin Luther King, Jr., Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Inc. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to provide financial assistance to Voorhees College, Denmark, South Carolina, for construction and related costs for a Health and Human Resources Center. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-01-16T12:12:20Z | |
| 100-hr-4320 | 100 | hr | 4320 | A bill to protect the earth's ozone layer by requiring that products which contain, are produce with, or are produced from chorofluorocarbons. | Commerce | 1988-03-30 | 1988-05-03 | Referred to Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Competitiveness. | House | Rep. Stark, Fortney Pete [D-CA-9] | CA | D | S000810 | 0 | Requires that products which contain, are produced with, or are produced from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) be labeled with a specified warning that CFCs destroy the ozone layer which increases the risk of skin cancer and disrupts natural systems, including food production. Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate regulations, within three months of the date of enactment of this Act, requiring the label to be prominently placed visible to retail purchasers. Provides that a product not labeled in accordance with this Act shall be considered a misbranded hazardous substance subject to the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and a specified penalty. | 2024-02-05T14:30:09Z | |
| 100-hr-4262 | 100 | hr | 4262 | Berne Convention Implementation Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-03-28 | 1988-10-31 | Became Public Law No: 100-568. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 12 | (Measure passed Senate, amended (Inserted Text of S. 1301 as passed Senate)) Berne Convention Implementation Act of 1988 - Amends the copyright law to implement the Berne Convention, the Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, signed at Berne on September 9, 1886. Extends copyright protection to architectural works in conformance with such Convention. Extends comparable copyright protection to protectable works of nationals of Berne Union members. Revises provisions concerning the licensing of coin-operated phonorecord players (jukeboxes). Permits copyright owners and operators of jukeboxes to directly negotiate the terms and royalty rates for performing copyrighted works if the Copyright Royalty Tribunal certifies that, over a one year period after this Act's enactment, such process has resulted in authorizing the use of a not substantially smaller quantity of work. Suspends the ratemaking activities of the Tribunal while such conditions are being met. Provides that the scope of Federal preemption remains unaffected by U.S. adherence to the Berne Convention. Makes discretionary instead of mandatory the use of a notice of copyright on publicly distributed copies of protected works, including phonorecords of sound recordings (thus bringing U.S. law into conformance with the Berne Convention). States that such a notice is a bar to a defense of innocent infringement if the defendant had access to copies with such notice. Declares that the copyright notice requirements do not apply to publications incorporating U.S. Government works unless the notice of copyright on such works identifies those sections which are not U.S. Government works. Removes the copyright notice requirements with respect to all publicly distributed copies of works. Makes registration a prerequisite to a copyright infringement action except for actions regarding Berne Convention works whose country of origin is not the United States (thus exempting only non-domestic Berne Convention members from the formality of registra… | 2022-12-13T14:57:02Z | |
| 100-s-2201 | 100 | s | 2201 | A bill to make certain record rental provisions in title 17, United States Code, the Copyright Act, permanent. | Commerce | 1988-03-21 | 1988-11-05 | Became Public Law No: 100-617. | Senate | Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ] | AZ | D | D000185 | 6 | (Measure passed House, amended) Amends the Record Rental Amendment of 1984 to extend for an additional eight years the proscription against the rental, leasing, or lending of phonorecords for profit-making purposes. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 100-hr-4161 | 100 | hr | 4161 | A bill to re-establish the authority of the Small Business Administration to make disaster assistance loans in the case of economic injury resulting from currency devaluation. | Commerce | 1988-03-16 | 1988-05-20 | Referred to Subcommittee on SBA, and the General Economy. | House | Rep. Coleman, Ronald D. [D-TX-16] | TX | D | C000621 | 5 | Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make direct low interest (maximum four percent) disaster loans of up to $100,000 to assist certain small businesses or to refinance all or part of their existing indebtedness. Permits loans only to businesses: (1) located in areas of economic dislocation resulting from extreme fluctuation in the value of the currency of Canada or Mexico and concomitant adjustments in the regulation of the respective monetary system; and (2) unable to obtain credit elsewhere but able to demonstrate the ability to repay the loan. Requires the SBA to report to specified congressional committees on the extent and effectiveness of the loan program. | 2024-02-07T15:46:26Z | |
| 100-hr-4174 | 100 | hr | 4174 | Small Business Administration Reauthorization and Amendment Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-03-16 | 1988-11-03 | Became Public Law No: 100-590. | House | Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-32] | NY | D | L000556 | 1 | (Conference report filed in House, H. Rept. 100-1029) Small Business Administration Reauthorization and Amendment Act of 1988 - Title I: General Reauthorization Provisions - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize FY 1989 through 1990 Small Business Administration (SBA) program levels for loans to finance small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion. Authorizes specific amounts for: (1) handicapped persons and organizations for the handicapped; (2) small businesses either located in urban or rural areas with high unemployment and low income or owned by low-income individuals; and (3) disabled veterans and Vietnam veterans. Authorizes FY 1989 through 1990 program levels for deferred participation loans and debenture guarantees for small business development companies. Authorizes specific amounts for: (1) handicapped persons and organizations for the handicapped; (2) small businesses either located in urban or rural areas with high unemployment and low income or owned by low-income individuals; and (3) guarantees of debentures of State and local development companies. States expressly that the SBA Administrator is not authorized to enter into any guarantees of loans to finance the planning, design, or installation of pollution control facilities. Authorizes program levels for FY 1989 through 1990 under specified provisions of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 for: (1) direct purchases and guarantees of debentures and purchases of preferred securities of small business investment companies; and (2) surety bond guarantees. Authorizes FY 1989 through 1991 appropriations to carry out provisions of the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (SBIA) and for disaster loans to small businesses. Authorizes the SBA to establish a certified loan program for lenders that display knowledge and proficiency with respect to SBA regulations and programs. Directs the SBA to encourage small business loans of $50,000 or less under both this new program and the prefer… | 2024-02-07T15:46:26Z | |
