United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1994
National Community Health Advisor Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for each State or State-designated entity that submits an appropriate application, to award financial assistance for the development and operation of community health advisor (CHA) programs. Requires such States to: (1) operate a clearinghouse to maintain and disseminate information on CHA programs; (2) provide technical assistance for training CHAs; and (3) coordinate all CHA activities carried out by the State under the award. Limits administrative costs to 15 percent of the total award. Provides CHA program objectives and goals. Requires funding agreements for such awards to give priority to developing and operating CHA programs for medically underserved communities (poor rural and inner city areas). Requires a State to provide matching funds of 25 percent of award amounts toward such programs. Requires a CHA program in a State to be carried out in at least one urban area and one rural area. Requires ongoing supervision of CHAs involved in the program. Allows for expenditures under the award for training and continuing education programs. Requires reports from State applicants to the Secretary assessing the effectiveness of CHA programs. Provides for the determination of the amount allotted to each chosen applicant, taking into account the population and poverty level of the area involved. Directs the Secretary to establish guidelines for quality assurance and cost-effectiveness of the CHA programs, requiring evaluations of each such program. Prohibits this Act from being construed to require the Secretary to modify or terminate the Community Health Representative Program of the Indian Health Service.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1994
Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Act of 1994 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit, and establish penalties for: (1) employing or inducing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct, intending that such depiction will be imported into the United States or into waters within 12 miles of the coast of the United States; and (2) knowingly receiving, transporting, distributing, selling, or possessing with intent to transport, sell, or distribute such depiction, with such intent. Repeals the caps on fines for sexual exploitation of children. Subjects individuals who violate prohibitions against sexual exploitation of children (as under current law) or sexual abuse to a fine or imprisonment for up to ten years, or both, and a fine or from five to 15 years, or both, if such individual has a prior conviction of sexual abuse. Sets forth: (1) analogous provisions with respect to certain activities relating to material involving the sexual exploitation of children (as under current law) or sexual exploitation of minors; and (2) penalties for conspiring and attempting to violate such provisions. Makes violation of this Act a predicate offense to a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations statute. Sets penalties for travel in interstate commerce with intent to engage in a sexual act with a person under age 18. Expresses the sense of the Congress that each State that has not yet done so should enact legislation prohibiting the production, distribution, receipt, or simple possession of materials depicting a person under age 18 engaging in sexually explicit conduct and providing for a maximum imprisonment of at least one year and the forfeiture of assets used in the commission or support of, or gained from, such offenses.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1994
Designates March 23, 1994, the 92d birthday of the Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (leader of the worldwide Lubavitch movement), as Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1994
Honors James Norman Hall for his outstanding contributions to the United States, France, Tahiti, and the South Pacific. Requests the President to provide for the presentation of a copy of this concurrent resolution to the President of Tahiti Nui (French Polynesia) to be publicly displayed at the James Norman Hall Museum in Tahiti.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1994
Polly Klaas Child Rescue Act of 1994 - Authorizes appropriations for each fiscal year beginning with FY 1995 in an amount equal to two percent of the funding for official mail costs of the House of Representatives for FY 1994 adjusted for any increase in first-class postage rates, to be used for payment of first-class postage for mailing of information on active investigations of children abducted by strangers. Authorizes the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to use the funds to pay the Postal Service for postage to be used by: (1) any local entity engaged in the search for a child abducted by a stranger; or (2) if no such entity exists, the FBI. Prohibits the funds from being used unless the FBI determines that: (1) a stranger abduction has occurred; (2) such abduction occurred not more than one year before the date of the determination; (3) the mailing will benefit the investigation; (4) an accurate and appropriate mailing list is available for the mailing; and (5) funds are not immediately available and a delay in the mailing would be harmful to the investigation. Limits the amount that may be spent on mailings to $15,000 per abducted child. Allows two percent of the funding for official mail costs of the House for FY 1994 to be made available for FY 1994 to the FBI for purposes of this Act. Provides that, if the amount appropriated pursuant to the authorization in this Act for any fiscal year beginning with FY 1995 is less than the authorized amount, the difference may be paid from the funding for official mail costs of the House for the fiscal year involved. Requires the FBI to immediately transfer the necessary funds for mailing to the Postal Service after making the required determination and the Postal Service to expedite the mailing upon receiving such funds.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1994
1995 Special Olympics World Games Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the 1995 Special Olympics World Games. Mandates that the surcharges collected from the sale of such coins be paid to the 1995 Special Olympics World Games Organizing Committee, Inc.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Office of Minority Health Title II: Primary Health Services Title III: Health Professions Programs Title IV: Research Title V: Native Hawaiian Health Care Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions Title VII: General Provisions Minority Health Improvement Act of 1994 - Title I: Office of Minority Health - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the duties of the Office of Minority Health. Provides for the establishment of the Advisory Committee on Minority Health to advise the Secretary of Health and Human Services concerning minority health. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1997. (Sec. 102) Requires each of the following agencies to establish its own Office of Minority Health: (1) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; (2) Agency for Health Care Policy and Research; (3) Health Resources and Services Administration; (4) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; and (5) National Institutes of Health. Reserves 0.5 percent of an agency's appropriation for such Office. Title II: Primary Health Services - Provides for the treatment of pregnant women for substance abuse by migrant health centers and community health centers. Authorizes the development and operation of more than one migrant or community health center in a catchment area if specified circumstances exist. Permits such centers to offer offsite services. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 202) Extends, through FY 1998, authorizations of appropriations for health services for: (1) the homeless; and (2) residents of public housing. (Sec. 204) Sets forth provisions concerning grants for: (1) loan repayment programs regarding obligated service of health professionals; (2) the operation of State offices of rural health; and (3) demonstrations for community scholarship programs regarding obligated services of health professionals. (Sec. 207) Revises provisions concerning programs regarding birth defects. (Sec. 208) Authorizes grants for up to 19 demonstration prjects for the purpose of reducing the incidence of: (1) infant mortality; (2) fetal deaths; (3) maternal mortality; (4) fetal alcohol syndrome; and (5) low-birthweight births. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 209) Provides for demonstration projects regarding diabetic-retinopathy. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Health Professions Programs - Revises provisions concerning scholarships for students of exceptional financial need. Requires students receiving such a scholarship to be from a disadvantaged background. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 304) Revises provisions concerning Centers of Excellence. Requires grants to be made only to designated health professions schools. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 305) Revises provisions concerning educational assistance regarding undergraduates. Authorizes grants to assist disadvantaged students who are interested in a career in the health professions who are students of either elementary, secondary, or higher level schools. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Research - Directs the Director of the Office of Research on Minority Health to establish the Advisory Committee on Research on Minority Health. (Sec. 402) Revises activities of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. (Sec. 403) Authorizes appropriations for the National Center for Health Statistics for health statistical and epidemiological activities. Title V: Native Hawaiian Health Care - Revises the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act completely, including: (1) the findings, declaration of policy, and intent of the Congress; (2) the comprehensive health care master plan for Native Hawaiians; (3) functions of Papa Ola Lokahi; (4) provisions concerning Native Hawaiian health care systems; (5) administration of grants and contracts; (6) scholarship provisions; (7) assignment of personnel; and (8) definitions. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2000 to carry out the Act. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes appropriations through FY 1997 for health services for Pacific Islanders under the Disadvantaged Minority Health Improvement Act of 1990. (Sec. 604) Provides for the establishment of such technical and scientific peer review groups and scientific program advisory committees as are necessary to carry out the functions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Title VII: General Provisions - Sets forth effective date provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1994
Head Start Act Amendments of 1994 - Amends the Head Start Act to reauthorize and revise Head Start programs. (Sec. 2) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish quality standards for Head Start agencies and programs, including standards for performance in providing required health, education, parental involvement, social, and other services, for administrative and financial management, and for facilities' condition and location. Provides for monitoring and for corrective actions or terminations if minimum standards are not met. (Sec. 3) Eliminates a provision freezing regulations. Provides that terminations, reductions, or suspensions of financial assistance upheld in administrative hearings shall not be stayed pending any judicial appeal. (Sec. 4) Revises classroom teacher qualifications and waiver requirements. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide technical assistance and training to enable Head Start agencies to establish positions for mentor teachers; and (2) review and revise standards for family service workers, and promote model curricula and credentials for such workers. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program of Head Start Fellowships for staff in local Head Start programs and other individuals working in the field of child development and Directs the Secretary to develop model staffing pattern plans to guide local Head Start agencies and programs. (Sec. 5) Sets forth goals and priorities for training and technical assistance. (Sec. 6) Allocates funds for program expansion. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the Secretary to allow certain amounts to be allocated to quality improvement activities (in addition to the required 25 percent portion of appropriations). Sets forth goals and authorized activities for which quality improvement funds are to be used. (Sec. 8) Requires each Head Start agency to coordinate with schools and promote parental involvement to facilitate children's transition from program to school. Directs the Secretaries of HHS and of Education to assess results of demonstration projects under the Head Start Transition Project Act and provide technical assistance to communities to implement promising practices from those demonstrations. Extends the set-aside for the Head Start Transition Project Act. (Sec. 9) Directs the Secretary to carry on a continuing program of research, demonstrations, and evaluations of Head Start programs, and to report on such activities. (Sec. 10) Establishes programs for families with infants and toddlers. Directs the Secretary to make grants for: (1) programs providing family-centered services for low-income families with very young children, designed to promote child development, parental role fulfillment, and movement toward self-sufficiency; and (2) evaluation of, and training and technical assistance for, projects under the Comprehensive Child Development Centers Act of 1988. (Repeals the latter Act because its functions are being consolidated under the Head Start Act.) (Sec. 11) Revises parental involvement considerations with respect to designation of new Head Start agencies well as functions of such agencies. Requires agencies to offer family literacy services and parenting skills training to parents of participating children. Allows agencies also to opt to offer such parents parental social self-sufficiency training, substance abuse counseling, or other partnership in education activities. Requires a family needs assessment, including consultation with the parents, for each participating family. (Sec. 12) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 13) Revises the poverty line definition. Updates hold-harmless provisions for Indian and Migrant programs. Specifies that each Head Start program may use Head Start funds for full-day and full-year services and shall be permitted to provide more than one year of services to eligible children in the State.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1994
Vieques Lands Transfer Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to transfer all Federal interest in certain lands located in the western region of the municipality of Vieques, Puerto Rico, to such municipality to be used for public purposes (subject to a reversion if such lands cease to be so operated). Makes such lands eligible for transfer after the municipality submits a detailed plan for the public purposes for which the lands may be used to specified congressional committees.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1994
World War II Peace Accords Commemorative Coin Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the 50th anniversary of the signing of the World War II peace accords on the U.S.S. Missouri should not go unrecognized at the national level; and (2) the United States should recognize such anniversary by minting and issuing a commemorative coin. Sets forth specifications for half dollar clad coins. Mandates that the surcharges received from the sale of such coins be paid by the Secretary of the Treasury to the Admiral Nimitz Foundation for the purpose of preserving the Pacific War heritage of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1994
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow penalty-free withdrawals from individual retirement plans for expenses related to a federally-declared disaster.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1994
