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EPIC Online Guide to 105th Congress
Privacy and Cyber-Liberties Bills

http://www.epic.org/privacy/bill_track-105.html

Last Updated August 20, 1998
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House of Representatives

HR 49. Postal Privacy Act of 1997. To amend title 39, United States Code, to prevent the United States Postal Service from disclosing the names or addresses of any postal patrons or other persons. Introduced by Condit (D-CA) on 1/7/97. Condit statement. Referred to the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight. Referred to the Subcommittee on Postal Service.

HR 52. Fair Health Information Practices Act of 1997. A bill to establish a code of fair information practices for health information, to amend section 552a of title 5, United States Code, and for other purposes.Introduced by Rep. Condit (D-CA) on 1/7/97. Condit statement. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Government Reform and Oversight, and the Judiciary. Referred to the Subcommittee on Human Resources. Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment. Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.

HR 98. Consumer Internet Privacy Protection Act of 1997. Requires prior written consent before a computer service can disclose a subscribers' personal information to a third party and allows consumers to access and correct information. Introduced by Vento (D-MN) on 1/7/97.Vento statement. Referred to the Committee on Commerce. Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade and Consumer Protection.

HR 102. A bill to require the national instant criminal background check system to be established and used in connection with firearms transfers by November 28, 1997. Introduced by Rep. Barr (R-GE) on 1/7/97. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

HR 224. Integrity in Voter Registration Act of 1997. To amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require each individual registering to vote in elections for Federal office to provide the individual's Social Security number. Introduced by McCollum (R-FL) on 1/7/97. Referred to the Committee on House Oversight.

HR 231. A bill to improve the integrity of the Social Security card and to provide for criminal penalties for fraud and related activity involving work authorization documents for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Requires creation of tamperproof Social Security card. Introduced by McCollum (R-FL) on 1/1/97. McCollum statement. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means. Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims. Subcommittee hearings held on 5/13/97. Referred to the Subcommittee on Social Security.

HR 273. Food Stamp Fraud Act of 1997. Expands use of electronic funds transfers with build in capability for "law enforcement monitoring." Required extensive electronic records of purchases to be kept. Expands access to financial records. Introduced by Schumer (D-NY) on 1/7/97. Referred to the Committee on Agriculture. Referred to the Subcommittee on Department Operations, Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.

HR 275. Effective Antiterrorism Tools for Law Enforcement Act of 1997. Expands use of illegal wiretapping evidence in court, roving taps, pen registers, and collection of travel information. Introduced by Schumer (D-NY) and Conyers (D-MI) on January 7,1997. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.

HR 306. Genetic Information Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance Act of 1997. A bill to prohibit discrimination against individuals and their family members on the basis of genetic information, or a request for genetic services. Introduced by Slaughter (D-NY). Slaughter statement. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Education and the Workforce. Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment. Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. Referred to the Subcommittee on Employer-Employee Relations.

HR 341. Genetic Privacy and Nondiscrimination Act of 1997. A bill to establish limitations with respect to the disclosure and use of genetic information. Introduced by Stearnes (R-FL) on 1/7/97. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Government Reform and Oversight, and Education and the Workforce. Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment. Referred to the Subcommittee on Human Resources. Referred to the Subcommittee on Employer-Employee Relations. 

HR 470. Eliminate the Magnet for Illegal Immigration Act of 1997. Limits number of documents that can be used for employment verification. Introduced by Filner on 1/21/97. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Education and the Workforce. Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims.

HR 503. To amend the General Education Provisions Act to allow State and county prosecutors access to student records in certain cases. . Allows prosecutors to access student records without a warrant in any criminal investigation or prosecution of a student. Introduced by Andrews (D-NJ) on 2/4/97. Referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce. Referred to the Subcommittee on Children, Youth and Families.

HR 537. Background Security Records Act of 1997. Amends Presidential Records Act of 1978 and the Privacy Act, to ensure that Federal Bureau of Investigation records containing sensitive background security information that are provided to the White House are properly protected for privacy and security. Introduced by Maloney (D-NY) on 2/4/97. Referred to the House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight. Referred to the Subcommittee on National Security, International Affairs, and Criminal Justice.

