United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995
James Madison Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue commemorative one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the 250th anniversary of the birth of James Madison and the life and achievements of the fourth President of the United States. Requires the Secretary to turn over proceeds from surcharges to the National Trust for Historic Preservation to be used to: (1) establish an endowment as a permanent source for Montpelier (home of James Madison and a museum); and (2) fund capital restoration projects at Montpelier.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1995
Vietnam POW-MIA Full Disclosure Act of 1995 - Prohibits the usage of Federal funds for the advancement of diplomatic or economic relations with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam unless the President: (1) provides a listing of the Americans unaccounted for from the Vietnam War about whom Vietnam is most likely to be able to provide remains or additional information; (2) certifies that Vietnam is cooperating fully with regard to recovery and repatriation of American remains, resolution of discrepancies, live-sightings and field activities, implementation of trilateral investigations with the Lao, and provision of documents on POW/MIAs; and (3) certifies that Vietnam is being fully forthcoming in providing access to Central Committee-level records pertaining to Americans captured or held during the war in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Cancellation and Suspension Title II: Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 Title III: Data Collection Activities to Assure the Health of Infants and Children and Other Measures Title IV: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Food Quality Protection Act of 1995 - Title I: Cancellation and Suspension - Amends provisions of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) relating to cancellations, changes in classifications, or other terms of registration with respect to the authority of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires that a rulemaking under such provisions be based on a validated test or other significant evidence raising prudent concerns of unreasonable adverse effects to man or to the environment. Denies registration applications that are not in compliance with this Act. Title II: Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 - Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 - Amends FIFRA to define "minor use" as the use of a pesticide on an animal or commercial agricultural crop or site or for public health protection where: (1) the total U.S. acreage for the crop is less than 300,000 acres; or (2) the Administrator determines that the use does not provide sufficient economic incentive to support the initial or continuing registration of a pesticide for such use and there are insufficient alternatives available for the use, the alternatives pose greater environmental or health risks, or the pesticide plays or will play a significant part in managing pest resistance or in an integrated pest management program. Extends the period of exclusive data use for data submitted to support original registration applications for pesticides for an additional year for each three minor uses registered after this Act's enactment and before the expiration of the period of exclusive use, up to a total of three additional years for all minor uses registered by the Administrator if the Administrator determines that: (1) there are insufficient alternatives available for the use or the alternatives pose greater environmental or health risks; or (2) the pesticide plays or will play a significant part in managing pest resistance or in an integrated pest management program. Requires the Administrator, upon the request of a registrant, to extend the deadline for the production of residue chemistry data required solely to support a minor use subject to specified conditions. Applies the same extension conditions to data for reregistrations. Authorizes the Administrator to modify or revoke such extensions if the use may cause unreasonable adverse environmental effects. Permits the Administrator, in handling the registration of a pesticide for a minor use, to waive applicable data requirements if the absence of data will not prevent the Administrator from determining the risk presented by the pesticide and that the risk would not have an adverse environmental effect. Provides for expedited review (within one year of submission) of applications to support minor use pesticide registrations. Sets forth conditions for extensions of registrations for unsupported minor uses. Provides a procedure for meeting data requirements where a registrant has voluntarily cancelled a registration and another application is pending for registration of a pesticide that is for a minor use and is identical or substantially similar to, or for an identical or substantially similar use as, the cancelled pesticide. Directs the Administrator to establish a minor use program. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Department of Agriculture minor use program and a separate matching fund program. Requires the matching fund program to be utilized to ensure the continued availability of minor use crop protection chemicals. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Data Collection Activities to Assure the Health of Infants and Children and Other Measures - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Administrator and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to coordinate the development and implementation of survey procedures to ensure collection of adequate data on food consumption patterns of infants and children. Requires residue surveillance activities of the Department of Agriculture to provide for the improved surveillance of pesticide residues, including increased sampling of foods most likely consumed by infants and children. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) collect pesticide use data of statewide or regional significance for all the major crops and crops of dietary significance; and (2) in cooperation with the Administrator, implement research, demonstration, and education programs to support adoption of integrated pest management. Requires Federal agencies to use and promote integrated pest management techniques. Title IV: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to redefine "pesticide chemical," subject to exception, as any substance that is a pesticide, or any active ingredient thereof, within the meaning of FIFRA. Defines "pesticide chemical residue," subject to exception, as a residue in or on a raw agricultural commodity or processed food of a pesticide chemical or any other added substance present as a result of a pesticide chemical's metabolism or other degradation. Deems a processed food not to be adulterated, within the meaning of FDCA, if there are present pesticide chemical residues at tolerance levels not considered unsafe. (Current law treats only raw agricultural commodities in this manner.) Sets forth requirements relating to tolerances and exemptions from tolerances for pesticide chemical residues in food, including residues of degradation products, which allow the presence in processed food at the tolerance applicable to the raw agricultural commodity from which the processed food is made. Prohibits establishment of a tolerance that is more stringent than a level the Administrator determines is adequate to protect the public health (i.e., if the dietary risk posed by such level of residues is negligible). Allows a greater than negligible dietary risk if: (1) use protects from greater adverse health effects to humans or the environment; (2) use avoids greater risks from another pesticide; or (3) the unavailability of the pesticide would reduce the availability of an adequate, wholesome, and economical domestic supply of the food. Prohibits issuance of a final rule that revokes, modifies, or suspends a tolerance or exemption until the Administrator has taken any necessary action under FIFRA with respect to the registration of the pesticide involved. Requires the Administrator, where a pesticide is labeled for use on a particular food, to: (1) revoke any tolerance or exemption that allows the presence of a particular chemical or its residue in or on such food if the Administrator cancels the registration of each pesticide that contains the chemical or modifies it to prohibit the pesticide's use in connection with such food; and (2) suspend any such tolerance or exemption upon the suspension of the use of each pesticide that contains the chemical. Provides for: (1) tolerances for unavoidable residues in the case of a residue of a canceled or suspended pesticide chemical that will unavoidably persist in the environment and be present in or on a food; and (2) residues resulting from an application which was lawful at the time of application but with respect to which the tolerance or exemption has since been revoked, suspended, or modified. Prohibits, subject to exception, a State from enforcing any limit on a qualifying pesticide chemical residue (as defined in this Act) in or on any food which is not identical to Federal requirements. Prohibits a State, absent an unreasonable dietary risk, from enforcing a limit on the level of residues in any food if the sale of such food containing such residue level was lawful at the time of application of the pesticide. Authorizes appropriations for increased monitoring of pesticide residues in imported and domestic food.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Workforce Development Infrastructure Subtitle A: State and Local Responsibilities Subtitle B: Amendments to Wagner-Peyser Act Title II: Youth Workforce Preparation and Development Consolidation Grant Subtitle A: State Funding Subtitle B: State Organizational, Planning, and Reporting Responsibilities Subtitle C: Subgrants for In-School and At-Risk Youth Programs Subtitle D: National Programs Title III: Adult Employment and Training Consolidiation Grant Subtitle A: Adult Employment and Training Consolidation Grant Subtitle B: Federal Programs Title IV: Adult Education, Family Literacy, and Library Technology Consolidation Grant Subtitle A: Funding Subtitle B: Grants to States Subtitle C: National Programs Title V: Amendments to Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Subtitle A: Vocational Rehabilitation Consolidation Grant Subtitle B: Other Amendments to Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title VI: Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 Subtitle A: Student Loan Marketing Association Subtitle B: College Construction Loan Insurance Association Title VII: Repealers and Other Amendments Consolidated and Reformed Education, Employment, and Retraining Systems Act (CAREERS Act) - Consolidates and revises workforce development and literacy programs. Authorizes appropriations. Title I: Workforce Development Infrastructure - Provides for the establishment of an infrastructure within the States of a system on which to build a comprehensive system of workforce development and literacy. Subtitle A: State and Local Responsibilities - Requires any State desiring to receive a grant under specified workforce development and literacy programs (WDL) (participant State) to: (1) establish a collaborative process regarding its State system; (2) develop a consolidated State workforce development and literacy plan to be submitted to the Secretaries of Education and of Labor; and (3) otherwise comply with this Act's requirements, including designating a State administrative agent for each grant requiring such an agent under this Act. (Lists the WDL programs as under: (1) the title II Youth Workforce Preparation and Development Consolidation Grant; (2) the title III Adult Employment and Training Consolidation Grant; (3) the title IV Adult Education, Family Literacy, and Library Technology Consolidation Grant; and (4) subtitle A of title V, revising title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.) (Sec. 106) Requires any participant State to ensure establishment of a Local Workforce Development Board in each local workforce development area that it designates. Requires each local board to develop a biennial local strategic plan to be approved by local government officials. (Sec. 108) Requires participant States to ensure that each local board establish or designate a one-stop career center system in