| 100-hr-4156 | 100 | hr | 4156 | Trademark Law Revision Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-03-15 | 1988-09-23 | Clean Bill H.R.5372 Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in Lieu. | House | Rep. Moorhead, Carlos J. [R-CA-22] | CA | R | M000926 | 20 | Trademark Law Revision Act of 1988 - Amends the Lanham Act to permit a person who has a bona fide intention to use a trademark in commerce to apply to register the trademark. (Current law provides only for registration of a trademark already in use in commerce.) Requires that such trademark actually be used in commerce before it becomes a registered trademark. States that an application on an intent-to-use basis constitutes constructive use of the mark which must be resolved either through ultimate registration or other disposition before a later application for the same mark may be registered. Permits concurrent registrations by consent regardless of filing dates. Modifies the time period within which proof of a mark's distinctiveness may be offered. Eliminates the separate register for service marks. Eliminates the separate register for collective and certification marks, permitting the use of the former to indicate that their owners perform the connected service or sell the goods associated with such marks. States that when the first use of a mark is made by a related company (a licensee), then that use will inure to the benefit of the applicant or registrant. Halves the terms of registration and renewal to ten years each. Requires the deletion of marks where in the sixth year of registration their registrant does not file the required affidavit of use. Prohibits the assignment of an intent-to-use application prior to registration unless such application is assigned to the applicant's successor in business. States that a security interest in a mark is obtained only by filing in the Patent and Trademark Office and includes both the mark and the goodwill accompanying the mark. Provides for the examination of applications for registration submitted on the basis of intent-to-use. Sets forth procedures for such applications. Modifies conditions under which a mark becomes subject to cancellation because it has become a generic name. Grants the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board the authority to limit or modify th… | 2025-08-28T20:06:13Z | |
| 100-hr-4125 | 100 | hr | 4125 | Children's Television Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-03-09 | 1988-04-06 | Hearings Held by Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance Prior to Referral (March 17, 88). | House | Rep. Tauke, Thomas Joseph [R-IA-2] | IA | R | T000053 | 4 | Children's Television Act of 1988 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to exempt from Federal antitrust laws any joint discussion, consideration, review, action, or agreement (unless a boycott results) by or among television networks, television trade associations, and other persons in the television industry for the limited purpose of developing and disseminating voluntary guidelines designed to promote the educational and informational impact of children's television broadcasting and to avoid abusive advertising during such programs. Authorizes the Federal Communications Commission to consider, in the context of television broadcast license renewals, compliance with any voluntary guidelines resulting from such discussions. | 2025-08-28T20:05:26Z | |
| 100-hr-4086 | 100 | hr | 4086 | Patent Licensing Reform Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-03-03 | 1988-05-11 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] | WI | D | K000020 | 0 | Patent Licensing Reform Act of 1988 - Amends Federal law to deny patent infringement relief to a patent owner who either misuses or illegally extends a patent, until such misuse or illegal extension terminates and the consequences of such conduct have dissipated. Defines the conduct that constitutes "misuse or illegal extension." Declares that it shall be an affirmative defense in a patent infringement action that a person engaged in fraud or other inequitable conduct in procuring or enforcing the patent. Requires the Commissioner of the Patent and Trademark Office to define by regulation the conduct necessary to avoid liability for fraud. | 2025-08-28T20:05:46Z | |
| 100-s-2130 | 100 | s | 2130 | A bill to provide that the Consumer Product Safety Commission amend its regulations regarding lawn darts. | Commerce | 1988-03-03 | 1988-03-03 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce. | Senate | Sen. Wilson, Pete [R-CA] | CA | R | W000607 | 2 | Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to revoke the exemption from classification as a banned toy for use by children granted for lawn darts and other similar sharp-pointed toys, unless the Commission finds that such products do not have the potential for causing puncture wound injury. | 2025-01-14T18:51:33Z | |
| 100-hr-4042 | 100 | hr | 4042 | Fair Food Labeling and Advertising Act | Commerce | 1988-03-01 | 1988-03-16 | Referred to Subcommittee on Health and the Environment. | House | Rep. Cooper, Jim [D-TN-4] | TN | D | C000754 | 25 | Fair Food Labeling and Advertising Act - Title I: Labeling Requirements - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish labeling requirements for foods which are labeled "lite" or "light" and for foods which make similar comparative claims to describe reduced fat, sodium, or calorie content. Exempts certain small enterprises from such requirements. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations to implement the requirements of this Act and to define the term "low fat" within nine months of the date of enactment of this Act. Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to establish similar labeling requirements for prepared meat products and poultry, with the same exemption for small enterprises. Amends the Federal Alcohol Administration Act to establish labeling requirements for claims of "lite" or "light" or claims related to calorie content for malt beverages, wine, and other distilled spirits. Title II: Advertising Requirements - Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to provide that advertising of any of the aforementioned products which does not comply with such labeling requirements shall be considered false advertising. | 2025-08-28T20:06:44Z | |
| 100-s-2111 | 100 | s | 2111 | A bill to amend the patent law, title 35, United States Code, to prohibit the patenting of genetically altered or modified animals. | Commerce | 1988-02-29 | 1988-03-14 | Referred to Subcommittee on Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks. | Senate | Sen. Hatfield, Mark O. [R-OR] | OR | R | H000343 | 2 | Amends the patent laws to state that animals changed through engineering technology, including genetic engineering, are not patentable. Revokes any patents previously granted for any such animals. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 100-hconres-251 | 100 | hconres | 251 | A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to needed improvements in the coordination and effectiveness of Federal and State regulation of real estate appraisal practices. | Commerce | 1988-02-24 | 1988-03-01 | Referred to Subcommittee on Housing and Community Development. | House | Rep. Craig, Larry E. [R-ID-1] | ID | R | C000858 | 0 | Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to the coordination and effectiveness of Federal and State regulation of real estate appraisal practices. Declares that: (1) each State should respond to abuses occurring in the real estate appraisal profession by providing reasonable and fair regulation of appraisers; (2) each State should enact legislation establishing real estate appraiser boards to carry out voluntary appraiser certification; (3) each Federal agency should require State certified appraisals where determined appropriate; (4) the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council should monitor Federal agencies in making such determinations; and (5) the Council should periodically report to specified congressional committees on the effectiveness of Federal and State actions taken pursuant to this resolution. | 2026-03-23T12:22:11Z | |
