United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1989
Title I: General Provisions - National Seabed Hard Minerals Act of 1989 - Sets forth the findings, purposes, and definitions of this Act. Title II: Resource and Environmental Assessment Consultation - Requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere (in cooperation with the Assistant Secretary for Water and Science of the Department of the Interior) to conduct a comprehensive research program to support U.S. seabed activities related to: (1) environmental assessment; (2) mapping and charting; and (3) evaluation of hard mineral resources. Mandates that such program include governmentally sponsored studies and the encouragement of private seabed studies. Requires the Under Secretary and the Assistant Secretary to prepare, and subsequently revise, a five-year plan to carry out such a program. Mandates that such program include a priorities schedule under which the commonwealths, territories, and possessions of the United States shall be treated equally with other States. Requires the Secretary to establish, upon request, a task force for each coastal State to provide a forum for State and local consultation and advice associated with recovery of hard minerals from the U.S. seabed. Provides for regional cooperation and coordination, including the establishment of a multistate task force if the Under Secretary determines that two or more coastal States share regional interests. Directs the Under Secretary to establish criteria for designating: (1) preservational stable reference areas (SRAs) and (2) impact SRAs in connection with licenses or permits for commercial recovery. Authorizes the Under Secretary to enter into agreements with any coastal State regarding seabed activities. Title III: Licenses and Permits - Restricts the issuance of exploration licenses and commercial recovery permits for national seabed hard minerals to U.S. citizens or entities organized under laws. Provides for: (1) priority of right and competitive bidding for the issuance of such licenses and permits; (2) applications, including certification of certain criteria and payment of administrative fees, for such licenses and permits; and (3) terms, conditions, and restrictions in licenses and permits (including duration, royalty, environmental, safety, and consultation requirements). States that the issuance, but not the certification, of a license or permit is a major Federal action for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (thereby requiring an environmental impact statement). Requires notification and consultation with the Governor of each affected State at specified times during the licensing and permit issuing process. Provides for negotiation of disputes arising out of such consultations. Provides for modification, revision, relinquishment, revocation, and suspension of activities under a license or permit. Declares that only: (1) U.S.-flag vessels may be used in exploration; (2) U.S.-built, U.S.-flag vessels may be used in commercial resource recovery; and (3) U.S.-built and continuously 75 percent U.S.-owned U.S.-flag vessels may be used in a support capacity. Authorizes the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to grant pipeline rights-of-way through seabed areas for transportation of hard mineral resources. Grants the United States, in time of war or whenever the President prescribes, the right of first refusal to purchase at market price any or all material recovered from the seabed, or any derivative product. Declares that the United States reserves the right, through the Secretary of Defense, with the President's approval, to restrict seabed areas from exploration or commercial recovery for reasons of national defense. Reserves to the United States all uranium, thorium, and other source materials under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 found on or below the seabed surface. Provides for the distribution of royalties between the Federal and State governments. Title IV: Enforcement, Private Actions for Equitable Relief, and Administrative Procedure - Sets forth prohibited activities under this Act. Provides for: (1) enforcement of this Act, including liability in rem of vessels and civil forfeiture; (2) civil and criminal penalties for violations of such prohibited acts; and (3) private actions, including injunction and the awarding of attorney fees and costs, for equitable relief. Title V: Miscellaneous - Provides for: (1) the promulgation of regulations; and (2) certain biennial reports by the Undersecretary to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992 for: (1) resource evaluation of the U.S. seabed; and (2) mapping and environmental assessment. States that this Act supersedes a specified provision of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act authorizing the leasing of minerals other than oil, gas, and sulfur in the Outer Continental Shelf. Recognizes the rights and duties of other nations under international law. Authorizes the Secretary of State to negotiate agreements under this Act upon the request of any freely associated state pursuant to a specified compact between the United States and the Governments of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1989
Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Act - Sets forth U.S. policy concerning chemical and biological weapons. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to issue such regulations, licenses, and orders as may be required to control the export of materials, equipment, and technology having significance for the manufacture or use of chemical and biological weapons. Makes subject to the penalties imposed by the Export Administration Act of 1979 any person who violates any regulation, license, or order issued by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary of State to assess the risk of the proliferation of chemical and biological weapons. Specifies particular matters to be considered by such assessment and requires such assessment to give particular attention to the materials, equipment, and technology that have direct significance for the production and use of chemical and biological weapons. Requires the Secretary of State to submit to the Congress a biannual report describing the status of: (1) control of the proliferation of chemical and biological weapons; (2) efforts to prevent the spread of such weapons; and (3) programs to control the export of materials, equipment, and technology having direct significance for the production of chemical and biological weapons. Requires the Secretary of State to establish a Chemical Industry Advisory Group to provide advice to the Secretary concerning such assessment and such biannual report. Requires the Secretary of State to inform the appropriate committees of the Congress of developments of significance to the proliferation and control of chemical and biological weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1989
International Plutonium Control Act - Urges the President to seek negotiations with the Soviet Union on a verifiable agreement to end the production by both countries of plutonium and highly enriched uranium for weapons purposes. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States and the Soviet Union should: (1) establish verification arrangements to monitor the cessation of activities under this Act, including mutual inspections of production reactors, chemical separation and uranium enrichment facilities, and isotope separation plants; (2) furnish the equipment and personnel to implement safeguards at civilian nuclear facilities and consider transferring the safeguards mission to the International Atomic Energy Agency; and (3) consider increasing their respective contributions to the Agency to fund the assignment of fully trained inspectors to each country to assume additional safeguards responsibilities at civilian nuclear facilities. Urges the President to seek agreement with the Soviet Union that the United States and the Soviet Union will: (1) exchange information on the location, mission, and maximum annual capacity of their facilities essential to the production of tritium for stockpile replenishment; and (2) provide to each other a complete inventory of facilities dedicated to the production of plutonium and uranium for weapons purposes. Prohibits funds from being obligated or expended by the United States to operate facilities dedicated to the production of plutonium for weapons purposes unless the President certifies to the Congress that: (1) the Soviet Union has refused to enter in good faith into the negotiations; (2) the United States is unable to determine that Soviet facilities producing plutonium have ceased operation; or (3) the Soviet Union is continuing to obtain plutonium by operating civilian chemical separation plants that are not under bilateral U.S.-Soviet safeguards.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1989
Food Irradiation Safety and Labeling Requirement Act of 1989 - Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from implementing pork irradiation regulations and the Secretary of Health and Human Services from implementing other food irradiation regulations. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to arrange for and report within two years on a study of the risks to human health and the environment presented by food irradiation. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require that food for domestic use or export which has been irradiated be labeled in a prescribed fashion. Requires restaurant menus to indicate when foods have been irradiated. Requires persons irradiating food to report semiannually to the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1989
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of State should direct the Agency for International Development to restore the annual contribution of the United States to the United Nations Population Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1989
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of the Interior should take expedited action to list the African elephant as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1989
Head Start Expansion Amendments of 1989 - Title I: Amendments to the Head Start Act - Amends the Head Start Act to define "full-working-day" as at least ten hours per day. Authorizes Head Start programs to provide child care services. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994: (1) Head Start services other than child care services; and (2) if the appropriation for such other services equals or exceeds such authorization, a new program of child care services. Authorizes the use of a portion of a State's allotment to enable Head Start programs to provide child care services Monday through Friday throughout the year so that eligible children receive full-day Head Start services (including child care), if such child care is necessary for parents to work or attend a job training or educational program. Title II: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a one-year delay in indexing (for inflation) income tax rates and personal exemptions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1989
