United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1979
Medicare and Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Amendments of 1979 - Title I: Civil Monetary Penalties for Medicare and Medicaid Fraud - Amends Part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to impose an additional civil penalty of not more than $2,000 for each offense on any provider of services under titles XVIII (Medicare) or XIX (Medicaid) of such Act who presents a claim for a medical or other item or service knowing that such item or service: (1) was not provided; (2) was provided in violation of Federal or State law; or (3) was provided in violation of an agreement between such provider and the United States or a State. States that such provider shall also be subject to an assessment of not more than twice the amount claimed for each such item or service in lieu of damage sustained by the United States or a State because of such claim. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to: (1) enter into an agreement with any person against whom such a penalty has been assessed whereby such person will consent not to claim payment under titles XVIII or XIX for a period of time not to exceed two years; and (2) prohibit payments under titles XVIII or XIX to any provider against whom a penalty has been assessed during a period of not more than two years from the date upon which the penalty was imposed. Title II: Other Provisions - Stipulates that limitations on funding for State Medicaid fraud control units shall be calculated on an annual, rather than quarterly, basis. Directs the Secretary to exclude from participation in the Medicaid or Medicare programs a physician or other health care professional convicted of a criminal offense related to such individual's participation in such programs. Requires any entity providing services under a Medicaid plan to disclose certain information relating to the ownership of such entity. Authorizes the Secretary to reduce Federal payments to Medicaid providers from whom the Secretary has been unable to recover Medicaid overpayments.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1979
National Alcohol Fuel and Farm Commodity Production Act of 1979 - Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to replace the current program of loan guarantees for pilot project production of industrial hydrocarbons from agricultural commodities with a program under which the Secretary of Agriculture may guarantee payment of 50 percent of loans made by private lenders to persons constructing and maintaining plants for the production of fuel alcohol derived from agricultural commodities. Authorizes the Secretary to sell such commodities to such loan recipients and to acquire and use distilled dried grains plus solubles (DDGS) from them. Specifies conditions for such loan guarantees and sets the maximum cumulative total of outstanding principal and interest during the period from October 1, 1979, through September 30, 1984, at $600,000,000. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States the Alcohol Fuel Plant Loan Guarantee Fund, and authorizes the appropriation of $60,000,000 for deposit in such Fund for fiscal year 1980. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set the loan level for corn at $2.10 per bushel, and the established price for the 1982 crop at $2.75 per bushel. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the uses and marketing of the byproducts resulting from the production of alcohol fuel, including, if appropriate, a market promotion program identifying the foreign markets for such byproducts for human consumption.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1979
Directs the Postmaster General to issue four commemorative postage stamps to honor leaders of the American labor movement. Stipulates that one such stamp shall honor Walter Philip Reuther and each of the three remaining stamps shall honor another labor leader as designated by the Postmaster General.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1979
Department of Energy Civilian Programs 1980 Authorization Act - Title I: Research and Development - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for operating expenses and capital investment for fossil fuel programs related to gas, petroleum and enhanced gas recovery. Authorizes appropriations for specified fossil energy construction projects related to coal. Authorizes appropriations for operating expenses and capital investment for energy supply research and development programs and specified projects related to solar energy, biomass energy, nuclear fission, magnetic fusion, geothermal energy, low head hydroelectric power, environmental protection, basic research, and electric energy systems and storage. Authorizes appropriations for operating expenses and capital investment for specified conservation research and development programs. Authorizes appropriations for operating expenses and capital investment for specified general science and research programs and projects. Authorizes appropriations for operating expenses and capital investment for the uranium enrichment process development program. Authorizes appropriations for expenses of the Geothermal Resources Development Fund. Title II: Regulatory and Related Functions - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for expenses of the Economic Regulatory Administration, the Office of Hearings and Appeals, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Energy Information Administration and the Strategic Petroleum program. Title III: Commercialization and Related Activities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for expenses for specified fossil energy, renewable resources, and conservation commercialization programs and related activities. Title IV: Power Marketing, Federal Leasing and Other Activities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for the Alaska Power Administration, the Southeastern Power Administration, the Southwestern Power Administration, and the Western Area Power Administration. Authorizes appropriations for specified Federal leasing and fuel data gathering and analysis programs. Title V: Nuclear Assessment, Spent Fuel Disposition, Operations and Decontamination and Decommissioning - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for uranium resource assessment operating expenses and capital investment. Authorizes appropriations for spent fuel disposition and decontamination and decommissioning programs. Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study regarding the temporary storage of fuel withdrawn from licensed nuclear reactors and specified foreign nuclear reactors and authorizes the Secretary to select and acquire sites for such storage, and to design such facilities as appropriate for such sites. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $5,000,000 for such purposes. Sets forth the components of such study, and imposes specified reporting and public hearing requirements upon the Secretary relating to such study and site selection. Directs the Secretary to investigate whether Federal funding is appropriate for the cost of stabilization, decommissioning, and decontamination of the uranium mill tailings site owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority, and located at Edgemont, South Dakota. Title VI: Other Renewable Resources and Conservation Activities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for expenses for other renewable resources and conservation activities programs. Title VII: Other Departmental Activities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for operating expenses and capital investment for specified uranium enrichment activities programs and projects. Authorizes appropriations for operating expenses and capital investment for the commercial waste management program. Authorizes appropriations for operating expenses and capital investment for specified Department of Energy administrative activities programs and projects. Title VIII: Provisions Regarding Use of Funds - Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for any program in excess of the amount actually authorized for that program in this Act and any reprogramming that decreases certain authorizations by more than five percent, unless the Congress is notified and a 30-day waiting period expires. Sets forth limitations on the use of amounts appropriated pursuant to this Act regarding management support services and unexpended balances. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to allow the Department to use certain revenues received from uranium enrichment services, when permitted in an annual appropriation Act. Limits the use of such revenues to the payment of the costs incurred in providing the services. Requires that all monies, other than enrichment revenues and certain other receipts, collected by the Department and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in fiscal year 1980 and thereafter shall be deposited into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts. Requires that the Secretary submit to the Congress an annual report concerning enrichment service revenues. Permits the Department to use operating funds for construction purposes and to transfer funds to other agencies to perform work for the Department. Allows authorizations in this Act for construction line item projects to remain effective without fiscal year limitation through fiscal year 1982. Authorizes appropriations to pay for automatic pay increases. Limits the Department's travel expenses. Prohibits the Department from using funds appropriated under this Act for renovation, furnishing, or repair of facilities to provide temporary or permanent space for personnel relocated as a result of the establishment of the Department. Limits the use of funds available for direct and indirect purchases of gasoline in amounts in excess of 80 percent of the amount purchased by the Department in fiscal year 1980. Exempts from the provisions of this Act authorization for appropriations in any other law for fiscal year 1980 for any military application of nuclear energy, for research and development in support of the armed forces, or for the common defense and security of the United States. Title IX: Extension of Mandatory Crude Oil Price Control Authority - Extends the provisions of the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 relating to Federal controls on oil pricing. Sets as the expiration date of the authority to issue regulations or orders or to enforce such regulations or orders September 30, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1979
