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

protecting consumer phone records act makes unlawful acquire use customer proprietary network information written consent represent person consented order acquire information obtain unauthorized access certain systems records order acquire information sell offer sale information request person unlawfully obtain information amends communications act provide civil forfeiture penalty violation act imposes enabled voice service providers duty protect confidentiality specified proprietary information requires federal_communications_commission fcc require telecommunications carrier notify customers unlawful disclosure information prohibits commercial mobile services provider providing customer wireless telephone number information wireless directory assistance service express prior customer authorization customer request cost customer prohibits providers publishing information authorization prohibits fees exercising rights preempts inconsistent state local requirements requires violations certain provisions act enforced federal_trade_commission ftc treated unfair deceptive acts practices gives fcc concurrent enforcement jurisdiction provides enforcement states preemption state law requires public education protection afforded information


Summary: Notification of Risk to Personal Data Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Requires any federal agency or business entity engaged in interstate commerce that uses, accesses, transmits, stores, disposes of, or collects sensitive, personally identifiable information, following the discovery of a security breach, to notify: (1) any U.S. resident whose information may have been accessed or acquired; and (2) the owner or licensee of any such information that the agency or business does not own or license. (Sec. 3) Exempts: (1) agencies and business entities from notification requirements for national security and law enforcement purposes and for security breaches that a risk assessment concludes do not have a significant risk of resulting in harm if specified certification or notice is provided, which is subject to review by the U.S. Secret Service; and (2) business entities from notification requirements if such an entity utilizes a security program that blocks the use of sensitive personally identifiable information to initiate unauthorized financial transactions and provides notice of a breach to affected individuals. Sets forth a presumption that there was no significant risk of harm to an individual whose sensitive personally identifiable information was subject to a security breach if such information: (1) was encrypted; or (2) was rendered indecipherable through the use of best practices or methods, such as redaction, access controls, or other such mechanisms, that are widely accepted as an effective industry practice, or an effective industry standard.(Sec. 4) Provides that an agency or business entity shall be in compliance with such requirements if it provides both individual notice and media notice.(Sec. 5) Requires notice to include: (1) a description of the categories of sensitive personally identifiable information acquired by an unauthorized person; (2) a toll-free number that the individual may use to contact the agency or business entity to learn what types of personal information the agency or entity maintained; and (3) the toll-free telephone numbers and addresses for the major credit reporting agencies. Authorizes a state to require that a notice also include information regarding victim protection assistance provided by that state.(Sec. 6) Directs an agency or business entity that is required to provide notification to more than 5,000 individuals to also notify all nationwide consumer reporting agencies of the timing and distribution of the notices.(Sec. 7) Requires any business entity or agency to notify the Secret Service of the fact that a security breach has occurred if: (1) the number of individuals whose sensitive personally identifying information was acquired by an unauthorized person exceeds 10,000; (2) the breach involves a data system containing information on more than 1 million individuals nationwide; (3) the breach involves databases owned by the federal government; or (4) the breach involves primarily sensitive personally identifiable information of individuals known to the agency or business entity to be employees and contractors of the federal government involved in national security or law enforcement.Requires notifications regarding security breaches under specified circumstances to the Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and state attorneys general.(Sec. 8) Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action in U.S. district court against any business entity that violates this Act. Sets daily and maximum civil penalties for violations by a business entity.Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require agencies to include a fraud alert in the file of a consumer that submits evidence of compromised financial information to a consumer reporting agency.(Sec. 9) Authorizes civil actions by state attorneys general to enforce this Act. (Sec. 10) Provides that this Act shall not supersede any other provision of federal law or of state law relating to notification by a business entity engaged in interstate commerce or an agency of a security breach.(Sec. 11) Authorizes appropriations for costs incurred by the Secret Service to investigate and conduct risk assessments of security breaches.(Sec. 12) Directs the Secret Service to report to Congress on the number and nature of security breaches: (1) described in the notices filed by those business entities invoking the risk assessment exemption; and (2) subject to the national security and law enforcement exemptions. Prohibits any report submitted from disclosing the contents of any risk assessment provided to the Secret Service under this Act.

sec requires federal agency business entity engaged interstate commerce uses accesses transmits stores disposes collects sensitive personally identifiable information following discovery security breach notify resident information accessed acquired owner licensee information agency business license sec exempts agencies business entities notification requirements national security law enforcement purposes security breaches risk assessment concludes significant risk resulting harm specified certification notice provided subject review business entities notification requirements entity utilizes security program blocks use sensitive personally identifiable information initiate unauthorized financial transactions provides notice breach affected individuals sets forth presumption significant risk harm individual sensitive personally identifiable information subject security breach information encrypted rendered use best practices methods redaction access controls mechanisms widely accepted effective industry practice effective industry provides agency business entity shall compliance requirements provides individual notice media requires notice include description categories sensitive personally identifiable information acquired unauthorized person toll free number individual use contact agency business entity learn types personal information agency entity maintained toll free telephone numbers addresses major credit reporting agencies authorizes state require notice include information victim protection assistance provided directs agency business entity required provide notification individuals notify nationwide consumer reporting agencies timing distribution requires business entity agency notify secret_service fact security breach occurred number individuals sensitive personally identifying information acquired unauthorized person exceeds breach involves data system containing information million individuals nationwide breach involves databases owned federal government breach involves primarily sensitive personally identifiable information individuals known agency business entity employees contractors federal government involved national security law enforcement requires notifications security breaches specified circumstances secret_service federal_bureau_of_investigation state attorneys authorizes attorney general bring civil action district court business entity violates act sets daily maximum civil penalties violations business entity amends fair credit reporting act require agencies include fraud alert file consumer submits evidence compromised financial information consumer reporting authorizes civil actions state attorneys general enforce act sec provides act shall supersede provision federal law state law relating notification business entity engaged interstate commerce agency security authorizes appropriations costs incurred secret_service investigate conduct risk assessments security directs secret_service report congress number nature security breaches described notices filed business entities invoking risk assessment exemption subject national security law enforcement exemptions prohibits report submitted disclosing contents risk assessment provided secret_service act