| 100-hr-3991 | 100 | hr | 3991 | ATV User Safety and Equity Act | Commerce | 1988-02-24 | 1988-09-23 | See H.R.3343. | House | Rep. Barton, Joe [R-TX-6] | TX | R | B000213 | 14 | ATV User Safety and Equity Act - Provides that three-wheeled all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) shall be considered to be banned hazardous products under the Consumer Product Safety Act. Permits the sale of three-wheeled ATVs by other than manufacturers, distributors, or dealers. Requires the manufacturers of three-wheeled ATVs to provide refunds to persons who purchased such vehicles before the effective date of this Act (in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission). States that the failure of a manufacturer to comply with the refund requirements of this Act shall be considered a violation of the Consumer Product Safety Act. Directs the Commission to promulgate a consumer product safety rule which will require: (1) manufacturers to offer free training in the operation of ATVs to all purchasers; (2) manufacturers to offer helmets and other protective equipment with the sale of ATVs; (3) manufacturers to provide notice (warning labels and other appropriate means) of the risk of injury or death presented by ATVs; (4) manufacturers and distributors to establish programs to ensure compliance by dealers with the safety requirements of the rule; and (5) retail dealers to provide purchasers with safety information respecting the operation of such vehicles. Directs the Commission to promulgate a consumer product safety rule to improve the safety of ATVs by prescribing: (1) appropriate performance standards for ATVs; and (2) design characteristics. Sets forth a consumer product safety rule to be placed into effect in the event that the Commission does not promulgate a final rule within the prescribed time period. | 2025-08-28T20:06:19Z | |
| 100-hr-3982 | 100 | hr | 3982 | A bill expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to needed improvements in the coordination and effectiveness of Federal and State regulation of real estate appraisal practices. | Commerce | 1988-02-22 | 1988-02-22 | Referred to House Committee on Government Operations. | House | Rep. Craig, Larry E. [R-ID-1] | ID | R | C000858 | 0 | Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to the coordination and effectiveness of Federal and State regulation of real estate appraisal practices. Declares that: (1) each State should respond to abuses occurring in the real estate appraisal profession by providing reasonable and fair regulation of appraisers; (2) each State should enact legislation establishing real estate appraiser boards to carry out voluntary appraiser certification; (3) each Federal agency should require State certified appraisals where determined appropriate; (4) the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council should monitor Federal agencies in making such determinations; and (5) the Council should periodically report to specified congressional committees on the effectiveness of Federal and State actions taken pursuant to this resolution. | 2025-02-04T16:54:13Z | |
| 100-hr-3954 | 100 | hr | 3954 | Interlocking Directorate Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-02-17 | 1988-02-22 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. Fish, Hamilton, Jr. [R-NY-21] | NY | R | F000141 | 6 | Interlocking Directorate Act of 1988 - Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit any person from serving as a director or officer (currently director only) of any two corporations if each (currently any) such corporation has capital, surplus, and undivided profits aggregating more than $10,000,000 (currently $1,000,000) and such corporations are competitors, so that a merger, acquisition, or combination would substantially lessen competition or tend to create a monopoly. Establishes exceptions to such interlocking directorate and officer prohibition when: (1) the competitive sales of either corporation are less than $1,000,000; (2) the competitive sales of either corporation are less than three percent of that corporation's total sales; or (3) the competitive sales of each corporation are less than five percent of that corporation's total sales. Increases or decreases the $10,000,000 and $1,000,000 threshold amounts by the percentage increase or decrease in the gross national product for the preceding fiscal year. Provides that a director or officer shall not be deemed ineligible under the provisions of this Act until the expiration of one year from the date the event causing ineligibility occurred. Repeals provisions prohibiting dealings exceeding $50,000 a year by a common carrier with a firm if there is any interlocking directorate, unless competitive bidding is used. | 2025-08-28T20:05:55Z | |
| 100-hr-3937 | 100 | hr | 3937 | Rural Small Business Fairness Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-02-09 | 1988-05-20 | Referred to Subcommittee on Energy and Agriculture. | House | Rep. Marlenee, Ron [R-MT-2] | MT | R | M000139 | 10 | Rural Small Business Fairness Act of 1988 - Amends the Small Business Act to empower the Small Business Administration to make disaster loans to assist small business concerns in effecting the continuation of or adjustments to facilities or operation methods necessitated by Government action or by Federal requirements, law, or regulation (or derivative State or local mandates), if the SBA determines that the concern is likely to suffer substantial economic injury or be unable to market a product or service without the loan assistance. Includes as eligible for these disaster loans any rural small business or small agricultural cooperative located in a county where specified percentages of commercial cropland have been lost as a result of various acreage reduction programs under the Agricultural Act of 1949, including enrollment in the conservation reserve program. Limits disaster loans to: (1) $200,000 ($400,000 if the recipient is determined to be a major source of employment in the county); and (2) an initial term of ten years or less. Sets the initial interest rate at two percent and provides for its progressive increase over the life of the loan. Permits loan funds to be used to restructure existing loans or other credit costs when such modifications are necessary to offset the adverse economic impact of the Government action triggering need for the loan. Directs the SBA, in administering the disaster loan program, to utilize, when possible, guaranteed loans originated by lenders in the county where the qualified loan recipient is located or in adjacent counties. | 2025-08-28T20:05:56Z | |
| 100-hr-3921 | 100 | hr | 3921 | A bill to amend section 15(l) of the Small Business Act. | Commerce | 1988-02-08 | 1988-04-28 | For Further Action See H.R.4174. | House | Rep. Conte, Silvio O. [R-MA-1] | MA | R | C000709 | 17 | Amends the Small Business Act with respect to breakout procurement center representatives. Removes restrictions on the technical data and procurement records available to such representatives, providing access to certain restricted and classified materials. Revises appeals procedures in connection with a representative's appeal of failure to act favorably on his or her recommendations. Revises the definition of "major procurement center" to include entities other than centers of the Department of Defense and to permit the Administrator of the Small Business Administration discretion in determining eligible centers. Adds the following as duties of breakout procurement center representatives: (1) to conduct familiarization sessions for contracting officers and other appropriate personnel of the assigned procurement center; and (2) to prepare and personally deliver an annual briefing and report to the head of the procurement center. Requires this latter individual personally to receive the briefing and report and to respond in writing, within 60 days, to each recommendation. | 2024-02-07T15:46:26Z | |
| 100-s-2016 | 100 | s | 2016 | Emergency All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Act | Commerce | 1988-01-28 | 1988-01-28 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce. | Senate | Sen. D'Amato, Alfonse [R-NY] | NY | R | D000018 | 0 | Emergency All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Act - Provides that three-wheeled all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and ATVs designed for use by children under 16 years of age shall be considered to be banned hazardous products under the Consumer Product Safety Act. Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate a final emergency consumer product safety rule for ATVs. States that such rule must require manufacturers and distributors of ATVs to provide: (1) a reasonable refund of the purchase price for three-wheeled ATVs, ATVs purchased for use by children, and ATVs designed for use by children; (2) training in the operation of ATVs to all owners; and (3) a public notice campaign to warn existing and prospective ATV owners of the hazards presented by such vehicles. States that any failure of a manufacturer or distributer to comply with such safety rules shall be considered an unlawful act under the Consumer Product Safety Act. States that the failure of the Commission to promulgate the required safety standards shall result in all ATVs being banned. | 2025-08-28T20:08:40Z | |
