United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
General Aviation Airport Safety Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to airport operators to cover 100 percent of the costs of projects to: (1) mark runways and taxiways or to establish a taxiway guidance system; or (2) to purchase and install visual slope indicators. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts out of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980 to carry out such grant program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1977
National Agricultural Land Policy Act -- Title I: Objectives -- Declares the policy of the Federal Government, in cooperation with State and local governments, to use all practicable methods to retain, protect and improve agricultural land, to reduce its conversion to nonagricultural uses, and to limit the encroachment of industrial activities. Title II: Research Program -- Establishes a three-year Agricultural Land Review Commission to study: (1) agricultural land in the United States; (2) the effects of industrial development climate and other factors on the productivity of such land; (3) the acquisition of such land by persons not engaged in agricultural activities; and (4) methods of protecting and improving such land, and of reducing the amount of it being converted to nonagricultural uses. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to public and private organizations to do research pursuant to its study. Requires the Commission to report its findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress. Title III: Demonstration Programs -- Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to pay up to 75 percent of the cost and to provide technical assistance to any State pilot project undertaken to demonstrate and test methods of reducing the amount of agricultural land being converted to nonagricultural uses. Requires all such projects to be completed within five years after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report his findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress. Title IV: Funding -- Authorizes for Title II programs the appropriation of $15,000,000. Authorizes for Title III programs the appropriation of $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 through 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1977
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include rescue squad members in the group of persons eligible for public safety officers' death benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1977
Title I: Amends the Act entitled "An Act to establish a Redwood National Park in the state of California" by increasing the acreage limitation of the park and revising the maps to reflect such changes. Permits the acceptance by donation of any State-owned lands, subject to certain conditions or reverters. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to expend appropriated funds for the management of these lands as well as for construction, design, and maintenance of facilities on them, notwithstanding any other provision of law. Vests title in the United States to all real property within the area indicated as "Proposed Additions" on the map entitled "Additional Lands, Redwood National Park, California," amended 167-80005A, as well as the down tree personal property within such area. Provides that actions taken against the United States for the recovery of just compensation for lands taken by the expansion shall be brought in the United States district court for the district in which the land is located without regard to the amount claimed. Permits the United States to initiate proceedings before the court to determine just compensation, and to deposit payments for the property acquired with the court in advance, which will stop interest running on the deposited amounts. Permits the Secretary to revest title to any real or personal property which he determines not to be necessary for the purposes of such Act, except that for which just compensation has already been paid. Permits the Secretary to sell any down timber which may be removed without damaging the park without regard to the usual procedures for the disposal of Federal excess property, and credit the proceeds of such sales to the Treasury of the United States. Directs the Secretary to convey a right-of-way to the State of California for a bypass highway around the eastern perimeter of Prairie Creek State Park. Requires that the Secretary convey the right-of-way, subject to any protective conditions he may deem necessary, within one year of enactment of this Act. Provides that such route shall be considered a publicly-owned highway, for purposes of such Act. Repeals the 60 day waiting period on the execution of any contracts or cooperative agreements, or on any acquisition of interests in lands on the periphery of the park and on watersheds tributary to streams within the park. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the implementation of such contracts and cooperative agreements. Declares the intent of Congress that any such contracts or agreements will provide for the maximum retention of senior employees by any owners of peripheral property, and the use of such employees in rehabilitation and related management programs. Authorizes the Secretary, through contracts or cooperative agreements with certain public or private entities, to implement a rehabilitation program for areas both within and upstream from the park which are contributing sedimentation due to past road and logging activity. Stipulates that authority to make such payments is limited to those amounts provided for by appropriations. Provides that such contracts and agreements will be subject to other conditions which the Secretary may determine to be necessary to protect the park, provide employment opportunities for those affected by the expansion, and benefit the economies of the local counties. Authorizes the Secretary to identify and establish zones where rules and regulations will be needed to protect the park resources from detrimental upstream activities. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate and enforce reasonable regulations and restrictions on timber harvesting and land rehabilitation and management practices within the defined zones. Requires that such regulations and restrictions may be promulgated only after the Secretary has consulted with the State of California, and has found that existing State regulations are not sufficient to achieve this required protection. Provides that this regulatory ability is not to be considered as authority to acquire lands or interests therein by the adoption of regulations, and any regulation deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction to be a compensable taking under Amendment V of the Constitution shall be of no further effect. Directs the Secretary to request the Attorney General to seek injunctive relief where necessary to prevent violations of regulations, or to require land rehabilitation or other required land practices. Requires that any such action will be based upon a showing of present or likely damage to park resources. Directs the Secretary to study erosion and sedimentation within the Redwood Creek basin, with particular effort to identify both man-caused and natural sources and causes of erosion, and adapt his management plan for the area to benefit from the studies. Requires the Secretary, or the Secretary of Agriculture where appropriate, to manage any additional lands within the Rock Creek drainage which are under his control, so as to minimize sedimentation, and in coordination with plans for sediment management in the basin. Permits the Secretary to authorize access to such areas by designated persons as needed to carry out such duties and to develop further scientific and professional information on the redwood forest ecosystem. Declares the intent of the Congress that the promotion and regulation of the National Park System is to be carried out in accordance with the maintenance of the integrity of this system, and management of these areas shall not compromise these resource values except as Congress may have specifically provided. Provides that provisions for the taking of lands under such Act will vest on the date of enactment. Provides that up to $359,000,000 may be expended from the amounts converted into the Land and Water Conservation Fund for fiscal years 1978 and following, to pay for land acquisition and down tree personal property. Provides that up to $5,000,000 of such funds may be used, in consultation with the Attorney General, to assist in settling the amounts to be paid for the expanded area. Directs the appropriate cabinet officers to analyze the federal actions which can be taken to assist the economies of the area, and to submit a report of the analysis, as well as recommendations for action, to the Congress. Directs the appropriate Departments to take actions within the framework of existing programs to assist the area economy. Provides for the establishment of employment programs to provide jobs to persons affected by the park expansion, and to contribute to the economic revival of the Del Norte and Humboldt counties, in Northern California. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out such provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to appoint specific numbers of additional employees for the park, and to transfer affected State Park employees to the National Park Service. Provides that the Secretary shall give full consideration to individuals affected by the expansion area. Details the manner in which employment opportunities will be provided both in Federal jobs and in the private sector. Directs the Secretary of Labor to carry out this program, to provide appropriate job training and related benefits, as well as to seek the cooperation of all levels of government in this program. Requires the Secretary to submit annual written reports to the Congress for ten years. States that such reports will be concerned with the various programs authorized by such Act, as well as the submission of a general management plan for the expanded park, and specified information regarding visitor use provisions in the park. Authorizes to be appropriated $12,000,000 to carry out the rehabilitations programs, effective October 1, 1978. Provides for the continued application of the Payments in Lieu of Taxes Act to the expanded national park. Defines the Redwoods Community College District as an affected school district for such purposes. Directs that it shall be a purpose of this Act to maintain the employment levels of the Redwoods United, Incorporated. Pledges the full faith and credit of the United States to promptly pay just compensation for the lands and properties taken by this Act, using funds from the Land and Water Conservation fund account. Provides for public participation in such park protection and regulatory provisions, as well as a continuing review process to periodically examine the State regulations in effect and a provision for immediate implementation of the Federal regulatory system, if necessary. Provides for judicial review for various interested parties, in the United States district court for the district in which the park is located, without regard to the amount in controversy or the citizenship of the parties, in connection with any alleged failure of the Secretary to perform any non-discretionary act or duty under this Act. Provides for discretionary compensation by the courts to prevailing parties. Title II: Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to develop the necessary procedures to implement this title. Defines those employees considered to be affected by the expansion of Redwood National Park. Limits the number of employees to be so defined in certain portions of the local forest products industry. Provides for the protection and accrual of various rights and benefits of affected employees, to the maximum extent feasible. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to enter into agreements to accomplish such protections, including making payments on behalf of employees. Establishes the manner in which employee eligibility for the program will be determined. Defines the manner in which an individual employee's period of protection will be calculated. Sets the amount of layoff and vacation benefits which may be paid to an employee, including various deductions. Provides for the extension of benefits for certain older employees who would otherwise lose benefits before age 65. Permits an employee who would otherwise qualify for income maintenance benefits to elect to receive severance pay instead. Limits the eligibility for benefits of certain employees who have fewer than five years credit in pension plans which are contributed to by affected employers. Provides that such employees are eligible for a severance payment. Empowers the Secretary of Labor to authorize the funding of retraining of affected employees when found necessary. Provides for the payment of a job search allowances to affected employees. Sets forth the duties of the Secretary of Labor concerning such Act. Authorizes the annual appropriation of such sums as may be required to meet the obligations of this Title, effective October 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1977
Commuter Rail Passenger Service Continuation Act - Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to require Con Rail to continue providing commuter rail services where an adequate subsidy is available. Requires the Corporation to provide additional commuter service if adequate compensation is provided by a State or a local or regional transportation authority. Authorizes the United States Railway Association to reimburse ConRail, or a State or local subsidizer, for un-insurable losses up to $50,000,000 if the Rail Service Planning Office has certified that ConRail, after due diligence, has been unable to obtain insurance to cover such losses. Increases the aggregate principal amount of obligations which may be issued by the Association. Stipulates that the date of initiation of a program to correct deferred maintenance on railroad facilities shall be used to establish the Federal financial assistance period. Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to increase the Federal share of the costs of providing rail passenger service (emergency operating assistance) during the 18 month period following the first 360 days of such mandatory operation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1977
Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for rural health clinic services under such Titles. Defines the term "rural health clinic services" as the services of physicians and physician extenders and services and supplies furnished as an incident to such services. Defines the terms " rural health clinic" and "physician extender" as used in this Act. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide through demonstration projects, reimbursement on a cost basis for services provided by physician-directed clinics in urban medically underserved areas for which payment may be made under Medicare, and for services provided by physician extenders employed by such clinics. Directs the Secretary to carry out demonstration projects to provide reimbursement under the Medicare program for services provided in organized centers offering comprehensive outpatient mental health services.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1977
States that a review of the national telecommunications policy should be completed expeditiously by the Subcommittee on Communication of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1977
Directs the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to conduct a study to assess (1) current technical capabilities to predict the toxic or carcinogenic effect on humans of substances which have induced cancer in animals; (2) public health benefits and risks of food containing such substances; (3) existing means of evaluating such benefits and risks, and the validity of such analysis; (4) instances in which restrictions on such substances do not accord with benefit-risk analysis; and (5) the relationship between Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and nonfood purposes. Directs the Secretary to request the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, or other public or private nonprofit organizations, to conduct the study. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of saccharin and other nonnutritive sweeteners to determine (1) any impurities in saccharin; (2) the toxic and carcinogenic effects of such impurities; and (3) the health benefits of saccharin and other nonnutritive sweeteners. Requires the Secretary to report to the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce and to the Senate Committee on Human Resources (1) the results of the saccharin study within one year; and (2) the results of the food additives study within 18 months. Prohibits the Secretary from restricting (except for labeling requirements allowed under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act) the sale or distribution of saccharin, or any food, drug, or cosmetic containing saccharin for 18 months. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate regulations requiring (1) retail establishments where saccharin, or any drug, food, or cosmetic containing saccharin, is sold to display prominently, during the 18 month period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, a notice of saccharin's possible health risks; and (2) advertising (printed or electronic) of such saccharin products to contain a statement of the possible health risks of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1977
Authorizes the President to appoint a Presidential Commission on the Feasibility of Nationalizing the Nation's Railroads to study the feasibility of nationalizing class I railroads. Directs the Department of Transportation to furnish the Commission with any administrative services necessary. Grants the Commission subpena power. Directs the Commission to complete its study by January 31, 1979, and to report its findings to the President and the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1977
