United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1989
Federal Employees Fair Tax Act of 1989 - Repeals provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 that eliminated the three-year basis recovery rule in computing the amount of an employee's retirement benefits includable in gross income. Repeals Internal Revenue Code provisions that require the inclusion in income of certain distributions received before an annuity starting date.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1989
Designates April 16, 1989, the 87th birthday of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, as Education Day, U.S.A. Calls on heads of state of the world to join the President of the United States in this tribute by signing scrolls of honor commemorating the 40th anniversary of Schneerson's leadership of the Lubavitch movement. Welcomes the cooperation of the Department of State in extending the good office of the U.S. missions to the Lubavitcher emissaries.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1989
Requires the Architect of the Capitol to establish and implement a voluntary program for recycling paper disposed of in the operation of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1989
National Biological Diversity Conservation and Environmental Research Act - States that the conservation of biological diversity is a national priority. Requires Federal actions to be consistent with such goal. Amends the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to require that environmental impact statements on proposed Federal actions include any impacts on biological diversity. Requires Federal agencies to conduct annual reviews of their programs for consistency with the conservation of biological diversity pursuant to this Act and to report the results of such reviews to the President, the Council on Environmental Quality, and the Congress. Sets forth requirements for programs found to be inconsistent with this Act. Directs the President's Council on Environmental Quality to: (1) establish guidelines for consideration of biological diversity in the preparation of environmental impact statements; and (2) identify those biotic communities, species, and populations that appear to be in decline, in imminent danger of loss of viability, or otherwise of special concern. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to review and comment on the adequacy of each environmental impact statement prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 in assessing biological diversity impacts. Establishes a National Center for Biological Diversity and Conservation Research (Center) responsible for: (1) coordinating the collection of data pertaining to the national biota and supplementing and disseminating such information; (2) arranging and conducting surveys and supplementary research of the national biota; and (3) enhancing the application of biological data to the conservation of biological diversity. Establishes an Interagency Working Committee on Biological Diversity responsible for preparing a coordinated Federal strategy (Strategy) for conservation of biological diversity. Dissolves the Committee two years after this Act's enactment. Sets forth the required contents of such strategy and reporting requirements. Authorizes each agency represented on the Interagency Committee to provide grants to public agencies, private individuals, and organizations for projects to maintain or restore biological diversity. Requires that such grants be matched on at least an equal basis by the grantee, except when the grantee is a State or where the grant is provided for research. Directs each agency represented on the Interagency Committee to: (1) give high priority to research and personnel training directed towards implementation of the Strategy; and (2) assess the adequacy of its environmental research and training programs. Establishes, on a permanent basis, a National Scientific Advisory Committee on Biological Diversity which shall: (1) oversee the implementation of the Strategy; (2) advise the Interagency Committee and Federal agencies in the preparation and implementation of the Strategy; (3) assist in the coordination of interaction between Interagency Committee agencies and the Center; (4) assist in the evaluation of the impacts of proposed Federal activities on biological diversity; (5) assist in the review of Federal programs for consistency with the conservation of biological diversity and the adequacy of such programs in environmental research and training; and (6) serve as a general reference and advisory resource for the Nation in matters relating to conservation of biological diversity. Authorizes appropriations for the activities of the Center and the grant program for FY 1990 through 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1989
Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish three Centers for Metal Casting Competitiveness Research as part of the Department of Energy's energy conservation programs.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1989
Condemns the death threats issued by the Ayatollah Khomeini against Salman Rushdie and other persons associated with distribution of The Satanic Verses . Calls for repudiation of such threats and the immediate withdrawal of any monetary reward or martyrdom for the murder of Rushdie. Commends the European Community member States for condemning the threats and withdrawing their senior diplomats from Iran. Applauds President Bush for his statement of outrage against the Iranian Government's actions. Asks that the President direct Federal agencies to cooperate with State and local law enforcement authorities to protect commercial establishments that display and distribute The Satanic Verses .