Radiation Exposure Compensation Act - Establishes in the Treasury the Atmospheric Nuclear Testing Compensation Trust Fund for claims for injuries and death due to exposure to radiation from nuclear testing or uranium mining in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico during certain time periods. Confers exclusive jurisdiction upon the Atmospheric Nuclear Testing Compensation Trust Fund Board of Directors to process personal injury claims and payments. Subjects any findings and awards made by the Board to judicial review. Prescribes guidelines for Board determination of compassionate claims relating to open air nuclear testing and uranium mining in specified areas. Sets forth a statute of limitations for filing claims, and restricts the amount of attorney's fees which may be received. Insulates the award of damages from insurance claims or payments. Declares the Federal Tort Claims Act inapplicable to radiation compensation actions and confers liability upon the United States regarding such claims to the same extent as a private individual under like circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1989
Lumbee Recognition Act - Extends Federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of Cheraw Indians of North Carolina. Makes the Tribe and its members eligible for all services and benefits provided to Indians because of their status as federally recognized Indians except that members of the Tribe shall not be entitled to such services until funds have been appropriated for such purposes. Deems members of the Tribe residing in Robeson and adjoining counties to be resident on or near an Indian reservation for purposes of the delivery of such services. Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) and the Secretary of Health and Human Services: (1) upon verification of a tribal role, to develop a determination of needs and a budget required to provide services to eligible members of the Tribe; and (2) to submit a written statement of such needs and budget with the first budget request submitted to the Congress after the fiscal year in which the tribal roll is verified. Authorizes the Tribe to plan and administer programs under Federal provisions pursuant to an annual written funding agreement between the Tribe and the Secretary (in lieu of authority provided under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act) specifying: (1) the services to be provided, and procedures for modifying budget allocations, within any fiscal year; and (2) the responsibility of the Secretary for, and procedure to be used in, auditing the expenditures of the Tribe. Directs the Lumbee Tribe to organize for its common welfare and to adopt a constitution and bylaws. Directs the Secretary to assist the Tribe in the drafting of a constitution and bylaws, the conduct of an election with respect to such constitution, and the reorganization of the Government of the Tribe under any such constitution and bylaws. Declares that, until the Tribe adopts a constitution, the membership of the Tribe shall consist (subject to review by the Secretary) of every individual who is named in the tribal membership roll that is in effect on the date of enactment of this Act. Requires the State of North Carolina to exercise jurisdiction over all criminal offenses committed, and all civil actions that arise, on specified tribal lands in North Carolina. Makes such Tribe eligible for certain agricultural loans to acquire land within reservations with respect to lands within the exterior boundaries of Robeson and adjoining counties, North Carolina. Authorizes appropriations, but requires proposals for expenditures of such funds to be submitted by the Tribe to specified congressional committees prior to any expenditure of such funds by the Tribe.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1989
Low-Income Housing Credit Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the low-income housing income tax credit (under current law the credit will expire after tax year 1989). Permits States a one-year carryover of unused credit authority. Assigns carryovers to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to allocate to eligible States applying for excess credit. Allows the credit only if an extended low-income housing commitment (beyond the current 15-year period) is in effect with respect to any building for the relevant taxable year. Describes procedures to effect transition to a non-low-income use in connection with such extensions. Permits the credit in connection with the acquisition of an existing building only if the taxpayer incurs rehabilitation expenditures of at least $3,000 per unit. Revises rent restrictions to: (1) declare unnecessary a required rent reduction below the initial rent if the median gross income of the area decreases; (2) permit higher rent if units are occupied by higher income individuals and the project has an operating deficit; (3) base income limitations on the number of bedrooms in a unit; and (4) use State median gross income in certain low-income housing status determinations. Broadens categories of existing buildings eligible for a waiver of the ten-year requirement for the low-income housing credit. Revises credit provisions relating to single-room occupancy units and special needs housing. Loosens restrictions that limit credit benefits in connection with buildings financed with tax-exempt bonds and below market loans. Permits the credit to be allocated: (1) on a project basis; and (2) in connection with owner-occupied buildings of four units or less if a development plan is submitted. Directs housing credit agencies to adopt plans for allocating credit amounts among projects, prohibiting the credit with respect to any building not included in such a plan. Modifies at-risk rules in connection with buildings subject to the historic rehabilitation credit and those associated with financing provided by certain nonprofit organizations. Sets the tax credit rate on a semiannual rather than monthly basis. Increases the credit in connection with buildings in high cost areas (low-income census tracts or difficult development areas).
