Summary:
Fair Telephone Billing Act of 2013 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit local exchange carriers or providers of interconnected VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service from placing, or causing to be placed, a third-party charge that is not directly related to the provision of telephone services on the bill of a customer, unless: (1) the third-party charge is from a contracted third-party vendor and for a product or service that the carrier or provider markets or sells jointly with its own service, (2) the customer provided affirmative consent for the charge, (3) the customer was provided with a disclosure of material terms and conditions prior to such consent, and (4) the charge is implemented with reasonable procedures to ensure that the customer has requested the product or service.

Defines: (1) a "third-party charge" as a charge for a product or service not provided by a local exchange carrier or a provider of interconnected VoIP service, and (2) a "contracted third-party vendor" as a person with a contractual right to receive billing and collection services from such a carrier or provider for a product or service the person provides directly to a customer.

Subjects violators to civil forfeiture and specified penalties and refund requirements.

Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promulgate rules to: (1) define how local exchange carriers and providers of interconnected VoIP service will obtain affirmative consent from a consumer for a third-party charge, (2) ensure that consumers are fully aware of the charges to which they are consenting, and (3) impose recordkeeping requirements on such carriers and providers related to any grants of affirmative consent by consumers.

fair telephone billing act amends communications act prohibit local exchange carriers providers interconnected voip voice internet protocol service placing causing placed party charge directly related provision telephone services bill customer party charge contracted party vendor product service carrier provider markets sells jointly service customer provided affirmative consent charge customer provided disclosure material terms conditions prior consent charge implemented reasonable procedures ensure customer requested product service defines party charge charge product service provided local exchange carrier provider interconnected voip service contracted party vendor person contractual right receive billing collection services carrier provider product service person provides directly customer subjects violators civil forfeiture specified penalties refund requirements directs federal_communications_commission fcc promulgate rules define local exchange carriers providers interconnected voip service obtain affirmative consent consumer party charge ensure consumers fully aware charges consenting impose recordkeeping requirements carriers providers related grants affirmative consent consumers


Summary:
Credit Access and Inclusion Act - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act, with respect to the responsibilities of furnishers of information to consumer reporting agencies, to declare that nothing in the Act or related regulations shall be construed as to prohibit a person from furnishing to a consumer reporting agency certain consumer identifying information, including: (1) a consumer's full name, telephone number, mother's maiden name, address, zip code, date of birth, any generational designation, or Social Security number; (2) information solely as to transactions or experiences between the consumer and the person furnishing the information; (3) public record information; and (4) information about the performance of a consumer making payments under a real property lease or pursuant to a utility or telecommunications service contract.

Defines "utility or telecommunication service" as an entity that provides utility services to the public through pipe, wire, landline, wireless, cable, or other connected facilities, or radio, electronic, or similar transmission, including the extension of such facilities.

fair credit reporting act respect responsibilities furnishers information consumer reporting agencies declare act related regulations shall construed prohibit person furnishing consumer reporting agency certain consumer identifying information including consumer telephone number mother maiden address zip code date birth designation social_security number information solely transactions experiences consumer person furnishing information public record information information performance consumer making payments real property lease pursuant utility telecommunications service contract defines utility telecommunication service entity provides utility services public pipe wire wireless cable connected facilities radio electronic similar transmission including extension facilities


Summary:
Cybersecurity Public Awareness Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to submit an annual report that: (1) summarizes major cyber incidents involving networks of executive agencies, except for the Department of Defense (DOD); (2) provides aggregate statistics on the number of breaches of networks of executive agencies, the volume of data exfiltrated, and the estimated cost of remedying the breaches; and (3) discusses the risk of cyber sabotage. Requires similar reports by the DOD Secretary to address incidents against DOD and military departments.

Directs the Attorney General and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to submit reports and annual updates describing investigations and prosecutions by the Department of Justice (DOJ) relating to cyber instrusions, computer or network compromise, or other forms of illegal hacking. Requires such reports to identify the resources devoted to the enforcement, investigation, and prosecution of such activities and to discuss legal impediments to prosecutions.

Requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to submit annually, for three years, a report: (1) assessing the reporting of cyber risk or cyber incidents in financial statements by issuers of securities; and (2) evaluating SEC actions, including staff guidance.

Directs the DHS Secretary to: (1) submit annual reports describing policies and procedures through which federal agencies, upon request, assist in defending a private sector entity's information networks against cyber threats that could result in loss of life or significant harm to the national economy or national security; (2) submit annually, for three years, a report describing vulnerabilities to, and the prevalence of, cyber threats in specified critical infrastructure sectors and the degree to which cooperative activities with DOD-developed private partners have been employed in each sector; (3) contract with the National Research Council or another federally funded research and development corporation for reports on the opportunities for development of new technologies or approaches to enhance the cybersecurity of critical infrastructure entities; and (4) submit annual reports on impediments to public awareness of common cyber security threats.

Directs the Attorney General, in coordination with the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, to submit a report on: (1) whether federal courts have granted timely relief in matters relating to botnets and other cybercrime and threats; and (2) recommended changes to the rules of civil or criminal procedure, the resources, capabilities, and specialization of courts to which such cases may be assigned, and federal civil and criminal laws.

directs secretary homeland_security dhs submit annual report summarizes major cyber incidents involving networks executive agencies department_of_defense dod provides aggregate statistics number breaches networks executive agencies volume data estimated cost breaches discusses risk cyber sabotage requires similar reports dod secretary address incidents dod military departments directs attorney general director federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi submit reports annual updates describing investigations prosecutions department_of_justice doj relating cyber computer network compromise forms illegal requires reports identify resources devoted enforcement investigation prosecution activities discuss legal impediments prosecutions requires securities_and_exchange_commission sec submit annually years report assessing reporting cyber risk cyber incidents financial statements issuers securities evaluating sec actions including staff guidance directs dhs secretary submit annual reports describing policies procedures federal agencies request assist defending private sector entity information networks cyber threats result loss life significant harm national economy national security submit annually years report describing vulnerabilities prevalence cyber threats specified critical infrastructure sectors degree cooperative activities dod developed private partners employed sector contract national_research_council federally funded research development corporation reports opportunities development new technologies approaches enhance cybersecurity critical infrastructure entities submit annual reports impediments public awareness common cyber security threats directs attorney general coordination administrative_office_of_the_united_states_courts submit report federal courts granted timely relief matters relating cybercrime threats recommended changes rules civil criminal procedure resources capabilities courts cases assigned federal civil criminal laws


Summary:
Rural Spectrum Accessibility Act of 2013 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a program under which a wireless carrier receiving a license under specified provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 may partition or disaggregate the license in order to make unused spectrum available to small carriers or carriers serving certain rural areas.

Defines "small carrier" as a carrier with not more than 1,500 employees as calculated under regulatory standards used by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to determine the number of individuals employed by a business concern on a full-time, part-time, or other basis.

Provides carriers receiving such licenses and participating in the program with a three-year extension of licenses granted under this Act.

rural spectrum accessibility act directs federal_communications_commission fcc establish program wireless carrier receiving license specified provisions communications act partition disaggregate license order unused spectrum available small carriers carriers serving certain rural areas defines small carrier carrier employees calculated regulatory standards small_business_administration sba determine number individuals employed business concern time time basis provides carriers receiving licenses participating program year extension licenses granted act


Summary:
Rural Broadband Investment Act of 2013 or the RBI Act of 2013 - Suspends regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that resulted in a revised method of determining levels of support for rural telephone carriers under the Universal Service Fund by allowing study area unseparated loop cost to be limited annually pursuant to a schedule announced by the Wireline Competition Bureau. (Thus, eliminates a distribution analysis method provided for in the FCC's Transformation Order known as the Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking of the Federal Communications Commission adopted on October 27, 2011.)

Requires the FCC to initiate a rulemaking to adopt a revised proposal for rural support that does not deprive a rural rate-of-return carrier (a rural telephone company that is an incumbent local exchange carrier not subject to price cap regulation) of the opportunity to recover reasonable investments and operating expenses incurred prior to the proposal's adoption.

Directs the FCC, to the extent required under the Communications Act of 1934, to consult with: (1) the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service; and (2) if the limitations in the proposal submitted by the FCC to such Board result in a revision of the jurisdictional allocation of expenses, the Federal-State Joint Board on Separations.