Summary: Federal Employee Protection of Disclosures Act - Includes as a protected disclosure by a federal employee: (1) any lawful disclosure an employee or applicant reasonably believes is credible evidence of waste, abuse, or gross mismanagement, without restriction as to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure; and (2) any disclosure of information required to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs that the employee or applicant reasonably believes is direct evidence of waste, abuse, or gross mismanagement if such disclosure is made to a Member or employee of Congress who is authorized to receive information of the type disclosed. Excludes disclosures pertaining to policy decisions that lawfully exercise discretionary authority unless the disclosing employee reasonably believes that there is evidence of a violation of law or government waste, fraud, or abuse. Provides for the discipline of employees for disclosures to congressional employees who are not authorized to receive such information.Codifies the legal standard for determining whether a whistleblower has a reasonable belief that a disclosure evidences governmental waste, fraud, or abuse, or a violation of law. Provides that the following actions may not be taken against whistleblowers for protected disclosures: (1) implementation or enforcement of any nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement; (2) security clearance suspension or revocation; and (3) investigation (other than routine nondiscretionary agency investigations) of an employee or applicant for employment. Authorizes the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) to conduct an expedited review of cases charging retaliation for whistleblowing when the whistleblower's security clearance or access determination is suspended, revoked, or otherwise adversely affected. Requires an agency that improperly revokes a whistleblower's security clearance to report to Congress explaining its actions. Exempts an agency from this requirement if the agency can show by a preponderance of the evidence (currently, clear and convincing evidence is required) that it would have taken the same personnel action in the absence of the whistleblower disclosure.Authorizes the President to exclude certain agencies engaged in the conduct of foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities from whistleblower protections if such exclusion is made prior to any personnel action against the whistleblower. Expands the authority of MSPB to impose disciplinary action for prohibited personnel practices.Authorizes the Office of Special Counsel to appear as amicus curiae (friend of the court) in any civil action involving prohibited personnel actions against whistleblowers or the Hatch Act.Permits petitions for review of whistleblower actions to be filed in any court of appeals of competent jurisdiction (currently limited to the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit) for five years after enactment of this Act. Requires all federal agency nondisclosure policies, forms, and agreements to contain specified language preserving the right of federal employees to disclose certain protected information.Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide that, for purposes of provisions regarding the protection of voluntarily shared critical infrastructure information, a permissible use of independently obtained critical infrastructure information includes any lawful disclosure an employee or applicant reasonably believes is credible evidence of waste, fraud, abuse, or gross mismanagement, without restriction as to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure. Requires federal agencies to instruct employees on how to make a lawful disclosure of classified information to the Special Counsel, the Inspector General of an agency, Congress, or other agency employee designated to receive such information. Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to specified congressional committees on the implementation of this Act. Requires MSPB's annual reports to include as an addendum: (1) information relating to the outcome of cases in which violations were alleged; and (2) the number of such cases filed in the regional and field offices, the number of petitions for review filed in such cases, and the outcomes of such cases.

protected disclosure federal employee lawful disclosure employee applicant reasonably believes credible evidence waste abuse gross mismanagement restriction time place form motive context prior disclosure disclosure information required kept secret interest national defense conduct foreign affairs employee applicant reasonably believes direct evidence waste abuse gross mismanagement disclosure member employee congress authorized receive information type disclosed excludes disclosures pertaining policy decisions lawfully exercise discretionary authority disclosing employee reasonably believes evidence violation law government waste fraud abuse provides discipline employees disclosures congressional employees authorized receive information codifies legal standard determining whistleblower reasonable belief disclosure evidences governmental waste fraud abuse violation law provides following actions taken whistleblowers protected disclosures implementation enforcement nondisclosure policy form agreement security clearance suspension revocation investigation routine nondiscretionary agency investigations employee applicant employment authorizes merit_systems_protection_board mspb conduct expedited review cases charging retaliation whistleblower security clearance access determination suspended revoked adversely affected requires agency improperly revokes whistleblower security clearance report congress explaining actions exempts agency requirement agency preponderance evidence currently clear convincing evidence required taken personnel action absence whistleblower disclosure authorizes president exclude certain agencies engaged conduct foreign intelligence counterintelligence activities whistleblower protections exclusion prior personnel action whistleblower expands authority mspb impose disciplinary action prohibited personnel practices authorizes office_of_special_counsel appear amicus curiae friend court civil action involving prohibited personnel actions whistleblowers hatch act permits petitions review whistleblower actions filed court appeals competent jurisdiction currently limited years enactment act requires federal agency nondisclosure policies forms agreements contain specified language preserving right federal employees disclose certain protected information amends homeland security act provide purposes provisions protection voluntarily shared critical infrastructure information permissible use independently obtained critical infrastructure information includes lawful disclosure employee applicant reasonably believes credible evidence waste fraud abuse gross mismanagement restriction time place form motive context prior disclosure requires federal agencies instruct employees lawful disclosure classified information special_counsel inspector general agency congress agency employee designated receive information requires government_accountability_office gao report specified congressional committees implementation act requires mspb annual reports include addendum information relating outcome cases violations alleged number cases filed regional field offices number petitions review filed cases outcomes cases


Summary: Servitude and Emancipation Archival Research ClearingHouse Act or the SEARCH Act - Directs the Archivist of the United States to establish, as part of the National Archives, a national database consisting of historic records of servitude and emancipation in the United States to assist African Americans in researching their genealogy. Requires the National Historical Publications and Records Commission to maintain the database.

servitude clearinghouse act search act directs archivist united states establish national_archives national database consisting historic records servitude emancipation united_states assist african americans researching requires maintain database


Summary: Full-Strength Bureau Initiative Act of 2007 or the FBI Act of 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 to fund 1,000 additional Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) field agents.

initiative act fbi act authorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2012 fund additional federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi field agents


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

prohibits food_and_drug_administration fda restricting sale turtle farmer commercial retail seller turtle diameter pet turtle raised shipped sold methods proven turtle free salmonella salmonella safety standards comparable standards animals allowed sale pets animal products allowed sale food products fda approved plan submitted turtle farmer seller relating compliance act farmer seller makes certain disclosures buyer sets forth required disclosures include information dangers result turtle properly handled safely maintained proper handling turtle proven methods treatment turtle safe salmonella detailed explanation properly treat turtle safe salmonella statement buyers pet turtles abandon turtle abandon outside instead return commercial retail pet seller organization accept turtles longer wanted pets requires turtle farmer seller submit plan fda includes use non antibiotic compounds suppress eliminate presence salmonella turtle directs fda accept reject plan days


