United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1988
Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities Act of 1988 - Title I: Grants to States - Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to States for consumer-responsive comprehensive statewide programs of technology-related assistance for individuals of all ages with disabilities. Lists functions and activities which may be included in the programs. Directs the Secretary to award to States three-year grants for statewide programs of technology-related assistance for individuals with disabilities. Provides for the number and amounts of the grants. Gives States receiving grants in one fiscal year priority in the availability of amounts appropriated in the next fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to award grants in a manner that is geographically equitable and that distributes them among States that have differing levels of development of programs of technology-related assistance. Sets forth information and assurances which must accompany an application. Authorizes the Secretary to award a two-year extension grant to any State that demonstrates significant progress of a statewide program of technology-related assistance under a grant provided for in this Act. Provides for the amounts of the extension grants and for priority for previously participating States. Specifies elements which must be included in an extension grant application. Requires each State that receives a grant under this title to submit an annual report to the Secretary. Sets forth specific requirements for reports with respect to extension grants. Directs the Secretary to establish a system to assess the extent to which States which receive grants under this title are making significant progress. Subjects any State which fails to comply with the requirements of this title to a corrective action plan. Declares that nothing in this title shall be construed to permit the State or any Federal agency to reduce medical or other assistance available or to alter eligibility under: (1) title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance), title V (Maternal and Child Health), title XVI (Supplemental Security Income), title XVIII (Medicare), title XIX (Medicaid), or title XX (Block Grants for States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act; (2) the Education of the Handicapped Act; (3) the Rehabilitation Act; or (4) laws relating to veterans' benefits. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1993. Directs the Secretary to reserve from amounts appropriated one percent for provision to States of information and technical assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to reserve sums as necessary to cover the cost of on-site visits. Directs the Secretary, directly or by contract, to: (1) conduct a national evaluation of the grant program authorized by this title; and (2) report to the Congress not later than October 1, 1992. Authorizes the Secretary to work with the States to consider and develop a uniform information system designed to report and compile a qualitative and quantitative description of the impact of the grant program. Title II: Programs of National Significance - Part A: Study on Financing of Assistive Technology Devices and Assistive Technology Services for Individuals with Disabilities - Requires the National Council on the Handicapped to: (1) conduct a study and make recommendations to the Congress and the President concerning financing and other aspects of technology-related assistance, devices, and services; and (2) appoint an advisory committee in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to assist the Council in carrying out the Council's duties under this part. Directs the heads of all Federal agencies, to the extent not prohibited by law, to cooperate with the Council. Authorizes the Council, with the consent of the agency involved, to use the resources of Federal, State, local, and private agencies, with or without reimbursement. Sets forth reporting requirements. Part B: National Information and Program Referral Network - Directs the Secretary to enter into any contract or cooperative agreement necessary in order to establish a national information and program referral network to assist States regarding such technology-related assistance, if the Secretary determines it appropriate to establish the network. Requires the contracts or agreements, if any, to be entered into before the end of 30 months after appropriations are enacted. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the feasibility and desirability of creating such a network. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a contract or cooperative agreement necessary to conduct the study. Provides for the content and timetable of the study. Part C: Training and Public Awareness Projects - Directs the Secretary to enter into contracts or cooperative agreements concerning training with regard to the provision of technology-related assistance. Specifies eligible activities. Directs the Secretary to make grants to assist institutions of higher education to prepare personnel for careers relating to the provision of technology-related assistance. Sets forth priorities and specifies allowed uses of funds. Directs the Secretary to make grants or enter into contracts to carry out national projects that build awareness of the importance and efficacy of assistive technology devices and services for individuals of all ages with disabilities functioning in various settings of daily life. Sets forth allowed uses of the funds. Directs the Secretary to establish priorities for the grants and to publish the priorities, along with an explanation of how the priorities were determined, in the Federal Register. Part D: Demonstration and Innovation Projects - Directs the Secretary to make grants or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements to pay all or part of the cost of demonstration and innovation projects concerning technology-related assistance for individuals with disabilities. Sets forth allowed uses of the funds. Part E: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1993. Sets forth priorities depending on specified levels of appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1988
