United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the targeted jobs income tax credit from 1985 to 1990. Increases the amount of wages which may be taken into account for such credit from $6,000 to $10,000 per year. Revises the definition of "members of economically disadvantaged families" to increase from 70 percent to 80 percent of the Bureau of Labor Statistics' lower living standard the amount of income a family may have in order to qualify as a member of a targeted group.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Comprehensive Adolescent Pregnancy Program Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 (ECIA) to authorize the Secretary of Education to use discretionary funds to carry out a program to assist elementary and secondary schools to introduce and improve family life education programs. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out such family life education assistance program either directly or through grants and contracts with institutions of higher education, State and local educational agencies, research organizations, and other public and private agencies. Requires such program to provide for: (1) training of educational personnel; (2) educational materials; (3) curriculum development and evaluation; (4) technical assistance; (5) a clearinghouse to evaluate, catalogue, and disseminate teacher and student materials; and (6) grants to State and local educational agencies for model family life education programs at the elementary and secondary school levels which shall be conducted with the advice of advisory committees broadly representative of the community to be served. Requires that such family life education assistance program be carried out in coordination with related activities carried out under title X (Population Research and Voluntary Family Planning Programs) of the Public Health Service Act. Requires that at least ten percent of the Secretary's discretionary funds under ECIA be made available in each fiscal year for activities under such family life education assistance program. Amends title X (Population Research and voluntary Family Planning Programs) of the Public Health Service Act to authorize project grants and contracts for comprehensive services appropriate to the needs of sexually active adolescents who need and desire such services in order to avoid unintended pregnancies. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make such grants and contracts to public and nonprofit private entities to assist in the provision of such services through the voluntary family planning projects. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 for title X grants and contracts for: (1) the voluntary family planning projects; (2) the comprehensive services to adolescents (as established by this Act); and (3) personnel training for family planning service programs. Revises title X provisions for family planning information and education. Authorizes grants and contracts for making available information and education to enable persons to make responsible choices concerning human sexuality, pregnancy, and parenthood. Authorizes the Secretary of HHS to make such grants to public and nonprofit private entities and such contracts to public and private (including for-profit) entities to assist in making such information and education available through appropriate community organizations to all persons desiring it. Requires: (1) special emphasis on adolescents and parents; and (2) inclusion of information about the availability of a broad range of family planning methods and services. Authorizes the Secretary of HHS to provide, directly and indirectly, technical assistance for development, implementation, and evaluation of such information and education projects. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 for such family planning information and education projects. Amends title IV, part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of the Social Security Act to repeal provisions added by the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984 which require consideration of parental and certain other familial income in determining the AFDC eligibility of adolescent parents who live in their parents' home. Provides for AFDC payments to a pregnant woman from the time her pregnancy is medically verified. Removes restrictions on AFDC payments to meet the needs of an unborn child or to meet the needs of a woman occasioned by or resulting from her pregnancy. Amends title XIX (Grants to States for Medical Assistance Programs) (Medicaid) to require that Medicaid provide for making medical assistance available with respect to services related to abortion in the same manner as such assistance is provided with respect to other pregnancy-related services. Revises title XX of the Public Health Services Act. Changes the name of title XX from "Adolescent Family Life Demonstration Projects" to "Services for Pregnant Adolescents and Adolescent Parents." Authorizes the Secretary of HHS to make grants and contracts with public and nonprofit private entities to provide services for pregnant adolescents, adolescent parents, and their families. Lists such services. Allows such services to be provided to: (1) pregnant adolescents under age 18 who have decided to carry their pregnancy to term, the fathers of the infants involved in the pregnancy, individuals who have agreed to share responsibility for such infants, and the guardians of such infants; and (2) mothers of pre-school age children who were under age 18 at the time of the birth of such children, the fathers of such children, individuals who have agreed to share responsibility for such children, and the guardians of such children. Directs the Secretary of HHS, in approving applications for grants and contracts to provide such services, to give priority to and encourage applications from entities that serve an area where: (1) the incidence of adolescent childbearing is high; (2) the proportion of low income and minority families is high; and (3) adolescent pregnancy services are most needed. Requires that service providers give assurances that: (1) priority in the furnishing such services will be given to persons from low income families and to persons who may experience other barriers to such services; (2) any fees will be charged according to an approved schedule which takes into account the difficulty adolescents face in paying for such services, no fees will be charged for services to persons from low income families (except if paid by a third party), and there will be no discrimination because of an individual's inability to pay; (3) maximum use will be made of funds from other Federal or State programs; (4) the role of families will be maximized in assisting adolescents during pregnancy and parenthood, but family participation will not be required; (5) the community will be involved in program planning and implementation; and (6) reports and data will be furnished on the number and characteristics of persons served, services provided, and results achieved. Requires that such services for pregnant adolescents and adolescent parents be provided only on a voluntary basis and only after the individuals seeking such services have been advised of the benefits and risks of all the courses of action available and have had an opportunity to choose freely among them, including referral to another source of care when indicated. Provides that acceptance of any such information or services shall not be prerequisite to eligibility for or receipt of any other service or assistance. Directs the Secretary of HHS to establish a systematic reporting system capable of yielding comprehensive data on which to base service figures and program evaluations. Directs the Secretary to report, on or before each January 1, on the activities supported under such services for pregnant adolescents and adolescent partners. Requires such report to include specified information as well as plans and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1988 for such services for pregnant adolescents and adolescent parents.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to enter into cooperative agreements for the establishment of regional training centers to train State and local personnel to: (1) respond to hazardous materials transportation accidents; and (2) enforce State and local hazardous materials transportation requirements. States that such agreements shall be for terms of three years. Requires any party to an agreement with the Secretary to bear the cost of constructing training facilities. Directs the Secretary to provide, upon request, training materials and other assistance as may be appropriate. Requires parties to agreements with the Secretary, in developing training materials, to consider the procedures and standards for responding to hazardous substance releases as set forth in the national contingency plan required under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) to permit States to adopt more stringent right-to-know standards than those under OSHA. Permits any State to adopt any requirement (including any labeling requirement) requiring information to be provided to employees concerning hazardous substances to which they may be exposed in the course of their employment if: (1) such State requirement is more stringent than the OSHA standard in effect which relates to the same issue; or (2) there is no OSHA standard in effect relating to such issue. Treats a State requirement as more stringent than the OSHA standard if it: (1) requires more information to be provided to employees; or (2) is otherwise more effective in providing safe and healthful employment and places of employment. Provides for the separability of individual requirements for purposes of determinations under this Act. Requires compliance both with a more stringent State requirement and with the OSHA standard which relates to the same issue. Provides that, where compliance with both standards would be physically impossible, compliance with the OSHA standard shall not be required. Makes the provisions of this Act applicable in all States without regard to whether a State plan has been submitted, approved, or disapproved.