| 100-hr-3848 | 100 | hr | 3848 | Television Violence Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1988-01-25 | 1988-10-05 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Glickman, Dan [D-KS-4] | KS | D | G000240 | 26 | Television Violence Act of 1988 - Exempts from the antitrust laws any joint discussion, consideration, review, action, or agreement by or among persons in the television industry for the purpose of, and limited to, developing and disseminating voluntary guidelines designed to alleviate the negative impact of violence in telecast material, provided the joint action does not result in a boycott of any person. Terminates such exemption three years after enactment of this Act. | 2025-08-28T20:05:25Z | |
| 100-hr-3833 | 100 | hr | 3833 | A bill to amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to remove the restriction on the authority of the Federal Trade Commission over the business of insurance. | Commerce | 1987-12-22 | 1988-01-21 | Referred to Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Hazardous Materials. | House | Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-32] | NY | D | L000556 | 0 | Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to permit the Federal Trade Commission to exercise its investigative and regulatory authority over the business of insurance. | 2024-02-05T14:30:09Z | |
| 100-hr-3835 | 100 | hr | 3835 | A bill to amend the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to permit prepayment of loans made to State and local development companies, and for other purposes. | Commerce | 1987-12-22 | 1987-12-22 | Referred to Subcommittee on SBA, and the General Economy. | House | Rep. Miller, John R. [R-WA-1] | WA | R | M000736 | 1 | Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to permit a borrower of a loan made from the proceeds of debentures guaranteed by State and local development companies to repay that portion of the loan by paying the outstanding principal balance due (plus interest). Requires the Small Business Administration to promulgate regulations for the prepayment of such loans, and to devise and implement a plan to notify the borrower of any such loan that such loan may be refinanced if the borrower takes action within one year after regulations are issued. Grants any certified development company which is the holder of any such debenture the right of first refusal with respect to the refinancing. Requires the Administration to issue regulations to implement this Act within 60 days after its enactment. | 2024-02-07T15:46:26Z | |
| 100-s-1993 | 100 | s | 1993 | Minority Business Development Program Reform Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1987-12-21 | 1988-07-11 | Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent. | Senate | Sen. Bumpers, Dale [D-AR] | AR | D | B001057 | 10 | (Measure indefinitely postponed in Senate) Minority Business Development Program Reform Act of 1988 - Title I: Congressional Findings and Program Purposes - Expresses congressional findings and purposes with respect to improving the Small Business Administration's minority small business and capital ownership development program (Program). Title II: Program Organization, Eligibility, and Participation - Amends the Small Business Act to establish within the Office of Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development a Division of Minority Small Business Certification to analyze and process applications and make on-site visits to determine eligibility. Authorizes the Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development to certify as Program participants eligible small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Provides that a certified Program participant shall not be eligible to participate in the Program for more than eight years. Sets forth eligibility and certification requirements, including ownership and personal net worth tests to determine whether a small business concern is socially and economically disadvantaged. Mandates that each Program participant annually certify its continuing eligibility. States that a Program participant shall be graduated: (1) upon successful completion of the Program; (2) upon exceeding the applicable size standard established by the Small Business Administration (SBA); (3) if it is no longer owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; or (4) if it elects to graduate prior to the expiration of its Program participation term. Sets forth circumstances under which a participant is terminated from the Program and provisions for challenging a participant's eligibility. Provides a special rule permitting procurement assistance to more than one small business concern owned by a socially and economically disadvantaged Indian tribe if certain conditions are met. Title III: E… | 2025-01-14T17:16:56Z | |
| 100-s-1962 | 100 | s | 1962 | Consumer Remedies Improvement Act of 1987 | Commerce | 1987-12-18 | 1988-01-25 | Referred to Subcommittee on Antitrust, Monopolies and Business. | Senate | Sen. Metzenbaum, Howard M. [D-OH] | OH | D | M000678 | 4 | Consumer Remedies Improvement Act of 1987 - Amends the Clayton Act to allow a claim for damages to be based on: (1) indirect purchases, in civil actions alleging a boycott or contract, combination, or conspiracy to fix prices or allocate markets; or (2) indirect sales, in addition to any other claim allowed, in the case of a civil action on behalf of producers of agricultural products. Entitles the defendant to an action by the United States or a State attorney general based on indirect purchases or sales to allege, as a partial or complete defense to a claim by a direct purchaser or seller based on the same conduct, that some or all of what would otherwise constitute the direct purchaser's or seller's damages were passed on to indirect purchasers or sellers. Requires that the award for a claim based on indirect purchases or sales be treble the damages shown, in addition to costs and attorneys' fees. Provides that where no claim by a direct purchaser or seller is pending, the defendant shall bear the burden of establishing that the total overcharge or underpayment was not passed on to the indirect purchaser or seller. Prohibits duplicative awards based on direct or indirect purchases or sales for the same overcharge or underpayment. Allows an indirect purchaser or seller to intervene in an action by a direct purchaser or seller based on the same conduct, if a request for such intervention is made within six months of the date of filing of the initial action. Makes failure to request intervention within such time a bar to such claim. Allows a direct purchaser or seller to intervene in an action by an indirect purchaser or seller. Directs the court, upon the defendant's request, to order the consolidation of actions based on the same conduct. Requires the United States or State attorney general, upon the initiation of any action based on indirect purchases or sales, to provide reasonable public notice of the allegations of the suit and a general description of any direct purchasers who may be entitled to maintai… | 2026-01-07T14:11:22Z | |