HR 695. Security and Freedom Through Encryption (SAFE) Act. Relaxes export controls on cryptography, prohibits mandatory key escrow. Creates new criminal penalties for using encryption to further a criminal act. Introduced by Goodlatte (R-VA) on 2/12/97 w/ 70 co-sponsors. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Internaional Relations. Hearings held by Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property on 3/20/97. EPIC Testimony. Referred to the Subcommittee on International Economic Policy and Trade. Subcommittee mark-up and forwarded to full Committee by voice vote on 5/14/97. Committee consideration and mark-up held on 5/14/97. Ordered reported (amended) by voice vote on 5/14/97. Different versions also approved by National Security, Select Intelligence, Foreign Affairs, and Commerce Committees.

HR 753. Intelligence Budget Accountability Act of 1997. Requires publication of total intelligence budget. Introduced by Conyers (D-MI) on 2/13/97. Referred to the Committee on the Budget, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence.

HR 774. Internet Freedom and Child Protection Act of 1997. Requires internet service providers to offer filtering software. Introduced by Lofgren (D-CA) on 2/13/97. Referred to the Committee on Commerce. Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade and Consumer Protection.

HR 1180. Family-Friendly Internet Access Act of 1997. Requires internet service providers to offer filtering software. Introduced by McDade (R-PA) on 3/20/97. Referred to the Committee on Commerce. Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade and Consumer Protection.

HR 1226. Taxpayer Browsing Protection Act. Criminalizes "browsing" of taxpayer files by IRS employees. Introduced by Archer (R-TX) on 4/8/97. Passed by the House April 15, 1997. Placed on the Calendar in the Senate (CR S3346) on 4/17/97. Signed August 7, 1997 (PL 105-35). See the EPIC IRS Privacy Page.

HR 1227. Internal Revenue Service Accountability Act. Criminalizes "browsing" of taxpayer files by IRS employees. Introduced by Dunn (R-WA) on 4/8/97. See HR 1226.

HR 1271. FAA Research, Engineering, and Development Authorization Act of 1997. Funds FAA projects for new surveillance technologies such as advanced X-ray systems for individuals. Introduced on 4/10/97 by Morella (R-Md). Referred to the House Committee on Science. Approved by Commitee 4/16/97. Reported to the House H. Rept. 105-61 (CR H1714) on 4/21/97. Measure adopted on 4/29/97, RC #95 (414-7), (CR H1995). Referred to Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CR S3843) on 4/30/97.

HR 1287. Social Security On-line Privacy Protection Act of 1996. Prohibits computer service (such as Lexis-Nexis) from disclosing person's SSN without permission. Introduced by Franks (R-NJ) on 4/10/97. Referred to the Committee on Commerce. Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade and Consumer Protection. See the EPIC SSN Page

HR 1330. American Family Privacy Act of 1997. Prohibits Federal officers and employees from providing access to social security account statement information, personal earnings and benefits estimate statement information, or tax return information of an individual through the Internet or without the written consent of the individual, and to establish a commission to investigate the protection and privacy afforded to certain Government records. Introduced by Kanjorski (D-PA) on 4/15/97. Referred to the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight. Congressman Kanjorski's statement. Referred to the Subcommittee on Government Management, Information and Technology. See the EPIC SSA Privacy Page

HR 1331. Social Security Information Safeguards Act of 1997. Requires the Commissioner of Social Security to assemble a panel of experts to assist the Commissioner in developing appropriate mechanisms and safeguards to ensure confidentiality and integrity of personal Social Security records made accessible to the public. Introduced by Kennelly (D-CT) on 4/15/97. Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. See the EPIC SSA Privacy Page

HR 1367. Federal Internet Privacy Protection Act of 1997. Prohibits Federal agencies from making available through the Internet certain confidential records with respect to individuals, and to provide for remedies in cases in which such records are made available through the Internet. Introduced by Barrett (D-WI) on 4/17/97. Referred to the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight. Referred to the Subcommittee on Government Management, Information and Technology. See the EPIC SSA Privacy Page

H.R.1428 Voter Eligibility Verification Act. Establishes a system through which the Commissioner of Social Security and the Attorney General respond to inquiries made by election officials concerning the citizenship of voting registration applicants and to amend the Social Security Act to permit States to require individuals registering to vote in elections to provide the individual's Social Security number. Introduced by Horn (R-CA) on 4/24/97. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on House Oversight, and Ways and Means. Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims. Rejected by 210-200 vote on suspension calendar vote on Feb 12, 1998.

