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OpenCongress brings together official government data with news coverage, blog posts, public comments, and more to give you the real story behind what’s happening in Congress. Small groups of political insiders and lobbyists already know what’s really going on in Congress. Now, everyone can be an insider.

OpenCongress is a free, open-source, not-for-profit, and non-partisan web resource with a mission to make Congress more transparent and to encourage civic engagement. OpenCongress is a joint project of two 501c3 non-profit organizations, the Participatory Politics Foundation and the Sunlight Foundation. To read more about our mission, our open data sources, and how Congress works, see About OpenCongress. To read more about how individuals and organizations can use this site to find and share valuable info about their political interests, see How To Use OpenCongress.

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All the Best Info

OpenCongress and Formspal bring together all the best info about Congress and legal documents in one place. When you link to OpenCongress pages, your readers have access to not only the official details of bills and votes but also the big picture. Read more ways you can use OpenCongress.

At OpenCongress, we support free and accessible information to better inform and empower communities and individuals.

Check one of the links below to access fillable legal documents to suit your needs (or browse our full catalogs of legal templates and fillable PDF forms):

Bill of Sale Template – the document is used to record the ownership transfer of an item from one person (a seller) to another (a buyer). A bill of sale serves as legal evidence of many transaction types and protects both parties from any future misunderstandings. It should include all the essential details related to the transaction, including the seller’s and buyer’s contact information and a detailed description of the item to be sold.

Bill of Sale for Car – this form is designed to prove a change in the ownership of a car, motorcycle, or other motor vehicles. It ensures that the seller hands the certificate of title over to the buyer, and the buyer purchases the vehicle being fully aware of its condition (“as is”). In many states, it’s required to sign a bill of sale to register the vehicle in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Last Will and Testament Form – a last will and testament is an essential legal instrument that arranges the property and assets division after a person passes away. This person, known as the testator, creates the last will to ensure that their real and personal property will be divided as they wish and not by the court order. Apart from naming the beneficiaries, the document is used to assign guardians for the testator’s minor children, if any.

Living Will Template – the document helps a person indicate end-of-life treatment they wish or do not wish to receive if they become terminally ill. A living will provides details relating to life-sustaining treatments and define the circumstances in which they should be used. A living will usually is a part of the Advance Health Care Directive along with a Medical Power of Attorney.

Power of Attorney Template – a power of attorney (POA) allows an individual (the principal) to appoint another person (the agent) to act as their representative. It comes in handy when a person cannot handle financial, business, or healthcare matters on their own. POAs allow the agent to assist the principal either on a short-term or a long-term basis. As a rule, a power of attorney loses its force when the principal becomes incapacitated.

Durable Power of Attorney Form – this form is used to make a power of attorney effective even after a person (the principal) becomes incapacitated. A durable power of attorney is an irreplaceable legal tool ensuring that a trusted person will manage the principal’s property and assets when the latter is no longer capable of doing that.

Small Estate Affidavit Form – if someone is sure about their inheritance rights and wants to avoid a lengthy probate process, they can use a small estate affidavit to claim the assets of a deceased person. However, as the name implies, this form can be used only for the small estate that is valued below a certain amount, varying from state to state.

Lease Agreement Template – this binding agreement helps build a strong legal basis for successful rental relationships between a landlord (also, a lessor) and a tenant (also, a lessee). A lease agreement should consist of all the essential terms and requirements, including rent amount, pet and smoking policy, late fees, and utilities, to avoid future misunderstandings.

Eviction Notice Template – if a landlord wants to evict a tenant, they should send an eviction notice first. An eviction notice, also known as a notice to quit, specifies why the tenant must vacate the rental premises. As a rule, it also provides ways to improve or cure the situation (except when a tenant commits a crime on the premises).

Release of Liability Form – the document ensures that one party, known as a releasor, will not sue another party, known as a release, who can be potentially liable. A release of liability can be used for both past and future events. This form is frequently used by business entities providing extreme activities to avoid responsibility for possible injuries or damage these activities can cause.

Promissory Note Template – a promissory note has a binding legal value and helps to ensure that the person giving the money will receive them back. A promissory note should contain all the crucial agreement’s terms, including the loan amount, repayment schedule, collateral (if any), interest rate, and late fees. If a promissory note includes collateral, it’s called a secured promissory note.

