United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1985
Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and the important role that the legislation has played in the Nation's development. Reaffirms the historic partnership between the Federal Government and the colleges and universities toward the development of human resources required for an increasingly complex and technological society.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1985
Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Risk Education Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop educational programs and materials and public service announcements on the dangers to human health from the use of smokeless tobacco and to make such programs, materials, and announcements available to States, local governments, and school systems. Permits the Secretary to make grants to States to assist in the development and distribution of educational programs, materials, and public service announcements on the dangers to human health from the use of smokeless tobacco and to establish 21 as the minimum age for purchasing smokeless tobacco. Requires specified warning labels on all smokeless tobacco products and advertisements. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to promulgate regulations to implement this Act. Imposes a ban on smokeless tobacco advertising on any medium of electronic communication subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), effective January 11, 1986. Grants district courts of the United States jurisdiction and injunctive powers to prevent and restrain violations of this Act. Directs the FTC to report to the Congress annually on the use and health effects of smokeless tobacco products. Directs the FCC to report to the Congress annually on the sales and advertising and marketing practices associated with smokeless tobacco products.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1985
Federal Government Easy Access Act - Requires Federal agency correspondence outside the executive branch to include the name, phone number, and mailing address of individuals to whom responses and inquiries may be made.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that certain retirement savings plans should be preserved for both taxable and tax-exempt organizations and such plans should remain structured in a manner that will provide incentives for employers and employees to continue the availability and participation in such plans.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that self-employed individuals may deduct the amounts contributed to an accident or health plan for compensation to such individual for personal injury or sickness. Prohibits any deduction for any contribution made as an employee of any person.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1985
Bicentennial of the Constitution Coins and Medals Act - Title I: Bicentennial of the United States Constitution Commemorative Coins - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of five dollar gold coins and one dollar silver coins emblematic of the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their sale and issuance. Terminates the minting of such coins after December 31, 1987. Requires the Secretary to deposit in the Treasury all surcharges received from sale of such coins, to be used to reduce the national debt. Title II: Bicentennial of the United States Constitution Commemorative Medals - Directs the Secretary to strike and deliver to the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution a specified number of gold, silver, and bronze medals commemorating the Bicentennial. Authorizes the Commission to dispose of such medals at a premium. Terminates the striking of such medals after December 31, 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1985
Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1985 - Title I: Title 18 and Related Matters - Amends the Federal criminal code to extend the prohibition against the unauthorized interception of communications to specified types of electronic communications (present law prohibits only the interception of wire and oral communications). Specifies certain exceptions with respect to electronic communications. Extends such prohibitions to the communications of any provider of electronic communication services (present law extends only to communication common carriers). Prohibits the unauthorized access to an electronic communication system in order to obtain or alter information contained in such system. Imposes criminal penalties for the violation of such prohibition. Prohibits any person or entity providing an electronic communication service from knowingly divulging the contents of any communication carried on that service. Provides for specified exceptions to such requirement. Allows the Attorney General or the prosecuting attorney of any State or political subdivision to apply for disclosure of information contained in an electronic communication service. Specifies that such application shall meet the same requirements as that for an application for the interception of wire or oral communications. Allows any person whose electronic communication is intercepted, disclosed, or used to bring a civil action to recover civil damages. (Present law allows a civil action only for the interception or use of wire or oral communications.) Revises the amount of damages which may be recovered by such civil actions. Specifies a two-year statute of limitations for the commencement of such a civil action. Specifies additional crimes for which interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications can be authorized in the course of the investigation of such crimes. Sets forth additional requirements for applications, court orders, and the implementation of court orders for the interception of such communications. Requires that a court order authorizing such interception shall require that reports of specified information be made not less often than every ten days to the judge who issued such order. Title II: Pen Registers and Tracking Devices - Prohibits the installation or use of a pen register or a tracking device without first obtaining a court order pursuant to this Act or under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978. Imposes criminal penalties for violations of such prohibition. Defines "pen register" as a device which identifies the numbers dialed or transmitted on the telephone line to which the device is attached. Defines a "tracking device" as an electronic or mechanical device which permits the tracking of the movement of a person or object in circumstances in which there exists a reasonable expectation of privacy. Authorizes Federal and State law enforcement officers having responsibility for ongoing criminal investigations to apply for a court order allowing the installation and use of a pen register or a tracking device. Sets forth procedures for the application for an issuance of a court order allowing the use of a pen register or tracking device. Allows the issuance of such order if, in the case of a pen register, there is reasonable cause to believe that the information likely to be obtained is relevant to a legitimate criminal investigation. Sets forth requirements for the emergency use of a pen register or tracking device without prior court authorization. Requires a communications common carrier, landlord, custodian, or other person to furnish an authorized law enforcement officer information, facilities, and technical assistance necessary to accomplish the installation and use of a pen register or tracking device if such assistance is directed by court order or an emergency installation is authorized. Requires that anyone providing such assistance shall be compensated for any reasonable expenses incurred. Requires any judge issuing or denying an order for the use of a pen register or tracking device to file a report with the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. Requires the Attorney General and the principal prosecuting attorney of a State to report annually to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts concerning the use of pen registers and tracking devices authorized for use in criminal investigations. Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually to the Congress concerning the use of pen registers and tracking devices. Allows any person who is harmed by a violation of this Act concerning pen registers or tracking devices to bring a civil action to recover civil damages. Specifies the type of damages which may be recovered. Specifies a two-year statute of limitations for the commencement of such a civil action.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1985
Eliminates the requirement that individuals who are owner-employees with pension or profit-sharing plans (Keogh plans) must file a specified informational return (form 5500-c) in order to comply with certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe a simplified information return.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1985