Education Savings Assistance Act of 1994 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any qualified education savings account. Describes such account as a trust created pursuant to a State educational savings plan and used exclusively to pay the higher education expenses of the designated beneficiary. Treats such State plans as tax-exempt organizations and treats contributions to such plans as charitable contributions. Declares that contributions to such accounts are not subject to the gift tax. Imposes penalty taxes in connection with reporting requirements or prohibited transactions associated with an account. Excludes distributions from such accounts when determining support for dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Health Care Security Subtitle A: Universal Coverage and Individual Responsibility Subtitle B: Benefits Subtitle C: State Responsibilities Subtitle D: Health Alliances Subtitle E: Health Plans Subtitle F: Federal Responsibilities Subtitle G: Employer Responsibilities Subtitle J (sic): General Definitions; Miscellaneous Provisions Title II: New Benefits Subtitle A: Medicare Outpatient Prescription Drug Benefit Subtitle B: Long-Term Care Title III: Public Health Initiatives Subtitle A: Workforce Priorities Under Federal Payments Subtitle B: Academic Health Centers Subtitle C: Health Research Initiatives Subtitle D: Core Functions of Public Health Programs; National Initiatives Regarding Preventive Health Subtitle E: Health Services for Medically Underserved Populations Subtitle F: Mental Health; Substance Abuse Subtitle G: Comprehensive School Health Education; School-Related Health Services Subtitle H: Public Health Service Initiative Subtitle I: Coordination With COBRA Continuation Coverage Title IV: Medicare and Medicaid Subtitle A: Medicare and the Alliance System Subtitle B: Savings in Medicare Program Subtitle C: Medicaid Subtitle D: Increase in SSI Personal Needs Allowance Title V: Quality and Consumer Protection Subtitle A: Quality Management and Improvement Subtitle B: Information Systems, Privacy, and Administrative Simplification Subtitle C: Remedies and Enforcement Subtitle D: Medical Malpractice Subtitle E: Fraud and Abuse Subtitle F: McCarran-Ferguson Reform Title VI: Premium Caps; Premium-Based Financing; and Plan Payments Subtitle A: Premium Caps Subtitle B: Premium-Related Financing Subtitle C: Payments to Regional Alliance Health Plans Title VII: Revenue Provisions Subtitle A: Financing Provisions Subtitle B: Tax Treatment of Employer-Provided Health Care Subtitle C: Employment Status Provisions Subtitle D: Tax Treatment of Funding of Retiree Health Benefits Subtitle E: Coordination with COBRA Continuing Care Provisions Subtitle F: Tax Treatment of Organizations Providing Health Care Services and Related Organizations Subtitle G: Tax Treatment of Long-term Care Insurance and Services Subtitle H: Tax Incentives for Health Services Providers Subtitle I: Miscellaneous Provisions Title VIII: Health and Health-Related Programs of the Federal Government Subtitle A: Military Health Care Reform Subtitle B: Department of Veterans Affairs Subtitle C: Federal Employees Health Benefits Program Subtitle D: Indian Health Service Subtitle E: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 Subtitle F: Special Fund for WIC Program Title IX: Aggregate Government Payments to Regional Alliances Subtitle A: Aggregate State Payments Subtitle B: Aggregate Federal Alliance Payments Subtitle C: Borrowing Authority to Cover Cash-Flow Shortfalls Title X: Coordination of Medical Portion of Workers Compensation and Automobile Insurance Subtitle A: Workers Compensation Insurance Subtitle B: Automobile Insurance Subtitle C: Commission on Integration of Health Benefits Subtitle D: Federal Employees' Compensation Act Subtitle E: Davis-Bacon Act and Service Contract Act Subtitle F: Effective Dates Title XI: Transitional Insurance Reform Health Security Act - Title I: Health Care Security - Subtitle A: Universal Courage and Individual Responsibility - Entitles each eligible individual to: (1) the benefit provided under subtitle B through the applicable health plan in which the individual is enrolled; and (2) a health security card to be issued by the alliance or other entity that offers the applicable health plan in which the individual is enrolled. Defines an eligible individual as an individual who resides in the United States and is: (1) a citizen or national of the United States; (2) an alien permanently residing in the U.S. under color of law; or (3) a long-term nonimmigrant. Entitles a Medicare-eligible individual to benefits under Medicare instead of the above provisions of this Act. (Sec. 1002) Requires each eligible individual to enroll in an applicable health plan and pay any required premium. Prohibits disenrollment of an eligible individual until the individual is either enrolled in another plan or in Medicare. (Sec. 1003) States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as prohibiting: (1) an individual from purchasing any health services; (2) an individual from purchasing supplemental insurance; (3) an individual who is not an eligible individual from purchasing health insurance; or (4) employers from providing additional coverage. (Sec. 1004) States that a regional alliance health plan is the applicable plan for a family, unless a family member is eligible for a corporate alliance health plan. Allows military personnel, veterans, and Indians to enroll either with an alliance or with a military, veteran, or Indian plan respectively. (Sec. 1005) Prohibits an undocumented alien from enrolling in a health plan under this Act. (Sec. 1011) Defines a family as an eligible individual's eligible spouse and children. Defines couple as meaning an individual and the individual's spouse. Defines a child as being under age 18, or under age 24 in the case of a full-time student. Subtitle B: Benefits - Includes the following terms and services in the comprehensive benefit package: (1) hospital services; (2) services of health professionals; (3) emergency and ambulatory medical and surgical services; (4) clinical preventive services; (5) mental illness and substance abuse services; (6) family planning services and services for pregnant women; (7) hospice care; (8) home health care; (9) extended care services; (10) ambulance services; (11) outpatient laboratory, radiology, and diagnostic services; (12) outpatient prescription drugs and biologicals; (13) outpatient rehabilitation services; (14) durable medical equipment and prosthetic and orthotic devices; (15) vision care; (16) dental care; (17) health education classes; and (18) investigational treatments. Describes such items and services. (Sec. 1131) Requires each health plan to offer to its enrollees only one of the following cost sharing schedules: (1) lower cost sharing; (2) higher cost sharing; or (3) combination cost sharing. Provides that the annual maximum out-of-pocket expenses for an individual in any of the plans shall be $1500 and for a family the annual maximum shall be $3000. (Sec. 1135) Sets forth a table of copayments and coinsurance. (Sec. 1141) Excludes the following items and services: (1) an item or service that is not medically necessary or appropriate; (2) an item or service that the National Health Board may determine is not medically necessary or appropriate; (3) custodial care, except hospice care; (4) surgery performed solely for cosmetic purposes, unless required to correct a congenital anomaly or performed to correct a part of the body injured by either disease or accident; (5) hearing aids; (6) eyeglasses and contact lenses for individuals at least 18 years of age; (7) in vitro fertilization; (8) sex change surgery and related services; (9) private duty nursing; (10) personal comfort items, except in the case of hospice care; and (11) any dental procedures involving orthodontic care, inlays, gold or platinum fillings, bridges, crowns, pin/post retention, dental implants, surgical periodontal procedures, or the preparation of the mouth for the fitting or continued use of dentures, except as specified. (Sec. 1151) Gives the National Health Board the authority to promulgate such regulations or establish such guidelines as necessary to assure uniformity in the application of the comprehensive benefit package across all health plans. Permits the Board to expand the benefit package. (Sec. 1162) Permits a health professional or facility to refuse to provide a benefit if the professional or facility objects on the basis of a religious belief or moral conviction. Subtitle C: State Responsibilities - Requires a State, in order to be approved as a participating State, to submit a document describing the State's health care system. (Sec. 1201) Requires a participating State to: (1) establish one or more regional alliances; (2) establish and publish the criteria used in the certification of its health plan; (3) meet minimum financial solvency requirements for health plans established by the National Health Board; (4) designate an agency or official to coordinate State responsibilities under this Act; (5) conform State laws to meet the requirements of title X of this Act with respect to workers' compensation and automobile insurance; and (6) carry out all the responsibilities of a participating State specified in this Act. (Sec. 1221) Permits a State, with the Board's approval, to operate a single-payer system if specified requirements are met. Subtitle D: Health Alliances - Provides for regional alliances and corporate alliances. (Sec. 1302) Requires a regional alliance to be governed by a Board of Directors consisting of: (1) employers, including self-employed individuals; and (2) members who represent individuals purchasing coverage. Requires each regional alliance to establish a provider advisory board consisting of health care providers and professionals. (Sec. 1311) Includes in a corporate alliance an eligible sponsor who is either a large employer (more than 5,000 full-time employees) or a multiemployer plan (a plan with more than 5000 active participants). Excludes: (1) an employer whose primary business is employee leasing; (2) the Federal Government (other than the U.S. Postal Service); and (3) a State or local government. Excludes from corporate alliance eligibility the following classes of individuals: (1) AFDC recipients; (2) SSI recipients; (3) military personnel and families, veterans, and Indians who elect to enroll in specified plans specifically designed for them; and (4) seasonal or temporary employees. (Sec. 1321) Directs each regional alliance to enter into a contract with any State-certified health plan to contract with the alliance for the enrollment under the plan of eligible individuals. (Sec. 1322) Requires each regional alliance to offer a choice of health plans, including at least one fee-for-service plan. (Sec. 1326) Requires each regional alliance to establish and maintain an office of an ombudsman to assist consumers in dealing with problems that arise with health plans and the alliance. (Sec. 1329) Permits a regional alliance to adjust payments to plans or use other financial incentives to encourage health plans to expand into areas that have inadequate health services. (Sec. 1341) Set forth provisions concerning the collection of funds by regional alliances from individuals, employers, and others. (Sec. 1351) Requires each regional alliance to compute a blended plan per capita payment amount for each regional alliance health plan for enrollment in the alliance. (Sec. 1353) Requires each regional alliance to make payments to the Federal Government for academic health centers and graduate medical education. (Sec. 1361) Requires each regional alliance to comply with specified standards relating to the management of finances, maintenance of records, accounting practices, auditing procedures, financial reporting, and employer payments. (Sec. 1371) Provides for a reduction in cost sharing for low-income families. (Sec. 1373) Provides for premium discounts and reduction in liabilities for low-income families. (Sec. 1381) Permits each corporate alliance to: (1) offer coverage under either an appropriate self-insured health plan; or (2) negotiate with a State-certified plan to enter into a contract with the plan. (Sec. 1382) Requires each corporate alliance to provide a choice of health plans, including at least one fee-for-service plan and two health plans that are not fee-for-service plans. (Sec. 1385) Requires each corporate alliance to make an additional contribution towards the enrollment in health plans of the alliance by certain low-wage families. (Sec. 1386) Sets forth provisions relating to corporate alliances concerning: (1) consumer information and marketing; (2) plan and information requirements; (3) management of funds; (4) cost control; (5) payments by corporate alliance employers to corporate alliances; (6) ERISA; (7) disclosure and reserve requirements; (8) trusteeship of insolvent corporate alliance health plans; (9) imposition and collection of periodic assessments on self-insured corporate alliance plans; and (10) payments to the Federal Government by multiemployer corporate alliances for academic health centers and gradual medical education. Subtitle E: Health Plans - Requires a health plan to: (1) be either a self-insured plan (meaning a group health plan as defined by a the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) or a State-certified plan (meaning a plan certified by a State or the National Health Board); and (2) meet the applicable regulatory requirements. (Sec. 1402) Requires each health plan offered by either a regional or corporate alliance to accept for enrollment every alliance eligible individual, unless the plan has reached its enrollment limit. Prohibits the limit from being imposed on the basis of any personal characteristics of enrollees such as health status, need for health care, age, occupation, or affiliation with any person or entity. Prohibits a plan from: (1) restricting or terminating coverage for any reason, including nonpayment of premiums; (2) cancelling coverage for any eligible individual until that individual is enrolled in another plan; (3) excluding an eligible individual because of an existing medical condition; (4) imposing a waiting period before coverage begins; or (5) imposing a rider that excludes the coverage of particular eligible individuals. Prohibits discrimination by a health plan on the basis of race, national origin, sex, language, socio-economic status, age, disability, health status, or anticipated need for health services. (Sec. 1405) Requires each plan to have a grievance procedure. (Sec. 1421) Permits an entity to offer a supplemental insurance policy if the policy and the entity meet specified requirements. (Sec. 1431) Requires each health plan, with respect to each electing essential community provider located within the plan's service area, to either: (1) enter into a written provider participation agreement; or (2) enter into a written agreement under which the plan will make payment to the provider as specified. Provides a special rule for providers of school health services. Makes the provisions of the proceeding sentence applicable only to health plans offered by a health alliance during the five year period beginning with the first year in which any health plan is offered by the alliance. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study essential community providers and to make recommendations concerning such providers to the Congress. Provides that such recommendations shall apply unless a joint resolution of disapproval is enacted by the Congress. (Sec. 1441) Requires each health plan to meet specified requirements of title X of this Act with respect to workers' compensation and automobile medical liability services. Subtitle F: Federal Responsibilities - Establishes the National Health Board in the Executive Branch. Directs the President to appoint the Board's seven members. (Sec. 1503) Directs the Board to: (1) interpret the comprehensive benefit package; (2) adjust the delivery of preventive services; (3) take steps to assure that the comprehensive benefit package is available on a uniform national basis; (4) recommend to the President and the Congress appropriate revisions to the package; (5) oversee cost containment requirements; (6) develop and implement eligibility standards; (7) establish a performance based system of quality management; (8) develop and implement standards for a national health information system; (9) establish State requirements and monitor State compliance; (10) establish premium class factors; (11) develop a methodology for the risk-adjustment of premium payments; (12) establish financial requirements for guaranty funds; (13) establish standards for health plan grievance procedures; and (14) report annually to the President and the Congress. (Sec. 1506) Authorizes appropriations for the Board. (Sec. 1511) Requires the Board to approve a State health care system if the system meets the applicable requirements of this Act. Prohibits approval of a State health care system prior to 1996. (Sec. 1512) Provides for sanctions for States failing to meet conditions for compliance. (Sec. 1515) Provides for planning grants to States for implementation assistance. (Sec. 1521) Provides for the Federal assumption of responsibilities in the absence of a State system. Provides for increased premiums of 15 percent during Federal operation of a State system to provide reimbursement for the Federal cost of operating the system. (Sec. 1541) Directs the Board to develop a risk adjustment and reinsurance methodology. Sets forth guidelines for developing such methodology. (Sec. 1543) Directs the Board to establish an advisory committee to provide technical advice and recommendations regarding the risk adjustment and reinsurance methodology. (Sec. 1551) Directs the Board to establish minimum capital requirements for regional alliance health plans under which at least $500,000 of capital must be maintained for each plan in the area. Permits the Board to require additional capital. (Sec. 1552) Requires the Board to establish standards for guaranty funds established by the States. (Sec. 1571) Sets forth the responsibilities of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Directs the Secretary to administer and implement all provisions of this Act, except those duties delegated to the Board, any other executive agency, or to any State. (Sec. 1572) Directs the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Council on Breakthrough Drugs that will examine the reasonableness of launch prices of new breakthrough drugs. (Sec. 1581) Provides for the certification of essential community providers. Sets forth the following categories of providers automatically certified (under provisions of the Public Health Service Act): (1) migrant health centers; (2) community health centers; (3) homeless program providers; (4) public housing providers; (5) family planning clinics; and (6) AIDS providers under the Ryan White Act. Includes as automatically certified (under other Acts) following: (1) Indian health programs under the Indian Health Act; and (2) maternal and child health providers and a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic under the Social Security Act. Includes as automatically certified (under provisions of this Act) the following: (1) providers of school health services; and (2) a qualified community practice network. Provides for the setting of standards for additional health providers. (Sec. 1591) Sets forth the responsibilities of the Secretary of Labor. Includes among those responsibilities the following: (1) enforcement requirements applicable to employers; (2) elections to become corporate alliances; (3) temporary assumption of insolvent self-insured corporate alliance health plans; (4) establishment and administration of the Corporate Alliance Health Plan Insolvency Fund; and (5) administering title I of ERISA as it relates to group health plans maintained by corporate alliances. Subtitle G: Employer Responsibilities - Requires employers to provide for the payments required under title VI of this Act. Sets forth other employer responsibilities including: (1) information reporting requirements; (2) requirements relating to new employees; (3) recordkeeping requirements; and (4) antidiscrimination requirements. (Sec. 1606) Prohibits self-funding of cost sharing benefits by regional alliance employers. (Sec. 1607) Requires an employer to make equal employer premium payments to all qualifying employees, if a voluntary premium payment is made. Places a limit on such voluntary employer premium payments. (Sec. 1608) Sets forth an employer's obligation to a qualifying retired beneficiary where the employer, as of October 1, 1993, was providing a threshold payment. (Sec. 1609) Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to impose a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for each violation of this subtitle with respect to each individual. Subtitle J (sic): General Definitions; Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth the definitions