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Hazardous Air Pollutants Amendments Act of 1985 - Title I - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to classify 36 substances into two categories for purposes of determining whether such substances are hazardous air pollutants as defined under provisions for national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAPs). Requires that 26 substances, including methyl isocyanate and each of the 22 substances listed in specified testimony of the Administrator before the Congress, be classified in the first category. Requires that ten additional substances, from among the 37 substances identified to Congress on a specified date by the EPA as being in the assessment phase of the review process, be classified in the second category. Authorizes the Administrator to substitute for a category two substance another substance if the Administrator determines that there is a higher priority for determining whether the substitute is a hazardous air pollutant. Directs the Administrator to commence hazardous air pollutant determination proceedings concerning first category substances within 90 days and second category substances within one year after enactment of this Act. Provides for public and scientific community participation. Directs the Administrator to make a hazardous air pollutant determination for first category substances by January 1, 1986, and for second category substances by January 1, 1987, and to publish a list of such pollutants and all categories of stationary sources which emit such pollutants. Directs the Administrator to promulgate national emission standards for category one stationary sources by January 1, 1988. Requires promulgation of category two stationary sources emission standards by January 1, 1989. States that actions required of the Administrator under this Act are nondiscretionary and enforceable by any person bringing a civil action. Treats a listed substance as a hazardous air pollutant until the Administrator makes a determination if the required determination has not been made by the specified deadline. Directs a court to issue an order requiring a substance classified in the first or second category to be treated as a listed hazardous air pollutant until the Administrator completes further proceedings if the court reviewing a determination of no hazard remands such determination to the Administrator for further proceedings. Directs the Administrator, by January 31, 1987, to commence hazardous air pollutant determination proceedings for each substance which: (1) has been classified, prior to January 31, 1987, by the national toxicology program as a known carcinogen; (2) is an air pollutant; and (3) is not determined among the 36 substances classified in two categories. Requires that such proceedings be completed within one year. Requires annual hazardous air pollutant determination proceedings for each air pollutant which has been classified during the preceding year by the national toxicology program as a carcinogen. Directs the Administrator to publish and periodically revise a list of air pollutants determined to be hazardous, the categories of stationary sources emitting such pollutants, and national emission standards for each category. Permits the most stringent interim emission standards achievable for up to six years where the application of all potential emission reduction measures would not meet the national emissions standard. Requires as a minimum for such standards that level of control which is empirically available or required in a permit. Directs the Administrator to review all emissions standards in effect on December 1, 1984, within four years of this Act's enactment. Authorizes the Administrator to waive through a permit the prohibition against constructing or modifying a stationary source of a listed hazardous pollutant and subject such source to an interim standard. Requires existing stationary sources emitting hazardous air pollutants to obtain from the Administrator a permit requiring compliance with the applicable national standard or an interim standard if achievement of the national standard is not possible using all potential emission reduction measures. Applies the same conditions to interim standards for existing stationary sources as apply to new or modified sources. Sets forth emergency extension of waivers procedures, requiring the source owner or operator to petition the State's Governor who in turn may petition the President after public notice for such extension. Requires notice to the Governor and residents of any other State affected by such waiver. Requires the President to notify the Congress of all extensions granted. Sets forth general permit requirements for sources emitting hazardous air pollutants with respect to: (1) monitoring; (2) hearings; (3) revocation; (4) terms; and (5) fees. Title II: Hazardous Air Pollutants from Motor Vehicles - Establishes a program for controlling motor vehicle hazardous air pollutants. Directs the Administrator to publish and periodically revise a list of such pollutants, including lead, ethylene dibromide, diesel particulates, benzene, and any pollutants already listed under this Act if the Administrator determines they are emitted from motor vehicles or their parts. States that actions required of the Administrator under this title are nondiscretionary and enforceable by any person bringing a civil action within approximately 18 months. Directs the Administrator to prescribe emissions standards for all identified motor vehicle hazardous air pollutants except lead. Permits the promulgation of interim standards, subject to the same conditions applicable to interim standards for stationary sources. Makes emission standards effective with the second model year after the model year during which the standard is prescribed. Establishes minimum emissions standards for diesel particulates broken down by vehicle weight. Directs the Administrator to control or prohibit the manufacture and sale of fuel or fuel additives determined to be hazardous air pollutants. Directs the Administrator to prohibit the use of lead or lead additives in gasoline after December 31, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Chemical Manufacturing Safety Act of 1985 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to include releases into the air from an underground storage tank. Reduces from 36 to 18 months after the enactment of the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984 (November 8, 1984) the time within which new underground tank performance standards become effective. Reduces from 48 to 24 months after such date the effective date of certain regulations covering underground storage tanks containing regulated substances. Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to include pesticides within chemical substances under such Act only when the manufacturing and processing is completed and the pesticide is distributed. Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act by adding a new title II concerning the communities' right-to-know, emergency planning, and liability. Requires each covered manufacturer, distributor, user, and importer of a covered hazardous substance (potential releasors) to prepare and update a fact sheet for such substance for distribution to local police, fire, and health officials. Requires the fact sheet to include the name, physical properties of, and hazards posed by the substance, including potential routes of human exposure to such substance, symptoms of such exposure, and appropriate emergency and first aid procedures. Requires status sheets on the same basis as fact sheets, with each status sheet to include the maximum inventory and method of storage of the substance, the quantity of its emission into the environment, and the quantity and method for disposal. Requires the releasor of a covered hazardous substance in an emergency situation to provide an emergency bulletin to the State and local police and other local officials. Requires the bulletin to identify the name and amount of the substance released and the response actions taken. Requires fact and status sheets and emergency bulletins to be made available for public inspection with public notice of such availability at the facility of the potential releasor. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to publish a uniform format for fact and status sheets. Authorizes a State's Governor to identify local officials to receive covered hazardous substance release information, with the Administrator doing so in the absence of the Governor's identification. Requires the potential releasors to maintain records of information required by this Act. Requires manufacturers or importers to transmit fact sheets to covered distributors or users upon shipping of a covered hazardous substance. Excludes certain small businesses and research, medical, and household uses from coverage under this Act. Provides protection for trade secrets while continuing to make necessary information available to the appropriate persons. Excludes listed or possible carcinogens from such protection. Sets forth application and substantiation procedures for trade secret claims. Permits affected citizens or government officials to compel disclosure of nonsubstantiated trade secrets through the Federal courts. Authorizes the Administrator to grant exemptions from the basic notification requirements of this Act through specified procedures open to the public, based upon a cost-benefits analysis where there is no reasonable likelihood of harm. Directs each covered major manufacturer to develop within two years of the enactment of this Act a comprehensive evacuation and emergency response plan which addresses the health and safety issues applicable to such manufacturer's particular situation. Requires the plan to include designations of the appropriate government officials to be notified, mitigation measures, evacuation routes, notification plans, and evaluation of community support services. Authorizes each Governor to designate emergency response districts within 18 months of the enactment of this Act or the Administrator will do so. Permits each Governor to appoint an Emergency Response Committee per district or the Administrator will be treated as such Committee. Requires such Committees to review the manufacturers' plans, revising them where necessary. Directs the Administrator within 18 months of the enactment of this Act to develop uniform national mandatory labeling requirements for pipes, storage tanks, or containers not otherwise required to be labeled which could reasonably be presumed to release a covered hazardous substance. Requires the label to indicate the appropriate response to a release. Directs the Administrator to designate covered major manufacturers for emergency response purposes within one year of the enactment of this Act. Limits the designation to those whose substances would pose an imminent and substantial danger to health and the environment if released in significant quantities. Includes all persons covered under this Act in lieu of such designations. Includes Federal departments as potential covered major manufacturers. Exempts those whose emergency activities are sufficiently covered under other Federal or State law. Renders the manufacturer or processor strictly liable for damages caused by accidental or abnormal releases, excluding act of God or war. Covers medical, burial, and economic losses as well as pain and suffering (to a limited extent). Includes specified analysis and scientific evidence and studies among the evidence which may be introduced to establish causation. Establishes a three-year statute of limitations from the date of the enactment or the date of realization of injury for causes of action for injury from the release of a covered hazardous substance, whichever is later. Provides that this Act does not preempt State or other law in the area of liability for damages. Requires entitled individuals to receive compensation for injuries sustained from a hazardous substance release from workers' compensation rather than under this Act. Sets forth categories of substances to be considered covered hazardous substances and procedures for adding additional substances. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to compile and update a digest of all such substances. Exempts certain substances for this Act's purposes, based upon the form, amount, and other regulation of such substances. Establishes civil and criminal penalties, limiting criminal penalties to the knowing violation of emergency requirements. Authorizes citizens' suits to enforce this Act. Permits States to adopt more stringent right-to-know standards in the workplace context and emergency response requirements. Permits State and local governments to impose fees upon potential releasors to cover administrative costs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Caribbean Trade Institute/International Trade Center Authorization Act - Directs the Secretary of State to establish a Caribbean Trade Institute/International Trade Center in Harlem, New York City. Requires investment tax credits and depreciation tax deductions to be determined without regard to: (1) the fact that property is financed by a grant under this Act; and (2) whether the Institute/Trade Center is a tax-exempt entity. Authorizes appropriations for the construction of a building for the Institute/Trade Center and for the operational expenses of the Institute/Trade Center for the first three fiscal years ending after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1985