Amends Title XIX (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require State plans for medical assistance to include comprehensive routine maternity services provided by nurse-midwives. Requires States to establish a single prospectively determined rate for all care and services provided in the course of a normal pregnancy and to reimburse health facilities for such care and services in an amount equal to the proportion of all such services provided multiplied by the established rate.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1977
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to qualify an individual who, although employable, is unable to care for his or her personal needs without assistance as a disabled person eligible for the services of a home health aide.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1977
Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Act - Entitles, under the Social Security Act, states whose rates of insured unemployment is at least six percent to partial reimbursement on an ascending sliding scale of unemployment compensation costs incurred above a certain amount.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Limousine Limitation Act - Prohibits Government use of any limousine, use of any Government motor vehicle to transport any official between his place of employment and his dwelling place, and Government employment of any chauffeur. Excepts from this Act limousines for the President, Ambassadors, and specified other persons whose personal safety depends upon the use of such limousines.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for hearing aids and dentures under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Amends Title XVI (Supplemental Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) to require the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to pay a special housing allowance to each eligible individual whose housing expenses exceed 25 percent of income or $1,200 a year, whichever is less.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a $5,000 tax exclusion for persons aged 65 or over for amounts received as an annuity, pension, or other retirement benefit, and for all persons receiving retirement benefits under a public retirement system.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1977
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the United States Postal Services should not reduce the frequency of mail delivery service for any user of the mails below the frequency of such service which was in effect for such user of June 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1977
Recombinant DNA Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to regulate recombinant DNA activities. Requires that all recombinant DNA activities conducted during the interim control period, which shall begin on the tenth day after the date of enactment of this Act, and end eighteen months after such date or on the date on which certain regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare take effect, whichever occurs first, be carried out in accordance with the physical and biological containment requirements in the recombinant DNA research guidelines of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare published on July 7, 1976. Requires that every individual or entity responsible for conducting any recombinant DNA activity on the date of enactment of this Act, or to be commenced during the interim control period, submit a report with respect to such activity to the Secretary. Requires each facility conducting any recombinant DNA activity to be licensed in accordance with this Act. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations with respect to the issuance of such licenses prescribing containment requirements, laboratory safety requirements, and reporting procedures. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to control the conduct of recombinant DNA activities carried on outside of such licensed facilities prescribing containment and personnel safety requirements. Sets forth the procedure for the issuance of licenses to facilities to conduct recombinant DNA activity with respect to the authority of the Secretary and local biohazards committees to issue such licenses. Requires the Secretary to compile a list of recombinant DNA activities authorized by this Act, and to make such list available for public inspection. Prohibits the licensing of any facility unless a local biohazards committee has been established in accordance with this Act with jurisdiction over such facility. Authorizes such committees to issue licenses to certain facilities, and requires such committees to inspect and monitor recombinant DNA activities conducted in such facilities. Authorizes the inspection of facilities conducting recombinant DNA activities by inspectors designated by the Secretary. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Sets forth the procedure for disclosure of certain otherwise confidential data if the Secretary or committee determines that the release of such data is necessary to protect against an imminent, unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment. Establishes the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary in promulgating regulations required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, acting through the States, to make loans to homeowners to assist them in purchasing and installing qualified solar heating and cooling equipment. Describes the financial assistance available under this Act. Sets forth the formula for the allocation of appropriated funds to the States. Directs the Secretary to disseminate information concerning recommended standards and types of qualified solar heating or solar and cooling equipment appropriate for use in residential structures. Imposes criminal penalties for making false or misleading statements in attempting to obtain loans under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1977
Regional Capital Development Banks Act - Establishes ten Regional Capital Development Banks, each to be located and to serve exclusively one of the ten standard Federal administrative regions of the United States. States the general powers of each bank. Provides for the appointment of 15 members for the board of directors for each bank. Authorizes appropriations for the initial formation of the banks in addition to providing for the capitalization of the banks through stock purchase by the Secretary of the Treasury. Creates in each bank special authorities including: (1) the making of direct loans to eligible applicants; (2) the purchase of capital stock of eligible applicants; and (3) the facilitation of exchange of concepts and techniques relating to capital financing of business financing and other economic development. Defines eligible applicants to be a corporation with assets or gross sales not in excess of $10,000,000 or those that control not greater than 25 percent of the market in the line of commerce in which a loan or investment is to be made. Limits any loan or investment to $5,000,000. Requires each bank to develop criteria which will assure that the enterprises invested in shall substantially contribute to the reduction of unemployment and improvement of the quality of life of the region, and that they will comply with Federal policies including environment, nondiscrimination, and regional economic and social objectives. Prohibits discriminatory treatment in hiring on the part of any applicant who receives assistance under this Act. Requires audits of financial transactions of the banks and an annual report of such audit to be made to the President and Congress. Grants Federal tax exemption to specified assets of the banks.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require automatic sprinkler systems in all skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities certified for participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs unless a waiver of such requirement is granted in accordance with conditions set forth in this Act. Establishes a program of low-interest Federal loans to assist such facilities in constructing or purchasing and installing automatic sprinkler systems.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1974, to increase to three the number of Lyndon Baines Johnson congressional interns which may be hired by each Member of the House of Representatives. Authorizes the payment of additional compensation to such interns from the clerk-hire allowance.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1977
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission to regulate the rates, terms, and conditions for pole attachments used for wire communication, in any case in which such rates, terms, and conditions are not regulated by any State authority. Stipulates that a just and reasonable rate shall assure the utility of recovery of not less than the additional costs of providing pole attachments nor more than the actual capital and operating expenses of the utility attributable to that portion of the pole used by the attachment.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1977