its area. Requires establishment of State criteria for such purpose, to be consistent with specified minimum requirements for such center systems. (Sec. 109) Provides for certification of education, training, and vocational rehabilitation service providers as eligible to receive funds under this title, through receipt of vouchers or otherwise, if they are eligible to participate in student aid programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 or are determined to be eligible under State-established eligibility procedures, and if they provide certain performance-based information. Exempts providers of on-the-job training from such eligibility requirements. Directs the Workforce Development Board to collect such performance-based information from on-the-job training providers as the Governor may require, and to disseminate such information to the one-stop career centers. (Sec. 110) Requires each State to use a portion of the funds it receives under this Act to design a unified management information system that meets specified requirements. Subtitle B: Amendments to Wagner-Peyser Act - Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act to coordinate its provisions with those of this Act. Requires that at least 25 percent of authorized appropriations under such Act be used for the new labor market information program. Eliminates a Federal Advisory Council under such Act. (Sec. 132) Establishes a labor market information program under such Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to oversee development, maintenance, and continued improvement of a nationwide system of labor market information. Requires such system to be planned, administered, overseen, and evaluated by a cooperative governance structure involving the Federal Government and the States. Directs the Secretary of Labor to prepare an annual plan, through the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to be the operational mechanism for achieving a cooperative Federal-State governance structure for labor market information. Title: I: Youth Workforce Preparation and Development Consolidation Grant - Subtitle A: State Funding - Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) reserve a specified portion of funds under this Act for national programs under subtitle D; and (2) make allotments to States under this Act based on a formula derived from funding allotments under specified provisions of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act and the Job Training Partnership Act. (Sec. 211) Requires Governors to: (1) make at least 90 percent of such State allotments available to local providers, and to use not more than eight percent for State programs and activities and two percent for administration; and (2) allocate 40 percent of the funds for local providers to eligible institutions for school youth programs, and 40 percent to local workforce development boards for at-risk youth programs, with the remainder to go to either or both of such types of programs. Sets minimum grant amounts for local educational agencies, postsecondary institutions, and local development boards. Subtitle B: State Organizational, Planning, and Reporting Requirements - Sets forth title II requirements for State plans to be submitted to the Secretary of Education. (Sec. 222) Requires State programs and activities to include an assessment of programs conducted with title II assistance, including development of: (1) program performance standards and measures; and (2) program improvement and accountability. Lists additional permissible uses of such funds. (Sec. 223) Authorizes States to make performance incentive awards to one or more eligible institutions or local providers that have exceeded performance goals or implemented exemplary workforce development systems at the local level. (Sec. 224) Requires each State receiving title II funds to develop and implement a statewide system of core standards and performance goals and measures, including specified characteristics. Subtitle III: Subgrants for In-School and At-Risk Youth Programs - Requires local workforce development boards and eligible institutions to form partnerships and submit comprehensive workforce development plans for in-school and at-risk youth, in order to receive subgrants under this subtitle. (Sec. 232) Directs States to distribute funds for: (1) in-school youth programs to eligible institutions; and (2) at-risk youth programs to local workforce development boards. Chapter 1: In-School Youth Programs - Sets forth certain requirements for eligible institutions' uses of funds for in-school programs, as well as additional permissible uses of such funds. Chapter 2: At-Risk Youth Programs - Sets forth certain requirements for local workforce development boards' uses of funds for at-risk youth programs, as well as additional permissible uses of such funds. (Sec. 246) Requires that the local workforce development board not operate such programs, but contract with eligible providers of (or providers using methodologies with) demonstrated effectiveness in serving the workforce preparation needs of at-risk youth. Subtitle D: National Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Education directly or indirectly to carry out research, development, dissemination, demonstration programs, evaluation, capacity-building, and technical assistance activities with regard to services under this title, including support for occupational and career information systems. Directs the Secretary to establish a system to disseminate information resulting from research and development activities under this title. (Sec. 252) Directs the Secretary, through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, to conduct an annual assessment of services and activities under this title, through competitive awards for independent studies and analyses. (Sec. 253) Authorizes the Secretary to establish one or more national centers in the areas of applied research, development, and dissemination. Provides that the center in existence on the date of enactment of this Act shall continue to receive assistance in accordance with its current award. Requires such centers to prepare annual summaries of key research findings, for submission to the Secretaries of Education and of