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HR 1123 113th Congress House Science, Technology, Communications Administrative law and regulatory procedures Congressional agencies Intellectual property Internet and video services Internet, web applications, social media Library of Congress Telephone and wireless communication

Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act

Introduced: March 13, 2013 See on congress.gov
 Everywhere this bill has been 17 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Feb 26, 2014
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Feb 25, 2014
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 295 - 114 (Roll no. 64). (text: CR H1904-1905)
Feb 25, 2014
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 295 - 114 (Roll no. 64).(text: CR H1904-1905)
Feb 25, 2014
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1922-1923)
Feb 25, 2014
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Feb 25, 2014
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1123.
Feb 25, 2014
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1904-1912)
Feb 25, 2014
Mr. Goodlatte moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. (consideration: CR H1904)
Feb 25, 2014
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 264.
Feb 25, 2014
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 113-356.
Jul 31, 2013
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Jul 31, 2013
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Jul 22, 2013
Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet Discharged.
Jun 6, 2013
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Apr 15, 2013
Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, And The Internet.
Mar 13, 2013
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Mar 13, 2013
Introduced in House
 Votes taken on this bill 1
DateChamberWhat was voted onResultYes–No
Feb 26, 2014 House · vote #64 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended Passed 295114 See who voted →
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

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 such owner-directed unlocking from being construed to: (1) permit the unlocking of devices for the purpose of bulk resale, or (2) authorize the Librarian to authorize circumvention for such purpose.

What's happening now February 26, 2014

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

 Committees of jurisdiction 3