Palau Compact of Free Association Implementation Act - Authorizes the entry into force of the Compact of Free Association between the United States and Palau (the Compact), subject to specified determinations of approval by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Palau or by referendum. Directs the President to negotiate: (1) an agreement with the Government of Palau to establish an office of public auditor; (2) an agreement regarding responses to an audit by the Comptroller General of the United States or the Secretary of the Interior; (3) agreements for the establishment of an independent office of special prosecutor and for the provision of law enforcement assistance and U.S.-Palau law enforcement cooperation; (5) an agreement providing for the submission by the Palau Government of a national development plan; and (6) agreements for the provision of medical, capital improvement, and further referendum cost assistance. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide assistance for the development and promulgation of regulations regarding expenditures; and (2) negotiate an agreement guaranteeing purchase by the Federal Financing Bank of Palau Government obligations issued to refinance indebtedness related to the Palau electric power generating and distribution system. Provides funds for construction of medical facilities in Palau and debt assistance to Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands for use of medical facilities prior to implementation of the territories' compacts. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct annual audits of assistance provided to the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands. Extends Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and College Work-Study assistance to students who are or will be citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, or the Marshall Islands. Authorizes the Presidents of the United States and Palau to make agreements regarding compensation for and the transfer of land for defense uses. Directs the United States to provide funds for capital improvements. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish field offices in Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands; and (2) provide sums as may be necessary for a further referendum or other costs of Compact implementation. Authorizes appropriations. Provides for continuing availability of unobligated balances of funds provided to Palau. Directs the Secretary to assist the President of Palau in implementing the requirements of the fiscal procedures and law enforcement assistance agreements and to report annually to the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Provides a 180-day transitional rule for granting of U.S. nonimmigrant status. Amends the Act approving the Compact to provide that the authorizations for transition purposes shall decline over the first through third fiscal years after the Compact's effective date (under current law, FY 1987 through 1989).
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1988
Mental Health and Aging Act of 1988 - Title I: Public Health Service Act Amendments - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991 for alcohol and drug abuse and mental health services block grants to States. Requires that specified portions of grants for community mental health services be allotted for programs serving severely disturbed children and adolescents, and individuals at or over 65 years who are not in mental institutions. Directs States to implement programs for assuring the quality and effectiveness of such services. Sets forth a community mental health services consumer's bill of rights which includes provisions addressing the right to: (1) receive appropriate treatment in a safe and humane setting pursuant to an individualized, written, treatment plan; (2) exercise personal liberties; (3) make or participate in informed decisions regarding the course of treatment; (4) be notified regarding changes in treatment eligibility status and, upon discharge, referred as appropriate to other mental health service providers; and (5) be informed regarding charges and coverage for such services. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States, localities, and nonprofit private agencies for mental health services demonstration projects for the planning, coordination, and improvement of community services (including outreach and self-help services) for elderly individuals and for rural residents, and for the conduct of research concerning such services. Authorizes appropriations for such projects for FY 1989 and 1990. Reserves specified amounts of appropriations to the National Institute of Mental Health and to the National Institute on Aging for FY 1989 through 1991, which are in excess of FY 1988 appropriations, for programs of clinical training, research training, and career development regarding the mental health of the elderly. Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991 for the education and training of personnel concerned with the mental health of the elderly. Amends the Public Health Service Act to reserve specified amounts of appropriations to the National Institute of Mental Health and to the National Institute on Aging for FY 1989 through 1991, which are in excess of FY 1988 appropriations, for research on the mental health and psycho-social well-being of elderly individuals. Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991 for research, development, and demonstration projects regarding the mental health of elderly individuals. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Mental Health Education Program to encourage research, training, and education and collect and disseminate information regarding mental health problems. Authorizes appropriations for such Program for FY 1989 through 1991. Requires the Secretary to enter into a contract with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences for the conduct of a study to determine methods for measuring and assuring the quality and effectiveness of mental health services and alcohol and drug abuse treatment services. Requires that the Institute complete such study and report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989. Directs the Secretary to provide for and report to the Congress by January 1, 1990, on additional studies: (1) comparing mental health services under Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) and non-Medicare prepaid health plans, and in settings other than prepaid health plans; (2) examining mechanisms for ensuring the quality of, and access to, mental health services delivered by State, local, and independent mental health facilities; (3) examining minority access to community mental health centers; (4) examining the adequacy and optimal utilization of mental health manpower; and (5) examining the adequacy of minority mental health manpower and training. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects to determine methods of increasing minority access to community mental health centers. Authorizes appropriations for such studies and projects. Title II: Medicare and Medicaid Program Changes - Amends part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover inpatient psychiatric hospital services furnished to an individual for up to 60 days in a calendar year, with extensions of such limit permissible upon a review and determination of the necessity of such services. (Currently, such coverage is provided for up to 190 days in an individual's lifetime.) Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Medicare program to cover up to 20 physician visits per year to an outpatient suffering from mental disorders if the main purpose of such visits is to assess the individual's status and drug plan, and to perform necessary lab tests. Permits the extension of such limit upon a determination of the necessity of such visits. Covers, under the Medicare and Medicaid (title XIX of the Act) programs, outpatient mental health services furnished in a community mental health center or by a physician, clinical psychologist, clinical social worker, or psychiatric nurse specialist, provided such services would otherwise be covered if furnished by a physician. Provides Medicare coverage of in-home care for up to 120 hours per year for a chronically dependent individual. (Currently, up to 80 hours of such coverage is provided after an individual has incurred catastrophic expenses.) Amends the Medicaid program to define an institution for mental diseases as an institution that has more than 16 beds and: (1) is under the jurisdiction of the State mental health authority; (2) advertises itself as primarily specializing in treating individuals with mental disease; or (3) is made up, for the most part, of patients who do not have a physical condition which in itself requires the level of services provided in a skilled nursing facility. Amends the Medicare and Medicaid programs to require nursing facilities to provide access to medically necessary mental health services. Directs the Secretary to ensure the reasonableness of levels of reimbursement of nursing facilities under the Medicare and Medicaid programs for their provision of mental health services. Requires that Medicare payments for outpatient mental health services be made on an assignment-related basis. Requires Medicare carriers and fiscal intermediaries to provide for reviews to assure appropriate utilization of services covered by this Act. Prohibits charges for covered outpatient mental health services from increasing by more than the average percentage increase of the Consumer Price Index and the Medicare Economic Index. Directs the Secretary to develop a prospective payment system for Medicare outpatient mental health services and report to the Congress regarding such system by January 1, 1990. Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Act to impose additional conditions on mental health providers' participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Includes among such conditions the requirements that each provider: (1) comply with the consumer bill of rights; (2) provide each consumer with written grievance procedures and written notice of the services to be provided; (3) have the capacity to identify potential clients, provide mental health services, and coordinate their services with those provided by others; and (4) engage in consumer needs assessment and care and discharge planning activities. Requires health maintenance organizations to ensure access to, and the quality of, the outpatient mental health services they provide. Requires peer review organization review of the mental health services for which payment is made under the Medicare or Medicaid program.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1988