| 100-s-1971 | 100 | s | 1971 | Berne Convention Implementation Act of 1987 | Commerce | 1987-12-18 | 1988-04-13 | Subcommittee on Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks. Incorporated provisions of this measure into S. 1301 which was approved for full committee consideration. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 1 | Berne Convention Implementation Act of 1987 - Amends the copyright law to implement the Berne Convention, the Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, signed at Berne on September 9, 1886. Extends copyright protection to architectural works in conformance with such Convention. Extends comparable copyright protection to protectable works of nationals of Berne Union members. Revises provisions concerning the licensing of coin-operated phonorecord players (jukeboxes). Permits copyright owners and operators of jukeboxes to directly negotiate the terms and royalty rates for performing copyrighted works if the Copyright Royalty Tribunal certifies that, over a one-year period after this Act's enactment, such process has resulted in authorizing the use of a not substantially smaller quantity of work. Suspends the ratemaking activities of the Tribunal while such conditions are being met. Limits the protection of architectural works to artistic character and design, not materials. Permits pictorial representations of the work when the work is erected in a publicly accessible location. States that the owner of a copyright in an architectural work is not entitled to restrain the construction or use of an infringing building if construction has substantially begun or to require the demolition or seizure of an infringing building. Permits building owners to modify an architectural work to enhance utility without the copyright holder's or author's consent. Permits the use of a notice of copyright on publicly distributed copies of protected works, including phonorecords of sound recordings (current law requires such notice). Requires the continued use of a copyright notice identifying works of the U.S. Government. Eliminates notice provisions for contributions to collective works. Retains deposit requirements. Makes this Act effective the day the Berne Convention enters into force with respect to the United States. | 2025-08-28T20:07:04Z | |
| 100-s-1957 | 100 | s | 1957 | A bill to re-establish the authority of the Small Business Administration to make disaster assistance loans in the case of economic injury resulting from currency devaluation. | Commerce | 1987-12-17 | 1987-12-17 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business. | Senate | Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ] | AZ | R | M000303 | 3 | Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make direct low interest disaster loans to assist, or refinance all or part of the existing indebtedness (including any direct loans which were made to small businesses affected by currency fluctuations and exchange freezes) of, any small business located in an area of economic dislocation that is the result of the drastic fluctuation in the value of the currency of a country contiguous to the United States and adjustments in the regulation of its monetary system, if such business is unable to obtain credit elsewhere and can demonstrate its ability to repay such loan. Authorizes the Governor of a State to certify to the SBA that: (1) small business concerns within the State have suffered substantial economic injury as a result of such economic dislocation; and (2) such concerns are in need of financial assistance which is not available on reasonable terms. Limits the amount of and interest rate on such loans. Prohibits loan proceeds from being used to reduce the exposure of any other lender. Authorizes the SBA to defer payment of the principal and interest for one year on such loans. | 2025-01-14T17:16:56Z | |
| 100-hr-3749 | 100 | hr | 3749 | A bill to amend the McCarran-Ferguson Act to limit the Federal antitrust exemption, with respect to the business of insurance, to certain enumerated insurance activities regulated under State law, and for other purposes. | Commerce | 1987-12-11 | 1987-12-17 | Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law. | House | Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-32] | NY | D | L000556 | 0 | Amends the McCarran-Ferguson Act by exempting only the following activities of the insurance industry from Federal antitrust laws, to the extent that such activities are regulated by State law: (1) collection and dissemination of historical loss data; (2) preparation, dissemination, and filing of policy forms, endorsements, classifications, and terms of coverage; (3) preparation or dissemination of rate data based on losses, which includes historial data, but does not include trended data; (4) participation in joint underwriting pools, including residual market mechanisms; (5) participation in research, surveys, audits, and inspections for classification purposes; and (6) collection or dissemination of information regarding fraudulent claims and practices. Declares that nothing in this Act preempts State action with respect to certain insurance activities in any case in which the State clearly articulates an anticompetitive policy and actively supervises any private conduct involved. | 2021-06-10T21:11:31Z | |
| 100-hr-3718 | 100 | hr | 3718 | A bill to authorize the refinancing of certain small business debentures, and for other purposes. | Commerce | 1987-12-08 | 1988-10-03 | Other Measure S.437 Passed House in Lieu. | House | Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-32] | NY | D | L000556 | 1 | (Reported to House from the Committee on Small Business with amendment, H. Rept. 100-651) Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (SBIA) to authorize the refinancing of certain small business debentures. Requires the issuer of a debenture purchased by the Federal Financing Bank and guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the SBIA, at the election of the borrower, to repay such debenture by paying the Bank, prior to October 1, 1989, the unpaid principal balance and accrued interest due at the coupon rate on the debenture, provided that: (1) the debenture is outstanding on the date of enactment, and neither it nor the loan that secures it is in default; (2) State or personal funds, including private capital with the existing debenture guarantee, are used to repay the debenture; (3) the issuer certifies that the benefits associated with prepayment of the debenture are entirely passed through to the borrower; and (4) the issuer pays to the Bank at the time of prepayment a penalty according to a specified formula. Prohibits imposition of prepayment fees or penalties not authorized under this Act. Specifies fees that the issuer may impose on a borrower if a debenture is refinanced. Directs that any debenture refinanced pursuant to this Act have a term of years equal to the remaining term to maturity of the debenture being refinanced. Requires that the SBA guarantee of existing debentures purchased by the Bank which are refinanced be automatically transferred to new debentures, and that the amount of such refinancing not be treated as new budget authority or new credit authority. Amends the SBIA to allow any small business investment company issuer of a debenture purchased by the SBA under such Act to elect to have the interest rate adjusted before October 1, 1989, provided that: (1) the interest rate shall be the rate then in effect for new debentures approved on such date, subject to the reductions authorized for the remainder of the first five years of the original issue if that time… | 2024-02-07T15:46:26Z | |