Requires that funds be made available from appropriations under the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, 1985 to enable the National Institutes of Health to award 6,500 new and competing research grants in FY 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1985
Adolescent Pregnancy and Parenthood Act of 1984 - Amends title XX (Adolescent Family Life Demonstration Projects) of the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants and projects for: (1) prenatal and postpartum care; (2) well-child infant care; (3) comprehensive family planning services to prevent unintended repeat pregnancies; and (4) educational, vocational, and other counseling services. Gives priority to under-18 year olds where the incidence of adolescent child bearing is high, where the proportion of low income and minority families is high, and where such services are most needed. Stresses the role of voluntary family support. States that services provided under this Act shall be voluntary. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a program data reporting system; and (2) report annually to Congress. Authorizes FY 1986 through 1988 appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1985
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of title II benefits to individuals who have been deported pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act because of activities conducted under the direction of association with the Nazi government of Germany or its allies.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Voluntary National Youth Service Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to eligible States and local governments for youth service projects. Requires the Secretary to designate specified activities as service categories in which project participants may serve. Sets forth criteria for such designations. Sets forth types of positions which such service categories may include. Sets forth grant eligibility requirements for States and local governments, including requirements for plans and matching funds. Requires that specified percentages of poor persons and of unemployed persons participate in such projects. Sets forth requirements relating to the amount of wages, benefits, and subsistence allowances for project participants. Requires the Secretary to distribute such grants among eligible States and local governments on the basis of which ones will best use such funds, as determined on the basis of the plans submitted. Sets forth nondiscrimination provisions. Requires that project participants be not less than 17 and not more than 24 years old. Prohibits any person from serving on such a project for more than a two-year period. Requires participants to agree to serve for at least a six-month period. Prohibits acceptance for project service of any person who does not hold a high school diploma or its equivalent, unless such person has not been enrolled as a high school student during the three-month period before the date of such acceptance. Limits to 15 percent of any such grant the amount which may be used for administrative expenses. Sets forth project grant review and reporting requirements. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the President and the Congress on the activities conducted under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Secondary School Basic Skills Act - Establishes a program of grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) having especially high concentrations of children from low-income families to enable such agencies to provide more effective instruction in basic skills for economically disadvantaged secondary school students. Defines "basic skills" (to include reading, communications, writing, and mathematics proficiency, as well as problem-solving comprehension, and reasoning.) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1991. Makes certain amounts of such appropriations available for specified activities and types of grants under this Act. Makes a secondary school eligible to receive assistance under this Act for program grants only if 20 percent or more of children aged 12 to 17, inclusive, who are enrolled in such school: (1) are counted under LEA basic grant provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as modified by the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 (ECIA); or (2) qualify for a free school lunch under the National School Lunch Act of 1946. Requires that funds made available under this Act for program grants be used to develop new approaches to and carry out educational services and activities designed specifically to raise the basic skills of low-achieving disadvantaged children. Authorizes the Secretary of Education, from specified funds appropriated for program grants for FY 1985 through 1990, to make grants to enable eligible secondary schools to develop, implement, and carry out new approaches to achieving improved basic skills instruction of low-achieving economically disadvantaged secondary school students. Requires that the grant application be made on behalf of the eligible secondary school by: (1) the LEA; or (2) an institution of higher education, public agency, or private nonprofit organization if such entity will provide educational services or conduct educational activities subject to the proposal. Requires applicants to assure their participation in a national evaluation. Requires that administrators, teachers, and parents in the eligible school participate in the preparation of the proposal. Requires that the appropriate State educational agency (SEA) be provided on opportunity to review and comment on the application before submittal to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to assure that: (1) eligible applicants represent various geographic regions of the country, including both rural and urban secondary schools within those various geographic regions; and (2) at least one demonstration grant is made in each State in each fiscal year, unless no applications are received from a State. Requires each LEA which desires to receive program grants under this Act to file with the Secretary an application containing specified assurances. Allows any eligible applicant organization to apply for a five-year grant, subject to specified restrictions, on behalf of an eligible secondary school. Sets forth requirements for such applications. Requires consultation with parents and teachers of low-achieving economically disadvantaged secondary school students in program design and implementation. Directs the Secretary, through the National Institute of Education (NIE), to annually conduct a national evaluation of the effectiveness and the implementation of program grants. Requires that such assessment results be submitted to Congress and disseminated to SEAs, LEAs, State legislatures, and Governors. Directs the Secretary, through NIE, to monitor grants and coordinate activities under this Act with other research activities conducted by NIE and through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement. Directs NIE, once program grants are awarded, to provide eligible recipients with technical assistance. Prohibits the Secretary from disapproving an LEA application without affording notice and opportunity for a hearing. Directs the Secretary to make payments as expeditiously as possible after approval of applications. Prohibits any grant from being made with respect to any eligible secondary school for more than two fiscal years unless there is: (1) an improved performance of the targeted secondary school students at the school on a nationally normed basic skills test; or (2) a decrease in the dropout rate at the school. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations relating to such requirement. Authorizes the Secretary to grant a waiver of such requirement for one additional academic year of programming if external conditions warrant.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Women's Business Ownership Act of 1985 - Establishes the National Commission on Women's Business Ownership to review: (1) the status of women owned small businesses nationwide; (2) the role of the Federal Government in aid to and the promotion of women owned small businesses; (3) data collection procedures and the availability of data relating to women owned businesses, women owned small businesses, and small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged women; (4) other Federal initiatives relating to women owned small businesses, including those relating to Federal procurements; and (5) special impediments suffered by small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged women. Directs the Commission to recommend: (1) new private sector initiatives which would provide management and technical assistance to women owned small businesses; (2) ways to promote greater access to financing and procurement opportunities for such businesses; and (3) other measures relating to small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged women. Terminates the Commission on the date that it transmits its final report to the President and to each House of the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 regarding urban development action grant criteria to require at least one-half of aggregate grant amounts to be made solely on the basis of specified criteria, of which job creation, especially for low-income persons and minorities, shall be given priority. Requires a report to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1985