and rules used in this Act. Subtitle B: Miscellaneous Provisions (sic) - (Sec. 1911) Grants the National Health Board, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of Labor authority to issue regulations as necessary to permit the timely implementation of this Act. Title II: New Benefits - Subtitle A: Medicare Outpatient Prescription Drug Benefit - (Secs. 2001 through 2005) Amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for: (1) Medicare coverage of covered outpatient prescription drugs and biologicals as well as home infusion drug therapy services; (2) payment rules and related requirements, such as those pertaining to deductibles, for covered outpatient prescription drugs; (3) manufacturer rebates to the Secretary under Medicare part B for covered outpatient prescription drugs; and (4) determination of the Medicare part B premium attributable to covered outpatient prescription drugs. Subtitle B: Long-Term Care - Establishes requirements for State plans for home and community-based services to individuals with disabilities. Includes among those requirements the following: (1) a prohibition of limiting eligibility of individuals with disabilities based on income, age, geography, severity of disability, residential setting, or other grounds specified by the Secretary; (2) a requirement to serve low-income individuals; (3) a requirement to specify how Federal and State funds will be managed; (4) quality assurance requirements; and (5) reporting requirements. Requires a State to consult with individuals and groups of individuals with disabilities when developing the plan in order to have the plan approved. (Sec. 2103) Defines "individuals with disabilities" to mean any individual within one or more of the following four categories: (1) individuals requiring help with the activities of daily living; (2) individuals with severe cognitive or mental impairment; (3) individuals with severe or profound mental retardation; and (4) severely disabled children. (Sec. 2104) Requires a State plan to specify the services available. Requires each individualized plan to be developed in close consultation with the individual and the individual's family. Prohibits a State plan from covering: (1) room and board; (2) services furnished in a hospital, nursing facility, intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded, or other specified institutional setting; or (3) items or services to the extent coverage is provided for an individual under a health plan or Medicare. (Sec. 2105) Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) cost sharing; (2) quality assurance and safeguards; (3) advisory groups; (4) payments to States; and (5) the total Federal budget for State plans and allotments to States. (Sec. 2301) directs the Secretary, with the advice and assistance of the National Long-Term Care Insurance Advisory Council to promulgate regulations as necessary to implement provisions concerning private long-term care insurance. Directs the Secretary to make appointments to such Council. Authorizes appropriations for such Council. (Sec. 2321) Directs the Secretary, after considering the Council's recommendations to promulgate regulations designed to: (1) standardize formats and terminology used in long-term care policies; (2) require insurers to provide information to customers on the range of public and private long-term care coverage available; and (3) establish other requirements promoting consumer understanding of benefits. (Sec. 2322) Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations establishing requirements with respect to the terms of and benefits under long-term care policies, which shall include the following requirements that the policy may not: (1) limit coverage based on a preexisting condition, subject to an exception for a six month period; (2) condition eligibility for benefits based on the need or receipt of any other service; (3) condition eligibility for any benefit on any particular diagnosis; (4) condition eligibility for benefits by providers on compliance with requirements not required by State or Federal law; and (5) condition coverage of any service by a provider on the provision of such service at a higher level of care than required by the insured individual. Prohibits discrimination by diagnosis in the treatment of: (1) Alzheimer's disease; (2) any organic or inorganic mental illness; (3) mental retardation or any other cognitive or mental impairment; or (4) HIV infection or AIDS. Sets forth other requirements for such policies, including requirements related to: (1) premiums; (2) sales practices; (3) continuation, renewal, replacement, conversion, and cancellation of policies; and (4) payment of benefits. (Sec. 2342) Provides for grants to States to enforce the Federal standards concerning long-term care policies. Sets forth requirements for receiving such grants. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits the sale of a long-term care policy in a State without a regulatory program. (Sec. 2361) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for the development and implementation of long-term care information, counseling, and other programs to: (1) States; (2) regional alliances (at the option of States within which such alliances are located; and (3) national organizations representing insurance consumers, long-term care providers, and insurers. Authorizes appropriations for such grants. (Sec. 2601) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a demonstration program to test the effectiveness of various approaches to financing and providing integrated acute and long-term care services for the chronically ill and disabled. Sets forth the services and benefits to be provided, including: (1) all benefits of the comprehensive benefit package provided under title I of this Act; (2) transitional benefits, including assessment and home care; (3) long-term care benefits, including adult day care, home-delivered meals, and nursing facility services in specialized care units; and (4) habilitation services. Permits any of the following to be eligible for such services under criteria to be established by the Secretary: (1) individuals with disabilities under a State program; (2) individuals entitled to benefits under the Medicare program; and (3) individuals entitled to Medicaid and who are also either entitled to Medicare or Supplemental Security Income benefits. Requires reports to the Congress on the demonstration program. Title III: Public Health Initiatives - Subtitle A: Workforce Priorities Under Federal Payments - Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services the National Council on Graduate Medical Education. Directs the National Council to designate for each academic year the number of individuals nationwide who are authorized to be enrolled in each specified approval physician training program for each medical specialty. Sets forth provisions specifying: (1) Federal formula payments to approved physician training programs; (2) application for payments; and (3) amount of payments. (Sec. 3061) Directs the Secretary to carry out a program with respect to graduate nurse training programs that is equivalent to the program for approved physician training programs. Establishes a National Council on Graduate Nurse Education. (Sec. 3071) Authorizes appropriations for the following programs: (1) primary care physician and physician assistant training; (2) training of underrepresented minorities and disadvantaged persons; and (3) nurse training. (Sec. 3072) Authorizes appropriations for the following programs: (1) a program of skill upgrading and occupational retraining for health care workers; (2) a demonstration program to assist workers in health care institutions in obtaining advanced career positions; (3) a program to develop and operate health-worker job banks in local employment services agencies, subject to certain conditions; (4) a program to provide joint labor-management decision-making in the health care sector on workplace matters related to the restructuring of the health care delivery system of this Act; and (5) a program to facilitate the comprehensive workforce adjustment initiative. (Sec. 3073) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Labor to jointly establish the National Institute for Health Care Workforce Development. States that the Director of the Institute shall make recommendations to the Secretaries regarding: (1) the supply of health care workers; (2) the impact of this Act; and (3) the development and implementation of high-performance, high-quality health care delivery systems. Directs the Secretaries to establish an advisory board to assist in the development of such recommendations. Subtitle B: Academic Health Centers - Directs the Secretary to make payments to a qualified academic health center or qualified teaching hospital in order to assist such eligible institutions with costs that are not routinely incurred by other entities in providing health services, but are incurred by such institutions by virtue of the academic nature of such institutions. States that such costs include: (1) costs resulting from reduced staff productivity due to teaching responsibilities; (2) the uncompensated costs of clinical research; and (3) exceptional costs associated with an institutions specialized expertise. Provides that the funding for such payments will come from transfers from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, payments made by regional alliances to the Federal government for academic health centers and graduate medical education, and payments from corporate alliances. (Sec. 3131) Provides for the access of regional and corporate alliance patients to academic health centers. Subtitle C: Health Research Initiatives - Amends the Public Health Service Act to ensure that the National Institutes of Health conducts and supports biomedical and behavioral research on promoting health and preventing diseases, disorders, and other health conditions. Provides for health services research. Authorizes appropriations for such research. Subtitle D: Core Functions of Public Health Programs; National Initiatives Regarding Preventive Health - Authorizes appropriations for the core functions of public health programs and national initiatives regarding health promotion and disease prevention. (Sec. 3312) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to carry out one or more of the following core functions: (1) data collection; (2) activities to protect the environment and to assure the safety of housing, workplaces, and food and water; (3) investigation and control of adverse health conditions; (4) public information and education programs to reduce risks to health such as use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, sexual activities that increase the risk of HIV transmission and other sexually transmitted diseases, poor diet, physical inactivity, and low childhood immunization levels; (5) accountability and quality assurance activities; (6) provision of public health laboratory services to complement private clinical laboratory services that screen for diseases and conditions; (7) training and education to assure provision of care by all health professionals; and (8) leadership policy development and administrative activities. (Sec. 3331) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to agencies of State or local government, private nonprofit organizations, and coalitions that link two or more of these groups for the purpose of carrying out projects to develop and implement innovative community-based strategies to provide for health promotion and disease prevention activities for which there is a significant need. Subtitle E: Health Services for Medically Underserved Populations - Directs the Secretary to make grants to migrant health centers and community health centers, which shall be in addition to other funds available to such centers. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3412) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) grants and contracts for the development of qualified community health plans and practice networks; and (2) loans and guaranteeing the principal and interest to Federal and non-Federal lenders on behalf of public and private entities for the capital costs of developing qualified community health plans and practice networks. (Sec. 3461) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with qualified community health groups to provide enabling services such as transportation, community and patient outreach, patient education, and translation services in order to increase the capacity of individuals to utilize the items and services under title I of this Act. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3471) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the National Health Service Corps; and (2) such amounts as are necessary to ensure that at least 20 percent of participants in the Scholarship Program or the Loan Repayment Program of the Corps are nurses. (Sec. 3481) Entitles a hospital with a low-income utilization rate in a base year of at least 25 percent to a payment as specified. Requires 75 percent of the total available to be allocated to hospitals for low-income assistance. Requires 25 percent of the total available to be allocated to hospitals for assistance in furnishing inpatient hospital services that are not covered services under title I of this Act. Subtitle F: Mental Health; Substance Abuse - Authorizes appropriations to carry out this part. Provides for grants to: (1) increase access to mental health and substance abuse services; (2) improve State and local capacity to coordinate and monitor such services; (3) provide incentives to integrate public and private service systems; and (4) supplement any activity under part B (Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Mental Services Block Grant) of title XIX of the Public Health Service Act. (Sec. 3503) Authorizes the Secretary to make loans for the capital costs incurred in the development of non-acute, residential treatment centers and community-based ambulatory clinics. (Sec. 3521) Requires the establishment of a pilot program demonstrating the integration of the mental illness and substance abuse services of the States with the services included under title I of this Act. Subtitle G: Comprehensive School Health Education; School-Related Health Services - Authorizes appropriations for the programs of this subtitle. States that the purposes of the programs shall be to: (1) support, in kindergarten through grade 12, the provision of comprehensive health educator programs; (2) establish a national framework within which States can create comprehensive school health education programs that target the health risk behaviors of youth, including tobacco use, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual behaviors resulting in infections, injury prevention, dietary patterns, and sedentary lifestyles; (3) pay the initial costs of planning and establishing such programs; (4) support related Federal demonstrations and training; (5) motivate youth to stay in school, avoid teen pregnancy, and strive for success; (6) improve the knowledge of health education among youth; and (7) further the National Education Goals set forth in title I of the Goals 2000: Educate America Act. Defines "comprehensive school health education program." Requires such programs to be sensitive to cultural and ethnic issues, promote involvement by families, and promote personal responsibility. Sets forth requirements for applying for grants and selection of grantees. Subtitle H: Public Health Service Initiative - Establishes a Public Health Service Initiative consisting of specified amounts authorized to be appropriated for the Initiative. States that: (1) the Initiative includes the programs of subtitles C through G of this title and the programs of subtitle D of title VIII; and (2) amounts appropriated to carry out the Initiative, including subtitles A through F of this title, are available to carry out specific programs for which the amounts are appropriated. Subtitle I: Coordination with COBRA Continuation Coverage - Amends title XXII (Requirements for Certain Group Health Plans for Certain State and Local Employees) of the Public Health Service Act to provide for coordination with COBRA continuation coverage. Repeals such title XXII upon implementation of this Act. Title IV: Medicare and Medicaid - Subtitle A: Medicare and the Alliance System - Amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for optional State integration of Medicare beneficiaries into regional alliance plans. (Sec. 4002) Allows individuals to elect to remain in certain plans. (Sec. 4003) Provides for payments to regional alliances on behalf of certain Medicare-eligible individuals. (Sec. 4004) Extends protections for working aged and disabled individuals to group health plans of all employers. Repeals the limitation on the period of protection for individuals with end stage renal disease. Prohibits Medicare payment for items and services provided under any health plan under this Act. Simplifies Medicare benefit coordination in cases where the individual is also eligible for benefits under this Act's health plans. (Sec. 4011) Makes various changes concerning eligible organization and Medicare supplemental policy enrollment and comparative informational materials, eligible organization outlier payments, and participating provider point-of-service networks. (Sec. 4022) Provides for expanded Medicare coverage for physician assistant, nurse practitioner, and clinical nurse specialist services. (Sec. 4031) Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to: (1) provide for termination of the separate Medicare peer review program upon adoption of the National Quality Management Program above under subtitle A of title V of this Act; and (2) repeal provisions on surgical procedure review and second opinions. (Sec. 4032) Amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for mandatory assignment for all Medicare part B services. (Sec. 4033) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to take such steps as may be necessary to consolidate administration of Medicare parts A and B and supersedes certain conflicting requirements to the extent required to achieve such purpose. (Sec. 4035) Prohibits the Secretary from implementing any change in procedures for billing and processing Medicare claims within six months of implementing any previous change. Adds advanced notification to providers as a requirement for carriers and fiscal intermediaries under Medicare. (Sec. 4041) Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to: (1) provide for civil monetary penalties for kickback violations under Medicare and State health care programs (the programs); (2) make