Labor and specified congressional committees. Title III: Adult Employment and Training Consolidation Grant - Subtitle A: Adult Employment and Training Consolidation Grant - Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide a grant for employment, job training, and related assistance for adults to each State that submits a state workforce development and literacy plan under title I. Sets forth requirements for: (1) allotments to States, based on certain allotments under the Job Training Partnership Act; (2) within- State allocation, with reserved funds for statewide activities, and with mandatory and discretionary activities; (3) additional State plan requirements; (4) required use of funds for provision of core services through one-stop career centers, and permissible uses of funds for specified types of intensive services, education and training services, and additional supportive services and needs-related payments; (4) statewide systems of core standards and performance goals and measures. Subtitle B: Federal Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to use such certain funds to make national discretionary: (1) grants for dislocated workers to specified eligible entities to address major economic dislocations resulting from plant closures, base closures, or mass layoffs; and (2) incentive grants to States as performance incentive awards for having achieved exceptional performance through implementing statewide workforce development systems. (Sec. 312) Authorizes the Secretary to use such funds also to provide disaster relief employment assistance to Governors of States with areas that have suffered an emergency or major disaster as defined under specified provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. (Sec. 313) Directs the Secretary to use such funds also to carry out specified research, demonstration, capacity-building, technical assistance, and evaluation activities. Authorizes special grants to eligible entities to carry out activities most appropriately administered at the national level. (Sec. 314) Authorizes the Secretary to use such funds also to provide grants to States for up to 50 percent of the costs of providing loans to eligible entities for skills upgrading of non- managerial employees. Requires the State to establish: (1) a reserve fund for such loan guarantees with such assistance; and (2) criteria for such loan guarantees. (Sec. 315) Directs the Secretary of Labor to use such funds also to make grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements for specified entities to provide employment, training, and education for Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Hawaiian Natives. Authorizes a transfer of authority to the Secretary of Labor from the Secretary of Education to carry out any portion of such assistance devoted to vocational education activities, including support for the United Tribes Technical College and Crowpoint Institute of Technology. Allows recipient entities to consolidate such assistance with that for related programs under the Indian Employment, Training, and Related Services Demonstration Act. (Sec. 316) Directs the Secretary of Labor to use such funds also to make grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements with specified eligible entities to provide certain types of employment, training, and education assistance for migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Authorizes a transfer of authority to the Secretary of Labor from the Secretary of Education to carry out any portion of such assistance devoted to education activities. Title IV: Adult Education, Family Literacy, and Library Technology Consolidation Grant - Subtitle A: Funding - Directs the Secretary of Education to reserve specified amounts annually for: (1) national competitive incentive grants; (2) the National Institute for Literacy; and (3) national leadership and evaluation activities. Provides for an initial allotment, and additional allotments to States according to formulas based on State population and number of qualifying adults. Defines qualifying adult as one who is between ages 16 and 61, beyond age of compulsory school attendance, without a secondary school diploma or equivalent, and not currently enrolled in elementary or secondary school. Subtitle B: Grants to States - Directs the Secretary to make an annual grant allotment to a State if it has satisfied requirements under title I and this title and enters an agreement about use of grant funds. (Sec. 422) Requires States to use grant funds to distribute competitive grants to local service providers and provide assistance to the State library administrative agency for specified purposes. Requires local service providers to use their grants from the State to establish or operate one or more programs providing instruction or services within described categories of: (1) adult basic education; (2) adult secondary education; (3) English literacy instruction; and (4) family literacy services. (Sec. 423) Sets forth additional grant requirements, including goals, progress indicators, and performance measures in specified categories. Subtitle C: National Programs - Directs the Secretary of Education to designate up to ten States as meeting the preliminary criterion for receipt of an incentive grant, based on the quality of plans submitted by States for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the State desires such grant. (Sec. 431) Requires such plans to describe a methodology, along with goals and performance measures, by which the State educational agency will collaborate with other state agencies to provide services to raise the education level and improve the employment skills of these target populations: (1) parents who are educationally disadvantaged adults and who have a child less than eight years old; (2) families on public assistance; and (3) adults with more than one barrier to self-sufficiency, such as being unemployed or educationally disadvantaged. Requires the Secretary to make such grants for a fiscal year to those eligible States that are successfully implementing the plan and achieving the plan goals, under an allotment formula based on State population and success in achieving plan goals. (Sec. 432) Establishes a National