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

truth caller act amends communications act unlawful person united_states connection telecommunications service internet protocol voice service cause caller identification service knowingly transmit misleading inaccurate caller information intent defraud cause harm wrongfully obtain value transmission exempted connection authorized activities law enforcement agencies court order specifically authorizing use caller manipulation prohibits construing provisions authorize prohibit investigative protective intelligence activities performed connection official duties accordance applicable laws law enforcement agency united_states state political subdivision intelligence agency provides civil criminal penalties violations allows enforcement states granting federal_communications_commission fcc right intervene


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

protecting consumer phone records act makes unlawful person acquire use individual customer proprietary network information written consent misrepresent person consented acquisition order obtain information obtain unauthorized access data processing systems records order obtain information sell offer sell request person obtain telecommunications carrier internet voice service provider knowing person obtain information unlawful manner provides exceptions civil criminal penalties violations private right action providers consumers directs federal_communications_commission fcc revise supplement regulations require telecommunications carriers enabled voice service providers protect security confidentiality requires carrier provider notify customers incident relating customer disclosed customer violation act allowing delay notification law enforcement homeland security purposes requires enforcement requirements act federal_trade_commission ftc fcc states directs ftc fcc jointly establish implement media distribution campaign teach public protection afforded act federal_trade_commission_act communications act


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

registry fee extension act sec amends implementation act replace provisions relating fees registry telemarketing_sales_rule provisions requiring federal_trade_commission ftc collect annual fee implement enforce registry regulation issued ftc specified provisions telemarketing consumer fraud abuse prevention act sets fee area code accessed subject maximum indexes inflation prohibits arrangement divide fee clients service provider sec replaces current reporting requirements provisions requiring ftc report biennially committee_on_commerce science transportation_of_the_senate house_of_representatives requires additional time ftc report committees effectiveness outreach enforcement efforts senior citizens immigrant communities impact exceptions registry businesses consumers impact enforcement abandoned calls predictive dialing devices


Summary: Openness Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act of 2007 or the OPEN Government Act of 2007 - Amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to revise requirements for federal agency disclosures of information requested under that Act. (Sec. 3) Provides definitions of "representative of the news media" and "news," for purposes of request processing fees. Regards a freelance journalist as working for a news-media entity if the journalist can demonstrate a solid basis for expecting publication through that entity, whether or not the journalist is actually employed by the entity. (Sec. 4) Provides that, for purposes of awarding attorney fees and litigation costs, a FOIA complainant has substantially prevailed in a legal proceeding to compel disclosure if such complainant obtained relief through either: (1) a judicial order or an enforceable written agreement or consent decree; or (2) a voluntary or unilateral change in position by the agency provided that the complainant's claim is not insubstantial. (Sec. 5) Directs the Attorney General to: (1) notify the Special Counsel of civil actions taken for arbitrary and capricious rejections of requests for agency records; and (2) submit annual reports to Congress on the number of such civil actions in the preceding year. Directs the Special Counsel to submit an annual report to Congress on investigations of agency rejections of FOIA requests. (Sec. 6) Requires the 20-day period during which an agency must determine whether to comply with a FOIA request to begin on the date on which the request is first received by the appropriate component of the agency, but in any event no later than 10 days after the request is first received by any component of the agency that is designated in the agency's FOIA regulations to receive FOIA requests. Prohibits the tolling of the 20-day period by the agency except: (1) that the agency may make one request to the requester for information and toll the 20-day period while it is awaiting such information that it has reasonably requested from the FOIA requester; or (2) if necessary to clarify with the requester issues regarding fee assessment. Ends the tolling period on the agency's receipt of the requester's response to the agency's request for information or clarification. Prohibits an agency from assessing search fees if it fails to comply with time limits provided that no unusual or exceptional circumstances apply to the processing of the request. Requires each agency to make available its FOIA Public Liaison, who shall assist in the resolution of any disputes between the requester and the agency. (Sec. 7) Requires agencies to establish: (1) a system to assign an individualized tracking number for FOIA requests received that will take longer than 10 days to process and provide to each person making a request the tracking number assigned to the request; and (2) a telephone line or Internet service that provides information on the status of a request. Makes this requirement effective one year after the enactment of this Act. (Sec. 8) Requires any statutory exemption from disclosure under FOIA enacted after the date of enactment of this Act to cite directly to FOIA disclosure exemption provisions. (Sec. 9) Revises annual agency reporting requirements on compliance with FOIA to require information on: (1) FOIA denials based upon particular statutes; (2) agency response times and; (3) compliance of each principal component of an agency and for the agency overall. Requires agencies to make the raw statistical data used in reports electronically available to the public upon request. (Sec. 10) Redefines "record" under FOIA to include any information maintained by a contractor for a federal agency. (Sec. 11) Establishes within the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) an Office of Government Information Services to: (1) review compliance with FOIA policies; (2) recommend policy changes to Congress and the President; and (3) offer mediation services between FOIA requesters and administrative agencies as a non-exclusive alternative to litigation. Authorizes the Office to issue advisory opinions if mediation has not resolved the dispute. Requires each agency to designate a Chief FOIA Officer, who shall: (1) have responsibility for compliance with the FOIA; (2) monitor FOIA implementation; (3) recommend to the head of the agency such adjustments to agency practices, policies, personnel, and funding as may be necessary to improve its implementation of the FOIA; and (4) facilitate public understanding of the purposes of the FOIA's statutory exemptions. Requires agencies to designate at least one FOIA Public Liaison who shall be appointed by the Chief FOIA Officer. Requires the liaison to: (1) serve as an official to whom a FOIA requester can raise concerns about the service the FOIA requester has received from the FOIA Requester Center; and (2) be responsible for assisting in reducing delays, increasing transparency and understanding of the status of requests, and assisting in the resolution of disputes. (Sec. 12) Requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to report to Congress on personnel policies related to FOIA.