| 100-s-1929 | 100 | s | 1929 | Corporation for Small Business Investment Charter Act | Commerce | 1987-12-08 | 1988-03-31 | Committee on Small Business. Hearings concluded. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 100-638. | Senate | Sen. Bumpers, Dale [D-AR] | AR | D | B001057 | 20 | Corporation for Small Business Investment Charter Act - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to give a licensee in good standing three months from the date the Small Business Administration receives notice that it is ready to conduct business to qualify for conducting business with the Corporation for Small Business Investment and a special-purpose trust established by this Act. Requires the Administration, within six months after receiving notice that a licensee is ready to conduct business, to promulgate regulations to effect the termination of operations of any licensee which has not qualified for conducting business with the Corporation for Small Business Investment and the Trust. Sets forth the requirements for the final regulations for termination of the operations of any licensee and directs the Administration to furnish to the Corporation all books and records necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Establishes the Corporation for Small Business Investment and requires it to maintain its principal office in the District of Columbia. Requires the President to appoint an interim board of directors for the Corporation. Sets forth procedures for selecting the Corporation's permanent board of directors. Requires the board to determine the Corporation's general policies and to select persons to fill the offices provided for in the bylaws. Describes the Corporation's stock structure. Authorizes any depository institution to: (1) make payments to the Corporation of capital contributions; (2) receive the Corporation's stock as evidence of capital contributions; and (3) dispose of such stock. Authorizes the Corporation to issue nonvoting preferred stock. Sets forth limitations on obligations and securities issued by the Corporation. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase obligations issued by the Corporation. Sets forth limitations on the amount and yield of such purchases and requires advance approval of the Congress. Makes all obligations issued by the Corporation accep… | 2025-08-28T20:06:13Z | |
| 100-hr-3707 | 100 | hr | 3707 | Reconstruction Finance Corporation Act of 1987 | Commerce | 1987-12-03 | 1987-12-15 | Referred to Subcommittee on Economic Stabilization. | House | Rep. Whitten, Jamie L. [D-MS-1] | MS | D | W000428 | 0 | Reconstruction Finance Corporation Act of 1987 - Establishes the Reconstruction Finance Corporation. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000,000 as the capital stock of such Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation, in order to aid in financing agriculture, commerce, and industry, to make loans to businesses for: (1) plant construction, conversion, or expansion or acquisitions; (2) working capital; or (3) the payment of current debts or obligations. Prohibits a loan to any business unless it is otherwise unable to obtain one on reasonable terms. Allows a term for such a loan of up to ten years, extendable to 12 years. States that each loan shall bear interest at a rate equal to the current average yield on all outstanding obligations of the United States as of the last day of the month immediately preceding the month in which the loan is made. Prohibits the payment of fees or commissions by any applicant for a loan or loan guarantee under this Act. Requires priority in awarding financial assistance to manufacturers or processors of goods or services in short supply. Authorizes the Corporation to guarantee the payment of a loan made by a non-Federal lender under certain circumstances. Limits loan guarantees to a period not exceeding ten years. Limits the aggregate principal amounts of guaranteed loans outstanding at any time. Permits the Corporation to subscribe for common or preferred stock in specified businesses or to purchase their capital notes or debentures and to sell such stock or notes in the open market. Authorizes the Corporation to have outstanding obligations in an aggregate amount not exceeding three times its subscribed capital. Exempts all obligations issued by the Corporation from all taxation (except surtaxes, estate, inheritance, and gift taxes). Exempts the Corporation from all taxation except real property taxation. Requires quarterly reports to the Congress on the Corporation's operations and annual audits of the Corporation's accounts. Establishes criminal sanctions for false statements… | 2025-08-28T20:09:02Z | |
| 100-hr-3688 | 100 | hr | 3688 | Insurance Information Act of 1987 | Commerce | 1987-12-02 | 1987-12-28 | Referred to Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Competitiveness. | House | Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-32] | NY | D | L000556 | 0 | Insurance Information Act of 1987 - Requires each insurer which provides primary liability insurance coverage to disclose specified information to the Administrator of the Small Business Administration including: (1) direct premiums written and earned; (2) net investment income; (3) net underwriting gain or loss; (4) claims incurred by the insurer; (5) total number of claims paid and specific dollar amounts broken down; (6) number of claims paid and the amount paid pursuant to settlements at each stage of the litigation; and (7) total amount rendered in verdicts. Requires the Administrator to develop a statistical plan at the beginning of each calendar year that would provide information concerning: (1) the proportion of closed claims; and (2) the manner of selection of claims concerning which insurers should disclose information under this Act based on a stratified random sampling process. Requires that information be provided by insurers to the Administration on a quarterly basis. Requires the insurer to file with the Administrator, within a specified time frame, closed claims reports (for those claims selected based on a stratified random sampling process) if the indemnity payment made on such claims was $25,000 or more for bodily injury. Allows the Administrator to require that the insurer include in a closed claims report information relating to payments made for property damage and other damage on the claims. Directs the Administrator, for closed claims under liability insurance policies for which the insurer makes indemnity payments under the coverage for an amount less than $25,000 but more than $10,000 for bodily injury, to require the insurer closing the claims to file summary claims reports of the claims. Directs the Administrator, for an amount of $10,000 or less for bodily injury, to require the insurer to file a report containing the total pertinent figures for all such claims closed within the calendar year, including, in summary form, at least: (1) the aggregate number of claims, including the … | 2025-08-28T20:05:26Z | |
| 100-hr-3672 | 100 | hr | 3672 | Tenant Credit Reporting Act | Commerce | 1987-11-20 | 1987-12-01 | Referred to Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs and Coinage. | House | Rep. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY-10] | NY | D | S000148 | 0 | Tenant Credit Reporting Act - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to include within the definition of "consumer report" any information received from a consumer reporting agency for the purpose of establishing a consumer's eligibility for rental of any property as a principal place of residence. Permits the use of information obtained from a consumer reporting agency in connection with the rental of any property by the consumer as a principal place of residence. Sets forth information which may not be included in any such consumer report, including the consumer's involvement with tenants organizations, any safety or sanitation complaints, any rent abatements, or unadjudicated landlord complaints. Requires a consumer reporting agency that records and retains any information regarding an adverse rental action to make a clear and accurate disclosure to the consumer involved. Sets forth information which a consumer reporting agency must disclose to a consumer when the agency furnishes a report to a person in connection with the consumer's rental of any property as a principal place of residence. Requires the user of a consumer report that results in an adverse rental action to inform the consumer of the name and address of the consumer reporting agency making the report. | 2025-08-28T20:08:49Z | |