Amends the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 to make specific amount changes in the limitations on funds for development within DeSoto National Memorial and Pecos National Monument. Increases the authorization of appropriations, from $166,000 to $265,000, for the acquisition of lands within the Great Sand Dunes National Monument. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to designate and publish notice of these acquisitions. Changes the date of the maps referencing the Point Reyes National Seashore. Directs the Secretary to accept and manage any land and improvements within or adjacent to the seashore which are donated by the State of California or its subdivisions. Removes the exclusion of specified lands from the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Authorizes the acquisition of lands for Ebey's Landing National Reserves with appropriated, as well as donated, funds. Amends the National Trails System Act to include North Country Scenic Trail. Permits the National Academy of Sciences to retain title to a certain property while used as a memorial to Albert Einstein. Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to terminate the Upper Delaware Citizens Advisory Council ten years after the date of its establishment. Provides for the appointment of additional members to the Delta Region Preservation Commission. Provides for termination of the Commission ten years from the date of approval of this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from charging entrance or admission fees in excess of January 1, 1979, levels or in National Park System units where such fees were not in effect as of such date. Amends such Act to designate a portion of the Birch River in West Virginia as a river to be studied for potential addition to the national wild and scenic river system. Entitles the Farallon National Wildlife Refuge in California to those protections accorded the Point Reyes National Seashore. Amends the Act of October 27, 1972, to change the date of the maps referring to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Increases the authorization of appropriations, from $61,610,000 to $71,610,000, for the acquisition of lands within such recreation area. Reduces the development ceiling from $58,000,000 to $48,000,000. Directs the Secretary to acquire by donation or purchase a suitable collection of whaling artifacts and associated items for preservation and display at the National Maritime Museum located within such recreation area. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for such purchase. Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to extend the availability of appropriations from the special account for the acquisition of lands and waters within areas for public use and recreation administered by the Secretary to those areas and authorizations enacted prior to the convening of the Ninety-sixth Congress. Exempts those funds allotted for the acquisition of land, waters, or interests in same for the National Park System, recreation areas, and National Forest System from statutory ceilings enacted prior to the convening of the Ninety-sixth Congress. Permits the Secretary to make minor changes to boundaries or appropriations relating to such Federal lands which boundaries were established subsequent to January 1, 1965. Authorizes the purchase of such lands with appropriated funds. Amends the Act of August 18, 1970, to eliminate the printing of certain newly submitted identical reports if adequate supplies of previously printed identical reports remain available. Directs the Secretary to submit annually a comprehensive "National Park System Plan" to the designated congressional committees. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate an annual "State of the Parks" report. Directs that the annual report be printed as a House document and shall cease to be prepared and submitted after the fifth submission. Revises the boundaries of the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in North Carolina. Directs that the maps and descriptions of such historical site shall be published by the Secretary within 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act. Provides for the acquisition and disposal of lands within such boundaries. Amends the Act of October 21, 1976, to increase the authorization of appropriations, from $13,000,000 to $23,700,000, for the acquisition of lands, aquatic lands, or interests therein for Olympic National Park. Makes authorizations of appropriations under this Act effective in fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Dispute Resolution Act - Directs the Attorney General to establish in the Department of Justice the Dispute Resolution Program, including the Dispute Resolution Resource Center and the Dispute Resolution Advisory Board. Includes among the functions of the Center: (1) serving as an information clearinghouse for dispute resolution information; (2) providing technical assistance to State and local governments; (3) conducting research with respect to dispute resolution; (4) surveying existing dispute resolution mechanisms; and (5) identifying the types of minor civil disputes which are amenable to informal resolution. Directs the Board to advise the Attorney General with respect to this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to provide financial assistance to State and local governments and nonprofit organizations for improving existing dispute resolution mechanisms or establishing new mechanisms. Specifies the purposes for which such assistance may be used, including a prohibition against the use of such funds for attorneys' fees. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) enter into a contract for an independent study of the Dispute Resolution Program and make public and submit to Congress the results of such study by April 1, 1984; and (2) submit annually to Congress a report with respect to the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1979
Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings, Policy, and Definitions - Declares it the purpose of this Act to preserve for the benefit of present and future generations certain lands in the State of Alaska in order to: (1) preserve unrivaled scenic, geologic, and wildlife values; (2) perpetuate significant and diverse ecosystems; (3) protect and preserve cultural values of Native and non-Native people; (4) provide recreation; (5) maintain wilderness resource values; (6) preserve rivers; (7) maintain opportunities for research; and (8) utilize natural resources, consistent with sound ecological principles. Provides that: (1) intangible values should be considered on an equal basis with tangible values; (2) the management policies should cause the least adverse impact possible to people who depend on subsistence uses of resources; and (3) the interests of the State of Alaska and the Native Corporations shall be continually considered in carrying out provisions of this Act to maintain a viable economy and provide employment for citizens of Alaska. Title II: National Park System - Designates as units of the National Park System: (1) Bering Land Bridge National Monument; (2) Cape Krusenstern National Monument; (3) Gates of the Arctic National Monument; (4) Kenal Fjords National Monument; (5) Kobuk Valley National Monument; (6) Lake Clark National Monument; (7) Yukon-Charley National Monument; and (8) Katmai National Monument. Expands and redesignates: (1) Aniakchak National Monument by the addition of 160,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Aniakchak National Park and National Preserve; (2) Mount McKinley National Park by the addition of Denali National Monument to be redesignated as Denali National Park and National Preserve; (3) Glacier Bay National Monument by the addition of 40,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Glacier Bay National Park; (4) Noatak National Monument by the addition of 660,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Noatak National Preserve; and (5) Wrangell-Saint Elias National Monument by the addition of 1,230,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and Preserve. Establishes as units of the National Park System: (1) Aniakchak National Preserve; and (2) Lake Clark National Preserve. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer lands, waters, and interests of all National Park System units in accordance with applicable laws and this Act. Incorporates the redesignated national monuments specified in this Act as part of the appropriate national park. Makes available for the appropriate national park any funds which were available for the corresponding monument. Subjects the portion of the Alaska Railroad right-of-way within Denali National Park to laws and regulations applicable to fish and wildlife protection. Permits the continuation of reindeer grazing within Bering Land Bridge National Park. Prohibits the Secretary, generally, from acting to restrict unreasonably the exercise of valid commercial fishing rights or privileges obtained pursuant to State or Federal law, within respect to the Malaspina Glacier area of Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and the Dry Bay area of Glacier Bay National Park. Requires the Secretary to recognize and convey valid Native selections or nominations of land within boundaries of the Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and Preserve in accordance with the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Prohibits the charging of fees for admission to any unit of the National Park System located in Alaska. Title III: National Wildlife Refuge System - Redesignates Becharof National Monument as Becharof National Wildlife Refuge and Yukon Flats National Monument as Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge. Designates as units of the National Wildlife Refuge System: (1) Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge; (2) Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge; (3) Innoko National Wildlife Refuge; (4) Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge; (5) Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge; (6) Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge; (7) Selawik National Wildlife Refuge; (8) Teshekpuk National Wildlife Refuge; (9) Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge; and (10) Utukok National Wildlife Refuge. Expands the following units of the National Wildlife Refuge System: (1) Arctic National Wildlife Range; (2) Cape Newenham National Wildlife Refuge; (3) Clarence Rhode National Wildlife Range and Hazen Bay National Wildlife Refuge; (4) Kenai National Moose Range; and (5) Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. Declares that all Executive orders and other administrative actions which were in effect before the date of enactment of this Act will remain in force, except to the extent that they are inconsistent with this Act or the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Makes available for the purposes of any conservation units established under this Act all funds that were previously available. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer each wildlife refuge subject to valid existing rights and in accordance with applicable law and this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from permitting uses or granting easements in the above-designated refuges which are not compatible with the purposes of the refuge. Withdraws, subject to valid existing rights, all public lands in each refuge from all forms of appropriation under the mining laws and from operation of the mineral leasing laws. Authorizes the Secretary to permit oil and gas development under a leasing program. Directs that the area of the Iliamna watershed be managed for the primary purposes of watershed protection and fish production. Prohibits the Secretary from conveying any lands in such area to the State of Alaska, unless the State devises a plan for the protection of management of the watershed and fishery resources of such area. Provides that nothing in this title shall limit the Secretary's responsibility with respect to the exploration of oil reserves under the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976. Prohibits the Secretary from acting to restrict unreasonably the exercise of valid commercial fishing rights or privileges obtained pursuant to State or Federal law with respect to designed or redesignated units of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Directs the Secretary to undertake to enter into cooperative management agreements with Native Corporations, the State, or persons owning land within the refuge. States that land subject to the agreement shall be managed by the owner in a manner compatible with the major purposes of the refuge, and in a manner which will not diminish opportunities for subsistence uses in the refuge. Sets forth terms and conditions for such agreements. States that the Congress finds that barren-ground caribou are a migratory species deserving special protection and that the Western Arctic and Porcupine herds of such caribou are of national and international significance. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the barren-ground caribou herds north of the Yukon and Tanna Rivers, and, acting through the Secretary of State, to initiate negotiations with the Government of Canada in order to enter into a treaty to protect the Porcupine caribou herd and its habitat. Title IV: National Forest System - Expands as units of the National Forest System the Tongass National Forest and the Chugach National Forest. Directs that such lands as are added to the Tongass and Chugach National Forests shall be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the laws applicable to the National Forest System. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to modify any existing national forest timber sale contracts applying to lands designated by this Act as wilderness by substituting other national forest lands of corresponding quality, quantity, and access, to the extent practicable. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire timber rights to those lands selected for the village of Angoon under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act by purchase or exchange for timber rights elsewhere within the Tongass National Forest. Allows, at the election of the shareholders of Kootznoowoo, Inc., the conveyance of timber rights to lands selected by the corporation to the Secretary of Agriculture, and within one year after such a conveyance the conveyance to Kootznoowoo, Inc. of timber rights which are of equal value to those conveyed to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to designate alternative lands, of equal or greater timber value, for the benefit of Shee Atika, Inc., in satisfaction of the rights of the Natives of Sitka as provided by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Specifies that such lands shall be located in southeast Alaska other than Admiralty Island. Sets forth procedures for conveyance of surface and subsurface rights, and the release of such rights. Directs the Secretary to convey specified lands to: (1) Goldbelt, Inc., representing the Natives of Juneau with respect to their land entitlements under the Alaska Natives Claims Settlement Act; and (2) S.E. Alaska, Inc. Exempts such conveyances from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to reimburse Shee Atika, Inc., Goldbelt, Inc., and Kootznoowoo, Inc. for reasonable and necessary land selection costs. Specifies that permits issued by the Forest Service, before the enactment of this Act, for a dwelling or campsite in the Admiralty Island National Monument, Misty Fjords National Monument, or any wilderness area, shall expire not later than ten years after the enactment of this Act. Provides a limited exception to such permit expiration for Thayer Lake Lodge. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to permit the taking of fish and wildlife in national forest wilderness areas designated by this Act. Designates Admiralty Island National Monument and Misty Fjords National Monument as conservation system units. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue regulations with respect to mining activities on national forest lands in Alaska in order to protect water quality in such areas. Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to prohibit any land conveyed to a Native Corporation pursuant to this Act, which is within a contingency area designated in a U.S. timber sale contract, from being subject to such contract or to entry or timbering by the contractor. Prohibits a timber contractor from entering or cutting timber from land in a contingency area that has been withdrawn or selected by a Native Corporation until such Corporation has received all conveyances. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to improve timber production from high quality timber growing sites in the Tongass National Forest through a program of precommercial thinning. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an insured or guaranteed loan program for purchasers of national forest materials in Alaska to assist such purchasers in the acquisition of equipment to use wood products which might not otherwise be utilized. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a study and report to Congress to identify opportunities to increase timber yields on national forest lands in Alaska, and to reduce inefficient timber uses or waste of national forest produced fiber. Title V: National Wild and Scenic Rivers System - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act by adding to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System the following rivers (or segments thereof) which are outside the boundaries of other conservation system units: Birch Creek, Colville, Copper, Delta, Etivluk-Nigu, Fortymile, Gulkana, Alagnak, Killik, Nowitna, Selawik, Unalakleet, and Yukon (Ramparts section). Adds to the system the following rivers (or segments thereof) which form the boundary of, or are within, any national preserves in Alaska: Aniakchak and Charley (including their major tributaries), Chilikadrotna, Chitina, Mulchatna, Noatak, Stony, and Telaquana. Adds to the system portions of the following rivers which form the boundary of, or are within, any national wildlife refuge in Alaska: Nowitna, Colville, Porcupine, Beaver Creek, Sheenjek, Andreafsky, Selawik, Ivishak, Kanektok, Kisaralik, Squirrel, and Utukok. Requires that detailed boundaries and development plans be established for specified rivers within one to three years of the date of enactment of this Act. Designates the following rivers to be studied for possible inclusion in the system: Ikpikpuk, Koyuk, Kuskokwim, Melozitna, Mulchatna, Nelchina-Tazlina, Nuyakuk, Situk, and Susitna. Sets forth requirement for the completion of such studies. Authorizes the Secretary to seek cooperative agreement with the owners of non-Federal lands adjoining rivers which are newly designated units of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Permits the Secretary to establish a river protection zone extending two miles from the banks of such rivers. Withdraws the minerals in Federal lands within the boundaries of such rivers and within each such river protection zone from all forms of appropriation under the United States mining laws. Authorizes the Secretary to permit the use of snowmobiles for customary purposes by local residents and by authorized subsistence users, if such use was occurring on or before January 1, 1979. Authorizes the Secretary to grant permits to oil and gas pipelines to cross areas designated as wild, scenic, or recreational river areas in Alaska, if the Secretary determines that no feasible alternative route exists. Title VI: National Wilderness Preservation System - Designates as units of the National Wilderness Preservation System certain lands in: (1) Aniakchak National Park and Preserve; (2) Bering Land Bridge National Preserve; (3) Denali National Park and Preserve; (4) Gates of the Arctic National Park; (5) Glacier Bay National Park; (6) Katmai National Park; (7) Kenai Fjords National Park; (8) Kobuk Valley National Park; (9) Lake Clark National Park and Preserve; (10) Noatak National Preserve; (11) Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and National Preserve; and (12) Yukon-Charley National Preserve. Designates as wilderness areas within the National Wilderness Reservation System certain lands in: (1) Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge; (2) Arctic National Wildlife Range; (3) Becharof National Wildlife Refuge; (4) Innoko National Wildlife Refuge; (5) Izembek National Wildlife Range; (6) Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge; (7) Kenai National Wildlife Range; (8) Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge; (9) Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge; (10) Nunivak National Wildlife Refuge; (11) Sulawik National Wildlife Refuge; (12) Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge; (13) Togiak National Wildlife Range; (14) Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge; and (15) Afognak Island. Designates as wilderness areas within the National Forest System certain lands in Chugach National Forest and Tongass National Forest. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study the feasibility of designating Prince William Sound, Chugach National Forest as a wilderness area and to report his findings to the President and the Congress within three years. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to permit fishery research, management, enhancement, and rehabilitation activities within national forest wilderness areas in Alaska. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a cooperative planning process for the enhancement of fisheries resources in the Chugach and Tongass National Forests. Provides for the maintenance of existing public use cabins located in national forest wilderness areas and the construction of a limited number of new cabins for the protection of the public health and safety. Directs the Secretary to review nondesignated wilderness areas and to report to the President and the Congress on the feasibility of designating such areas as wilderness areas. Title VII: Subsistence - Declares that the first priority consumptive use of public land resources under this Act shall be the taking of fish and other renewable resources for nonwasteful subsistence uses by local rural residents. Stipulates that restrictions on the taking of populations of fish and wildlife on such lands for subsistence uses in order to protect the continued viability of such populations, or to continue such uses, shall be based on: (1) customary and direct dependence upon the populations as the mainstay of livelihood; (2) local residency; and (3) the availability of alternative resources. Authorizes the States to regulate the taking of fish and wildlife on public lands for subsistence uses in a manner consistent with the policies and requirements of this Act. Directs the Secretary, if the State fails to exercise its authority to regulate subsistence uses, to establish: (1) at least seven Alaska subsistence resource regions which, taken together, include all public lands; (2) such local advisory committees within each region, as necessary, based upon a finding that the existing State fish and game advisory committees do not adequately assist in the preparation of the reports required of the regional councils; and (3) a regional advisory council in each subsistence region, to be composed of residents of the affected region. Sets forth the duties of such regional councils in regard to subsistence uses of fish and wildlife within the regions, including the preparation of annual reports to the Secretary. Requires that such reports contain identifications, evaluations and recommended strategies for the management of fish and wildlife populations within the regions, as well as recommendations concerning policies, standards, guidelines, and regulations to implement such strategies. Directs the Secretary to follow the advice of such councils unless he determines in writing that such advice is not supported by substantial evidence, violates recognized principles of fish and wildlife conservation, or would be detrimental to the satisfaction of subsistence needs. Directs the Secretary to monitor State regulation of the subsistence preference granted under this title and to advise the States and Congress of his findings and recommendations. Directs the local and regional advisory councils established by this title to notify the Secretary if any such council determines that the State has not adequately provided for a system of subsistence preference in the region or locality which such council represents. Directs the Secretary to review the determinations of any council and advise the State of his findings. Directs the Secretary to close public areas to all consumptive uses except subsistence uses by local residents if he determines that the States has failed to comply with directives from the Secretary regarding improvements in the subsistence preference program and that such failure endangers the fish or wildlife population in an area or the ability of rural residents to satisfy their subsistence needs. Sets forth procedures for hearing and appeal by the State. Gives the Secretary emergency authority to close any public land to subsistence uses if necessary for public safety, administration, or to insure the natural stability and continued productivity of one or more fish or wildlife populations. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements or to otherwise cooperate with other Federal agencies, the State of Alaska, Native Corporations, and other appropriate persons and organizations, (including, through coordination with the Secretary of State, other nations) in order to protect subsistence resources and uses. Prohibits Federal agencies from withdrawal, reservation, lease, permit, or other use, occupancy or disposition of lands within their jurisdiction if the effect would be to significantly restrict the subsistence uses unless the head of the agency: (1) gives notice to the appropriate State agency, local committees and regional councils; (2) gives notice of, and holds, a hearing in the vicinity of the area involved; and (3) makes specific determinations regarding the purpose and the effect of the restriction. Directs the Secretary to insure the access to subsistence resources on public lands to persons engaged in subsistence uses. Directs the Secretary, acting through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service to undertake research on fish and wildlife resources and subsistence activities on the public lands. Title VIII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire by purchase, donation, or exchange any lands within the boundaries of any conservation system unit. Stipulates that land owned by the State, a political subdivision, or a Native Corporation may only be acquired with their consent. Sets forth administrative provisions relating to such acquisitions. Allows the Secretary to permit on conservation system units the use of snow machines, motorboats, airplanes, and nonmotorized transportation methods, subject to reasonable regulation. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire up to 7,500 acres of archaeological or paleontological sites outside of the Cape Krusenstern National Park, Bering Land Bridge National Park, Kobuk Valley National Park, and the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Park. Requires the Secretary, prior to acquiring any such property in excess of 100 acres, to submit notice of the proposed acquisition to the appropriate committees of the Congress, and publish notice of such proposed acquisition in the Federal Register. Directs the Secretary to provide advice, assistance, and technical expertise to an applying Native Corporation or Native Group for the purpose of preserving cultural resources, without regard to whether title to such resources is in the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate and plan for an information and education center for visitors to Alaska, on no more than 1,000 acres of land adjacent to the Alaska Highway. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate and plan for such centers in Anchorage and Fairbanks, and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to investigate and plan for centers in Juneau, Ketchikan, or Sitka. Authorizes the Secretary to establish administrative sites and visitor facilities within the conservation units, if compatible, or outside the units. Directs the Secretary to locate such sites and facilities on Native lands where practicable and desirable. Sets forth the authorities of the Secretary in regard to establishing such sites and facilities. Directs the Secretary, under reasonable terms, to permit a person who on or before January 1, 1979, was adequately providing any type of visitor service to a conservation system unit, to continue providing the services if they are consistent with the purposes of the unit. Requires that the Secretary, in selecting persons to provide visitor services, give preference to Native Corporations most directly affected by the conservation system unit, and local residents. Directs the Secretary to establish a local-hire program, under which the Secretary will consider for selection qualified local residents to positions in any of the conservation system units, without regard to civil service regulations which require minimum periods of formal training or experience, other preference provisions, or numerical limitations on personnel. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports and recommendations to Congress on such program. Requires the Secretary to prepare detailed management plans for national park and wildlife refuge units and submit them to Congress within five years of the date of enactment of this Act. Sets forth requirements for such plans, factors which must be considered, public hearings requirements, and requirements for reports to the appropriate committees of Congress. Closes all areas of the National Park System in Alaska to the taking of fish and wildlife, except for authorized subsistence use, fishing, and sport hunting as the Secretary may permit within national preserves. Stipulates that other conservation units will be subject to applicable Federal and State law with respect to the taking of fish and wildlife. Authorizes the issuance of permits to certain sport hunting guide services and nonsubsistence trappers to continue the taking of wildlife in connection with their business for a period not to exceed ten years from the enactment of this Act, if the Secretary determines that a termination of such privilege would result in serious economic hardship for such individuals. Requires that the boundary maps described in this Act shall be on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture. Specifies that in the event of discrepancies between the acreages stated in this Act and those depicted on such maps, the maps shall be controlling. Prohibits the boundaries of areas added to the national systems to extend beyond the mean high tide line to include lands owned by the State unless the State concurs. Directs that a map and legal description of each change in land management status effected by this Act be published in the Federal Register and filed with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate, and that each such description shall have the same force as if included in this Act. Directs that the Secretary shall make each such map and description available for public inspection. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to make minor adjustments in the boundaries or areas added to or established by this Act, as appropriate, following reasonable notice in writing to Congress. Permits reasonable access to and operation and maintenance of existing air and navigation aids and facilities for weather, climate, and fisheries research and monitoring in accordance with applicable law. Authorizes reasonable access to and operation and maintenance of, existing facilities for national defense purposes, notwithstanding any other provision of this Act. Permits the establishment of new facilities for national defense purposes within any conservation unit after consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture by the head of the applicable Federal department, in accordance with terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed in order to minimize the adverse effects within such unit. Amends the Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park to provide that lands owned by the State or any political subdivision may be acquired by exchange or donation and that the State may include minerals in any such transaction. Withdraws all public lands within a specified area near the Denali National Park from all forms of entry or appropriation under the mining laws and from operation of mineral leasing laws of the United States, for the purpose of establishing Denali Scenic Highway. Directs the Secretary to study the desirability of establishing a Denali Scenic Highway and within three years after the date of enactment to report to the President, who shall advise the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of any legislation to create such a scenic highway (if so recommended). Withdraws all public lands within the conservation system units in Alaska, subject to valid existing rights, from the mining and mineral leasing laws of the United States. Directs any holder of a valid existing mineral claim or lease to exercise their rights in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary to assure such activities are compatible with the conservation unit. Denies valid lease status to certain noncompetitive oil and gas leases. Allows any holder of a mining claim who feels he has suffered loss to bring an action against the United States in the U.S. District Court for Alaska. Directs the Secretary to assess the oil, gas, and other mineral potential on all public lands in the State of Alaska in order to expand the data base with respect to mineral potential of such lands. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act for fiscal years beginning after fiscal year 1979. Title IX: Implementation of Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and Alaska Statehood Act - Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to cancel all stock issued previous to December 18, 1991, and to issue shares of appropriate class stock to each shareholder. Makes further provisions for permissible restrictions on stockholders; amendments to the articles of incorporation; and stock alienation, annual audits, and transfer of stock ownership. Allows the Secretary, upon the request of a Village Corporation, to waive the requirement that a Corporation select land in whole sections (and that natural features are to be used as boundaries) where such waiver is justified and appears to be beneficial. Provides for the selection of land by Regional Corporations where the public lands consist only of a mineral estate. Makes provisions for the conveyance of real property by a Village Corporation to a shareholder of such Corporation to provide homesites and for the reconveyance of less than 1,280 acres by a Village Corporation to a Municipal Corporation or the State in trust. Places restrictions on the conveyance to Regional Corporations of lands which are located in a wildlife refuge. Permits a Regional Corporation which is precluded from receiving title to protected lands to file a claim to certain other lands designated by the Secretary for such purpose. Provides that the 20 year moratorium on the payment of State and local real property taxes on land conveyed pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act shall begin with the vesting of title in such lands. Provides that the moratorium shall not apply to land which is leased or developed for purposes other than exploration. States that fire protection of Native land provided by the Department of the Interior shall cover wildland. Provides for the selection of additional lands by a Village Corporation which has not fulfilled its entitlement under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Withdraws from further entry all lands located in patented townsites or which are the subject of an application for patent. Provides for the conveyance of unoccupied townsite lands. Requires the Secretary to act on any pending townsite entry and to issue patent, if appropriate, to the townsite trustee. Approves Alaska Native allotment applications which were pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, and which describe land that was unreserved on December 13, 1968, except when provided otherwise by the applicable provisions of this Act. Makes exceptions to such approval for: (1) allotment applications describing land within the boundaries of a National Park system unit established before or by this Act and the described land not withdrawn; (2) allotment applications describing land patented or deeded to the State of Alaska, or land selected by, or tentatively approved or confirmed to the State of Alaska and not withdrawn; (3) allotment applications where a Native Corporation files a protest stating the applicant is not entitled and the land is withdrawn for selection by the Corporation; (4) allotment applications where the State of Alaska files a protest stating the land in the allotment application is necessary for access to public lands; (5) allotment applications where a person or entity files a protest and the land is a situs of an improvement by that person or entity; and (6) an allotment application that was pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, which was knowingly and voluntarily relinquished by the applicant. Sets forth procedures for the Secretary to adjust descriptions of lands in allotment applications to eliminate conflicts. Allows the allotment applicant to amend the land description in the allotment if such description describes land that the applicant did not intend to claim. Directs the Secretary to notify the State and all interested parties of such intended correction and gives parties an opportunity to file a protest. Deems vacant, unappropriated and unreserved land described in an allotment application pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, which was at such time withdrawn, reserved, or classified for powersite or power-project purposes unless the described land is included as part of a project under the Federal Power Act or is presently utilized for purposes of transmitting or generating electrical power. Reserves such land to be allotted subject to a right of reentry for a specified 20-year period. Directs the Secretary to identify and adjudicate any record entry or application for title made under an Act other than the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, the Alaska Statehood Act, or the Act of May 17, 1906, prior to issuing a certificate for an allotment subject to this Act. Directs the Secretary to determine whether such entry or application represents a valid existing right. Disallows the affecting of existing rights acquired by actual use of the described lands prior to its withdrawal or classification. Requires that payments under such Act shall be deposited into the Alaska Native Fund on the first day of the fiscal year for which the monies are appropriated, and shall be distributed at the end of the first quarter of the fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to pay by grant to certified Native Group Corporations an amount not more than $100,000 or less than $50,000 for planning, development, or other authorized purposes. Provides for a two year statute of limitation for the filing of any appeal from a decision of the Secretary under this title or under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Conveys to a Village Corporation found eligible by the Secretary of Interior, the surface estate to public land in its "core" township or townships (towns or townships in which the Native Villages are located). Stipulates that where two or more corporations have claim to the same township, the conveyance is delayed until an arbitration decision or other binding agreement between or among the Corporations is filed with and published by the Secretary. Conveys to a Village Corporation found eligible by the Secretary, the surface estate to certain lands in the "core" township. Conveys the surface and subsurface estate in the former Indian Reserve to certain village Corporations. Excludes the Village Corporation for the Native Village of Klukwan from such conveyances. Conveys the subsurface estate in "core" townships conveyed to Village Corporations, to Regional Corporations to the extent they would otherwise have obtained such subsurface estate pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Sets forth requirements with respect to the granting of easements on such lands. Provides for the relinquishment of all claims by the United States to submerged lands under a nonnavigable meanderable stream or a lake having a surface area of 160 acres or more which is adjacent to land which is conveyed to a Native Corporation pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of this Act. Provides that such submerged lands shall not be charged toward the acreage entitlement of any Native Corporation. Retains in Federal ownership submerged lands within the boundaries of any conservation system unit. Lists specified lands of: (1) Nana/Cook Inlet Regional Corporation, the Ahtna Regional Corporation, and the Bering Straits Regional Corporation to be withdrawn for selection, and (2) the Doyon Regional Corporation to be exchanged for lands relinquished. Requires the Hodzana River area to be managed as a study area by the Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with Doyon, Limited. Lists lands, previously selected by Doyon, Limited which such corporation may identify in partial satisfaction of its entitlement under such Act. Provides for the settlement of certain claims and litigation to implement such Act under the unique circumstances of the Native Village of Eklutna. Directs the Secretary to convey the surface and subsurface estates of specified lands on Afognak Island to Koniag, Incorporated. Directs the Secretary to negotiate with specified Native Corporations for boundaries and prices of certain areas of the Pribilof Islands group to be included in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Authorizes the Secretary to accept from Arctic Slope Regional Corporation a relinquishment of all right, title, and interest of such Corporation in specified Alaskan lands. Directs the Secretary to make specified conveyances of land pursuant to the Cook Inlet Village Settlement. Grants final approval to all tentative approvals of the State of Alaska land selections pursuant to the Alaska Statehood Act. Vests title in all such lands in the State as of the date of tentative approval. Directs the Secretary to convey public lands selected by the Chugach Regional Corporation from certain lands within the Chugach National Forest. Directs the Secretary to study the land ownership and use patterns in the Chugach region in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, the Alaska Advisory Coordinating Council, Chugach Natives, Inc., and the State of Alaska (if the State chooses to participate). Title X: Transportation and Utility Systems - Declares that applications for rights-of-way in conservation system units in Alaska shall be made only as provided by this title. Provides that transportation and utility systems subject to this title are: (1) water transportation systems; (2) pipelines and other systems for the transportation of their liquids and gases, including oil, natural gas, synthetic liquid and gaseous fuels, and any refined produce produced from such sources; (3) pipeline, slurry and emulsion systems, and conveyor belts for transportation of solid materials; (4) systems for the transmission and distribution of electric energy; (5) systems for the transmission of radio, television, telephone, telegraph, and other electronic signals, and other means of communication; (6) improved rights-of-way for snow machines, air cushion vehicles, and other all-terrain vehicles; and (7) roads, highways, railroads, tunnels, tramways, airports, and other systems of transportation. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture, in consultation with other appropriate Federal agencies, to prepare and publish a consolidated application form to be used for applying for a right-of-way for a transportation or utility system subject to this title. Requires any Federal agency which receives an application for a right-of-way to notify the applicant within 60 days of the receipt of the application that such application is either complete or that more information is required. Sets forth filing requirements for environmental impact statements required to be filed with an application for a right-of-way. Requires the heads of Federal agencies to coordinate their procedures for processing applications for rights-of-way for transportation or utility systems which require the approval of more than one agency. Sets forth procedures for the consideration, processing, and approval of applications for rights-of-way. Requires the Secretary to submit his recommendation for the approval or disapproval of an application to Congress. Provides that such application shall be deemed approved only upon enactment of a joint resolution by the Senate and the House of Representatives. Title XI: Federal-State Coordination - Establishes the Alaska Advisory Coordinating Council, cochaired by the Secretary of the Interior and the Governor of Alaska and composed of the Alaska field directors of the Federal land managing and planning agencies; the Commissioners of the Alaska Departments of Natural Resources, Fish and Game, and Environmental Conservation; and representatives from a Village Corporation and a Regional Corporation. Requires that all Council meetings be open to the public, with at least 15 days prior notice in the Federal Register and in newspapers of general circulation in Alaska. Directs the Council to conduct studies and advise the Secretary, other Federal agencies, the State, and Native Corporations regarding land and resource uses in Alaska, including natural resource management, economic development, and other land administration programs. Authorizes the Council to recommend cooperative planning and management zones where the management of lands or resources of one member materially affects another. Authorizes Federal members of the Council to enter into cooperative agreements with Federal agencies, with State and local agencies, and with Native Corporations for mutual consultation, review, and coordination of resource management plans within such zones. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical and other assistance to landowners whose lands or resources are subject to a cooperative agreement, for fire control, trespass control, law enforcement, resource use, and planning. States that such assistance may be provided without reimbursement if the Secretary determines that doing so would further the purposes of the cooperative agreement and would be in the public interest. Provides that the Council will terminate in ten years, unless extended by Congress. Directs the Council to establish a citizens' advisory committee of land-use advisors. Establishes the Alaska Land Bank Program to facilitate the coordinated management and protection of Federal, State, Native, and other private lands. Authorizes certain private landowners to enter into agreements with the Secretary for ten years, with five year renewal periods, concerning the management of the affected lands. Sets forth required terms of such agreements, as well as benefits to private landowners. Provides, as to Native Corporations and other persons or groups that have received or will receive lands or interests therein pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act on this title, immunity from adverse possession, Federal and State taxation, and judgment in any action at law or equity to recover sums owned or penalties incurred by any Native Corporation, or any officer, director, or stockholder of any such Corporation. Title XII: Oil and Gas Exploration, Development, and Production - States as the purpose of this title the furtherance of exploration, development, and production, through private enterprise with appropriate environmental safeguards, of oil and gas resources on certain public lands in Alaska. Provides that this title shall apply to: (1) the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska; (2) nonwilderness portions of all units of the wildlife refuge system in Alaska; and (3) all public lands in Alaska which are not within any conservation system unit and which are managed by the Secretary of the Interior through the Bureau of Land Management. Provides that exploration, development, and production of oil and gas on lands to which this title applies shall be conducted pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 except to the extent otherwise provided by this title. Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits for the exploration for oil and gas resources which is conducted pursuant to a plan approved by the Secretary. Requires the holder of any permit issued by the Secretary to disclose to the Secretary any information obtained as a result of any exploration activities. Requires the Secretary to maintain the confidentiality of such information until the permittee acquires a lease for the lands on which the permit data was acquired or at such time as the data ceases to hold proprietary value, but in no case longer than ten years. Directs the Secretary to study such information and to consult with the Secretary of Energy regarding the national interest involved in exploring for and developing oil and gas from lands subject to this title. Directs the Secretary to encourage the State to undertake studies on lands associated with lands subject to this title. Provides that leases shall be issued only by competitive bidding with respect to the following lands: (1) the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska; (2) nonwilderness portions of all units of the wildlife refuge system in Alaska; and (3) all public lands in Alaska which are not within any conservation system unit and which are managed by the Secretary through the Bureau of Land Management and are determined by the Secretary to be within an area favorable for the occurrence of oil or gas. Requires the development and production of oil or gas on leased lands to be carried out in accordance with a development and production plan approved by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to suspend or cancel such leases if he determines that operations under such lease pose environmental threats to the land. Requires the Secretary to issue a permit for oil and gas exploration on public lands within six months of a request if the applicant is not required to file an environmental impact statement, or three months after the filing of such a statement if such a statement is required. Requires the Secretary to include in reports required under the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 information with respect to oil and gas development activities under this title. Requires the Secretary to establish a program for the consideration and issuance of exploration permits to applicants for public lands within the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska, including public lands within the Teshekpuk and Utukok National Wildlife Refuges within 240 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to publish a schedule of proposed lease sales covering such land and to hold the first lease sale on such lands within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that exploration for, and development and production of, oil and gas on nonwilderness areas within the National Wildlife Refuge System shall be carried out according to the provisions of this title, except for lands that have been withdrawn from such use under this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for issuance of exploration permits and for lease sales of lands subject to the Bureau of Land Management.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that disability insurance benefits for an individual having a terminal illness shall begin with the first month during all of which such individual has such illness. Defines the term "terminal illness" to mean, a medically determinable physical impairment which is expected to result in death within the next 12 months.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Authorizes the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol. Authorizes appropriations not to exceed $25,000 for such purpose
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Modifies the Galveston Bay, Texas, flood protection project to provide for payments and benefits to the owners of property rendered uninhabitable by flood water.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Independent Local Newspaper Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the establishment of independent local newspaper advance estate tax trusts to facilitate payment of the estate tax imposed upon the estate of a decedent who owned an interest in an independent local newspaper. Sets forth requirements for the establishment of such trusts, including requirements that such trusts: (1) be created pursuant to a plan adopted by the newspaper; (2) be governed by a written instrument which requires that contributions to and income of the trust be invested solely in obligations of the United States; (3) name as trustee a bank or another individual who is capable of administering such trust in compliance with the requirements of this Act; (4) maintain trust assets separately from other property; (5) accept contributions exclusively from independent local newspapers; (6) devote assets of the trust solely to the payment of the estate tax; and (7) distribute any excess funding of the trust to its beneficiaries or their estates. Limits an individual who owns interests in several independent local newspapers to participation in not more than one estate tax payment trust. Defines an "independent local newspaper" as a newspaper publication which is not a member of a chain and which maintains all its offices in a single city, community or metropolitan area, or, on January 1, 1979, within one State. Defines "excess funding" as the excess of the face value of the assets of a qualified trust over; (1) 70 percent of the value of a decedent's interest in an independent local newspaper which is includable in his gross estate; or (2) a decedent's estate tax which is attributable to his interest in an independent local newspaper included in his gross estate. Exempts independent local newspaper advance estate tax trusts and the individuals for whom such trusts are established from income