Federal Aviation Administration Drug Enforcement Assistance Act of 1988 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Federal Aviation Administrator to modify systems relating to aircraft registration, airman's certification, and fuel system alterations in order to make such systems more responsive to the needs of drug law enforcement authorities. Cites the areas to be modified. Requires the Administrator to issue final regulations implementing such modifications within ten months after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to establish and collect user fees to cover the costs associated with such modifications. Prescribes user fee guidelines. Requires the Administrator to report annually to the Congress for a five-year period on the progress being made under this Act. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for violations under this Act. Cites conditions under which an aircraft used in connection with such violations may be seized by or forfeited to drug law enforcement authorities. Requires the Administrator to report annually to the Congress for a three-year period on progress regarding: (1) informational assistance provided to drug law enforcement authorities; (2) registration and certification suspensions; and (3) the training of Federal Aviation Administration personnel with respect to controlled substances traffic. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress on the funding resources needed annually to implement this Act during a five-year period. Requires concurrent submission of budget requests under this Act to the President, the Secretary of Transportation, and certain congressional committees and officials. Requires the Office of Personnel Management to report to the Congress within 120 days after enactment of this Act on the results of its review of the position classification within the Airmen and Aircraft Registry of the FAA and the Law Enforcement Assistance Unit of the Aeronautical Center of the FAA. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to report to the Congress the results of a feasibility study relating to the cost/benefit ratio (with respect to drug interdiction) of requiring aircraft entering the continental United States to: (1) have an operating transponder installed; and (2) have a flight plan filed with the Federal Aviation Administration before such entry. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to report to the Congress the results of a feasibility study pertaining to: (1) the interception of aircraft deviating from established flight corridors across the borders of the continental United States; and (2) the impact of the establishment of such corridors on safe and efficient aircraft movement and upon drug interdiction. Declares that this Act applies only to aircraft which are not used to provide specified air transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1988
Requires commercial lessors of automobiles to disclose to their rental customers the nature of the collision damage waivers offered under the automobile rental agreement. Mandates that such information be included in advertisements posted by such lessors. Makes violators of such disclosure requirements liable to: (1) an aggrieved lessee in an amount equal to the total amount paid by the lessee under the rental agreement; and (2) the United States for a maximum civil penalty of $10,000. Sets forth enforcement provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1988
Designates the Labor Day Weekend beginning on September 3, 1988, as National Drive for Life Weekend. Calls on people to observe that weekend with a pledge to not drink and drive.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1988
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish the National Park of Samoa. Provides for the management of such park. Directs the Secretary to establish an Advisory Board to provide advice on the management of such park. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1988
Insular Areas Drug Abuse Amendments of 1988 - Amends the United States Insular Areas Drug Abuse Act of 1986 to add the Secretary of Education as a principal in administering such Act's enforcement and administration provisions. Applies such Act to substance abuse generally rather than limiting it solely to drug abuse. Replaces current authorizations with an authorization for FY 1989 and subsequent fiscal years for grants to the Governments of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico (amounts to remain available until expended), and Palau, to be spent in accordance with an approved plan. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide the Government of American Samoa with a vessel for narcotics enforcement and other law enforcement activities. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes appropriations for a grant to the Government of Guam to be spent for drug abuse law enforcement equipment in accordance with an approved plan. Directs the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration to station not fewer than four agents: (1) to an office in Guam who shall be assigned to the Micronesian region; and (2) in the Virgin Islands who shall be assigned to the eastern Caribbean region. Authorizes FY 1990 and subsequent fiscal year appropriations, to remain available until expended, to the Government of the Virgin Islands to be spent in accordance with an approved plan. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and of Education to provide appropriate law enforcement training, technical assistance, and equipment upon the request of the government of any insular area covered under such Act. Directs the Attorney General to assign at least two assistant U.S. attorneys to serve in the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Virgin Islands to assist in the prosecution of narcotics law violations. Authorizes appropriations, effective FY 1989, for a grant to the Virgin Islands Government to be used for a substance abuse facility in accordance with an approved plan. Brings Palau within the jurisdiction of such Act. Authorizes the major Federal law enforcement entities, including the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Customs Service, upon the request of the Palau Government, to cooperate with Palau's law enforcement agencies in investigating U.S. criminal law violations there. Sets October 1 as the transmission date for the President's annual reports to specified congressional committees on the illegal transit of controlled substances from insular areas into the United States and from other nations into the insular areas. Suspends the expenditure of funds for both the Office of Territorial and International Affairs of the Department of the Interior and the Office of Freely Associated State Affairs for the relevant fiscal year if the reports are not timely.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1988