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1989
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) India should schedule negotiations with Nepal as soon as possible to resolve the problems which led to the closing by India of the Nepalese-Indian border, immediately open such border, and resume the sale of Indian-refined petroleum products in Nepal; and (2) the Secretary of State should continue to monitor the dispute and provide regular briefings to the Congress on the effect of the dispute on U.S. interests in Nepal and the Indian subcontinent.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1989
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1989 - Title I: General Prohibition Against Discrimination - Declares that it shall be discriminatory, on the basis of disability, to deny opportunities or to afford them unequally, to provide opportunities less effectively (or differently or separately, unless necessary for effectiveness), to assist an organization or individual that discriminates, or to otherwise limit opportunities enjoyed by others. Prohibits the use of standards, criteria, or administrative methods that have the purpose or effect of discrimination or perpetuate discrimination. Declares it discriminatory to deny equal opportunities because of the relationship or association of an individual with another individual with a disability. Allows as a defense to a charge of discrimination that an application of standards or criteria has been demonstrated to be both necessary and substantially related to the ability of an individual to take advantage of the essential components of the opportunity, and that the taking advantage cannot be accomplished by reasonable accommodations, modifications, or the provision of auxiliary aids or services. Title II: Employment - Prohibits discrimination by any employer, employment agency, labor organization, or joint labor-management committee against any qualified individual with a disability in job application procedures, hiring or discharge, compensation, advancement, training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. Lists types of actions construed to be discrimination. Makes the remedies set forth in specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other specified Federal law available to any individual who believes that he or she is being or is about to be subjected to discrimination in violation of this Act. Title III: Public Services - Declares that no qualified individual with a disability shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination by a State, or by an agency, political subdivision, or other instrumentality of a State. Lists types of actions deemed, for purposes of this Act and specified provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to be discrimination with regard to public transportation. Makes the remedies and rights set forth in specified provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 available to any individual who believes that he or she is being or is about to be subjected to discrimination in violation of this Act. Title IV: Public Accommodations and Services Operated by Private Entities - Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the enjoyment of any place of public accommodation. Lists types of actions construed to be discrimination. Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public transportation services provided by a private entity that is primarily engaged in transporting people, but that is not in the principal business of air transportation. Lists types of actions construed to be discrimination. Makes specified provisions of the Fair Housing Act relating to enforcement available, subject to exception, to any aggrieved individual. Title V: Telecommunications Relay Services - Defines "telecommunications relay services" to mean services that enable simultaneous communication between individuals who use telecommunications devices for the deaf (TDDs) or other nonvoice terminal devices and individuals who do not use such devices. Declares it discriminatory for any common carrier that offers telephone services to the public to fail to provide interstate or intrastate telecommunication relay services that are equal to those provided to their customers who are able to use voice services, except in any State in which services are provided through an entity designated by the State. Declares it discrimination by a State that makes such a designation if the State fails to provide interstate or intrastate relay services that are equal to those provided to their voice customers. Makes specified provisions of the Fair Housing Act relating to enforcement available, subject to exception, to any aggrieved individual. Requires the Federal Communications Commission to enforce this title. Makes specified provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 apply with respect to the enforcement of this title. Provides for cease and desist orders by the Commission and for monetary penalties. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Prohibits retaliatory discrimination against any individual because of actions related to this Act. Declares that a State shall not be immune under the 11th Amendment to the Constitution from an action in Federal court for a violation of this Act. Requires the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to issue minimum guidelines to supplement the existing Minimum Guidelines and Requirements for Accessible Design. Allows the awarding of reasonable attorney's fees, in certain circumstances, in any action or proceeding under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1989
Rape Prevention Act of 1989 - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to public and nonprofit private community organizations for the purpose of establishing or operating local projects to combat rape and other forms of sexual assault. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1989
Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Educator Award Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to establish a Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Educator Award program. Provides that each award shall be for three years. Provides that academic institutions shall nominate science faculty members with significant commitments to undergraduate education. Requires a merit review process with certain selection criteria for such awards. Earmarks a majority of awards for traditional sciences. Requires consideration of proposals focusing: (1) on science education for all Americans or for traditionally underrepresented groups; and (2) on projects combining science and the humanities, or several institutions, or involving industry. Encourages award recipients to develop curricular materials with a broad impact on undergraduate science education. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 and subsequent fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1989