Non-Compete Agreement Template – this document is designed to prevent one party from competing with another party in the same industry or geographical area for a certain period of time. Companies usually use a non-compete agreement when hiring new employees. However, many states do not recognize non-compete clauses, so it’s essential to consult the state laws before preparing this agreement type.

Prenuptial Agreement Template – also known as a “prenup,” this agreement is signed by a couple who will get married. A prenup can be considered as a business partnership agreement between romantic partners, which manages financial responsibilities and obligations in the event of a divorce or death. Nevertheless, a prenuptial agreement cannot manage such issues as child custody and child support.

Operating Agreement Template – whether it’s a single-member or multiple-member limited liability company (LLC), their owners can use an operating agreement to clearly define all LLC members’ rights, obligations, and liabilities. This agreement is not required in every state, but it’s highly recommended for companies’ owners who want to set their own rules and procedures for the LLCs.

Quitclaim Deed Forms – also known as a “non-warranty deed,” a quitclaim deed is the least secure of all deed types. The form is used to transfer real estate ownership easily and quickly, but it doesn’t guarantee that the one who’s transferring has full rights to the property. That’s why a quitclaim deed is usually signed between individuals who can trust each other, for example, family members.

Marital Settlement Agreement Template – if a married couple decides to divorce, they don’t have to undergo an exhausting divorce process. With a marital (divorce) settlement agreement, they can agree in advance on such issues as assets and debts division, alimony, and child custody. Of course, it’s impossible to avoid court involvement entirely in this matter, but a marital settlement agreement can make a divorce a lot less stressful.

Non-disclosure Agreement Template – a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) allows the owner of confidential information to protect it from unauthorized usage. An NDA is frequently used when hiring new employees or establishing business partnership relationships. The agreement protects all sensitive data that can be shared between employees or business partners.

Letter of Intent Template – as the name implies, this document serves as a way to express an intention to do something. This intention can be related to various matters, from establishing cooperation between two parties to defining future purchase details. A letter of intent (LOI) is non-binding, but it’s helpful in terms of building a basis for the forthcoming definitive agreements.

Meeting Minutes Template – this document ensures that all the meeting decisions and outcomes are recorded and can be used in the future. Meeting minutes help not only inform the absent members about what happened during the meeting but also to track down the company’s or organization’s progress. Minutes should not include every detail of the meeting but rather outline key issues, votes, and plans.

Affidavit Form – with an affidavit form, a person confirms under oath that the written statement is true. An affidavit can be used for many reasons such as verifying someone’s identity, attesting birth or death, or presenting formal statements as a witness. It’s a legally binding document and should be signed voluntarily and in the presence of a notary public.

Purchase Agreement Template – the agreement outlines the terms and conditions of a future transaction between a seller who wants to sell the property and a buyer who wants to receive the ownership rights. A purchase agreement should include the seller’s and buyer’s contact information, property description, purchase price, payment structure.

Loan Agreement Template – this document is an essential legal tool to outline the terms between lending and borrowing parties. The agreement proves that the money is borrowed and not gifted and ensures the borrower will pay them back. A loan agreement will come in handy if a person plans to set up a business, buy expensive equipment, pay for the treatment, or cover the tuition.

Bill of Sale Forms

On average, there are 1.88 vehicles per American household, which means that there are almost two buy-sell transactions between parties during the lifetime and US regulations require people to have a proper bill of sale.

We have put together a list of the most popular bill of sale templates (that are fillable, editable, and downloadable) to help you better handle the sales process and ownership transfer of your property.

The Most Widely Used Bill of Sale Forms

A bill of sale serves as essential evidence and protection of the transaction between a seller and buyer. In many states, it’s required to sign a bill of sale, for example, to register a purchased car in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). However, a bill of sale can be helpful not only to sell a used car but also to buy or purchase other types of vehicles (check our vehicle bill of sale page), items, and even boats. The forms below are the most widely used in the U.S. when it comes to recording a transaction.

One of the most popular bill of sale forms is a Bill of Sale for Boat. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), sales of new powerboats in the U.S. increased in 2020 by around 12% compared to 2019. Outdoor activities are becoming more and more widespread due to the pandemic, so it’s quite an understandable trend. Thus, a boat bill of sale can come in handy when someone wants to discover the benefits of the open air by buying a personal watercraft.

Another widely used bill of sale form is a Bill of Sale for Trailer. A trailer is any structure that can be pulled by a vehicle, for example, travel trailers or mobile homes, so it’s very convenient to have one in the garage. A trailer bill of sale is similar to motor vehicle and boat bills of sale, as it includes the same details such as vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, and year of manufacturing.