Institute for Literacy, to be administered according to an interagency agreement of the Secretaries of Education, of Labor, and of Health and Human Services (the Interagency Group), with daily operations to be carried out by an appointed Institute Director. Establishes an Advisory Board to make recommendations on planning Institute goals and on implementing programs to achieve such goals. Sets forth Institute duties, authorized activities, and biennial reporting requirements. Authorizes the Institute to award literacy leadership fellowships, as well as paid and unpaid internships. (Sec. 433) Authorizes the Secretary to establish and carry out a program of national leadership and evaluation activities to enhance the quality of adult education and family literacy programs nationwide, directly or through grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. Title V: Amendments to Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Subtitle A: Vocational Rehabilitation Consolidation Grant - Chapter 1: Transition Period - Directs the Secretary of Education, through the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), to administer the amendment made by chapter 2 in a specified manner during a transition period. Chapter 2: Revision of Title I of Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (RA) to revise title I, Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Directs the Secretary of Education, through the Commissioner of the RSA, to make RA formula grants to States that submit workforce development and literacy plans that meet requirements under this Act. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Requires States to reserve not more than ten percent of such a grant for carrying out specified responsibilities of State administrative agents, and at least 90 percent for carrying out certain responsibilities of local workforce development boards and one-stop career centers with respect to workforce development areas. (Sec. 105) Sets forth requirements for: (1) individual eligibility; (2) State Rehabilitation Advisory Councils; and (3) allotment amounts. Subtitle B: Other Amendments to Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Eliminates RA provisions: (1) (under title III, Training and Demonstration Projects) for vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities, loan guarantees for community rehabilitation programs, construction of the Commissioner's authority and appropriation of excess funds, migratory workers program grants, special recreational programs grants, and supported employment programs and grants; and (2) (under title VI, Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities) for community service employment pilot programs for individuals with disabilities, supported employment services for individuals with disabilities, business opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and (after a two-year period) projects with industry. Title VI: Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 - Subtitle A: Student Loan Marketing Association - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to provide for the reorganization of the Student Loan Marketing Association (Sallie Mae) through the formation of a holding company and the cessation of Federal sponsorship. Subtitle B: College Construction Loan Insurance Association - Amends HEA to provide for the privatization and renaming of the College Construction Loan Insurance Association and the cessation of Federal sponsorship. Title VII: Repealers and Other Amendments - Repeals: (1) the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act; (2) the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994; (3) the Adult Education Act; (4) the National Literacy Act of 1991, except certain provisions; (5) the Library Services and Construction Act; (6) the library media resources program under the Technology for Education Act of 1994; (7) the Job Training Partnership Act, except provisions for the Job Corps and its authorization of appropriations; (8) provisions of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act relating to State literacy initiatives for adult education for the homeless and to job training for the homeless (except homeless veterans' reintegration projects); (9) various provisions under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (including ones relating to articulation agreements, access and equity to education through telecommunications, academic libraries and information services, national early intervention scholarships, presidential access scholarships, model program community partnerships and counseling grants, database and information line on student financial assistance, technical assistance for teachers and counselors, State student incentive grants, special programs for students whose families are engaged in migrant and seasonal farmwork, special child care services for disadvantaged college students, loan forgiveness for teachers and nurses and individuals performing national community service, training in financial aid services, State postsecondary review entity programs, State and local programs for teacher excellence, national teacher academies, Douglas teacher scholarships, the Teacher Corps, class size demonstration grants, middle school teaching demonstration programs, new teaching careers, national mini corps programs, demonstration grants for critical language and area studies, foreign languages and cultures instructional materials development, small State teaching initiatives, faculty development grants, early childhood staff training and professional enhancement, intensive summer language institutes, foreign language periodicals, academic and library facilities, cooperative education programs, women and minority participation in graduate education, Harris fellowships, Javits fellowships, faculty development fellowships, legal training for the disadvantaged, law school clinical programs, special projects in areas of national need, science and engineering access programs, women and minorities science and engineering outreach demonstration programs, Eisenhower leadership programs, and community service programs); (10) provisions of the Education Amendments of 1986 relating to a National Academy of Science study and to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian culture and art development; (11) provisions of the Education Amendments of 1992 relating to American Indian postsecondary economic development scholarships, American Indian teacher training, a national survey of factors associated with participation, a study of environmental hazards in higher education institutions, a national job bank for teacher recruitment, a national clearinghouse for postsecondary education materials, school-based decisionmakers, sexual offenses education, Olympic scholarships, and advanced placement fee payment programs.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