H.R.1440, A bill to require the Department of Education to provide links to databases of information concerning scholarships and fellowships. Introduced by Engel (D-NY) on 4/24/97. Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Referred to the Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education, Training and Life-Long Learning.

H.R.1471, Auto Theft Deterrent Act of 1997. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine the feasibility of placing bar codes on passenger motor vehicles to facilitate the tracing of stolen vehicles. Introduced by Ackerman (D-NY) on 4/29/97. Referred to the House Committee on Commerce. Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection.

H.R.1546, Government Secrecy Act of 1997. Provides for a system to classify information in the interests of national security and a system to declassify such information. Introduced by Hamilton (D-IN) on 5/7/97. Referred to the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, and in addition to the Committees on Intelligence (Permanent Select), and National Security.

H.R.1775. Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1998 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the US Government. Introduced by Goss (R - FL) on 6/4/97. Referred to the House Select Committee on Intelligence. Committee consideration and mark-up session held on 6/5/97. Reported to the House from the Select Committee on Intelligence with amendment (H. Rept. 105-135, Part I), (CR H3923), on 6/18/97. Referred sequentially to the House Committee on National Security (CR H3923) for consideration for a period ending not later than 7/1/97.

H.R.1813. Personal Information Privacy Act of 1997. Protects the privacy of the individual with respect to the social security number and other personal information. Introduced by Kleczka (D - WI) on 6/5/97. Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Banking and Financial Services, and the Judiciary. Referred to the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit.

H.R.1815. Medical Privacy in the Age of New Technologies Act of 1997. Protects the privacy of health information in the age of genetic and other new technologies. Introduced by McDermott (D - WA) on 6/5/97. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight.

H.R.1964. Communications Privacy and Consumer Empowerment Act. The bill requires the Federal Trade Commission and FCC to conduct reviews of privacy and to propose changes in regulations, promotes screening software for blocking content, orders NTIA to conduct survey on network security and reliability, prohibits restriction of crypto sales in interstate commerce and the requirement of key escrow by federal or state officials. Introduced by Markey (D - MA) on 6/19/97. Referred to the House Committee on Commerce.

H.R. 1972. Children's Privacy Protection and Parental Empowerment Act of 1997. Introduced by Rep. Bob Franks (R-NJ) on June 19, 1997. Prohibits "list brokers" from selling, purchasing info about children without written consent of parent. Requires marketers to give access about child to parent, prohibits using prison inmate labor to process childrens' info. Requires marketers to give lists to National for Missing and Exploited Children for data matching purposes. The bill has 30 cosponsors.

H.R.2063, A bill to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make available to the Secretary of the Treasury information from the National Directory of New Hires for use in collecting delinquent debt owed to the Federal Government. Introduced by Maloney (D - NY) on 6/25/97. Referred to the House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight.

H.R. 2180. On-Line Copyright Liability Limitation Act. Would limit liability for online service providers that are not aware that copyrighted materials are going over their networks. Introduced by Rep. Coble (R-NC) on July 16. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

H.R.2198. Genetic Privacy and Nondiscrimination Act of 1997. Would limit use and disclosure of genetic information by health insurance companies; prohibit employers from attempting to acquire, or to use, genetic information, or "to require a genetic test of an employee or applicant for employment" or to disclose the information. Introduced by Rep. Stearns (R-FL) on July 17. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Government Reform and Oversight, Education and the Workforce, and Veterans' Affairs.

HR 2215, Genetic Nondiscrimination in the Workplace Act. Introduced by Kennedy (D-MA) on July 22. Amends Fair Labor Standards Act to restrict employers in obtaining, disclosing, and using of genetic information. Referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce.  

HR 2216, Genetic Protection in Insurance Coverage Act. Introduced by Kennedy (D-MA) on July 22. Limits the disclosure and use of genetic information by life and disability insurers. Prohibits insurers from requiring genetic tests, denying coverage, setting rates based on genetics, using or maintain genetic info. Referred to the Committee on Commerce.  