national government act open government act amends freedom information act foia revise requirements federal agency disclosures information requested act sec provides definitions representative news media news purposes request processing fees regards working news media entity demonstrate solid basis publication entity actually employed entity sec provides purposes awarding attorney fees litigation costs foia complainant substantially prevailed legal proceeding compel disclosure complainant obtained relief judicial order enforceable written agreement consent decree voluntary unilateral change position agency provided complainant claim sec directs attorney general notify special_counsel civil actions taken arbitrary capricious rejections requests agency records submit annual reports congress number civil actions preceding year directs special counsel submit annual report congress investigations agency rejections foia requests sec requires day period agency determine comply foia request begin date request received appropriate component agency event later days request received component agency designated agency foia regulations receive foia requests prohibits tolling day period agency agency request requester information toll day period awaiting information reasonably requested foia requester necessary clarify requester issues fee assessment ends tolling period agency receipt requester response agency request information clarification prohibits agency assessing search fees fails comply time limits provided unusual exceptional circumstances apply processing request requires agency available foia_public_liaison shall assist resolution disputes requester agency sec requires agencies establish system assign individualized tracking number foia requests received longer days process provide person making request tracking number assigned request telephone line internet service provides information status request makes requirement effective year enactment act sec requires statutory exemption disclosure foia enacted date enactment act cite directly foia disclosure exemption provisions sec revises annual agency reporting requirements compliance foia require information foia denials based particular statutes agency response times compliance principal component agency agency overall requires agencies raw statistical data reports electronically available public request sec redefines record foia include information maintained contractor federal agency sec establishes national_archives_and_records_administration nara office_of_government_information_services review compliance foia policies recommend policy changes congress president offer mediation services foia requesters administrative agencies non exclusive alternative litigation authorizes office issue advisory opinions mediation resolved dispute requires agency designate chief foia_officer shall responsibility compliance foia monitor foia implementation recommend head agency adjustments agency practices policies personnel funding necessary improve implementation foia facilitate public understanding purposes foia statutory exemptions requires agencies designate foia_public_liaison shall appointed chief foia_officer requires liaison serve official foia requester raise concerns service foia requester received foia requester center responsible assisting reducing delays increasing transparency understanding status requests assisting resolution disputes sec requires report congress personnel policies related foia


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

positive aging act amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services grants public private nonprofit entities projects demonstrate ways integrating mental health services older adults primary care settings multidisciplinary geriatric mental health outreach teams community settings older adults reside receive social services require director center_for_mental_health_services designate deputy director older_adult_mental_health_services address mental health needs older adults require inclusion representatives older adults families geriatric mental health professionals advisory_council_for_the_center designate project national significance treatment older adults substance related disorders require state plans community_mental_health_services block grant program describe outreach services older individuals individuals homeless living rural areas


Summary: Identity Theft Prevention Act - (Sec. 2) Requires any commercial entity or charitable, educational, or nonprofit organization that acquires, maintains, or uses sensitive personal information (covered entity) to develop, implement, maintain, and enforce a written program, containing administrative, technical, and physical safeguards, for the security of sensitive personal information it collects, maintains, sells, transfers, or disposes of. Defines "sensitive personal information" as an individual's name, address, or telephone number combined with at least one of the following relating to that individual: (1) the social security number or numbers derived from that number; (2) financial account or credit or debit card numbers combined with codes or passwords that permit account access, subject to exception; or (3) a state driver's license or resident identification number. (Sec. 3) Requires a covered entity: (1) to report a security breach to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC); (2) if the entity determines that the breach creates a reasonable risk of identity theft, to notify each affected individual; and (3) if the breach involves 1,000 or more individuals, to notify all consumer reporting agencies specified in the Fair Credit Reporting Act.(Sec. 4) Authorizes a consumer to place a security freeze on his or her credit report by making a request to a consumer credit reporting agency. Prohibits a reporting agency, when a freeze is in effect, from releasing the consumer's report for credit review purposes without the consumer's prior express authorization. Provides for freeze removal and suspension, limits related fees, and sets forth other security freeze requirements. Exempts from certain provisions of this Act: (1) a consumer credit reporting agency that acts only as a reseller of credit information and does not maintain a permanent database of credit information; (2) check services or fraud prevention services companies; and (3) deposit account information service companies.(Sec. 5) Requires: (1) the establishment of the Information Security and Consumer Privacy Advisory Committee; and (2) a related crime study and report, including regarding the correlation between methamphetamine use and identity theft crimes.(Sec. 8) Treats any violation of this Act as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Requires enforcement under other specified laws. Allows enforcement by state attorneys general. Preempts state laws requiring notification of affected individuals of security breaches. Preempts state laws relating to the use of social security numbers. (Sec. 11) Prohibits, subject to exception, a covered entity from soliciting a social security number from an individual unless there is a specific use of that number for which no other identifier can reasonably be used. Prohibits the display of social security numbers on identification cards commonly provided to employees, faculty, staff, or students and on state driver's licenses. Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to prohibit federal, state, and political subdivision governmental entities and their agents from using prisoners in a way that would allow the prisoners access to other individuals' social security numbers. Makes it unlawful to sell, purchase, provide, or display a social security number to the general public or to obtain or use any individual's social security number for the purpose of locating or identifying the individual with the intent to physically injure or harm the individual or for the purpose of using the individual's identity for any illegal purpose, subject to exceptions, including sales or displays of such numbers for the purposes of national security, public health or safety, and locating abducted children. (Sec. 12) Requires each U.S. agency to: (1) develop, implement, maintain, and enforce a written program for the security of sensitive personal information the agency collects, maintains, sells, transfers, or disposes of; (2) use due diligence to investigate any suspected breach of security affecting sensitive personal information; and (3) notify each affected individual after a breach.(Sec. 14) Authorizes appropriations.