Gifted and Talented Children and Youth Education Act of 1985 - Establishes a Federal gifted and talented education (GTE) program to improve the capability of State and local education agencies (SEAs and LEAs) and private nonprofit schools to: (1) identify gifted and talented children and youth; and (2) provide those children and youth with appropriate educational opportunities. Directs the Secretary of Education from specified sums appropriated under this Act and after consultation with the advisory committee established by this Act to make grants to or contracts with SEAs, LEAs, institutions of higher education, or other public and private agencies to assist them in carrying out authorized GTE programs or projects, including personnel or supervisory training. Sets forth authorized GTE programs and projects, including: (1) preservice and inservice training (including fellowships) for GTE personnel (including leadership personnel); (2) model projects and exemplary programs for identification and education, including summer programs and cooperative programs involving business, industry, and education; (3) strengthening SEA and higher education institutions' capability to provide leadership and assistance to LEAs and nonprofit private schools in planning, operating, and improving such programs; (4) technical assistance and information dissemination; (5) research on methods and techniques for identifying and teaching gifted and talented children and youth; (6) conducting program evaluations and surveys; and (7) developing information and analysis. Establishes the National Center for Research and Development in the Education of Gifted and Talented Children and Youth (the National Center) through grants or contracts with one or more higher education institutions or SEAs, or a consortium or combination of such institutions and agencies, to carry out clauses (5), (6), and (7) of the preceding paragraph. Requires the Director of the National Center to carry out such National Center functions as may be agreed upon through arrangements with other higher education institutions, SEAs, LEAs, or other public or private agencies and organizations. Limits to 30 percent of the funds for authorized programs and projects that portion which may be used to conduct activities pursuant to provisions relating to the National Center and its research, evaluation, and information functions. Directs the Secretary and the advisory committee established by this Act, in administering this Act, to give highest priority to programs for: (1) identifying and educating gifted and talented children and youth who may not be identified through traditional assessment measures (such as the limited-English speaking, economically disadvantaged, handicapped, and women); and (2) developing or improving the capability of schools in an entire State or region of the Nation, through cooperative efforts and participation of SEAs, LEAs, higher education institutions, and other public and private agencies and organizations (including business, industry, and labor) to identify and educate gifted and talented children and youth. Sets forth provisions relating to participation of private school children and teachers in programs under this Act. Directs the Secretary to appoint an advisory committee on GTE, with members representative of State education agencies, teacher education institutions, researchers, teachers, and parents. Directs the Secretary to establish or designate an administrative unit within the Department of Education to: (1) administer the programs authorized by this Act; (2) coordinate all GTE programs that the Department administers; and (3) serve as a focal point for national leadership and information on the educational needs of gifted and talented children and youth and the availability of services and programs to meet those needs. Requires that such administrative unit be headed by a person of recognized professional qualifications and experience in GTE. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1985
Enterprise Zone Development and Employment Act of 1985 - Title I: Designation of Enterprize Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the designation of enterprise zones by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for purposes of extending the tax incentives and regulatory flexibility measures provided by this Act. Provides that State and local governments shall nominate areas for such designation. Limits the designation of enterprise zones to 100 nominated areas, by the later of a 24 month period or July 1, 1985 (one-fourth of which must be in rural areas). Limits the period during which such deisgnation shall remain in effect. Provides that the Secretary may designate such zones only if: (1) the area is within the jurisdiction of the local government; (2) the boundary of the area is continuous; (3) the area has a population of at least 4,000 if any portion thereof is located within a standard metropolitan statistical area (with a population of at least 50,000) or 1,500 otherwise, or is within an Indian reservation; and (4) the area meets specified unemployment and poverty requirements. Requires nominating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's designation, to agree in writing to follow a course of action which may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, receiving commitments of private entities to assist employees and residents of the area, permitting State and local income tax deductions for fees for services performed by a nongovernmental entity formerly performed by a governmental entity, giving special preference to contractors owned and operated by members of a minority, and giving of surplus land in the enterprise zone to neighborhood organizations agreeing to operate a business on the land. Describes areas to which preference shall be given in deciding to designate enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to the Congress every four years a report on the effects of such enterprise zones' designation. Requires that any property tax reduction effected by a local government under the terms of this Act be disregarded for purposes of determining the eligibility of a State or local government for Federal assistance or benefits. States that designation of an enterprise zone shall not give displaced persons from such an area any rights or benefits under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Treats any area designated as an enterprise zone as a labor surplus area under Federal law. Title II: Federal Income Tax Incentives - Subtitle A: Credits for Employers and Employees - Allows employers located in enterprise zones a nonrefundable income tax credit for increased employment expenditures and employment of the disadvantaged. Allows a three-year carryback and a 15-year carryover of such credit. Sets the amount of such credit at ten percent of the increase in payroll (taking into account a maximum of $17,500 in wages per year per employee) plus 50 percent of the wages paid to certain disadvantaged workers for the first three years of the enterprise zone designation. Phases out such economically disadvantaged credit. Disallows a deduction for the portion of the wages or salaries taken into account for such credit. Requires that where there is an early termination of employment by an employer in the case of qualified economically disadvantaged individuals, the tax for that taxable year in which the termination occurred must be increased by the tax credits allowed for such employees. Allows employees located in enterprise zones a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to five percent of qualified wages earned per year (taking into account a maximum of $10,500 in wages per year). Phases out such credit. Subtitle B: Credits for Investment in Tangible Property in Enterprise Zones - Allows businesses an additional investment tax credit for investments made in certain enterprise zone construction property located in enterprise zones. Limits such credit to ten percent for new enterprise zone construction property, including rental property. Requires that the property subject to such credit be located in an enterprise zone, be predominantly used in the zone, be either constructed, reconstructed, renovated, etc. during the period of zone designation or acquired during such period, and not be acquired from relatives or related corporations. Requires the recapture of such credit upon the early disposition of the property. Provides for a phase-out of the enterprise zone tax credit as the enterprise zone ends. Provides for an adjustment to the basis of the enterprise zone construction property to reflect the enterprise zone tax credit. Subtitle C: Nonrecognition of Qualified Enterprise Zone Capital Gain Where Acquisition of Enterprise Zone Business Property - Provides for the nonrecognition of capital gain on the sale of property where within the one-year period beginning on the date of such sale qualified replacement property is acquired by the taxpayer, to the extent the gain from the sale does not exceed the cost of the replacement property. Defines "qualified replacement property" as any personal property used predominantly in an enterprise zone in the active conduct of a trade or business within the enterprise zone, any real property located in the enterprise zone used in the active conduct of a trade or business, or any corporation, partnership, or other entity if, for the three most recent taxable years of such entity ending before the date of the purchase of such interest, such entity was a qualified business. Sets forth special rules for the operation of this provision. Requires the basis of the replacement property to be reduced by an amount equal to the amount of gain not recognized on the sale of such other property. Extends the period for the statute of limitations relating to the assessment of tax with respect to the sale of property involving the nonrecognition provisions. Provides that the holding period for the qualified replacement property shall include the period for which the property sold or exchanged had been held as of the date of the sale or exchange. Subtitle D: Deduction for Purchase of Enterprise Stock - Allows a taxpayer to deduct the aggregate amount paid during the taxable year for the purchase of enterprise stock on the original issue of such stock by a qualified issuer. Limits the maximum amount of such deduction to $100,000 a year. Requires that the $100,000 limit must be allocated among the members of a controlled group. Requires the pro rata allocation of the $100,000 limit among the stock purchased where the aggregate amount of stock purchased exceeds the $100,000 limitation. Requires that the gain from the disposition of the stock shall be treated as ordinary income. Provides a formula for calculating such gain. Provides that interest is charged on the disposition of such stock if such disposition occurs before the end of the three-year period beginning on the date the stock was purchased. Provides that where an issuer ceases to be a qualified issuer of enterprise stock before the close of the fifth taxable year after the date the stock was issued, the taxpayer must include in income the amount of the deduction allowed with respect to such stock plus interest on the aggregate decrease in tax of the taxpayer resulting from the deduction allowed with respect to such stock. Sets forth special rules with respect to such stock. Requires the basis of such stock to be reduced by the amount of the deduction allowed with respect to such stock. Subtitle E: Rules Relating to Industrial Development Bonds - Provides that limitations on the cost recovery deductions for property financed with tax-exempt industrial development bonds shall not apply to enterprise zone property. Provides that the termination of the small issue exemption shall not apply to industrial development bonds the proceeds of which are used to finance facilities in such enterprise zones. Subtitle F: Ordinary Loss Deduction for Securities of Enterprise Zone Business Which Become Worthless - Permits an ordinary loss deduction for securities of enterprise zone businesses which become worthless during the taxable year. Subtitle G: Increase in Research Credit for Research Conducted in Enterprise Zones - Increases the tax credit for increasing research activities to 37 and one-half percent. (currently, 25 percent for research conducted in enterprise zones). Subtitle H: Sense of the Congress with Respect to Tax Simplification - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Internal Revenue Service should simplify the administration and enforcement of any provision of the Internal Revenue Code affected by this Act. Subtitle I: Regulations - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act not later than six months after the date of enactment. Title III: Regulatory Flexibility - Revises the definition of "small entity" for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions to include qualified businesses (as defined in Title II of this Act) and governments and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones. Authorizes Federal agencies, upon request by a designating government, to waive or modify rules and regulations which pertain to the carrying out of projects or activities within an enterprise zone. Requires agencies to approve such request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development, or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in continuation of the rule unchanged. Disallows waiver or modification of a rule that would directly violate a statutory requirement (including the Davis-Bacon Act and Fair Labor Standards Act) or which would present a danger to the public health and safety. Provides that such waivers or modifications of a rule shall remain in effect as long as the zone designations. Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to promote the coordination of all enterprise zone programs and consolidate all periodic reports required under such programs into one summary report. Title IV: Establishment of Foreign-Trade Zones in Enterprise Zones - Requires the Foreign-Trade Board to consider on a priority basis and expedite the processing of applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to, and expedite applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. States that, to the maximum extent practicable, foreign-trade zones should be established within enterprise zones.
United States · United States Congress · 4 September 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should establish a bipartisan commission on the budget deficit with the express charter to recommend appropriate policy to enable the Nation to achieve a balanced Federal budget by the end of FY 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1985
Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from changing reimbursement levels or methodologies for home health services under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act prior to the later of: (1) October 1, 1986; or (2) any freeze period beginning after June 30, 1985, and before October 1, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1985
Public Employee Pension Plan Reporting and Accountability Act of 1985 - Imposes disclosure and reporting requirements upon State and local government pension plans. Establishes fiduciary standards for trustees of public employee pension benefit plans. Provides remedies and access to Federal courts. Specifies employee benefit plans which are exempt from this Act. Title I: Reporting and Disclosure - Requires the administrator of each public employee pension benefit plan to submit a registration statement to the appropriate State Governor within one year of enactment of this Act. Exempts a plan from the reporting and disclosure requirements of this Act if a State Governor certifies to the Secretary of Labor that: (1) State requirements are substantially equivalent to those of this Act: (2) the State can adequately administer its requirements; and (3) the State can adequately collect the requisite reports. Requires the Secretary of Labor to terminate any certification if a State is not meeting Federal requirements. Requires the plan administrator to: (1) publish a summary plan description; and (2) furnish such description to plan participants, beneficiaries, and specified persons. Delineates the contents of such summary plan description. Requires such description to: (1) state the rights of participants and beneficiaries; and (2) include an update whenever material modifications are made to the plan. Requires the plan administrator to publish an annual report. Specifies the contents of such report. Directs such administrator to engage an independent qualified public accountant to ascertain whether the financial statements and schedules in the annual report present fairly and in all material respects the information contained in the annual report. Requires the accountant's opinion to be included in the annual report. Requires the annual report to include a financial statement containing specified information, including the most recent annual statement of assets and liabilities of a common or a collective trust held by a bank or similar institution. Requires each plan to maintain a schedule of: (1) all assets held for investment purposes during each plan year; and (2) each transaction involving a party in interest. Requires annual reports to include, with respect to a defined benefit plan, a complete actuarial statement applicable to the appropriate plan year. Directs the plan administrator to engage an enrolled actuary to prepare such statement. Delineates the contents of the actuarial statement. Requires the annual report to include a