Directs the FCC to submit to Congress: (1) the revised proposal for rural support published in the notice of proposed rulemaking, and (2) a report that describes the amount of universal service funding necessary to achieve universal service objectives during the next 10 years. Requires the report to include a quantitative and qualitative analysis as well as an identification of the unique circumstances and resulting high-cost loop support required to provide and maintain universal service in Alaska and on tribal lands.

Sets forth interim limitations on study area total unseparated loop costs that are to apply until the final rule takes effect.

Directs the FCC to amend regulations relating to high-cost loop support adjustments for rural rate-of-return carriers to require, beginning on January 1, 2012, the calculation of safety net additive support for such a carrier to include all just and reasonable investments made by the carrier prior to 2012.

Requires the FCC to grant a petition for a waiver submitted by a rural carrier negatively affected by a revision adopted in the October 2011 Transformation Order if such a waiver is necessary to ensure that the carrier is afforded a reasonable opportunity to recover the costs of providing universal service, including an equitable return on investments.

act suspends regulations federal_communications_commission fcc resulted revised method determining levels support rural telephone carriers allowing study area loop cost limited annually pursuant schedule announced eliminates distribution analysis method provided fcc known report order notice proposed rulemaking federal_communications_commission adopted october requires fcc initiate rulemaking adopt revised proposal rural support rural rate return carrier rural telephone company incumbent local exchange carrier subject price cap regulation opportunity recover reasonable investments operating expenses incurred prior proposal adoption directs fcc extent required communications act consult limitations proposal submitted fcc board result revision jurisdictional allocation expenses separations directs fcc submit congress revised proposal rural support published notice proposed rulemaking report describes universal service funding necessary achieve universal service objectives years requires report include quantitative qualitative analysis identification unique circumstances resulting high cost loop support required provide maintain universal service alaska tribal lands sets forth interim limitations study area total loop costs apply final rule takes effect directs fcc amend regulations relating high cost loop support adjustments rural rate return carriers require beginning january calculation safety net additive support carrier include reasonable investments carrier prior requires fcc grant petition waiver submitted rural carrier negatively affected revision adopted october waiver necessary ensure carrier afforded reasonable opportunity recover costs providing universal service including equitable return investments


Summary:
Quell Unnecessary, Intentional, and Encroaching Telephone Calls Act of 2014 or the QUIET Act - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit a a person within the United States, or a person outside the United States if the recipient is within the United States, from knowingly initiating a commercial robocall without the prior express written consent of the recipient. Defines "commercial robocall" to mean a telephone call made for the purpose of soliciting or encouraging the purchase or rental of, or investment or enrollment in, property, goods, or services, using an automatic telephone dialing system or an artificial or prerecorded voice.

Exempts telephone calls that: (1) are made for emergency purposes; (2) are by or on behalf of a tax-exempt nonprofit organization; (3) are made by a provider of commercial mobile radio service to subscribers of the service, for which the subscribers are not charged; or (4) deliver a message relating to health care made by, or on behalf of, a covered entity or a business associate of a covered entity.

Subjects any person who violates this Act to a fine of not more than $20,000 per violation, imprisonment for not more than 10 years, or both.

intentional telephone calls act act amends federal criminal code prohibit person united_states person outside united_states recipient united_states knowingly initiating commercial robocall prior express written consent recipient defines commercial robocall mean telephone purpose soliciting encouraging purchase rental investment enrollment property goods services automatic telephone dialing system artificial prerecorded voice exempts telephone calls emergency purposes behalf tax exempt nonprofit organization provider commercial mobile radio service subscribers service subscribers charged deliver message relating health care behalf covered entity business associate covered entity subjects person violates act fine violation imprisonment years


Summary:
Open Internet Preservation Act of 2014 - Restores rules adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the Report and Order in the matter of preserving the open Internet and broadband industry practices (adopted on December 21, 2010) that were vacated by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in Verizon v. Federal Communications Commission (decided on January 14, 2014).

Requires such rules to remain in effect until the FCC takes final action in the proceedings remanded to the FCC in such D.C. Circuit decision.

open internet preservation act restores rules adopted federal_communications_commission fcc report order matter preserving open internet broadband industry practices adopted december vacated federal_communications_commission decided january requires rules remain effect fcc takes final action proceedings remanded fcc decision


Summary:
Public Safety and Economic Security Communications Act of 2014 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require an intermediate provider that offers the capability to transmit certain voice communications and signaling information from one destination to another, and that charges a rate to any other entity (including an affiliated entity) for the transmission, to: (1) register with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and (2) comply with service quality standards to be established by the FCC.

Defines "intermediate provider" as any entity that: (1) carries or processes traffic that is generated from the placement of a call from a connection using a North American Numbering Plan resource or a call placed to a connection using such a numbering resource, and (2) does not itself originate or terminate such traffic in the context of the carriage or processing.

Prohibits certain long-distance voice service providers (including local exchange carriers, interexchange carriers, commercial mobile radio services, interconnected voice over Internet Protocol [VoIP] services, and certain non-interconnected VoIP services) from using an intermediate provider to transmit voice communications and signals unless the intermediate provider is so registered.

Directs the FCC, in promulgating rules for such standards, to: (1) ensure the integrity of the transmission of voice communications to all customers in the United States, (2) prevent unjust or unreasonable discrimination among areas of the United States in the delivery of such voice communications, and (3) make a registry of intermediate providers publicly available on the FCC website.

amends communications act require intermediate provider offers capability transmit certain voice communications signaling information destination charges rate entity including affiliated entity transmission register federal_communications_commission fcc comply service quality standards established fcc defines intermediate provider entity carries processes traffic generated placement connection north american numbering plan resource placed connection numbering resource originate terminate traffic context carriage processing prohibits certain long distance voice service providers including local exchange carriers interexchange carriers commercial mobile radio services interconnected voice internet protocol voip services certain non interconnected voip services intermediate provider transmit voice communications signals intermediate provider registered directs fcc promulgating rules standards ensure integrity transmission voice communications customers united_states prevent unjust unreasonable discrimination areas united_states delivery voice communications registry intermediate providers publicly available fcc website


Summary:
Maximizing Spectrum Efficiency and Value Act of 2014 - Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to establish a Federal Spectrum Reallocation Commission to make recommendations to the President on the reallocation of federal spectrum over a specified time period.

Directs each federal agency to include a spectrum utilization plan as part of the budget justification documents submitted to Congress each fiscal year. Requires copies of the plan to be submitted to the Reallocation Commission, the Secretary of Commerce, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress, the Comptroller General (GAO), and the Reallocation Commission a report identifying and recommending for reallocation bands of frequencies that: (1) are allocated primarily for federal government use, (2) are not required for federal government needs, and (3) can feasibly be made available for assignment through a competitive bidding system under the Communications Act of 1934 during the five-year period beginning on the date of submission of the report.

Directs the Reallocation Commission to hold public hearings and submit to the President and Congress a review and analysis of the Secretary's recommendations with an explanation and justification of any Reallocation Commission recommendation for federal spectrum reallocation that is different from the Secretary's recommendations.

Directs the President to determine whether to approve the Reallocation Commission recommendations and to submit a report on such determination to Congress and the Reallocation Commission.

Sets forth a process requiring the Reallocation Commission, if the President disapproves the recommendations, to continue submitting a revised list of recommendations until the President approves it. Terminates the Reallocation Commission 60 days after the President approves the recommendations.

Directs the President to submit the approved recommendations to Congress.

Directs the head of each federal entity required to relocate spectrum under the approved recommendations to prepare and submit an implementation plan to the President, Congress, the NTIA, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and GAO.

Directs each such federal entity, after the President submits the approved recommendations to Congress, to: (1) initiate actions required to comply with the recommendations within two years, and (2) complete such actions within five years.

Prohibits federal entities from initiating such compliance actions if a joint resolution is enacted that disapproves the recommendations within a specified period.

Requires the FCC, within two years after the President submits the approved recommendations to Congress, to commence the auctioning of frequencies that will be made available for assignment of new intitial licenses subject to new service rules or for other purposes.