sec requires commercial entity charitable educational nonprofit organization acquires maintains uses sensitive personal information covered entity develop implement maintain enforce written program containing administrative technical physical safeguards security sensitive personal information collects maintains sells transfers disposes defines sensitive personal information individual address telephone number combined following relating individual social security number numbers derived number financial account credit debit card numbers combined codes passwords permit account access subject exception state driver license resident identification number sec requires covered entity report security breach federal_trade_commission ftc entity determines breach creates reasonable risk identity theft notify affected individual breach involves individuals notify consumer reporting agencies specified authorizes consumer place security freeze credit report making request consumer credit reporting agency prohibits reporting agency freeze effect releasing consumer report credit review purposes consumer prior express authorization provides freeze removal suspension limits related fees sets forth security freeze requirements exempts certain provisions act consumer credit reporting agency acts reseller credit information maintain permanent database credit information check services fraud prevention services companies deposit account information service requires establishment related crime study report including correlation methamphetamine use identity theft treats violation act unfair deceptive act practice federal_trade_commission_act requires enforcement specified laws allows enforcement state attorneys general preempts state laws requiring notification affected individuals security breaches preempts state laws relating use social security numbers sec prohibits subject exception covered entity soliciting social security number individual specific use number identifier reasonably prohibits display social security numbers identification cards commonly provided employees faculty staff students state driver licenses amends title old age survivors disability insurance oasdi social security act prohibit federal state political subdivision governmental entities agents prisoners way allow prisoners access individuals social security numbers makes unlawful sell purchase provide display social security number general public obtain use individual social security number purpose locating identifying individual intent physically injure harm individual purpose individual identity illegal purpose subject exceptions including sales displays numbers purposes national security public health safety locating abducted children sec requires agency develop implement maintain enforce written program security sensitive personal information agency collects maintains sells transfers disposes use diligence investigate suspected breach security affecting sensitive personal information notify affected individual authorizes appropriations


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

financial related institution covered act covered entity specific use identifier reasonably employed soliciting social_security number individual use identification verification accuracy identity process purpose permitted fair credit reporting act gramm leach bliley act comply requirements federal state local law specifies exceptions prohibition prohibits covered entity displaying individual social_security account number derivative card tag commonly provided employees family members faculty staff students purposes identification prohibits state displaying individual social_security account number driver license prohibits prisoner access social_security numbers prohibits sale provision display social_security numbers general public acquisition use identify locate person intent injure harm person use person identity illegal purpose specifies exceptions prohibition allows sale provision display individual social_security account number general public extent consistent individual voluntary affirmative written consent terms consent right refuse presented individual clear conspicuous understandable manner individual placed obligation provide consent terms conditions consent authorize individual limit sale provision display purposes directly associated transaction respect consent sought authorizes federal_trade_commission state attorneys general certain federal regulatory agencies enforce act


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

amends federal criminal code prohibit state local government officer employee contractor state local government displaying general public internet portion social_security account number establishes fine day state local government policy practice substantial noncompliance requirements act authorizes attorney general bring civil action state local government officer employee contractor state local government appropriate relief violation act directs attorney general award grants states local governments come compliance prohibition


Summary: Compassionate Care for Servicewomen Act - Requires emergency contraception to be included on the basic core formulary of the uniform formulary of pharmaceutical agents for the pharmacy benefits program of the Department of Defense. States that prior authorization shall not be required for such contraception.

compassionate care servicewomen act requires emergency contraception included basic core formulary uniform formulary pharmaceutical agents pharmacy benefits program department_of_defense states prior authorization shall required contraception


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

person holds uses discloses protected health information permit individual subject information inspect copy information establish safeguards procedures ensure privacy confidentiality security accuracy integrity information establish maintain record protected health information disclosure requires secretary health_and_human_services support demonstration projects improve communication information pertaining health privacy rights individuals limited english proficiency limited health literacy prohibits person disclosing accessing protected health information authorized act requires secretary develop disseminate model written authorizations disclosure information provides notice individual security breach regard protected health information sets forth purposes disclosure permitted including public health health oversight law enforcement purposes directs secretary designate receive investigate complaints alleged violations act provide guidance health care providers relevant individuals concerning interpretation implementation privacy protections provide recommendations concerning improvements privacy security protected health information concerning medical privacy research needs requires secretary establish implement standards health information technology products sets forth criminal civil penalties knowing intentional violations act provides act preempt federal state laws regulations provide greater protections


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

consent act amends public_health_service_act require abortion providers woman gives informed consent abortion perform obstetric ultrasound pregnant woman explain results display ultrasound images woman view provide medical description ultrasound images including dimensions embryo fetus presence external members internal organs present viewable provides civil penalties willful failure comply medical emergency exception prohibits construing act require woman view images penalizing physician women refuses look images


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

reform act amends federal criminal code right_to_financial_privacy_act fair credit reporting act establish new criteria use issued federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi wire electronic communications service providers financial institutions consumer credit reporting agencies production specified records information customers subscribers allows issuance records sought relate ongoing authorized specifically identified national security investigation threat assessment specific articulable facts believing records pertain suspected agent foreign power agent activities requires attorney general establish minimization destruction procedures disclosure disposal information records received fbi response revises criteria judicial review nondisclosure orders applicable recipients amends usa patriot act require expanded public disclosure number types requests information terminates december certain authorities issuing amends foreign_intelligence_surveillance_act fisa revise procedures judicial review access business records national security investigations directs department_of_justice doj establish secure electronic system submission documents information courts established protections communications service providers financial institutions consumer reporting agencies disclose subscriber customer identifying information government authority entity reasonably believes emergency involving immediate danger death physical injury person requires disclosure delay requires attorney general issue guidelines intrusive means collecting sensitive information national security investigations


Summary: Directs the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to prescribe rules to protect privacy and security concerns relating to all filing of documents and the public availability of documents retained by, or filed electronically with, the Court.

directs court_of_appeals veterans claims prescribe rules protect privacy security concerns relating filing documents public availability documents retained filed electronically court


Summary: Cell Phone Number Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit, without the express prior written authorization of each person involved: (1) selling or otherwise disseminating the wireless telephone information of any individual; or (2) publishing, marketing for sale, or otherwise disseminating any directory, index, or other list of the wireless telephone information of individuals. Allows more stringent state laws.

amends communications act prohibit express prior written authorization person involved selling disseminating wireless telephone information individual publishing marketing sale disseminating directory index list wireless telephone information individuals allows stringent state laws


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

national government act open government act amends freedom information act foia provisions define representative news media news specify examples news media entities provide shall regarded working news media entity demonstrate solid basis publication entity provides purposes recovery attorney fees litigation costs foia complainant substantially prevailed complainant obtained relief judicial order enforceable written agreement consent decree voluntary unilateral change position agency provided complainant claim requires attorney fees paid appropriations agency claim judgment rendered directs attorney general notify special_counsel report civil actions taken arbitrary capricious rejections requests agency records sets forth provisions concerning tolling time limit agencies determine comply request records refunding search fees agency fails comply time limits requires agency available foia_public_liaison assist resolving requester disputes requires agencies establish system assign individual tracking number foia request longer days process telephone line internet service provide information status requests revises certain reporting requirements relating foia requests agency responses national_archives_and_records_administration nara review agency compliance foia policies recommend policy changes offer mediation services foia requesters administrative agencies non exclusive alternative litigation requires agency designate chief foia_officer foia_public_liaison requires report personnel policies related foia