Limits assessments of underpayments with respect to taxable periods beginning before July 1, 1985, in connection with the annual $250 occupational tax on retail liquor and beer dealers. Abates assessments and refunds overpayments of any post-1987 tax.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1989
Precludes veterans entitled to benefits under the All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program from receiving other veterans' educational assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1989
Head Start Improvement Amendments of 1989 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that all Head Start programs should provide, as authorized by the Head Start Act, more than one year of Head Start services to children from age three to the age of compulsory school attendance in the State where the program is located. Amends the Head Start Act to define "full-working-day" as at least six hours per day. Requires each Head Start agency to provide full-working-day Head Start services throughout the year (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and applicable legal public holidays). Authorizes appropriations under the Head Start Act from FY 1990 through 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1989
Idaho Wilderness Act - Designates the following lands in Idaho as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) the Salmo-Priest Wilderness in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest; (2) the Long Canyon-Selkirk Crest Wilderness in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest; (3) the Scotchman's Peak Wilderness in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest; (4) the Grandmother Mountain Wilderness in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest; (5) the Mallard-Larkins Wilderness in the Idaho Panhandle and Clearwater National Forests; (6) the Great Burn Wilderness in the Clearwater National Forest; (7) the Moose Mountain Wilderness in the Clearwater National Forest; (8) the Elk Summit Wilderness in the Clearwater National Forest; (9) the North Fork Clearwater Wilderness in the Clearwater National Forest; (10) the Lewis and Clark Wilderness in the Clearwater National Forest; (11) the Rapid River Wilderness in the Payette National Forest; (12) the Pot Mountain Wilderness in the Clearwater National Forest; (13) the Snowbank Mountain Wilderness in the Payette and Boise National Forests; (14) Payette Crest and Salmon River Breaks of the South Fork of the Salmon River Wilderness in the Payette National Forest; (15) the French Creek/Patrick Butte Wilderness in the Payette National Forest; (16) the Peace Rock Wilderness in the Boise National Forest; (17) the Deadwood River Wilderness in the Boise National Forest; (18) the Breadwinner Wilderness in the Boise National Forest; (19) the Lime Creek Wilderness in the Boise National Forest; (20) the Red Mountain Wilderness in the Boise National Forest; (21) the Sawtooth Completion Wilderness in the Boise, Sawtooth, and Challis National Forests; (22) the Smoky Mountain Wilderness in the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests; (23) the Trinities Wilderness in the Boise National Forest; (24) the Danskin-South Fork Boise River Wilderness in the Boise National Forest; (25) the Pioneer Wilderness in the Sawtooth and Challis National Forests; (26) the Cache Peak Wilderness in the Sawtooth National Forest; (27) the Boulder-White Clouds Wilderness in the Sawtooth and Challis National Forests and the Salmon District; (28) Borah Peak, King Mountain, and the Pahsimeroi Mountains of the Lost River Wilderness in the Challis National Forest; (29) the North Lemhi's Wilderness in the Salmon and Challis National Forests; (30) the Diamond Peak Wilderness of the Targhee, Salmon, and Challis National Forests; (31) the Winegar Hole Wilderness of the Targhee National Forest; (32) Anderson Mountain and Garfield Mountain of the Continental Divide Wilderness in the Salmon and Targhee National Forests; (33) West Bigholes, Italian Peaks, Centennials, and Lionhead of the Great Divide Wilderness in Targhee, Salmon, and Challis National Forests; (34) Garns Mountain, Palisades, Bear Creek, Caribou, and Poker Peak of the Greater Palisades Wilderness of Targhee and Caribou National Forests; and (35) the Cache Crest Wilderness, Mt. Naomi Wilderness, and Stump Creek Wilderness of the Caribou National Forest. Permits livestock grazing in the North Lemhi's Wilderness. Provides that the RARE II (second roadless area review and evaluation final environmental statement (dated January 1979) with respect to national forest system lands in Idaho shall not be subject to judicial review. Releases national forest system lands in Idaho which were reviewed in the RARE II program from further review by the Department of Agriculture, pending the revision of initial national forest management plans. Releases lands in Idaho reviewed in the RARE II program and not designated as wilderness from management as wilderness areas. Prohibits the Department of Agriculture from conducting any further statewide roadless area review and evaluation of national forest system lands in Idaho without express congressional authorization.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1989
Radon Testing for Safe Schools Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a nationwide program to test a sample of schools in each State for purposes of identifying areas with elevated radon levels. Requires the Administrator to give priority to States containing high-risk areas identified under the Toxic Substances Control Act. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring local educational agencies to test schools in areas having elevated radon levels. Authorizes the Administrator to provide financial assistance to such agencies to carry out such testing. Limits the Federal share of testing costs to 50 percent of the total cost. Requires the results of such tests to be made available to the public. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1989