HR 2275, Genetic Employment Protection Act of 1997. Introduced by Lowery (D-NY) on July 25. Prohibits employers, unions from discriminating on basis of genetic information. Referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce.  

H.R.2368, Data Privacy Act of 1997. Introduced by Tauzin (R-LA) on July 31. Recommends that businesses create voluntary guidelines to protect privacy, and stop spamming. Referred to the Committee on Commerce.  

H.R. 2369, Wireless Privacy Enhancement Act of 1997. Introduced by Tauzin (R-LA) on July 31. Expands ban and penalties on sale of scanners that can intercept cellular and digital communications and interception of communications. Referred to the Committee on Commerce. The House Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection of the House Committee on Commerce approved a revised version of the bill on October 29.  Passed House (Amended) by Yea-Nay Vote: 414 - 1 on March 5, 1998.

H.R. 2372, Internet Protection Act of 1997. Introduced by White (R-WA) on July 31. Limits FCC and state ability to regulate Internet. Referred to the Committee on Commerce.

H.R. 2404, Stop the Theft of Our Social Security Numbers Act. Introduced by Filner (D-CA) on September 4. Prohibits IRS mailings that include SSN unless it is inside sealed envelope. Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.  

H.R. 2507, ATM Public Safety and Crime Control Act. Introduced by Nadler (R-NY). Requires banks to install better surveillance cameras in ATMs. Referred to the Committee on Banking and Financial Services.

H.R. 2563. Taxpayer Confidentiality Act of 1997. Introduced by Dunn (R-WA) on September 26. Amends IRS code to restrict the authority to examine books and witnesses for purposes of tax administration. Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.  

HR 2581. Social Security Privacy Act of 1997. Limits use of Social Security number. Requires disclosure of uses of SSN by businesses. Introduced by Campbell (R-CA). Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.2652. Collections of Information Antipiracy Act. Creates property right in databases of information, even if public domain information. Introduced by Rep. Coble (R-NC). Approved by House on voice vote on May 19. Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee.

H.R. 2815. Protecting Children From Internet Predators Act of 1997. Criminalizes sending sexually explicit messages to people under 16, even if sending is under that age. Introduced by Weller (R-IL) on November 5, 1997. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

H. R. 2890. Requires six months in jail for any government offical who conducts an illgal wiretap. Introduced by Goodling (R-PA) on November 7, 1997. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary .

H. R. 2977. The Federal Advisory Committee Act Amendments of 1997. The bill excludes from the Federal Advisory Committee Act "(i) any committee that is composed wholly of full-time, or permanent part-time, officers or employees of the Federal Government, and (ii) any committee that is created by the National Academy of Sciences or the National Academy of Public Administration." The bill also requires more public oversight when Federal agencies utilize the Academies. Approved by the House on November 10 and the Senate on November 13. Public Law: 105-153 (12/17/97).

H.R.3048. Digital Era Copyright Enhancement Act. Introduced by Boucher (R-VA) and Campbell (R-CA) on November 13, 1997. Implements WIPO Treaty. Ensures "Fair Use". Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

H.R.3131. Makes reports written by the Congressional Research Service available to the public via the Internet. Introduced by Rep. Shays on January 28, 1998. Referred to the Committee on House Oversight.

H.R. 3174. Requires electronic preservation and filing of reports filed with the Federal Election Commission by certain persons; to require such reports to be made available through the Internet; and for other purposes. Introduced by Rep. White (R-WA) on February 5, 1998. Referred to the Committee on House Oversight.

H.R. 3189. Parental Freedom of Information Act. Prohibits schools from giving students medical, psychological, or psychiatric examination, testing, treatment, or immunization(except in the case of a medical emergency); or to reveal any information about the student's personal or family life. Introduced by Thiart (R-KS).

H.R. 3209. On-Line Copyright Infringement Liability Limitation Act. Limits liability of ISPs for copyright infringement for on-line material. Introduced by Rep. Coble (R-) on February 12, 1998. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

H.R. 3261. Privacy Protection Act of 1997. Introduced by Rep. Paul (R-TX). Limits use of SSN as identifier by government agencies. Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight.