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

computer trespass clarification act amends federal criminal code exclude definition computer purposes determining legality interceptions computer communications person relationship owner operator protected computer currently persons contractual relationship owner operator protected computer excluded require owner operator protected computer attempting respond communications activity threatens integrity operation computer authorizing interception computer communications person acting color law law enforcement officers limit length warrantless surveillance computer earlier hours soon communications sought obtained


Summary: Openness Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act of 2007 or the OPEN Government Act of 2007 - Amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to revise requirements for federal agency disclosures of information requested under that Act. (Sec. 3) Provides definitions of "representative of the news media" and "news" for purposes of request processing fees. Regards a freelance journalist as working for a news-media entity if the journalist can demonstrate a solid basis for expecting publication through that entity. (Sec. 4) Provides that, for purposes of awarding attorney fees and litigation costs, a FOIA complainant has substantially prevailed in a legal proceeding to compel disclosure if such complainant obtained relief through either: (1) a judicial order or an enforceable written agreement or consent decree; or (2) a voluntary or unilateral change in position by the agency if the complainant's claim is not insubstantial. Prohibits the Treasury's Claims and Judgment Fund from being used to pay reasonable attorney fees in cases where the complainant has substantially prevailed. Requires fees to be paid only from funds annually appropriated for authorized purposes for the federal agency against which a claim or judgment has been rendered.(Sec. 5) Directs the Attorney General to: (1) notify the Special Counsel of civil actions taken for arbitrary and capricious rejections of requests for agency records; and (2) submit annual reports to Congress on such civil actions. Directs the Special Counsel to submit an annual report on investigations of agency rejections of FOIA requests. (Sec. 6) Requires the 20-day period during which an agency must determine whether to comply with a FOIA request to begin on the date the request is received by the appropriate component of the agency, but no later than 10 days after the request is received by any component that is designated to receive FOIA requests in the agency's FOIA regulations. Prohibits the tolling of the 20-day period by the agency, except: (1) that the agency may make one request to the requester for information and toll the 20-day period while it is awaiting such information; or (2) if necessary to clarify with the requester issues regarding fee assessment. Ends the tolling period on the agency's receipt of the requester's response. Prohibits an agency from assessing search or duplication fees if it fails to comply with time limits, provided that no unusual or exceptional circumstances apply to the processing of the request. Requires each agency to make available its FOIA Public Liaison, who shall assist in the resolution of any disputes between the requester and the agency.(Sec. 7) Requires agencies to establish: (1) a system to assign an individualized tracking number for each FOIA request received that will take longer than 10 days to process; and (2) a telephone line or Internet service that provides information on the status of a request. (Sec. 8) Revises annual reporting requirements on agency compliance with FOIA to require information on: (1) FOIA denials based upon particular statutes; (2) response times; and (3) compliance by the agency and by each principal component thereof. Requires agencies to make the raw statistical data used in reports electronically available to the public upon request. (Sec. 9) Redefines "record" under FOIA to include any information maintained by an agency contractor. (Sec. 10) Establishes within the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) an Office of Government Information Services to: (1) review compliance with FOIA policies; (2) recommend policy changes to Congress and the President; and (3) offer mediation services between FOIA requesters and administrative agencies as a non-exclusive alternative to litigation. Authorizes the Office to issue advisory opinions if mediation has not resolved the dispute. Requires each agency to designate a Chief FOIA Officer, who shall: (1) have responsibility for FOIA compliance; (2) monitor FOIA implementation; (3) recommend to the agency head adjustments to agency practices, policies, personnel, and funding to improve implementation of FOIA; and (4) facilitate public understanding of the purposes of FOIA's statutory exemptions. Requires agencies to designate at least one FOIA Public Liaison, who shall be appointed by the Chief FOIA Officer, to: (1) serve as an official to whom a FOIA requester can raise concerns about service from the FOIA Requester Center; and (2) be responsible for assisting in reducing delays, increasing transparency and understanding of the status of requests, and assisting in the resolution of disputes.(Sec. 11) Requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to report to Congress on personnel policies related to FOIA. (Sec. 12) Sets forth requirements to describe exemptions authorizing deletions of material provided under FOIA.

national government act open government act amends freedom information act foia revise requirements federal agency disclosures information requested act sec provides definitions representative news media news purposes request processing fees regards working news media entity demonstrate solid basis publication entity sec provides purposes awarding attorney fees litigation costs foia complainant substantially prevailed legal proceeding compel disclosure complainant obtained relief judicial order enforceable written agreement consent decree voluntary unilateral change position agency complainant claim prohibits treasury pay reasonable attorney fees cases complainant substantially prevailed requires fees paid funds annually appropriated authorized purposes federal agency claim judgment directs attorney general notify special_counsel civil actions taken arbitrary capricious rejections requests agency records submit annual reports congress civil actions directs special counsel submit annual report investigations agency rejections foia requests sec requires day period agency determine comply foia request begin date request received appropriate component agency later days request received component designated receive foia requests agency foia regulations prohibits tolling day period agency agency request requester information toll day period awaiting information necessary clarify requester issues fee assessment ends tolling period agency receipt requester response prohibits agency assessing search duplication fees fails comply time limits provided unusual exceptional circumstances apply processing request requires agency available foia_public_liaison shall assist resolution disputes requester requires agencies establish system assign individualized tracking number foia request received longer days process telephone line internet service provides information status request sec revises annual reporting requirements agency compliance foia require information foia denials based particular statutes response times compliance agency principal component thereof requires agencies raw statistical data reports electronically available public request sec redefines record foia include information maintained agency contractor sec establishes national_archives_and_records_administration nara office_of_government_information_services review compliance foia policies recommend policy changes congress president offer mediation services foia requesters administrative agencies non exclusive alternative litigation authorizes office issue advisory opinions mediation resolved dispute requires agency designate chief foia_officer shall responsibility foia compliance monitor foia implementation recommend agency head adjustments agency practices policies personnel funding improve implementation foia facilitate public understanding purposes foia statutory exemptions requires agencies designate foia_public_liaison shall appointed chief foia_officer serve official foia requester raise concerns service foia requester center responsible assisting reducing delays increasing transparency understanding status requests assisting resolution requires report congress personnel policies related foia sec sets forth requirements describe exemptions authorizing material provided foia


