Rep. Coleman, Ronald D. [D-TX-16]

An amendment (no. 11) to strike criminal penalties from the bill.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment (no.20) expressing the "sense of Congress" that immigration laws should be enforced vigorously and uniformly with due respect for the rights, safety, and human dignity of citizens and aliens.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment providing special consideration for current immigration judges in appointing administrative law judges.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to require the President to establish appropriate accountability procedures to ensure that all funds made available to carry out this Act are used for the purposes intended.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to require the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of using computer terminals located at ports and other points of exit from the entry into the U.S. in order to facilitate relevant agency interaction and to reduce delays in the issuance of export licenses under the Export Administration Act of 1979.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to establish a U.S.-Mexico Bilateral Commission and to call for a bilateral summit on U.S.-Mexico economic relations.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to the Frenzel amendment to exclude appropriations for U.S. Customs Service; Internal Revenue Service; Federal Law Enforcement Training Center; and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, from the 2.65 percent cut.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment en bloc to permit small impoverished communities along the U.S.-Mexican border to receive small city Community Development Block Grants and to participate in FmHA programs.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to reinsert the provisions contained in sec. 316 of the bill which would prohibit airports from applying passenger facility charges (PFC's) to tickets where the passenger did not pay for the air transportation.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to insert a new section (a modification of the old section 336 which had been stricken by a point of order) which concerns the prohibition of airports applying passenger facility charges (PFC's) to tickets where the passenger did not pay for the air transportation.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to appropriate up to 80% of the necessary expenses (up to $8 million) for a border highway project previously authorized by Public Law 89-795. The amendment restores funds previously deleted from the bill by a point of order.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to cut $80 million in appropriated funds for state revolving funds to support water infrastructure financing and to earmark those funds for improvement of wastewater treatment in the states of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and in Mexicali, Mexico. The effect of the amendment is to reinstate funds appropriated in the bill, to which a point of order was sustained.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment that clarifies that mass transit employees may collectively bargain under the provisions under State or Federal law notwithstanding any other provisions in this act.

United States · United States Congress

Amendment deletes language which repealed section 13(c) of the Federal Transit Act, which guarantees collective bargaining and other labor protections for transit employees.

United States · United States Congress

Act to Save America's Forests

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendments to Existing Land Management Laws Title II: Protection for Northwest Ancient Forests, Roadless Areas, and Special Areas Act to Save America's Forests - Title I: Amendments to Existing Land Management Laws - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (National Forest System), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (public lands), the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (National Wildlife Refuge System), the National Indian Forest Resources Management Act (Indian lands), and Federal law relating to forest management on military lands to: (1) provide for native biodiversity conservation; and (2) restrict and prohibit certain logging practices. Title II: Protection for Northwest Ancient Forests, Roadless Areas, and Special Areas - Designates specified Special Areas which shall be subject to restrictions on road construction and logging in the following States: (1) Alabama; (2) Alaska; (3) Arizona; (4) Arkansas; (5) California; (6) Colorado; (7) Georgia; (8) Idaho; (9) Illinois; (10) Minnesota; (11) Montana; (12) New Mexico; (13) North Carolina; (14) Oregon; (15) South Carolina; (16) South Dakota; (17) Tennessee; (18) Texas; (19) Vermont; and (20) Wyoming. Restricts road construction and logging in Northwest Ancient Forests, Special Areas, and roadless areas on Federal lands.

To designate the United States courthouse to be constructed at the corner of Superior and Huron Roads, in Cleveland, Ohio, as the "Carl B. Stokes United States Courthouse".

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1996

Designates the U.S. courthouse to be constructed at the corner of Superior and Huron Roads, in Cleveland, Ohio, as the Carl B. Stokes United States Courthouse.

Jackie Robinson Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1996

Jackie Robinson Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) mint and issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of Jackie Robinson in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the breaking of the color barrier in major league baseball; and (2) distribute surcharge proceeds to the Jackie Robinson Foundation to enhance its education and youth leadership programs, and increase the availability of scholarships for economically disadvantaged youths.