Directs the President to issue a proclamation each year calling on all churches, synagogues, schools, community centers, and other public buildings in the United States to toll their bells for one minute beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Memorial Day in remembrance of the men and women who died defending our Nation and freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1988
Urges the Government of Iran to uphold the human rights of all its nationals, including members of the Baha'i faith, and to restore fully the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Calls upon the President to: (1) monitor and report on developments affecting the Baha'i minority in Iran and in other countries; (2) cooperate with other governments in continuing to make appeals to Iran concerning the situation of the Baha'is; (3) initiate and support efforts in the United Nations and its agencies on behalf of the Baha'is; and (4) provide, and urge others to provide, for refugee and humanitarian assistance for those Baha'is fleeing their homelands to escape religious repression.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1988
Agricultural Commodity Embargo Limitation Act - Provides that the President may not prohibit or restrict the export of U.S. agricultural products to any country unless: (1) a state of war exists between such country and the United States; or (2) the President certifies to the Congress that such country is engaged in military hostilities against the United States, and such certification is in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1988
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (the Act) to remove the exemption for Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS loans) from certain eligibility requirements under title IV (Student Assistance) of the Act. Revises such requirements to provide that SLS and Guaranteed Student Loan (GSL loan) recipients must have: (1) received a determination of eligibility or ineligibility for a Pell Grant for the relevant period of enrollment; and (2) filed an application for such a grant, if determined to be eligible. Requires, for eligibility for an SLS loan for any period of enrollment, that a student who is not a graduate or professional student must have: (1) received a determination of need for a GSL loan; and (2) applied for such a loan, if determined to have need for it. Reduces the amount of an individual's SLS loan eligibility by the amount of such individual's GSL loan eligibility (added to other financial aid). Revises the conditions of SLS eligibility of undergraduate dependent students. Requires "exceptional" (rather than "extenuating") circumstances to preclude such a student's parents from borrowing under the parent loan (PLUS loan) program. Requires appropriate documentation that such circumstances exist to be maintained in the institution's records to support such determination. Requires that SLS loans be disbursed in a specified manner to reduce student interest costs. Makes special rules for multiple disbursement also applicable to SLS loans. Makes students in teacher training programs eligible for GSL loans regardless of specified restrictions on such eligibility. Provides that, for purposes of Pell Grant need analysis and general student aid need analysis provisions, income tax payments to specified U.S. territories and possessions or to foreign governments shall be treated as Federal income taxes. Revises title III (Institutional Aid) of the Act to prohibit any historically black college or university which receives funds under part B (Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities) from receiving funds under part A (Strengthening Institutions) of such title. Adds to authorized uses of funds from grants to institutions under part B: (1) faculty development; (2) funds and administrative management, and funds for acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening funds management; and (3) joint use of facilities, such as laboratories and libraries.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1988
Amends the Civil Service Retirement Spouse Equity Act of 1984 to eliminate the requirement for a post-September 15, 1978, divorce for certain former spouses of Federal employees in order for such spouses to be eligible for a survivor annuity. Extends from May 7, 1989, to May 7, 1991, the deadline for applying for such annuity. Authorizes the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to waive such deadline under certain circumstances. Makes such spouses eligible for Federal health benefits. Eliminates the requirement that retroactive contributions be made to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund upon electing survivor annuity benefits for a spouse by a post-retirement marriage. Sets forth administrative provisions for the Office of Personnel Management in carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1988
Postal Responsibility Act of 1988 - Permits claims to be brought against the United States Postal Service based on the loss, miscarriage, or negligent transmission of first class mail and express mail.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1988
