United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1977
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to prohibit the sale, offering for sale, or distribution of certain detergents containing excessive amounts of phosphorus for use within the Great Lakes Region. Defines the Great Lakes Region to include the States of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Stipulates that the maximum allowable amounts of phosphorus in such detergents shall not exceed (1) 0.5 percent in the case of machine laundry detergents and household cleaning agents; (2) 11 percent in the case of machine dishwashing detergents; and (3) 20 percent in the case of chemical water conditioners for machine laundry use. Authorizes the Administrator to exempt certain cleaning or water conditioning agents where compliance is deemed unreasonable, impractical, or not feasible. Imposes civil penalties of up to $10,000 for each violation of the prohibitions contained in this Act. Stipulates that illegal agents or conditioners shall be liable to be proceeded against and condemned in United States district courts. Establishes procedures for condemnation and disposal of such illegal products. Authorizes the Administrator to make inspections within reasonable limits in order to enforce the provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator to study the feasibility of applying such regulations on a nationwide basis.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1977
Asbestos Health Hazards Compensation Act - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth the findings and declares the purpose of this Act. States that there is a significant number of persons who suffer disability or death from employment-related diseases caused by the inhalation or ingestion of asbestos and/or the inhalation of asbestos coupled with the inhalation of cigarette tobacco smoke. States that it is the purpose of this Act through the exercise of the power of Congress to regulate commerce among the several States and with foreign nations to provide a schedule of equitable, comprehensive, and exclusive benefits to affected persons who become disabled as a result of an asbestos-related disease and to the dependents of affected persons who die from such diseases. Title II: Claims for Benefits Accruing on or before December 31, 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make payments of benefits in respect of disability of any affected person due to asbestos-related disease and in respect of the death of any affected person whose death was due to asbestos-related disease. Requires the Secretary by regulation to prescribe standards for determining whether an affected person is disabled due to asbestos-related disease; or whether the death of an affected person was due to such disease. Sets forth the manner in which benefits are to be paid pursuant to the provisions of this Act. Title III: Claims for Benefits Accruing after December 31, 1979 - States that the responsibility for funding the payment of benefits for all claims accruing or arising on or after January 1, 1980, shall be borne equally by the "responsible parties," as such term is defined in this Act, and the United States. Establishes within the Department of Labor the Asbestos Health Hazards Compensation Fund. States that all valid claims for benefits under this Title shall be satisfied from such Fund. Establishes a Board of Directors for the Fund and sets forth the duties of such Board. Provides for the development and maintenance of the Fund by means of equal contributions from the responsible parties and the United States. Vests in the Secretary the responsibility, with the advice and concurrence of the Director of the Internal Revenue Services, of assuring that such contributions are collected from the responsible parties. Prohibits an employer from discharging or discriminating against any asbestos-afflicted employee because such person has filed a claim for benefits under this Act. Establishes procedures for the relief of persons discharged or discriminated against because of a claim for benefits pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1977
Solar Energy Bank Act - Creates a Government corporation to be known as the Solar Energy Development Bank to make long-term, low-interest loans to encourage the use of solar energy in commercial and residential dwellings. Establishes procedures governing the processing and approval of loan applications by the Bank. Prohibits conflicts of interest, on the part of officers or employees of the Bank. Prohibits the Bank or its employees from utilizing the Solar Bank to finance political activities. Imposes criminal penalties for the furnishing of false or misleading information by applicants for loans under this Act. Declares that the Solar Bank and its assets shall be exempt by Federal, State, and local taxation. Establishes a Solar Energy Fund in the Treasury of the United States to pay the expenses of the Bank. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000,000 to the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1977
Title I: Amends the Act entitled "An Act to establish a Redwood National Park in the state of California" by increasing the acreage limitation of the park and revising the maps to reflect such changes. Permits the acceptance by donation of any State-owned lands, subject to certain conditions or reverters. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to expend appropriated funds for the management of these lands as well as for construction, design, and maintenance of facilities on them, notwithstanding any other provision of law. Vests title in the United States to all real property within the area indicated as "Proposed Additions" on the map entitled "Additional Lands, Redwood National Park, California," amended 167-80005A, as well as the down tree personal property within such area. Provides that actions taken against the United States for the recovery of just compensation for lands taken by the expansion shall be brought in the United States district court for the district in which the land is located without regard to the amount claimed. Permits the United States to initiate proceedings before the court to determine just compensation, and to deposit payments for the property acquired with the court in advance, which will stop interest running on the deposited amounts. Permits the Secretary to revest title to any real or personal property which he determines not to be necessary for the purposes of such Act, except that for which just compensation has already been paid. Permits the Secretary to sell any down timber which may be removed without damaging the park without regard to the usual procedures for the disposal of Federal excess property, and credit the proceeds of such sales to the Treasury of the United States. Directs the Secretary to convey a right-of-way to the State of California for a bypass highway around the eastern perimeter of Prairie Creek State Park. Requires that the Secretary convey the right-of-way, subject to any protective conditions he may deem necessary, within one year of enactment of this Act. Provides that such route shall be considered a publicly-owned highway, for purposes of such Act. Repeals the 60 day waiting period on the execution of any contracts or cooperative agreements, or on any acquisition of interests in lands on the periphery of the park and on watersheds tributary to streams within the park. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the implementation of such contracts and cooperative agreements. Declares the intent of Congress that any such contracts or agreements will provide for the maximum retention of senior employees by any owners of peripheral property, and the use of such employees in rehabilitation and related management programs. Authorizes the Secretary, through contracts or cooperative agreements with certain public or private entities, to implement a rehabilitation program for areas both within and upstream from the park which are contributing sedimentation due to past road and logging activity. Stipulates that authority to make such payments is limited to those amounts provided for by appropriations. Provides that such contracts and agreements will be subject to other conditions which the Secretary may determine to be necessary to protect the park, provide employment opportunities for those affected by the expansion, and benefit the economies of the local counties. Authorizes the Secretary to identify and establish zones where rules and regulations will be needed to protect the park resources from detrimental upstream activities. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate and enforce reasonable regulations and restrictions on timber harvesting and land rehabilitation and management practices within the defined zones. Requires that such regulations and restrictions may be promulgated only after the Secretary has consulted with the State of California, and has found that existing State regulations are not sufficient to achieve this required protection. Provides that this regulatory ability is not to be considered as authority to acquire lands or interests therein by the adoption of regulations, and any regulation deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction to be a compensable taking under Amendment V of the Constitution shall be of no further effect. Directs the Secretary to request the Attorney General to seek injunctive relief where necessary to prevent violations of regulations, or to require land rehabilitation or other required land practices. Requires that any such action will be based upon a showing of present or likely damage to park resources. Directs the Secretary to study erosion and sedimentation within the Redwood Creek basin, with particular effort to identify both man-caused and natural sources and causes of erosion, and adapt his management plan for the area to benefit from the studies. Requires the Secretary, or the Secretary of Agriculture where appropriate, to manage any additional lands within the Rock Creek drainage which are under his control, so as to minimize sedimentation, and in coordination with plans for sediment management in the basin. Permits the Secretary to authorize access to such areas by designated persons as needed to carry out such duties and to develop further scientific and professional information on the redwood forest ecosystem. Declares the intent of the Congress that the promotion and regulation of the National Park System is to be carried out in accordance with the maintenance of the integrity of this system, and management of these areas shall not compromise these resource values except as Congress may have specifically provided. Provides that provisions for the taking of lands under such Act will vest on the date of enactment. Provides that up to $359,000,000 may be expended from the amounts converted into the Land and Water Conservation Fund for fiscal years 1978 and following, to pay for land acquisition and down tree personal property. Provides that up to $5,000,000 of such funds may be used, in consultation with the Attorney General, to assist in settling the amounts to be paid for the expanded area. Directs the appropriate cabinet officers to analyze the federal actions which can be taken to assist the economies of the area, and to submit a report of the analysis, as well as recommendations for action, to the Congress. Directs the appropriate Departments to take actions within the framework of existing programs to assist the area economy. Provides for the establishment of employment programs to provide jobs to persons affected by the park expansion, and to contribute to the economic revival of the Del Norte and Humboldt counties, in Northern California. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out such provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to appoint specific numbers of additional employees for the park, and to transfer affected State Park employees to the National Park Service. Provides that the Secretary shall give full consideration to individuals affected by the expansion area. Details the manner in which employment opportunities will be provided both in Federal jobs and in the private sector. Directs the Secretary of Labor to carry out this program, to provide appropriate job training and related benefits, as well as to seek the cooperation of all levels of government in this program. Requires the Secretary to submit annual written reports to the Congress for ten years. States that such reports will be concerned with the various programs authorized by such Act, as well as the submission of a general management plan for the expanded park, and specified information regarding visitor use provisions in the park. Authorizes to be appropriated $12,000,000 to carry out the rehabilitations programs, effective October 1, 1978. Provides for the continued application of the Payments in Lieu of Taxes Act to the expanded national park. Defines the Redwoods Community College District as an affected school district for such purposes. Directs that it shall be a purpose of this Act to maintain the employment levels of the Redwoods United, Incorporated. Pledges the full faith and credit of the United States to promptly pay just compensation for the lands and properties taken by this Act, using funds from the Land and Water Conservation fund account. Provides for public participation in such park protection and regulatory provisions, as well as a continuing review process to periodically examine the State regulations in effect and a provision for immediate implementation of the Federal regulatory system, if necessary. Provides for judicial review for various interested parties, in the United States district court for the district in which the park is located, without regard to the amount in controversy or the citizenship of the parties, in connection with any alleged failure of the Secretary to perform any non-discretionary act or duty under this Act. Provides for discretionary compensation by the courts to prevailing parties. Title II: Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to develop the necessary procedures to implement this title. Defines those employees considered to be affected by the expansion of Redwood National Park. Limits the number of employees to be so defined in certain portions of the local forest products industry. Provides for the protection and accrual of various rights and benefits of affected employees, to the maximum extent feasible. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to enter into agreements to accomplish such protections, including making payments on behalf of employees. Establishes the manner in which employee eligibility for the program will be determined. Defines the manner in which an individual employee's period of protection will be calculated. Sets the amount of layoff and vacation benefits which may be paid to an employee, including various deductions. Provides for the extension of benefits for certain older employees who would otherwise lose benefits before age 65. Permits an employee who would otherwise qualify for income maintenance benefits to elect to receive severance pay instead. Limits the eligibility for benefits of certain employees who have fewer than five years credit in pension plans which are contributed to by affected employers. Provides that such employees are eligible for a severance payment. Empowers the Secretary of Labor to authorize the funding of retraining of affected employees when found necessary. Provides for the payment of a job search allowances to affected employees. Sets forth the duties of the Secretary of Labor concerning such Act. Authorizes the annual appropriation of such sums as may be required to meet the obligations of this Title, effective October 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1977
Abolishes the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy. Directs the transfer of all records of the Joint Committee to the committees of the Senate and House which have jurisdiction over the subject matters of such records. Requires the Energy Research and Development Administration and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to keep such committees informed of their respective activities. Requires the Department of Defense and Department of State to inform such committees of matters concerning national security considerations of nuclear technology.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the National Housing Act, and the Federal Credit Union Act to increase deposit insurance from $40,000 to $100,000 for accounts which qualify as individual retirement accounts and accounts established under qualified plans for the self- employed.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1977
Amends the Local Public Works and Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make grants for local public works projects to any city or township with a population of 50,000 or less which is located in a county or labor market area which contains a city of more than 50,000 people. Provides for the allocation of grants to qualifying cities and townships.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1977
Urges the International Whaling Commission to adopt a ten-year moratorium on the commercial killing of whales, and to undertake the management of unprotected, small cetacean. Encourages specified nations to comply voluntarily with a ten-year moratorium on such killing, as endorsed by the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1977
Unemployment Compensation Reform Act - Title I: Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Program - Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Act - Entitles, under the Social Security Act, States whose rates of insured unemployment is at least six percent to partial reimbursement on an ascending sliding scale of unemployment compensation costs incurred above a certain amount. Title II: Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act - Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act - Replaces the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 with an extended unemployment benefit program which includes both regular extended benefits of up to 13 weeks and supplemental extended benefits of up to 13 additional weeks. Directs that benefits be made available when unemployment exceeds specified trigger levels which are similar to those used under present law. Revises the method for determining unemployment rates for the purpose of such triggers. Provides for 50 percent Federal funding of regular extended benefits and for full Federal funding of supplemental benefits. Title III: Financing Amendments for Unemployment Compensation Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to extend the payback period of a State having an outstanding balance of loans and to permit a State to pay as little as 20 percent of the outstanding balance in a year upon determining that the State is taking sufficient steps to restore the fiscal soundness of its trust fund. Waives any repayment requirement for States in which the insured unemployment rate exceeds a specified level. Restricts the penalty tax in a State which defaults to only insured employers and provides that the rate of such tax shall remain constant even if the outstanding balance owed is not entirely repaid.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1977
Defense Economic Adjustment and Recovery Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a program to make grants to units of local government whose economy is adversely affected by the closure or major realignment of a military base. Stipulates that such program shall be made through existing Federal programs. Requires that applications for such a grant shall include a comprehensive local economic recovery plan describing the plans of the local community to recover from the economic impact of such closure or realignment. Stipulates that the amount of funds available under this Act shall be equal to ten percent of the total projected savings to be realized by the Department of Defense in the first ten years following the closure or realignment of such a military base. Requires units of local government receiving financial assistance under this Act to submit a report to the Secretary concerning the local community's progress toward economic recovery. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1977
Establishes the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area composed of a 48-mile segment of the Chattahoochee River and adjoining lands in the State of Georgia from Buford Dam downstream to Peachtree Creek. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire lands, waters, and interests therein by donation, purchase or exchange. Reserves a right to retain use and occupancy of noncommercial residential property for specified owners. Authorizes the Secretary to administer, protect, and develop the recreation area in cooperation with the State or its political subdivisions. Prevents the Federal Power Commission from licensing the construction of any dam, water conduit, reservoir, or other project works on or directly affecting the recreation area. Prohibits any department or agency of the United States from recommending authorization of any water resources project that would have a direct and adverse effect on the values for which such area is established. Authorizes such funds as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires that within three years of the effective date of this Act the Secretary shall, after consulting with the Governor of the State of Georgia, develop a general management plan for the use and development of the recreation area.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1977
Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Act - Entitles, under the Social Security Act, states whose rates of insured unemployment is at least six percent to partial reimbursement on an ascending sliding scale of unemployment compensation costs incurred above a certain amount.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1977
Indian and Alaska Native Housing and Community Development Act - Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to create, in the Department of Housing and Urban Development, an Office of Indian and Alaska Native Programs, through which the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall administer all departmental programs relating to Indian and Alaska Native housing and community affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1977
Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a specified segment of the Delaware River as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1977
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the United States Postal Services should not reduce the frequency of mail delivery service for any user of the mails below the frequency of such service which was in effect for such user of June 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
National Community-Based Organizations Youth Job Creation and Training Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into contracts with national community-based organizations for the provision of: (1) comprehensive employment services and jobs for unemployed persons, particularly youths; (2) career education and counseling services for secondary school students; (3) career education for unemployed persons; or (4) work-study projects in community improvement for unemployed youths. Directs the head of each agency exercising authority under specified programs to assure that special consideration will be given to national community-based organizations in providing employment services and job opportunities pursuant to such programs. Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 to direct the Secretary to provide work experience during all months of the year to youth in urban and rural areas. Amends the work incentive program provisions of the Internal Revenue Code to permit a tax credit with respect to wages paid certain previously unemployed employees during the first 12 months of employment.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Administrative Rule Making Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rule making session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rule making. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rule making include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rule making, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rule making proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rule making sessions except (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment of all rule making proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rule making. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Sets forth procedures for adoption of resolutions to approve or disapprove any such rule for both Houses. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study Congressional review of agency rule making under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rule making before July 1, 1982. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective on the first day of the first session of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Terminates the Congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the Ninety-seventh Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Administrative Rule Making Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rule making session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rule making. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rule making include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rule making, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rule making proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rule making sessions except (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment of all rule making proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rule making. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Provides that either House of Congress may, by resolution, require any agency to reconsider and resubmit any rule to which this Act applies. Requires that such proposed rule be repromulgated anew in accordance with all the provisions of this Act unless it is reconsidered and resubmitted to Congress within 180 days after the adoption of the resolution requiring such reconsideration. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study Congressional review of agency rule making under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rule making before July 1, 1982. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective on the first day of the first session of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Terminates the Congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the Ninety-seventh Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Administrative Rule Making Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rule making session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rule making. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rule making include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rule making, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rule making proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rule making sessions except (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, (2) those relating to agency management, and (3) those promulgating rules which are not enforceable by imprisonment, fine, civil penalty, or denial of future Federal benefits. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment of all rule making proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rule making. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Provides that either House of Congress may, by resolution, require any agency to reconsider and resubmit any rule to which this Act applies. Requires that such proposed rule be repromulgated anew in accordance with all the provisions of this Act unless it is reconsidered and resubmitted to Congress within 180 days after the adoption of the resolution requiring such reconsideration. Sets forth procedures for adoption of resolutions to approve, disapprove, or compel reconsideration for both Houses. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study congressional review of agency rule making under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rule making before July 1, 1982. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective on the first day of the first session of the 95th Congress. Terminates the congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the 97th Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1977
Amends the charter of the Big Brothers of America to include within such organization the Big Sisters International, Incorporated. Renames such organization as the Big Brothers-Big Sisters of America. Restricts the activities of such organization to the United States (previously Canada and the United States).