Directs any federal government station operating on electromagnetic spectrum identified in the approved recommendations for the reallocation of federal spectrum, to the maximum extent practicable, to relocate its spectrum use to other frequencies allocated for federal use or to consolidate its spectrum use with other federal government stations in a manner that maximizes the spectrum available for nonfederal use.

Authorizes Congress, if a federal entity fails to comply with an OMB-approved relocation deadline, to decrease the amount appropriated to the entity in the following fiscal year by up to one-half of 1%.

Sets forth authority for the payment of relocation or sharing costs from the Spectrum Relocation Fund.

Requires specified proceeds from the auction of frequencies to be deposited in the Treasury's general fund for the sole purpose of deficit reduction.

Prohibits the FCC from: (1) establishing licensing conditions relating to its Report and Order on Preserving the Open Internet and Broadband Industry Practices adopted on December 21, 2010, (2) restricting the number or type of bidders or any specific bidder from participating in a public auction, (3) prescribing the rates or terms of or otherwise conditioning services that may be offered by successful bidders in any such auction, or (4) imposing any additional license requirements or rules on successful bidders once any such auction has been completed.

amends national_telecommunications_and_information_administration_organization_act establish recommendations president reallocation federal spectrum specified time period directs federal agency include spectrum utilization plan budget justification documents submitted congress fiscal year requires copies plan submitted secretary commerce national_telecommunications_and_information_administration ntia requires secretary submit congress comptroller_general gao report identifying recommending reallocation bands frequencies allocated primarily federal government use required federal government needs available assignment competitive bidding system communications act year period beginning date submission report hold public hearings submit president congress review analysis secretary recommendations explanation justification recommendation federal spectrum reallocation different secretary recommendations directs president determine approve recommendations submit report determination congress sets forth process requiring president disapproves recommendations continue submitting revised list recommendations president approves terminates reallocation commission days president approves recommendations directs president submit approved recommendations congress directs head federal entity required relocate spectrum approved recommendations prepare submit implementation plan president congress ntia federal_communications_commission fcc office_of_management_and_budget omb gao directs federal entity president submits approved recommendations congress initiate actions required comply recommendations years complete actions years prohibits federal entities initiating compliance actions joint resolution enacted disapproves recommendations specified period requires fcc years president submits approved recommendations congress commence auctioning frequencies available assignment new licenses subject new service rules purposes directs federal government station operating electromagnetic spectrum identified approved recommendations reallocation federal spectrum maximum extent practicable relocate spectrum use frequencies allocated federal use consolidate spectrum use federal government stations manner maximizes spectrum available nonfederal use authorizes congress federal entity fails comply omb approved relocation deadline decrease appropriated entity following fiscal year half sets forth authority payment relocation sharing costs spectrum_relocation_fund requires specified proceeds auction frequencies deposited treasury general fund sole purpose deficit reduction prohibits fcc establishing licensing conditions relating report order preserving open internet adopted december restricting number type bidders specific bidder participating public auction prescribing rates terms conditioning services offered successful bidders auction imposing additional license requirements rules successful bidders auction completed


Summary:
Wireless Innovation Act of 2014 - Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to require the Secretary of Commerce to report to the President and Congress with recommendations to reallocate a span of at least 200 megahertz of spectrum, located below 5 gigahertz, from federal government use to: (1) commercial use on an exclusive, licensed basis; (2) unlicensed use to protect licensed services from harmful interference; and (3) shared use between federal government stations and non-federal stations.

 Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to begin auctioning specified amounts of such spectrum beginning not later than December 31, 2018, and to continue such auctions at 18-month intervals according to a staggered schedule.

Authorizes the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to use a percentage of the proceeds from the first auction to pay federal entities to: (1) conduct feasibility analyses regarding the potential future reallocation of additional spectrum from federal use to exclusive non-federal use or shared use; and (2) develop efficiency guidelines to increase the flexibility of federal spectrum-dependent systems through multiple-band tuning capabilities, the use of commercial systems, and public-private partnerships.

Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish a presumption under which an application to the FCC for the transfer of a construction permit or station license is deemed to be in the public interest, convenient, and necessary, unless the FCC acts to deny the application, if the application does not: (1) involve a broadcast, common carrier, aeronautical en route, or aeronautical fixed radio station license that is prohibited from being granted to or held by an alien or foreign corporation; (2) require a premerger notification and waiting period under the Clayton Act; and (3) concern a merger, acquisition, or takeover subject to review under the Defense Production Act of 1950.

Requires applications qualifying for such presumption to be granted within 90 days after the FCC issues a public notice of the application.

Directs federal agencies seeking a new or modified frequency assignment for a mobile or other radio service to submit to the Secretary and the OMB a report analyzing whether the federal agency could instead use commercial services, use an existing or already planned federal service, share with another federal agency, use unlicensed spectrum, or lease from commercial providers.

Directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the OMB to incorporate spectrum efficiency guidelines into budget and procurement processes.

Requires NTIA to develop a framework for determining the annual economic opportunity cost of each specific federal spectrum band allocated for federal entities, with the value determined as if such spectrum were to be reallocated on a licensed basis to the highest commercial alternative use that currently does not have access to that spectrum.

Requires federal entities assigned or allocated use of federal spectrum to: (1) report the opportunity cost of spectrum bands in budgets and annual financial statements; and (2) compare, every five years, the entity's spectrum opportunity cost to the projected costs of relocating, co-locating, leasing, or contracting out for spectrum activities.

wireless innovation act amends national_telecommunications_and_information_administration_organization_act require secretary commerce report president congress recommendations reallocate span megahertz spectrum located gigahertz federal government use commercial use exclusive licensed basis unlicensed use protect licensed services harmful interference shared use federal government stations non federal stations requires federal_communications_commission fcc begin auctioning specified amounts spectrum beginning later december continue auctions month intervals according staggered schedule authorizes director office_of_management_and_budget omb use percentage proceeds auction pay federal entities conduct feasibility analyses potential future reallocation additional spectrum federal use exclusive non federal use shared use develop efficiency guidelines increase flexibility federal spectrum dependent systems multiple band capabilities use commercial systems public private partnerships amends communications act establish presumption application fcc transfer construction permit station license deemed public interest convenient necessary fcc acts deny application application involve broadcast common carrier aeronautical route aeronautical fixed radio station license prohibited granted held alien foreign corporation require notification waiting period clayton act concern merger acquisition takeover subject review defense production act requires applications qualifying presumption granted days fcc issues public notice application directs federal agencies seeking new modified frequency assignment mobile radio service submit secretary omb report analyzing federal agency instead use commercial services use existing planned federal service share federal agency use unlicensed spectrum lease commercial providers directs national_telecommunications_and_information_administration ntia omb incorporate spectrum efficiency guidelines budget procurement processes requires ntia develop framework determining annual economic opportunity cost specific federal spectrum band allocated federal entities value determined spectrum reallocated licensed basis highest commercial alternative use currently access spectrum requires federal entities assigned allocated use federal spectrum report opportunity cost spectrum bands budgets annual financial statements compare years entity spectrum opportunity cost projected costs relocating locating leasing contracting spectrum activities


Summary:
Online Competition and Consumer Choice Act of 2014 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promulgate regulations that prohibit broadband providers, in transmitting network traffic over the broadband Internet access service of an end user, from: (1) entering an agreement with an edge provider (a provider of Internet content, applications, services, or access devices) to give preferential treatment or priority to the traffic of such edge provider in exchange for consideration (commonly referred to as "paid prioritization"); and (2) giving preferential treatment or priority to content, applications, services, or devices that are provided or operated by such broadband provider or an affiliate of such broadband provider.

Prohibits this Act from superseding any obligation or authorization of a broadband provider to address the needs of emergency communications, law enforcement, public safety, or national security authorities.

Sets forth enforcement authority under the Communications Act of 1934, with modified forfeiture standards.

online competition consumer choice act directs federal_communications_commission fcc promulgate regulations prohibit broadband providers transmitting network traffic broadband internet access service end user entering agreement edge provider provider internet content applications services access devices preferential treatment priority traffic edge provider exchange consideration commonly referred paid prioritization giving preferential treatment priority content applications services devices provided operated broadband provider affiliate broadband provider prohibits act superseding obligation authorization broadband provider address needs emergency communications law enforcement public safety national security authorities sets forth enforcement authority communications act modified forfeiture standards


Summary:
Wi-Fi Innovation Act - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide additional unlicensed spectrum in the 5850-5925 megahertz band under technical rules suitable for the widespread commercial development of unlicensed operations.