taxation with respect to income earned by such trust. Terminates such tax-exempt status if the taxpayer's interest in the newspaper is sold, the newspaper itself is sold or ceases to qualify as an independent newspaper, or there is an excess funding of the trust. Provides that the amount of any excess funding shall be distributed to the individual for whom the trust was created and included in his gross income or gross estate. Allows an income tax deduction to local independent newspapers for contributions made to estate tax payment trusts. Limits the amount of such deduction to 50 percent of the taxable income derived from such newspaper for the taxable year. Requires the redetermination of the estate tax of an individual for whom an independent local newspaper advance estate tax trust is established and the inclusion in the gross estate of such individual an amount equal to the estate tax payment made by such trust which is attributable to the individual's interest in the newspaper, if the trust or any heir of the individual sells, within 15 years of the death of such individual, any part of the interest in the newspaper with respect to which the trust was created. Provides for the gradual phaseout of any additional estate tax which is imposed due to the premature sale of a newspaper, if the sale does not occur prior to the ten to 15 year period following the death of the individual for whom the estate tax trust is established. Permits the shareholders of an independent local newspaper who receive the stock of a corporation which the newspaper controls to exclude from their gross income any gain realized as a result of such distribution if: (1) the shareholders do not sell such stock within five years after the date of its distribution; (2) the shareholders retain control of the newspaper for five years after the date of the distribution; and (3) the newspaper and the controlled corporation each continue to be engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business through the five year period beginning on the date of the distribution. Excludes from the gross estate of a decedent the value of any interest in an independent local newspaper which he holds at the time of his death and any estate tax payment made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust. Permits the executor of an estate which includes an interest in an independent local newspaper to pay the estate tax in two or more (but not exceeding ten) equal installments. Limits the maximum amount of estate tax that may be paid in installments to the excess of the amount of estate tax over the tax that would have been imposed if the interest in the newspaper had not been included in the gross estate, reduced by all payments of the estate tax made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to remove the $75 limit on the excess shelter expense deduction in the computation of household income for households composed entirely of persons who are age 62 or older, or who receive supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act. Entitles such households to a medical expense deduction to the extent that the monthly amount expended by any such household for medical or dental care exceeds the amount of the standard deduction in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979
Senior Citizens Health Insurance Reform Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to institute a program of voluntary certification for health insurance policies sold in supplementation of medicare. Sets forth minimum standards for such certification with respect to liability, cancellation, reasonableness of premium charge, and economic benefit to the insured. Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) misrepresentations in connection with such certification; (2) the sale of specified types of duplicate insurance; and (3) certain activities in connection with the sale of insurance policies in States which have not approved such policies.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1979 - Amends Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (the Fair Housing Act) to exempt only the renting of space within a single family dwelling unit by the occupant of such unit to any other person from the prohibitions against discrimination in the sale or rental of housing. Prohibits insurers against hazards from discriminating in housing insurance contracts. Includes the handicapped within the groups that may not be discriminated against in housing. Prohibits discrimination in housing finance because of the national origins of people residing in the vicinity of the dwelling involved. Prohibits discrimination in the buying of debts secured by real property. Includes Federal agencies having regulatory authority over financial institutions within the administrative authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Revises the procedures for enforcing the fair housing antidiscrimination provisions of the Act. Permits the Secretary to enforce the provisions upon receiving a charge filed by an aggrieved party within one year after the alleged discrimination occurred or upon the Secretary's initiative. Permits the Secretary to refer charges to certified State or local agencies to take action. Directs the Secretary and other Federal agencies to cooperate and avoid duplication of their efforts. Authorizes the Secretary to order preliminary relief in certain circumstances. Sets forth the procedures to be followed when the Secretary has an administrative hearing on a complaint. Permits aggrieved individuals to commence civil actions within three years of the alleged discriminatory practice. Prohibits proceedings by both the Secretary and the aggrieved individual. Authorizes the Attorney General (1) to intervene in an aggrieved individual's civil action and (2) to commence a civil action (a) against a person engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to these provisions or (b) to enforce the Secretary's findings or orders. Permits the aggrieved individual to intervene in an action commenced by the Attorney General. Allows prevailing parties reasonable attorney fees. Grants exclusive jurisdiction to the court of appeals to determine the validity of the Secretary's final orders under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1979
Federal Bicycle and Physical Fitness Facilities Act - Requires the head of each Federal department and agency to provide safe bicycle parking facilities at all buildings under the jurisdiction of such department or agency within one year after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1979
Modifies the Houston Ship Channel (Greens Bayou), Texas, navigation project to authorize the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to dredge a portion of such channel.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1979
Authorizes appropriations for the use by the Phelps-Stokes Fund for the acquisition of a monument to Doctor Ralph J. Bunche and its erection in United Nations Plaza Park in New York City.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Automobile Warranty and Repair Act - Amends the Magnuson-Moss-Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act to apply to warranties for passenger motor vehicles the Federal minimum standards for warranties established by such Act. Declares that implied warranties for such vehicles may be limited to the duration of a written warranty of reasonable duration. Defines the term "passenger motor vehicle" as a motor vehicle with motive power, designed for carrying 12 persons or less. Declares that a court shall award a consumer who prevails in any action brought against a supplier, warrantor, or service contractor, a sum equal to the aggregate amount of the cost to and expenses incurred by such consumer in the commencement of such action. Allows an action to be brought as a class action even though the number of named plaintiffs is less than 100. Entitles the consumer to retain possession and use of the passenger motor vehicle during the pendency of the action.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Nondiscrimination in Insurance Act of 1979 - Prohibits any discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin regarding contracts for, or terms of, insurance policies. Permits insurers, who regularly provide insurance solely to persons of a single religious affiliation, to continue to do so. Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to administer and enforce this Act. Requires aggrieved persons to file such discrimination charges with State or local agencies in certain circumstances. Sets forth the procedures on charges filed with the Commission. Requires insurers to keep records and make reports as the Commission shall prescribe. Provides penalties for disclosure of information by employees of the Commission. Authorizes civil actions in U.S. district courts by the Commission if a conciliation agreement cannot be secured from the insurer. Allows an aggrieved person to institute a civil action against the insurer if the Commission has not instituted a civil action within certain time periods. Specifies the judicial relief available, if the court determines that the insurer has committed a discriminatory action.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to add Title V: Financing of General Election Campaigns for the House of Representatives. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain, in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, the House of Representatives Election Campaign Account. Sets forth eligibility requirements to be met by candidates for election to the House of Representatives seeking payments from such Account. Limits expenditures from personal funds which may be made by candidates meeting such eligibility requirements. Entitles eligible candidates to matching payments and sets forth the procedure for determining the amounts of these payments. Stipulates that the aggregate payments to all candidates in an election shall not exceed three times the maximum amount payable in matching funds. Suspends certain expenditure limitations on eligible candidates if any candidate not eligible to receive payments pursuant to this Act makes expenditures or receives contributions in excess of specified amounts. Sets forth the procedure for requesting matching payments. Sets forth procedures to be followed by the Secretary of the Treasury in maintaining the House of Representatives Election Campaign Account. Directs the Federal Elections Commission to conduct examinations and audits of the campaign accounts of ten percent of the eligible candidates. Provides for the participation of the Commission in judicial proceedings arising under this Act. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1978