Designates the Labor Day weekend beginning on September 2, 1989, as National Drive for Life Weekend. Calls on people to observe that weekend with a pledge to not drink and drive.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Facsimile Advertising Regulation Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 with respect to telephone facsimile machines (equipment which has the capacity to reproduce text or images into an electronic signal, transmit such signal over a regular telephone line, receive such signals, and produce a copy of the transmitted text and images). Makes it unlawful for any person in the District of Columbia or in interstate or foreign communications, by means of a telephone, to use any telephone facsimile machine (fax machine) or other electronic device to send any unsolicited advertisement to the fax machine of any person whose number is on record with a common carrier as the number of one objecting to receipt of such advertisements. Directs each common carrier to maintain a list of persons who notify them of their objection to receiving such unsolicited advertisements by fax machines. Directs the Federal Communications Commission to revise the regulations governing fax machines to require that any such machine which is manufactured six months after the enactment of this Act and used for the distribution of unsolicited advertising be equipped to identify the date and time sent, an identification of the business sending the advertising, and the telephone number of the sending machine.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Foreign Language Competence for the Future Act of 1989 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make: (1) grants to higher education institutions and consortia for summer foreign language institutes for elementary and secondary school foreign language teachers; (2) allotments to State education agencies for revolving loan funds for college students majoring in elementary and secondary foreign language education; (3) matching grants to States and major metropolitan areas for foreign language institutes and world trade council units to provide language training, translation services, and information about other cultures and markets to small- and medium-sized businesses seeking to enter export markets; (4) demonstration grants to State education agencies, higher education institutions, and nonprofit education and professional associations for technology for distance learning; and (5) demonstration grants to eligible consortia for critical languages and area studies programs and other activities to improve and expand elementary and secondary foreign language instruction. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Privacy for Consumers and Workers Act - Requires employers who engage in electronic monitoring to provide each affected employee with prior written notice describing specified aspects of the electronic monitoring directly affecting the employee. Requires employers to notify prospective employees at personal interviews or meetings of existing forms of electronic monitoring which may directly affect them and, upon request, provide them with the written notice provided to employees. Requires employers to provide affected employees with some form of visual or aural notice that indicates that electronic monitoring is taking place, at periodic intervals unless the monitoring is continuous during each of the employee's shifts. Requires employers to provide affected customers with some form of visual or aural notice, at periodic intervals, indicating that telephone service observation is taking place. Requires employers to permit employees or their authorized agents to have access to all personal data obtained by electronic monitoring of their work. Prohibits employers from collecting personal data on an employee which is not relevant to the employee's work performance. Prohibits employers from disclosing personal data obtained by electronic monitoring to any person or business except to the individual employee to whom that data pertains or without the employee's prior written consent, unless disclosure would be: (1) to the employer's officers and employees who need it to perform their duties; (2) to a law enforcement agency for a criminal investigation or prosecution; or (3) pursuant to a proper court order. Prohibits employers from using personal data obtained by electronic monitoring as the exclusive basis for individual employee performance evaluation or disciplinary action, unless the employee is given an opportunity to review the data within a reasonable time after it is obtained. Prohibits employers from using personal data or collective data obtained by electronic monitoring as the sole basis for setting production quotas or work performance expectations. Prohibits employers from maintaining, collecting, using, or disseminating personal data obtained by electronic monitoring which describes how an employee exercises First Amendment rights, unless such use is: (1) expressly authorized by statute or by the employee; or (2) pertinent to and within the scope of an authorized law enforcement activity. Sets forth the following enforcement provisions: (1) civil penalties; (2) injunctive actions by the Secretary of Labor; and (3) private civil actions. Prohibits waiver of rights and procedures provided by this Act, unless such waiver is part of a written settlement by the parties to a pending action or complaint. Directs the Secretary of Labor to issue rules and regulations to carry out this Act within six months. Makes this Act inapplicable to otherwise permissible electronic monitoring by law enforcement agencies in criminal investigations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Requires a certain percentage of Federal fleets of passenger automobiles and light-duty trucks to be alternative fuel vehicles by specified deadlines if such vehicles are being operated in an area designated under the Clean Air Act as an area of serious health endangerment for ozone and/or carbon monoxide. Requires the Administrator of General Services and the Secretary of Defense, with the concurrence of the Secretary of Energy, to issue regulations ensuring that such vehicles shall: (1) be supplied with alcohol, natural gas, other gaseous hydrocarbons, or electricity in the primary area of operation; and (2) be operated exclusively on such fuel (except when it is impracticable to obtain it). Requires funds appropriated to implement this Act to be expended first in those areas determined by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (the Administrator) to have the most severe air pollution problems. Prescribes circumstances under which such alternative fuels shall be offered for sale to the public. Mandates that the funds appropriated for alternative fuel vehicle acquisition apply only to the portion of costs which exceeds the cost for comparable conventional fuel vehicles. Directs the Secretary of Energy to ensure that the cost to any Federal agency receiving an alternative fuel vehicle under this Act not exceed the cost to such agency of a comparable conventional fueled vehicle. Mandates that gasoline powered Federal vehicles, with specified exceptions, which are operated in an area designated as seriously endangering health for carbon monoxide, and which are not dual energy (or natural gas dual energy), be operated exclusively with fuel which blends oxygenates with gasoline at their primary fueling facility. Requires underground fuel storage equipment installed or replaced at designated Federal facilities to be capable of safely storing alcohol. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress the results of a comprehensive analysis regarding the public health risk associated with the use of significant amounts of alcohol, natural gas, or other gaseous hydrocarbons as transportation fuels as compared to diesel and gasoline fuels. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991. Sets forth criteria for alternative fuel vehicles. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1989