| 100-s-1882 | 100 | s | 1882 | Consumer Product Safety Commission Authorization Act of 1987 | Commerce | 1987-11-19 | 1987-12-21 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 517. | Senate | Sen. Gore, Albert, Jr. [D-TN] | TN | D | G000321 | 3 | (Reported to Senate from the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation with amendment, S. Rept. 100-273) Consumer Product Safety Commission Authorization Act of 1987 - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to require the President, when making appointments to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, to consider individuals with consumer product safety backgrounds. States that, at any time during FY 1988 through 1990 when there are two vacancies on the Commission, two Commission members shall constitute a quorum. Lists additional Commission personnel which must be appointed by the Commission Chairman with the approval of the Commission. Requires Commission approval for the removal of such personnel. Requires the Commission to establish an agenda and priorities for Commission actions at least 30 days before the beginning of each fiscal year. Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, and the Flammable Fabrics Act to permit any "interested party" to petition the Commission for review of any voluntary safety standard based upon a showing that: (1) the voluntary standard is inadequate to address a risk of injury associated with the product, substance, or material; or (2) the development of the voluntary standard is not proceeding in a timely manner. Makes certain procedural changes with respect to Commission reliance upon voluntary consumer product safety standards. Requires the Commission to issue proposed consumer product safety rules within 12 months after the publication of the advance notice of proposed rulemaking (unless the Commission determines that the proposed rule is not likely to eliminate or reduce the risk associated with the product). Directs the Commission to devise procedures to monitor compliance with any voluntary standards. Permits the disclosure of Commission-held information to Commission contractors. Repeals the Cellulose Insulation Safety Standards. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Repeals the safety standard for swimming pool slid… | 2025-01-14T18:51:33Z | |
| 100-s-1883 | 100 | s | 1883 | Trademark Law Revision Act of 1988 | Commerce | 1987-11-19 | 1988-11-16 | Became Public Law No: 100-667. | Senate | Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ] | AZ | D | D000185 | 3 | (Measure passed House, amended) Title I: Trademark Law Revision - Trademark Law Revision Act of 1988 - Amends the Lanham Act to permit a person who has a bona fide intention to use a trademark in commerce to apply to register the trademark. (Current law provides only for registration of a trademark already in use in commerce.) Requires that such trademark actually be used in commerce before it becomes a registered trademark. States that an application on an intent-to-use basis constitutes constructive use of the mark which must be resolved either through ultimate registration or other disposition before a later application for the same mark may be registered. Sets forth a filing schedule under which applicants must submit a verified statement of use regarding the mark's initial use in commerce and the goods or services with which it shall be connected. Provides for the examination of applications for registration submitted on the basis of intent-to-use. Sets forth procedures for such applications. Permits concurrent registrations by consent regardless of filing dates. Modifies the time period within which proof of a mark's distinctiveness may be offered. Eliminates the separate register for service marks. Eliminates the separate register for collective and certification marks, permitting the use of the former to indicate that their owners perform the connected service or sell the goods associated with such marks. States that when the first use of a mark is made by a related company (a licensee), then that use will inure to the benefit of the applicant or registrant. Provides that the filing of an application to register a mark on the principal register constitutes constructive use of such mark (thus conferring a nationwide right of priority subject to certain exceptions). Halves the terms of registration and renewal to ten years each. Requires the deletion of marks where in the sixth year of registration the registrant does not file the required affidavit of use. Prohibits the assignment of an intent-to-u… | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 100-hr-3643 | 100 | hr | 3643 | Insurance Data Collection Act of 1987 | Commerce | 1987-11-16 | 1987-12-17 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Swift, Al [D-WA-2] | WA | D | S001115 | 0 | Insurance Data Collection Act of 1987 - Requires all insurers writing specified categories of liability insurance to submit annual reports to the Secretary of Commerce containing data on premiums, investment income, claims incurred, expenses, and economic losses and gains. Exempts certain small insurance companies from such requirements. Establishes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to the President and to State insurance commissioners analyzing the data reported by the insurance companies. | 2025-08-28T20:08:05Z | |
| 100-s-1848 | 100 | s | 1848 | Minority Business Development Act of 1987 | Commerce | 1987-11-04 | 1988-03-03 | Committee on Commerce. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 100-615. | Senate | Sen. Kerry, John F. [D-MA] | MA | D | K000148 | 10 | Minority Business Development Act of 1987 - Redesignates the Minority Business Development Agency in the Department of Commerce as the Minority Business Development Administration. Requires the President to appoint an Administrator to head the Administration. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report to the Congress on the organizational structure within the Administration and its organizational position in the Department of Commerce. Title I: Market Development - Empowers the Administration to: (1) assist disadvantaged businesses in penetrating domestic and foreign markets by making available to such businesses management and technological assistance, a skilled labor pool, and financial and marketing services; and (2) encourage disadvantaged firms to establish joint ventures and projects to increase their share of the market. Authorizes the Administration to provide financial assistance to public and private sector organizations to carry out this Act. Requires the Administration to consult with State and local governments for the purpose of leveraging local resources, and recommending local administrative and legislative initiatives, to promote the position of disadvantaged businesses. Authorizes the Administration to provide financial assistance to States and cities and to allocate such assistance on the basis of relative populations of disadvantaged individuals, numbers of disadvantaged businesses, and unemployment rates of disadvantaged individuals. Requires the Administration, at least 120 days before the beginning of each fiscal year, to publish in the Federal Register the actual or anticipated amount of financial assistance that will or may be available in the immediately succeeding fiscal year. Requires the Administrator, at least 60 days before the beginning of each fiscal year, to publish its response to comments received and any change in the allocation methodology. Title II: Capital Formation - Authorizes the Administration to defray all or part of the costs of pilot projects which are condu… | 2025-08-28T20:07:47Z | |
| 100-hjres-397 | 100 | hjres | 397 | A joint resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that the people of the United States should purchase products made in the United States and services provided in the United States, whenever possible, instead of products made or services performed outside the United States. | Commerce | 1987-11-03 | 1987-11-16 | Referred to Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Competitiveness. | House | Rep. Ford, William D. [D-MI-15] | MI | D | F000270 | 59 | Expresses the sense of the Congress that the people of the United States should purchase U.S. products and services whenever possible. Urges the President and the State Governors to issue proclamations calling upon the people to promote this policy with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Requests that leaders of civic and consumer organizations, and of the mass media, assist in: (1) promoting awareness of the importance of selecting U.S. goods and services; and (2) identifying such American goods and services, and the merchants from whom they may be acquired. Requests and encourages U.S. producers and manufacturers to make every effort to label and advertise the U.S. origin of such goods. | 2024-02-06T20:04:02Z | |