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1989
States that the United States should pursue the establishment of an International Criminal Court to assist in more effectively dealing with those acts of terrorism, drug trafficking, genocide, and torture that are criminal acts under international conventions. Calls for due process, a fair trial, and impartial judges in such a court. Urges the President to explore convening an international conference to pursue negotiation of a multilateral convention establishing such a court and calls for a report on progress made by the end of 1990. Calls on the Judicial Conference of the United States to report to the Congress by the end of 1990 on the feasibility of such a court.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1989
Federal Council on Women Act - Establishes a Federal Council on Women to: (1) collect and evaluate information with respect to any problems that are particular to women in the United States; (2) review and evaluate Federal policy related to any such problems; (3) coordinate the activities of the Council with similar activities conducted by States, local governments, and concerned organizations; and (4) make recommendations. Directs the Council to report its findings and recommendations to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1989
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 - Sets forth specified national goals for the wind, photovoltaics, and solar thermal energy programs. Requires the President's budget requests for FY 1991 to contain the recommendations of the Secretary of Energy for specified Department of Energy research and development programs for 1993, including biofuels energy systems, solar buildings energy systems, ocean energy systems, and geothermal energy. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993 for: (1) the wind energy research program; (2) the photovoltaic energy systems program; (3) the solar thermal energy systems program; (4) the biofuels energy systems program; (5) the solar buildings energy systems program; (6) the ocean energy systems program; and (7) the geothermal energy program. Requires the Secretary to submit an options analysis to the Congress regarding the accelerated commercialization of specified renewable energy technologies. Requires the President's budget requests for FY 1991 and 1992 to include the Secretary's recommendations of amounts to be set aside for energy efficiency research and development and demonstration initiatives. Authorizes appropriations for specified energy efficiency research and development programs for FY 1991 through 1993. Directs the Secretary to establish joint research and development ventures in specified energy technologies and to report to the Congress on the implementation of such plans. Directs the Secretary to establish the following advisory bodies: (1) Advisory Committee on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology; (2) Advisory Subcommittee on Photovoltaic Energy Technology; (3) Advisory Subcommittee on Wind Energy Technology; (4) Advisory Subcommittee on Solar Thermal Energy Technology; (5) Advisory Subcommittee on Energy Performance in Factory-Made Housing; (6) Advisory Subcommittee on Advanced District Cooling Technology; and (7) Advisory Subcommittee on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Exports. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993 for such joint ventures. Requires the Committee on Renewable Energy, Commerce and Trade to report annually to the Congress regarding renewable energy technology exports. Authorizes appropriations for such Committee activities for FY 1991 through 1993. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to direct the Secretary to establish an information dissemination program for Federal procurement and loan officers on the benefits of solar heating and cooling technology, including site visits and technical briefings. Requires the Secretary to make annual reports to the Congress regarding the research programs and ventures under this Act. Requires each annual submission of the National Energy Policy Plan to be accompanied by a three-year strategic plan for energy technology research, development, and demonstration, including energy conservation and renewable energy technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1989
Semiautomatic Assault Weapons Act of 1989 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the transfer or possession of a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or ammunition feeding device, unless such weapon or device was lawfully possessed before the date this Act takes effect. Defines "semiautomatic assault weapon" to include: (1) any Kalashnikov, Uzi, or Colt AR-15 type semiautomatic firearm; (2) any semiautomatic weapon fed by an ammunition belt or feed strip; (3) any semiautomatic shotgun with a magazine, cylinder, or drum capacity exceeding six rounds of ammunition; and (4) any weapon designated as such by the Secretary of the Treasury. Specifies weapons not falling within such definition. Defines "ammunition feeding device" to include a detachable device which has a capacity of, or can be converted to accept, more than ten rounds of ammunition and which meets certain specifications. Requires the Secretary: (1) to compile and publish a list of weapons designated by the Secretary as SAWs; and (2) to periodically modify such list. Establishes guidelines in determining whether to designate a weapon as a SAW. Provides: (1) that the Secretary shall not be required to authorize the importation of SAWs; and (2) for enhanced penalties for possession or use of a SAW during a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to apply firearms taxes and registration requirements to SAWs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1989
Commercialized Childbearing Prevention Act of 1989 - Prohibits both U.S. and State courts from enforcing any agreement under which: (1) a woman agrees, in exchange for a benefit, to become pregnant, to give birth to the infant involved and to provide for the relinquishment of any parental rights and obligations with respect to such infant to an individual not her husband; or (2) a person agrees, in exchange for such relinquishment, to provide a benefit to such woman making the agreement. Prohibits the brokering of such agreements. Provides criminal penalties for violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1989
