To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for enhanced penalties for pirate radio, and for other purposes.
Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement Act or the PIRATE Act
This bill addresses unlicensed radio broadcasting (called pirating), including by increasing to $2 million the maximum fine for a pirate radio broadcasting violation 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 from the FCC.
Held at the desk.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
Mr. Tonko moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2050-2052)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 583.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H2050)
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2050)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Enacted as Public Law 116-109
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Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S84)
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S84)
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Became Public Law No: 116-109.
Became Public Law No: 116-109.