Provides for such technical rules to permit outdoor unlicensed operations without requiring devices to dynamically detect signals from other systems.

Directs the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology to seek public comments on proposals for interference-mitigation techniques and potential rechannelization that would accommodate both incumbent licensees and widespread commercial unlicensed operations in such band.

Sets forth a process for the FCC to test mitigation measures and methods of sharing spectrum with unlicensed devices within such band in a manner that would not cause harmful interference to incumbent licensees.

Directs the FCC, if it determines that existing licensees would not be harmed by interference, to modify regulations to adopt technical rules for widespread commercial deployment of unlicensed operations for such band. Prohibits modification of such regulations if the FCC determines that mitigation, rechannelization, or sharing would not prevent harmful interference. Requires the FCC to notify Congress, the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of a harmful interference determination.

Requires the FCC to modify regulations relating to Intelligent Transportation Systems radio service and dedicated short-range communications service on-board units if such modification would maximize utility of such band while protecting existing licensees.

Directs the FCC to make recommendations to Congress regarding the availability of broadband Internet access using unlicensed spectrum and wireless networks in low income neighborhoods.

innovation act requires federal_communications_commission fcc provide additional unlicensed spectrum megahertz band technical rules suitable widespread commercial development unlicensed operations provides technical rules permit outdoor unlicensed operations requiring devices detect signals systems directs fcc seek public comments proposals interference mitigation techniques potential accommodate incumbent licensees widespread commercial unlicensed operations band sets forth process fcc test mitigation measures methods sharing spectrum unlicensed devices band manner cause harmful interference incumbent licensees directs fcc determines existing licensees harmed interference modify regulations adopt technical rules widespread commercial deployment unlicensed operations band prohibits modification regulations fcc determines mitigation sharing prevent harmful interference requires fcc notify congress department_of_transportation dot national_telecommunications_and_information_administration ntia harmful interference determination requires fcc modify regulations relating radio service dedicated short range communications service board units modification maximize utility band protecting existing licensees directs fcc recommendations congress availability broadband internet access unlicensed spectrum wireless networks low income neighborhoods


Summary:
End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act of 2015

Prohibits a provider of commercial mobile service or commercial mobile data service from receiving universal service support under specified provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 for the provision of such service through the Federal Communications Commission's Lifeline program that provides discounts on monthly telephone service to qualifying low-income consumers.

end taxpayer funded cell phones act prohibits provider commercial mobile service commercial mobile data service receiving universal service support specified provisions communications act provision service federal_communications_commission lifeline program provides discounts monthly telephone service qualifying low income consumers


Summary:
Cell Phone Freedom Act of 2015

 Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit any government official or employee from knowingly causing a mobile device phone to be shut down without the consent of the owner or account holder of that phone or without a court order authorizing such shutdown. Prescribes penalties for violating such prohibition, including removal from employment.

cell phone freedom act amends federal criminal code prohibit government official employee knowingly causing mobile device phone shut consent owner account holder phone court order authorizing shutdown prescribes penalties violating prohibition including removal employment


Summary:
Wi-Fi Innovation Act

Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide additional unlicensed spectrum in the 5850-5925 megahertz band under technical rules suitable for the widespread commercial development of unlicensed operations.

Provides for such technical rules to permit outdoor unlicensed operations without requiring devices to dynamically detect signals from other systems.

Directs the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology to seek public comments on proposals for interference-mitigation techniques and potential rechannelization that would accommodate both incumbent licensees and widespread commercial unlicensed operations in such band.

Sets forth a process for the FCC to test mitigation measures and methods of sharing spectrum with unlicensed devices within such band in a manner that would not cause harmful interference to incumbent licensees.

Directs the FCC, if it determines that existing licensees would not be harmed by interference, to modify regulations to adopt technical rules for widespread commercial deployment of unlicensed operations for such band. Prohibits modification of such regulations if the FCC determines that mitigation, rechannelization, or sharing would not prevent harmful interference. Requires the FCC to notify Congress, the Department of Transportation, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of a harmful interference determination.

Requires the FCC to modify regulations relating to Intelligent Transportation Systems radio service and dedicated short-range communications service on-board units if such modification would maximize utility of such band while protecting existing licensees.

Directs the FCC to make recommendations to Congress regarding the availability of broadband Internet access using unlicensed spectrum and wireless networks in low income neighborhoods.

innovation act requires federal_communications_commission fcc provide additional unlicensed spectrum megahertz band technical rules suitable widespread commercial development unlicensed operations provides technical rules permit outdoor unlicensed operations requiring devices detect signals systems directs fcc seek public comments proposals interference mitigation techniques potential accommodate incumbent licensees widespread commercial unlicensed operations band sets forth process fcc test mitigation measures methods sharing spectrum unlicensed devices band manner cause harmful interference incumbent licensees directs fcc determines existing licensees harmed interference modify regulations adopt technical rules widespread commercial deployment unlicensed operations band prohibits modification regulations fcc determines mitigation sharing prevent harmful interference requires fcc notify congress department_of_transportation national_telecommunications_and_information_administration harmful interference determination requires fcc modify regulations relating radio service dedicated short range communications service board units modification maximize utility band protecting existing licensees directs fcc recommendations congress availability broadband internet access unlicensed spectrum wireless networks low income neighborhoods


Summary:
Transparency in Phone Solicitation Act of 2015 or the TIPS Act of 2015

Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit businesses, entities, or individuals from making live telephone solicitations unless the solicitor: (1) states the solicitor's identity, telephone number, and address; (2) states the address of a website that the called party may use to indicate that such party does not wish to receive calls from that solicitor; (3) transmits caller identification information, including a telephone number that the called party may use to return the call directly to such solicitor; and (4) releases the called party's line within five seconds after being notified that the called party has hung up to allow the called party to make or receive other calls.

Revises standards applicable to telephone transmissions of artificial or prerecorded voice messages to add comparable procedures requiring any such messages to: (1) state the telephone number and address (currently, telephone number or address) of the calling entity, (2) state the address of a website that the called party may use to indicate that such party does not wish to receive calls from that entity, and (3) transmit caller identification information. Retains the current law requirement that artificial or prerecorded messages must release the line within five seconds after the called party has hung up.

transparency phone solicitation act tips act amends communications act prohibit businesses entities individuals making live telephone solicitations states identity telephone number address states address website called party use indicate party wish receive calls transmits caller identification information including telephone number called party use return directly releases called party line notified called party allow called party receive calls revises standards applicable telephone transmissions artificial prerecorded voice messages add comparable procedures requiring messages state telephone number address currently telephone number address calling entity state address website called party use indicate party wish receive calls entity transmit caller identification information retains current law requirement artificial prerecorded messages release line called party


Summary:
Wireless Telecommunications Tax and Fee Collection Fairness Act of 2015

Prohibits a state or local jurisdiction from requiring any person to collect from, or remit on behalf of, any other person any state or local fee, tax, or surcharge imposed on a purchaser or user with respect to the purchase or use of any wireless communication service within a state, unless there is a financial transaction between the person from whom the state seeks to require such collection or remittance and the purchaser or user of such service. Defines "financial transaction" to mean that there is a transaction involving cash, credit or any other exchange of monetary value or consideration given by the purchaser or user upon whom the fee, tax or surcharge is imposed to the person required to collect or remit the fee, tax or surcharge.

fee collection fairness act prohibits state local jurisdiction requiring person collect remit behalf person state local fee tax surcharge imposed purchaser user respect purchase use wireless communication service state financial transaction person state seeks require collection remittance purchaser user service defines financial transaction mean transaction involving cash credit exchange monetary value consideration given purchaser user fee tax surcharge imposed person required collect remit fee tax surcharge


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on September 9, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2016

(Sec. 3) This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to amend station antenna structure regulations to prohibit a private land use restriction from applying to amateur radio stations if the restriction:

 precludes communications in an amateur radio service, fails to permit a licensee of amateur radio service to install and maintain an effective outdoor antenna on property under its exclusive use or control, or is not the minimum practicable restriction to accomplish the lawful purposes of a community association seeking to enforce the restriction. Before installing an outdoor antenna, however, an amateur radio licensee must obtain a community association's prior approval. A community association may: (1) prohibit installations on common property not under the exclusive control of the licensee, and (2) establish installation rules for amateur radio antennas and support structures.

