Docket HopperPart I · Bills · 113th S. 517
S. 517 · 113th CongressPublic Law 113-144Science, Technology, Communications

Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act became law 508 days after introduction, with cosponsors split almost evenly between the parties

Sponsored by Leahy, Patrick J. D-VT · 10 cosponsors: 6 Democrats, 4 Republicans
IntroducedMar 11, 2013
ReportedJul 10, 2014
Passed one chamberJul 15, 2014
Passed bothJul 25, 2014
LawAug 1, 2014
What it changes · CRS summary

Written by the Congressional Research Service [2]. 301 words.

(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on July 10, 2014. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act - Repeals a Library of Congress (LOC) rulemaking determination, made upon the recommendation of the Register of Copyrights, regarding the circumvention of technological measures controlling access to copyrighted software on wireless telephone handsets (mobile telephones) for the purpose of connecting to different wireless telecommunications networks (a practice commonly referred to as "unlocking" such devices). Reestablishes, as an exemption to provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) prohibiting such circumvention, a previous LOC rule permitting the use of computer programs, in the form of firmware or software, that enable used wireless telephone handsets to connect to a wireless telecommunications network, when circumvention is initiated by the owner of the copy of such computer program solely to connect to such a network and access to the network is authorized by the network operator, thus permitting unlocked phones. Directs the Librarian of Congress, upon the recommendation of the Register, to determine whether to extend such exemption to include any other category of wireless devices in addition to wireless telephone handsets (e.g., tablets and other mobile broadband-enabled devices). Allows such circumvention (unlocking) to be initiated by the owner of such a device, by another person at the direction of the owner, or by a provider of a commercial mobile radio service or a commercial mobile data service at the direction of such owner or other person, solely in order to enable such owner or a family member of such owner to connect to a wireless telecommunications network, when such connection is authorized by the operator of such network. Prohibits this Act from being construed to alter any party's rights under existing law.

Context
Committees
Senate Judiciary Committee
Policy area
Science, Technology, Communications: 52 of 2,109 bills became law, 113th–118th (2.5%)
Sponsor
7 of 123 bills enacted since 2013
Text versions
5, from enrolled bill to public law · 839 words
Subjects
Administrative law and regulatory proceduresCongressional agenciesIntellectual propertyInternet and video servicesInternet, web applications, social mediaLibrary of Congress +1 more
Latest action
Aug 1, 2014: Became Public Law No: 113-144.
Records
Congress.gov · Bill text
Exhibit 1Passage odds band at each stage, rated when the bill reached it [4]
Related bills · 1

Each bill appears once, under its strongest link. 1 in all.

Identical or companion · 1
  • 113th H.R. 1123 Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act R · Passed one chamber

See this link on the network map →

Exhibit 2Articles naming the bill per day, last 90 days, US sources [3]