other penalty-related changes, including increases in criminal and civil monetary penalties, a new criminal penalty exception for certain providers, additional civil monetary penalty offenses related to alliance systems, and requirements for the deposit of penalties collected into the All-Payer Account established above under title V of this Act; (3) revise exclusion provisions, with changes establishing a minimum period of exclusion for certain individuals and entities subject to permissive exclusion from the programs, and providing for program exclusions based on actions under alliance systems; and (4) modify sanction provisions, with changes removing certain conditions for imposing sanctions and setting specified civil money penalties for use in lieu of authorized sanctions. (Sec. 4042) Amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to revise the limitations on physician self-referrals. (Sec. 4051) Provides for the termination of payments under Medicare for medical education costs and directs the Secretary to make specified transfers from certain Medicare trust funds to the new accounts established above for funding physician training programs and academic health centers. (Sec. 4061) Amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the treatment of: (1) uniformed services and VA health plans as eligible organizations under Medicare; and (2) health care facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs as providers under Medicare. Subtitle B: Savings in Medicare Program - Amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for: (1) reductions in the update for inpatient hospital services and the adjustment for indirect medical education costs, in payments for capital-related costs for inpatient hospital services; (2) revisions to payment adjustments for disproportionate share hospitals in States participating under this Act; and (3) an extension of the freeze on updates to routine service costs of skilled nursing facilities. (Sec. 4111) Amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for: (1) establishment of cumulative expenditure goals for physician services; (2) use of real gross domestic product for volume adjustments; (3) repeal of restrictions on the maximum reduction permitted in default update; (4) reduction in the conversion factor for the physician fee schedule for 1995; (5) place limitations on payment for physicians' services furnished by high-cost hospital medical staffs; (6) requirements for physicians to identify the hospital at which the service was furnished; (7) an increase in practice expense relative value units for certain services while assuring budget neutrality; (8) a study and report to the Congress by the Secretary on a resource-based system for determining practice expense relative value units for each physician's service; (9) an increase in work relative value units for office visits while assuring budget neutrality; (10) a reduction in relative values for office consultations; (11) adjustment of outlier intensity of relative values; (12) changes in underserved area bonus payments; (13) elimination of formula-driven payments for certain outpatient hospital services; (14) copayments for laboratory services; and (15) competitive acquisition procedures for Medicare part B items and services (including clinical diagnostic laboratory tests). (Sec. 4131) Makes changes with respect to: (1) Medicare as secondary payer; (2) payments for health maintenance organizations and competitive medical plans with risk-sharing contracts; and (3) routine cost limits and copayments for, respectively, home health services and visits. (Sec 4135) Directs the Secretary to use a competitive process to contract with centers of excellence for cataract surgery, coronary artery by-pass surgery, and such other services as the Secretary determines to be appropriate. (Sec. 4141) Amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to revise Medicare part B premium provisions. (Sec. 4151) Requires the Secretary to submit a report to the Congress on the growth in spending under Medicare for FY 2000 through 2003. Subtitle C: Medicaid - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide that if a State Medicaid plan provides for payment to regional alliances of the amounts required above it is not required to provide payment for items and services covered under the comprehensive benefit package for alliance eligible individuals and will receive no Federal financial assistance with respect to such items and services. (Sec. 4211) Provides for: (1) spenddown eligibility and increased income and resource disregard for nursing facility residents; and (2) informing such residents about the availability of assistance for home and community-based services. (Sec. 4221) Provides for: (1) treatment of items and services not covered under the comprehensive benefit package; and (2) establishment of a program under Medicare of noncovered items and services for poor children. (Sec. 4231) Discontinues certain payment policies under Medicaid. (Sec. 4241) Limits the frequency of changes in a State's billing and claims processing system, and provides for advance notification to providers of any major billing change. (Sec. 4251) Establishes the Medicaid Commission to study, report, and make recommendations with respect to options involving block grant use, integration of long-term care services, and consolidation of institutional and home- and community-based long-term care in relation to the Medicaid program. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Increase in SSI Personal Needs Allowance - Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) to provide for an increase in the SSI personal needs allowance. Title V: Quality and Consumer Protection - Subtitle A: Quality Management and Improvement - Requires the National Health Board to establish and oversee a performance-based program of quality management and improvement designed to enhance the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of heath care services and access to such services which will be called the National Quality Management Program. (Sec. 5002) Establishes the National Quality Management Council which shall: (1) administer the National Quality Management Program; (2) perform any other duty specified in this subtitle; and (3) advise the National Health Board with respect to its duties under this subtitle. Requires the Council to develop a set of national measures of quality performance to be used in the assessment of and the provision of access to health care services. Requires the Council, in addition, to: (1) recommend to the Board establishing goals for performance by health plans and health care providers on a subset of national measures of quality performance; (2) direct the Administrator for Health Care Policy and Research to develop, review, and disseminate practice guidelines to determine how diseases can most effectively be prevented, diagnosed, treated, and managed; and (3) direct the Administrator for Health Care Policy and Research to support research related to a five year priority list of performance measures. (Sec. 5008) Directs the National Health Board to: (1) establish and oversee regional professional foundations to perform such duties as develop lifetime learning programs for health professionals and conduct research on health care quality; and (2) establish the National Quality Consortium to perform such duties as establishing continuing education for health professionals and provide advice on research priorities. (Sec. 5012) Requires each regional alliance and each corporate alliance to: (1) disseminate specified information to consumers; and (2) ensure that performance and quality standards are continually improved. Subtitle B: Information Systems, Privacy, and Administrative Simplification - Directs the National Health Board to develop and implement a health information system, in consultation with Federal agencies, States, employers, health plans, and others, by which the Board shall collect, report, and regulate the collection and dissemination of health care information which shall be used for: (1) health care planning by Federal, State, and local government; (2) establishing and monitoring payments for health services; (3) assessing and improving the quality of health care; (4) managing and containing costs at the alliance and plan levels; and (5) other specified purposes. Requires the establishment of an electronic data network to collect, compile, and transmit information. (Sec. 5120) Sets forth provisions providing for health information privacy standards. (Sec. 5130) Directs the National Health Board to develop the following standard health care benefit forms: (1) an enrollment and disenrollment form; (2) a clinical encounter record; and (3) a claim form. (Sec. 5140) Establishes the National Privacy and Health Data Advisory Council in order to advise the National Health Board with respect to its duties under this subtitle. (Sec. 5141) Sets forth monetary penalties for violating health information system standards. Subtitle C: Remedies and Enforcement - Sets forth provisions with respect to the review of benefit determinations for enrolled individuals, including provisions: (1) regulating the time limits for notice of disposition of a claim; (2) governing a plan's duty to review claim denials; (3) concerning urgent requests for preauthorization; and (4) concerning other time limits with respect to time limits and notice. (Sec. 5202) Requires each State to establish a complaint review office for each regional alliance established by a State. Permits aggrieved individuals to file complaints with the appropriate review office. (Sec. 5205) Provides for a Federal Health Plan Review Board to review the decisions of complaint review office hearing officers. (Sec. 5207) Sets monetary penalties for a plan which unreasonably denies or delays payment or provision of benefits. (Sec. 5211) Directs each State to establish and maintain an Early Resolution Program in each complaint review office. Requires a program to include: (1) forums for mediation disputes; and (2) other forums of alternative dispute resolution as may be prescribed. Establishes guidelines for the eligibility of cases for submission to the Early Resolution Program. States that conclusions of the mediation proceedings shall be treated as nonbinding and shall not affect any rights to review. (Sec. 5231) Sets forth additional remedies and enforcement provisions. Subtitle D: Medical Malpractice - Prohibits any medical malpractice liability action until the final resolution of the claim under alternative dispute resolution. Requires each regional alliance health plan and corporate alliance health plan to adopt at least one specified method of alternative dispute resolution. Prohibits an individual from bringing a medical malpractice liability action unless the individual submits an affidavit that includes a report by a qualified specialist that states that there is a meritorious cause for filing the action. (Sec. 5311) Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a project to demonstrate whether substituting liability for medical malpractice on the part of the health plan in which a physician participates for the personal liability of the physician will result in improvements in the quality of care, reductions in defense medical practices, and better risk management; (2) a pilot program under which the Secretary provides funds to one or more eligible States to determine the effect of applying practice guidelines in the resolution of medical malpractice liability actions. Subtitle E: Fraud and Abuse - Directs the Secretary and the Attorney General to establish a program: (1) to coordinate the functions of the Attorney General, the Secretary, and other organizations with respect to the prevention, detection, and control of health care fraud and abuse; (2) to conduct investigations, audits, evaluations, and inspections relating to the delivery of and payment for health care; and (3) to facilitate the enforcement of this and other statutes applicable to health care fraud. (Sec. 5402) Creates, in the Treasury, the All-Payer Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Account which shall consist of: (1) gifts and bequests; (2) administrative penalties and assessments and portions of civil monetary penalties imposed under provisions of the Social Security Act; (3) all criminal fines imposed in cases involving a Federal health care offense; (4) penalties imposed under the False Claims Act involving claims related to the provision of health care items and services; and (5) amounts resulting from the forfeiture of property by reason of Federal health care offense. States that amounts in the fund may be used to cover costs incurred in operating the Program. (Sec. 5411) Excludes from participation in any health plan any individual or entity excluded from participation in a public program under provisions of the Social Security Act. (Sec. 5413) Sets forth physician self-referral limitations. (Sec. 5431) Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for knowingly executing a scheme or artifice to: (1) defraud any health alliance, health plan, or other person (alliance) in connection with the delivery of, or payment for, health care benefits, items, or services (benefits); and (2) obtain, by false or fraudulent means, money or property owned by, or under the custody of control of, any such alliance in connection with the delivery of, or payment for, health care benefits. (Sec. 5432) Amends: (1) the Federal criminal code to require the court, in imposing sentence on a person convicted of a Federal health care offense that poses a serious threat to the health of any person or has a significant detrimental impact on the health care system, to order such person to forfeit property used in the commission of the offense or that constitutes, or is derived from, proceeds traceable to the commission of the offense which is of a value proportionate to the seriousness of the offense; and (2) the Federal judicial code to require that all proceeds of forfeiture relating to Federal health care offenses be deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund. (Sec. 5433) Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for: (1) knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing, or covering up a material fact, making any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations, or making or using any false writing or document knowing it to contain any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry, in any matter involving a health alliance or health plan; and (2) bribery of, and graft by, a health care official. (Sec. 5435) Authorizes: (1) the Attorney General to commence a civil action in Federal court to enjoin a Federal health care offense; and (2) a person privy to certain grand jury information concerning a health law violation to disclose that information to an attorney for the Government to use in any civil proceeding related to a Federal health care offense. (Sec. 5437) Sets penalties for: (1) theft or embezzlement in connection with a health alliance, health plan, or fund connected with such alliance or plan; and (2) misuse of a health security card issued, or unique identifier provided, pursuant to this Act. (Sec. 5441) Makes provisions of the Civil False Claims Act applicable to the use of false records or statements made to a health plan. Includes within the definition of "claim" for purposes of such Act any request or demand for money or property which is made or presented to a health plan. Subtitle F: McCarran-Ferguson Reform - Amends the McCarran-Ferguson Act to repeal the exemption under specified antitrust laws for the business of insurance to the extent that such business relates to the provision of health benefits. Title VI: Premium Caps; Premium-Based Financing; and Plan Payments - Subtitle A: Premium Caps - Sets forth provisions which provide for the computation of factors that limit the growth of premiums for the comprehensive benefit package in regional alliance health plans, including the computation of a: (1) regional alliance inflation factor; and (2) general health care inflation factor. (Sec. 6002) Directs the Board to determine: (1) a national per capita baseline premium target; (2) the national average per capita current coverage health expenditures; and (3) current health care expenditures. (Sec. 6003) Directs the Board to determine a regional alliance per capita premium. (Sec. 6004) Requires a regional alliance to annually obtain premium bids from each plan seeking to participate as a regional alliance health plan with respect to the alliance. (Sec. 6005) Permits any participating State to assume responsibility for containment of health care expenditures in the State consistent with this Act. (Sec. 6006) Directs the chair of the Board to establish an advisory commission on regional variations in health expenditures. Requires the commission to examine methods of eliminating variation in regional alliance per capita premium targets due to variation in practice patterns, not due to other factors. Requires the Board to submit its recommendations to the Congress. Requires such recommendations to apply unless a joint resolution of disapproval is passed. (Sec. 6011) Subjects each noncomplying regional alliance health plan for a year to a reduction in plan payment as specified, in order to assure that payments to regional alliance health plans by a regional alliance are consistent. Defines a noncomplying plan to include a plan in which the final accepted bid exceeds the maximum complying bid for the per capita target premium. Defines "maximum complying bid." (Sec. 6021) Directs the Board to develop a methodology for calculating an annual per capita expenditure equivalent for amounts paid for coverage for the comprehensive benefit package within a corporate alliance. (Sec. 6022) Terminates a corporate alliance with two excess years in a three year period. Provides that employers that were corporate alliance employers with respect to a terminated alliance shall become regional alliance employers. Defines an excess year as one in which the rate of increase for the corporate alliance exceeds the national corporate inflation factor. Defines rate of increase and national corporate inflation factor. (Sec. 6031) Sets forth special rules for a single-payer State. (Sec. 6041) Directs the Secretary to establish a program to monitor prices and expenditures in the U.S. health care system. Subtitle B: Premium-Related Financings - Makes each family enrolled in a regional health alliance plan or in a corporate alliance health plan in a class of family enrollment responsible for payment of the family share of premium payable for enrollment. Provides for income related discounts