National Plumbing Products Efficiency Act of 1989 - Title I: Water Use Standards for Plumbing Products - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to prescribe test procedures for classified products. Directs the Secretary to establish water use performance standards for plumbing products classified as covered products. Requires such standards to be designed to achieve the maximum water efficiency which the Secretary determines is technologically feasible and economically justified. Sets forth maximum water use standards for the following products: (1) water closets; (2) urinals; (3) showerheads; and (4) faucets. Directs the Secretary to prescribe water use standards for any product that is classified as a covered product and manufactured and sold on or after the date that is three years after such product receives its classification. Describes the procedure for prescribing water use standards. Directs the Secretary to reevaluate such standards at the end of each five-year period after the date of enactment of this title. Requires the Secretary to publish the existing water use standards in the Federal Register and to allow a specified period for comment by interested persons. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe labeling and marking rules for each classified product. Directs the Secretary to study the feasibility of determining coverage for additional consumer products. Establishes a procedure for testing plumbing products and for maintaining test data. Directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to assist the Secretary as necessary. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe rules for any covered product offered for importation. Sets forth provisions for prohibited acts, enforcement procedures, and the commencement of civil actions under this title. Declares that standards, procedures, or rules under this title supersede State or river basin commission regulations. Provides for a waiver of Federal preemption over such State or river basin commission regulations. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish an advisory committee to report annually to the Congress on the implementation of this title by the Secretary and the Commission. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress and the President on activities under this title. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994. Title II: Water Use Standards for Dishwashers and Clothes Washers - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide for the establishment of standards for water use by dishwashers and clothes washers.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1989
Fairness for Adopting Families Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an individual income tax deduction for qualified adoption expenses. Includes as deductible all reasonable and necessary expenses that do not violate a Federal or State law and that are directly related to a legal adoption of any child if the adoption has been arranged by a State, local, or other nonprofit agency, or through a private placement. Excludes the deduction from the two percent floor on miscellaneous itemized deductions. Excludes from an employee's gross income any amounts paid on behalf of the employee by an employer pursuant to a qualified adoption assistance program. Limits both the deduction and the exclusion to $5,000 ($7,000 in the case of an international adoption). Reduces the amount when the taxpayer's income exceeds $60,000. Permits an employer to treat an adoption assistance program as a statutory employee benefit plan, thus making the employer's contributions to such a program tax deductible as business expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 1992 the period during which qualified mortgage bonds and mortgage credit certificates may be issued. (Under current law, authority for these programs is due to expire as of 1990.)
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1989
Older Americans Alternative Care Act of 1989 - Title I: Medicare Amendments - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include periodic chore and respite care services as home health services. Permits home health services to be provided in an adult day care center. Title II: Senior Companion Program - Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act to authorize the Director of the Action Agency to make grants or contracts under the National Older Americans Volunteer Program to establish senior companion programs. Authorizes increased appropriations for such programs through FY 1991. Title III: Income Tax Credit for Maintaining Households Which Include Dependents Who Have Attained Age 65 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize an income tax credit for an individual who maintains in his or her home a household for a dependent over age 65.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1989
National Mars Commission Act - Establishes the National Mars Commission to: (1) develop a strategy for international cooperation on unmanned Mars projects, including safeguards against unwanted transfers of technology; and (2) prepare a detailed proposal for an international manned Mars mission. Directs the Commission, within six months, to submit to the President and the Congress: (1) a report outlining preliminary international cooperative strategies with respect to unmanned Mars projects; and (2) an initial proposal for an international manned Mars mission. Terminates the Commission 30 days after submission of its final report.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1989
Nursing Shortage and Nurse Reimbursement Incentive Act of 1989 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide direct Medicare reimbursement for nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist services, whether or not the practitioner or specialist is under the supervision of, or associated with, another health provider, if such services would otherwise be covered if furnished by a physician or as an incident to a physician's service. Provides payments for nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, and certified nurse midwife services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Medicare program on the basis of a fee schedule to be established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration to establish a toll-free telephone hotline for nursing payment inquiries under the Medicare program and, to the extent feasible, under the Medicaid program. Amends part B (Peer Review) of title XI of the Act to require peer review of nursing services. Directs the Secretary to: (1) contract for studies evaluating nursing costs, and gathering and disseminating data on obstacles nurses face in receiving direct reimbursement for their services; and (2) report the results of such studies to the Congress in January of 1992, 1993, and 1994. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Act to require direct Medicaid reimbursement for certified nurse midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, and clinical nurse specialist services, whether or not such nurse is under the supervision of, or associated with, another health care provider, if such services would otherwise be covered if furnished by a physician or as an incident to a physician's services. Requires that such payments be equal to payments for such services under the Medicare program and not vary on the basis of the type of nurse involved.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1989