| 100-s-1785 | 100 | s | 1785 | A bill to amend section 601 of title 17 of the United States Code, the Copyright Act. | Commerce | 1987-10-13 | 1987-11-10 | Referred to Subcommittee on Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks. | Senate | Sen. Dixon, Alan J. [D-IL] | IL | D | D000366 | 15 | Amends the copyright law to extend the manufacturing clause, which prohibits the importation of certain English language books by American authors not manufactured in the United States or Canada. Suspends such clause unless the percentage of imports reaches or exceeds four times domestic printing production during calendar year 1986 in which case such clause will be imposed for one year or until the Secretary of Commerce certifies the percentage of imports has fallen below the requisite level. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | |
| 100-hr-3468 | 100 | hr | 3468 | Home Equity Loan Disclosure Act of 1987 | Commerce | 1987-10-09 | 1987-10-09 | Referred to Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs and Coinage. | House | Rep. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY-10] | NY | D | S000148 | 9 | Home Equity Loan Disclosure Act of 1987 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require that any written application for a home equity loan include information concerning the applicable interest rate, interest rate adjustments, transaction fees, repayment options, additional charges, a booklet including specified consumer information, statements concerning whether the loan is secured by a lien against the consumer's dwelling, the consequences of default, and the limits on the deductibility of interest payments under State and Federal tax laws. Requires that each percentage rate disclosed be represented as an annual percentage rate, with respect to open end credit plans, and as a nominal annual percentage rate, with respect to closed end credit plans. Sets forth disclosure requirements for "teaser" rates (i.e., introductory, non-periodic or annual, interest rates). Requires that any disclosure include a statement of whether the terms are guaranteed (and under which circumstances such guarantee may cease to be effective) or not guaranteed. Sets forth requirements for home equity loans which are subject to a variable rate of interest, including: (1) limiting the annual rate increase; (2) prohibiting creditors from imposing a minimum annual percentage rate; (3) allowing rate changes to be computed only on the basis of an index which is not under the control of the creditor and which is available to the public; (4) prohibiting an increase in the teaser rate during the first year; and (5) making any rate increase applicable only to new extensions of credit. Requires that the payment schedule for each extension of credit under a home equity loan fully amortize principal and interest over a fixed period of time. Prohibits a repayment schedule which would permit negative amortization. Prohibits the extension of credit beyond a specified amount and allows the maximum amount of any home equity loan to be reduced in areas of declining property values. Declares that subsequent purchasers of loans are subject to all defenses o… | 2025-08-28T20:05:11Z | |
| 100-s-1773 | 100 | s | 1773 | A bill to amend the Soft Drink Interbrand Competition Act to prohibit certain unfair competition by manufacturers of soft drinks. | Commerce | 1987-10-08 | 1987-10-20 | Referred to Subcommittee on Antitrust, Monopolies and Business. | Senate | Sen. Inouye, Daniel K. [D-HI] | HI | D | I000025 | 0 | Amends the Soft Drink Interbrand Competition Act to make it an unfair act under the Federal Trade Commission Act for any person engaged in manufacturing, selling, or distributing post-mixed soft drink dispensing equipment or soft drink syrup to induce (by specified means) any soft drink retailer to purchase any soft drink syrup exclusively from such person, if: (1) such inducement is made in the course of interstate or foreign commerce; (2) such person engaged in such practice to the extent that it restrains or prevents transactions in soft drink syrup in commerce; (3) a direct effect of such inducement is to prevent, deter, hinder, or restrict other persons from furnishing, leasing, selling, or servicing any post-mixed soft drink dispensing equipment or systems to such retailer in commerce; or (4) a direct effect of such inducement is to prevent, defer, hinder, or restrict other persons from selling or offering for sale any soft drink syrup to such retailer in commerce. | 2026-01-07T14:11:22Z | |
| 100-hr-3440 | 100 | hr | 3440 | Fire Safe Cigarette Act of 1987 | Commerce | 1987-10-07 | 1987-10-26 | Referred to Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Competitiveness. | House | Rep. Moakley, John Joseph [D-MA-9] | MA | D | M000834 | 34 | Fire Safe Cigarette Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue by rule a fire safety standard for cigarettes. Prohibits stockpiling of cigarettes between the issuing and effective dates of the standard. Provides for judicial review of the standard. Prohibits manufacture or importing of a cigarette unless the cigarette is in compliance with a standard issued under provisions of this Act. Declares violation of the prohibition to be a violation of provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. States that this Act and the standard issued under it does not preempt any law of a State which prescribes a more stringent fire safety standard for cigarettes. Prohibits, in any civil action for damages, admitting as a defense compliance with the standard. | 2025-08-28T20:04:59Z | |
| 100-hr-3443 | 100 | hr | 3443 | Consumer Product Safety Act Amendments of 1987 | Commerce | 1987-10-07 | 1988-09-23 | See H.R.3343. | House | Rep. Dannemeyer, William E. [R-CA-39] | CA | R | D000044 | 3 | Consumer Product Safety Act Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to: (1) abolish the Consumer Product Safety Commission; (2) establish in the Department of Health and Human Services the Office of the Administrator for Consumer Product Safety; and (3) transfer the functions of the Consumer Product Safety Commission to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Repeals the interim cellulose insulation safety standards. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991. | 2025-08-28T20:05:42Z | |
| 100-hr-3433 | 100 | hr | 3433 | A bill to require manufacturers of toy firearms to distinctively mark the toy firearms as toys. | Commerce | 1987-10-06 | 1988-08-11 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Levine, Mel [D-CA-27] | CA | D | L000264 | 27 | Requires the manufacturers of toy firearms to distinctively mark such firearms as toys. Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate regulations prescribing the manner and form in which such firearms are to be marked. States that any firearm which is sold in interstate commerce and not marked as required by this Act shall be considered a misbranded hazardous substance sold in violation of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. | 2024-02-05T14:30:09Z |
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CREATE TABLE legislation (
bill_id TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
congress INTEGER,
bill_type TEXT,
bill_number INTEGER,
title TEXT,
policy_area TEXT,
introduced_date TEXT,
latest_action_date TEXT,
latest_action_text TEXT,
origin_chamber TEXT,
sponsor_name TEXT,
sponsor_state TEXT,
sponsor_party TEXT,
sponsor_bioguide_id TEXT,
cosponsor_count INTEGER DEFAULT 0,
summary_text TEXT,
update_date TEXT,
url TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_congress ON legislation(congress);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_type ON legislation(bill_type);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_policy ON legislation(policy_area);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_date ON legislation(introduced_date);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_sponsor ON legislation(sponsor_name);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_sponsor_bioguide ON legislation(sponsor_bioguide_id);