and specified credits. (Sec. 6102) Establishes the formula for determining the premiums. (Sec. 6111) Provides for the repayment of credit by certain families. (Sec. 6114) Provides for the special treatment of certain retirees and qualified spouses and children. (Sec. 6121) Requires each regional alliance employer to pay a monthly premium to the regional alliance for a qualifying employee. Sets forth provisions for determining such premium. Varies the premium depending upon such factors as the employer's size and average wages paid. (Sec. 6126) Sets forth provisions applicable to self-employed individuals. (Sec. 6131) Sets forth provisions for determining the corporate employer premium. Subtitle C: Payments to Regional Alliance Health Plans - Sets forth provisions to determine the computation of: (1) the blended plan per capita payment amount; and (2) the plan bid, AFDC, and SSI proportions. Title VII: Revenue Provisions - Subtitle A: Financing Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products. (Sec. 7113) Imposes an excise tax on the manufacture or importation of roll-your-own tobacco. (Sec. 7121) Imposes an assessment on each corporate alliance employer and a temporary assessment on employers with retiree health benefit costs. Requires such assessments to be paid in the same manner as employment taxes. (Sec. 7131) Provides for the recapture of certain health care subsidies received by high-income individuals. Transfers such amounts to the Supplemental Medical Insurance Trust Fund. (Sec. 7141) Requires certain shareholders of S corporations and limited partners who materially participate in corporate activities to include their share of income or loss from such corporation when determining net earnings from self-employment. (Sec. 7142) Provides for extending Medicare coverage and applying the hospital insurance tax to all State and local government employees. Subtitle B: Tax Treatment of Employer-Provided Health Care - Provides exceptions to the exclusion of employer-provided contributions to an accident or health plan from the gross income of an employee. (Sec. 7202) Prohibits the provision of health benefit under cafeteria plans. (Sec. 7203) Makes permanent the deduction for health insurance costs of self-employed individuals. Increases such deduction to 100 percent of the basic coverage purchased from a health alliance with limitations. Subtitle C: Employment Status Provisions - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations defining an employee for employment tax purposes. (Sec. 7302) Increases the penalty for failure to file correct returns involving payments for services. (Sec. 7303) Sets forth rules to limit retroactive employment tax reclassifications. Subtitle D: Tax Treatment of Funding of Retiree Health Benefits - Requires additional reserves for post-retirement medical and life insurance benefits to cover not less than ten years of the working lives of covered employees and to be maintained as separate accounts. (Sec. 7402) Terminates the authority of pension plans to maintain health benefits accounts. Subtitle E: Coordination with COBRA Continuing Care Provisions - Repeals provisions concerning continuation coverage requirements of group health plans upon implementation of this Act. Subtitle F: Tax Treatment of Organizations Providing Health Care Services and Related Organizations - Provides for the tax treatment of charitable organizations providing health care services, insurance provided by health maintenance organizations, and certain private foundations. (Sec. 7602) Sets forth transitional rules for taxing certain organizations providing health insurance and other prepaid health care services as insurance companies other than life insurance companies. (Sec. 7603) Exempts regional alliances from income tax. Subtitle G: Tax Treatment of Long-term Care Insurance and Services - Treats qualified long-term care services as medical care for purposes of the medical expense deduction. (Sec. 7702) Provides for the treatment of long-term care insurance as accident and health insurance. (Sec. 7703) Allows accelerated death benefits under life insurance contracts to be paid to terminally ill individuals. Subtitle H: Tax Incentives for Health Service Providers - Allows a tax credit for certain qualified individuals who provide primary health services full time in a health professional shortage area. (Sec. 7802) Increases the allowable depreciation deduction for expensing certain medical equipment. Subtitle I: Miscellaneous Provisions - Allows a tax credit for the cost of personal assistance services required by an employed individual who for medical reasons is unable to engage in substantial gainful activity. (Sec. 7902) Denies tax-exempt status for private activity bonds of regional alliances, corporate alliances, or guaranty funds established under this Act. Title VIII: Health and Health-Related Programs of the Federal Government - Subtitle A: Military Health Care Reform - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish one or more uniformed services health plans in order to provide health care services to members of the armed forces on active duty for 30 or more days as well as their covered beneficiaries. Requires conformity of such plans with health plan requirements set forth in this Act. (Sec. 8001b) Allows any such plan to rely upon the use of military health care facilities, supplemented by civilian health care providers or health plans under agreements entered into by the Secretary. Requires at least the items and services in the comprehensive benefit package under this Act to be included in each such plan. Preempts any conflicting State health plan requirements. Provides for plan enrollment, effect of failure to enroll, and choosing between a uniformed services health plan and other available plans. Prohibits the imposition of plan charges to an active-duty member other than subsistence charges, but allows the Secretary to impose limited charges for covered beneficiaries. Establishes in the Department of Defense a financial account for payments received in connection with a uniformed services health plan, allowing such funds to be used only for purposes directly related to the delivery and financing of health care services under this Subtitle. Subtitle B: Department of Veterans Affairs - Allows each veteran who is an eligible individual under this Act and individuals currently enrolled in a health plan under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to be enrolled with a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health plan. Requires conformity of such plans with health plan requirements set forth in this Act, with all the items and services of the comprehensive benefit package under this Act included. Allows such plans to offer supplemental health benefits and cost-sharing policies as consistent with this Act. Provides a limitation with regard to veterans enrolled with health plans outside the VA. Prohibits the imposition of any plan enrollment charges upon service-connected disabled veterans, veterans receiving disability compensation from the VA, former prisoners of war, and veterans unable to defray the costs of such care. Allows the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish plan charges for other veterans. Deems a VA facility to be a Medicare provider for purposes of any program administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Allows for the recovery of certain care and services provided under a VA plan in the case of an individual who has coverage under another plan. Establishes in the Treasury the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Plan Fund to be used for VA health plan payments and services. Preserves existing benefits for VA facilities not operating within a health plan certified under this Act. (Sec. 8102) Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to organize health plans and operate VA facilities as, or within, health plans under this Act. Preempts existing State health plan standards or requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to contract for the provision of services by a VA health plan when cost-effective, or to share resources with other health care plans, providers, or organizations. Authorizes appropriations to the VA for FY 1995 through 1997 for VA health plans under this Subtitle, subject to availability of appropriations. Requires a report from the Secretary to the Congress concerning the operation of the VA health care system within the requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to accept and use grants for health care services provided to special populations if used by the VA while operating under a VA health plan. Subtitle C: Federal Employees Health Benefits Programs - (Secs. 8202 through 8204) Provides for termination of the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) and treatment of Federal employees, annuitants, and other individuals (including those residing abroad) who would otherwise have been eligible for FEHBP under this Act's health plans. Subtitle D: Indian Health Service - Makes qualifying Indians eligible to enroll in a comprehensive benefits health program of the Indian Health Service. (Sec. 8303) Authorizes appropriations for supplemental Indian health care benefits. (Sec. 8305) Exempts tribal governments and organizations from making employer payments. (Sec. 8306) Sets forth provisions regarding health service to non-enrollees and non-Indians. (Sec. 8311) Requires each health program of the Indian Health Service to establish a comprehensive benefit package fund. (Sec. 8313) Authorizes appropriations for the Indian Health Service programs. Subtitle E: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise and limit the coverage of group health plans under ERISA. Makes certain ERISA provisions inapplicable with respect to State-certified health plans. Provides for an exception from ERISA civil action provisions where review is otherwise available under the Health Security Act (this Act, HSA). (Sec. 8402) Establishes ERISA requirements for expeditious reporting and disclosure applicable to group health plans, through special rules consistent with ERISA and HSA purposes. Excludes plans maintained by regional alliances from treatment as multiple employer welfare arrangements. (Sec. 8403) Revises certain ERISA provisions relating to continuation coverage under group health plans. Repeals such provisions upon implementation of HSA. (Sec. 8404) Makes ERISA standards for group health plans regarding: (1) cases of adoption applicable except to the extent otherwise provided in regulations of the National Health Board under HSA; and (2) coverage of pediatric vaccines inapplicable to a group health plan upon its becoming a corporate alliance health plan under HSA. (Sec. 8405) Requires group health plans under ERISA to comply with HSA requirements relating to health plan claims procedure. Subtitle F: Special Fund for WIC Program - Authorizes appropriations through FY 2000 for the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. Title IX: Aggregate Government Payments - Subtitle A: Aggregate State Payments - Sets forth provisions which have formulas for determining each participating State's payment to regional alliances within the State. Provides two different formulas. Establishes one payment formula for non-cash assistance recipients. Establishes another formula relating to cash assistance recipients. Defines a non-cash assistance adult as an individual who is: (1) over 21 years; (2) a U.S. citizen or lawful alien; and (3) is not an AFDC or SSI recipient or a Medicare-eligible individual. (Sec. 9022) Directs the National Health Board to review appropriateness of such payments. Subtitle B: Aggregate Federal Alliance Payments - Sets forth the formula for determining Federal payments to regional alliances for cash assistance recipients. (Sec. 9102) States that this section constitutes budget authority in advance of appropriation Acts and obligates the Federal Government to provide for the payment to regional alliances of a capped Federal alliance payment amount. Defines "capped Federal alliance payment amount." Subtitle C: Borrowing Authority to Cover Cash-flow Shortfalls - Authorizes the Secretary to make available loans to regional alliances to cover any period of temporary cash-flow shortfall attributable to: (1) any estimation discrepancy; (2) a period of temporary cash-flow shortfall attributable to an administrative error; or (3) a period of temporary cash-flow shortfall relating to the relative timing during the year in which amounts are received and payments are required. Sets forth loan terms and conditions. Title X: Coordination of Medical Portion of Workers Compensation and Automobile Insurance - Subtitle A: Workers Compensation Insurance - Requires each health plan that provides services to enrollees through participating providers to make arrangements to provide workers compensation to such enrollees. (Sec. 10002) Requires each workers' compensation carrier that is liable for payment for workers' compensation services furnished by or through a health plan, regardless of whether or not the services are included in the comprehensive benefit package, to make payment for such services. (Sec. 10011) Sets forth requirements for participating States. (Sec. 10031) Authorizes demonstration projects in one or more States with respect to the treatment of work-related injuries and illnesses. Subtitle B: Automobile Insurance - Requires an individual entitled to automobile insurance medical benefits and enrolled in a health plan to receive automobile insurance medical services through the provision of such services by the health plan. (Sec. 10102) Requires each automobile insurance carrier that is liable for payment for automobile insurance medical services furnished by or through a health plan, regardless of whether or not the services are included in the comprehensive benefit package, to make payment for such services. (Sec. 10111) Requires each participating State to develop a fee schedule applicable to payment for automobile insurance medical services for which a fee is not included in the applicable fee schedule. Subtitle C: Commission on Integration of Health Benefits - Establishes the Commission on Integration of Health Benefits which shall study and report on the feasibility and appropriateness of transferring financial responsibility for all medical benefits, including those currently covered by workers compensation and automobile insurance, to health plans. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Federal Employees' Compensation Act - Requires the Federal Employees' Compensation Act to be interpreted and administered consistent with the provisions of subtitle A. Subtitle E: Davis-Bacon Act and Service Contract Act - Amends the Davis-Bacon Act and the Service Contract Act of 1965 to require Health Security Act benefits. Subtitle F: Effective Dates - Sets forth effective date provisions. Title XI: Transitional Insurance Reform - Sets forth transitional provisions concerning: (1) enforcement; (2) preservation of current coverage; (3) restrictions on premium increases during transition; (4) portability requirements; (5) restrictions limiting benefit reductions; and (6) the establishment of the National Transitional Health Insurance Risk Pool.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1993
Mickey Leland Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention and Parenthood Act of 1993 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to replace the title on adolescent family life demonstration projects with a title on adolescent pregnancy prevention, care, and research grants. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to provide, supplement, or improve the quality of prevention and care services to pregnant adolescents and their male partners, adolescent parents, and nonpregnant adolescents. Requires grantees to charge fees for services only under a fee schedule, approved by the Secretary, based on the income of the person and taking into account the difficulty adolescents face in obtaining resources to pay for services. Prohibits discrimination because of an individual's inability to pay for services. Sets forth priorities in making grants, including giving priority to applicants that: (1) serve an area with a high incidence of adolescent pregnancy; and (2) serve an area with a high proportion of low-income families and low availability of care programs. Directs the Secretary to coordinate Federal policies and programs providing services relating to the prevention of initial and recurrent adolescent pregnancies and providing care services, including by requiring grantees under these provisions to report concerning Federal, State, and local policies that interfere with delivery and coordination of programs of care for pregnant adolescents and adolescent parents. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education to support and disseminate the results of research relating to adolescent pregnancy. Limits grants or contracts to: (1) one year, subject to renewal for four additional one-year periods; and (2) subject to waiver, a specified dollar amount. Directs the Secretary to establish a system for the review of grant and contract applications which is similar to the system of scientific peer review of the National Institutes of Health. Allows grants only to programs determined by the review panel to have scientific merit. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits using grant funds for the performance of an abortion.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1993
Code of Conduct on Arms Transfers Act of 1993 - Prohibits U.S. military assistance and arms transfers to a foreign government unless the President certifies to the Congress that the government: (1) meets specified conditions regarding democracy, including that it was chosen in free and fair elections and promotes civilian control of the military, the rule of law, and respect for individual rights; (2) does not engage in human rights violations, investigates and prosecutes those responsible for human rights violations, permits access to political prisoners by international organizations, and provides access to such organizations in situations of conflict or famine; (3) is not engaged in acts of armed aggression in violation of international law; and (4) is participating in the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms by annually reporting to the Register the number and type of conventional weapons possessed by, and transferred to and from, the country during the preceding year. Authorizes an exemption from such prohibition for a fiscal year if: (1) the President requests an exemption from the Congress stating that it is in the national security interest to provide military assistance and arms transfers to a government; and (2) the Congress enacts a law approving such request. Requires the President to submit initial certifications and requests for exemptions in conjunction with the submission of the annual request for enactment of authorizations and appropriations for foreign assistance. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee should hold hearings on controversial certifications and all requests for exemptions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1993