H.R. 3299. Family Genetic Privacy and Protection Act. Sets limits on disclosure and use of genetic information in connection with group health plans and health insurance coverage, prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of genetic information and genetic testing. Introduced by Smith (R-WA). Referred to the Committee on Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and the Workforce, and Veterans' Affairs

H.R. 3321. CALEA Implementation Amendments of 1998. Extends deadline of Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act for telephone companies to make wiretapping easier until 2000. Introduced by Barr (R-GA) on March 4, 1998. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

H.R. 3442. E-Rate Policy and Child Protection Act of 1998. Requires schools and libraries that receive universal service support for discounted telecommunications services to establish policies governing access to material that is inappropriate for children. Intrduced by Markey (D-MA) on March 11, 1998. Referred to the Committee on Commerce.

H.R. 3472. Digital Signature and Electronic Authentication Law (SEAL) of 1998. Allows financial institutions to use digital signatures. Introduced by Cook (R-UT) on March 17. Referred to the Committee on Banking and Financial Services.

H.R. 3494. Child Protection and Sexual Predator Punishment Act of 1998. Introduced by McCollum (R-FL). Criminalizes sending sexual material to a minor. Minimum prison term for using computer is 3 years. Allows use of subpoenas to obtain evidence instead of warrants.

H.R. 3551. Identity Piracy Act of 1998. Creates new federal penalty for identity theft. Introduced by Delauro (D-CT) on March 25, 1998. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

H.R. 3555. Driver Record Information Verification System Act. Requires Secretary of transportation to conduct study of creation of National Drivers database. Examines use of SSN as identification number. Introduced by Moran (D-VA) on March 25, 1998. Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

H.R. 3601. Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998. Criminalizes identify theft. Introduced by Shadegg (R-AZ) on March 30. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

H.R. 3605. Patients' Bill of Rights Act of 1998. Requires insurers to protect records and provide access to patients. Introduced by Dingell (D-MI) on March 30. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Education and the Workforce.

H.R. 3752. Multipoint Wiretap Act of 1998. Allows for police to easily conduct roving wiretaps. Introduced by McCullum (R-FL) on April 29, 1998. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

H.R. 3755. Prescription Privacy Protection Act of 1998. Resticts disclosure of pharmacy records. Introduced by Nadler (D-NY) on April 29, 1998. Referred to the Committee on Commerce.

H.R. 3783. Child Online Protection Act. CDA 2 bill crimalizes material sent that is "harmful to minors". Introduced by Oxley (R-) on April 30, 1998. Referred to the Committee on Commerce

H.R.3900. Consumer Health and Research Technology (CHART) Protection Act. A bill to establish Federal penalties for prohibited uses and disclosures of individually identifiable health information, to establish a right in an individual to inspect and copy their own health information, and for other purposes. Allows disclosure to government without warrant and researchers with little need. Introduced by Rep. Shays (R-CT) on May 19. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Government Reform and Oversight.

H.R. 3975. Drug-Free Ports Act. Allows greater access to information held by U.S. Justice Department for background checks. Introduced by Shaw (R-FL) on May 22. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

H.R. 4124. E-Mail User Protection Act of 1998. Anti-Spam bill. Introduced by Cook (R-UT) on June 24, 1998. Referred to the Committee on Commerce.

H.R. 4151. Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998. Creates new federal law against ID theft. Creates central bureau for victims of id theft. Introduced by Shadegg (R-AZ).Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

H.R. 4176. Digital Jamming Act of 1998. Anti-spam bill. Introduced by Markey (D-MA) on June 25, 1998. Referred to the Committee on Commerce.

H.R. 4217. Freedom and Privacy Restoration Act of 1998. Repeals immigration law requirements on national id. Introduced by Paul (R-TX) on July 15, 1998. Referred to the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight.

H.R. 4243. Government Waste, Fraud, and Error Reduction Act of 1998. Increases data sharing among federal agencies, proposes using NIST crypto standards (aka key escrow) for systems, recommends using credit reports, National New Hires Data Bases for checking. Introduced by Horn (R-CA) on July 16. Referred to the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Ways and Means.

H.R. 4250. Patient Protection Act of 1998. Republican Health Care bill. Sets weak standards for privacy, prohibits states from passing stronger protections. Approved by the House 216-210 on July 24.