Emergency Rail Transportation Improvement and Employment Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to eligible applicants for projects involving the repair, rehabilitation, or improvement of railroad roadbeds and facilities. Stipulates that the purposes of such grant program are to: (1) reduce unemployment in areas of substantial unemployment; (2) improve severely deteriorated roadbeds and facilities which are a risk to public safety or which seriously inhibit freight and passenger service; and (3) improve roadbeds and facilities which meet transportation needs and policies. Stipulates that the funds provided under this Act shall be used solely to pay the wages and benefits earned by individuals employed in programs funded by this Act and not for administrative expenses. Establishes a priority system for hiring individuals for jobs created pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish rules and procedures for referring eligible individuals for employment to applicants receiving funds under this Act. Sets forth criteria for determining which roadbeds and facilities are eligible for project grants under this Act. Sets forth goals to be achieved with respect to such projects. Stipulates that projects must be structured and administered to achieve such goals in order to be eligible for funding. Sets forth restrictions regarding subcontracts for work on such projects. Sets forth measures relating to labor protection and wages and benefits for employees. Requires recipients of Federal funds under this Act to keep such records as the Secretary of Transportation may prescribe. Directs the Secretary to submit periodic reports to the President and the Congress regarding actions taken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $750,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Requests the President (1) to transmit to the Congress and to Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe a report on human rights in Romania, and (2) to transmit such a report to Congress with each request of the President to extend the United States-Romanian trade agreement or to waive trade restrictions against countries which do not permit freedom of emigration. Requests the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe to transmit to Congress a report on the freedom to emigrate from Romania and the status of minorities in Romania. Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives that the 1975 United States-Romanian Trade Agreement and the most-favored-nation status of Romania should be terminated if Romania continues to restrict the human rights of its citizens.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1977
Energy Conservation Tax Incentives Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow limited, nonrefundable income tax credits for individuals who: (1) install qualified insulation in their residences; (2) install qualified solar heating and cooling equipment in dwelling units used by them, or leased to others as residences; (3) replace the heating system in any dwelling with a reversible, compressible refrigerant system (i.e., a heat pump system); or (4) purchase personal or family electric highway vehicles between 1976 and 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1977
Authorizes and requests the President to designate 1979 as "Thomas A. Edison Centennial Year. Establishes the Thomas A. Edison Centennial Commission. Stipulates that such Commission shall terminate on September 30, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1977
Provides that the income tax treatment of certain transportation expenses between the taxpayer's residence and place of work shall be determined without regard to Revenue Ruling 76-453 or any other ruling, regulation or decision reaching the same result.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
Safe Drinking Water Amendments - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to provide technical assistance, information, and training of personnel in order to improve the safety of public drinking water supplies; (2) to make grants to States to carry out public water system supervision programs; and (3) to make grants to States to carry out underground water source protection programs. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator to conduct a survey of the quantity, quality, and availability of rural drinking water supplies. Specifies that none of the funds authorized under this Act are to be used for research under Title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems) of the Public Health Service Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to submit a report to Congress analyzing the anticipated cost of compliance with interim and revised national primary drinking water regulations and methods of paying the costs of compliance. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress a report on the availability of an adequate and dependable supply of safe drinking water to meet present and projected future need. Directs the Administrator to study the effects of specified chemicals and compounds on the safety of drinking water, and means of removing, treating, or otherwise controlling contamination from such substances. Allows the Administrator to extend the date for submission of an application by a State for approval of the State's underground injection control program. Extends through fiscal year 1979 the authority of the Administrator to assure the availability of chemicals needed for water treatment. Makes each Federal agency having jurisdiction over any federally maintained public water system or engaged in any activity which may result in underground injection endangering drinking water, subject to all Federal, State, and local requirements, administrative authorities, and process sanctions respecting safe drinking water. Adds to the definition of "person" for purposes of title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems), Federal agencies, officers, employees, and agents of any corporation, company, association, State, municipality, or Federal agency. Specifies the rights of citizens, States, and local governments to commence a civil action against any person in violation of title XIV. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance and to make grants to States or publicly owned water systems to assist in alleviating emergency situations respecting drinking water which may be anticipated to endanger public health.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 and the Department of Transportation Act to extend for one year the period during which the Federal Government pays 100 percent of the cost of local rail service assistance programs involving rehabilitation and maintenance of rail properties.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to extend the coverage of such Act to individuals 65 or over, and to make unlawful seniority systems and employee benefit plans which require the retirement of individuals 40 or over.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1977
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to condition certain assistance to States, local governments, and agencies thereunder on the adoption of a law enforcement officers' bill of rights to include as a minimum the following: (1) allowing off-duty officers' to engage in political activities; (2) granting officers specified procedural rights in connection with investigations of their conduct on duty which may lead to a personnel action; (3) requiring officer representation on any police complaint review board established in the jurisdiction; (4) prohibiting mandatory disclosure of officers' finances; and (5) establishing a law enforcement officers' grievance commission in the jurisdiction to determine officer grievances.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Electric Utility Act Title I: Improving Efficiency of, and Preserving Competition in, Generation and Transmission of Electricity - Amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Power Commission to take additional action to increase the transmission capacity of electric generating facilities. Requires the use of central dispatch generating systems in all areas where technologically and economically feasible. Directs the Commission to require utilities to report anticipated shortages of electric energy and to accommodate such shortages in a manner designed to insure continuity of service to retail and wholesale customers. Establishes preliminary proceedings on proposed new utility rate schedules to allow the Commission to authorize such schedules on an interim basis. Prohibits utilities from proposing rate increases while the Commission has pending before it a schedule filed by the same utility, except under extraordinary circumstances. Prohibits increases or automatic adjustments resulting in increases in rate schedules without consideration of such increases in an evidentiary hearing. Requires review of legitimate automatic adjustment clauses by the Commission at least every two years. Authorizes the Commission to issue orders prohibiting unfair methods of competition by public utilities. Authorizes the Commission to