Designates the period of July 25 through July 31, 1988, as National Week of Recognition and Remembrance for Those Who Served in the Korean War. Authorizes and requests the President to urge that the American flag be flown at half staff on July 27, 1988, in honor of those Americans who died as a result of their service in Korea.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1988
Debt for Development Act of 1988 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the use of up to $75,000,000 in loan repayments from developing countries in FY 1989 for development activities in those countries.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1988
Congressional and Judicial Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1988 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to require that personnel actions affecting employees or applicants in the legislative and judicial branches of the Government be free from any discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, handicap, or age. Allows Members of Congress to take into consideration an individual's domicile and political affiliation. Establishes within the judicial branch an Employment Review Board. Provides that members of the board be appointed from the retired judges of the Supreme Court and Courts of Appeals. Authorizes an aggrieved individual to file a written complaint with the Board. Establishes procedures for the Board to investigate, settle, hear, and determine the claims alleged. Provides that if a violation is found an order for relief may compel the defendant to: (1) employ or reinstate such individual on such terms and conditions as may be appropriate, except that the Board may not compel any committee or Member of Congress to employ or reinstate, or modify the terms and conditions of employment of, any individual; (2) pay compensatory damages; and (3) pay fees and allowances of witnesses and reasonable attorneys' fees. Authorizes the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to review, enjoin, set aside, suspend, modify, or enforce orders of the Board. Requires members of the Board to submit written reports to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct of the House of Representatives and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics describing complaints during the reporting period involved.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1988
Expresses U.S. policy that Nicaragua should undertake specified reforms, such as reinstating due process and fair trials, ending torture, conducting free elections, allowing an uncensored free press, ensuring the right to strike and to publish for unions, allowing the Catholic Church to reopen its offices, and ending the forced relocation of Indians and Creoles. Urges all countries in Central America to continue to work toward achieving the democratic principles and processes specified in the August 7, 1987, Central American peace accord.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1988
Fair Employment Relations Resolution - Title I: Amendments to House Rules - Amends rules XLIII and XI of the House of Representatives, relating to employment practices. Prohibits discrimination against the handicapped under such rules. Provides that, in interpreting such rules the principles of title VII (Equal Employment Opportunities) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 shall govern to the extent practicable so that the prohibitions against discrimination under the rules are as broad as similar prohibitions under such Acts. Title II: Fair Employment Relations Board - Establishes as an office of the House the House Fair Employment Relations Board (the Board). Directs the Board to: (1) establish policies for the implementation and enforcement of the rules against employment discrimination; (2) supervise the actions of the Director of the House Fair Employment Relations Office; and (3) hear complaints alleging violations of such rules. Authorizes the Board to appoint hearing examiners for such complaints. Title III: House Fair Employment Relations Office - Establishes as an office of the House the House Fair Employment Relations Office (the Office). Provides that the Office shall be headed by a Director appointed by the Board. Directs the Office, in addition to functions and duties imposed on it by title IV of this Act, to: (1) develop procedures to implement Board policies to encourage full compliance with equal employment opportunity rules by all Members, officers, and employees of the House; and (2) perform other functions prescribed by the Board. Directs the Office to gather and maintain information with respect to: (1) each category of employees and individuals afforded equal employment opportunity under specified House rules, including, to the extent possible, information on job applicants; and (2) the employment practices of committees and offices. Requires the Director, with Board approval, to report annually to the House on such information. Directs the Office to use such information to identify discriminatory wage-setting practices in the House and to report on them to the House, with recommendations for correction. Directs the Office, upon request of a committee or office, to submit recommendations for improvements in that office's or committee's employment practices. Directs the Office to assist the placement office in developing procedures to collect and disseminate applications submitted by individuals from categories afforded equal employment opportunity under the House rules. Directs the Office to review procedures and practices for receiving, hearing, and settling complaints of alleged violations of House rules under title IV of this Act and to make recommendations regarding the continuation or improvement of such procedures. Requires the Director, by January 3, 1987, to submit