statement from an insurance organization if any plan benefits are purchased from or guaranteed by such organization. Details the contents of such statement. Requires the enrolled actuary of the plan to make an actuarial valuation at least once every three plan years. Directs the plan administrator to furnish, upon written request of certain persons, a copy of summary plan descriptions and the status of an individual's plan benefits and contributions. Provides guidelines under which the plan administrator is directed to file the annual report with either the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) or the appropriate State Governor. Authorizes the Secretary or Governor to reject the information filed by the plan administrator, and to take the following actions: (1) retain an independent public accountant to perform an audit; (2) retain an enrolled actuary to prepare an actuarial report; or (3) bring a civil action to enforce this Act. Presents guidelines for notice and review where claims for benefits are denied. Title II: Requirements Relating to Fiduciary Functions - Requires every plan to be established and maintained by written instructions which designate at least one named fiduciary. Details the functions of named fiduciaries and trustees. Established fiduciary and trustee liability. Prohibits certain transactions. Authorizes the Secretary to grant specified exemptions regarding such transactions. Imposes personal liability upon fiduciaries who fail to meet the fiduciary requirements, including removal for specified violations. Prohibits persons who have been convicted of, or imprisoned for, certain offenses from holding specified positions. Requires plan fiduciaries to be bonded. Specifies exceptions. Sets forth guidelines for the bonding procedure. Sets a limitation on actions which may be brought regarding failure to meet fiduciary requirements. Title III: Administration and Enforcement - Authorizes civil actions to redress violations of this Act. Imposes personal liability upon: (1) a plan administrator who fails to comply with a request for information; or (2) any person who fails to file required forms. Authorizes a plan to sue or be sued. Grants the U.S. district courts exclusive jurisdiction of civil actions brought under this Act. Grants concurrent jurisdiction to State courts and Federal district courts for specified actions. Authorizes the Federal district court to award reasonable attorney's fees under certain circumstances. Provides that suits brought against the Secretary may be brought in Federal district court. Authorizes the Secretary or appropriate State official to assess and collect a civil penalty against a party in interest who has engaged in a prohibited transaction. Grants such Secretary and State official investigative powers to determine violations of this Act. Details the extent of such powers. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations to administer this Act. Directs such Secretary to cooperate with State and local governments regarding the exchange of data and information. Prohibits interference with the exercise of rights by a plan participant or beneficiary. Establishes an Advisory Council on Governmental Plans, comprised of eleven members appointed by the President. Requires Council members to be qualified to appraise the plans falling under this Act. Requires the Council to: (1) report to the President and each House of Congress regarding implementation of this Act with possible recommendations for legislation; (2) advise the Secretary and make recommendations; and (3) monitor the costs incurred by plans under this Act and recommend cost reduction measures. Directs the Secretary to furnish staff services to the Council. States that this Act supersedes any State laws regarding public employee pension benefits plans. Specifies exceptions. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1985
Public Employee Pension Plan Reporting and Accountability Act of 1985 - Imposes disclosure and reporting requirements upon State and local government pension plans. Establishes fiduciary standards for trustees of public employee pension benefit plans. Provides remedies and access to Federal courts. Specifies employee benefit plans which are exempt from this Act. Title I: Reporting and Disclosure - Requires the administrator of each public employee pension benefit plan to submit a registration statement to the appropriate State Governor within one year of enactment of this Act. Exempts a plan from the reporting and disclosure requirements of this Act if a State Governor certifies to the Secretary of Labor that: (1) State requirements are substantially equivalent to those of this Act; (2) the State can adequately administer its requirements; and (3) the State can adequately collect the requisite reports. Requires the Secretary of Labor to terminate any certification if a State is not meeting Federal requirements. Requires the plan administrator to: (1) publish a summary plan description; and (2) furnish such description to plan participants, beneficiaries, and specified persons. Delineates the contents of such summary plan description. Requires such description to: (1) state the rights of participants and beneficiaries; and (2) include an update whenever material modifications are made to the plan. Requires the plan administrator to publish an annual report. Specifies the contents of such report. Directs such administrator to engage an independent qualified public accountant to ascertain whether the financial statements and schedules in the annual report present fairly and in all material respects the information contained in the annual report. Requires the accountant's opinion to be included in the annual report. Requires the annual report to include a financial statement containing specified information, including the most recent annual statement of assets and liabilities of a common or a collective trust held by a bank or similar institution. Requires each plan to maintain a schedule of: (1) all assets held for investment purposes during each plan year; and (2) each transaction involving a party in interest. Requires annual reports to include, with respect to a defined benefit plan, a complete actuarial statement applicable to the appropriate plan year. Directs the plan administrator to engage an enrolled actuary to prepare such statement. Delineates the contents of the actuarial statement. Requires the annual report to include a statement from an insurance organization if any plan benefits are purchased from and guaranteed by such organization. Details the contents of such statement. Requires the enrolled actuary of the plan to make an actuarial valuation at least once every three plan years. Directs the plan administrator to furnish, upon written request of certain persons, a copy of summary plan descriptions and the status of an individual's plan benefits and contributions. Provides guidelines under which the plan administrator is directed to file the annual report with either the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) or the appropriate State Governor. Authorizes the Secretary or Governor to reject the information filed by the plan administrator, and to take the following actions: (1) retain an independent public accountant to perform an audit; (2) retain an enrolled actuary to prepare an actuarial report; or (3) bring a civil action to enforce this Act. Presents guidelines for notice and review where claims for benefits are denied. Title II: Requirements Relating to Fiduciary Functions - Requires every plan to be established and maintained by written instruments which designate at least one named fiduciary. Details the functions of named fiduciaries and trustees. Establishes fiduciary and trustee liability. Prohibits certain transactions. Authorizes the Secretary to grant specified exemptions regarding such transactions. Imposes personal liability upon fiduciaries who fail to meet the fiduciary requirements, including removal for specified violations. Prohibits persons who have been convicted of, or imprisoned for, certain offenses from holding specified positions. Requires plan fiduciaries to be bonded. Specifies exceptions. Sets forth guidelines for the bonding procedure. Sets a limitation on actions which may be brought regarding failure to meet fiduciary requirements. Title III: Administration and Enforcement - Authorizes civil actions to redress violations of this Act. Imposes general liability upon: (1) a plan administrator who fails to comply with a request for information; or (2) any person who fails to file required forms. Authorizes a plan to sue or be sued. Grants the United States district courts exclusive jurisdiction of civil actions brought under this Act. Grants concurrent jurisdiction to State courts and Federal district courts for specified actions. Authorizes the Federal district court to award reasonable attorney's fees under certain circumstances. Provides that suits brought against the Secretary may be brought in Federal district court. Authorizes the Secretary or appropriate State official to assess and collect a civil penalty against a party in interest who has engaged in a prohibited transaction. Grants such Secretary and State official investigative powers to determine violations of this Act. Details the extent of such powers. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe the regulations to administrator this Act. Directs such Secretary to cooperate with State and local governments regarding the exchange of data and information. Prohibits interference with the exercise of rights by a plan participant or beneficiary. Establishes an Advisory Council on Governmental Plans, comprised of eleven members appointed by the President. Requires Council members to be qualified to appraise the plans falling under this Act. Requires the Council to: (1) report to the President and each house of the Congress regarding implementation of this Act with possible recommendations for legislation; (2) advise the Secretary and make recommendations; and (3) monitor the costs incurred by plans under this Act and recommend cost reduction measures. Directs the Secretary to furnish staff services to the Council. States that this Act supersedes any State laws regarding public employee pension benefits plans. Specifies exceptions. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Matters Relating to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 Affecting Public Employee Pension Benefit Plans - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt public employee pension benefit plans from: (1) the limitation on benefits and contributions; (2) taxation; and (3) the application of tax on prohibited transactions. Treats certain information requirements as satisfying the directive of the Code if a public employee pension benefit plan meets specified requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Internal Revenue Service to reimburse State and local law enforcement agencies that provide information which substantially contributes to the recovery of Federal taxes. Limits the amount of such reimbursement to ten percent of the sum ultimately recovered.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1985
Retirement Universal Security Arrangements Act of 1985 - Title I: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to add a new title V, Retirement Universal Security Arrangements. Defines "retirement universal security arrangement" as a plan which: (1) is established and maintained after the effective date of this Act by a pension asset manager and explicitly provides that it is such an arrangement; (2) provides for one or more individual accounts maintained by the pension asset manager with respect to each participant; (3) provides expressly for the accumulation of contributions under such plan with respect to the participants for subsequent distribution to the participants or their beneficiaries upon death, disability, attainment of retirement age, or any other event specified in the plan; and (4) meets specified qualification requirements. Prohibits retirement universal security arrangements (such plans) from accepting contributions at any time at which any requirement is not met under such definition. Sets forth requirements for pension asset management (i.e. banks, savings and loan associations, insurance companies, or investment advisers which meet specified conditions). Provides, with specified exceptions, that such plans be treated as trusts which qualify under specified Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to deferred compensation plans and tax-exempt organizations. Set forth provisions for such qualification determinations by the Secretary of the Treasury. Provides that such plans be treated as a defined contribution plan for purposes of coverage under the plan termination insurance program under title IV of ERISA. Requires such plans to be operated for the exclusive purpose of: (1) providing benefits to participants and their beneficiaries; and (2) defraying reasonable administrative expenses, without administrative cost or service fees to employers making contributions. Requires such plans to provide nonforfeitability of participant or beneficiary rights with respect to accrued benefits. Requires such plans to provide at least three investment options (in individual or pooled arrangements) for participant contributions. Requires as one such option U.S. Government securities or securities insured by the United States or any Federal agency (which may include temporary investments in other forms of insubstantial amounts). Allows other options to include securities, annuities, guaranteed income contracts, federally insured deposits or accounts, certain endowment contracts, and other options not specifically excluded by the Secretary of Labor under regulations issued pursuant to specified provisions of this Act. Prohibits such plans from providing as an investment option: (1) collectibles; (2) life insurance contracts; (3) securities of a contributing employer for which there is no generally recognized market; and (4) such other options as the Secretary of Labor may exclude by regulation. Sets forth matters to be considered by the Secretary of Labor in developing such regulations. Requires such plans to provide for a procedure under which participants or their beneficiaries elect such investment options. Requires such procedure to provide for at least a semiannual opportunity during a seven-day period to revoke any such previous election and elect alternative or additional investment options. Provides for a default option for certain transfers. Makes specified ERISA provisions relating to assignment and alienation applicable to such plans. Sets forth additional definitions and rules of construction relating to such plans. Makes specified ERISA requirements relating to reporting and disclosure applicable to such plans. Requires, in addition, that certain information relating to such plans be annually provided to each participant and beneficiary automatically and without request. Requires such information to include material necessary to reasonably summarize the investment performance of such plans in connection with each investment option elected. Sets forth additional investment information requirements for summary plan descriptions and summaries of material modifications with respect to such plans. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to prescribe additional alternative methods for satisfying such plans' requirements upon a determination that such method is consistent with the purposes of this Act and provides adequate disclosure to participants and beneficiaries and adequate reporting to the Secretary. Makes specified ERISA provisions relating to fiduciary responsibility applicable to such plans. Requires such plans to designate in writing their pension asset managers as fiduciaries. Makes ERISA enforcement provisions applicable to such plans. Sets forth requirements relating to contributions to such plans. Requires such plans to accept for deposit to the account of any participant specified types of: (1) participant contributions; (2) plan distributions; (3) direct transfers from other such plans and from any other plan described under specified deferred compensation provisions of the Internal Revenue Code which include a tax-exempt trust; and (4) employer contributions to such plans. Sets forth rules governing participant contributions to such plans. Permits such contributions in the form of: (1) transfers to the plan by an individual of a distribution which is not includible in gross income under specified types of deferred compensation plans; (2) payments treated as salary deductions under specified Internal Revenue Code provisions, but only up to $2,000 per calendar year and only if an equivalent or greater employer contribution is made; or (3) other payments by an individual which are in cash and not in excess of the amount allowable as a deduction under specified Internal Revenue Code provisions. Permits such plans to opt to accept transfers of nondeductible employee contributions from other such plans or other qualified plans. Requires such plans to grant a grace period for payment of participant contributions. Sets forth cross-references to the Internal Revenue Code for rules governing salary reduction treatment, deductibility, and sanctions relating to participant contributions to such plans. Sets forth rules governing employer contributions to such plans. Allows such contributions only if: (1) they are made on behalf of noncovered employees (i.e. those who have not accrued any benefits under certain described plans since two years before the calendar year for which the contribution is made); (2) specified participation requirements are met; and (3) the total amount of such contributions is determined in accordance with specified formulas. Sets forth certain exceptions with respect to: (1) plans of self-employed individuals; and (2) collective bargaining agreements relating to retirement benefits. Requires each employer making contributions to such plans to maintain and report categorized lists and other information relating to employees on behalf of whom such contributions are made. Declares that an employer shall not be considered to have established or maintained an employee benefit plan covered by title I of ERISA solely by reason of taking actions permitted under rules governing participant and employer contributions to retirement universal security arrangements (such plans). Provides that the foregoing declaration does not preclude an employee's right of action to compel delinquent contributions or to enforce specified requirements. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations permitting employers to meet specified requirements by making contributions to such a plan on behalf of all noncovered employees in the general workforce of an allowable subdivision of the employer. Sets forth cross-references to the Internal Revenue Code for rules governing the deductibility of employer contributions to such plans and sanctions relating to such contributions. Sets forth requirements relating to distribution of accrued benefits from retirement universal security arrangements. Sets forth several permitted retirement income forms for such distributions. Permits election of alternative retirement income forms only if certain spousal consent requirements are met. Sets forth cross-references to the Internal Revenue Code for sanctions governing early withdrawal other than in a retirement income form. Requires such plans to allow participants (or their surviving beneficiaries) to elect to transfer accrued benefits directly to another plan in lieu of a distribution. Requires that any exception to such requirement be expressly stated by such plans in specified documents. Sets forth cross-references to the Internal Revenue Code for provisions relating to such transfers. Provides that certain pension plan distributions which constitute transfers to retirement universal security arrangements (such plans) shall be exempt from specified ERISA provisions relating to: (1) the maximum allowable present value of a nonforfeitable accrued benefit which may be immediately distributed without the participant's consent; and (2) joint and survivor annuity and pre-retirement survivor annuity requirements. Requires that any distribution which would be subject to excise tax penalties but for its transfer to such plan must be transferred irrespective of any consent by the participant to any other manner of distribution. Allows pension plans, for purposes of determining the employees's accrued benefits, to disregard service performed by the employee with respect to which the employee has received such a distribution to such a plan. Title II: Conforming Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to add provisions which conform to the amendments to ERISA made by title I of this Act. Sets forth rules relating to retirement universal security arrangements (such plans). Treats participant contributions to such plans as salary reductions and taxes excess participant contributions in the same manner as applicable to individual retirement accounts or annuities. Provides for deductibility of employer contributions to such plans (treating them as defined contribution plans) and sets an excise tax on excess employer contributions. Provides for a tax on certain accumulations with respect to participant accounts under such plans. Makes other rules which are applicable to individual retirement accounts or annuities also applicable to participant accounts under such plans. Makes rules relating to early withdrawal which are applicable to simplified employee pensions also applicable to such plans with certain exceptions. Provides that direct transfers from such plans to other plans (or to individual retirement accounts or annuities under specified conditions) shall not be treated as distributions. Provides that certain rules for taxation of distributions shall not apply to distributions from such plans, except with respect to rollover amounts and direct plan transfers which are separately accounted for. Provides that specified principles relating to the return of excess contributions shall apply as an exception to the taxes on excess participant contributions to such plans. Sets forth cross-references to other Internal Revenue Code provisions for: (1) treatment of all participant contributions to such plans as amounts which may be rolled over from qualified trust to eligible retirement plans; and (2) deductibility of participant contributions to such plans. Sets forth cross-references to ERISA and other Internal Revenue Code provisions for special rules providing for qualification of such plans. Sets forth other cross-references and conforming amendments. Includes retirement universal security arrangements among eligible retirement plans to which rollover amounts may be transferred. Provides, under provisions relating to the taxability of the beneficiary of an exempt trust, for the portability of employee contributions which are transferred to such a plan in a direct transfer or within 60 days after the date on which the employee received the distribution. Treats certain participants contributions to such plans as deductible as qualified retirement contributions if made within a specified period. Imposes an excise tax on excess employer contributions to such plans. Sets such tax on the employer at five percent of the excess amount. Imposes an additional tax on the employer equal to 100 percent of the amount involved in any case in which the initial excise tax is imposed and the payment of such excess contributions is not corrected by the employer within a specified taxable period. Sets forth requirements similar to those under title I of this Act relating to pension plan distributions constituting transfers to retirement universal security arrangements.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the amount of a qualified artistic charitable contribution shall be the fair market value of the property contributed (determined at the time of such contribution). Defines "qualified artistic charitable contribution" as the contribution of any literary, music, artistic, or scholarly composition, any letter or memorandum, or similar property, but only if: (1) such property was created by the personal efforts of the taxpayer making such contribution no less than one year prior to such contribution; (2) there is a written appraisal of the fair market value of the property included with the tax return; and (3) the use of such property by the donee is related to the purpose or function constituting the basis for the donee's tax exemption. Limits the amount of the qualified artistic charitable contributions for any taxable year to the artistic adjusted gross income for the taxpayer for such taxable year. Defines "artistic adjusted gross income." Prohibits public officials from taking a deduction for donation of their papers if the papers were produced while the officials were officers or employees of the United States or any State, or if the papers were created out of the performance of any duties as officers or employees of the government. Provides that alternative tax itemized deductions shall be determined without regard to the deduction for qualified artistic charitable contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit to taxpayers engaged in the trade or business of raising agricultural products for contributions of agricultural products to certain tax-exempt organizations. Sets the amount of such credit at 10 percent of either: (1) the wholesale market price; or (2) the most recent sale price of the agricultural product contributed.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1985
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Aaron Copland in recognition of his contributions to American musical composition. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1985