Providing for the mandatory implementation of the Office Waste Recycling Program in the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996

Requires each Member and employing authority of the House of Representatives to comply with the Office Recycling Program of the Office of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC). Directs the AOC to: (1) ensure that all House employees with custodial duties are adequately trained in Program implementation; and (2) require any House contractor carrying out the Program to ensure that all personnel are trained in Program implementation; and (3) report semiannually to the Committee on House Oversight on Program compliance.

Expressing the sense of Congress with respect to the threat to the security of American citizens and the United States Government posed by armed militia and other paramilitary groups and organizations.

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1996

Calls for aggressive prosecution by the Department of Justice of perpetrators of armed conspiracies against the Government and of the illegal possession of firearms, explosives, or any substances or devices of destruction.

George Bush School of Government and Public Service Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1996

George Bush School of Government and Public Service Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make a grant to assist in the establishment of the George Bush Fellowship Program, located at the George Bush School of Government and Public Service of the Texas A & M University. Authorizes appropriations.

Medicare Hospice Benefit Amendments of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1996

Medicare Hospice Benefit Amendments of 1996 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to hospice care to: (1) restructure the hospice care benefit period; (2) cover ambulance services, diagnostic tests, and anticancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy services; (3) permit contracting with independent physicians or physician groups for hospice care services; (4) allow waiver of certain staffing requirements for hospice care programs in non-urbanized areas; (5) define coverage denial, with respect to the limitation on the liability of beneficiaries and providers, to mean a determination that an individual is not terminally ill; and (6) extend the period for physician certification of an individual's terminal illness.

To amend the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to apply the Act to a greater percentage of the United States workforce and to allow employees to take parental involvement leave to participate in or attend their children's educational and extracurricular activities, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1996

Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to extend coverage to employees at worksites where the employer employs at least 25 (currently 50) employees at the worksite and within 75 miles of that worksite. Allows employees covered by such Act to take up to four hours during any 30-day period, and up to 24 hours during any 12-month period, of parental involvement leave to participate in or attend their children's educational and extracurricular activities. Amends Federal civil service law to apply the same parental involvement leave allowance to Federal employees.

To extend the Medicare waiver of liability provisions for home health agencies, hospice programs, and skilled nursing facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1996

Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986, as amended by the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988 and the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990, to extend the Medicare waiver of liability provisions (presumption of lack of knowledge of exclusion) for home health agencies, hospice programs, and skilled nursing facilities.

Bruce M. Bryan Police and Fire Chaplains Public Safety Officers' Benefit Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1996

Bruce M. Bryan Police and Fire Chaplains Public Safety Officers' Benefit Act of 1996 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include a police or fire department chaplain within the definition of a public safety officer for purposes of death benefit provisions.

Textile and Apparel Global Competitiveness Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1996