to the House the results of such review, with recommendations. Requires such review to be referred to the appropriate committee or committees of the House which, within 180 days after such referral, shall submit their recommendations on the report to the House. Title IV: Complaints of Violations of Equal Employment Opportunity - Part A: Counseling and Conciliation - Allows individuals who believe that they are being discriminated against in violation of House rules on equal employment opportunity to request the Office for counseling and assistance. Requires such requests to be within 60 days after the action giving rise to the alleged discrimination, unless the Director authorizes otherwise. Allows such individuals, within 20 days after requesting counseling, to file an informal complaint with the Director. Sets forth requirements and procedures for such complaints. Requires the Director to collect information and report to the Board within 45 days after such filing. Requires the Director, upon determination that a violation has occurred, to attempt to resolve such violation by informal means. Requires the Director to report on such informal agreements, or, if agreement is not reached, to report the findings. Part B: Formal Complaints and Hearings - Allows a complainant, if the Director's report on the informal complaint determines that there is reason to believe a violation has occurred but no agreement has been reached, to file a formal complaint with the Board within 30 days after submission of such report. Allows a complainant to request, within 30 days, the Board to review a determination that there is no reason to believe a violation occurred. Directs the Board to assign each complaint to a hearing examiner. Sets forth hearing requirements and procedures. Set forth provisions for Board decisions. Directs the Board to review the transcript and findings and recommendations of the hearing examiner with respect to each formal complaint. Requires the Board to render a decision within 60 days after the filing of the formal complaint. Requires the Board to include an order for remedial action if it determines that a violation has occurred. Directs the Board to prescribe and publish, with opportunity for public comment, rules and regulations to carry out this part. Part C: Appeals to Committee on Standards of Official Conduct - Allows a complainant or respondent aggrieved by a decision or order of the Board to appeal to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct (the Committee) within 30 days of the issuance of the decision or order. Directs the Committee to render its decision within 60 days after such appeal is filed. Requires the Committee to prescribe rules and regulations for such appeal process. Part D: Miscellaneous - Sets forth remedial actions which may be specified in an order issued by the Board or the Committee. Provides that any payment ordered as such remedial action be made out of the contingent fund of the House. Prohibits intimidation of complainants or witnesses in proceedings under this title by any member, officer, or employee of the House. Requires retention of records of informal and formal complaints and appeals for at least five years. Provides for the confidentiality of such records. Requires that Board and Committee decisions and orders be made public. Title V: General Provisions - Requires each committee and office of the House to cooperate with the Board, the Office, and the Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1988
Expresses the opposition of the Congress to the use of plastic bullets by British security forces in Northern Ireland. Urges the President to call on the British Government to end the use of plastic bullets in Northern Ireland.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1988
Cigarette Testing and Liability Act of 1988 - Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to require the Federal Trade Commission to provide for a continuing study of the constituents of tobacco smoke, including: (1) random testing of cigarettes produced or sold in the United States to determine the amount of specified ingredients of the smoke of cigarettes; and (2) the levels of such ingredients when people change their smoking behavior to compensate for lower levels of nicotine. Directs the Commission to: (1) arrange for a laboratory of the Federal Government or a private, nonprofit laboratory with no connection to a tobacco company to conduct the study; (2) require, as a condition to the arrangement, that the laboratory conduct similar studies for private nonprofit groups; and (3) report annually to the Congress on the results of the study. Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to provide that compliance with cigarette labeling and advertising requirements does not relieve any person from liability under common law or State statutory law.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1988
Designates specified land as the Manassas National Battlefield Addition. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land within the boundaries of the Addition and to administer such lands as part of the Manassas National Battlefield Park, Virginia. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1988
Expresses the sense of the Congress that certain officers and the crew of the U.S.S. Bonefish should be recognized and commended for their efforts to save their fellow shipmates when an explosion and fire threatened their submarine.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1988