Children's Justice Act - Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make additional grants to States for developing, operating, or implementing programs for: (1) handling child abuse cases in a manner to reduce trauma to the child (especially in sexual abuse cases); (2) successful prosecution or legal action against child abusers; and (3) protection of children from abuse. Makes a State eligible for such assistance if it establishes a multidisciplinary task force and adopts reforms recommended by such task force. Requires the task force to be comprised of professionals experienced in the criminal justice system. Requires a State to adopt reforms recommended by the task force in each of the three stipulated categories or submit a detailed explanation of the reasons for not carrying out such recommendations. Requires the Secretary, through the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, to: (1) compile, publish, and disseminate evaluations of the approaches utilized with respect to the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases; (2) develop and disseminate model training materials and procedures to help insure that law enforcement, legal, judicial, and child welfare personnel are adequately trained to deal with child abuse victims; and (3) provide for support of research projects to assist in identifying effective approaches to achieving successful investigation and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases. Directs the Secretary, within two years, to review and evaluate the effectiveness of the activities carried out with the funds made available under this Act and report the results to the Congress. Requires the evaluation to be made available to State officials within 180 days after enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Attorney General, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Education, and any other agency or department head designated by the President, to meet regularly to coordinate and prevent the overlap of programs that address child abuse. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the Congress on the coordination of Federal programs. Requires the Attorney General to modify the classification system used by the National Crime Information Center in its Interstate Identification Index, and by the Identification Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in its Criminal File and its Uniform Crime Reporting System, with respect to offenses involving the sexual exploitation of children. Amends the Public Health Service Act with regard to the confidentiality of patient records to provide that nothing in such section shall supersede any State or local requirement for the reporting of incidents of suspected child abuse to authorities.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1985
Military Real Property Disposal Act of 1985 - Alters the criteria for triggering the notice requirements before a proposed closure or realignment of any military installation may take place. Repeals the current criterion regarding any closure and any realignment involving a reduction of more than 1,000 or more than 50 percent of the civilian personnel authorized at the installation in question. Establishes as a new criterion any closure or realignment which increases the rate of unemployment in the economic region in question by one percent or more. Requires the Secretary of Defense or the military department concerned to include a socio-economic impact statement in any justification to the Armed Services Committees concerning a closing or realignment. Reduces the waiting period following the justification from 60 to 30 days. Removes the requirement that at least 300 civilian personnel be employed at a military installation before it is considered a military installation for purposes of such closures or realignments.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985
Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute (RICO) to allow a civil action to be brought by a plaintiff only when the private suit rests on an injury caused by conduct that led to the defendant's conviction of one of the predicate offenses listed in the statute or of a criminal violation of RICO itself. Requires the plaintiff to bring such action within one year of the defendant's conviction.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985
Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Education Act - Requires specified warning labels on all smokeless tobacco products and advertisements. Declares that the failure to comply with provisions of this Act shall be in violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Grants district courts of the United States jurisdiction and injunctive powers to prevent and restrain violations of this Act. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to promulgate regulations to implement this Act. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to report to the Congress annually on the use and health effects of smokeless tobacco products.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1985
Urges the President to begin talks with the Soviet Union aimed at creating a jointly administered U.S.-Soviet student exchange program. Sets forth certain aspects of such exchange program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1985
Federal Annuity and Investment Reform Act of 1985 - Title I: Federal Thrift Plan - Establishes the Federal Thrift Plan. Permits an active participant (a Federal employee or Member of Congress) to elect to contribute in any year up to ten percent of such participant's annual basic pay or $6,000 to a thrift retirement account. Defines such account as a qualified investment program or the Federal Fund. Requires the employing agency of an active participant who is a post 83-employee (as defined in title II of this Act) and who contributes to a thrift retirement account, to contribute to a thrift retirement account established for the participant within the Federal Fund an amount equal to the amount contributed by the participant, or three percent of the participant's basic pay, whichever is less. Declares that such agency contributions shall be made after the post-83 employee completes one year of service. Provides for the treatment of breaks in service. Allows active participants to change designated accounts once during each year and provides for fund transfers to new accounts. Excludes amounts deducted from the basic pay of an active participant, and the contributions of an employing agency, from the participant's gross income. Requires the Federal Thrift Plan Board established by this Act, to make available information necessary to enable an individuals to make informed decisions regarding qualified investment programs and the Federal Fund. Provides that an investment program shall be considered a qualified investment program for purposes of the Federal Thrift Plan if: (1) such program is established and maintained by a pension asset manager; (2) such program is operated exclusively to provide benefits to participants and their beneficiaries; (3) such program complies with Board regulations and the provisions of ERISA (the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974); (4) information on the status of an employee's account is provided at least annually to the employee as well as a summary plan description; and (5) amounts in a thrift retirement account are distributable, upon application, to an employee who is eligible for benefits under another Government pension plan or workers compensation plan, who has been separated from the service for at least 31 consecutive days, or who has reached age 59 and one half, or to surviving beneficiaries. Sets forth the circumstances and conditions under which amounts not excludable from gross income may be distributed to participants. Requires the Office of Personnel Management to provide for annuities which shall be in addition to benefits an employee may be eligible for under other government pension plans. Establishes in the Treasury the Federal Fund which shall be administered by the Federal Thrift Plan Board in a manner consistent with qualified investment programs under this Act. Authorizes the Board to exercise enforcement authority with respect to any investment program. Authorizes appropriations to Federal agencies to carry out this title. Title II: Federal Employee Retirement and Disability System - Provides that a Government employee who is covered as of January 1, 1984, under the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program (under title II of the Social Security Act) (a post-83 employee) shall not be considered an "employees" for purposes of this Act. Provides that Postal Service employees who have been continuously employed by the Postal Service since December 31, 1983, shall be covered by Federal law relating to civil service retirement. Authorizes the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to transfer, upon the Postal Service's request, accrued or future benefits under the Civil Service Retirement and Disability System of such employees to a pension plan established by the Postal Service pursuant to a collective-bargaining agreement. Terminates coverage of such employees under the civil service retirement system to the extent of the benefits so transferred. Excludes from the term "employee" for purposes of civil service retirement District of Columbia employees hired after January 1, 1984. Specifies the amount which an employing agency may deduct and withhold for contributions to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund from the basic pay of Government employees who are hired on or after January 1, 1984, and who are covered as of January 1, 