Textile and Apparel Global Competitiveness Act of 1996 - Directs the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), whenever the United States negotiates a protocol for accession of a country to the World Trade Organization (WTO), to negotiate for inclusion in that protocol: (1) provisions for effective market access to that country's domestic markets for U.S. textile and apparel products; and (2) provisions allowing the suspension or revocation of paragraph 14 (relating to increasing import levels based on growth rates) of the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, if the country has failed to enforce such market access provisions. Requires negotiation of bilateral agreements containing similar provisions with countries that are not WTO members. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the USTR to identify annually, report to the Congress, and publish in the Federal Register the names of priority foreign countries that deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons producing or selling textile or apparel products. Establishes in the Treasury a Textile Global Competitiveness Research Fund, consisting in part of fines provided by this Act, and whose amounts shall be available: (1) to the Office of Textiles, Apparel, and Consumer Goods of the Department of Commerce for the American Textile Partnership (AMTEX), the Textile-Clothing Technology Center (TC2), and the National Textile Center (NTC); (2) for adjustment assistance for textile and apparel firms; and (3) to the Customs Service for the enforcement of laws governing trade in textile and apparel goods. Directs the USTR to take necessary steps to negotiate a quota agreement with any non-WTO country whose exports to the United States exceed $100 million annually, or are creating serious damage or the actual threat of it to the U.S. textile and apparel industry. Specifies: (1) a quota formula for new textile agreements with non-WTO countries which already have a textile agreement with the United States; and (2) provisions for inclusion in the accession protocol of countries acceding to the WTO. Requires the USTR to ensure that any protocol under negotiation for accession to the WTO of a non-WTO country with a textile import bilateral agreement with the United States, as well as any subsequent agreement, provides for a reduction in the quantity of that country's textile and apparel goods that may be imported into the United States if the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) determines that the bilateral agreement is being circumvented and that inadequate or no measures are being taken by that country to take action against such circumvention. Prescribes specified Customs Service enforcement actions and penalties (including fines, seizure, and forfeiture) for violations of customs laws involving textile and apparel goods. Directs the Commissioner of Customs to establish a Division on Textile Enforcement. Requires withdrawal of preferential tariff or quota treatment (unilateral trade concessions) from the textile and apparel goods of any country: (1) demonstrating a consistent pattern of circumventing textile agreements with United States; (2) refusing to cooperate in investigations; (3) failing to provide adequate enforcement of intellectual property rights with respect to textile and apparel goods; or (4) failing to provide fair and equitable market access for U.S. textile and apparel goods.

Millennium Society Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Recognition of the Millennium Society Title II: Commemorative Coins Title III: Commemorative Postage Stamps Millennium Society Act of 1996 - Title I: Recognition of the Millennium Society - Recognizes the Millennium Society (a nonprofit U.S. corporation chartered and organized under the laws of the State of Illinois on November 21, 1983) and any other organization that is organized and operated by the corporation exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. (Sec. 105) Sets forth the goals and purposes of the Society, which include: (1) establishing national goals for commemoration and celebration of the millennium in the United States and U.S. participation in such international events; (2) exercising exclusive jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to U.S. participation in commemorations or celebrations of the millennium; (3) coordinating activities and holding forums and symposiums to promote educational and cross-cultural exchange; and (4) establishing, endowing, and administering the Millennium Scholars Program. (Sec. 114) Grants the Society the sole and exclusive right to the use of specified symbols, emblems, trademarks, and names to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Society to allow contributors and suppliers of goods and services to use the Society's trade name, trademarks, symbols, insignia, emblems, seals, descriptive or designating marks, and slogans in advertising under specified conditions. Subjects to a civil action by the Society for the remedies provided in the Trademark Act of 1946 any person who, without the Society's consent, uses its trademark, symbol, insignia, emblem, seal, descriptive or designating mark, or slogan: (1) for the purposes of trade; (2) to induce the sale of any goods or services; (3) or to promote any theatrical exhibition, performance, or competition. Exempts persons who lawfully used such a symbol or slogan before the enactment of this Act. Allows the individuals to continue such lawful use for the same purpose and for the same goods or services. Title II: Commemorative Coins - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the events of the second millennium and the advent of the third. (Sec. 204) Provides for the issuance of such coins beginning on July 1, 1999, and ending on January 1, 2001. (Sec. 207) Requires all surcharges received from coin sales to be promptly paid to the Society, under specified conditions, to be used only for the purpose of supporting the Millennium Scholars Program. Title III: Commemorative Postage Stamps - Urges the U.S. Postal Service to cooperate with the Secretary and the Society in the: (1) issuance of appropriate first day of issuance postage stamps commemorating the end of the second millennium and the advent of the third; and (2) production of a philatelic numismatic combination as a unique item to be made available to the public for such commemoration.