H.R. 4276. Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, and Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999. $2,965,971,000 for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, $35,929,000 above the appropriation for the current year and $52,353,000 below the request. $6,120,000 and 31 positions to establish three new Computer Investigative and Infrastructure Threat Assessment (CITAC) Teams. No funding for CALEA. Approved by the House Committee on Appropriations, July 20. (H. Rept. 105-636).

 


Senate

S. 3. Omnibus Crime Control Act. Eliminiates exclusionary rule for illegal searches including illegal wiretaps. Expands penalities for cellular phone interceptions. Introduced by Hatch (R-UT) on 1/22/97. Hatch statement. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S. 24. Health Care Assurance Act of 1997. Creates "centrally located" national database of health insurance information for processing all claims and outcomes. Gives grants to states to create and operate health care cost containment and quality information systems that contain clinical and treatment data on patients. Introduced by Specter (R-PA) on 1/21/97. Referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 89. Genetic Information Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance Act of 1997. Prohibits denial of insurance based on genetic information. Prohibits insurance companies from reqesting genetic information. Prohibits disclosing genetic information without written consent. Introduced by Snowe (R-ME). Referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.

S. 103. United States Worker Protection and Illegal Immigrant Deterrence Act of 1997. Requires President to recommend creation of national workplace verification system within 90 days. Introduced by Kennedy (D-MA) on 1/21/97. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S. 144. Commission to Study the Federal Statistical System Act of 1997. Creates Commission to look at statistical agencies. Commission will look at privacy implications of collection and use of statistical information. Introduced by Moynihan (D-NY) on 1/21/97. Referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs.

S. 170. Clone Pager Authorization Act of 1996. The bill lowers the legal standard for obtaining a numeric clone pager from a court order based on probable cause to one based on whether it is needed for an ongoing investigation. Introduced by DeWine and Leahy (D-VT). Approved by the Senate on November 7.

S. 213. Bill to amend section 223 of the Communications Act of 1934 to repeal amendments on obscene and harassing use of telecommunications facilities made by the Communications Decency Act of 1996. Repeals part of Communications Decency Act and replaces it with origional provision on telephone harassment. Introduced by Leahy (D-VT) on 1/28/97. Leahy statement. Feingold statement. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

S. 255. Law Enforcement and Public Safety Telecommunications Empowerment Act. Alots 24 MZ of spectrum for law enforcement and public safety use. Introduced by McCain on 2/4/97. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation statement.

S. 376. Encrypted Communications Privacy Act of 1997. Relaxes export controls on cryptography. Encourages key escrow infrastructure. Creates new criminal penalties for using encryption to further a criminal act. Introduced by Leahy (D-VT) on 2/27/97. Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 377. Promotion of Commerce On-Line in the Digital Era (Pro-CODE) Act of 1997. Relaxes export controls on cryptography. Creates secret Information Security Board that would give law enforcement agencies special access to the development of new plans for privacy enhancing technologies. Introduced by Burns (R-MT) on 2/27/97. Referred to the Committee on Commerce. Hearings held 3/19/97.

S. 422. Genetic Confidentiality and Nondiscrimination Act of 1997. Defines the circumstances under which DNA samples may be collected, stored, and analyzed, and genetic information may be collected, stored, analyzed, and disclosed, to define the rights of individuals and persons with respect to genetic information, to define the responsibilities of persons with respect to genetic information, to protect individuals and families from genetic discrimination, to establish uniform rules that protect individual genetic privacy, and to establish effective mechanisms to enforce the rights. Introduced by Domenici (R-NM) on 3/11/97. Referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.

S. 504. Children's Privacy Protection and Parental Empowerment Act of 1997. Prohibits the sale of personal information about children without their parents' consent. Introduced by Feinstein (D-CA) on 3/20/97. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. See EPIC Kids Privacy Page.

S. 512. Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1997. Criminalizes identity theft. Requires FTC to conduct study. Introduced by Kyl (R-AZ) on 3/21/97. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S. 521. Taxpayer Privacy Protection Act. Criminalizes "browsing" of tax records by IRS employees. Introduced by Coverdell (R-GA) on 4/8/97. See S. 522.

S. 522. Taxpayer Browsing Protection Act . Criminalizes "browsing" of tax records by IRS employees. Introduced by Coverdell (R-GA) on 4/8/97. Passed by the Senate, April 15, 1997. See EPIC IRS Page.