review plans for operation of bulk power facilities and to require that such facilities be constructed in a manner consistent with antitrust laws. Directs the Commission to prescribe standards of electric utility reliability. Directs the Commission to prescribe rules encouraging the cogeneration of electric energy with other forms of energy. Revises the prohibition against interlocking directorates contained in such Act to include additional occupations which may not be held by officers or directors of public utilities without approval by the Commission. Title II: Coordination of Planning of Bulk Power Facilities - Requires that electric utilities which control bulk power facilities prepare an annual long-range plan for the use of each such facility. Establishes areawide planning councils to review such plans and submit area plans for bulk power facilities to the Commission. Title III: Improving Efficiency of Use of Electricity - Limits the applicability of the provisions of this title to sales of electric energy by electric utilities for purposes other than resale. Establishes national minimum standards for State-regulated electric utility rates. Stipulates that such rates shall reflect actual costs of providing electric service to each consumer class. Authorizes lower rates for electric energy for essential needs of residential electric consumers, as defined by the State regulatory authority. Stipulates that promotional, political, or institutional advertising costs incurred by public utilities, with specified exceptions, shall not be chargeable to electric consumers. Authorizes electric utilities to recover reasonable costs incurred for pollution control facilities from electric consumers. Prohibits increases or automatic adjustments resulting in increases in State-regulated electric utility rates without consideration of such increases in an evidentiary hearing. Stipulates that automatic adjustment clauses shall be subject to review by the State regulatory authority at least every two years. Requires State regulated electric utilities to promptly implement alternative load management techniques which have been determined to be practicable and cost-effective. Requires such utilities to inform electric consumers of existing rate schedules on and annual basis. Requires notification within 30 days of any proposed changes in rate schedules. Requires such utilities to furnish data on amount of actual electric energy consumption upon request by a specific consumer. Imposes minimum procedures upon such utilities to be followed prior to termination of electric service. Stipulates that nonregulated utilities shall be subject to the same requirements imposed by this title upon State-regulated utilities. Prohibits any rate increases by electric utilities except in accordance with such requirements. Establishes procedures for administration and enforcement of the provisions of this title. Authorizes State regulatory agencies or electric consumers to intervene in any proceeding under this title. Title IV: Consumer Representation and Assistance to State Agencies - Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to authorize the Federal Energy Administrator to make grants to State utility regulatory commissions to: (1) improve staffing; (2) encourage the development of innovative rate structures; and (3) to provide for programs to meet requirements with respect to participation in proceedings. Authorizes the appropriation of $40,000,000 per fiscal year for improved staffing. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 per fiscal year for each of the remaining purposes of this title. Establishes procedures for equitable allotment of sums appropriated under this title among the States in accordance with prescribed guidelines. Amends the Federal Power Act to establish an independent Office of Public Counsel in the Federal Power Commission to represent consumer interests in proceeding before the Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums to the Office: $500,000 for fiscal year 1978; $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1979; $2,200,000 for fiscal year 1980; and $2,400,000 for fiscal year 1981. Authorizes compensation of other parties in Commission proceedings whose views might not otherwise be adequately represented without such assistance. Stipulates that the total amount of such assistance shall not exceed $2,000,000 to all persons in any fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
New Jersey Pine Barrens National Ecological Reserve Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide grants to the State of New Jersey for the development of a plan for the conservation of natural resources in the Pine Barrens area in New Jersey. Sets requirements for such grants, including the establishment of a management commission. Requires the Secretary to publish specified guidelines for the contents of such plan. Authorizes the Secretary, upon approval of the New Jersey plan, to establish the Pine Barrens National Ecological Reserve, to acquire lands within the reserve and to transfer such lands and other Federal lands to the State, and to make grants to the management commission for the acquisition of land in the reserve, compensation to landowners, and payments in lieu of taxes to local governments. Allows the Secretary to retain a reversionary right in such transferred lands and authorizes him to establish a federally-managed National Ecological Reserve upon the failure or nonsubmission of the plan. Requires the establishment of a Pinelands Citizens Advisory Committee, prior to approval of the State plan, to consult with the management commission established under such plan.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1977
Title I: Amends the provision of law dealing with the government of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands to authorize, for fiscal year 1977, the appropriation of funds authorized but not appropriated for 1975, 1976 and 1977. Amends the provision of law dealing with the Trust Territory Economic Development Loan Fund to authorize $5,000,000 to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior for payment to that fund. Authorizes $13,515,000 to be appropriated for the government of the Northern Mariana Islands. Authorizes the appropriation of such amounts as may be necessary to satisfy (1) 50 percent of each award made under Title I of the Micronesian Claims Act, and (2) 100 percent of each award made under Title II of such Act. Authorizes $12,400,000 to be appropriated for the rehabilitation and resettlement of Enewetak Atoll. Authorizes certain sums to be appropriated to compensate inhabitants of Rongelap Atoll and Utirik Atoll who have suffered varying degrees of radiation exposure. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000 for the use of the island communities of Rongelap, Utirik and Bikini Atolls. Title II: Permits government agencies and departments to consolidate all grants made to any insular area in which payments received must be used for certain specified purposes. Requires departments and agencies making such grants to specify the procedure under which insular areas may receive consolidated grants. Title III: Authorizes $15,000,000 to be appropriated to the Secretary for a grant to the Government of Guam to assist in typhoon rehabilitation, upgrading and construction of public facilities, and maintenance of essential services. Amends the Guam Development Fund Act to authorize $1,000,000 to be appropriated to the Secretary to be paid to the Government of Guam annually for five fiscal years commencing in fiscal year 1978 to promote economic development on Guam. Amends the Organic Act of Guam to abolish the office of the Government Comptroller of Guam, and provides that the Comptroller General of the United States shall assume his duties. Empowers the Legislature of Guam to levy a 10 percent surtax on all annual income tax obligations. Authorizes $5,000,000 to be appropriated to the Secretary for the purpose of providing equitable compensation to persons whose real estate in Guam was acquired by the United States, between July 21, 1944 and August 23, 1963, at less than fair market value. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by the Secretary in making such compensation. Title IV: Amends the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to abolish the office of the Government Comptroller of the Virgin Islands and provides that the Comptroller General of the United States shall assume his duties. Provides that the Legislature of the Virgin Islands may override the Governors veto of legislation by a vote of two-thirds of all the members of the legislature. Title V: Makes certain provisions of law applicable to Guam and the Virgin Islands on the game terms and conditions as such provisions are applied to the Northern Mariana Islands. Authorizes the Secretary to make separate grants to the Governments of American Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands in amounts necessary to offset income tax revenue losses incurred by each government caused by the Tax Reduction Act of 1975 and the Tax Reform Act of 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to extend the coverage of such Act to individuals 65 or over, and to make unlawful seniority systems and employee benefit plans which require the retirement of individuals 40 or over.