Amends the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 to extend: (1) the period of availability of State legalization impact-assistance grants; and (2) the period of State authority to use funds for educational and naturalization services. Makes specified other funds available to States for services provided to eligible legalized aliens.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1993
United States Military Academy Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act of 1993 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half dollar clad coins emblematic of the U.S. Military Academy. Mandates that surcharges collected from coin sales be paid to the Association of Graduates, U.S. Military Academy, to assist its efforts to provide direct support to the Corps of Cadets, U.S. Military Academy.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1993
Child Care Availability Incentive Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit (as part of the general business credit) for employers who provide qualified day care centers for the use of their employees.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1993
Establishes within the Department of the Interior the Presidio Corporation to manage the leasing, maintenance, rehabilitation, repair, and improvement of the following properties within the Presidio in California leaseholds to which shall be transferred under this Act to the Corporation by the Secretary of the Interior: (1) the Letterman-LAIR complex; (2) Fort Scott; (3) Main Post; (4) Cavalry Stables; (5) Presidio Hill; (6) Wherry Housing; (7) East Housing; (8) the structures at Crissy Field; and (9) such other buildings within the Presidio as the Secretary determines appropriate. Requires the Corporation to establish competitive bidding procedures for issuance of leases and contracts under this Act. Reverts all interests and assets of the Corporation to the United States in the event the Corporation fails or defaults. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1993
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to redefine "retail food store" for purposes of food stamp program (program) eligibility as a store that sells food for home preparation and consumption and: (1) has 50 percent of its total sales volume in staple foods (as defined by this Act); or (2) offers on a continuous basis food in each of four staple food categories, including sales of perishable foods in at least two of such categories. Permits the use of program application information by Federal or State enforcement authorities and establishes fine and imprisonment penalties for information misuse. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to use specified funds for demonstration projects aimed at coupon trafficking.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1993
Juvenile Firearm Regulation Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the transfer of a firearm or ammunition to an individual under age 18, unless a parent or legal guardian has consented to the transfer. Prohibits a juvenile from possessing a firearm or ammunition, except with respect to a juvenile: (1) who is under the supervision of an adult who is not prohibited by Federal, State, or local law from possessing a firearm; or (2) while engaged in a course of instruction or in hunting, target shooting, or other sporting activities, or while transporting the firearm or ammunition to or from the site of such activities, to the extent that the possession is specifically authorized by or under State law. Sets penalties for violations of this Act. Limits to six months the maximum term of imprisonment that would be authorized if a juvenile had been tried and convicted as an adult where the juvenile was found to be delinquent by reason of a violation of the prohibition against the unsupervised and unauthorized possession of a firearm or ammunition.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1993
Presidential FEMA Reform Act of 1993 - Directs the President to establish a commission to review the Federal emergency management system and to report to him and the Congress on recommendations for improving the system.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1993
Higher Education Technical Amendments of 1993 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make certain technical corrections and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1993
Guam and the Northern Marianas Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar coins emblematic of the American forces that liberated Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands in World War II. Requires payment of surcharges received from the coin sales to the Secretary of the Interior to construct a visitors center and museum at: (1) the War in the Pacific National Historical Park on Guam; and (2) the American Memorial Park on Saipan.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1993
Urges the Attorney General and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to cooperate with the U.S. Postal Service and the Polly Klaas Search Center to use nationwide mailings to disseminate information concerning the kidnapping of Polly Klaas. Commends the community of Petaluma, California, the Petaluma Police Department, and the FBI for their hard work on this case.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1993
Authorizes the Attorney General and the Secretary of State to jointly designate Portugal, Ireland, and Greece as pilot program countries if the rate of refusals of nonimmigrant visitor visas for such countries meets specified criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1993
Traveler Protection Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide that whoever commits a crime of violence in a State against a victim who is not domiciled in that State shall be guilty of a like offense against the United States and subject to a like punishment in a Federal prosecution.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1993
Prohibits the U.S. Postal Service from expending, in any year, any amounts in connection with instituting a new logo if its total obligations and expenditures incurred in the previous year exceeded its total revenues.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Strategies to Assist State and Local Governments in Providing an Immediate Response to Crime Subtitle A: Grants to Combat Violent Crimes Subtitle B: Community Policing; Cop on the Beat Subtitle C: Law Enforcement Family Support Subtitle D: Police Misconduct Subtitle E: Police Corps and Law Enforcement Officers Training and Education Title II: Crime Victims Subtitle A: Crime Victims Subtitle B: Confidentiality for Abused Persons Subtitle C: Full Faith and Credit Title III: Crime Prevention Subtitle A: Safe Schools Subtitle B: Midnight Sports Subtitle C: Rape Prevention Title IV: Strategies to Combat Recidivism Subtitle A: Family Unity Demonstration Project Subtitle B: Drug Rehabilitation for Federal Prisoners Subtitle C: Drug Rehabilitation for State Prisoners Subtitle D: Alternatives to Incarceration Subtitle E: Voting Rights for Former Offenders Subtitle F: Sex Offender Treatment Programs Subtitle G: Education and Training for Judges and Court Personnel in State Courts Subtitle H: Education and Training for Judges and Court Personnel in Federal Courts Title V: Commission on Crime, Drugs, and Violence Title VI: Confidence in Criminal Justice System Subtitle A: Racial Justice Act Subtitle B: Racial Bias Subtitle C: Minimum Sentencing Subtitle D: Crack-Cocaine Equitable Sentencing Subtitle E: Sentencing Uniformity Subtitle F: Coerced Confessions and Harmless Error Title VII: Fiscal Impact of Criminal Justice Sentencing Title VIII: Habeas Corpus Reform Title IX: Gun Control Subtitle A: Firearms Subtitle B: Semiautomatic Assault Weapons Subtitle C: Gun Violence Liability Subtitle D: Ammunition Subtitle E: Multiple Handgun Transfers Subtitle F: Licensing Subtitle G: Saturday Night Specials Title X: Asset Forfeiture Title XI: Miscellaneous Provisions Subtitle A: Amendments to Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act Subtitle B: Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Reform Act - Title I: Strategies to Assist State and Local Governments in Providing an Immediate Response to Crime - Subtitle A: Grants to Combat Violent Crimes - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Omnibus Act) to authorize the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to make grants (under the drug control and system improvement grant program) to States, local governments, nonprofit nongovernmental victim services programs, and Indian tribes to develop effective law enforcement and prosecution strategies to combat violent crimes (placing particular emphasis on combating violent crimes against women and people of color) and to reduce the rate of violent crimes against women. Specifies that such grants shall provide additional personnel, training, technical assistance, data collection, and other equipment for the more widespread apprehension, prosecution, and adjudication of persons committing violent crimes and for purposes of: (1) training law enforcement officers and prosecutors to identify and respond more effectively to violent crimes, including crimes of sexual assault and domestic violence; (2) developing, training, or expanding units of law enforcement officers and prosecutors that specifically target violent crimes; (3) developing and implementing police and prosecution policies, protocols, or orders specifically devoted to the identification of and response to violent crimes against women; (4) developing, installing, or expanding data collection systems linking police, prosecutors, and courts or identifying and tracking arrests, protection orders, prosecutions, and convictions for crimes of sexual assault and domestic violence; and (5) developing, enlarging, or strengthening victim services programs to increase reporting and reduce attrition rates for cases involving violent crimes against women. Sets forth application and related requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Community Policing; Cop on the Beat - Amends the Omnibus Act to authorize the Director to make grants to units of local government and to community groups to establish or expand cooperative efforts between police and a community for purposes of increasing the police presence in the community, including: (1) developing innovative neighborhood-oriented policing programs; (2) providing new technologies to reduce the amount of time officers spend processing cases instead of patrolling the community; (3) providing training in cultural differences for law enforcement officials; (4) developing community-based crime prevention programs; and (5) developing crime prevention programs in communities which have experienced a recent increase in gang-related violence. Requires the Director to develop a written model that informs community members regarding: (1) how to identify the existence of a drug or gang house; (2) available civil remedies, such as public nuisance violations and civil suits in small claims court; and (3) available mediation techniques between community members and individuals who have established a drug or gang house in such community. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) application requirements; (2) the allocation and limitations on use of grant funds; (3) awarding grants; and (4) reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Law Enforcement Family Support - Amends the Omnibus Act to require the Director to: (1) establish guidelines and oversee the implementation of family-friendly policies within law enforcement-related offices and divisions in the Department of Justice (DOJ); (2) study the effects of stress on law enforcement personnel and family well-being and disseminate the findings to Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies (LEAs), related organizations, and other interested parties; (3) identify and evaluate model programs that provide support services to law enforcement personnel and families; (4) provide technical assistance and training programs to develop stress reduction and family support to LEAs; (5) collect and disseminate information regarding family support, stress reduction, and psychological services; and (6) determine issues to be researched by BJA and by grant recipients. Authorizes the Director to make grants to States and local LEAs to provide family support services to law enforcement personnel. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) activities of grant recipients that are required (counseling for law enforcement family members, child care on a 24-hour basis, marital and adolescent support groups, stress reduction programs, and stress education for law enforcement recruits and families) or optional (such as post-shooting debriefing for officers and their spouses, hypertension clinics, counseling for law enforcement personnel exposed to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and counseling for families of personnel killed in the line of duty); (2) further application requirements and limitations; (3) discretionary research grants; and (4) reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Police Misconduct - Prohibits any governmental authority from engaging in a pattern or practice of conduct by law enforcement officers that deprives persons of rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States. Authorizes civil actions by the Attorney General and by an injured person. Permits the court, in private actions, to allow the prevailing plaintiff reasonable attorney's fees and costs. Makes a governmental body liable for such fees and costs to the same extent as a private individual. (Sec. 132) Directs the Attorney General to: (1) acquire data about the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers; and (2) publish an annual summary. Limits the use of such data. (Sec. 133) Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) set penalties for police brutality; and (2) provide for liability by any State, county, municipality, or other unit of State or local government in a civil action to the party injured for the conduct of a law enforcement officer of such unit for subjecting any individual, under color of law, to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution or laws of the United States (regardless of whether such officer had a reasonable good faith belief in the lawfulness of the conduct). Subtitle E: Police Corps and Law Enforcement Officers Training and Education - Establishes in DOJ an Office of the Police Corps and Law Enforcement Education, to be headed by a Director. (Sec. 143) Requires a State that desires to participate in the Police Corps Program (under Chapter 1 of this subtitle) or the Law Enforcement Scholarship Program (under chapter 2) to designate a lead agency that will be responsible for: (1) submitting to the Director a State plan for the Program; and (2) administering the Program in the State. Chapter 1: Police Corps Program - Authorizes the Director to award scholarships of up to $7,500 or the cost of the educational expenses related to attending an institution of higher education (subject to limitation) to participants who agree to work in a State or local police force for four years after successful completion of a baccalaureate program and training. Permits the use of scholarships for graduate and professional study and for reimbursement of the participant's prior educational expenses under specified circumstances. Requires repayment of all of the scholarship or payment received plus interest for failure to comply with program requirements (but the Director may substitute community service for the required repayment if the recipient is unable to comply because of a physical or emotional disability or for good cause). Entitles a dependent child of a law enforcement officer killed in the course of performing police duties to scholarship assistance if specified conditions are met. (Sec. 153) Sets forth program provisions regarding: (1) participant selection criteria and qualifications; (2) recruitment of minorities; (3) enrollment of applicants; (4) leaves of absence; and (5) admission of applicants. (Sec. 154) Requires: (1) the Director to establish programs of training for participants, to be carried out at up to three training centers, and to pay participants a stipend during training; and (2) participants to attend two eight-week training sessions at a training center as basic law enforcement training and to be evaluated for mental, physical, and emotional fitness. (Sec. 155) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the swearing in of participants; (2) participants' rights and responsibilities; (3) discipline; (4) layoffs; and (5) State plan requirements. (Sec. 156) Authorizes appropriations. Chapter 2: Law Enforcement Scholarship Program - Provides for scholarships for in-service law enforcement personnel who seek further education, allotting 80 percent of funds based on the relative number of law enforcement officers per State and 20 percent based on the relative shortage of officers. Provides grants for summer jobs or part-time jobs during the year for high school students interested in law enforcement careers. Authorizes appropriations. Chapter 3: Reports - Requires: (1) the Director to submit to the Attorney General, the President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President of the Senate annual reports concerning the Police Corps and Law Enforcement Scholarship Programs; and (2) the Attorney General to submit to the Congress a plan to expand assistance to Federal law enforcement officers. Title II: Crime Victims - Subtitle A: Crime Victims - Amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to: (1) specify funds and percentages of funds available for various purposes from the Crime Victims Fund; and (2) provide that if the compensation paid by an eligible crime victim compensation program would cover costs that a Federal program or a federally financed State or local program would otherwise pay, such victim compensation program shall not pay such compensation and the other program shall make its payments without regard to the existence of the crime victim compensation program. (Sec. 203) Amends Rule 32 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to give victims of violent crimes and sexual abuse the right to address the court concerning the sentence to be imposed on convicted offenders. Permits such right to be exercised by a parent or guardian if the victim is under 18 or by one or more family members if the victim is deceased or incapacitated. Subtitle B: Confidentiality for Abused Persons - Directs the Postmaster General to promulgate regulations to secure the confidentiality of abused persons' addresses. Subtitle C: Full Faith and Credit - Provides that any protection order issued by a State court consistent with specified requirements (with respect to jurisdiction, due process rights, and ex parte orders) shall be accorded full faith and credit by the court of another State and enforced as if it were the order of such other State. Makes an exception for an order issued by a State court against one who has petitioned, filed a complaint, or otherwise filed a written pleading for protection against abuse by a spouse or intimate partner if: (1) no cross or counter petition, complaint, or other written pleading was filed seeking such a protection order; or (2) a cross or counter petition has been filed and the court did not make specific findings that each party was entitled to such an order. Title III: Crime Prevention - Subtitle A: Safe Schools - Amends the Omnibus Act to: (1) authorize the Director of BJA to make grants to local educational agencies for the purpose of providing assistance to such agencies most directly affected by crime and violence; and (2) require the Director to develop a written safe schools model in English and in Spanish and make such model available to any local educational agency. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the use of funds to fund anticrime and safety measures and develop education and training programs for the prevention of crime, violence, illegal drugs, and alcohol, for counseling programs for victims of crime within schools, for crime prevention equipment, and for the prevention and reduction of youth participation in organized crime and drug- and gang-related activities in schools; (2) application requirements; (3) limitations on grants and grant renewal; (4) the selection of recipients; and (5) reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Midnight Sports - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to eligible entities to assist in carrying out midnight sports league programs and to advisory entities to provide technical assistance in establishing and operating such programs. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Rape Prevention - Authorizes the Director of BJA to make grants for specified purposes, including to: (1) provide educational seminars designed to change attitudes regarding rape and develop awareness of what acts may meet the legal definition of rape; (2) provide programs for elementary and secondary school age children that teach nonviolent conflict resolution, self defense, or other relevant skills; (3) develop treatment programs for convicted sex offenders and make such programs available in the local community and in Federal and State prisons; and (4) develop other projects to increase awareness of sexual assault prevention among racial, ethnic, cultural, and language minorities. (Sec. 322) Sets forth application and reporting requirements. (Sec. 324) Prohibits a State from receiving funds under this Act unless the State or other grantee incurs the full cost of forensic medical exams for victims of sexual assault. (Sec. 326) Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Strategies to Combat Recidivism - Subtitle A: Family Unity Demonstration Project - Chapter 1: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for family unity demonstration projects. Chapter 2: Grants to States - Authorizes the Director of the National Institute of Corrections to make grants to States to carry out family unity demonstration projects that enable eligible prisoners to live in community correctional facilities with their children. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) preferences for grants; (2) the number of grants; (3) eligibility to receive grants; and (4) reporting requirements. Chapter 3: Family Unity Demonstration Project for Federal Prisoners - Directs the Attorney General to carry out a family unity demonstration project that enables eligible prisoners to live in community correctional facilities with their children. Subtitle B: Drug Rehabilitation for Federal Prisoners - Drug Treatment in Federal Prisons Act of 1993 - Requires the Bureau of Prisons to provide residential substance abuse treatment (where possible, by community-based drug and alcohol treatment programs) for: (1) not less than 50 percent of eligible prisoners by the end of FY 1993; (2) not less than 75 percent of eligible prisoners by the end of FY 1994; and (3) all eligible prisoners by the end of FY 1995. Specifies that prisoners who successfully complete such treatment could be released up to a year early. Sets forth requirements regarding: (1) drug testing; (2) aftercare services; and (3) reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Drug Rehabilitation for State Prisoners - Substance Abuse Treatment in State Prisons Act of 1993 - Amends the Omnibus Act to authorize the Director of BJA to make grants to States for the purpose of developing and implementing residential substance abuse treatment programs within State correctional facilities. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) State application requirements (including drug testing, eligibility for preference for programs with an aftercare component, and designation of a State office to administer grant funds); (2) review of State applications; (3) allocation and distribution of funds; and (4) an evaluation requirement. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Alternatives to Incarceration - Chapter 1: Grants - Authorizes the Director of BJA to make grants to States, units of local government, court systems, district attorneys, and private nonprofit organizations to establish or expand sentencing options in addition to existing incarceration and probation programs for offenders who would otherwise be sentenced to incarceration. (Sec. 452) Permits the use of grant funds to develop sentencing option projects that include: (1) day fines; (2) house arrest; (3) electronic monitoring; (4) intensive probation supervision; (5) defense-based sentencing; (6) day reporting centers; (7) victim-offender reconciliation; (8) shock incarceration; and (9) substance abuse treatment in lieu of incarceration. (Sec. 453) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) grant applications; (2) grant renewal and the Federal share; and (3) priorities in awarding grants. Authorizes appropriations. Chapter 2: Substance Abuse Treatment Alternatives to Incarceration - Authorizes the Director of BJA to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities to provide substance abuse treatment to individuals who are not incarcerated but who are under criminal justice supervision because of their status as pretrial or post-trial releasees, probationers, parolees, supervised releasees, or releasees with a deferred prosecution. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) priorities in awarding grants; (2) required substance abuse treatment services (including addiction education, individual, group, and family counseling, HIV education, counseling, and testing (when requested), services that facilitate access to health and social services, and planning for and counseling to assist reentry into society); and (3) application requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E: Voting Rights for Former Offenders - Specifies that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for Federal office shall not be denied or abridged because he has committed a criminal offense unless such citizen is imprisoned in a correctional institution or facility at the time of such election. Sets fines for violators. Subtitle F: Sex Offender Treatment Programs - Requires the National Institute of Justice to establish criteria and develop training programs to assist: (1) prison, youth residential, and mental health institutional staff; and (2) probation and parole officers and other personnel who work with released sex offenders in the areas of relapse prevention, supervision, and case management. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 472) Directs the Attorney General to compile information regarding sex offender treatment programs and ensure that information regarding specialized community treatment programs in the community into which a convicted sex offender is released is made available to each person serving a sentence of imprisonment for sex offenses. Subtitle G: Education and Training for Judges and Court Personnel in State Courts - Authorizes the State Justice Institute to award grants for the purpose of developing, testing, presenting, and disseminating model programs to be used by States in training judges and court personnel in the laws of the States on rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes of violence motivated by the victim's gender. (Sec. 483) Directs the Institute to ensure that such model programs are developed with the participation of law enforcement officials, recognized experts on gender bias in the courts, and specified others. (Sec. 484) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle H: Education and Training for Judges and Court Personnel in Federal Courts - Directs the: (1) circuit judicial councils to conduct studies of the instances of gender bias in their respective circuits; (2) Judicial Conference of the United States to designate an entity within the judicial branch to act as a clearinghouse to disseminate reports and materials issued by the gender bias task forces and to respond to requests for such reports and materials (and requires such task forces to provide such entity with their reports and related materials); and (3) Federal Judicial Center to include in its educational programs information on issues related to gender bias in the courts. (Sec. 492) Authorizes appropriations for the: (1) salaries and expenses account of the courts of appeals, district courts, and other judicial services; (2) Federal Judicial Center; and (3) Administrative Office of the United States Courts. Requires the Judicial Conference to allocate funds to Federal circuit courts that undertake studies in their own circuits or implement reforms, including education and training, recommended as a result of such studies in their own or other circuits. Title V: Commission on Crime, Drugs, and Violence - Establishes a National Commission on Crime, Drugs, and Violence in America to examine the: (1) impact of criminal justice policy on the African-American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American communities and criticism that the criminal justice system functions in a racially disparate manner; and (2) root causes of violent crime (and make recommendation for the creation of a national public education strategy on violence) and of the demand for drugs in the United States (and undertake an evaluation of the efficacy of current Federal drug policy). Title VI: Confidence in Criminal Justice System - Subtitle A: Racial Justice Act - Racial Justice Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit: (1) the imposition or execution of sentences of death under color of State or Federal law in a racially discriminatory pattern; and (2) any person from being put to death in the execution of a sentence imposed pursuant to any law if that person's death sentence furthers a racially discriminatory pattern. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) establishment of such pattern (ordinary methods of statistical proof shall suffice and it shall not be necessary to show discriminatory motive, intent, or purpose by any individual or institution); and (2) establishing and rebutting a prima facie showing of such pattern. Requires any State or Federal entity that provides by law for death to be imposed as a punishment for any crime to designate a central agency to collect and maintain pertinent data on the charging, disposition, and sentencing patterns for all cases of death-eligible crimes. Provides for appointment of counsel and the furnishing of investigative, expert, or other services necessary for the adequate development of a discriminatory pattern claim to persons financially unable to retain counsel and obtain such services. Specifies that no determination of the merits of a factual issue made by a State court pertinent to any such claim shall be presumed to be correct unless specified conditions are met. Subtitle B: Racial Bias - Specifies that any existing race bias claim, whether or not previously raised or determined (unless determined on the merits in a Federal habeas corpus proceeding) may be raised in a Federal habeas corpus proceeding within one year after the enactment date of this Act and shall be determined on the merits (applying the law in effect at the time of the determination). Subtitle C: Minimum Sentencing - Amends the Federal criminal code to grant a court authority to impose a sentence below a statutory minimum. Subtitle D: Crack-Cocaine Equitable Sentencing - Crack-Cocaine Equitable Sentencing Act of 1993 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to eliminate specified mandatory minimum penalties relating to the trafficking in, and possession and importation of, crack cocaine. (Sec. 635) Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to promulgate such amendments to its sentencing guidelines as necessary to conform such guidelines to the amendments made by this subtitle. Subtitle E: Sentencing Uniformity - Sentencing Uniformity Act of 1993 - Revises the Federal criminal code, the CSA, and various other Federal laws to grant courts greater flexibility in sentencing. Subtitle F: Coerced Confessions and Harmless Error - Specifies that: (1) if, on direct or collateral review of a Federal or State criminal judgment, including in a Federal habeas corpus proceeding, any U.S. court determines that a Federal or State criminal conviction or sentence was obtained in violation of the Constitution, the court shall award relief unless, in the case of a violation that can be harmless, the Federal Government or the State concerned proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the error did not contribute to the conviction or sentence; and (2) the admission into evidence of a coerced confession shall not be considered harmless error. Title VII: Fiscal Impact of Criminal Justice Sentencing - Directs the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to prepare a criminal justice impact assessment for any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report (bill) that could increase or decrease the number of persons incarcerated in State or Federal penal institutions. (Sec. 702) Specifies that it shall not be in order in either the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any bill that would increase or decrease the number of persons incarcerated in State or Federal penal institutions unless such bill is accompanied by a criminal justice impact statement prepared by CBO. (Sec. 703) Directs CBO to prepare and transmit to the Congress an annual summary report reflecting the cumulative fiscal effect of all relevant changes in the law that will increase or decrease the number of persons incarcerated in State or Federal penal institutions taking effect during the preceding calendar year. Title VIII: Habeas Corpus Reform - Habeas Corpus Reform Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal judicial code to revise provisions governing habeas corpus procedures, particularly in capital cases. (Sec. 802) Establishes a statute of limitations of one year for the filing of an application for habeas corpus relief from a sentence of death. Prescribes periods during which such time requirement shall be tolled, including any period during which the applicant is not represented by counsel. Provides for dismissal of an application for failure to comply with such time requirement, except where the waiver of such requirement is warranted by exceptional circumstances. (Sec. 803) Specifies requirements for stays of execution in capital cases. (Sec. 804) Prohibits the court from applying a new rule representing a clear break from precedent announced by the U.S. Supreme Court that could not have reasonably been anticipated at the time the claimant's sentence became final in State court, unless such rule: (1) places the claimant's conduct beyond the power of the criminal law-making authority to proscribe or punish with the sanction imposed; or (2) requires the observance of procedures without which the likelihood of an accurate conviction or valid capital sentence is seriously diminished. (Sec. 805) Bars the court from presuming a finding of fact made in certain State court proceedings to be correct or from declining to consider a claim on the ground that it was not raised in such a proceeding at the time or in the manner prescribed by State law, unless: (1) the relevant State maintains a mechanism for providing legal services to indigents in capital cases which meets specified requirements; (2) the State actually appointed an attorney to represent an applicant who was eligible for and did not waive such appointment in the State proceeding in which the finding of fact was made or the default occurred; and (3) any attorney so appointed substantially met specified qualification standards and the performance standards established by the appointing authority. Specifies that such mechanism shall include requirements that: (1) the State provide legal services to indigents charged with offenses for which capital punishment is sought, who have been sentenced to death and who seek appellate, collateral, or unitary review in State court, and who have been sentenced to death and seek certiorari review of State court judgments in the U.S. Supreme Court; (2) the State establish a counsel authority, which shall be a statewide defender organization, a resource center, or a counsel authority appointed by the highest State court having jurisdiction over criminal matters; and (3) such authority publish a roster of attorneys qualified to be appointed in capital cases, monitor attorney performance, and appoint a defense team to represent a client at the relevant stage of proceedings within 30 days after receiving notice of the need for the appointment from the relevant State court. (Sec. 806) Requires that, in the case of an applicant for Federal habeas corpus relief under sentence of death, a claim presented in a second or successive application be dismissed unless the applicant shows that: (1) the basis of the claim could not have been discovered by the exercise of reasonable diligence before the applicant filed the prior application, or the failure to raise the claim in the prior application was due to action by State officials in violation of the U.S. Constitution; and (2) the facts underlying the claim would be sufficient, if proven, to undermine the court's confidence in the applicant's guilt of the offense for which the capital sentence was imposed, or in the validity of that sentence under Federal law. (Sec. 807) Grants an applicant under sentence of death the right to appeal without a certification of probable cause, except after denial of a second or successive application. (Sec. 808) Requires the district court, in adjudicating habeas corpus cases, to: (1) exercise independent judgment in ascertaining the pertinent Federal legal standards and in applying those standards to the facts when adjudicating the merits of a particular ground (rather than deferring to a previous State court judgment regarding a Federal legal standard or its application); (2) issue habeas corpus relief at any time on behalf of an applicant under sentence of death imposed either in Federal or State court who offers newly discovered evidence which, had it been presented to the trier of fact or sentencing authority at trial, would probably have resulted in an acquittal of the offense for which the death sentence was imposed or a sentence other than death; and (3) decline to consider a habeas corpus claim under specified circumstances. Title IX: Gun Control - Subtitle A: Firearms - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide for a seven (business) day waiting period for the purchase of a handgun. Sets forth: (1) interim procedures (pending the establishment of a national instant criminal background check system) for checking with the chief law enforcement officer of the place of residence of the purchaser as to whether the purchaser has a criminal record or whether there is any other legal impediment to such individual's receiving a handgun; and (2) permanent procedures for conducting criminal background checks. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 902) Directs the Attorney General to establish a national instant criminal background check system that any licensee may contact for information on whether receipt of a firearm by a prospective purchaser would violate specified legal provisions. Provides for the correction of erroneous information in the system. (Sec. 903) Permits the use of formula grants under the Omnibus Act for improvements in State criminal records. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth provisions with respect to the withholding of State and DOJ funds for failure to meet set deadlines. Subtitle B: Semiautomatic Assault Weapons - Semiautomatic Assault Weapon Violence Prevention Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) list weapons classified as semiautomatic assault weapons; and (2) make it unlawful to transfer or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon. Makes this Act inapplicable to the transfer or possession of a weapon: (1) by a Federal or State agency; (2) that was lawfully possessed before this Act's enactment or, in the case of a semiautomatic firearm designated as a semiautomatic assault weapon under this Act, before the designation is made; or (3) by a licensed manufacturer or importer for purposes of authorized testing or experimentation. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to designate a rifle, pistol, or shotgun that is a semiautomatic firearm and meets specified criteria as a semiautomatic assault weapon. Requires the serial numbers of such weapons to clearly show if they were manufactured or imported after this Act's effective date. (Sec. 913) Prohibits the transfer or possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device (i.e., a magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or similar device that has a capacity of, or that can be readily restored or converted to accept, more than ten rounds of ammunition and any combination of parts from which such a device can be assembled, but not an attached tubular device designed to accept and capable of operating only with .22 caliber rimfire ammunition). Sets penalties for violators. Requires such devices to be identified by a serial number. Subtitle C: Gun Violence Liability - Gun Violence Economic Equity Act of 1993 - Authorizes any person suffering bodily injury or death as a result of the discharge of a handgun or an assault weapon to bring an action in U.S. district court against any manufacturer, importer, or dealer of a handgun or assault weapon. Makes such defendants strictly liable for all direct and consequential damages that arise from such bodily injury or death, except where the injury is: (1) suffered while committing a felony; (2) self-inflicted; or (3) a result of a discharge by a law enforcement officer or a member of the armed forces in the line of duty. Subtitle D: Ammunition - Requires each licensed importer and manufacturer of ammunition to: (1) maintain such records of importation, production, shipment, sale, or other disposition of ammunition at his place of business for such period and in such form as the Secretary may prescribe, including the amount, caliber, and type of ammunition; and (2) annually prepare a summary report of such dispositions during the preceding year. Directs the Secretary to request the National Academy of Sciences to: (1) prepare a study of the criminal use and regulation of ammunition; and (2) report to the Congress recommendations on the potential for preventing crime by regulating or restricting the availability of ammunition. (Sec. 932) Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to: (1) increase the tax on nine millimeter, .25 caliber, and .32 caliber ammunition, except with respect to sales to or for the use of the United States or any State or political subdivision thereof; and (2) establish in the Treasury a Trauma Center Trust Fund, for purposes of making grants for the operating expenses of trauma centers that have incurred substantial uncompensated costs in providing trauma care in geographic areas with significant incidences of violence due to crime. Subtitle E: Multiple Handgun Transfers - Multiple Handgun Transfer Prohibition Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit: (1) a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from transferring two or more handguns to an individual not so licensed during any 30-day period or from transferring a handgun to any such individual who received a handgun during the previous 30-day period; and (2) any individual who is not so licensed from receiving two or more handguns during any 30-day period. Makes such prohibitions inapplicable with respect to any individual who has presented to the transferor a written statement, issued by the chief law enforcement officer of the individual's place of residence during the ten days preceding, that the individual requires access to a handgun because of a threat to his or her life or household. Sets forth: (1) reporting and recordkeeping requirements; and (2) penalties for knowing violations of this Act. Subtitle F: Licensing - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit: (1) a common or contract carrier knowingly to deliver in interstate or foreign commerce a firearm to a licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector without identifying the person to whom the firearm is delivered and making and maintaining a record of the identity of the person; and (2) the sale or other disposition of a firearm or ammunition to another person having reasonable cause to believe that the person is acquiring such firearm or ammunition with the intent that it will be used by any person to commit a crime of violence. (Sec. 953) Increases application fees for dealers in firearms. (Sec. 954) Repeals a provision requiring the Secretary to approve or deny an application for a license as a firearms or ammunition importer, manufacturer, or dealer (dealer) within 45 days and authorizing the applicant to file an action to compel the Secretary to act. (Sec. 955) Makes compliance with State and local law a condition for licensure as a dealer. (Sec. 956) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) inspections of firearms licensees; (2) reports of theft or loss of firearms; and (3) responses to requests for information concerning disposition of firearms. (Sec. 959) Amends the IRC to require individuals required to register as dealers of firearms to include their photograph and fingerprints with the initial application. Subtitle G: Saturday Night Specials - Prohibits the possession or transfer of a non-sporting handgun (i.e., a firearm which is designed to be fired by the use of a single hand, is not a sporting handgun, and any combination of parts from which such a firearm can be assembled). Sets penalties for violators. Title X: Asset Forfeiture - Asset Forfeiture Reform Act of 1993 - Amends: (1) the Tariff Act of 1930 to require that proceedings for the forfeiture of property, other than of merchandise upon which the duties have not been paid or which has been otherwise brought into the United States unlawfully, be conducted only upon conviction of the owner of such property for the crime upon which the forfeiture is based; and (2) the Federal criminal code to require a conviction before a gambling ship may be forfeited to the United States. (Sec. 1003) Amends the Tariff Act to: (1) require that notice be sent within 60 days after a seizure to any possessor, owner, or other interested party, including any lienholder; (2) shift the burden of proof in forfeiture proceedings from the defendant to the Government and to require a showing of clear and convincing evidence that the property was subject to forfeiture for the Government to prevail; (3) repeal the requirement that persons making claims regarding seized property give a bond to the United States; and (4) afford a right to trial by jury in forfeiture cases. (Sec. 1005) Amends the CSA and the Federal criminal code to: (1) require a preliminary hearing prior to a seizure of property subject to civil forfeiture, with exceptions; and (2) prohibit the civil or criminal forfeiture of property which has been paid or pledged as bona fide attorney's fees. (Sec. 1014) Amends: (1) the Tariff Act, the Federal criminal code, and the CSA with respect to the retention of forfeiture proceeds by State and local law enforcement agencies, for disposition according to State law; and (2) the Federal judicial code to make forfeiture proceeds available to the Attorney General for community-based crime control programs for drug education, prevention, and treatment, with amounts for such programs to be distributed (in accordance with criteria determined by the State) with priority given to the communities in which the assets involved are seized. (Sec. 1016) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the payment of informants; (2) changes in adoptive seizure regulations; (3) reporting requirements; (4) maintenance of seized property; (5) limits on administrative and contracting expenses; (6) nominal consideration sales of low value real property to certain tax-exempt organizations; and (7) limits on the customs and tax exemption under tort claim procedures. Title XI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Subtitle A: Amendments to Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act - Increases the discretionary grant authorization under the drug control and system improvement grant program under the Omnibus Act. Subtitle B: Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention - Increases the authorization of appropriations under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) evaluate the effectiveness and improve the coordination of the operation of all Federal programs relating to juvenile justice and juvenile delinquency prevention in order to maximize the effectiveness of such programs, reduce duplication of effort, and develop a unified strategy for addressing juvenile delinquency; and (2) submit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate an annual report describing the results and containing a five-year plan for the continued operation of such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1993
Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to indigenous peoples in the United States and throughout the world and the International Year of the World's Indigenous Peoples.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1993
Veterans Adjudication Procedures Act of 1993 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide that, under the work rate standards that apply to Department of Veterans Affairs employees who adjudicate claims for benefits that have been submitted to the Secretary, such employees shall not receive credit for work on a claim until the claim decision becomes final. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress the status of claims for benefits before the Department during the preceding fiscal year, including the average length of time required for such adjudications. Requires a rating official to make the initial determination of the Secretary on all original and reopened claims filed with the Secretary. Allows a single member (currently three) of the Board of Veterans' Appeals to be assigned to and make a determination on a proceeding before such Board. Makes such decision final unless the Chairman of such Board orders reconsideration, in which case three other Board members must hear the proceeding. Subjects decisions made by the Secretary or the Board to revision or reversal on the grounds of clear and unmistakable error.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1993
Minority Health Opportunity Enhancement Act of 1993 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Office of Minority Health to establish a center to carry out programs to improve access to health care services for individuals lacking proficiency in speaking English. Establishes an Office of Minority Health in specified agencies of the Public Health Service. Provides for equitable allocation of appropriations for certain health programs. Revises the factors to be considered in designating medically underserved populations and health professional shortage areas to include the percentage of members of racial or ethnic minority groups and the extent of cultural and language barriers. Authorizes appropriations for grants to migrant health centers and community health centers for programs to reduce the extent to which a lack of proficiency in English or other cultural factors constitutes a significant barrier to obtaining health services. Provides funding for the Centers of Excellence, activities of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, and certain activities of the National Center for Health Statistics. Requires such entities to spend a portion of such funding on ethnic and racial minorities. Authorizes appropriations for a demonstration project relating to Hispanics, African Americans, and other populations that are at significant risk of contracting diabetes mellitus.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1993
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Education Improvement Title II: Additional Education Amendments Title III: Bilingual Education Title I: Education Improvement - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to make limited-English-proficient (LEP) children eligible under the ESEA title I program for disadvantaged children. Provides for assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of such programs. Title II: Additional Educational Amendments - Revises payments for State administration to include funds for coordinating inclusion of LEP students and for developing linguistically accessible assessment instruments. Provides for supplemental capacity building grants for improving schools capacity to meet standards for economically deprived and LEP students, as well as research-based approaches for educating such students, and innovative school-wide projects for schools in which half or more of the students are economically deprived. Requires that review of State regulations include teachers who are familiar with effective instructional approaches for economically deprived and LEP children. Title III: Bilingual Education - Revises ESEA title VII, which is the Bilingual Education Act, and extends the authorization of appropriations. Provides for revised programs to develop exemplary bilingual education and educational programs for language-minority and LEP students through: (1) bilingual education capacity and demonstration grants, including grants for program and development and implementation, program enhancement projects, whole-school programs, system-wide improvement, Puerto Rico programs, and Bureau of Indian Affairs schools programs; (2) research, development, and dissemination, including a national bilingual education network, education statistics coordination, grants for State programs, evaluation and assessment centers, multifunctional resource centers, national clearinghouse on bilingual education, and Blue Ribbon Bilingual Education Schools; and (3) bilingual education teacher training, including programs for training for all teachers, bilingual education teachers and personnel grants, bilingual education career ladder, and graduate fellowships in bilingual education. Provides that the Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Affairs shall be headed by an Assistant Secretary (currently a Director). Directs the Secretary of Education to identify effective policies to strengthen the quality of education for all students, including language-minority and LEP students residing near the U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico, as well as Hawaii, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories and freely associated nations. Requires readers and scorers of applications for grants involving conservation of Indian languages and other indigenous languages subject to losses to include individuals with expertise in such programs. Allows Bilingual Education Act funds to be used to: (1) acquire or develop educational technology or instructional materials; and (2) conduct language and cultural institutes, with priority to applications that include secondary school personnel. Requires allocation of bilingual education funds in proportion to the geographical distribution of LEP children throughout the Nation.
![Official portrait of Del. Underwood, Robert A. [D-GU-At Large]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/u000014_200.jpg)