S. 523. Taxpayer Privacy Protection Act. Criminalizes "browsing" of tax records by IRS employees. Introduced by Glenn (D-OH) on 4/8/97. See S. 522.

S. 600. Personal Information Privacy Act of 1997. Amends FCRA to prohibit sale on non-public information, prohibits use of SSN as ID number, limits use of SSN on drivers liscenses. Introduced by Feinstein (D-CA) on 4/16/97. Referred to the Committee on Finance. Feinstein floor statement. See the EPIC SSN Page

S.665. Telecommunication Act Progress Report Act. Monitors the progress of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Introduced by Kerrey (D-NE) on 4/29/97. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

S.712. Government Secrecy Act of 1997. Provides for a system to classify information in the interests of national security and a system to declassify such information. Introduced by Moynihan (D-NY) on 5/7/97. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs. Hearings held on 5/7/97.

S.771. A bill to regulate the transmission of unsolicited commercial electronic mail, and for other purposes. Introduced by Murkowski (R- AK) on 5/21/97. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.

S.805. Department of Agriculture Information Technology Reform Act. Reforms the information technology systems of the Department of Agriculture. Introduced by Lugar (R - IN) on 5/23/97. Referred to the Committee on Agriculture.

S. 858. Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998. Amends Fair Credit Reporting Act to allow government agencies to obtain credit reports of employees in national security investigations. Signed by the President on November 20 (Public Law 105-107).

S.874. A bill to amend title 31, United States Code, to provide for an exemption to the requirement that all Federal payments be made by electronic funds transfer. Introduced by Faircloth (R - NC) on 6/10/97. Referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.875. Electronic Mailbox Protection Act of 1997. Promotes online commerce and communications, by protecting consumers and service providers from the misuse of computer facilities by others sending bulk unsolicited electronic mail over such facilities. Introduced by Torricelli (D - NJ) on 6/11/97. Referred to the Committee on Commerce.

S.909. Secure Public Networks Act. Facilites national key escrow system. Orders networks built with govt money to use key escrow. Codifies existing restrictions on export on encryption software. Introduced by McCain (R - AZ) on 6/16/97. Referred to the Committee on Commerce. Committee ordered bill to be reported favorably with an amendment in the nature of a substitute on 6/19/97. Hearings held before Senate Judiciary Committee 7/9/97.

S. 1146, Digital Copyright Clarification and Technology Education Act of 1997. Introduced by Ashcroft (R-MO). Sets up new rules for copyright in digital networks. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S. 1223. Employee Information Protection Act of 1997. Introduced by Burns (R-MT) on September 26. Amends 1996 welfare bill to require that data collected for "new hires" database be deleted after six months. Referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 1356. To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit Internet service providers from providing accounts to sexually violent predators. Introduced by Faircloth (R-NC). Sets civil fines of $5,000 per day for providing an account to a "sexually violent predator." Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

S. 1368. Medical Information Privacy and Security Act. Introduced by Leahy (D-VT) and Kennedy (D-MA) on November 4. General medical privacy bill.

S. 1482. (CDA II). Criminalizes materials distributed on Internet that are harmful to minors. Introduced by Coates (R-IN) on November 8, 1998. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Approved by Commerce Committee on March 12, 1998. Vote scheduled for week of 5/15/98

S.1499. Health Insurance Consumer's Bill of Rights Act of 1997. Introduced by Boxer (D-CA) on November 9. Requires managed care group health plans to establish written policies and procedures for the handling of medical records; ensure the confidentiality of specified enrollee information; and prevent release of any individual patient record information, unless such a release is authorized in writing by the enrollee or otherwise required by law. Referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.

