PIRATE Act became law 373 days after introduction, with cosponsors split almost evenly between the parties
Written by the Congressional Research Service [2]. 206 words.
Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement Act or the PIRATE Act This bill addresses unlicensed radio broadcasting (called pirating), including by increasing the maximum fine for a pirate radio broadcasting violation to $2 million and imposing a fine of up to $100,000 per day for pirating violations subject to the $2 million limit. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must (1) annually submit to Congress a report summarizing implementation of this bill and associated enforcement activities for the previous fiscal year; and (2) at least once a year, assign appropriate enforcement personnel to focus specific and sustained attention on the elimination of pirate radio broadcasting within the top five radio markets. The FCC may not preempt any state or local law prohibiting pirate radio broadcasting. The FCC shall (1) revise its rules to require that, absent good cause, in any case alleging a violation, it shall proceed directly to issue a Notice of Apparent Liability without first issuing a Notice of Unlicensed Operation; and (2) publish a database of all licensed radio stations operating in the AM and FM band that includes each licensed station and all entities that have received a Notice of Unlicensed Operation, Notice of Apparent Liability, or Forfeiture Order issued by the FCC.
- Committees
- House Energy and Commerce Committee
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee - Policy area
- Science, Technology, Communications: 52 of 2,109 bills became law, 113th–118th (2.5%)
- Sponsor
- 2 of 148 bills enacted since 2013
- Text versions
- 5, from enrolled bill to public law · 967 words
- Subjects
- Administrative law and regulatory proceduresBroadcasting, cable, digital technologiesCongressional oversightCriminal investigation, prosecution, interrogationFederal Communications Commission (FCC)Government information and archives +1 more
- Latest action
- Jan 24, 2020: Became Public Law No: 116-109.
- Records
- Congress.gov · Bill text
Each bill appears once, under its strongest link. 1 in all.
Identical or companion · 1
- 116th S. 1228 PIRATE Act R · Passed one chamber