Plastic Container Identification Act of 1989 - Prescribes labeling requirements for plastic containers in interstate commerce to indicate the type of plastic resin used to produce the container. Imposes criminal penalties for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make available to an employer a credit against income tax liability for expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year to acquire, construct, rehabilitate, or expand a qualified on-site day care facility operated by the employer for the care of enrollees, at least 30 percent of whom must be dependents of the employer's employees. Limits the amount of the credit based on the number of enrollees who may be cared for in the facility at one time. Limits use of the personal tax credit for employment-related day care expenses to taxpayers having adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1989
Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to authorize the distribution of a meat article or animal without charge to nonprofit private entities or to State, local, and Federal entities engaged in the distribution of food without charge to individuals, if the article or animal: (1) is in violation of the Act; (2) has been seized and condemned; (3) is capable of use as a human food; and (4) has been inspected under the Act. Relieves the United States and the person from whom the meat was seized and condemned from legal responsibility for the article or animal if it was found after inspection under the Act to be capable of use as a human food.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1989
Emergency Nurse Shortage Relief Act of 1989 - Amends title VIII (Nurse Education) of the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants for programs to: (1) promote nursing as a career, including promotion in public secondary schools; (2) identify and provide internships to students in such schools who show an interest in health care; and (3) recruit nursing students from groups not traditionally well represented in the profession. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for programs to: (1) encourage and assist non-practicing nurses to reenter the profession; (2) train nurses as nurse practitioners or nurse midwives or in areas of needed specialized nursing skills; and (3) provide tuition assistance to students in educational programs designed to facilitate reentry. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for programs to: (1) increase the attractiveness of nursing as a career through changes in wage structures, employment options and benefits, and the role of nurses in health care facilities; and (2) demonstrate innovative methods of providing for career advancement and encourage nurses and nurse assistants to continue nursing education. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary, subject to appropriations, to establish a program to insure educational loans to individuals with a degree as a registered nurse for educational expenses related to training nurses as nurse practitioners or nurse midwives or in areas of needed specialized nursing skills. Makes provisions of the Federal Program of Insured Loans to Graduate Students in Health Professions Schools, established by current law in the Public Health Service Act, apply to this program except as inconsistent. Authorizes the Secretary, subject to appropriations, to enter into agreements with eligible individuals to assist in repaying specified amounts of their eligible educational loans. Sets forth criteria for an individual to be eligible to receive assistance, including a requirement that the individual agree to work full-time as a registered nurse in a nursing crisis area. Sets forth a schedule for loan repayment by the Secretary to the holder of the loans based on the number of years of work completed as agreed. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow C corporations a tax credit for 20 percent of the amount paid or incurred as qualified nursing scholarships. Directs the Attorney General to extend for at least one additional year the status of nonimmigrant alien for those aliens admitted under specified provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act who perform services as registered nurses in a nursing crisis area, provided the Secretary of Labor has certified that the continuing employment of the aliens will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. registered nurses. Amends title VIII (Nurse Education) of the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate areas that have: (1) a severe shortage in the number of nurses as nursing crisis areas; and (2) a shortage of practicing nurses with specialized nursing skills as areas of needed specialized nursing skills. Directs the Secretary to review and, if necessary, redesignate such areas at least annually.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1989
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Amendments of 1989 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit persons from having a financial interest in both the contractor who prepares a school asbestos plan and the contractor who implements such plan. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations concerning air monitoring for asbestos to require that: (1) such monitoring be based on electron microscopy with a certain analytical sensitivity; (2) such monitoring be conducted in a manner most likely to detect asbestos; and (3) no person may have a financial interest in both the monitoring contractor and the contractor performing the response action. Requires the model school asbestos contractor accreditation plan for States to include a State-approved contractor training course and require that those who have passed the accreditation exam engage in supervised work experience before achieving accreditation. Directs the Administrator and the States to establish procedures for terminating accreditation. Requires the Administrator to review and report to the Congress on procedures in effect in some States to expedite accreditation reciprocity and the need and feasibility of developing a model procedure. Authorizes the Administrator to distribute an advisory model to States. Directs the Administrator to: (1) develop and implement a plan for conducting random, on-site school inspections to ensure that asbestos response actions are carried out in a manner that protects human health and the environment; (2) promulgate regulations to require school asbestos contractors to provide assurances of financial responsibility for all liabilities resulting from their work; and (3) promulgate regulations to delineate the division of responsibility between the EPA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for worker safety under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response program. Authorizes school employees who are directed to conduct emergency repairs or operations and maintenance activities which may involve asbestos to refuse to conduct such activities unless they are provided with proper equipment and training and allowed to follow safe work practices. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring owners of Federal, State, and commercial buildings to conduct asbestos inspections and, if asbestos is present, develop and implement asbestos management plans for such buildings. Sets deadlines for the implementation and completion of such activities. Provides for notification of the building occupants and the State Governor or Administrator, as appropriate, prior to undertaking such activities. Imposes civil monetary penalties against building owners who violate such regulations. Directs the Administrator to develop and report to the Congress on a system for monitoring asbestos-containing material removed from schools to assure that it is transported and disposed of in a manner protective of human health and the environment. Establishes an Asbestos Abatement Scientific Commission to assess available asbestos response actions for their effectiveness and appropriateness in protecting human health and the environment. Sets forth reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1989
Amends Federal law relating to the provision of books for the adult blind to provide that the certification of dyslexia, for purposes of eligibility for a loan of books published on sound reproduction recordings, may be made by a competent authority only through the use of a test: (1) approved by the Director of the National Institutes of Health; and (2) administered by an individual (who does not have to be a doctor of medicine) qualified to administer and evaluate such a test.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1989
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions governing the income tax deduction for the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals to: (1) make the deduction permanent (under current law it will expire after tax year 1989); and (2) phase in an increase in the allowable deduction, reaching 100 percent for taxable years beginning in 1994 and thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1989
Mandates that each State, by December 31, 1990, have in effect laws and regulations requiring any health insurance policy issued within the State to provide certain minimum coverage for drug and alcohol abuse treatment. Requires such rules and regulations to meet minimum Federal standards established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Directs the Secretary: (1) within 90 days after enactment of this Act, to establish such standards; and (2) within 90 days after establishment of such standards, to review the laws and regulations of each State. Makes the Federal standards effective in any State which does not have in effect such laws and regulations by December 31, 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the targeted jobs income tax credit through 1992 (under current law the credit will expire after December 31, 1989). Amends the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 to authorize appropriations through FY 1992 in connection with the targeted jobs credit. Raises from 23 to 25 years the age limitation with respect to economically disadvantaged youth targeted for credit purposes. Adds as a targeted group under the credit economically disadvantaged individuals who have completed a qualified drug rehabilitation program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1989
Authorizes and directs the President to call on representatives of the broadcasting industry, in cooperation with public health organizations, to provide free air time to private and government organizations for antismoking public service announcements which educate the public about the dangers of cigarette smoking.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1989
Amends rule IV of the Rules of the House of Representatives to direct the Sergeant-at-Arms to obtain and distribute the customary metal tags provided for under the District of Columbia Traffic Act, 1925 which identify congressional vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989
Live Performing Arts Labor Relations Amendments - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to exclude specified types of employers and performers in the live performing arts from coverage under unfair labor practice provisions: (1) prohibiting specified contracts or agreements between employers and labor organizations; and (2) prohibiting specified actions of labor organizations to force or require cessation of dealings with others, joining of labor or employer organizations, or recognition of or negotiation with labor organizations not certified as representative. Permits such employers to: (1) agree with a labor organization to make membership in it a condition of performing arts employment; and (2) make agreements with a labor organization covering performing artists even if its majority status has not yet been established. Defines "employer" to include purchasers of live musical performance services. Defines "employee" to include independent contractors engaged to perform live musical services.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989
Coal Miners' Justice Act of 1989 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to review certain claims of coal miners and their survivors under the Black Lung Benefits Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989
Save, America Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an individual up to $5,000 ($10,000 for joint returns) of interest earned on a passbook savings account in a federally insured bank, savings and loan or similar institution, or credit union.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1989
Requires the Committee on House Administration, not later than December 31, 1989, to: (1) take such action as may be necessary to discontinue use of disposable polystyrene foam trays, dishes, and beverage containers in the food service operations of the House of Representatives; and (2) require that disposable trays, dishes, and beverage containers used in such operations be biodegradable.