S. 1521. Law Enforcement Technology Advertisement Clarification Act of 1997. Introduced by Hatch (R-UT) on November 9. Authorizes advertising of wiretapping and bugging equipment if provided to government agencies. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S 1578. Makes reports written by the Congressional Research Service available to the public via the Internet. Introduced by Sen. McCain (R-AZ) on January 28, 1998. Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

S.1594. Digital Signature and Electronic Authentication Law (SEAL) of 1998. Facilitates the use of electronic authentication techniques by financial institutions. Introduced by Senator Bennett (R-UT) on February 2, 1998. Referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

S. 1619. The Internet School Filtering Act. Requires schools and libraries receiving federal Internet subsidies to install systems "to filter or block matter deemed to be inappropriate for minors." The bill is co-sponsored by Senators Ernest Hollings (D-SC), Dan Coats (R-IN) and Patty Murray (D-WA). Approved by Commerce Committee on March 12, 1998. Vote scheduled for week of 5/15/98

S. 1631. Parental Freedom of Information Act. Prohibits schools from giving students medical, psychological, or psychiatric examination, testing, treatment, or immunization(except in the case of a medical emergency); or to reveal any information about the student's personal or family life. Introduced by Senator Hutchinson (R-TX) on February 11, 1998. Referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.  

S. 1737. Taxpayer Confidentiality Act of 1998. Creates accountant-client privilege. Introduced by Mack (R-FL) on March 10, 1998. Referred to the Committee on Finance.  

S. 1865. Safeguard of New Employee Information Act of 1998. Creates penalties for abuse of information in New Hires Database. Requires data be deleted after 24 months. Introduced by Baucus (D-MT) on March 26, 1998. Referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 1921. Health Care PIN Act. Comprehensive "medical privacy" bill. Requires patients to give up medical privacy before receiving health care. Introduced by Jeffords (R-VT) on April 2, 1998. Referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.

S. 1965. Internet Predator Prevention Act of 1998. To prohibit the publication of identifying information relating to a minor for criminal sexual purposes. Introduced by (-) on April 22, 1998. Referred to the Committee on ..

S. 1973. Telephone Privacy Act of 1998. Requires 2 party consent before recording telephone calls. Mr. Burpers (D-AK) on April 23, 1998. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.1987. Child Protection and Sexual Predator Punishment Act of 1998. Increases penalties for transmitting obscene materials to minors, contacting minors using net "for the purpose of engaging in any sexual activity". Introduced by Rep. Dewine (R-OH) on April 24. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S. 2022. Crime Identification Technology Act of 1998. Provides grants to states to upgrade systems for interstate sharing of records, fingerprints, background checks, DNA data bases and other information. Introduced by Rep. Dewine (R-OH) on April 30. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Approved by Judiciary Committee on May 21.

S.2037. An original bill to amend title 17, United States Code, to implement the WIPO Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty, to provide limitations on copyright liability relating to material online, and for other purposes. Introduced by Sen. Hatch (R-UT). Approved by Senate on May 14, 1998 (99-0).

S.2052. Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999. Intelligence Funding bill. Allows law enforcement to ask for pen registers in "national security" cases with very low standard. Introduced by Sen. Shelby (R-AL) on May 7. Approved by Intelligence Committee on May 7. Referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.2067. Encryption Protects the Rights of Individuals from Violation and Abuse in CYberspace (E-PRIVACY) Act. Relaxes export controls on crypto, prohibits mandatory key escrow, creates "NET Center" for FBI, creates new criminal penalties. Sponsored by Sens. Ashcroft (R-MO) and Leahy (D-VT) on May 12. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.2103. Personal Privacy Protection Act. Anti-paparazzi bill. Introduced by Sen. Feinstein (D-CA) on May 20. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.2107. Electronic Commerce Enhancement Act. Creates legal framework for digital signatures. Introduced by Sen. Abraham (R-MI).

S. 2260. Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999. Includes McCain and Coates Internet censorship bill. Approved by Senate, July 1998.

S.2291. Collections of Information Antipiracy Act. Creates new form of intellectual property for databases. Introduced by Grams (R-MN). Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S. 2294. National Criminal History Access and Child Protection Act. To facilitate the exchange of criminal history records for non criminal justice purposes, to provide for the decentralized storage of criminal history records, to amend the National Child Protection Act of 1993 to facilitate the fingerprint checks authorized by that Act, and for other purposes. Introduced by Hatch (R-UT) on July 13. Approved by Senate on July 13.

S. 2330. Patients' Bill of Rights Act. Republican Health Care Bill. Scheduled for vote this week.

S. 2352. The Patient Privacy Rights Act. Repeals the "unique medical identifiers" requirement of the Health Insurance Portability Law of 1996 (HIPAA). Introduced by Leahy (D-VT) on June 24. Referred to the Committee on Finance.

 


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