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1988 - Provides that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the basis of handicap in: (1) employment practices and training covered by title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; (2) the sale or rental of housing covered by title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968; (3) any public accommodation covered by title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; (4) transportation services; (5) the actions, practices, and operations of State and local governments; and (6) broadcasts, communications, or telecommunications services. Lists the forms of discrimination which are prohibited by this Act, including: (1) denying any person the opportunity to participate in or benefit from a service, program, job, or other opportunity on the basis of his or her handicap; (2) establishing (or failing to remove) any architectural, transportation, or communication barriers that prevent the access or limit the participation of persons because of their handicap; (3) failing or refusing to make a reasonable accommodation to permit a handicapped individual to have access to a program, activity, job, or opportunity; (4) imposing any unnecessary standard or criteria that screens out or places the handicapped at a disadvantage; and (5) denying services, programs, jobs, or other opportunities to any person because of that person's relationship to, or association with, a handicapped person. Permits the exclusion or denial of equal access to services, programs, jobs, or other opportunities to persons: (1) for reasons unrelated to the existence of their handicap; or (2) based upon the application of standards or criteria that are necessary and substantially related to the ability to perform essential components of the job, program, activity, or opportunity, and such performance can not be accomplished by a reasonable accommodation. States that it shall be an act of discrimination, in regard to housing, to discriminate in the sale or rental of a dwelling (or in the terms, conditions, or privileges of such sale or rental) to any buyer or renter because of the physical or mental impairment of: (1) the buyer or renter; (2) a person residing in, or intending to reside in, such dwelling; or (3) any person associated with the buyer or renter. States that it shall be an act of discrimination to: (1) refuse to permit reasonable modifications, at the expense of the handicapped person, to afford such person enjoyment of the premises; (2) refuse to make reasonable accommodation in rules, policies, practices, or services to afford handicapped individuals equal opportunity to use and enjoy the dwelling; or (3) fail to design and construct multifamily dwellings (after a specified date) which are not accessible to the handicapped. Provides certain limitations on the duties of accommodation and barrier removal. Sets forth guidelines for the establishment of requirements and promulgation of regulations by specified Federal entities with respect to: (1) the accessibility of buildings and transportation systems; (2) the implementation and enforcement of the requirements of this Act; (3) employment practices; (4) the sale and rental of housing; and (5) the removal of communication barriers. Establishes procedures for the administrative enforcement of the provisions of this Act. Establishes a civil right of action for individuals who are subjected to discrimination in violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1988
Directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the Service) to: (1) research and develop methods to accurately determine the number of migratory waterfowl that are harvested illegally each year in the United States; (2) develop a plan to increase its law enforcement presence and better coodinate its efforts with those of appropriate State agencies to halt such illegal harvesting; and (3) recommend whether specified wildlife conservation funds should be withheld from States that are not complying with the Service's regulations on illegal harvesting. Requires the Director of the Service to report on such findings to specified congressional committees within 90 days of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1988
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the income tax rules requiring cost capitalization shall not apply in connection with the qualified artistic work expenses of freelance writers, artists, and photographers. Excludes from qualified expenses those related to printing, photographic plates, motion picture films, video tapes, and similar items. Applies the same exemption with respect to qualified indirect costs of certain film producers, not including any direct costs of a motion picture film or video tape.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1988
Directs the Attorney General, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to provide visa (H-1) extensions of at least one year for alien nurses whose visas expire between January 1, 1988, and September 30, 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1988
Bounty Hunter Act of 1988 - Amends the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 to increase the maximum reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction under Federal law of any individual for the unlawful sale, or possession for sale, of a controlled substance or a controlled substance analogue. Provides for the payment of incentive rewards to States to encourage the establishment of programs to pay similar rewards for violations of State laws. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to retire all circulating $100 U.S. notes and issue new $100 U.S. notes. Requires the Secretary to provide for a ten-day exchange period. Requires the name, address, and social security number of any individual who exchanges $100 notes having a value of $5,000 or more to be recorded and forwarded to the Department of the Treasury for use in criminal investigations or prosecutions.
![Official portrait of Del. de Lugo, Ron [D-VI-At Large]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000209_200.jpg)