Automobile Warranty and Repair Act - Amends the Magnuson-Moss-Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act to apply to warranties for passenger motor vehicles the Federal minimum standards for warranties established by such Act. Declares that implied warranties for such vehicles may be limited to the duration of a written warranty of reasonable duration. Defines the term "passenger motor vehicle" as a motor vehicle with motive power, designed for carrying twelve persons or less. Declares that a court shall award a consumer who prevails in any action brought against a supplier, warrantor, or service contractor, a sum equal to the aggregate amount of the cost to and expenses incurred by such consumer in the commencement of such action. Allows an action to be brought as a class action even though the number of named plaintiffs is less than 100. Entitles the consumer to retain possession and use of the passenger motor vehicle during the pendency of the action.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1978
States that the Territory of American Samoa shall be represented in the United States Congress by a nonvoting delegate to the House of Representatives. Sets forth the procedure for the election of such delegate.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1978
Provides that where two or more Members of the House of Representatives pay the basic pay of an individual from the clerk-hire allowance of each such Member, such individual shall be considered to be on the payroll of only one such Member for purposes of determining the number of individuals employed by such Members under the clerk-hire allowance. Requires such Members to designate who shall be considered the employer for the month involved and to report such designation to the Office of Finance.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1978
Amends the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act to set the fee for Federal migratory-bird hunting and conservation stamps at $5, and authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to raise such fee to $7.50 if funds in the migratory bird conservation fund have been obligated. Directs the Secretary to prohibit the hunting of migratory birds in any State which fails to approve an acquisition of water fowl habitat within a reasonable time.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1978
Standards for No-Fault Motor Vehicle Accident Benefits Act - Title I: Standards for State No-Fault Benefits - Authorizes any State to establish a plan for no-fault benefits for motor vehicle accident victims in accordance with the basic standards set forth in this Act. Specifies levels for medical expense, work loss, replacement services loss, and funeral and death benefits which must be met by approved State plans. Sets forth limitations on deductibles. Requires each person obligated to provide compulsory coverage to carry liability insurance for the payment of tort liability damages for injury in any case in which loss is in excess of the approved limitations, and in other specified cases. Stipulates that an approved State plan must require each insurer to make available coverages to provide for specified benefits in excess of any limitations under this Act. Requires any State plan to prohibit any claimant from maintaining a civil action in tort against any person, with respect to an injury as to which no-fault benefits are payable, unless such person is or may be liable in tort in accordance with specified exceptions set forth in this Act and also in such plan. Permits any approved State plan to establish a mechanism to assess the individual responsibility of motor vehicle operators, and a procedure for the imposition of tort penalties for such individual. Stipulates that any such plan shall require each owner of a motor vehicle registered in such State to maintain compulsory coverage in accordance with the approved plan. Requires each owner of a motor vehicle operated in such State to maintain compulsory coverage while the vehicle is operated in such State if coverage is not provided under any other approved no-fault plan. Declares that any approved State plan shall entitle any victim, any survivor of a victim, or provider on behalf of a victim to basic no-fault benefits under such plan depending on specified conditions relating to residence and place of injury of the victim. Sets forth priorities for the determination of which insurer will pay benefits if two or more obligations to pay no-fault benefits apply to an injury. Establishes a procedure for the payment of no-fault benefits. Requires any approved State plan to authorize a claimant to maintain a civil action against an insurer or program for the payment of overdue benefits and any interest penalty. Requires such plan to include the payment of attorney's fees and costs of litigation within the recovery available to claimants in such actions. Directs the State insurance commissioner to establish a program to assure that basic no-fault benefits are promptly available, with respect to any victim who is entitled to such benefits under the approved plan of such State. Sets forth conflict of law resolutions which must be included in each approved State plan with respect to the determination of benefits, the right to maintain civil actions in tort, reimbursement and compliance with compulsory coverage requirements. Requires that any approved State plan restrict the cancellation, nonrenewal, and modification of insurance in accordance with this Act. Requires that such plans include programs for the medical and vocational rehabilitation of victims. Directs that all benefits that an individual receives, or is entitled to receive, with respect to an injury, from specified government programs be subtracted in calculating basic no-fault benefits. Restricts the right of reimbursement of insurers for certain no-fault benefits paid or obligated. Declares certain individuals ineligible for no-fault benefits under any State approved plan. Sets forth the procedure for calculating work loss. Title II: Review Panel and Process; Alternative No-Fault Plan - Establishes within the Department of Transportation the Standards for No-Fault Benefits Review Panel to evaluate the performance and effect of approved State plans. Sets forth the procedure for certification and review of State plans. Specifies the requirements which must be met by alternative no-fault plans. Declares that an alternative no-fault plan may take effect in a State only if the Review Panel issues a declaration that such State does not have an approved State plan. Title III: Definitions and Miscellaneous Provisions - Stipulates that no district court of the United States shall have jurisdiction over any civil action for the payment of no-fault benefits unless the United States is a party.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1978
Amends the Magnuson-Moss Warranty-Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act to extend the filing date of a study of specified rulemaking procedures of the Federal Trade Commission. until June 30, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1978
Independent Local Newspaper Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to promote the survival of independent newspapers by providing for the establishment of tax exempt trusts for paying estate taxes on such papers, and by postponing the payment of estate taxes on such papers.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1978
Resolves that the bill H.R. 8331 to amend the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970, with the Senate amendments, be taken from the Speaker's table, and that the Senate amendments be agreed to with an amendment of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1978
Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to extend through fiscal year 1981 the authorization of appropriations for carrying out such Act. Authorizes the Consumer Product Safety Commission to develop consumer product safety standards on its own without an invitation to entities outside the Commission if the Commission finds that it is in the public interest to do so. Sets forth guidelines to determine when it is in the public interest to develop such standards.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1978
Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to increase from $16,200,000 to $50,000,000 the authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1979 to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for carrying out specified provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1978
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide grants to local governments and urban and insular areas for the rehabilitation and development of recreation areas and facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1978
Emergency Interim Consumer Product Safety Rule Act - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to provide an interim mandatory safety standard for flame resistance and corrosiveness for cellulose insulation. Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to enforce such rule in the same manner as any other consumer product safety rule. Requires the Commission to promulgate a final rule if the Commission determines that the interim rule does not adequately protect the public.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1978
National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Authorization Act - Title I: Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety - Amends the Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1979 through 1981 to carry out the provisions of such Act. Title II: Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1979 through 1981 to carry out the provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1978
Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to authorize appropriations for the Securities and Exchange Commission for fiscal years 1979, 1980, and 1981. Postpones until November 1, 1979, the effective date of the prohibition against a member of a national securities exchange trading on its own account or that of an associate for those members who were members on May 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1978
Amends the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 to postpone, until November 1, 1979, the effective date of the prohibition against a national securities exchange member's trading, on its own account or that of an associate, for those members who were members on May 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1978
Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to extend through fiscal year 1979 the authorization of appropriations for carrying out such Act. Authorizes the Consumer Product Safety Commission to develop consumer product safety standards on its own without an invitation to entities outside the Commission if the Commission finds that it is in the public interest to do so. Sets forth guidelines to determine when it is in the public interest to develop such standards.
![Official portrait of Rep. Eckhardt, Bob [D-TX-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/e000035_200.jpg)