Radio License Renewal and Improvements Act of 1989 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission, with respect to applications for radio license broadcast renewals, to grant a renewal if during the preceding term of the license the licensee: (1) has broadcast material responsive to issues of concern to the residents of its service area; and (2) has not committed violations of such Act or the rules or regulations of the Commission, which taken together would constitute a pattern of abuse. Authorizes the Commission to deny a renewal or grant limited renewal if an applicant has failed to meet such requirements. Prohibits the Commission, in evaluating a licensee's performance in broadcasting material responsive to matters of public concern, from establishing or applying any requirement with respect to the broadcast of any specific subject or quantity of material. Directs the Commission to accept the licensee's judgment if found to be reasonable and made in good faith. Prohibits the Commission, in determining whether to renew a license, from considering whether the public interest, convenience, and necessity might be served by granting a license to a competing applicant. Directs the Commission to conduct an inquiry and prescribe any necessary regulations concerning any additional information that licensees should be required to maintain and make available to the public regarding the licensee's responsibility to broadcast material responsive to matters of public concern. Makes it unlawful for a license applicant and any other person, while a license application is pending, to effectuate an agreement whereby the other person withdraws or withholds the filing of a competing application, an informal objection, or a petition to deny in exchange for the payment of anything of value by, or on behalf of, the applicant. Requires the Commission to establish a procedure for the review of informal complaints received by the Commission during the license term of a radio licensee. Authorizes the Commission to consider such complaints at the time of a license renewal if such complaints constitute a pattern of abuse for purposes of this Act or evidence of the licensee's effort to serve the public interest.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1989
Declares that, in celebration of Law Day U.S.A., May 1, 1989, special emphasis should be given by grateful people to all law enforcement personnel for their service in preserving domestic tranquility and guaranteeing rights under law.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1989
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States and the Soviet Union should each issue a postage stamp recognizing the desire for peaceful relations. Urges the Postmaster General to seek to discuss the Soviet stamp with the appropriate Soviet authorities. Directs the Postmaster General to issue the U.S. stamp.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1989
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that individual school districts should incorporate youth service programs as course electives in secondary school curricula.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1989
Commends the Board of Immigration Appeals for its decision to allow Joseph Patrick Doherty to apply for U.S. asylum. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Attorney General should approve Joseph Patrick Doherty's asylum application and release him on bond pending the application's review.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1989
Excludes Agent Orange settlement payments from income or resources in determining eligibility for benefits under any Federal or federally assisted program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1989
Adolescent Pregnancy and Parenthood Act of 1989 - Replaces title XX (Adolescent Family Life Demonstration Projects) of the Public Health Service Act with a new title on services for pregnant adolescents and adolescent parents. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants and enter into contracts to provide authorized services to certain pregnant adolescents, adolescent mothers, and the qualified relations of such adolescents. Includes among authorized services: (1) comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care; (2) well-baby and well-child care; (3) family planning methods and services; (4) family life and parenting education; (5) education and referral regarding sexually transmitted diseases; (6) counseling and referral; (7) aid in obtaining health, mental health, and social services; and (8) other appropriate services. Sets forth priorities in making the grants and contracts. Requires that applicants for the grants and contracts agree to: (1) give priority to the provision of services to low income individuals and others who have limited access to such services; (2) not require an individual to accept authorized services as a prerequisite to other services or assistance; (3) provide services only on a voluntary basis and only after advising of the benefits and risks of each of the options available; (4) encourage the individual, to the extent practicable, to seek the assistance of the individual's family, and (5) encourage community involvement in the planning and implementation of the program. Requires that charges imposed by the applicant, if any: (1) be made according to a public schedule; (2) not be imposed on individuals below the poverty line; and (3) be adjusted to reflect the income of the individual. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1989
Commends: (1) Secretary of State Baker's February 8, 1989, statement for focusing world attention upon the humanitarian disaster in Sudan and the urgent need for a ceasefire and peace accord; and (2) the relief activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Agency for International Development, the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, and various American, international, and private and voluntary agencies. Deplores the use of food as a weapon by the Government of Sudan and by the Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and calls upon each to permit the safe passage of food and emergency relief supplies to civilians in affected areas. Urges the President and Secretary of State to: (1) provide international leadership in pressing for national reconciliation and an end to widespread starvation in Sudan; (2) reassess U.S.-Sudanese relations and U.S. assistance unless the Government of Sudan makes progress in facilitating increased relief to displaced populations and in negotiations for a peace accord; and (3) impress upon the SPLA its responsibility to permit the flow of international relief to civilians and to negotiate with the Government of Sudan for a national peace accord.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1989