1984, under the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program. Requires that contributions be made to the Fund for all employees from the appropriation or fund used to pay their salaries. Requires OPM to prescribe regulations which specify the amount of such contributions for employees employed before January 1, 1984, and for post-83 employees. Requires OPM to notify the Secretary of the Treasury each fiscal year in which such regulations are in effect of the amount of the installment for each such year needed to amortize both the unfunded liability of the Fund and the net increase in the unfunded liability of the Fund. Requires the Secretary to credit to the Fund as a Government contribution the amount necessary to carry out such amortization. Establishes a board of trustees to be known as the Fund Investment Board which shall determine the interest rate at which Fund investments are made. Specifies the minimum interest rate on obligations issued for purchase by the Fund. Establishes an Advisory Panel on Fund Investments which shall advise and assist the Fund Investment Board. Requires a reduction in so much of the annuity of an individual as is attributable to service on or after January 1, 1984, for each full month that the individual is under 65 years of age as of the date on which the annuity commences. Sets forth the formula for computing the annuity of a post-83 employee. Eliminates the minimum annuity amount for such individuals. Permits the transfer of the lump-sum credit of an individual to a thrift retirement account. Sets forth the conditions under which post-83 employees will be allowed to transfer accrued retirement benefits into a qualified investment program. Limits cost-of-living annuity increases of post-83 employees to 30 percent of such increases for other annuitants. Gives post-83 employees the option of making an election at the time of retirement so that the adjusted amount of the annuity payable to them before the age at which they are eligible for benefits under title II of the Social Security Act is equal to: (1) the estimated benefits they would receive once they become eligible for title II benefits; plus (2) an adjusted amount of annuity which is actuarially determined and payable on and after the age of such eligibility. Permits an individual separating from Government service with rights to a deferred annuity to elect at the time of separation a reduced annuity and a survivor annuity for his or her spouse. Entitles the surviving spouse to an annuity, beginning at an age not less than 62, in an amount equal to 50 percent of the individual's reduced annuity. Requires that the annuity of a surviving spouse or of a surviving child of a post-83 employee be reduced by the amount of any survivor benefit received under title II of the Social Security Act by such surviving spouse or child for the same period. Entitles post-83 employees to disability retirement after five years of civilian service if they have become disabled. Requires that disabled employees be appointed to any Government positions, within a reasonable commuting distance for them, in which they are able to render useful service if there are no positions available for them at their present agencies and at their grade level which they can perform. Revises the method for computing disability annuities for Government employees hired before January 1, 1984. Sets forth the method for computing disablity annuities for post-83 employees. Disallows claims for civil service disability benefits for post-83 employees unless an applicant has applied also for disability benefits under title II of the Social Security Act or is exempt from such requirement. Provides that a post-83 employee's civil service disability annuity shall be reduced by the amount of any disability insurance benefit received under title II of the Social Security Act by such individual for the same period. Provides that such individual's civil service disability annuity shall be reduced to the extent that the annuity plus income earned by such individual for personal services performed during any period exceeds the individual's final pay at the time the disability was sustained for which the annuity is paid. Requires the Director of OPM to establish a pilot program to provide vocational rehabilitation and job placement services to Government employees who become disabled. Requires the director to report to Congress on such program within five years after the enactment of this Act. Requires the Director to contract with insurance carriers under which any Government employee may purchase illness and accident insurance to provide long-term disability benefits in the event such employee cannot qualify for a civil service disability annuity. Title III: Amendments to ERISA, the Social Security Act, and the Internal Revenue Code 1954 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to provide coverage under ERISA for pension plans established by the U.S. Postal Service for employees excluded from coverage under the Civil Service Retirement and Disability System. Amends title II of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to provide coverage under title II of Government employees who elect to be treated as if they were post-83 employees (and are thus not covered under the Civil Service Retirement and Disability System). Provides that the title II benefits of an employee with at least ten years of Government service shall not be reduced. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Makes the Director of OPM responsible for administering the retirement programs applicable to: (1) the U.S. Secret Service Uniformed Division; (2) the U.S. Park Police; (3) the U.S. Secret Service; and (4) other uniformed police services of the Government.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration should retain the current corporate average fuel economy standard for passenger automobiles.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1985
Mid-Career Math and Science Teacher Training Act - Amends title V (Teacher Corps and Teacher Training Programs) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to add a new part G, a Midcareer Teacher Training program of grants to institutions of higher education with schools of departments of education. Provides such grants to establish teacher training programs for individuals moving into an education career from another occupation in which they developed expertise in mathematics or science, or both. Directs the Secretary of Education to make such grants on a competitive basis. Provides that recipient institutions shall be awarded: (1) an initial planning grant for use during the first two fiscal years after selection; and (2) if successful, a renewal grant for up to two additional years. Requires applicants to demonstrate certain design and administrative aspects of their program. Requires that such applications be reviewed by a panel of experts in teacher training designated by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary, to the extent of available funds, to select at least one applicant from each of the ten regions served by the Department of Education. Limits the amount to an institution to: (1) $100,000 for the initial planning grant; and (2) $50,000 per year for the renewal grant. Requires each institution receiving such a grant to submit reports and other information on the program to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to disseminate such information to other institutions of higher education to promote greater use of midcareer teacher training programs without direct Federal assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1985
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish assistance to support small-scale agricultural projects in Africa, technical assistance for such projects, and research on such projects. Directs the President to place special emphasis on grants to international and African non-governmental organizations and to U.S. private and voluntary organizations for such projects. Requires the Director of the Administrator of the Agency for International Development (AID) and the Director of the Peace Corps to: (1) assess the opportunities for their agencies to support such projects in Africa; and (2) place a high priority on providing such support. Sets forth requirements for the use of funds made available for such projects. Requires the annual report to the Congress on foreign aid programs to include a report on the implementation of this Act. Directs the Administrator of AID to study and report to the Congress within five years of enactment of this Act on the projects funded pursuant to this Act and their effectiveness in preventing famine. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 to carry out this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Chandler, Rod D. [R-WA-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000293_200.jpg)