States that the President should: (1) announce to the Soviet Union and other nuclear nations that the United States will suspend testing of nuclear weapons and challenge the Soviet Union to do the same; (2) express to the diplomatic community that U.S. policy is to cease testing such weapons and that such testing will be resumed if the Soviet Union proceeds with further underground testing of such weapons; (3) ensure that upon suspension of U.S. testing the United States will make use of existing technology and equipment to verify that nuclear explosions have ceased; and (4) initiate negotiations for a permanent U.S.-Soviet test ban treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit crime victims to deduct their crime-related medical expenses without regard to the five percent floor on the medical expense deduction. Permits taxpayers who do not itemize deductions to deduct these medical expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1985
Directs the President to: (1) secure from the Indochina nations a full accounting of Americans captured or missing as a result of the Vietnam conflict; and (2) work for the release of captive Americans and the return of the remains of those American servicemen and civilians who died in Southeast Asia. Requires the President to submit two reports to Congress on American POW/MIAs in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1985
Effective Schools Development in Education Act of 1985 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a grants program to promote more effective schools and excellence in education. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990 for such grants program. Allows program grants to be used to: (1) promote State educational agency (SEA) and local educational agency (LEA) awareness of effective schools information through conferences at schools and district and multidistrict offices and through onsite visits to model effective schools; (2) develop and implement systems of data collection, analysis, interpretation, and communication; (3) plan, review, and revise program activities; (4) support related effective schools efforts; (5) obtain technical assistance and consultant services from regional educational laboratories, research and development centers, institutions of higher education, and other nonprofit educational organizations; (6) design, develop, and publish educational materials on effective schools programs; (7) conduct program evaluations; and (8) otherwise identify, document, and disseminate information concerning exemplary effective schools programs. Requires that program grant applications by SEAs or LEAs demonstrate that: (1) the applicant has an effective schools improvement program in effect; (2) grant funds would be used to pay not more than one-half of the cost of any program or activity; (3) grant funds would be supplementary; and (4) independent annual evaluations will be conducted and reported. Directs the Secretary of Education, in selecting grant recipients, to: (1) consider the extent to which grant funds would be used to improve schools in districts with the greatest numbers or percentages of educationally deprived children and the extent to which the applicant's ongoing effective schools program has demonstrated the capacity to improve student achievement or behavior; (2) ensure reasonable geographic distribution of grants; and (3) designate grants as being available for a period of at least one but not more than three years. Sets forth provisions for technical assistance and program evaluation. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress by September 1, 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1985 - Amends the Education Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide a definition of the phrase "program or activity." Defines such term as all of the operations of: (1) a department or agency of a State or of a local government; (2) the entity of such State or local government that distributes Federal assistance and each such department or agency to which the assistance is extended; (3) a university or a system of higher education; (4) a local educational agency or other school system; (5) a corporation, partnership, or other private organization; or (6) any other entity consistent with the coverage provided above.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for damaging or destroying any cemetery, religious building, or any religious article contained in such a building or interfering with any person freely exercising his or her religion.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Community Renewal Employment Act - Title I: General Purpose and Authority - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to provide employment opportunities to long-term unemployed individuals in high unemployment areas through payments for labor and related costs associated with the repair, maintenance, or rehabilitation of essential community and educational facilities and with public safety, health, social service, and other activities related to the public welfare. Makes individuals aged 16 or older eligible to participate in such program only if they are unemployed at the time of eligibility determination and for at least 15 of the 20 weeks prior to such determination, with specified exceptions. Limits wages for eligible individuals to 52 weeks in a two-year period. Requires that priority be given to those who have exhausted or are otherwise not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, particularly: (1) those who have been unemployed for the longest periods immediately preceding selection; and (2) those residing in families in which no other member is employed on a full-time basis. Requires that special consideration in selecting participants for employment under this Act in employment counseling and other services for veterans should be given to veterans who otherwise meet participant eligibility requirements. Allows, upon certain determinations, up to ten percent of eligible participants selected by a recipient for subsidized employment from funds under this Act to be individuals unemployed for less than 15 weeks. Makes the State employment service agency, in certifying eligible participants and in referring them for employment under title II or III, responsible for ensuring equal employment opportunities and the full participation of traditionally underrepresented groups. Makes each recipient of funds under title II or III responsible for ensuring such opportunities and such participation in the selection of eligible participants for such employment. Requires that not less than 75 percent of title II and III funds be used to provide wages and employment benefits to eligible participants for work which the recipient certifies has been performed in one or more authorized activities. Permits up to 15 percent of funds provided to a title II or III recipient to be used for the cost of administration and up to ten percent for the acquisition of supplies, tools, equipment, and other materials. Permits payment of such costs from non-Federal sources or Federal sources other than this Act. Requires recipients, to the extent feasible, to ensure that supplies, tools, equipment, or other materials purchased or procured have been manufactured, mined, or produced in the United States. Permits title II funds to be used for costs associated with training and related support for a number of participants, if: (1) employers are committed to fill an equal number of unsubsidized jobs with participants who have successfully completed such training; (2) the recipient has an agreement with a qualified public or private nonprofit provider of such training services; and (3) costs of training and support do not exceed, on a weekly basis, the maximum wage payable with funds under this Act. Limits the rate of salaries or wages paid to administrative or supervisory employees from funds available for administrative costs. Establishes a career preparation demonstration program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989 for such program. Directs the Secretary of Labor, using the Office of the Job Corps, to establish in each of the Federal regions four career preparation demonstration centers (equitably distributed between rural and urban areas) for combined written, audiovisual, and computer-based materials within the basic instructional format developed by the Job Corps to train eligible participants. Imposes certain requirements on such Centers. Provides that up to five of the Centers shall be designated high technology training centers for training combined with subsidized internship in the private sector for career preparation in high technology occupations including robotics, health technology, and computer operations. Limits payments for weekly costs of such subsidized internship to the maximum wage payable with funds under this Act. Title II: Community Renewal Employment Programs - Part A: Community Improvement Projects - Sets forth provisions for employment activities in community improvement projects. Requires that eligible participants be employed in community improvement projects, in one or more listed activities involving: (1) public facilities repair, rehabilitation, or improvement; (2) public lands conservation, rehabilitation, or improvement; or (3) public safety, health, social service, and other activities necessary to the public welfare. Provides that, for purposes of community improvement projects provisions, "project" means a definable task or group of related tasks which: (1) will be carried out by a government department, public agency, private nonprofit organization, or private contractor; (2) will be completed within 18 months; (3) is an authorized activity; (4) will result in a specific product or accomplishment; and (5) would not otherwise be conducted with existing funds. Permits projects which are to be carried out under provisions for public lands conservation, rehabilitation, and improvement to involve lands other than public or Indian lands only when such projects will provide a documented public benefit and when the recipient will be reimbursed for that portion of the total costs of the project which does not provide a public benefit. Makes eligible entities under title II: (1) States; (2) local governments with populations of 50,000 or more; (3) consortia of local governments; (4) existing concentrated employment program grantees serving rural areas under the Job Training Partnership Act; and (5) Native American Indian, Alaska Native, and Oklahoma Indian groups. Provides that States shall qualify as an eligible entity to serve any area of the State: (1) not under the jurisdiction of any other eligible entity; or (2) for which no eligible entity has filed a statement on the use of funds within 30 days of allotment of funds. Provides that larger units of local government shall not qualify as the eligible entity to serve any smaller unit which is, or is part of, an eligible entity which has filed a statement on use of funds. Sets forth provisions for allotment of title II funds (exclusive of the amount available for part C). Directs the Secretary to reserve two percent of such funds for allotment among Native American eligible entities. Directs the Secretary to allot the remainder among eligible entities on the basis of relative numbers of certain categories of unemployed residents of each eligible entity. Directs the Governor to use the same formula in making available amounts to each jurisdiction within the area for which the State is an eligible entity (but requires that no amount less than $25,000 be made available to any such jurisdiction and that any unallocated amounts be reallocated among other jurisdictions which meet the $25,000 minimum requirement). Sets forth requirements for receipt of an allotment by an eligible entity. Requires eligible entities within 30 days of receipt of notice, to submit statements which: (1) designate a fiscal agent for receipt of payments; (2) agree to use funds in accordance with this Act; and (3) agree to provide quarterly reports on such use. Directs the Secretary, within 30 days after the final day for submission of such statements, to make a final allotment. Sets forth a formula for determining a required minimum allotment to any State which is the single eligible entity for such State. Sets forth requirements for payment of allotments by the Secretary and for quarterly reports by the eligible entities. Prohibits the Secretary from withholding, suspending, or terminating the payment of any installment of an allotment except in accordance with provisions for sanctions under this Act. Sets forth requirements relating to project design. Requires eligible entities to give priority to projects on the basis of: (1) unemployment severity and duration with localities in its area; (2) the degree to which projects will lead to expansion of unsubsidized private employment opportunities; and (3) the level of need for activities and services to be provided. Requires, to the extent feasible, coordination of employment opportunities established with title II funds with other specified Federal, State, and local activities. Part B: Community Improvement Activities for Youth Trainees - Sets forth provisions for youth trainee activities. Requires that at least 20 percent of the funds available to an eligible entity from its Part A allotment for community improvement projects shall be used for eligible youth wages and benefits for part-time employment up to 32 hours per week. Allows such employment to be: (1) in any authorized employment activity in community improvement projects; or (2) at a worksite operated by a public or private nonprofit agency or organization or by an employer organized for profit. Requires that such employment be provided in a manner which requires, and is consistent with, the youth's enrollment for at least eight hours a week in: (1) high school; (2) a high school equivalency program; or (3) a program of skill training or basic skill or employability development, including a career preparation demonstration program. Permits funds for youth trainee activities to be used in activities which also receive funds under other Federal, State, local, public, or private education or training programs. Makes eligible for youth trainee activities any youth aged 16 through 19 who is certified to be currently unemployed by the State employment service agency. Requires eligible entities, in selecting such participants, to give priority to economically disadvantaged individuals and to serve eligible school dropouts, among such individuals, on an equitable basis. Part C: State Job Programs - Sets forth provisions for financial assistance for State job programs. Reserves five percent of title II funds for each fiscal year for purposes of this part. Allots such funds for this part among the States, in accordance with specified provisions, on the basis of relative numbers of residents who have been unemployed for 15 or more weeks. Requires that such State allotments be used for employment of eligible participants under this Act through: (1) State-administered programs and activities authorized under community improvement project provisions, such as State parks, forests, and conservation programs, State hospitals and other health care facilities, State correctional institutions and programs, and State-administered social service programs; (2) special assistance (in conjunction, as appropriate, with eligible entities under title II) for areas which have experienced sudden or severe economic dislocations, including large-scale losses of jobs caused by the closing of facilities or mass layoffs; (3) State-directed emergency aid programs to cope with natural disasters, including erosion, flood, drought, and storm damage assistance and control activities; and (4) special assistance to seasonal farmworkers and small farmers in rural, agricultural areas which have experienced substantial losses of jobs due to the rising numbers of farm mortgage foreclosures and other severe economic disruption (in conjunction, as appropriate, with eligible entities under title II or with related programs under the Job Training Partnership Act). Directs States to give special consideration to establishing programs and activities which will provide job sites: (1) within areas in the State in which the unemployment rate equals or exceeds the national average; or (2) if there are no such areas, within areas in which the unemployment rate equals or exceeds the State average. Directs States to evaluate projects on the basis of severity and duration of unemployment within localities and the level of need for activities and services to be provided. Requires States, within 30 days after receiving notice of such allotment, to submit statements of agreement to use such funds in accordance with this Act and to provide quarterly reports. Directs the Secretary, within 30 days after the final day for such submissions, to make a final allotment. Sets forth requirements for payment of allotments by the Secretary and for quarterly reports by the States. Prohibits the Secretary from withholding, suspending, or terminating the payment of any installment of an allotment except in accordance with provisions for sanctions under this Act. Title III: Educational Facility Repair and Renovation Employment Activities - Part A: Elementary and Secondary School Facility Improvement Jobs - Sets forth provisions for school facility repair and renovation projects. Requires that funds made available to any local educational agency (LEA) under this part be used for projects and activities (in accordance with the limitation on the use of funds under title I) to employ eligible participants (qualifying under title I provisions) in the repair, renovation, or rehabilitation of public school facilities. Requires that, to the maximum extent feasible, funds under this part be used for projects and activities for which on-site labor can begin within 90 days of receipt of such funds. Requires that such funds be used in accordance with State and local procedures for: (1) assisting SEAs and LEAs to conform their public school facilities with specified requirements under the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and with requirements of any government environmental protection or health and safety programs; (2) public school facilities repair, renovation, or rehabilitation; (3) conversion of presently unused structures into adult training centers; (4) energy efficiency remodeling or renovation; and (5) asbestos detection, removal, or containment in facilities used by students. Requires that funds under this part which are made available to the Secretary of the Interior shall be made available to Indian tribal schools, upon applications containing specified information. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, within 120 days after enactment of this Act, to promulgate regulations for such grants program, including priorities for such program. Declares that the Department of the Interior shall be considered a State education agency (SEA) for purposes of requirements for receipt of allotments under this part. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to relieve the Secretary of the Interior of the responsibility to provide adequate and equitable funding under the Snyder Act for the operations and maintenance of Indian tribal school facilities. Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary for purposes of this title) to make the allotment of funds for this part from 75 percent of the funds available for this title. Directs the Secretary to allot, from funds for this part: (1) one-half of one percent to specified U.S. territories and possessions in accordance with their respective needs; and (2) one-half of one percent to the Secretary of the Interior for grants to Indian tribal schools. Directs the Secretary to allot the remainder among the States on the basis of relative: (1) number of unemployed individuals; (2) number of unemployed individuals in each county in excess of six and one-half percent of the civilian labor force; (3) number of unemployed individuals in each county in excess of the national average unemployment rate; and (4) amount of basic grant funds received under chapter 1 of the Educational Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 (ECIA). Prohibits any SEA from reserving more than one percent of the State allotment for administrative costs and four percent to meet special needs. Directs the SEA to allocate the remainder: (1) among the counties on the same basis used for State allotments; and (2) within each county on the basis used by that State in distributing funds under chapter 1 of ECIA. Sets forth requirements for receipt of allotment. Requires SEAs to submit, within 30 days after receiving notice of such allotment, a statement of agreement to use such funds in accordance with this Act and to provide quarterly reports. Directs the Secretary, within 30 days after the final day for such submissions, to make a final allotment. Sets forth requirements for payment of allotments by the Secretary and for quarterly reports by SEAs. Prohibits the Secretary from withholding, suspending, or terminating payment of any allotment installment except in accordance with sanctions provisions of this Act. Part B: Higher Education Facility Improvement Jobs - Sets forth provisions for academic facility repair and renovation projects. Requires that funds made available to any institution of higher education under this part be used for projects and activities (in accordance with title I limitation of funds provisions) to employ eligible participants (qualifying under title I provisions) in repair, renovation, or rehabilitation of academic facilities. Requires that, to the maximum extent feasible, funds under this part be used for projects and activities for which on-site labor can begin within 120 days of receipt of such funds. Requires that funds allotted to each State under this part be made available, in accordance with its State plan under the Higher Education Act of 1965, through the higher education building agency to assist institutions of higher education in the repair, renovation, and rehabilitation of academic facilities and libraries if the primary purpose of such assistance is to enable such institutions to: (1) economize on the use of energy resources, with a priority for the use of coal, solar, and renewable resources; (2) conform their academic facilities and libraries with specified requirements under the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and with requirements of government environmental protection or health and safety programs; (3) renovate research facilities and postsecondary technician training facilities; and (4) detect, remove, or contain asbestos hazards in facilities used by students. Sets forth requirements for receipt of allotment. Requires States to submit, within 30 days after receiving notice of such allotment, statements: (1) designating a fiscal agent for receipt of allotment payments; and (2) agreeing to use such funds in accordance with this Act and to provide quarterly reports. Directs the Secretary, within 30 days after the final day for such submissions, to make a final allotment. Sets forth requirements for payment of allotments by the Secretary and for quarterly reports by the States. Prohibits the Secretary from withholding, suspending, or terminating payment of any allotment installment except in accordance with sanctions provisions of this Act. Part C: Special Definitions for Title III - Sets forth special definitions for purposes of this title. Title IV: State Employment Service Responsibilities - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and succeeding fiscal years to enable the United States Employment Service (USES) to provide funds to State employment service agencies to provide the following services in accordance with agreements with recipients under titles II and III: (1) certification of eligible participants in accordance with title I provisions, and their referral to available job openings; and (2) labor market information and job search services, including counseling, to assist participants in finding regular unsubsidized employment as soon as possible, with special emphasis on services for those approaching the maximum duration for participants under this Act. Sets forth provisions for State job bank systems. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989, to be made available by USES for development and implementation of job bank systems in each State, designed to use computerized electronic data processing and telecommunications systems for certain purposes. Requires, where possible, that such systems be able to use software compatible with other systems (including management information, unemployment insurance, and other income maintenance programs) used in employment and training administration. Requires that, in the development of such systems, special consideration be given to the advice and recommendations of the State occupational information coordinating committees and other users of such systems. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth general requirements relating to employment and projects under this Act. Sets forth nondiscrimination provisions. Prohibits projects involving construction, operation, or maintenance of so much of any facility as is used or to be used for sectarian instruction or religious worship. Requires that funds under this Act be used only for activities which are in addition to those which would be available in the area in the absence of such funds. Prohibits providing funds for subsidized employment under this Act to private organizations to conduct activities customarily performed by public employees in the area. Limits participation in title II or III activities to residents of the area of the recipients. Prohibits the employment, in a subsidized wage position under this Act, of individuals who have voluntarily terminated without good cause, within the preceding six months, full-time employment at or exceeding the Federal minimum wage. Prohibits the funding of any program involving political activities. Requires that participants in subsidized employment under this Act be paid at least the highest of the Federal, State, or local minimum wage, or the prevailing rate of pay for employment in similar occupations by the same employer. Limits the portion of any wages paid from funds under this Act to $230 per week. Adjusts such maximum annually according to national aggregate wage and salary increases. Permits such wages to be supplemented by other sources, up to an amount equal to 50 percent of such maximum. Requires that participants be allowed sufficient time off from work activities to participate effectively in job search activities. Permits funds under this Act to be used to employ individuals in part-time, flexible-time, and work-sharing employment customarily offered by the employer, if such individuals receive benefits customarily provided with such employment by the same employer. Requires programs under this Act to maintain an individual work record for each participant. Requires that any funds appropriated for this Act which are allotted for any fiscal year be available for expenditure by the recipient during a one-year period beginning on the date of payment. Prohibits revocation or cancellation of any part of any allotment as long as such funds are expended within such period. Directs the Secretary (of Labor or Education, as appropriate) to reallot any funds not expended during such period among other eligible recipients. Directs the Secretary to insure that each individual participating in any program established under this Act, or receiving any assistance or benefit under this Act, has not violated specified provisions of the Military Selective Service Act by not presenting and submitting to registration. Directs the Director of the Selective Service System to cooperate with the Secretary in carrying out this requirement. Makes regulations promulgated by the Secretary under specified provisions of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act as in effect on April 1, 1981, applicable to funds provided under this Act for the purposes of assuring against program abuses. Sets forth program labor standards relating to conditions of employment and training, health and safety standards, workers' compensation benefits, and job benefits and working conditions. Prohibits the use of funds under this Act for contributions on behalf of any participant to retirement systems or plans. Prohibits displacement of any currently employed worker by participants in programs funded under this Act. Prohibits such programs from impairing existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements. Requires the written concurrence of the labor organization and the employer concerned before any such program which would be inconsistent with the terms of a collective bargaining agreement may be undertaken. Prohibits program participants from being employed or job openings from being filled when: (1) any other individual is on layoff from the same or any substantially equivalent job; or (2) the employer terminates the employment of any regular unsubsidized employee in the same or any substantially equivalent job or otherwise reduces the number of regular unsubsidized employees in such jobs. Prohibits the employment of, or the filling of a job opening by, any participant whose wages are subsidized under this Act in any "government" (meaning a State or local government, public agency, or local educational agency) department having 25 or more regular unsubsidized employees, unless the number of such employees currently employed is at least equal to a number determined according to a specified formula. Prohibits the creation of jobs in a promotional line that will infringe in any way on the promotional opportunities of currently employed individuals. Requires that quarterly reports submitted under specified provisions of this Act: (1) be transmitted by the recipient to any labor organization representing government employees who are engaged in work similar to that performed by employees whose wages are subsidized under this Act; (2) set forth specified information relating to numbers of unsubsidized and subsidized employees of government departments in which subsidized employment is provided under this Act; and (3) include a statement identifying and explaining job reductions in any department where there has been a decline of unsubsidized employees above a specified amount over a certain period. Sets forth procedures for review of complaints by employees or labor organizations concerning violations of this Act by governments employing subsidized employees. Requires repayment of any funds under this Act expended in such violations. Requires recipients of funds under this Act to provide the Secretary with assurances that none of such funds will be used to assist, promote, or deter union organizing. Requires that an opportunity for comment be provided for any labor organization representing a substantial number of employees engaged in similar work or training in the same areas as that proposed to be funded under this Act. Applies the wage rate requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act to all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors in works federally assisted under this Act. Provides that such rates are not required to be paid to participants under this Act unless they are employed in connection with projects funded by this Act in whole or in part, exclusive of wages and benefits, or projects covered by any other statute requiring the payment of such Davis-Bacon Act wage rates. Sets forth provisions for fiscal controls and sanctions under this Act. Sets forth provisions for judicial review of any corrective action or sanction imposed under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to provide opportunities for unemployed individuals under this Act. Authorizes such appropriations in a specified amount for FY 1986. Limits the authorization of such appropriations in each succeeding fiscal year to an amount equal to the product of $10,000 multiplied by 20 percent of the number of "long-term unemployed individuals" (i.e. the average number of individuals in the civilian labor force who, in the first three months of the fiscal year for which the appropriation is to be made, had been unemployed for 15 or more weeks as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on a seasonally adjusted basis). Provides that, if the national average rate of unemployment in the civilian labor force is less than ten percent in the first three months of the calendar year in which begins the fiscal year for which such an appropriation is to be made, the "20 percent" in such formula shall be decreased by five percentage points for each full percentage point by which such national average rate of unemployment is less than ten percent. Provides that, for any fiscal year, 80 percent of such appropriations shall be available for purposes of title II (Community Renewal Employment Programs) and 20 percent shall be available for title III (Educational Facility Repair and Renovation Employment Activities).