measure amended reported house september summary version repeated amateur radio parity act sec bill directs federal_communications_commission fcc amend station antenna structure regulations prohibit private land use restriction applying amateur radio stations restriction precludes communications amateur radio service fails permit licensee amateur radio service install maintain effective outdoor antenna property exclusive use control minimum practicable restriction accomplish lawful purposes community association seeking enforce restriction installing outdoor antenna amateur radio licensee obtain community association prior approval community association prohibit installations common property exclusive control licensee establish installation rules amateur radio support structures


Summary:
Small Business Access to Spectrum Act of 2015

Directs the Federal Communications Commission, within 90 days after enactment of this Act, to promulgate rules in WT Docket No. 14-170 concerning updating rules governing competitive bidding for spectrum licenses.

small business access spectrum act directs federal_communications_commission days enactment act promulgate rules concerning updating rules governing competitive bidding spectrum licenses


Summary:
Federal Spectrum Incentive Act of 2015

Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to allow federal entities that utilize government station licenses to participate in the incentive auction program under which licensees of electromagnetic spectrum voluntarily relinquish their spectrum rights in order for such spectrum to be auctioned for a repurposed commercial use in exchange for a percentage of the auction proceeds.

Permits such federal entities, instead of being reimbursed for the costs of sharing frequencies with nonfederal users or relocating to other frequencies as provided for under current law, to receive a percentage of the proceeds from spectrum it relinquishes for auction by electing to: (1) discontinue operations on eligible frequencies without relocating to other frequencies, or (2) relocate operations to frequencies assigned to another federal entity in order for such entities to share frequencies.

Establishes in the Treasury a Federal Spectrum Incentive Fund to be administered by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in consultation with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

Requires 1% of the proceeds from such auctions to be deposited in such Fund and the remainder to be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury for the sole purpose of deficit reduction.

Directs OMB to transfer from the Fund to a federal entity a specified amount attributable to the auction of frequencies vacated by such entity. Permits federal entities to use such amounts for: (1) any purposes permitted under the terms and conditions of an appropriations account that was subject to sequestration for any fiscal year under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, provided that the amount used does not exceed the amount by which the account was reduced by sequestration for such fiscal year; or (2) a transfer of amounts to an incumbent federal entity for such purposes when the federal entity relinquishing spectrum relocates its operations to frequencies assigned to another federal entity in order to share frequencies.

federal spectrum incentive act amends national_telecommunications_and_information_administration_organization_act allow federal entities utilize government station licenses participate incentive auction program licensees electromagnetic spectrum voluntarily relinquish spectrum rights order spectrum auctioned repurposed commercial use exchange percentage auction proceeds permits federal entities instead reimbursed costs sharing frequencies nonfederal users relocating frequencies provided current law receive percentage proceeds spectrum relinquishes auction electing discontinue operations eligible frequencies relocating frequencies relocate operations frequencies assigned federal entity order entities share frequencies establishes treasury administered office_of_management_and_budget omb consultation national_telecommunications_and_information_administration requires proceeds auctions deposited fund remainder deposited general fund treasury sole purpose deficit reduction directs omb transfer fund federal entity specified attributable auction frequencies vacated entity permits federal entities use amounts purposes permitted terms conditions appropriations account subject sequestration fiscal year balanced_budget emergency deficit control act provided exceed account reduced sequestration fiscal year transfer amounts incumbent federal entity purposes federal entity relinquishing spectrum relocates operations frequencies assigned federal entity order share frequencies


Summary:
Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Act of 2015

Prohibits a state or local jurisdiction from imposing multiple or discriminatory taxes on the sale or use of a digital good or service delivered or transferred electronically to a customer. Excludes from the definition of "digital service" a service that is predominantly attributable to the direct, contemporaneous expenditure of live human effort, skill, or expertise, a telecommunications service, an ancillary service, an Internet access service, an audio or video programming service, or a hotel intermediary service.

Restricts taxation of a digital good or service to taxation by a state or local jurisdiction whose territorial limits encompass a customer tax address, as defined by this Act. Makes the seller of digital goods or services responsible for obtaining and maintaining such address. Provides for the taxation of digital goods and services transactions that are aggregated and not separately stated.

digital_goods services tax fairness act prohibits state local jurisdiction imposing multiple discriminatory taxes sale use digital good service delivered transferred electronically customer excludes definition digital service service predominantly attributable direct contemporaneous expenditure live human effort skill expertise telecommunications service ancillary service internet access service audio video programming service hotel intermediary service restricts taxation digital good service taxation state local jurisdiction territorial limits encompass customer tax address defined act makes seller digital goods services responsible obtaining maintaining address provides taxation digital goods services transactions aggregated separately stated


Summary:
Anti-Swatting Act of 2015

Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for enhanced penalties for the transmission of misleading or inaccurate caller identification information with the intent to trigger a response by a law enforcement agency.

Directs the court to order a defendant who has been convicted of such an offense to reimburse any law enforcement agencies or any government agencies or private not-for-profit organizations that provide fire, rescue, or emergency medical services for expenses incurred in responding to such conduct. Treats such an order of reimbursement as a civil judgment.

anti act amends communications act provide enhanced penalties transmission misleading inaccurate caller identification information intent trigger response law enforcement agency directs court order defendant convicted offense reimburse law enforcement agencies government agencies private profit organizations provide fire rescue emergency medical services expenses incurred responding conduct treats order reimbursement civil judgment


Summary:
Broadband Adoption Act of 2015

Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to adopt a final rule establishing support under the Universal Service Fund Lifeline Assistance Program for qualifying low-income consumers in urban and rural areas to purchase broadband Internet access service at reduced charges by reimbursing participating providers for each such consumer served.

Requires the program to allow qualifying consumers to elect to apply support from the Lifeline program to basic telephone service, voice telephony service, or broadband Internet access service, regardless of whether the service is purchased as a stand-alone service or in a bundle.

Directs the FCC to consult with the federal-state joint board on universal service regarding ways to encourage states to develop programs in conjunction with the Lifeline program.

Requires the program to be technology neutral to promote competition from service providers.

Requires participating broadband Internet access service providers to obtain FCC authorization to participate in the Lifeline program, but a provider is not required to be an eligible telecommunications carrier to receive support under the program.

Directs the FCC to: (1) adopt regulations to prevent receipt of duplicative support under the Lifeline program, and (2) establish a national database to determine consumer eligibility.

broadband adoption act amends communications act direct federal_communications_commission fcc adopt final rule establishing support qualifying low income consumers urban rural areas purchase broadband internet access service reduced charges reimbursing participating providers consumer served requires program allow qualifying consumers elect apply support lifeline program basic telephone service voice telephony service broadband internet access service regardless service purchased stand service bundle directs fcc consult federal state joint board universal service ways encourage states develop programs conjunction lifeline program requires program technology neutral promote competition service providers requires participating broadband internet access service providers obtain fcc authorization participate lifeline program provider required eligible telecommunications carrier receive support program directs fcc adopt regulations prevent receipt duplicative support lifeline program establish national database determine consumer eligibility


Summary:
Anti-Spoofing Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to expand the prohibition against knowingly transmitting misleading or inaccurate caller identification information to apply to: (1) persons outside the United States if the recipient is within the United States, and (2) text messages.

Existing caller identification requirements that apply to calls made using a telecommunications service or IP-enabled voice service are revised to apply to: (1) services interconnected with the public switched telephone network and that furnish voice communications using resources from the North American Numbering Plan; and (2) transmissions from a telephone facsimile machine, computer, or other device to a telephone facsimile machine.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must coordinate with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to regularly update education materials that help consumers identify: (1) scams and fraudulent activity that rely upon misleading or inaccurate caller identification information, and (2) existing technologies that consumers can use to protect against such fraud.