Condemning the recent rash of arson against African-American churches across the United States, pledging to assist law enforcement authorities in apprehending the persons responsible for such acts of arson, supporting bipartisan legislation which would facilitate the prosecution of arsonists and create more severe penalties for arson against houses of worship, and encouraging the people of the United States to work in their communities to prevent future acts of arson against African-American churches.

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1996

Condemns the rash of arson against African-American churches across the United States during the past 18 months. Pledges to take steps to assist law enforcement authorities in apprehending the persons responsible. Supports the bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives Conyers and Hyde to facilitate the prosecution of, and increase penalties against, arsonists who target houses of worship. Encourages the people of the United States to work within their own communities to prevent arson against African-American houses of worship.

Decennial Census Improvement Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1996

Decennial Census Improvement Act of 1996 - Requires the Bureau of the Census, in conducting the 2000 decennial census, to: (1) attempt to contact every household directly, whether by mail or in person (and allows the use of sampling as a substitute for direct contact in a particular census tract only after direct contact has been made with at least 90 percent of the households in such tract); and (2) seek to make more effective use of State and local government offices and appropriate local groups to reduce the undercount and include in a specified report a description of the measures it intends to carry out such requirement. Modifies Federal law regarding exemptions for reemployed annuitants and former uniformed service members to make such law: (1) applicable to service in any temporary position within the Bureau established for purposes relating to the 2000 decennial census; and (2) inapplicable to any service performed after December 31, 2000. Prohibits taking into account compensation for services performed by an individual appointed to a temporary position in or under the Bureau for purposes relating to the 2000 decennial census (if the position is so designated by the Bureau, in writing, at the time of such individual's appointment) for purposes of: (1) State programs for aid and services to needy families with children and for child- welfare services, and for certain medical assistance, under the Social Security Act; (2) the Food Stamp program; (3) certain programs for housing assistance; (4) specified assistance under the school breakfast and lunch programs, the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children, and the Job Training Partnership Act; (5) any Head Start program; and (6) assistance pursuant to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981.

To prohibit persons convicted of a crime involving domestic violence from owning or possessing firearms, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1996

Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit persons under indictment for, or convicted of, any crime involving domestic violence from owning or possessing, or engaging in other specified activities with respect to, firearms. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations providing for the effective receipt and secure storage of firearms relinquished by or seized from such persons. Exempts persons convicted of a crime of domestic violence from certain provisions regarding: (1) restoration of civil rights after a conviction; and (2) administrative relief from firearm prohibitions.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to eliminate the requirement that States pay unemployment compensation on the basis of services performed by election workers.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1996

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the requirement that States pay unemployment compensation on the basis of services performed by election officials or workers if remuneration for a calendar year is expected to be less than $1,000.

Corporate Welfare Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1996

Corporate Welfare Reform Act - Establishes the Corporate Independence Commission to study reductions in corporate subsidies to reduce the Federal budget deficit. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth procedures for making recommendations for corporate subsidy reductions. Directs the Chairman of the Commission to develop and publish criteria to be used in making such recommendations based on specified factors, including the number and income categories of individuals affected. Requires the Commission, during every Congress, to identify and review corporate subsidies and, after weighing each subsidy's cost against its value in creating jobs, publish a report recommending corporate subsidy reductions sufficient to raise specified amounts of revenue and alternative methods for funding such subsidies. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the President on the Commission's recommendations. Provides for: (1) the President's approval or disapproval of the recommendations contained in the Commission's report; (2) transmission of a revised list of recommendations for the President's approval; and (3) introduction of legislation to make approved reductions. Establishes a Joint Committee on Corporate Subsidy Reduction which shall have jurisdiction over such legislation and other bills and resolutions which would accomplish the Government-wide reduction or elimination of corporate subsidies. Sets forth congressional procedures for consideration of the legislation. Provides that 45 days after the introduction of a bill under this Act in the House or the Senate, the Commission is authorized to reduce or eliminate any identified corporate subsidy to the extent specified in the transmitted recommendations unless: (1) a joint resolution disapproving all such recommendations becomes law; or (2) a bill introduced under this Act, a bill reported from the Joint Committee, or a bill with respect to which the Joint Committee has been discharged from further consideration becomes law.

