President Reagan, in a stand backed by many business groups, has said he will veto a bill that includes the notice provision.

Organized labor and the Democratic leadership are determined to preserve the notice provision, but need the support of three more senators to do so.

Once we were freed from this 15-day notice provision, it put the onus on the lobbying firm to get it right the first time.

Companies struggling to stay in business could also escape the notice provisions.

If, in a parliamentary vote, the owners were to agree unanimously to waive the 20-day notice provision, the vote on three divisions could be official.

Foreign companies may be exempt from the notice provision if it conflicts with laws in their countries.

"The proposal is designed to screen out clear liability cases, and the notice provision must provide enough information to allow defendants to make sufficient offers," Mr. Horowitz said.

The 60-day notice provision was adopted by unanimous consent.

As a result, the Court concluded that the lack of "after-the-fact" notice provisions rendered the current legislation unconstitutional.

A lawyer for a handful of neighborhood residents and advocacy groups called the notice provisions a triumph for her clients.