The Government Accountability Office must report on: (1) actions taken, or actions that could be taken, by the FCC or the FTC to combat the fraudulent provision of misleading or inaccurate caller identification information; and (2) any recommendations to combat the fraudulent provision of such information.

anti spoofing act sec bill amends communications act expand prohibition knowingly transmitting misleading inaccurate caller identification information apply persons outside united_states recipient united_states text messages existing caller identification requirements apply calls telecommunications service enabled voice service revised apply services interconnected public telephone network furnish voice communications resources transmissions telephone facsimile machine computer device telephone facsimile machine federal_communications_commission fcc coordinate federal_trade_commission ftc regularly update education materials help consumers identify scams fraudulent activity rely misleading inaccurate caller identification information existing technologies consumers use protect fraud government_accountability_office report actions taken actions taken fcc ftc combat fraudulent provision misleading inaccurate caller identification information recommendations combat fraudulent provision information


Summary:
Rural Spectrum Accessibility Act of 2015

Directs the Federal Communications Commission to establish a program under which a wireless carrier receiving a license under specified provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 may partition or disaggregate the license in order to make unused spectrum available to small carriers or carriers to serve certain rural areas.

Defines "small carrier" as a carrier with not more than 1,500 employees as calculated under regulatory standards used by the Small Business Administration to determine the number of individuals employed by a business concern on a full-time, part-time, or other basis.

Provides carriers receiving such licenses and participating in the program with a three-year extension of licenses granted under this Act.

rural spectrum accessibility act directs federal_communications_commission establish program wireless carrier receiving license specified provisions communications act partition disaggregate license order unused spectrum available small carriers carriers serve certain rural areas defines small carrier carrier employees calculated regulatory standards small_business_administration determine number individuals employed business concern time time basis provides carriers receiving licenses participating program year extension licenses granted act


Summary:
Family Telephone Connection Protection Act of 2015

This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission to adopt regulations on the use of inmate telephone and video services that enable persons incarcerated in correctional institutions to originate calls at payphones, telephones, or video kiosks designated for the personal use of prisoners.

The regulations must: (1) prescribe a maximum uniform per-minute rate and service connection or other per-call rate, (2) prescribe variable maximum rates depending on factors such as carrier costs and the size of the correctional facility, (3) require providers of inmate telephone and video service to offer both collect calling and prepaid debit account services, (4) prohibit or limit the payment of commissions by such providers to administrators of correctional facilities based upon the revenue of the service, (5) require such administrators to allow more than one service provider at a facility so that prisoners have a choice, and (6) prohibit or substantially limit any ancillary fees that are in addition to the per-minute rate and connection charge.

bill amends communications act direct federal_communications_commission adopt regulations use inmate telephone video services enable persons incarcerated correctional institutions originate calls telephones video designated personal use prisoners regulations prescribe maximum uniform minute rate service connection rate prescribe variable maximum rates depending factors carrier costs size correctional facility require providers inmate telephone video service offer collect calling prepaid debit account services prohibit limit payment commissions providers administrators correctional facilities based revenue service require administrators allow service provider facility prisoners choice prohibit substantially limit ancillary fees addition minute rate connection charge


Summary:
Emergency Responder Radio Communications Protection Act of 2015

This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime to knowingly: (1) interfere with a radio frequency used by emergency response providers in their official capacity; or (2) obstruct, hinder, or delay a transmission over any such frequency.

A person who violates, or attempts or conspires to violate, this provision is subject to fines and/or up to 10 years in prison.

emergency bill amends federal criminal code crime knowingly interfere radio frequency emergency response providers official capacity obstruct hinder delay transmission frequency person violates attempts conspires violate provision subject fines years prison


Summary:
Securing Access to Networks in Disasters Act

(Sec. 2) This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to submit to Congress and publish on the FCC website a study on the public safety benefits, technical feasibility, and cost of providing the public with access to 9-1-1 services during times of emergency when mobile service is unavailable, through:

 telecommunications service provider-owned WiFi access points and other communications technologies operating on unlicensed spectrum, without requiring any login credentials; non-telecommunications service provider-owned WiFi access points; and other alternative means. The types of emergencies subject to this bill are: (1) occasions or instances under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for which the President determines that federal assistance is needed to supplement state and local efforts and capabilities to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in any part of the United States; or (2) an emergency declared by the governor of a state or U.S. territory.

(Sec. 3) The Stafford Act is amended to expand the categories of essential service providers that may access a disaster site to restore and repair essential services in an emergency or major disaster without being denied or impeded by a federal agency. Services to be considered essential are wireline or mobile telephone service, Internet access service, radio or television broadcasting, cable service, or direct broadcast satellite service.

securing access networks disasters act sec bill requires federal_communications_commission fcc submit congress publish fcc website study public safety benefits technical feasibility cost providing public access services times emergency mobile service unavailable telecommunications service provider owned access points communications technologies operating unlicensed spectrum requiring credentials non telecommunications service provider owned access points alternative means types emergencies subject bill occasions instances robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance act president determines federal assistance needed supplement state local efforts capabilities save lives protect property public health safety lessen avert threat catastrophe united_states emergency declared governor state territory sec stafford act amended expand categories essential service providers access disaster site restore repair essential services emergency major disaster denied impeded federal agency services considered essential wireline mobile telephone service internet access service radio television broadcasting cable service direct broadcast satellite service


Summary:
Kari's Law Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit businesses from manufacturing or importing for use in the United States, or selling or leasing in the United States, a multi-line telephone system unless it is pre-configured to allow users to directly initiate a call to 9-1-1 (without dialing any additional digit, code, prefix, or post-fix, including any trunk-access code such as the digit "9") from any station equipped with dialing facilities.

 Businesses are prohibited from installing, managing, or operating multi-line telephone systems without such a direct 9-1-1 call configuration.

Businesses installing, managing, or operating such systems for use in the United States must configure the systems to provide a notification to a central location at the facility where the system is installed, or to another person or organization regardless of location, if the system is able to be so configured without an improvement to the hardware or software.

law act sec bill amends communications act prohibit businesses manufacturing importing use united_states selling leasing united_states multi line telephone system pre configured allow users directly initiate dialing additional digit code post fix including access code digit station equipped dialing facilities businesses prohibited installing managing operating multi line telephone systems direct configuration businesses installing managing operating systems use united_states systems provide notification central location facility system installed person organization regardless location system able configured improvement hardware software


Summary:
Wireless Tax Fairness Act of 2015

 This bill prohibits states or local governments from imposing any new discriminatory tax on or with respect to mobile services, mobile service providers, or mobile service property for five years after the enactment of this Act. A "new discriminatory tax" is a tax imposed on mobile services, providers, or property that is not generally imposed on other types of services or property, or that is generally imposed at a lower rate, unless such tax was imposed and actually enforced prior to the enactment date of this Act.

The bill grants jurisdiction to federal district courts to provide injunctive and other appropriate relief to prevent, restrain, or terminate any acts in violation of this Act.

The bill requires the Government Accountability Office to study and report on the impact of: (1) state and local taxes on mobile services, providers, or property on the costs consumers pay for mobile services; and (2) the prohibition in this Act against discriminatory mobile services taxes on such costs.

wireless tax fairness act bill prohibits states local governments imposing new discriminatory tax respect mobile services mobile service providers mobile service property years enactment act new discriminatory tax tax imposed mobile services providers property generally imposed types services property generally imposed lower rate tax imposed actually enforced prior enactment date act bill grants jurisdiction federal district courts provide injunctive appropriate relief prevent restrain terminate acts violation act bill requires government_accountability_office study report impact state local taxes mobile services providers property costs consumers pay mobile services prohibition act discriminatory mobile services taxes costs


Summary:
Controlling the Unchecked and Reckless Ballooning of Lifeline Act of 2016 or the CURB Lifeline Act of 2016

This bill prohibits the total amount of annual support that may be provided through the Lifeline program of the Federal Communications Commission from exceeding $1.5 billion.

Support provided through the Lifeline program may not be applied to: (1) any amount charged to a consumer for the sale, lease, or other provision of a mobile telephone or similar device; or (2) mobile service if the service offering is limited to voice communications service.

controlling reckless lifeline act curb lifeline act bill prohibits total annual support provided lifeline program federal_communications_commission exceeding billion support provided lifeline program applied charged consumer sale lease provision mobile telephone similar device mobile service service offering limited voice communications service


Summary:
Closing the Pre-Paid Mobile Device Security Gap Act of 2016

This bill requires authorized resellers of pre-paid mobile devices or SIM cards to require purchasers to provide their name, home address, and date of birth.