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1977
Entitles members of the armed forces and their dependents to legal assistance in connection with their personal affairs under such regulations as the appropriate Secretary may prescribe. Places responsibility for the establishment and supervision of legal assistance programs with the judge advocate generals.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1977
Chemical Emergency Response Team Act - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish and maintain a Chemical Emergency Response Team within the Agency. Requires that the team be able to respond rapidly to situations where significant threats to health as the environment are posed by chemical substances. Directs the Administrator to develop a contingency plan detailing procedures to be utilized in prevention or mitigation of unreasonable risks posed by chemical substances. Establishes additional procedures governing the operation of the response team. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States for the development of State contingency plans to prevent or reduce risks posed by chemical substance emergency situations. Details information to be included in State contingency plans.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1977
Foster Care and Adoption Reform Act - Amends the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program of Title IV of the Social Security Act to repeal the eligibility of children in foster homes for aid under such program. Establishes a separate program under Title IV of Federal assistance for foster care services. Requires each State, in order to receive assistance under such program, to develop a State plan for foster care and adoption services. Requires such State plans to assure that no child shall be placed in foster care unless the child and his family have been provided adequate preventive services designed to avoid unnecessary out-of-home placements or have refused such services. Requires State plans to prohibit the involuntary removal of a child from a home shared with a parent unless there has been a judicial determination that the home situation is dangerous to the child, or the child is in need of supervision or has committed a delinquent offense. Sets forth standards of care which must be established under State plans for foster children. Sets forth the duties of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in connection with the implementation and administration of the provisions of this Act. Establishes a program of "foster care support payments" as a form of aid to families with dependent children. Specifies the requirements for eligibility for such payments. Directs the Secretary to appoint a Committee on Uniform Adoption Regulations to propose to the Secretary, the President, and Congress a set of uniform adoption regulations which would facilitate adoption. Directs the Secretary, after appropriate hearings, to promulgate final uniform adoption regulations. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress annually on the adoption and foster care programs conducted pursuant to this Act. Requires each State having a plan approved under this Act to make payments to parents who adopt a child after the date of enactment of this Act. Provides for payments on behalf of foster children under circumstances specified in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Mobile Teachers' Retirement Assistance Act - Establishes a Federal-State program to permit teachers to perform out-of- State educational service without loss of retirement benefits for such service. Entitles a qualified State retirement system, which credits a teacher for out-of-State service to Federal aid of 50 percent of the total cost to the system of such out-of-State credit. Specifies the requirements which a State retirement system must meet in order to qualify for Federal aid under this program. Limits the amount of the Federal aid to a State retirement system to an amount providing not more than ten years of out-of-State service credit. Directs the Commissioner of Education to make a grant to each qualified State retirement system of an amount equal to two percent of such system's Federal aid received under this Act for the costs of administration.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1977
Plutonium Licensing Control Act - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to prohibit the issuance of commercial licenses for (1) operation of nuclear power reactors utilizing recovered plutonium as a fuel source or (2) nuclear reactor fuel processing designed to recover plutonium. Stipulates that such prohibition shall not apply to activities necessary for United States military defense.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits. Applies these amendments to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 415(g), adds 38 U.S.C. 503(d))
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to extend the coverage of such Act to individuals 65 or over, and to make unlawful seniority systems and employee benefit plans which require the retirement of individuals 40 or over.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1977
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to condition certain assistance to States, local governments, and agencies thereunder on the adoption of a law enforcement officers' bill of rights to include as a minimum the following: (1) allowing off-duty officers' to engage in political activities; (2) granting officers specified procedural rights in connection with investigations of their conduct on duty which may lead to a personnel action; (3) requiring officer representation on any police complaint review board established in the jurisdiction; (4) prohibiting mandatory disclosure of officers' finances; and (5) establishing a law enforcement officers' grievance commission in the jurisdiction to determine officer grievances.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1977