Summary: State Secrets Protection Act - Amends the federal judicial code to: (1) require a federal court to determine which filings, motions, and affidavits (or portions) submitted under this Act shall be submitted ex parte; (2) allow a federal court to order a party to provide a redacted, unclassified, or summary substitute of a filing, motion, or affidavit to other parties; and (3) require a federal court to make decisions under this Act, taking into consideration the interests of justice and national security. Requires any hearing under this Act to be conducted in camera. Prohibits an in camera hearing, however, based on the assertion of the state secrets privilege, if the court determines that the hearing relates only to a question of law and does not present a risk of revealing state secrets. Allows a federal court to conduct hearings (or portions) ex parte if the court determines, following in camera review of the evidence, that the interests of justice and national security cannot adequately be protected through attorney security clearances, protective orders, sealed opinions or orders, and special masters. Requires a federal court, at the request of the United States, to limit participation in hearings, or access to motions or affidavits, to attorneys (including guardians ad litem) with appropriate security clearances, if the limiting participation in this manner would serve the interests of national security. Authorizes a court, If the United States fails to provide a necessary security clearance in a reasonable period of time, to review in camera and ex parte the reasons of the United States for denying or delaying the clearance to ensure that the United States is not withholding a security clearance from a particular attorney or class of attorneys for any reason other than protection of national security. Authorizes the United States to intervene in any civil action in order to protect information that may be subject to the state secrets privilege. Declares, however, that the state secrets privilege shall not constitute grounds for dismissal of a case or claim. Requires deferral pending completion of the hearings of any motion to dismiss or for summary judgment based in whole or in part on the state secrets privilege, or which may be affected by the assertion of the state secrets privilege, unless the motion can be granted on grounds unrelated to, and unaffected by, assertion of the privilege. Prescribes procedures for: (1) determining whether evidence is protected from disclosure by the state secrets privilege; and (2) when evidence protected by the state secrets privilege is necessary for adjudication of a claim or counterclaim. Requires the court to give substantial weight to an assertion by the United States relating to why public disclosure of an item of evidence would be reasonably likely to cause significant harm to the national defense or foreign relations of the United States. States that any rules (or amendments) relating to security procedures may include procedures to ensure that a sufficient number of attorneys with appropriate security clearances are available in each of the U.S. judicial districts to serve as guardians ad litem. Grants courts of appeal jurisdiction of an appeal by any party from any interlocutory decision or order of a U.S. district court. Requires the Attorney General within 30 days to report in writing to Congress on any case in which the United States asserts the state secrets privilege. Declares that nothing in this Act may be construed to preclude a court from dismissing a claim or counterclaim or entering judgment on grounds unrelated to, and unaffected by, the assertion of the state secrets privilege. Applies this Act to civil cases pending on or after the enactment of this Act.

state secrets protection act amends federal judicial code require federal court determine filings motions affidavits portions submitted act shall submitted parte allow federal court order party provide redacted unclassified summary substitute filing motion affidavit parties require federal court decisions act taking consideration interests justice national security requires hearing act conducted camera prohibits camera hearing based assertion state secrets privilege court determines hearing relates question law present risk revealing state secrets allows federal court conduct hearings portions parte court determines following camera review evidence interests justice national security adequately protected attorney security clearances protective orders sealed opinions orders special masters requires federal court request united_states limit participation hearings access motions affidavits attorneys including guardians litem appropriate security clearances limiting participation manner serve interests national security authorizes court united_states fails provide necessary security clearance reasonable period time review camera parte reasons united_states denying delaying clearance ensure united_states withholding security clearance particular attorney class attorneys reason protection national security authorizes united_states intervene civil action order protect information subject state secrets privilege declares state secrets privilege shall constitute grounds dismissal case claim requires deferral pending completion hearings motion dismiss summary judgment based state secrets privilege affected assertion state secrets privilege motion granted grounds unrelated unaffected assertion privilege prescribes procedures determining evidence protected disclosure state secrets privilege evidence protected state secrets privilege necessary adjudication claim requires court substantial weight assertion united_states relating public disclosure item evidence reasonably likely cause significant harm national defense foreign relations united_states states rules amendments relating security procedures include procedures ensure sufficient number attorneys appropriate security clearances available judicial districts serve guardians litem grants courts appeal jurisdiction appeal party interlocutory decision order district court requires attorney general days report writing congress case united_states asserts state secrets privilege declares act construed preclude court dismissing claim entering judgment grounds unrelated unaffected assertion state secrets privilege applies act civil cases pending enactment act


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

child custody protection act amends federal criminal code prohibit transporting minor child state line obtain abortion deems transporting facto abridgment right parent law state residence requires parental involvement abortion decision makes exception abortion necessary safe life minor makes affirmative defense prosecution civil action act defendant reasonably believed minor obtained abortion required parental consent notification judicial authorization took place presented documentation showing court waived parental notification requirements authorized minor abortion defines abortion termination pregnancy intention increase probability live birth preserve life health child live birth terminate ectopic pregnancy remove dead unborn child died result spontaneous abortion accidental trauma criminal assault pregnant female unborn child imposes fine prison term year committed act incest minor knowingly transports minor state line obtain abortion


Summary: Civil Rights Act of 2008 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 to set forth requirements for: (1) establishing discrimination based on disparate impact; and (2) rights of action and recovery for unlawful discrimination (intentional or based on disparate impact). Amends those Acts and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to set forth requirements regarding a right of recovery for harassment. Amends the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) to provide that a state's receipt or use of federal financial assistance for a state program or activity constitutes a waiver of sovereign immunity for a suit by a program employee. Amends the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 to authorize civil actions in federal court for discrimination based on disability. Settlement Encouragement and Fairness Act - Modifies the definition of "prevailing party" for purposes of provisions governing the recovery of attorney's fees to include a party whose pursuit of a non-frivolous claim or defense was a catalyst for a voluntary or unilateral change in position by the opposing party that provides any significant part of the relief sought. Preservation of Civil Rights Protections Act of 2008 - Makes arbitration clauses in employment contracts unenforceable, with exceptions. Authorizes recovery of expert fees by prevailing parties in civil rights actions. Equal Remedies Act of 2008 - Repeals provisions limiting the amount of compensatory and punitive damages that may be awarded in cases of intentional discrimination in employment. Amends the FLSA to revise provisions governing discrimination in the payment of wages, including equal pay requirements. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit denying back-pay or other monetary relief for unlawful employment practices against undocumented immigrant workers. Applies specified provisions of this act to violations pending as of enactment or occurring prior to enactment.