Amends the National Trails System Act to designate as components of the National Trails System: (1) the California National Historic Trail, extending from Independence and Saint Joseph, Missouri, and Council Bluffs, Iowa, to various points in California and Oregon; and (2) the Pony Express National Historic Trail, extending from Saint Joseph, Missouri, through Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada to Sacramento, California.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1989
Competition in Government Spare Parts Procurement Act - Amends Federal law on armed forces procurement to require a solicitation for sealed bids or competitive proposals to include, in the case of spare or repair parts (other than for small purchases), a copy of all technical data that is: (1) necessary in order to provide the part the supply of which is being solicited; and (2) owned by the United States or which the United States has the right to use, release, or disclose. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to establish the same requirement for nondefense procurement. Provides additional authority to the Secretary of Defense to waive the payment of costs for the release of technical data under the Freedom of Information Act. Mandates such waiver if any citizen or U.S. corporation requests such data in order to enable any offer to provide the product to which the technical data relate, or to determine whether to request source approval to qualify to make an offer. Authorizes the Secretary to require the citizen or corporation to pay a refundable deposit to cover the cost of complying with the request. Establishes similar authorities for nondefense procurement. Directs the Secretary to require by regulation that the head of an agency, in preparing a solicitation for a property procurement contract, identify those spare or repair parts for which future procurements exceeding a total amount of $10,000 over the life of the property procured are likely to be needed. Directs the Secretary to require that any contract awarded pursuant to such solicitation provide that the United States have the right to use (or have used) all technical data related to any such part in any future procurement of such part. States that such technical data rights do not apply to contracts awarded to small business concerns. Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to establish the same technical data rights for nondefense reprocurements. Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe regulations which require the purchase from contractors of production special tooling and production special test equipment acquired or fabricated in the performance of contracts for the purpose of fabricating or testing the spare or repair part for which future procurements are likely to exceed $10,000. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to establish similar requirements. Requires the solicitation of bids or proposals separately in the case of a defense and nondefense procurement of an individual spare or repair part in which the contract amount will exceed $100,000. Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to require the advocate for competition of an executive agency to establish a program of training and education assistance for staff specialists in engineering, technical operations, contract administration, financial management, supply management, and utilization of small business concerns. Requires the program to emphasize improving the skills of such staff in the areas of engineering and manufacturing. Repeals the three-year time limit during which the Secretary of Defense may challenge a use or release restriction asserted with respect to technical data by a contractor or subcontractor. Declares that nothing precludes the Secretary from using or releasing technical data when a contracting officer has upheld the validity of a challenge (even pending appeal) to a contractor's asserted use or release restriction. Amends the Regulatory Flexibility Act to repeal provisions which bar judicial review of regulatory flexibility analyses. Amends the Small Business Act and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to require executive agencies to furnish the Secretary of Commerce for publication a notice of solicitation for bids or proposals for a contract for property or services expected to exceed $10,000 (currently, $25,000). Requires additional information to be included in such notice with respect to the machining operations necessary to produce the item. Declares that the date on which a notice is published by the Secretary is the date of actual publication of such notice, and an executive agency may not presume notice is published merely by the passage of a certain period of time. Requires any determination that it is unreasonable to specify standards to document such unreasonableness with a cost comparison. Prohibits the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of the military department concerned from requiring a spare or repair part to meet any standard that is more stringent than a standard for an identical part approved by the Government for commercial use, unless the Secretary specifies in writing the additional standard and the justification for it.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1989
Makes the legal defense of discretionary function provided under specified Federal law inapplicable to any legal or administrative proceeding for damages arising out of U.S. violation of occupational safety or health standards or U.S. negligence at any workplace owned or operated by or under contract with the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1989
Condemns the death sentence issued against British author Salman Rushdie by the Ayatollah Khomeini. Calls for its immediate repudiation and the immediate withdrawal of any reward of money and martyrdom for the murder of Mr. Rushdie.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1989
Expresses the sense of the Congress that science, mathematics, and technology education should be a national priority (with emphasis on an educated citizenry, curriculum planning, teacher preparation, and service to traditionally underserved students, including those from inner cities and remote areas).