Transfers from the Secretary of the Army to the Secretary of the Interior the authority, real property, project authorization, and unexpended appropriations for the Tocks Island Reservoir Project, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Terminates authorization of the project as part of the Delaware River Basin project under the Flood Control Act of 1962. Stipulates the priorities of the Secretary of the Interior in administration of the project.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation from approving any grant or loan under such Act unless the applicant gives satisfactory assurances that prior to the establishment or change in any fare or service which may substantially effect any community or segment thereof, the applicant will conduct public hearings with adequate prior notice and consider the impact on the community of such establishment or change in fare or service. Directs the Secretary, upon a determination that a fare or service has been established or changed without such public hearing, to suspend any further grant or loan payments and to disapprove any further grant or loan applications until the applicant has complied with the procedural requirements specified in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Provides that the recipient of a veterans' pension or dependency and indemnity compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced because of cost-of-living increases in social security benefits, railroad retirement annuities, or other retirement benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1977
Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to require that the Energy Research and Development Administration notify legislatures of affected States of plans to explore sites for radioactive waste storage facilities. Prohibits the Administration from contracting for construction of any such facility at a site where the State legislature has indicated its disapproval.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to extend the coverage of such Act to individuals 65 or over, and to make unlawful seniority systems and employee benefit plans which require the retirement of individuals 40 or over.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act - Title I: National Consumer Cooperative Bank - Establishes the National Consumer Cooperative Bank to: (1) encourage the development of cooperatives eligible for its assistance by providing specialized credit and technical assistance; (2) maintain broad-based control of the Bank by its voting stockholders; (3) encourage broad-based ownership control and active participation by members in eligible cooperatives; (4) assure that the net savings from operations and the operations of borrowers from the Bank are made available or accounted for to the stockholders or members; and (5) assist in improving the quality and availability of goods and services to consumers. Authorizes the creation of no less than four nor more than twelve corporate regional banks. States that the Bank shall have the power to make and service loans, commitments for credit, guarantees, furnish financially related services, technical assistance, and issue obligations. Enumerates additional powers necessary to carry out its powers and duties. Requires the Bank to hold an annual meeting of stockholders. Permits the Bank to obtain funds through the public or private sale of its bonds, debentures, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to eligible organizations which shall be repayable in not more than 40 years. States that the objective of the Bank shall be to provide the type of credit needed by eligible borrowers, at the lowest reasonable cost on a sound business basis, taking into account the cost of money to the Bank. Defines "eligible cooperatives" for purposes of assistance under this title. Title II: Self-Help Development Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Consumer Cooperative Self-Help Development Fund. Permits the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make a capital investment advance out of the Fund to any eligible cooperative if the Administration determines that the applicant's initial or supplemental capital requirements exceed its ability to obtain a Title I loan from the Bank or other sources, and the membership of the applicant consists substantially of low-income persons. Title III: Cooperative Technical Assistance - Directs the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make available information and services concerning the organization or reorganization of cooperatives to best achieve the objectives of this Act and to best provide the means through which various types of goods, services, and facilities can be made available to members and patrons. States that such assistance may include investigations, surveys, and director and management training and assistance. Title IV: The Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration and General Provisions - Establishes the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration. Directs the Administration to assure that the objectives of this Act are carried out. States that until the stock of the Bank held by the United States has been fully retired the Bank shall be exempt from any form of taxation. Requires the Administration and the Board to report annually to the appropriate committees of Congress on the activities of the Administration and on the Bank's capital, operations, financial condition, the self-help development fund, and to make recommendations for legislation to improve its services.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Revises the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act to require retail distributors selling packaged consumer commodities to mark the total selling price on the package of the commodity.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that the automatic cost-of-living increases in benefits be made on a semiannual basis (rather than on an annual basis as at present).