For in-person sales, an authorized reseller must require purchasers to display for verification: (1) a government-issued photographic identification card or a document acceptable under the Immigration and Nationality Act for employment authorization or establishing identity; and (2) any two of a Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement from the Internal Revenue Service, a Form 1099 Social Security Benefit Statement or a Form 1099 from another federal agency, or a document containing personal identifying information that the Department of Justice (DOJ) finds to be acceptable. For all other sales, an authorized reseller must require purchasers to submit their: (1) credit or debit card account information, (2) Social Security number, (3) driver's license number, and (4) any personal identifying information that DOJ finds to be necessary.

Authorized resellers must make a record of their sales that includes: (1) the information obtained from purchasers to verify their identity; (2) the date of sale; (3) the manufacturer and the wireless carrier of the device or SIM card; (4) any assigned telephone number or other identifier of the subscriber or account; and (5) if applicable, the international mobile equipment identifier number, electronic serial number, mobile equipment identifier, international mobile subscriber identifier, and machine address code. Within 30 days after a sale, an authorized reseller must transmit such record to the wireless carrier for the device or SIM card.

Purchasers are subject to criminal penalties for providing false or misleading identifying information or documents. A civil penalty is established for authorized resellers or wireless carriers who fail to comply with this Act.

The bill also prohibits and establishes criminal penalties for the sale of a pre-paid mobile device or SIM card by a person who is not an authorized reseller.

closing pre paid mobile device security gap act bill requires authorized pre paid mobile devices cards require purchasers provide home address date birth person sales authorized reseller require purchasers display verification government issued photographic identification card document acceptable immigration nationality act employment authorization establishing identity form w-2 wage tax statement internal_revenue_service form federal agency document containing personal identifying information department_of_justice doj finds acceptable sales authorized reseller require purchasers submit credit debit card account information social_security number driver license number personal identifying information doj finds necessary authorized record sales includes information obtained purchasers verify identity date sale manufacturer wireless carrier device card assigned telephone number identifier subscriber account applicable international mobile equipment identifier number electronic serial number mobile equipment identifier international mobile subscriber identifier machine address code days sale authorized reseller transmit record wireless carrier device card purchasers subject criminal penalties providing false misleading identifying information documents civil penalty established authorized wireless carriers fail comply act bill prohibits establishes criminal penalties sale pre paid mobile device card person authorized reseller


Summary:
Kelsey Smith Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a mobile or Internet voice service provider to disclose, at the request of an investigative or law enforcement officer, the call location information of a device that is: (1) used to place a 911 call, or (2) reasonably believed to be in the possession of an individual who is in an emergency situation that involves a risk of death or serious physical harm.

Additionally, the bill prohibits a civil action or administrative proceeding against a mobile or Internet voice service provider who discloses call location information in good faith in accordance with this bill.

sec bill amends communications act require mobile internet voice service provider disclose request investigative law enforcement officer location information device place reasonably believed possession individual emergency situation involves risk death physical harm additionally bill prohibits civil action administrative proceeding mobile internet voice service provider discloses location information good faith accordance bill


Summary:
Repeated Objectionable Bothering of Consumers on Phones Act or the ROBOCOP Act

This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to expand the prohibition against knowingly transmitting inaccurate caller identification information to apply to: (1) persons outside the United States if the recipient is within the United States, or (2) text messages.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must prescribe regulations that require providers of telecommunications services or IP-enabled voice services, for no additional charge, to enable technology for: (1) subscribers originating a telephone call to verify the accuracy of their caller identification information; and (2) subscribers receiving a call to use, with the option to disable, technology to determine that an incoming call is verified as providing caller identification information that accurately identifies the person originating the call or to prevent the subscriber from receiving such a call. Service providers must also offer a free option for subscribers receiving a call to: (1) identify a call as originating from an automatic telephone dialing system or as using an artificial or prerecorded voice, and (2) prevent themselves from receiving such a call unless it is made by a public safety entity or the subscriber provides prior consent to receive the call.

The FCC must provide an exemption process for subscribers originating a call to demonstrate: (1) their legitimate need to provide misleading or inaccurate information (such as a call to conduct an activity of a domestic violence shelter or medical practice), or (2) that the FCC has exempted a call for law enforcement purposes or because of a court order. The bill allows private actions to enjoin or recover damages for violations of the FCC's caller identification technology standards. States may bring civil actions for a pattern or practice of a failure to provide such technology or options.

The bill also subjects to civil forfeiture penalties, criminal fines, or state actions persons who intentionally cause call-blocking technology to: (1) incorrectly identify calls as originating from an automatic dialing system or using an artificial or prerecorded voice, or (2) prevent the called party from receiving a call made by a public safety entity or a call to which it has provided its prior consent.

repeated consumers phones act act bill amends communications act expand prohibition knowingly transmitting inaccurate caller identification information apply persons outside united_states recipient united_states text messages federal_communications_commission fcc prescribe regulations require providers telecommunications services enabled voice services additional charge enable technology subscribers originating telephone verify accuracy caller identification information subscribers receiving use option disable technology determine incoming verified providing caller identification information accurately identifies person originating prevent subscriber receiving service providers offer free option subscribers receiving identify originating automatic telephone dialing system artificial prerecorded voice prevent receiving public safety entity subscriber provides prior consent receive fcc provide exemption process subscribers originating demonstrate legitimate need provide misleading inaccurate information conduct activity domestic violence shelter medical practice fcc exempted law enforcement purposes court order bill allows private actions enjoin recover damages violations fcc caller identification technology standards states bring civil actions pattern practice failure provide technology options bill subjects civil forfeiture penalties criminal fines state actions persons intentionally cause blocking technology incorrectly identify calls originating automatic dialing system artificial prerecorded voice prevent called party receiving public safety entity provided prior consent


Summary:
Requesting Emergency Services and Providing Origination Notification Systems Everywhere Act of 2016 or the RESPONSE Act of 2016

This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to adopt rules to ensure that call location information is conveyed with 9-1-1 calls, including calls from multi-line telephone systems, regardless of the technological platform used.

act response act bill requires federal_communications_commission adopt rules ensure location information conveyed calls including calls multi line telephone systems regardless technological platform


Summary:
Securing America's Internet Domains Act of 2016

This bill requires the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to exercise an option to extend through September 30, 2019, the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions contract (a contract between the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers [ICANN] under which ICANN is required to perform IANA functions), unless the Assistant Secretary certifies to Congress that the U.S. government has:

 secured sole ownership of the .gov and .mil top-level domains, and entered into a contract with ICANN that provides the United States with exclusive control and use of such domains in perpetuity.

securing_america internet domains act bill requires assistant secretary commerce_for_communications_and_information exercise option extend september internet assigned numbers authority functions contract contract national_telecommunications_and_information_administration numbers required perform functions assistant secretary certifies congress government secured sole ownership level domains entered contract provides united_states exclusive control use domains perpetuity


Summary:
Protecting Internet Freedom Act

This bill prohibits the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information from allowing the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's responsibility for Internet domain name system functions, including the authoritative root zone file and the performance of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority functions, to cease unless a federal statute enacted after enactment of this bill expressly grants the Assistant Secretary such authority.

The Assistant Secretary must certify to Congress that the U.S. government has: (1) secured sole ownership of the .gov and .mil top-level domains, and (2) entered into a contract with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers that provides the U.S. government with exclusive control and use of those domains in perpetuity.

protecting internet freedom act bill prohibits assistant secretary commerce_for_communications_and_information allowing national_telecommunications_and_information_administration responsibility internet domain system functions including authoritative root zone file performance functions cease federal statute enacted enactment bill expressly grants assistant secretary authority assistant secretary certify congress government secured sole ownership level domains entered contract numbers provides government exclusive control use domains perpetuity


Summary:
End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act of 2016

This bill prohibits a provider of commercial mobile service or commercial mobile data service from receiving universal service support under the Communications Act of 1934 through the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC's) Lifeline program, which provides subsidies for discounts on monthly telephone or broadband service (e.g., Internet service on mobile phones) to qualifying low-income consumers.