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act - Revises provisions prohibiting Federal employees, Postal Service employees, and District of Columbia employees from engaging in political activities. Continues proscriptions against employees using their official authority or influence to interfere with the result of any election or to coerce the political action of any person. Modifies provisions relating to the solicitation and offering of political contributions by Federal employees. Prohibits employees from: (1) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or refrain from voting; (2) soliciting or receiving a political contribution to vote or refrain from voting; (3) knowingly giving a political contribution to a superior; (4) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution from another employee with respect to whom such employee is a superior; (5) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution in specified facilities; or (6) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution from or giving a political contribution to an employee, Member of Congress or officer of a uniformed service. Places additional restrictions on specified employees of the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Justice and the Central Intelligence Agency. Prohibits employees, with specified exceptions, from engaging in political activities while on duty, while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying their position, or in designated areas. Establishes the Board on Political Activities of Federal Employees to decide cases regarding violations of this Act. Directs the Civil Service Commission to investigate reports and allegations of prohibited activity. Requires the Commission to give notice to the Board and the employees involved of apparent violations, except when the conduct of specified officials is involved, in which case the Commission is directed to refer the matter to the Attorney General and to report to Congress and the President. Directs the Board to render a final decision on the apparent violation on the basis of the record after a hearing conducted by a hearing examiner, which record shall include the recommended decision of the hearing examiner and any exception to such decision filed by the employee. Permits an employee upon whom a penalty is imposed by an order of the Board to seek judicial review. Specifies penalties for violation of the prohibitions contained in this Act. Directs the Commission to establish a continuing program to inform all employees of their rights of political participation and to educate employees with respect to those activities which are prohibited. Creates a specific criminal offense for extortion of political contributions from Federal personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Clean Air Act Amendments - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the appropriation of $200,000,000 for each of the three fiscal years after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires employees of the Environmental Protection Agency to disclose known financial interests in persons subject to the Act or in applicants for financial assistance under the Act. Prohibits persons who are employees, officials, stockholders, or otherwise associated with major air pollution sources or their trade associations from serving as officers or employees of the Environmental Protection Agency or as public members of the National Commission on Air Quality. Imposes criminal penalties for knowing violations of such requirements. Title I: Amendments Relating Primarily to Stationary Sources -Directs the Administrator to designate radioactive pollutants, cadmium, arsenic, and polycyclic organic matter as air pollutants to be regulated under the Act unless a finding is made that such substances will not contribute to air pollution likely to endanger public health. Directs the Administrator to promulgate a national primary ambient air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide over a short-term period, absent a finding that such a standard is not required to protect public health. Directs the Administrator to revise and reissue criteria relating to short-term concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and related substances. Directs the Administrator to investigate the relationship between sulfates and public health and welfare. Redefines the term "air pollutant" to include physical, chemical, biological, and radiological substances. Revises the basis for air quality and emission control standards under the Act to regulate air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare. Directs the Administrator to prepare economic impact statements for various standards and regulations issued pursuant to this Act. Details information required to be included in such statements. Authorizes the Administrator or the States, subject to the approval of the Administrator, to issue delayed compliance orders to existing stationary sources unable to meet specified deadlines. Stipulates that such delayed compliance orders shall not result in postponement of original limitations for more than five years. Authorizes issuance of similar orders for primary nonferrous smelters. Stipulates that such orders may waive the requirement that continuous emission control systems be utilized in cases of economic hardship. Requires that primary nonferrous smelter orders not result in a postponement of applicable emission requirements beyond January 1, 1988. Requires sources subject to such orders to use the best practicable system of emission reduction. Authorizes the assessment of noncompliance penalties against stationary sources not in compliance with applicable emission limitations. Authorizes exemptions from such requirements based on energy requirements, demonstration of innovative technology, impossibility of compliance, or insignificance of the violation. Establishes criteria for determining the amount of such penalty, not to exceed $5,000 per day for each days' violation. Extends compliance dates for sources subject to coal conversion requirements in accordance with provisions of the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974. Stipulates that compliance date extensions shall not be effective for sources in regions where national primary air quality standards are being violated as a result of the emissions of such sources. Stipulates that emission limitations under this Act shall require application of a system of continuous emission reduction, and that alteration of stack heights or other dispersion techniques shall not affect the degree of emission limitation required under the Act. Directs the Administrator to study the effects of the release of halocarbons and other substances on the stratosphere. Requires a National Academy of Sciences study and report on activities which may affect or modify the stratosphere or ozone in the stratosphere and on possible control methods. Directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish a research and monitoring program to detect potentially harmful changes in the stratosphere. Directs the Administrator to regulate substances which may reasonably be anticipated to affect the stratosphere. Requires States to submit plans for prevention of significant deterioration of air quality in clean air regions, subject to approval by the Administrator. Establishes guidelines for classification of such regions. Imposes limitations on projected increases in ambient concentrations of pollutants for each class of such regions. Requires that new sources constructed in such regions acquire permits to be issued after public hearings and a finding that emissions from such facility will not contribute to air pollution in excess of the appropriate limits. Directs the Administrator to convene a conference on air quality monitoring every three years. Directs the Administrator to issue guidelines to States with respect to monitoring and control of pollutants other than particulates and sulfur dioxide for purposes of prevention of significant air quality deterioration. Establishes a National Commission on Air Quality to conduct studies and investigations of specified air pollution issues. Authorizes the appropriations of $5,000,000 for such Commission studies. Directs the Administrator to provide training assistance to qualified personnel as part of the comprehensive research and development program established by the Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $7,500,000 per fiscal year for the three fiscal years beginning after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to periodically review air quality criteria published pursuant to the Act, with the assistance of recommendations from a seven-member independent scientific review committee. Revises procedures for establishment of new source performance standards to allow for greater input from States in the listing of categories