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
Public Pension Parity Act of 1987 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an individual amounts received as a pension or annuity under a public retirement system to the extent they are not attributable to services covered under the social security system. Limits the tax exclusion based upon calculations relating to income tax treatment of social security benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
Hate Crime Statistics Act - Directs the Attorney General to include within the Uniform Crime Reports for calendar years 1991 through 1995 the incidence of criminal acts that manifest prejudice based on race, religion, homosexuality or heterosexuality, or ethnicity. States that nothing in this Act creates a right for an individual to bring an action complaining of discrimination based on homosexuality. Requires the Attorney General to publish an annual summary of the data acquired under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
RICO Reform Act of 1989 - Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) to include additional predicate offenses within the definition of "racketeering activity," such as prostitution involving minors, computer fraud, and certain activity relating to terrorist acts abroad. Modifies civil remedies provisions of RICO to require U.S. district courts to find proof by a preponderance of the evidence before restraining violations. Authorizes: (1) specified governmental entities whose business or property is injured by conduct in violation of RICO to recover threefold the actual damages to such business or property, plus costs; (2) persons whose business or property is injured by such conduct to recover actual damages, plus costs (and punitive damages of up to twice the actual damages where the plaintiff proves by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant's actions were consciously malicious, or so egregious and deliberate that malice may be implied); (3) such persons to recover threefold the actual damages if any defendant has been convicted of specified Federal or State offenses; and (4) natural persons who suffer serious bodily injury by reason of specified crimes of violence to recover actual damages to such person's business or property, damages sustained by such individual as allowed under State law (excluding pain and suffering), and costs (and, upon proof by clear and convincing evidence that defendant's actions were malicious, up to twice the actual damages). (Current law allows recovery of threefold the damages, plus costs, for persons whose business or property is injured.) Sets forth: (1) statutes of limitation; and (2) procedures for considering affirmative defenses. Permits international service of process. (Current law restricts such service to specified judicial districts within the United States.) Provides for exclusive Federal jurisdiction to hear criminal or civil RICO proceedings. Authorizes recovery beyond actual damages to a person's business or property, where such person would not otherwise be eligible to recover costs under this Act, under specified conditions, including where the judge determines that a limitation of recovery would clearly be unjust.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
Federal Retirees Fairness Act - Requires Federal agencies to ensure that employee personnel files include information of all Federal employment for retirement purposes within 180 days after an employee begins service with an agency. Requires an agency, if an employee gives at least four months' to one year's notice of intent to retire, to: (1) inform such employee (or, if deceased, the employee's survivors) of any retirement counseling and applicable services; and (2) begin processing disability retirement applications not later than 30 days after the date of the application. Sets forth a schedule for processing applications for retirement deduction refunds and death benefits. Requires the Office of Personnel Management to compile quarterly information on the number of retirement applications submitted by agencies and their timeliness and accuracy. Requires the agency retirement counselor to conduct seminars at least twice a year.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
Provides for all Federal civilian and military retirees to receive the full cost-of-living adjustment in annuities payable under Federal retirement systems for FY 1990. (Includes benefits payable under the Civil Service Retirement and Disability System, military retirement and survivor benefit programs, the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System, the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and railroad retirement programs.)
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1989
Amends Federal law to extend the immediate retirement provisions applicable to Federal law enforcement officers to: (1) revenue officers for the Internal Revenue Service; (2) customs inspectors for the U.S. Customs Service; (3) customs canine enforcement officers for the U.S. Customs Service; and (4) inspectors for the Immigration and Naturalization Service.