Drive Away From Ethanol Welfare Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1996

Drive Away from Ethanol Welfare Act of 1996 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the credit for alcohol used to produce any ether. Limits other tax incentives to produce alcohol for use as fuel. Reduces the credit for any alcohol which is ethanol.

Water Quality Public Right-To-Know Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1996

Water Quality Public Right-To-Know Act of 1996 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to require each community water system to report at least once annually to its consumers on the level of contaminants in the drinking water purveyed by that system (consumer confidence report). Allows a Governor of a State to exempt community water systems within the State serving fewer than 3,300 persons or other systems if such systems inform customers that they will not be complying with this Act and will make information available upon request to the public regarding their water quality. Authorizes a State exercising primary enforcement responsibility to establish alternative requirements with respect to the form and content of the report.

In tribute to Secretary of Commerce Ronald H. Brown and other Americans who lost their lives on April 3, 1996, while in service to their country on a mission to Bosnia.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1996

Pays tribute to the remarkable life and career of Ronald H. Brown (the late Secretary of Commerce) and to the contributions of all those who perished in the airplane accident on April 3, 1996, while in service to their country on a mission to Bosnia. Extends condolences to the victims' families.

Aviation Safety Protection Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1996

Aviation Safety Protection Act of 1996 - Amends Federal transportation law to establish a whistleblower protection program for airline employees providing air safety information. Prohibits air carriers, contractors, and subcontractors from discharging or otherwise discriminating against an employee as to pay, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because the employee: (1) is about to provide or has provided to the Federal Government information relating to air safety; or (2) is about to file or has filed a proceeding, or testified, or otherwise participated in a proceeding relating to air safety. Sets forth a Department of Labor complaint procedure for persons who believe they have been discharged or discriminated against in violation of this Act. Provides for award of attorney's fees of up to $5,000 to a prevailing employer for any such complaint found frivolous or brought in bad faith. Specifies civil penalties for violation of this Act.

Consumer Products Safe Testing Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1996

Consumer Products Safe Testing Act - Sets forth Federal policy requiring Federal departments and agencies to encourage the development and use of product testing procedures that do not rely upon animals yet accurately reflect the acute health effects on humans of certain products, including consumer products and products containing hazardous or toxic substances. Requires each Federal department or agency head to: (1) evaluate any regulation, guideline, or recommendation issued by that agency which requires, recommends, or encourages the use of the Draize or other animal acute toxicity test to evaluate the safety of a regulated product; (2) evaluate nonanimal alternatives with the potential for partial or full replacement of such test; and (3) promulgate regulations, guidelines, or recommendations that specify a nonanimal acute toxicity test or battery of tests that should be used instead of an animal test unless the nonanimal test is less likely to predict the acute health effects of a product on humans. Provides that any Federal agency head who finds that regulations requiring or recommending animal tests should not be amended, to publish in the Federal Register an explanation of options considered and the justification for continuing the animal test. Requires each Federal agency head, at least every two years, after considering the most recent technological advances available, to determine whether continued use of any animal test is justified. Makes this Act inapplicable to regulations, guidelines, or recommendations related to medical research.

Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding research on the human papillomavirus and its relation to cervical cancer.

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1996

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases should collaborate on research on the human papillomavirus and its relation to cervical cancer.