of sources and pollutants for regulation under such provisions. Requires that alternative technological systems and technological innovations be considered where likely to result in equivalent reductions of emissions. Authorizes the Administrator to grant variances from new source standards for the use of technological innovations. Waives rights of governmental immunity in the case of Federal facilities subject to air pollution control requirements. Stipulates that nothing in the Act shall be construed as restricting States, localities, and interstate entities from seeking judicial relief against Federal instrumentalities under State or local air pollution laws. Authorizes the Administrator to waive the requirement that State air pollution control agencies maintain previous levels of spending as a condition of receiving Federal aid where appropriate. Authorizes temporary emergency suspensions from clean air standards for economic or energy- related emergencies of a short-term nature. Directs the Administrator to develop regulations to prevent visibility impairment in clean air regions. Title II: Amendments Relating Primarily to Mobile Sources - Directs the Administrator to study, with the assistance of the National Academy of Sciences, the necessity for indirect source controls to meet the objectives of the Act. Imposes limitations on the use of indirect source controls unless necessary to meet national primary ambient air quality standards for mobile source-related pollutants. Defines the term "indirect source" to include various facilities which may attract mobile sources of air pollution. Authorizes the Administrator to grant extensions of compliance dates for State transportation control plans in accordance with prescribed criteria. Revises emission standards for light duty motor vehicles to extend for three years from model year 1977 to 1980 the compliance date for carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon standards. Imposes interim standards of 1.5 grams per mile for hydrocarbons and 15 grams per mile for carbon monoxide for model years 1977 thorough 1979. Extends the compliance date for nitrogen oxides standards for such vehicles from model year 1978 to 1981. Extends the 2.0 gram per mile interim standard for nitrogen oxides through model year 1980. Authorizes annual suspensions of emission standards for any model year before 1985 by the Administrator if prescribed criteria are met. Directs the Administrator to study the effects on health and welfare of emission of sulfuric acid mist and other unregulated pollutants from motor vehicles. Directs the Administrator to prescribe regulations to limit emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides from heavy-duty vehicles or engines manufactured after model year 1979. Requires continuing studies on the effects of emissions from heavy-duty vehicles. Directs the Administrator to study the possibility of increased use of cost-effectiveness analyses in order to achieve clean air objectives. Directs the Administrator to study the effects on health and welfare of particulate emissions from mobile sources. Requires that motor vehicle emission control regulations provide for nonconformance penalties to be assessed against manufacturers where vehicles fail to meet required standards. Stipulates that air craft emission regulations issued under this Act may be disapproved by the Secretary of Transportation if found to create a hazard to aircraft safety. Requires that motor vehicle emission control systems used to meet air pollution control requirements shall not contribute to an unreasonable risk to public health, welfare, or safety. Requires that State implementation plans provide for annual inspection and maintenance of light- duty vehicles in regions where transportation control measures are applicable. Stipulates that requirements imposed in such testing and inspection program shall be no less stringent than those in effect in New Jersey on the date of enactment of this provision. Revises requirements imposed upon motor vehicle manufactures with respect to warranties applicable to vehicle emission control systems. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to study the impact on competition of various warranties imposed by this Act with respect to such emission control systems. Imposes civil penalties for violations of antitampering provisions of the Act. Stipulates that the cost of emission control for vapor recovery with respect to mobile source fuels shall be borne by owners of retail outlets. Exempts independent small business marketers from such requirements for a two-year period, pending results from a Federal Trade Commission Study on the effects of such requirements on small business marketers. Establishes procedures to allow the Administrator to disapprove instructions for high altitude adjustments of motor vehicles where emission control performance resulting from such adjustments is inadequate. Requires that the Administrator prescribe fill pipe standards in conjunction with any vapor recovery regulations issued under the Act. Directs the Administrator to study onboard hydrocarbon control technology and carbon monoxide intrusion into sustained-use motor vehicles. Directs the Administrator to issue regulations governing the testing of fuels and fuel additives. Authorizes States to adopt and enforce more stringent motor vehicle emission control standards. Title III: Miscellaneous Amendments - Authorizes States to redesignate air quality control regions. Requires the approval of the Administrator and the consent of affected States where emissions from such region may significantly affect another State. Requires State implementation plans to establish procedures for adequate consultation with local and regional governmental entities. Authorizes delegation of functions to units of local government by the Administrator under applicable implementation plan provisions. Directs the Administrator to conduct continuing evaluations of potential shifts or losses of unemployment which may be caused by air pollution control measures. Requires investigations of such specific instances upon written requests to the Administrator by affected employees. Establishes additional procedures for promulgation of rules and regulations under the Act. Establishes guidelines for judicial review of administrative actions under the Act. Prohibits discharge or discrimination against employees who participate in proceedings under the Act. Requires the Administrator to consult with State agencies prior to inspection and monitoring of stationary sources, except where the Administrator has reason to believe that information contained in such notice may be used to inform the stationary source about such proposed action. Requires consultation with States and localities prior to Federal actions to alleviate air pollution emergencies. Imposes criminal penalties of up to $5,000 per day for willful violations of such emergency orders. Directs the Administrator to establish procedures for abatement of interstate air pollution. Establishes a Task Force on Environmental Cancer and Heart and Lung Disease to coordinate research control efforts with respect to human cancer and heart and lung disease that is associated with environmental pollution. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with the National Academy of Sciences, to study the problems associated with fine particulate matter. Directs the Administrator to establish a uniform, nation-wide air quality monitoring system. Directs the Council on Environmental Quality to assess the feasibility of utilizing economic measures to supplement or replace regulatory controls imposed by the Act. Requires that State implementation plans prohibit sources utilizing intermittent control systems to meet delayed compliance interim requirements from temporarily reducing the pay of any employee as result of the use of such system. Establishes procedures for Congressional review and disapproval of regulations prescribed by the Administrator under the Act. Directs the Administrator to make recommendations for simplification of administration of the Act. Requires State implementational plans to prohibit conflicts of interest in State regulatory agencies in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Administrator. Requires that such regulations provide for (1) disclosure of known financial interests and (2) prohibitions against employees, officials, stockholders, or persons otherwise associated with major air pollution sources or their trade associations from serving as officers or employees of State or local air pollution control regulatory authorities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate national standards for clinical laboratories. Defines the terms "laboratory" and "clinical laboratory" for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to develop job-related proficiency and practical examinations for clinical laboratory personnel. Directs the development of standards for the proficiency testing of clinical laboratories. Applies such standards to: (1) clinical laboratories engaged in interstate commerce; and (2) any