Civil rights and liberties, minority issues

civil rights act amends civil rights act education_amendments age discrimination act set forth requirements establishing discrimination based disparate impact rights action recovery unlawful discrimination intentional based disparate impact amends acts rehabilitation act set forth requirements right recovery harassment amends uniformed_services_employment_and_reemployment_rights_act userra age discrimination employment act fair labor standards act flsa provide state receipt use federal financial assistance state program activity constitutes waiver sovereign immunity suit program employee amends authorize civil actions federal court discrimination based disability settlement encouragement fairness act modifies definition prevailing party purposes provisions governing recovery attorney fees include party pursuit non frivolous claim defense catalyst voluntary unilateral change position opposing party provides significant relief sought makes arbitration clauses employment contracts unenforceable exceptions authorizes recovery expert fees prevailing parties civil rights actions equal remedies act repeals provisions limiting compensatory punitive damages awarded cases intentional discrimination employment amends flsa revise provisions governing discrimination payment wages including equal pay requirements amends immigration nationality act prohibit denying pay monetary relief unlawful employment practices undocumented immigrant workers applies specified provisions act violations pending enactment occurring prior enactment


Summary: Amends the Protect America Act of 2007 (currently set to expire on February 1, 2008) to extend its authority until July 1, 2009.

amends protect america act currently set expire february extend authority july


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

safety act subjects physician knowingly performs abortion violation act fines imprisonment requires physician performs abortion admitting privileges local hospital notify patient location hospital patient receive follow care physician complications arise provides exception abortion necessary save life mother life endangered physical disorder physical illness physical injury including life endangering physical condition caused arising pregnancy prohibits woman abortion performed prosecuted conspiracy violate act requires abortion clinic receives federal funds assistance licensed state compliance requirements ambulatory surgery centers title xviii medicare social security act requirement certificate public need allows state board health waive application certain structural requirements licensing purposes


Summary: No Trespassing Act of 2008 - Bars the Secretary of the Interior from approving a management plan for a National Heritage Area unless the local coordinating entity of the proposed Area provides written notification through the mail of the designation to each individual who resides, or owns property that is located, in that Area. Prohibits any employee of the National Park Service (NPS) or member of the local coordinating entity of a National Heritage Area (including any designee of the NPS or the local coordinating entity) from entering private property in such Area without the owner's written consent.

trespassing act bars secretary interior approving management plan local coordinating entity proposed area provides written notification mail designation individual resides owns property located area prohibits employee national_park_service nps member local coordinating entity including designee nps local coordinating entity entering private property area owner written consent


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

federal spending taxpayer accessibility act directs congressional_research_service crs create free public internet website includes data fiscal years fy2007 allows user search specified information federal earmark including intended recipient total dollar sponsoring member congress status bill attached requires secretary treasury provide eligible individual request taxpayer account statement requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb include financial outlays exceeding federal agencies fiscal years fy2008 internet website established federal_funding_accountability transparency act declares act shall require disclosure classified information


Summary: Medicare Card Security Act of 2008 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to direct the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure that Social Security numbers are not displayed on Medicare cards.

security act amends title old age survivors disability insurance oasdi social security act direct commissioner social_security secretary health_and_human_services ensure social_security numbers displayed medicare cards


Summary: Environmental Justice Enforcement Act of 2008 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to declare that discrimination based on disparate impact under federally assisted programs (including exclusion from participation and denial of benefits) is established only if a person aggrieved by discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin demonstrates that: (1) a covered entity has a policy or practice causing a disparate impact on that basis and fails to demonstrate that the challenged policy or practice is related to and necessary to achieve the nondiscriminatory goals of the program or activity alleged to have been operated in a discriminatory manner; or (2) a less discriminatory alternative policy or practice exists, but the covered entity refuses to adopt it. Authorizes an aggrieved person to: (1) bring a civil action in federal or state court to enforce such person's rights; and (2) recover equitable relief, attorney's fees, and costs.

environmental justice enforcement act amends civil rights act declare discrimination based disparate impact federally assisted programs including exclusion participation denial benefits established person aggrieved discrimination basis race color national origin demonstrates covered entity policy practice causing disparate impact basis fails demonstrate challenged policy practice related necessary achieve nondiscriminatory goals program activity alleged operated discriminatory manner discriminatory alternative policy practice exists covered entity refuses adopt authorizes aggrieved person bring civil action federal state court enforce person rights recover equitable relief attorney fees costs


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

free speech protection act allows person lawsuit defamation brought foreign country basis content speech person published disseminated united_states bring action district court person entity brought suit speech issue foreign lawsuit constitute defamation law allows award treble damages determined preponderance evidence person entity bringing foreign lawsuit intentionally engaged scheme suppress rights amendment constitution discouraging publishers media publishing discouraging financial supporters employing retaining supporting research writing speech individual


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

open transparent smithsonian act makes freedom information act privacy act federal law relating open meetings federal agencies federal_advisory_committee act applicable smithsonian_institution makes act applicable actions taken board_of_regents smithsonian_institution officer employee smithsonian_institution enactment date act record created date meeting held date amends privacy act allow federal agency request chairperson ranking member committee subcommittee joint committee congress disclosure record contained system records chairperson ranking member


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

prohibits state imposing discriminatory tax means providing multichannel video programming distribution services including internet protocol technology successor protocol direct broadcast satellite delivery cable television services defines tax discriminatory net tax imposed means providing multichannel video service higher net tax rate imposed applies prohibition tax imposed january


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

amends federal_housing_enterprises_financial_safety soundness act amended reform act require director federal_housing_finance_agency prohibit golden parachute payment enactment act respect executive officer director federal_national_mortgage_association fannie_mae affiliate federal_home_loan_mortgage_corporation freddie_mac affiliate federal_home_loan_bank