Some states, for example, Texas, require you to sign a bill of sale to buy or sell cars and boats. To prove that a transaction has taken place, a Texas Bill of Sale must include the item’s description, condition, VIN or HIN (if it’s a car or boat), transaction date, purchase price, and the parties’ contact information. Depending on a transaction type, a Texas bill of sale should be prepared along with the vessel, vehicle, or firearm registration forms.

In Florida, you need to prepare and sign a Florida Bill of Sale to legally record the item’s sale or purchase. The document should include the parties’ names and addresses, item description, transaction date, and purchase amount. It’s necessary to prepare the specific bill of sale forms when buying or selling a motor vehicle, boat, or firearm. These forms should be supported by Florida vehicle or boat registration documents.

If it’s necessary to prove a legal sale or purchase in Missouri, a Missouri Bill of Sale will ensure that the deal is finalized and secured. This document serves as a receipt of a transaction and should provide all details regarding a seller, buyer, item, purchase date, and price. In some cases, it’s necessary to notarize a bill of sale in Missouri, for example, when selling or buying a motor vehicle.

State Bill of Sale Templates by Type

A bill of sale is not only a way to get receipts confirming transactions but also crucial evidence to avoid future misunderstandings. Each transaction type usually needs a specific bill of sale form. Some of them may have to be notarized and signed by both parties, and others may be legally required to prove the ownership change or register the vehicle. Sometimes, you know what bill of sale type you need but cannot find the form appropriate in the state you live in. Below you will find a list of all essential state bill of sale forms divided by types.

Bill of Sale Forms by State

Bill of sale forms can be used for different purposes, from selling personal property, like furniture, to transferring the ownership of a used car, trailer, or boat. Depending on the state, their contents may vary a little. Still, as a general rule, they include similar information about a seller and buyer, the item to be sold, its condition, as well as sales tax details. A bill of sale should specify whether the item is subject to sales tax, its amount, and who will be responsible for payment. Look through the list below to find and create your local bill of sale form.

Bill of Sale Types

Bills of sale are divided into types depending on the property you want to sell or buy. Each document should always include a detailed description of this property. Selling a car or boat requires knowing such things as a vehicle identification number (VIN) or hull identification number (HIN). If you want to sell an animal, like a horse or dog, you should include their breed, gender, and weight. These details are essential for an accurate record of the transaction. If you are looking for a specific bill of sale type, you can check the list below and choose the appropriate one.

Sample:

If you’d like to get a better idea of what kind of bill of sale forms we have on our website, check out this sample below:

bill of sale template sample.

Last Will and Testament

Another thing that we have decided to provide to our communities is the variety of estate planning documents, especially focusing on high-quality customizable last will and testament templates. Click any of the links below to learn more about last wills and testaments in your state and download a proper template.

S.968 – PIPA

This bill is designed to prevent online threats to economic creativity and theft of intellectual property and for other purposes.

It establishes a system for taking down websites that the Justice Department determines to be “dedicated to infringing activities.” The DoJ or the copyright owner would be able to commence a legal action against the alleged infringer and the DoJ would be allowed to demand that search engines, social networking sites, and domain name services block access to the targeted site. In some cases, action could be taken to block sites without first allowing the alleged infringer to defend themselves in court.

H.R.3261 – Stop Online Piracy Act

This bill would establish a system for taking down websites that the Justice Department determines to be dedicated to copyright infringement. The DoJ or the copyright owner would be able to commence a legal action against any site they deem to have “only limited purpose or use other than infringement,” and the DoJ would be allowed to demand that search engines, social networking sites, and domain name services block access to the targeted site. It would also make unauthorized web streaming of copyrighted content a felony with a possible penalty of up to five years in prison

Stop Online Piracy Act authorizes the Attorney General (AG) to seek a court order against a U.S.-directed foreign Internet site committing or facilitating online piracy to require the owner, operator, or domain name registrant, or the site or domain name itself if such persons are unable to be found, to cease and desist further activities constituting specified intellectual property offenses under the federal criminal code including criminal copyright infringement, unauthorized fixation and trafficking of sound recordings or videos of live musical performances, the recording of exhibited motion pictures, or trafficking in counterfeit labels, goods, or services.