The FCC must continue to collect universal service contributions from telecommunications carriers through 2017 based on mobile service support provided in 2016 despite the bill's prohibition on Lifeline universal service support for mobile services. But the amounts collected for mobile services must be deposited in the Treasury for deficit reduction instead of being distributed for universal service support.

end taxpayer funded cell phones act bill prohibits provider commercial mobile service commercial mobile data service receiving universal service support communications act federal_communications_commission fcc lifeline program provides subsidies discounts monthly telephone broadband service internet service mobile phones qualifying low income consumers fcc continue collect universal service contributions telecommunications carriers based mobile service support provided despite bill prohibition lifeline universal service support mobile services amounts collected mobile services deposited treasury deficit reduction instead distributed universal service support


Summary:
Cell Phone Theft Prevention Act of 2016

This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit commercial mobile or data service providers from providing service on smart phones that: (1) have been reported to such provider as stolen by an authorized user, or (2) are listed as stolen on the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR). When a smart phone is reported stolen to a service provider, the provider must notify the CEIR with information necessary to identify the phone.

Smart phones must be equipped with: (1) preloaded antitheft functionality at no additional cost to purchasers, or be capable of downloading such functionality at no cost; and (2) a mobile device identification number.

A criminal penalty is established for anyone who violates prohibitions against: (1) removing, obliterating, tampering with, or altering a smart phone's mobile device identification number; (2) using, producing, trafficking in, having control or custody of, or possessing hardware or software, knowing it has been configured to engage in such identification number removal or alteration violations; or (3) selling a smart phone for which the identification number is listed as stolen on the CEIR.

cell phone theft prevention act bill amends communications act prohibit commercial mobile data service providers providing service smart phones reported provider stolen authorized user listed stolen smart phone reported stolen service provider provider notify information necessary identify phone smart phones equipped functionality additional cost purchasers capable downloading functionality cost mobile device identification number criminal penalty established violates prohibitions removing tampering altering smart phone mobile device identification number producing trafficking having control custody possessing hardware software knowing configured engage identification number removal alteration violations selling smart phone identification number listed stolen


Summary:
Precision Farming Act of 2016

This bill amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to require the Department of Agriculture to give priority to loan applicants that offer to provide broadband service, at better than the minimum acceptable level of broadband service, to agricultural producers in the proposed service territory to improve their ability to conduct precision farming or ranching. (Precision farming is a strategy that uses various technologies to manage production through data analysis and automation.)

The bill also amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide universal service support for the installation of broadband services to improve the ability of an agricultural producer to conduct precision farming or ranching. The bill requires broadband providers to install the services at a discount and makes the providers eligible for a reimbursement of the discount. Agricultural producers are limited to one discount that is the lesser of: (1) the amount that the provider would charge other parties for a similar installation, or (2) $15,000.

precision farming act bill amends rural electrification act require department_of_agriculture priority loan applicants offer provide broadband service better minimum acceptable level broadband service agricultural producers proposed service territory improve ability conduct precision farming ranching precision farming strategy uses technologies manage production data analysis automation bill amends communications act provide universal service support installation broadband services improve ability agricultural producer conduct precision farming ranching bill requires broadband providers install services discount makes providers eligible reimbursement discount agricultural producers limited discount lesser provider charge parties similar installation


Summary:
WiFi Capable Mobile Devices Act of 2016

This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to issue rules to ensure that providers of mobile broadband Internet access service supported through the Lifeline Assistance Program offer mobile devices that are capable of: (1) receiving WiFi or other wireless broadband signals using unlicensed spectrum, and (2) sharing a mobile service connection (commonly referred to as "tethering") with other compatible hardware or devices. (The Lifeline program provides discounts on telephone service to qualifying low-income consumers.)

The FCC must also provide incentives to such providers to work with schools and libraries to conduct outreach to those eligible for Lifeline assistance.

bill directs federal_communications_commission fcc issue rules ensure providers mobile broadband internet access service supported offer mobile devices capable receiving wireless broadband signals unlicensed spectrum sharing mobile service connection commonly referred compatible hardware devices lifeline program provides discounts telephone service qualifying low income consumers fcc provide incentives providers work schools libraries conduct outreach eligible lifeline assistance


Summary:
Community Broadband Act of 2016

This bill amends the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to bar states from prohibiting their state government, a political subdivision, or an Indian tribe from providing (i.e., serving as a "public provider" of) high-speed broadband telecommunications capabilities or services to persons or public or private entities.

A public provider that regulates competing private providers of such telecommunications services may not discriminate in favor of itself or a provider that it owns.

community broadband act bill amends telecommunications act bar states prohibiting state government political subdivision indian tribe providing serving public provider high speed broadband telecommunications capabilities services persons public private entities public provider regulates competing private providers telecommunications services discriminate favor provider owns


Summary:
Improving Broadband Access for Veterans Act of 2016

This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to release a notice of inquiry that seeks public comment on the development of rules to promote broadband Internet access service for veterans, in particular those with low-incomes or who reside in rural areas.

veterans act bill requires federal_communications_commission release notice inquiry seeks public comment development rules promote broadband internet access service veterans particular low incomes reside rural areas


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Improving Broadband Access for Veterans Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to submit to Congress a report on promoting broadband Internet access service for veterans, in particular low-income veterans and veterans residing in rural areas.

 In preparing the report, the FCC shall provide the public with notice and an opportunity to comment.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure improving broadband access veterans act sec bill requires federal_communications_commission fcc submit congress report promoting broadband internet access service veterans particular low income veterans veterans residing rural areas preparing report fcc shall provide public notice opportunity comment


Summary:
Online Competition and Consumer Choice Act of 2015

Directs the Federal Communications Commission to promulgate regulations that prohibit broadband providers, in transmitting network traffic over the broadband Internet access service of an end user, from: (1) entering an agreement with an edge provider (a provider of Internet content, applications, services, or access devices) to give preferential treatment or priority to the traffic of such edge provider in exchange for consideration (commonly referred to as "paid prioritization"); and (2) giving preferential treatment or priority to content, applications, services, or devices that are provided or operated by such broadband provider or an affiliate of such broadband provider.

Prohibits this Act from superseding any obligation or authorization of a broadband provider to address the needs of emergency communications, law enforcement, public safety, or national security authorities.

Sets forth enforcement authority under the Communications Act of 1934, with modified forfeiture standards.

online competition consumer choice act directs federal_communications_commission promulgate regulations prohibit broadband providers transmitting network traffic broadband internet access service end user entering agreement edge provider provider internet content applications services access devices preferential treatment priority traffic edge provider exchange consideration commonly referred paid prioritization giving preferential treatment priority content applications services devices provided operated broadband provider affiliate broadband provider prohibits act superseding obligation authorization broadband provider address needs emergency communications law enforcement public safety national security authorities sets forth enforcement authority communications act modified forfeiture standards


Summary:
Ending Mobile Phone Welfare Act of 2015

Prohibits a provider of commercial mobile communications service from receiving universal service support under specified provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 for the provision of such service through the Federal Communications Commission's Lifeline program that provides discounts on monthly telephone service to qualifying low-income consumers.

welfare act prohibits provider commercial mobile communications service receiving universal service support specified provisions communications act provision service federal_communications_commission lifeline program provides discounts monthly telephone service qualifying low income consumers


Summary:
Telephone Excise Tax Elimination Act of 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the excise tax on communication services (i.e., local telephone service, toll telephone service, and teletypewriter exchange service).

telephone excise tax elimination act amends internal revenue code repeal excise tax communication services local telephone service toll telephone service teletypewriter exchange service


Summary:
Rural Spectrum Accessibility Act of 2015

Directs the Federal Communications Commission to establish a program under which a wireless carrier receiving a license under specified provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 may partition or disaggregate the license in order to make unused spectrum available to small carriers or carriers serving certain rural areas.

Defines "small carrier" as a carrier with not more than 1,500 employees as calculated under regulatory standards used by the Small Business Administration to determine the number of individuals employed by a business concern on a full-time, part-time, or other basis.

Provides carriers receiving such licenses and participating in the program with a three-year extension of licenses granted under this Act.

rural spectrum accessibility act directs federal_communications_commission establish program wireless carrier receiving license specified provisions communications act partition disaggregate license order unused spectrum available small carriers carriers serving certain rural areas defines small carrier carrier employees calculated regulatory standards small_business_administration determine number individuals employed business concern time time basis provides carriers receiving licenses participating program year extension licenses granted act