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
World Peace Tax Fund Act - Establishes within the Treasury of the United States a special trust fund to be known as the World Peace Tax Fund. Provides that any taxpayer who has qualified as a conscientious objector, or who declares that he or she is conscientiously opposed to participation in war, within the meaning of the Military Selective Service Act, shall qualify to designate the payment of his or her income taxes to the fund. Makes provisions for the designation of income, estate, or gift tax payments for transfer to the World Peace Tax Fund. Provides for the computation and publication of the percentage of annual expenditures for military purposes. Provides that this portion of monies in the Fund shall remain in the Fund to accrue interest, and that the remaining portion shall be transferred to the general fund of the Treasury of the United States, not to be appropriated for any military purposes. Establishes a Board of Trustees of eleven members to authorize expenditures out of the Fund for research into peaceful solutions to international conflict, and for improvement of international health, education, and welfare. Requires the Board to submit its budget to the Congress, report to the President and Congress annually, and provide a complete accounting of all funds received and disbursed according to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States, and the District of Columbia, shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each voter to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires the voters for President and Vice President in each State to have the qualifications requisite for voters for the most numerous branch of the State legislature, except that for voters for President and Vice President, the legislature of any State may prescribe less restrictive residence qualifications and for voters for President and Vice President the Congress may establish uniform residence qualifications. Provides that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number be at least 40 percent of the whole number of votes cast for such offices. Provides that if the choice of President and Vice President shall be made from the two pairs of persons who received the highest numbers of votes. Requires the days for such elections to be determined by Congress and to be uniform throughout the United States. Requires Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results of such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Allows Congress to provide for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Voting Rights for the Elderly and the Handicapped Act - Directs the Attorney General in consultation with the Secretary for Health, Education, and Welfare to prescribe standards for polling and registration facilities which will assure ready access by the handicapped and the aged. Permits designation of facilities for Federal elections which do not comply with such standards only where conforming facilities are unavailable. Requires States to provide alternative registration and voting methods for aged and handicapped persons assigned to inaccessible registration facilities or polling places. Requires that a paper ballot be made available or a voting assistant be permitted to a person unable to operate a voting machine.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Pledges the support of the Congress to advance human rights. Urges the President to inform other nations that the United States will consider human rights protection in evaluating its relations with other nations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to define sex discrimination for employment purposes to include discrimination on the basis of pregnancy. Prohibits an employer providing benefits under a fringe benefit program which is in violation of this Act from reducing benefits or compensation in order to comply with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977
Federal Intelligence Agencies Control Act - Title I: Domestic Intelligence Activities - Prohibits any Federal agency or official from: (1) engaging in the collection, maintenance, or dissemination of information relating to the opinions of any person or the exercise of first amendment rights; (2) engaging in any action to discredit or harass any individual; (3) carrying out an investigation or prosecution against a particular person or class of persons in retaliation for engaging in first amendment activity; or (4) encouraging such prohibited activity by any other person or any State or local government agency. Renames the Federal Bureau of Investigation the Federal Bureau of Criminal Investigation and limits its activities to the investigation of specific acts which violate Federal criminal statutes. Limits the Bureau's authority to investigate such violations to cases in which there is a reasonable suspicion as such term is defined in this Act, of a violation, except that preliminary inquiries are permitted upon receiving a specific allegation that a person has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a Federal crime. Limits investigations and preliminary inquiries, generally, to 30 days in length. Authorizes extensions of such time limits but prohibits the continuance of any investigation for longer than six months. Requires supervising Bureau agents who believe an investigation may result in the collection of information of first amendment activity or may pose any danger to such activity to bring such investigation to the attention of the Attorney General who shall permit such investigation to continue if satisfied that the express prohibitions of this Act are not violated. Requires investigative files to be sealed upon termination of any investigation and prohibits the dissemination of person information in such files except pursuant to congressional oversight investigations, a valid search warrant or subpena, or upon the request of the subject of the investigation. Requires such subject to be notified that such sealed file is maintained by the Department of Justice and that such person has a right of access to such file. Requires such files to be maintained for ten years and then destroyed unless required for civil or criminal litigation except that information in such file which pertains to first amendment activity, is false, or was acquired by illegal means must be expunged as soon as practicable. Requires the Attorney General to recommend to the President for appointment with Senate confirmation an Inspector General of the Bureau who shall be responsible for overseeing the activities of the Bureau to assure that they are in conformity with the law and the Constitution of the United States, investigate citizen complaints directed at the Bureau, and testify at least annually before the appropriate congressional committees regarding any illegal activity. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to limit the term of the Director of the Bureau to six years. Abolishes the Internal Security Branch of the Bureau and transfers the function of conducting background investigations of Federal employees and officials to the Civil Service Commission. Makes employees of the Bureau, except supervisory employees, subject to the laws governing appointments in the competitive service. Requires the publication of the budget of the Bureau and its submission to Congress as part of the budget of the Department of Justice. Directs the Comptroller General to audit the Bureau at least annually. Repeals the Riot, Seditious Conspiracy, Smith, Voorhis Anti-Propaganda, Peacetime Military Sedition, and Military Sedition Acts. Allows persons whose rights have been deprived by a Federal official to institute a civil action before a Federal court regardless of the amount in controversy and specifies minimum liquidated damages for such deprivations. Title II: Investigative Procedures; Prohibitions and Limitations - Repeals specified provisions of Federal law authorizing interception of electronic or oral communications. Prohibits any information Federal official, from posing for the purpose of covert surveillance as a member of a group engaged in valid first amendment activity. Prohibits the inspection of tax, bank, credit, or toll records, or the use of mail covers by the Federal Government unless conducted pursuant to a court order after a finding of probable cause according to procedures specified by this Act. Title III: Foreign Intelligence Activities - Renames the Central Intelligence Agency the Foreign Information Service and restricts its functions to the collection, correlation, and evaluation of foreign intelligence information and the advising of the National Security Council on matters concerning such foreign intelligence activities. Prohibits the covert collection of foreign intelligence by any Federal agency. Restricts counterintelligence investigations inside the United States (which may only be conducted by the Bureau) to obtaining evidence of violations of the criminal laws of the United States. Prohibits the expenditure of funds for foreign intelligence activities which are not specifically authorized for such purpose. Directs the Office of Management and Budget to provide Congress with a horizontal budget showing the total amount budgeted for foreign intelligence activities and line item budgets for each agency engaged in such activities. Title IV: Classified Information - Repeals the exemption from the Freedom of Information Act of information required to be kept secret by Executive order in the interest of national security. Directs that such information shall be subject to such Act unless it is in fact properly classified as national defense information, as defined in this Act, except that such information may not be exempted if it appears to relate to illegal activity engaged in by any official of the Federal Government. Title V: Official Deceit - Establishes a criminal penalty for any Federal official who conceals, obstructs, or fails to report as soon as possible any conduct of any other official which violates this Act. Title VI: Protection of Employee Disclosure of Refusal to Participate in Government Wrongdoing - Prohibits the taking of disciplinary action against any Federal official who expresses an opinion with respect to the conduct of a Federal agency or refuses to participate in official activities which such person reasonably believes to be illegal. Title VII: Temporary Special Prosecutor - Establishes for a period of five years an independent Office of Special Prosecutor for Violations of Law by Intelligence Agencies headed by a Special Prosecutor appointed by a special panel of United States judges. Confers upon the Special Prosecutor exclusive jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute all offenses committed by Federal officials in connection with or arising out of intelligence or counterintelligence activities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1977
Mobile Source Emission Control Amendments - Amends the Clean Air Act to extend through model year 1979 interim standards for hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide emissions from light-duty motor vehicles. Specifies standards applicable in model years 1980 and afterwards for such pollutants. Revises the emission standard for carbon monoxide to allow emissions of up to 9.0 grams per vehicle mile. Extends until model year 1981 the current 2.0 grams per vehicle mile interim standard for nitrogen oxide emissions from light-duty vehicles. Establishes a nitrogen oxides emissions standard of 1.0 gram per vehicle mile for model years after 1981, subject to revision or waiver by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with prescribed procedures. Stipulates that such revisions and waivers shall not permit emissions in excess of the 2.0 grams per vehicle mile interim standard. Directs the Administrator, the Secretary of Transportation and the Federal Energy Administration to submit separate reports to Congress regarding the consequences of such emission standards on fuel consumption. Establishes additional prohibitions and penalties for tampering with motor vehicle emission control equipment. Empowers limits in the amount of vehicle testing required of small manufacturers. Establishes procedures for review of instructions for high altitude performance adjustments for motor vehicle emission control systems by the Administrator in accordance with specified requirements. Revises warranty requirements stipulated by the Act. Specifies an 18-month or 18,000 mile warranty requirement for the useful life of motor vehicle emission control systems. Directs the Administrator to study the effects of emissions of sulfur-bearing conformed from motor vehicles and aircraft. Extends the exception for disclosure of confidential information in administrative and judicial proceedings to emission data upon a satisfactory showing to the Administrator that such data would divulge trade secrets. Requires that documentation, justifications, proposed drafts, and comments of other agencies an proposed motor vehicle emission standards be made available to the public once such standards are proposed. Establishes procedures for oral presentation of views, with opportunity for cross-examination, with respect to such standards. Authorizes direct review of alleged procedural errors in the appropriate court of appeals. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980, to carry out the purposes of this Act other than research, development, and demonstration activities.