other clinical laboratories located in States which do not have primary enforcement responsibility as provided for by this Act for the regulation of such laboratories. Delegates to States the responsibility for primary enforcement of the national standards for clinical laboratories in certain instances. Directs the Secretary to establish a system for the licensure of clinical laboratories subject to such standards. States that such licenses shall specify the categories of tests and procedures which laboratories perform and shall be valid for a period not to exceed 24 months. Sets forth the requirements for issuance, renewal, and revocation of a license. Provides judicial review for any person aggrieved by the revocation of the license of his laboratory. Applies the national standards to Federal clinical laboratories under the jurisdiction of the Secretary and to all other laboratories, except those under the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces or the Veterans' Administration or those under any agency which has equally stringent standards in effect. Prohibits the solicitation or acceptance of specimens for laboratory tests or procedures by a clinical laboratory which is required to be licensed by the Secretary and which either does not have such a license or is not permitted under such license to perform the planned test or procedure. Establishes a penalty consisting of a fine or imprisonment or both for the violation of such prohibition. Prohibits false or fraudulent billing practices in connection with services provided under the Social Security Act. Establishes a penalty consisting of a fine or imprisonment or both for the violation of such prohibition. Prohibits an employer from taking action against an employee who has assisted or participated in an investigation of such employer pursuant to this Act. Establishes a procedure for investigating and correcting employers' retaliatory actions against employees. Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants and technical assistance to States enforcement of standards established for the regulation of clinical laboratories. Establishes an advisory council on clinical laboratories in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to advise the Secretary with respect to national standards promulgated under this Act, the implementation and administration of clinical laboratory regulation, and the coordination between Federal and State regulatory programs. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Clinical Laboratories which shall: (1) establish a uniform regulatory policy for the administration of the functions authorized by this Act and the Medicaid and Medicare programs of the Social Security Act; and (2) provide guidance for the laboratory components of other health programs administered and enforced by the Secretary. Amends the Social Security Act to prohibit reimbursement under the Medicare, Medicaid, or Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Childrens' Services programs for any portion of the cost of a clinical laboratory service which represents a commission, finders fee, or rent which is above the market value of the facility. Prohibits the making of any grant or reimbursement by the Secretary, or the award of any contract under the Medicare or Medicaid programs of the Social Security Act, unless the laboratory meets the licensing requirements established by the Secretary. Raises the status of the offense of defrauding the Medicare and Medicaid programs from that of a misdemeanor to that of a felony. Increases the maximum fine for such offenses from $10,000 to $25,000. Increases the maximum term of imprisonment from one to five years for such offenses. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of existing regulations governing the qualifications of clinical laboratory supervisors, technologists, and technicians, and of the regulatory bodies established to develop and enforce such regulations. Requires such study: (1) to assess the need for national standards for certifying laboratory technical personnel and certifying entities; (2) to project the numbers of laboratory personnel who will be needed in 1980, 1985, and 1990; and (3) to analyze the costs to laboratories of compliance with such national standards should they be promulgated as a result of such study. Directs the Secretary to study the financial arrangements entered into by hospitals reimbursed for the provision of health services under the Medicare and Medicaid programs with persons who provide clinical laboratory services in such hospitals. Directs the Secretary to report the findings of such study to Congress within six months, and that the study include recommendations for such corrective legislation as the Secretary determines to be necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1978 for relief assistance to the victims of 1976 earthquakes in Italy.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to provide technical assistance, information, and training of personnel in order to improve the safety of public drinking water supplies; (2) to make grants to States to carry out public water system supervision programs; and (3) to make grants to States to carry out underground water source protection programs. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator to conduct a survey of the quantity, quality, and availability of rural drinking water supplies. Specifies that none of the funds authorized under this Act are to be used for research under Title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems) of the Public Health Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
National Meals-on-Wheels Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to allow States to distribute Federal Funds for the establishment of: (1) projects to provide home-delivered meals to qualified homebound elderly persons; (2) an information and referral system for homebound individuals receiving such meals; and (3) an operation to seek volunteer personnel for the delivery of such meals and to compensate such personnel for related transportation expenses. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1978 and 1979 for the purpose of providing home-delivered meals under this Act. Limits to five percent the amount of such funds which may be spent upon the administration of such program. Directs the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to conduct a demonstration project involving at least three States to determine the feasibility of using the meals system designed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the elderly as a component of, or substitute for, regular nutrition projects assisted under the Older Americans Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Safe Drinking Water Amendments - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to extend through fiscal year 1979, for Federal aid to State public water system supervision programs. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to extend appropriations for the rural water survey through fiscal year 1979. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to submit a report to Congress analyzing the anticipated cost of compliance with interim and revised national primary drinking water regulations and methods of paying the costs of compliance. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress a report on the availability of an adequate and dependable supply of safe drinking water. Directs the Administrator to provide training for personnel of State and local agencies which have primary enforcement responsibility of public water systems. Allows the Administrator, under specified conditions, to make a grant to a State that has not assumed primary enforcement responsibility for public water systems within the State. Allows the Administrator to extend the date for submission of an application by a State for approval of the State's underground injection control program. Extends through fiscal year 1979 the authority of the Administrator to assure the availability of chemicals needed for water treatment. Makes each Federal agency having jurisdiction over any federally maintained public water system or engaged in any activity which may result in underground injection endangering drinking water, subject to all Federal, State, and local requirements, administrative authorities, and process sanctions respecting safe drinking water. Adds to the definition of "person" for purposes of title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems), Federal agencies, officers, employees, and agents of any corporation, company, association, State, municipality, or Federal agency. Specifies the rights of citizens, States, and local governments to commence a civil action against any person in violation of title XIV. Directs the Administrator to prepare and make reasonably available to the public, an economic assessment statement before publication of notice of proposed rulemaking respecting the safety of public water systems.
![Official portrait of Rep. Florio, James J. [D-NJ-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/dfda094a48c87dccd97fd47288d44ac3_200.jpg)