Uniformed Services Medicare Subvention Demonstration Project Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1996

Uniformed Services Medicare Subvention Demonstration Project Act - Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Health and Human Services (HHS) to jointly establish a demonstration project (project) to provide the Department of Defense (DOD) with reimbursement, under provisions of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, for health services provided through DOD to certain Medicare-eligible covered military beneficiaries. Requires the project to be conducted in one or more regions in which the TRICARE program (a DOD managed health care program) has been implemented. Allows such project to be conducted for up to two years. Requires such Secretaries to jointly submit to the Congress a first annual report and a final report containing specified information concerning project participants and such project's effects on military medical care access, readiness, and training. Directs the HHS Secretary to make monthly payments to DOD from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund (HHS trust funds) representing appropriate reimbursement amounts. Provides for the determination of such amounts. Directs such Secretaries to jointly: (1) establish a base level of TRICARE coverage required in a geographic region for eligibility under the project; (2) determine baseline costs of such care and coverage; and (3) establish upper reimbursement limits. Directs the Secretary of Defense to waive the enrollment fee for individuals enrolled in a TRICARE program participating in the project. Establishes in the Treasury the Medicare Subvention Fund (Fund) for providing payments to the HHS Secretary for reimbursement of the HHS trust funds and for the payment of all expenses related to the participation of Medicare-eligible covered military beneficiaries in excess of the base level established under this Act, as well as administrative expenses. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 and 1998 for deposit into the Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.

Health Insurance Affordability Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Assuring Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage Subtitle A: Guaranteed Access to Health Coverage Subtitle B: Provision of Benefits Subtitle C: Fair Rating Practices Subtitle D: Consumer Protections Subtitle E: Benefits Subtitle F: Standards and Certification; Enforcement; Preemption; General Provisions Subtitle G: Definitions; General Provisions Title II: Administrative Simplification Subtitle A: Standards for Data Elements and Transactions Subtitle B: Requirements with Respect to Certain Transactions and Information Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions Title III: Antitrust Health Insurance Affordability Act of 1996 - Title I: Assuring Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage - Subtitle A: Guaranteed Access to Health Coverage - Requires carriers offering health coverage in the individual and small group market to make available standard and high-deductible coverage. Mandates a family option. Prohibits carriers from requiring limits based on health status, claims experience, or similar factors. (Sec. 102) Mandates acceptance of every small employer and qualifying individual. Allows financial capacity limits and provides for multiple employer welfare arrangement treatment. (Sec. 103) Prohibits denying, canceling, or refusing to renew coverage except for premium nonpayment or similar factors. (Sec. 104) Regulates preexisting condition exclusions and enrollment periods. Subtitle B: Provision of Benefits - Sets forth managed care requirements and mandates a utilization review report. Subtitle C: Fair Rating Practices - Regulates rating variations and mandates a model risk adjustment system. Subtitle D: Consumer Protections - Mandates disclosures by carriers and group plans. (Sec. 132) Regulates carrier remuneration and compensation to agents and brokers. (Sec. 133) Requires carriers and group plans to maintain written policies and procedures respecting advance directives. Subtitle E: Benefits - Regulates standard and high-deductible coverage. (Sec. 144) Mandates establishment of procedures for benefit valuation, the deductible amount for high-deductible coverage, and model benefit packages. (Sec. 145) Regulates the offering of supplemental benefits. (Sec. 146) Requires carriers to offer an option to treat children under 26 as family members. Subtitle F: Standards and Certification; Enforcement; Preemption; General Provisions - Mandates standards regarding this subtitle's requirements. Requires implementation and enforcement regarding carriers, insurance coverage, and group plans. Deems provisions of this title relating to group plans and employers to be provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on a carrier's failure to comply with this Act's requirements. (Sec. 155) Prohibits a single employer plan from offering coverage other than through a carrier unless the plan has at least 100 eligible employees. Subtitle G: Definitions; General Provisions - Sets forth definitions for this Act and effective dates for this title. Title II: Administrative Simplification - Subtitle A: Standards for Data Elements and Transactions - Mandates standards under this subtitle that are: (1) consistent with reducing health care costs; and (2) in use and generally accepted, developed, or modified by standard-setting organizations accredited by the American National Standard Institute. (Sec. 212) Requires: (1) standards regarding electronic transmission of health information data elements; (2) a standard unique identifier for each individual, employer, plan sponsor, and health provider; (3) data element code sets; (4) technical standards consistent with network privacy standards; (5) regulations regarding electronic signature transmission and authentication; (6) direct laboratory claims submission; and (7) network privacy standards. Subtitle B: Requirements with Respect to Certain Transactions and Information - Requires transactions between plan sponsors and providers to use standard data elements. (Sec. 222) Requires a certified health information security organization to make non-identifiable health information available to Federal or State agencies. (Sec. 223) Requires a procedure under which a sponsor or provider that is unable to transmit standard data elements directly may comply with this part. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions - Mandates network operating standards and a network certification procedure. (Sec. 232) Prohibits requiring data elements or transmission inconsistent with this Act. Allows waivers. Requires anonymity for those reporting violations. (Sec. 233) Preempts contrary State law. Title III: Antitrust - Mandates: (1) guidelines on antitrust law application to health plan activities; and (2) a review process enabling plans to request a Federal antitrust conformity opinion.

Comstock Cleanup Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1996

Comstock Cleanup Act of 1996 - Amends the Comstock Act to repeal a ban on the importation, transportation, or mailing (including through use of a computer) of any material intended for producing abortion or for any indecent or immoral use.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to permit covered beneficiaries under the military health care system who are also entitled to medicare to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1996

Amends Federal provisions concerning the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to direct the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) under which covered CHAMPUS beneficiaries who are also entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act will be permitted to enroll in a health benefits plan offered through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program in lieu of receiving care under CHAMPUS or the TRICARE program. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) required contributions for such coverage; and (2) the management of participants in the plan. Requires the Secretary and the OPM Director to report annually to the Congress describing the provision of health care services to covered beneficiaries under the plan during the preceding fiscal year.

To repeal the requirement enacted in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 for the mandatory discharge or retirement of any member of the Armed Forces who is HIV-positive.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996

Repeals the amendments enacted under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 that require any member of the armed forces who is determined to be HIV-positive (Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1) to be separated within six months after such determination.

Expressing the sense of the Congress with regard to the amount that should be appropriated for fiscal year 1996 for federally assisted education programs and activities.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996

Expresses the sense of the Congress that, not later than March 15, 1996, the Congress should appropriate for FY 1996 for each continuing program or activity of the Department of Education not less than the amount appropriated for FY 1995 for such program or activity.