H.R.3200 – America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009

This bill seeks to expand health care coverage to the approximately 40 million Americans who are currently uninsured by lowering the cost of health care and making the system more efficient. To that end, it includes a new government-run insurance plan (a.k.a. a public option) to compete with the private companies, a requirement that all Americans have health insurance, a prohibition on denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions and, to pay for it all, a surtax on households with an income above $350,000.

America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009 sets forth provisions governing health insurance plans and issuers, including:

H.R.45 – Blair Holt’s Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2009

The Blair Holt’s Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act would establish a nationwide system for prohibiting unlicensed gun ownership. If approved, the law would require gun owners to apply for five-year licenses to own firearms and would give the U.S. Attorney General broad authority over the program.

Blair Holt’s Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2009 amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prohibit a person from possessing a firearm unless that person has been issued a firearm license under this Act or a state system certified under this Act and such license has not been invalidated or revoked. Prescribes license application, issuance, and renewal requirements. Prohibits transferring or receiving a qualifying firearm unless the recipient presents a valid firearms license, the license is verified, and the dealer records a tracking authorization number. Prescribes firearms transfer reporting and record-keeping requirements. Directs the Attorney General to establish and maintain a federal record of sale system.

H.R.2454 – American Clean Energy And Security Act of 2009

This is the Waxman-Markey comprehensive energy bill, known for short as “ACES,” that includes a cap-and-trade global warming reduction plan designed to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent by 2020. Other provisions include new renewable requirements for utilities, studies, and incentives regarding new carbon capture and sequestration technologies, energy efficiency incentives for homes and buildings, and grants for green jobs, among other things.

American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 – Sets forth provisions concerning clean energy, energy efficiency, reducing global warming pollution, transitioning to a clean energy economy, and providing for agriculture and forestry-related offsets. Includes provisions:

H.R.3590 – Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act – Title I: Quality, Affordable Health Care for All Americans – Subtitle A: Immediate Improvements in Health Care Coverage for All Americans – (Sec. 1001, as modified by Sec. 10101) amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a health plan from establishing lifetime limits or annual limits on the dollar value of benefits for any participant or beneficiary after January 1, 2014. It declares that a health plan shall not be prevented from placing annual or lifetime per-beneficiary limits on covered benefits that are not essential health benefits to the extent that such limits are otherwise permitted. Prohibits a health plan from rescinding coverage of an enrollee except in the case of fraud or intentional misrepresentation of material fact. Requires health plans to provide coverage for, and to not impose any cost-sharing requirements for:

H.R.3 – No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act

This bill would make permanent and expand the Hyde amendment restrictions on the use of federal funds for abortions. It seeks to prohibit even indirect funding streams that may potentially come in contact with abortion services. For example, it would deny tax credits to companies that offer health plans that cover abortions and it would block anybody with insurance that covers abortions from receiving federal subsidies or medical cost tax deductions, even if the abortion portion is paid separately with personal funds. Women who use tax-free Medical Savings Accounts would have to pay taxes on the costs of abortions.

No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act – Title I: Prohibiting Federally-Funded Abortions and Providing for Conscience Protections prohibits the expenditure of funds authorized or appropriated by federal law or funds in any trust fund to which funds are authorized or appropriated by federal law (federal funds) for any abortion. Prohibits federal funds from being used for any health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion.

S.773 – Cybersecurity Act of 2009

This is comprehensive legislation designed to address our nation’s vulnerabilities to cybercrime, global cyber espionage, and cyberattacks. It would establish a new Cybersecurity Advisory Panel within the White House and streamline the cybersecurity effort through all levels of government. The bill also calls on the Department of Commerce to establish and maintain a clearinghouse on information related to cybersecurity threats and vulnerability information to public and private infrastructure deemed “critical” by the President.

Cybersecurity Act of 2010 defines “cybersecurity” as “information security” which is defined (in federal code provisions related to the coordination of federal information policy) as protecting information and information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction in order to provide integrity, confidentiality, availability, and authentication, as those terms are further defined in specified federal code provisions related to information security. It defines “information system” as any equipment or interconnected system or subsystems of equipment that is used in the automatic acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information, including certain industrial control systems.

H.R.4173 – Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

This is comprehensive legislation to overhaul regulations in the financial sector. It would establish a new Consumer Financial Protection Agency to regulate products like home mortgages, car loans, and credit cards, give the Treasury Department new authority to place non-bank financial firms, like insurance companies into receivership, regulate the over-the-counter derivatives market, and more.

Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act – Title I: Financial Stability – Financial Stability Act of 2010 – Subtitle A: Financial Stability Oversight Council establishes the Financial Stability Oversight Council (Council), consisting of the heads of specified federal financial regulatory bodies and chaired by the Secretary of the Treasury. It requires the Council, among other things, to:

H.R.5175 – DISCLOSE Act

This bill seeks to increase the transparency of corporate and special-interest money in national political campaigns. It would require organizations involved in political campaigning to disclose the identity of the large donors and to reveal their identities in any political ads they fund. It would also bar foreign corporations, government contractors, and TARP recipients from making political expenditures.

DISCLOSE Act – Title I: Regulation of Certain Political Spending amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to prohibit:

S.3480 – Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act of 2010

The bill creates the Office of Cyberspace Policy and National Center for Cybersecurity and Communications to set standards and coordinate cybersecurity efforts within the government. Gives the NCCC broad powers over “critical infrastructure” in the case of a “national cyber emergency”.

Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act of 2010 – Title I: Office of Cyberspace Policy establishes in the Executive Office of the President an Office of Cyberspace Policy, which shall:

H.R.1 – American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

This is the economic stimulus package that was passed by Congress on Feb. 13, 2009, and signed into law by President Obama on Feb. 17. The final version is estimated by the Congressional Budget Office to cost $787 billion over the 2009-2019 period.

The bill amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act and the Trade Act of 1974 to extend the deadline for payment of a crop insurance-related fee by producers who suffered the crop year 2008 losses in order to qualify for certain supplemental agricultural disaster assistance for the crop year 2008. It makes FY2009 appropriations for farm operating loans. Directs the Secretary to use specified Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds (to remain available until September 30, 2010) for state grants to eligible aquaculture producers for losses associated with 2008 high feed costs. It authorizes CCC fund use in FY2009 for administrative and salary purposes for certain programs established or amended under the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.

S.978 – Commercial Felony Streaming Act

This bill makes unauthorized web streaming of copyrighted content a felony with a possible penalty of up to 5 years in prison. Illegal streaming of copyrighted content is defined in the bill as an offense that “consists of 10 or more public performances by electronic means, during any 180-day period, of 1 or more copyrighted works” and has a total economic value, either to the copyright holder or the infringer, of at least $2,500.

The bill amends the federal criminal code to provide for imprisonment for up to 5 years, a fine, or both, for criminal infringement of copyright where the offense consists of 10 or more public performances by electronic means, during any 180-day period, of one or more copyrighted works and where:

H.R.847 – James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010

This bill is designed to improve health services and provide financial compensation for 9/11 first responders who were exposed to dangerous toxins and are now sick as a result. It would establish a federal program to provide medical monitoring and treatment for first responders, provide initial health screenings for people who were in the area at the time of the attack and may be at risk, and reopen the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund to provide compensation for losses and harm as an alternative to the current litigation system.

James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 – Title I: World Trade Center Health Program amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the World Trade Center Health Program (WTC Program) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide:

S.510 – FDA Food Safety Modernization Act

The bill would increase the FDA’s regulatory authority over the food production system in order to prevent contamination and food-borne illness outbreaks. It would give the FDA mandatory recall authority, require food producers to have qualifying plans in place for identifying and addressing safety risks, require importers to verify the safety of all imported foods, and more. Small farms and food facilities that do less than $500,000 in sales annually and sell most of their food locally would be exempt from most of the new regulations in the bill.

FDA Food Safety Modernization Act – Title I: Improving Capacity to Prevent Food Safety Problems amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to expand the food safety activities of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), including to authorize the Secretary to inspect records related to food. Exempts certain establishments that sell food directly to consumers, such as roadside stands, farmers markets, or participants in a community-supported agriculture program, from specified requirements of this Act. Requires each owner, operator, or agent in charge of a food facility to identify and implement preventive controls to significantly minimize or prevent hazards that could affect food manufactured, processed, packed, or held by such facility.

H.R.6304 – FISA Amendments Act of 2008

Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 Amendments Act of 2008 or FISA Amendments Act of 2008 – Title I: Foreign Intelligence Surveillance amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to add a new title concerning additional procedures for acquiring the communications of certain persons outside the United States. Authorizes the Attorney General (AG) and Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to jointly authorize, for periods up to one year, the targeting (electronic surveillance) of persons located outside the United States in order to acquire foreign intelligence information, under specified limitations, including: