United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1989
International Plutonium Control Act - Urges the President to seek negotiations with the Soviet Union on a verifiable agreement to end the production by both countries of plutonium and highly enriched uranium for weapons purposes. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States and the Soviet Union should: (1) establish verification arrangements to monitor the cessation of activities under this Act, including mutual inspections of production reactors, chemical separation and uranium enrichment facilities, and isotope separation plants; (2) furnish the equipment and personnel to implement safeguards at civilian nuclear facilities and consider transferring the safeguards mission to the International Atomic Energy Agency; and (3) consider increasing their respective contributions to the Agency to fund the assignment of fully trained inspectors to each country to assume additional safeguards responsibilities at civilian nuclear facilities. Urges the President to seek agreement with the Soviet Union that the United States and the Soviet Union will: (1) exchange information on the location, mission, and maximum annual capacity of their facilities essential to the production of tritium for stockpile replenishment; and (2) provide to each other a complete inventory of facilities dedicated to the production of plutonium and uranium for weapons purposes. Prohibits funds from being obligated or expended by the United States to operate facilities dedicated to the production of plutonium for weapons purposes unless the President certifies to the Congress that: (1) the Soviet Union has refused to enter in good faith into the negotiations; (2) the United States is unable to determine that Soviet facilities producing plutonium have ceased operation; or (3) the Soviet Union is continuing to obtain plutonium by operating civilian chemical separation plants that are not under bilateral U.S.-Soviet safeguards.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1989
Clearcutting Restraint Act of 1989 - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act to revise the guidelines for land management plans with respect to preserving plant communities in national forests. Limits the use of clearcutting and other cutting methods.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1989
Declares that the Secretary of Defense should transfer closed military installations that are suitable for use as Federal penal and correctional institutions to the Department of Justice for the incarceration of individuals convicted of violating Federal drug laws.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend for three years, through 1992, the investment tax credit in connection with depreciable solar energy property and geothermal property; and (2) permit this credit against the taxpayer's entire regular tax liability and minimum tax liability.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1989
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution and the Secretary of Commerce should observe the U.S. census bicentennial with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1989
Head Start Expansion Amendments of 1989 - Title I: Amendments to the Head Start Act - Amends the Head Start Act to define "full-working-day" as at least ten hours per day. Authorizes Head Start programs to provide child care services. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994: (1) Head Start services other than child care services; and (2) if the appropriation for such other services equals or exceeds such authorization, a new program of child care services. Authorizes the use of a portion of a State's allotment to enable Head Start programs to provide child care services Monday through Friday throughout the year so that eligible children receive full-day Head Start services (including child care), if such child care is necessary for parents to work or attend a job training or educational program. Title II: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a one-year delay in indexing (for inflation) income tax rates and personal exemptions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1989
Radiation Exposure Compensation Act - Establishes in the Treasury the Atmospheric Nuclear Testing Compensation Trust Fund for claims for injuries and death due to exposure to radiation from nuclear testing or uranium mining in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico during certain time periods. Confers exclusive jurisdiction upon the Atmospheric Nuclear Testing Compensation Trust Fund Board of Directors to process personal injury claims and payments. Subjects any findings and awards made by the Board to judicial review. Prescribes guidelines for Board determination of compassionate claims relating to open air nuclear testing and uranium mining in specified areas. Sets forth a statute of limitations for filing claims, and restricts the amount of attorney's fees which may be received. Insulates the award of damages from insurance claims or payments. Declares the Federal Tort Claims Act inapplicable to radiation compensation actions and confers liability upon the United States regarding such claims to the same extent as a private individual under like circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1989
Directs the U.S. Postal Service to establish procedures to provide that, upon a written request of the head of any unit of general local government, ZIP code boundaries do not cross the boundaries of such general local government unit. Declares that ZIP code areas having the same first five digits shall be considered to have the same ZIP code in order to apply this Act to areas using more than five digits.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1989
Amends specified Federal law providing support for the Civic Achievement Award Program in Honor of the Speaker of the House of Representatives to authorize appropriations to the Librarian of Congress to disburse funds to the Close Up Foundation for such program for FY 1990 and 1991. Changes from optional to mandatory for such program (which is for students in the fifth through eighth grades) such program elements as individual and group projects, mastery of academic skills, development of library skills, and community service. Grants individual, class, and school awards for program participation. (Currently, awards may be given only for satisfying specified standards.)
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1989
Amends the American Folklife Preservation Act to authorize appropriations for the American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress for FY 1990 through 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1989
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Exxon Company must dedicate necessary resources and pay all required expenses to compensate affected parties, mitigate impacts, and complete cleanup by September 15, 1989, of Prince William Sound and other Alaska lands and waters damaged by the Exxon Valdez oil spill; and (2) the scope and thoroughness of the cleanup shall be determined by the U.S. Coast Guard to achieve maximum benefit of fish and wildlife habitat and the Alaska environment.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1989
Expresses the sense of the Congress that legislation should be considered as soon as practicable that would equalize payments under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to rural and urban hospitals.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1989
Small Day Care Center Assistance Act - Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to define the term "mortgage" to include a mortgage secured by a one-to-four family residential property that is occupied as a residence and in which child care service is legally provided.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1989
Low-Income Housing Credit Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the low-income housing income tax credit (under current law the credit will expire after tax year 1989). Permits States a one-year carryover of unused credit authority. Assigns carryovers to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to allocate to eligible States applying for excess credit. Allows the credit only if an extended low-income housing commitment (beyond the current 15-year period) is in effect with respect to any building for the relevant taxable year. Describes procedures to effect transition to a non-low-income use in connection with such extensions. Permits the credit in connection with the acquisition of an existing building only if the taxpayer incurs rehabilitation expenditures of at least $3,000 per unit. Revises rent restrictions to: (1) declare unnecessary a required rent reduction below the initial rent if the median gross income of the area decreases; (2) permit higher rent if units are occupied by higher income individuals and the project has an operating deficit; (3) base income limitations on the number of bedrooms in a unit; and (4) use State median gross income in certain low-income housing status determinations. Broadens categories of existing buildings eligible for a waiver of the ten-year requirement for the low-income housing credit. Revises credit provisions relating to single-room occupancy units and special needs housing. Loosens restrictions that limit credit benefits in connection with buildings financed with tax-exempt bonds and below market loans. Permits the credit to be allocated: (1) on a project basis; and (2) in connection with owner-occupied buildings of four units or less if a development plan is submitted. Directs housing credit agencies to adopt plans for allocating credit amounts among projects, prohibiting the credit with respect to any building not included in such a plan. Modifies at-risk rules in connection with buildings subject to the historic rehabilitation credit and those associated with financing provided by certain nonprofit organizations. Sets the tax credit rate on a semiannual rather than monthly basis. Increases the credit in connection with buildings in high cost areas (low-income census tracts or difficult development areas).
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1989
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1989 - Title I: General Prohibition Against Discrimination - Declares that it shall be discriminatory, on the basis of disability, to deny opportunities or to afford them unequally, to provide opportunities less effectively (or differently or separately, unless necessary for effectiveness), to assist an organization or individual that discriminates, or to otherwise limit opportunities enjoyed by others. Prohibits the use of standards, criteria, or administrative methods that have the purpose or effect of discrimination or perpetuate discrimination. Declares it discriminatory to deny equal opportunities because of the relationship or association of an individual with another individual with a disability. Allows as a defense to a charge of discrimination that an application of standards or criteria has been demonstrated to be both necessary and substantially related to the ability of an individual to take advantage of the essential components of the opportunity, and that the taking advantage cannot be accomplished by reasonable accommodations, modifications, or the provision of auxiliary aids or services. Title II: Employment - Prohibits discrimination by any employer, employment agency, labor organization, or joint labor-management committee against any qualified individual with a disability in job application procedures, hiring or discharge, compensation, advancement, training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. Lists types of actions construed to be discrimination. Makes the remedies set forth in specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other specified Federal law available to any individual who believes that he or she is being or is about to be subjected to discrimination in violation of this Act. Title III: Public Services - Declares that no qualified individual with a disability shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination by a State, or by an agency, political subdivision, or other instrumentality of a State. Lists types of actions deemed, for purposes of this Act and specified provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to be discrimination with regard to public transportation. Makes the remedies and rights set forth in specified provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 available to any individual who believes that he or she is being or is about to be subjected to discrimination in violation of this Act. Title IV: Public Accommodations and Services Operated by Private Entities - Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the enjoyment of any place of public accommodation. Lists types of actions construed to be discrimination. Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public transportation services provided by a private entity that is primarily engaged in transporting people, but that is not in the principal business of air transportation. Lists types of actions construed to be discrimination. Makes specified provisions of the Fair Housing Act relating to enforcement available, subject to exception, to any aggrieved individual. Title V: Telecommunications Relay Services - Defines "telecommunications relay services" to mean services that enable simultaneous communication between individuals who use telecommunications devices for the deaf (TDDs) or other nonvoice terminal devices and individuals who do not use such devices. Declares it discriminatory for any common carrier that offers telephone services to the public to fail to provide interstate or intrastate telecommunication relay services that are equal to those provided to their customers who are able to use voice services, except in any State in which services are provided through an entity designated by the State. Declares it discrimination by a State that makes such a designation if the State fails to provide interstate or intrastate relay services that are equal to those provided to their voice customers. Makes specified provisions of the Fair Housing Act relating to enforcement available, subject to exception, to any aggrieved individual. Requires the Federal Communications Commission to enforce this title. Makes specified provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 apply with respect to the enforcement of this title. Provides for cease and desist orders by the Commission and for monetary penalties. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Prohibits retaliatory discrimination against any individual because of actions related to this Act. Declares that a State shall not be immune under the 11th Amendment to the Constitution from an action in Federal court for a violation of this Act. Requires the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to issue minimum guidelines to supplement the existing Minimum Guidelines and Requirements for Accessible Design. Allows the awarding of reasonable attorney's fees, in certain circumstances, in any action or proceeding under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1989
Rape Prevention Act of 1989 - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to public and nonprofit private community organizations for the purpose of establishing or operating local projects to combat rape and other forms of sexual assault. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1989
Infectious Disease Control Act of 1989 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a National Program for Tropical Medicine to achieve optimal prevention of human infectious diseases originating in the tropics and to plan and coordinate governmental and non-governmental activities. Requires the Program to be administered by a Director selected by the Secretary. Sets forth Program responsibilities of the Director and requires the Director to prepare a plan for the implementation of those responsibilities. Establishes the National Committee on Tropical Medicine to advise the Director. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1989
Alternative Fuels Incentive Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an income tax credit for investments in qualified clean-burning (natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, or alcohol) motor vehicle fuel property. Permits a 20 percent credit from 1990 through 1999, phasing out the credit in five percent increments annually thereafter to reach zero percent at the end of 2002. Applies the credit to depreciable property that is: (1) equipment designed either to modify a motor vehicle so that it will be propelled only be a clean-burning fuel or to assist in delivering such fuel into such vehicles; or (2) a motor vehicle propelled by clean-burning fuel. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make credit-equivalent payments to States and to local governments in connection with qualified property.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1989
Establishes a joint committee of the Congress to be known as the Ad Hoc Joint Committee on Labor Relations for the Capitol Police. Directs the committee to formulate a labor relations program for the Capitol Police, which is: (1) based on progressive principles and practices of labor relations programs in the public and private sectors; (2) sensitive to the needs of the Congress; and (3) designed to promote the efficient operation of the Capitol Police. Directs the committee to report its proposed program to both Houses within 180 days after they have agreed to this resolution. Requires such report to present the program in the form of recommended amendments to the Rules of the House of Representatives and the Standing Rules of the Senate. Deems such recommended amendments to be agreed to by both Houses 30 legislative days after the committee reports, except to the extent that such amendments are rejected by either House. Terminates the committee 30 days after the submission of its report.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1989
De Soto Trail Commission Act of 1989 - Title I: De Soto Expedition Trail Commission - Establishes in the Department of the Interior the De Soto Expedition Trail Commission to assist with the establishment of a commemorative highway route of the De Soto expedition through the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Highway Route of the De Soto Expedition - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to designate a vehicular route as the Highway Route of the De Soto Expedition. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1989
Head Start Improvement Amendments of 1989 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that all Head Start programs should provide, as authorized by the Head Start Act, more than one year of Head Start services to children from age three to the age of compulsory school attendance in the State where the program is located. Amends the Head Start Act to define "full-working-day" as at least six hours per day. Requires each Head Start agency to provide full-working-day Head Start services throughout the year (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and applicable legal public holidays). Authorizes appropriations under the Head Start Act from FY 1990 through 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1989
Urges the President to: (1) enter into negotiations with Mexico, using guidelines contained in a specified agreement between the United States and Mexico, for the purpose of identifying those products of which such countries are the principal suppliers to each other and on which the import duties can be removed or reduced consistent with the negotiations presently being conducted under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade; and (2) take necessary steps to implement the removal or reduction of such duties.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
National Voter Registration Act of 1989 - Requires each State to establish procedures with respect to elections for Federal office to permit voter registration by: (1) application in person simultaneously with application for a motor vehicle driver's license; (2) mail application; and (3) application in person at designated Federal, State, and private sector locations. Declares that this Act does not apply to any State that has no voter registration requirement with respect to elections for Federal office. Requires each State to establish a uniform and nondiscriminatory program to confirm the registration of voters in such State. States that challenges to the qualifications of an individual to vote in an election for Federal office may be made on the day of the election only as provided by State law. Provides for individuals with and without documentary proof of qualification to vote. Sets forth a special procedure to enable an individual to vote when his registration to vote cannot be verified. Requires each State to: (1) assure that any eligible applicant who submits his or her application 30 days before the election is registered to vote in the election; (2) require the appropriate State election official to notify each applicant of the disposition of the application; (3) provide that the name of a voter may not be removed from the official list of eligible voters for failure to vote or any other reason except death, criminal conviction, mental incapacity, change in residence, or voter request; and (4) inform those who register pursuant to this Act of voter eligibility requirements and penalties provided by law for submission of a false voter registration application. Requires the Federal Election Commission to report on the impact of this Act on the administration of elections for Federal office. Requires each State to designate a chief State election official to coordinate State functions under this Act. Provides a private right of action for an individual aggrieved by a violation of this Act. Provides for the awarding of attorney fees to the prevailing party, other than the United States. Imposes criminal penalties upon any person who: (1) intimidates, threatens, or coerces any person for registering or voting or exercising any right under this Act; or (2) deprives or defrauds the inhabitants of a State of a fair and impartially conducted election process. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Foreign Language Competence for the Future Act of 1989 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make: (1) grants to higher education institutions and consortia for summer foreign language institutes for elementary and secondary school foreign language teachers; (2) allotments to State education agencies for revolving loan funds for college students majoring in elementary and secondary foreign language education; (3) matching grants to States and major metropolitan areas for foreign language institutes and world trade council units to provide language training, translation services, and information about other cultures and markets to small- and medium-sized businesses seeking to enter export markets; (4) demonstration grants to State education agencies, higher education institutions, and nonprofit education and professional associations for technology for distance learning; and (5) demonstration grants to eligible consortia for critical languages and area studies programs and other activities to improve and expand elementary and secondary foreign language instruction. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Privacy for Consumers and Workers Act - Requires employers who engage in electronic monitoring to provide each affected employee with prior written notice describing specified aspects of the electronic monitoring directly affecting the employee. Requires employers to notify prospective employees at personal interviews or meetings of existing forms of electronic monitoring which may directly affect them and, upon request, provide them with the written notice provided to employees. Requires employers to provide affected employees with some form of visual or aural notice that indicates that electronic monitoring is taking place, at periodic intervals unless the monitoring is continuous during each of the employee's shifts. Requires employers to provide affected customers with some form of visual or aural notice, at periodic intervals, indicating that telephone service observation is taking place. Requires employers to permit employees or their authorized agents to have access to all personal data obtained by electronic monitoring of their work. Prohibits employers from collecting personal data on an employee which is not relevant to the employee's work performance. Prohibits employers from disclosing personal data obtained by electronic monitoring to any person or business except to the individual employee to whom that data pertains or without the employee's prior written consent, unless disclosure would be: (1) to the employer's officers and employees who need it to perform their duties; (2) to a law enforcement agency for a criminal investigation or prosecution; or (3) pursuant to a proper court order. Prohibits employers from using personal data obtained by electronic monitoring as the exclusive basis for individual employee performance evaluation or disciplinary action, unless the employee is given an opportunity to review the data within a reasonable time after it is obtained. Prohibits employers from using personal data or collective data obtained by electronic monitoring as the sole basis for setting production quotas or work performance expectations. Prohibits employers from maintaining, collecting, using, or disseminating personal data obtained by electronic monitoring which describes how an employee exercises First Amendment rights, unless such use is: (1) expressly authorized by statute or by the employee; or (2) pertinent to and within the scope of an authorized law enforcement activity. Sets forth the following enforcement provisions: (1) civil penalties; (2) injunctive actions by the Secretary of Labor; and (3) private civil actions. Prohibits waiver of rights and procedures provided by this Act, unless such waiver is part of a written settlement by the parties to a pending action or complaint. Directs the Secretary of Labor to issue rules and regulations to carry out this Act within six months. Makes this Act inapplicable to otherwise permissible electronic monitoring by law enforcement agencies in criminal investigations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Requires a certain percentage of Federal fleets of passenger automobiles and light-duty trucks to be alternative fuel vehicles by specified deadlines if such vehicles are being operated in an area designated under the Clean Air Act as an area of serious health endangerment for ozone and/or carbon monoxide. Requires the Administrator of General Services and the Secretary of Defense, with the concurrence of the Secretary of Energy, to issue regulations ensuring that such vehicles shall: (1) be supplied with alcohol, natural gas, other gaseous hydrocarbons, or electricity in the primary area of operation; and (2) be operated exclusively on such fuel (except when it is impracticable to obtain it). Requires funds appropriated to implement this Act to be expended first in those areas determined by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (the Administrator) to have the most severe air pollution problems. Prescribes circumstances under which such alternative fuels shall be offered for sale to the public. Mandates that the funds appropriated for alternative fuel vehicle acquisition apply only to the portion of costs which exceeds the cost for comparable conventional fuel vehicles. Directs the Secretary of Energy to ensure that the cost to any Federal agency receiving an alternative fuel vehicle under this Act not exceed the cost to such agency of a comparable conventional fueled vehicle. Mandates that gasoline powered Federal vehicles, with specified exceptions, which are operated in an area designated as seriously endangering health for carbon monoxide, and which are not dual energy (or natural gas dual energy), be operated exclusively with fuel which blends oxygenates with gasoline at their primary fueling facility. Requires underground fuel storage equipment installed or replaced at designated Federal facilities to be capable of safely storing alcohol. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress the results of a comprehensive analysis regarding the public health risk associated with the use of significant amounts of alcohol, natural gas, or other gaseous hydrocarbons as transportation fuels as compared to diesel and gasoline fuels. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991. Sets forth criteria for alternative fuel vehicles. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1989
Amends the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to provide for the vesting in such officer or agency as the President may designate of a portion of Vietnamese property (other than property of private persons) in which transactions were prohibited as of April 30, 1975, under specified regulations. Requires the property vested to be a portion of property which, when liquidated, will render: (1) an amount necessary to pay all certified awards made by the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States for claims against Vietnam; and (2) an amount equal to five percent of the total of such certified awards to pay the costs of the Commission and the Department of the Treasury. Directs the designee of the President to liquidate the vested property as expeditiously as possible. Requires the proceeds from such liquidation to be covered over into the Claims Fund established for claims against Vietnam. Requires the United States, upon full payment of such certified awards, to succeed to all of the rights against Vietnam which form the basis of such awards. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to require the recipients of such awards to release to the U.S. Government all claims against the U.S. Government or Vietnam arising from the expropriations that are the basis of such awards. Requires the Secretary of State, in developing the U.S. position for balancing of claims in future negotiations with Vietnam, to give full credit to Vietnam upon the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the United States for the property vested under the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1989
Business and Citizen School Volunteers of America Act of 1989 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to eligible partnerships to assist elementary and secondary schools in organizing, promoting, and utilizing volunteers in such schools. (Defines an eligible partnership as a volunteer program development agreement between: (1) an elementary or secondary school, State educational agency, and/or local educational agency; and (2) a government agency, nonprofit organization, institution of higher education, and/or business concern.) Directs the Secretary to establish a National Center for Leadership in School Volunteer and Partnership Programs, through grants to or contracts with a nonprofit organization that operates nationwide and has as its primary purpose assisting school volunteer programs. Requires the Center to: (1) provide technical assistance; (2) train volunteers; (3) conduct an annual survey of volunteer programs; and (4) evaluate volunteer programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make available to an employer a credit against income tax liability for expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year to acquire, construct, rehabilitate, or expand a qualified on-site day care facility operated by the employer for the care of enrollees, at least 30 percent of whom must be dependents of the employer's employees. Limits the amount of the credit based on the number of enrollees who may be cared for in the facility at one time. Limits use of the personal tax credit for employment-related day care expenses to taxpayers having adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1989
Automated Telephone Solicitation Protection Act of 1989 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 with respect to automatic telephone dialing devices (telephone terminal equipment with the capacity to store or produce numbers, dial them, and deliver a prerecorded message without manual assistance). Makes it unlawful for any person in interstate or foreign communications to use such device for a telephone solicitation to a telephone customer unless: (1) the recorded message states the name and telephone number of the person initiating the call; (2) the dialer automatically terminates its connection within five seconds after the person called fails to give consent to the recorded message or hangs up his or her telephone; (3) the device does not make calls to any emergency phone numbers; or (4) the device is used only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. States exceptions to such prohibition. States that a $5,000 limitation on certain forfeiture penalties under such Act does not apply to violations of such prohibition. Requires the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission to jointly study and report to the Congress on the practicality and constitutionality of a complete ban on the use of automatic dialing devices to deliver telephone solicitations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1989
Emergency Nurse Shortage Relief Act of 1989 - Amends title VIII (Nurse Education) of the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants for programs to: (1) promote nursing as a career, including promotion in public secondary schools; (2) identify and provide internships to students in such schools who show an interest in health care; and (3) recruit nursing students from groups not traditionally well represented in the profession. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for programs to: (1) encourage and assist non-practicing nurses to reenter the profession; (2) train nurses as nurse practitioners or nurse midwives or in areas of needed specialized nursing skills; and (3) provide tuition assistance to students in educational programs designed to facilitate reentry. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for programs to: (1) increase the attractiveness of nursing as a career through changes in wage structures, employment options and benefits, and the role of nurses in health care facilities; and (2) demonstrate innovative methods of providing for career advancement and encourage nurses and nurse assistants to continue nursing education. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary, subject to appropriations, to establish a program to insure educational loans to individuals with a degree as a registered nurse for educational expenses related to training nurses as nurse practitioners or nurse midwives or in areas of needed specialized nursing skills. Makes provisions of the Federal Program of Insured Loans to Graduate Students in Health Professions Schools, established by current law in the Public Health Service Act, apply to this program except as inconsistent. Authorizes the Secretary, subject to appropriations, to enter into agreements with eligible individuals to assist in repaying specified amounts of their eligible educational loans. Sets forth criteria for an individual to be eligible to receive assistance, including a requirement that the individual agree to work full-time as a registered nurse in a nursing crisis area. Sets forth a schedule for loan repayment by the Secretary to the holder of the loans based on the number of years of work completed as agreed. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow C corporations a tax credit for 20 percent of the amount paid or incurred as qualified nursing scholarships. Directs the Attorney General to extend for at least one additional year the status of nonimmigrant alien for those aliens admitted under specified provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act who perform services as registered nurses in a nursing crisis area, provided the Secretary of Labor has certified that the continuing employment of the aliens will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. registered nurses. Amends title VIII (Nurse Education) of the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate areas that have: (1) a severe shortage in the number of nurses as nursing crisis areas; and (2) a shortage of practicing nurses with specialized nursing skills as areas of needed specialized nursing skills. Directs the Secretary to review and, if necessary, redesignate such areas at least annually.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1989
Amends Federal law relating to the provision of books for the adult blind to provide that the certification of dyslexia, for purposes of eligibility for a loan of books published on sound reproduction recordings, may be made by a competent authority only through the use of a test: (1) approved by the Director of the National Institutes of Health; and (2) administered by an individual (who does not have to be a doctor of medicine) qualified to administer and evaluate such a test.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1989
Death Penalty Act of 1989 - Amends the Federal criminal code to require a sentence of death or life imprisonment without release for anyone who commits first degree murder under any of the following circumstances: (1) the person murdered was a Federal, State, or local elected official, Federal or State judge, Federal or state law enforcement officer, an employee of a Federal or State prison, or an official of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, under certain circumstances; (2) the person murdered was a witness or informant in a criminal case and the murder was on account of such person's being a witness or informant; (3) the murder was one in a series of related murders committed by the same defendant; (4) the defendant killed more than one person in the same criminal episode; (5) the murder took place as a part of or during a pattern of racketeering activity; (6) the murder was committed in order to compel a third person or a government organization to do or abstain from any act; or (7) the murder was committed through the use of a machinegun or semiautomatic weapon. Requires the fact finder to consider specified mitigating and aggravating factors in determining whether a sentence of death is justified. Sets forth procedures for a separate hearing to determine the punishment to be imposed upon a defendant once such defendant is found guilty and if the Government has given the required notice to the defendant that it believes the death penalty is justified. Provides for a right of appeal of a death sentence by the defendant. Prohibits the death penalty from being carried out upon a person who lacks the mental capacity to understand the death penalty or upon a pregnant woman, or a person who is under 18 years of age at the time the crime was committed, or upon a person who is mentally retarded. States that no State or Federal prison employee shall be required to participate in any execution if such participation is contrary to the moral or religious convictions of the employee. Directs the Attorney General to establish a unit within the Department of Justice to conduct investigations and prosecutions of offenses under this Act. Prohibits personnel assigned to such unit from engaging in other functions for the Department. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the targeted jobs income tax credit through 1992 (under current law the credit will expire after December 31, 1989). Amends the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 to authorize appropriations through FY 1992 in connection with the targeted jobs credit. Raises from 23 to 25 years the age limitation with respect to economically disadvantaged youth targeted for credit purposes. Adds as a targeted group under the credit economically disadvantaged individuals who have completed a qualified drug rehabilitation program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1989
Amends rule IV of the Rules of the House of Representatives to direct the Sergeant-at-Arms to obtain and distribute the customary metal tags provided for under the District of Columbia Traffic Act, 1925 which identify congressional vehicles.
![Official portrait of Rep. Frost, Martin [D-TX-24]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000392_200.jpg)