Health Insurance Reform Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Health Care Access, Portability, and Renewability Subtitle A: Group Market Rules Subtitle B: Individual Market Rules Subtitle C: COBRA Clarifications Subtitle D: Private Health Plan Purchasing Cooperatives Title II: Application and Enforcement of Standards Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Health Insurance Reform Act of 1996 - Title I: Health Care Access, Portability, and Renewability - Subtitle A: Group Market Rules - Prohibits insurers from declining to offer whole group coverage to a group purchaser. Allows plans to establish eligibility, continuation, enrollment, or premium requirements, provided the requirements are not based on health status, medical condition, or similar factors. (Sec. 102) Mandates plan renewability, except for premium nonpayment, material misrepresentation, plan termination, or other specified reasons. (Sec. 103) Regulates the circumstances in which a plan may impose a benefit limitation or exclusion because of a preexisting condition. Allows State laws (unless preempted by specified provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA)) that: (1) limit preexisting conditions to shorter periods than the provisions of this paragraph; or (2) recognize previous qualifying coverage with a lapse period longer than provided for by the provisions of this paragraph. (Sec. 104) Mandates special enrollment periods for individuals who have certain types of changes in family composition or employment status. (Sec. 105) Regulates disclosures an insurer must make to a small employer (as defined in State law or, if not defined in State law, employers with not more than 50 employees). Amends ERISA to modify requirements regarding disclosures to plan participants and beneficiaries. Subtitle B: Individual Market Rules - Prohibits an insurer (for an individual in a period of previous qualifying coverage) from declining to offer coverage or denying enrollment based on health status, medical condition, or similar factors. (Sec. 111) Mandates renewability of coverage for individuals, except for nonpayment of premiums, material misrepresentation, or plan termination. (Sec. 112) Requires that State law in effect on, or enacted after, enactment of this Act apply in lieu of the standards above in this subtitle unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that the State law does not achieve access goals described in this subtitle. Allows States to meet those goals by using a National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) model adopted using a consultation process the Secretary approves. Subtitle C: COBRA Clarifications - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to modify continuation coverage requirements. Subtitle D: Private Health Plan Purchasing Cooperatives - Requires a State to certify health plan purchasing cooperatives (HPPCs) meeting the requirements of this paragraph. Provides for Federal certification if a State fails to do so. Regulates HPPC organization, duties, and activities. Preempts, for a HPPC meeting these requirements, State fictitious group laws. Preempts State premium rating requirement laws in certain circumstances. Requires compliance with State mandated benefit laws. Applies to HPPCs, for enforcement purposes only, the requirements of ERISA provisions relating to fiduciary responsibility and administration and enforcement. Title II: Application and Enforcement of Standards - Deems a requirement or standard under this Act imposed on a plan to be imposed on the issuer. (Sec. 202) Requires each State to mandate that each plan in the State meet the standards under this Act pursuant to an enforcement plan filed by the State with the Secretary of Labor, with employee plans enforced in the same manner as under specified ERISA provisions. Provides for Federal enforcement if a State fails to do so. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow a health maintenance organization, if notified by a member that a medical savings account has been established for the member and if the member requests, to reduce the basic health services payment by requiring the payment of a deductible for basic health services. Mandates a study and report to appropriate congressional committees on: (1) mechanisms to ensure the availability of reasonably priced health coverage to employers purchasing group and individuals purchasing non-group coverage; and (2) whether standards limiting premium variation will further the purposes of this Act.

Restoration of Natural Resources Laws on the Public Lands Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1995

Restoration of Natural Resources Laws on the Public Lands Act of 1995 - Amends Federal law to repeal the emergency salvage timber sale program. Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to suspend respective activities until they have determined that any such activity complies with applicable environmental and natural resource laws.

To designate the United States Post Office building located at 7980 FM 327, Elmendorf, Texas, as the "Amos F. Longoria Post Office Building".

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1995

Designates the U.S. Post Office building located at 7980 FM 327, Elmendorf, Texas, as the Amos F. Longoria Post Office Building.

Public Health Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1995

Public Health Equity Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to define "covered substance" to mean certain hazardous materials, substances, contaminants, or chemicals listed, identified, or defined in specified laws. Prohibits any entity receiving Federal financial assistance from subjecting an individual, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, to a disproportionate level of exposure to any covered substance. Applies specified compliance provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to that prohibition. Provides for termination of all or part of the Federal financial assistance.

To revise the effective date for military retiree cost-of-living adjustments for fiscal years 1996, 1997, and 1998.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1995

Amends Federal armed forces provisions to provide that: (1) the special rule concerning annual cost-of-living adjustments to retired military pay for individuals who first became members of a uniformed service before August 1, 1986, shall apply only through FY 1996 (currently, FY 1998); and (2) the initial month that such increase is payable shall be March (currently, September) of the year following the effective date of such increase.

To award a congressional gold medal to Ruth and Billy Graham.

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1995

Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal to Billy and Ruth Graham in recognition of their outstanding and enduring contributions toward faith, morality, and charity. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Directs the Secretary to transfer from the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund to the Library of Congress the amount by which the sum of any gifts and donations received by the Secretary to carry out this Act and any proceeds from the sale of bronze duplicates exceeds the total amount of the costs incurred by the Secretary in carrying out this Act.

Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 1996, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1995

Extends the law making further continuing appropriations for FY 1996.