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Youth Incentive Employment Act - Establishes a program to provide part-time school year employment and full-time (or part-time with training) summer employment to economically disadvantaged youths who pursue further education and training. Provides that an individual may qualify to be an eligible youth for program participation purposes if such individual: (1) is 16 to 19 years of age, inclusive, at the time of assignment to a worksite; (2) is economically disadvantaged; (3) is not employed; (4) resides in the service delivery area (SDA) of the administering entity; and (5) has entered into a commitment to pursue further education and training. Requires such individuals to sign a written commitment to: (1) attend either a secondary school for a diploma, an alternative education program for a high school equivalency certificate, a remedial education program, or a skill training program; and (2) meet attendance and performance standards of such school or program and at the worksite to which the individual is referred for employment under this Act. Gives priority for selection under youth incentive plans to eligible youths who are educationally at risk. Terminates an individual's status as an eligible youth upon a finding by the administering entity, after an opportunity for a hearing, that the individual has failed to comply with the commitment. Requires that funds provided under this Act be used to establish and assist programs which assist eligible youth with qualifying employment in the form of: (1) part-time employment during the regular school year, not to exceed 80 hours per month; (2) part-time employment, during the months between regular school years, which is combined with remediation, classroom instruction, or on-the-job or apprenticeship training; and (3) full-time employment for a period of at least eight weeks during the months between regular school years, not to exceed 40 hours per week. Permits funds provided under this Act to be used to pay up to the following percentages of the wages and benefits and the costs of any employer-provided instruction and training of an eligible youth: (1) 100 percent during the first six months of qualifying employment; and (2) 75 percent during any succeeding months of such qualifying employment. Prohibits the use of funds provided under this Act to pay any portion of the wages and benefits of any individual: (1) for full-time employment during the months between the regular school year with a for-profit institution or organization unless such employment is a continuation of employment with that employer during the regular school year; or (2) if the employer has failed to develop or enforce attendance and performance standards consistent with youth incentive plan provisions. Sets forth general requirements for receipt and restrictions on the use of funds under this Act. Provides that the administering entity for any SDA under this Act is the same entity selected to administer the job training plan for that SDA pursuant to the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). Requires administering entities to: (1) develop and submit to the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) a youth incentive employment plan; and (2) provide from other Federal or State sources, or from local public or private sources, at least 20 percent of program costs for each program year, in cash or in kind. Requires that, of the funds provided to an administering entity for any program year under this Act: (1) at least 70 percent be expended for wages and benefits for qualifying employment, and child care, transportation, or other supportive service expenses for individuals engaged in such employment; (2) not more than 15 percent be expended for provision of basic education services, and of that amount not more than 15 percent be expended for the performance of specified functions. Sets forth requirements relating to youth incentive plans. Requires such plans to contain specified provisions, including: (1) a description of the specific outreach services and programs that will be established to ensure participation in qualifying employment by eligible youths who are school dropouts, as well as by in school youths; (2) assurances that special efforts will be made to recruit youth from families receiving public assistance, including parents of dependent children who meet the age requirement of this Act; and (3) a description of any arrangements made with labor organizations to enable youths to enter into apprenticeship training as part of employment provided under this Act. Requires that such plans, before they are submitted to the Secretary, be: (1) approved by the appropriate chief elected officials and the private industry council for the SDA; and (2) submitted for review and comment to the Governor and the State job training coordinating council, with any comments of the Governor and the council and any reasons for nonconformance with the Governor's and the council's suggestions, as well as a statement that the Governor has reviewed the plan for consistency with the Governor's coordination and special services plan under JTPA. Directs the Secretary, for each of the program years beginning on July 1, 1986, 1987, and 1988, to select a representative sample of SDAs and direct such SDAs to include in their youth incentive plans a description of a performance bonus system to reward those students who show continued improvement in their academic performance. Directs the Secretary to: (1) approve any plan submitted in compliance with the requirements of this Act; and (2) only disapprove a plan after notice and opportunity for a hearing to the administering entity. Requires that specified funds under this Act be used to develop and carry out programs for improving the basic education skills of eligible youth participating in employment and training programs under this Act. Sets forth requirements relating to such basic education services. Provides that no funds shall be awarded to fund such an education program for more than two years unless there is: (1) improved performance on a State or locally approved test of basic academic skills by youth who are enrolled in employment programs under this Act; or (2) a decrease in the drop-out rate of students enrolled in such programs. Sets forth special conditions relating to activities using funds under this Act. Requires certain wage rates under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe wage rates for youth participants for projects financed with under $5,000 to which Davis-Bacon Act provisions would otherwise apply. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and succeeding fiscal years for allocation to administering entities for programs under this Act. Directs the Secretary to reserve a specified amount of such appropriations for allotment among Native American eligible entities, on an equitable basis, taking into account the extent to which regular employment opportunities have been lacking for long-term periods among individuals within the jurisdiction of such entities. Requires that the remainder be allocated among administering entities with an approved youth incentive plan on the basis of numbers in each SDA of: (1) economically disadvantaged youth; (2) unemployed residents; and (3) excess unemployed residents (i.e. those in excess of six and one-half percent of the civilian labor force in the SDA). Directs the Secretary to: (1) also reserve one-half of one percent of such appropriations for any fiscal year for evaluation of programs under this Act; and (2) use 60 percent of such reserved funds for general evaluation of programs and 40 percent for an in-depth study by the National Institute of Education of activities and programs designed to serve drop-out youth under this Act. Requires that such allocations to an administering entity for an SDA be paid to the JTPA grant recipient for that SDA. Provides for a program year basis for funding beginning with FY 1987. Makes FY 1986 appropriations available both to funds activities for the period between October 1, 1985, and July 1, 1986, and for the program year beginning July 1, 1986. Authorizes additional appropriations for the transition to program year funding. Makes specified administrative and enforcement provisions of JTPA applicable to programs under this Act. Requires the administering entity to make quarterly reports to the Secretary on the youth incentive projects authorized under this Act. Requires such reports to include specified topics. Directs the Secretary to compile such reports and submit a summary of the findings to the Congress in the annual report for employment and training programs required under JTPA.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
South African Human Rights Act of 1985 - Title I: Investment in South Africa - Directs the President to prohibit U.S. persons from making any investment in South Africa. Directs the President to: (1) attempt, through negotiations, to persuade other governments to adopt restrictions on new investment in and bank loans to South Africa; and (2) report annually to the Congress on the status of such negotiations. Sets forth penalties for violations of such prohibition. Terminates such prohibition upon enactment of a joint resolution approving a finding by the President that South Africa has made substantial progress toward the full participation of all the people of South Africa in the social, political, and economic life in that country and toward an end to discrimination based on race or ethnic origin. Title II: Labor Standards - Requires any United States person who has or controls an enterprise in South Africa which employs more than 20 people to ensure that in operating such enterprise the following employment principles are implemented: (1) desegregation in any employment facility; (2) equal employment for all employees; (3) equal pay for equal work; (4) establishment of a minimum wage and salary structure; (5) increase in the representation of nonwhites in managerial, supervisory, administrative, clerical, and technical jobs; (6) improvement of the quality of employees' lives outside the work environment; and (7) recognition of labor unions and fair labor practices. Declares that the Secretary of State (the Secretary) may issue guidelines and give advisory opinions on compliance with such principles. Directs the Secretary to establish an Advisory Council in South Africa to advise the Secretary with respect to the implementation of such employment principles and to review the annual reports which each U.S. person covered by this Act must submit to the Secretary on the progress made in implementing such principles. Directs the Secretary to establish in the United States an American Advisory Council to make policy recommendations regarding labor practices of U.S. persons in South Africa to review such persons' progress in implementing such employment practices. Directs the Secretary: (1) to take specified actions to ensure compliance with the implementation of such employment principles; and (2) to review the compliance of such persons at least biennially. Sets forth penalties for noncompliance. Authorizes the President to waive compliance with the implementation of such principles if such compliance would harm U.S. national security. Title III: Prohibition on Loans and Importation of Gold Coins - Prohibits any U.S. bank from making any loan directly or through a foreign subsidiary to South Africa unless such loan is for educational, housing, or health facilities available to all persons on a nondiscriminatory basis. Prohibits the importation of any gold coin minted in South Africa or sold by South Africa. Directs the Secretary to take specified actions to enforce the prohibitions on loans and the importation of gold coins. Sets forth penalties for violations of such prohibitions. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibitions for one year if South Africa meets specified conditions. Title IV: Reimposition of Export Controls - Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to reimpose for one year the foreign policy export controls which were in effect on February 28, 1982, and ceased to be effective on March 1, 1982, September 15, 1982, or January 20, 1983 (except those controls with respect to the 1980 summer Olympic games). Authorizes one-year extensions of such controls. Title V: Nuclear Exports - Prohibits, unless the affected country agrees to maintain International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards: (1) issuing an export license for the export to a nonnuclear-weapon state of goods or technology which are to be used or are likely to be diverted for use in a nuclear production or utilization facility; (2) giving authorization to engage in the production of any special nuclear material in a nonnuclear-weapons state; (3) issuing a license for the export to such a state of parts or items especially relevant because of their significance for nuclear explosive purposes; and (4) retransfering to a nonnuclear-weapon state any such goods, technology, or items. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition if application of the prohibition would be seriously prejudicial to the achievement of U.S. nonproliferation objectives or would otherwise jeopardize the common defense and security and if the President submits the executive order containing the waiver to the Congress 60 days before the activity is carried out. Title VI: General Provisions - Directs Federal agencies to cooperate with the Secretary in carrying out provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that no changes be enacted in current law that would reduce or delay cost-of-living adjustments for beneficiaries under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) ensure that U.S. officials carry out the pledge to resolve the issue of the Americans still missing and unaccounted for in Indochina; (2) work for the immediate release of any Americans still held captive and the return of the remains of those who died in Southeast Asia; and (3) make every effort to secure the further cooperation of Laos and Vietnam in resolving this issue.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that no law should be enacted which would: (1) increase the costs to be incurred by beneficiaries under titles XVIII (Medicare) or XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act; or (2) make more restrictive the eligibility requirements under such titles.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
States that the Congress adopts as an objective the release of all Americans still held captive in Southeast Asia and the full accounting of those still missing. Supports the President's leadership with respect to those Americans and efforts in impressing upon the Southeast Asian nations the determination of the United States to resolve this issue. Encourages the President to continue to use all means to secure a full accounting of those Americans still missing and to inform the Congress of the progress regarding this matter.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1985
Encourages the President's efforts to achieve deep cuts in the amounts of nuclear weapons held by each nation and to establish an enduring peace. Declares that the Congress would welcome an international agreement based on specified principles providing for: (1) the staged, proportional disarmament of all nations until nonthreatening force levels are reached under effective international inspection and control; and (2) concurrent agreements (in accordance with specified principles) providing methods for the peaceful settlement of international disputes, for effective compliance during the staged disarmament process, and for effective enforcement as nonthreatening force levels are approached. Urges the President to initiate: (1) renewed consideration of the "Joint Statement of Agreed Principles for Disarmament Negotiations" ("Joint Statement") by appropriate U.S. agencies; and (2) joint United States and Soviet reconsideration of such "Joint Statement." Requests the President to: (1) transmit copies of this resolution to the heads of government of all nations and to invite them to participate in negotiations on such an international agreement; and (2) report to the Congress on the steps taken respecting this resolution and the responses received and on the U.S. reassessment of the "Joint Statement."
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Veterans' Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standards currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. States that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Requires the chairman of the Board of Veterans' Appeals to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board to: (1) provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; and (2) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreement with respect to a material issue in a veteran's appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimant's right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusiveness of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of the claimant's procedural rights. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternative claims resolution methods: one a new intermediate-level adjudication process; the other an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such studies. Title II: Veterans Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States with regard to jurisdiction: (1) the definition of final decision; (2) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (3) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; (4) that the court may render a decision on the pleadings; and (5) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) shall decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees in successful veterans' claims brought before a court as provided for under this Act. States that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. States that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that disability insurance benefits for an individual having a terminal illness shall begin with the first month such individual has such illness.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1985
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal Home Loan Bank Board should delay until June 30, 1985, the effective date of its proposed regulations regarding limitations on direct investment in real estate, service corporations, and equity securities by federally insured savings and loan associations. Directs the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs of the House of Representatives to examine alternatives to the proposed regulations which will ensure safety and sound investment activities.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1985
Repeals the requirement added by the Tax Reform Act of 1984 relating to the maintenance of contemporaneous records with respect to: (1) business travel expenses, including automobile expenses; (2) business entertainment expenses; and (3) expenses for gifts.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1985
State and Local Narcotics Control Assistance Act of 1985 - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States to assist States and local governments to increase their drug enforcement activities. Requires such grants to be based on the relative needs of the States, taking into consideration the severity of drug trafficking and abuse and the availability of State and local resources to resolve such problems. Establishes a procedure for grant applications. Requires such an application to include a State-wide strategy for the enforcement of State drug laws. Imposes limitations on the use of such grants, including a maximum ten percent allocation for administrative purposes. Requires each State which receives a grant to submit a yearly report to the Attorney General, who shall in turn report to the Congress with respect to such grants. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States for developing more effective drug abuse prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs. Establishes a procedure for grant applications. Authorizes appropriations for both grant programs for FY 1986 through 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1985
Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Treatment Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate 20 centers for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Requires such centers to: (1) provide a central facility for diagnosis, evaluation, and counseling; (2) develop standards of treatment and methods of delivering cost-effective services; (3) train professionals and nonprofessionals in diagnosing and treating such disorders; and (4) develop a comprehensive acute and long-term treatment program. Authorizes FY 1986 through 1990 appropriations. Directs the Secretary to make $1,000,000 available to each center for each of at least five years for teaching, training, research, and staffing. Permits eligible persons to elect to receive benefits as provided for by this Act rather than under titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), or XX (Grants to States for Service) of the Social Security Act, or under the Older Americans Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Civil Liberties Act of 1985 - Title I: Recognition of Injustice and an Apology on Behalf of the Nation - States that the Congress recognizes that a grave injustice was done to both citizens and resident aliens of Japanese ancestry by the evacuation, relocation, and internment of civilians during World War II. Title II: United States Citizens of Japanese Ancestry and Resident Japanese Aliens - Requests the President to offer pardons of those convicted of violating laws during the internment period whose violation was based on a refusal to accept racially discriminatory treatment. Provides that Federal departments and agencies that review applications for restitution of positions, status, or entitlement lost during the internment period shall review such applications giving full consideration to the findings of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Establishes within the Treasury a Civil Liberties Public Education Fund. Authorizes appropriations for the Fund. Requires the Attorney General to pay $20,000 from the Fund to each surviving internee. Establishes a Board of Directors which shall be responsible for making disbursement from the Fund. Provides that disbursement from the Fund shall be used to: (1) sponsor research and public educational activities dealing with the internment; (2) fund studies of similar civil liberties abuses; (3) prepare and distribute hearings and findings of the Commission; and (4) promote the general welfare of the ethnic Japanese community in the United States. Title III: Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Restitution - Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Restitution Act - Establishes within the Treasury the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Restitution Fund. Directs the Administrator of the Fund (the Aleutian/Pribilof Islands Association) to make restitution for certain Aleut losses sustained in World War II. Requires the Administrator to establish a trust of $5,000,000 and to distribute the interest of such trust for: (1) the benefit of the elderly, disabled, or seriously ill; (2) students in need of scholarship assistance; (3) preservation of Aleut cultural heritage and historical records; (4) the improvement of community centers of affected Aleut villages; and (5) other purposes to improve Aleut life. Authorizes the Administrator to rebuild and restore churches and church property damaged or destroyed in Aleut villages during World War II. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments of $12,000 from the fund to each eligible Aleut for any uncompensated personal property loss. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to implement a program for the removal and disposal of live ammunition, obsolete buildings, abandoned machinery, and other hazardous debris remaining in populated areas of the lower Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the Aleut Corporation all right, title, and interest of the United States in Attu Island, Alaska. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides that all documents, personal testimony, and other material collected by the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians shall be deposited in the National Archives of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Amends the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to require that any attorney who collects debts on behalf of a client be subject to the provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1985
Civilian Nuclear Power Regulation Improvement and Safety Incentives Act of 1985 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to eliminate the ceiling on the aggregate liability for a single nuclear incident of persons indemnified. Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), with respect to nuclear incidents, to incorporate provisions in indemnity agreements with licensees and contractors and to require provisions to be incorporated in insurance policies or contracts furnished as proof of financial protection which waive: (1) issues or defenses as to conduct of the claimant or fault of the persons indemnified; (2) issues or defenses as to charitable or governmental immunity; or (3) issues or defenses based upon any statute of limitations if suit is instituted within three years from the date a claimant first knew or could reasonably have known of the injury and its cause. Eliminates the requirement that a suit be filed within 20 years after a nuclear incident in order for a waiver of a defense based upon a statute of limitations to be effective. (Under current law, the NRC may incorporate such waiver provisions and may require the incorporation of such provisions with respect to extraordinary nuclear occurrences.)
![Official portrait of Rep. Ford, Harold E. [D-TN-9]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000261_200.jpg)