National Senior Citizens Pet Ownership Protection Act - Amends the Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983 to prohibit owners and managers of federally assisted rental housing from preventing elderly and disabled tenants from owning or having household pets.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1995
Working Families Health Access Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on a health insurance policy issuer (or, in the case of a self-insured plan, the sponsor) equal to a specified percentage of premiums received (or, in the case of a self-insured plan, of expenditures) under the policy or plan during the calendar year for failure to meet the standards specified in this Act. Prohibits the establishment or imposition by group health plans or carriers offering health insurance coverage in connection with a plan, or for individuals with qualifying previous coverage, of eligibility, continuation, enrollment, or contribution requirements based on factors directly related to health status, medical condition, claims experience, receipt of health care, medical history, disability, or evidence of insurability. Requires the use of preexisting condition limitations or exclusions to be limited to a three-month period before the date of enrollment during which the condition was diagnosed or treated. Limits the period of limitation or exclusion relating to treatment of the condition to no more than six months and credits periods of qualifying previous coverage to reduce that period. Makes exceptions to the limitation or exclusion period for treatment related to pregnancy, newborns, and adopted children. Prohibits a carrier from refusing to renew health insurance coverage except for specified reasons, including premium nonpayment or fraud by the insured. Details allowable nondiscriminatory conditions for discontinuation of coverage, geographic limitations, and minimum participation requirements. Allows States to establish, implement, or continue in effect health insurance coverage standards that are at least as stringent as those established by this Act. Qualifies, for purposes of the provisions imposing an excise tax for the failure of group health plans to meet continuation coverage requirements, coverage that meets certain general availability and preexisting condition limitation requirements and that has an actuarial value of at least two-thirds or one-half of the costliest continuation coverage available under the plan (excluding that in which an insignificant proportion of eligible individuals is enrolled) at respectively reduced premiums. Treats, with certain exceptions, divorce (or annulment) or separation of a covered employee from the employee's spouse, if the employee disenrolls a qualified beneficiary within the 12-month period preceding the date of such divorce or separation, as a qualifying event (allowing the election of continuation coverage) and the loss of coverage a result (and by reason) of such event. Excludes eligibility under part B of Medicare on the basis of end stage renal disease as a condition that terminates continuation coverage (under current law, becoming eligible under Medicare terminates such coverage).
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995
False Identification Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to reduce the minimum number of documents to three (currently, five) for certain offenses involving fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents. Sets criminal penalties for knowingly sending through the mails or producing, with the intention or knowledge that it will be deposited for mailing, any unverified identification document that bears a birth date showing the individual named in the document to be 21 years of age or older, when in fact that individual has not attained age 21.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Propane Education and Research Act of 1995 - Authorizes the qualified industry organizations (the National Propane Gas Association, the Gas Processors Association, or successor organizations, or a group of retail marketers or producers who collectively represent at least 25 percent of the volume of propane sold or produced in the United States) to conduct, at their own expense, a referendum among producers and retail marketers for the creation of a Propane Education and Research Council. Directs the Council, if established, to develop programs (including programs to enhance consumer and employee safety and training) and enter into contracts for: (1) propane research and development; (2) consumer education; and (3) payment for program costs with funds collected under this Act. Requires the Council to reimburse the Secretary of Energy annually for any costs incurred by the United States, but not to exceed the average annual salary of Department of Energy employees. Prescribes guidelines under which the Council shall set annual assessments on odorized propane to cover program costs. Directs the Council to establish a program to coordinate its operations with any State propane education and research council. Prohibits Council funds from being used for lobbying activities. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to annually prepare and make available to the Council, the Secretary of Energy (Secretary), and the public, an analysis of changes in propane prices relative to other energy resources. Requires the Council to restrict its activities to research and development, training, and safety whenever in any year the five-year average rolling price index of consumer grade propane exceeds by more than 10.1 percent the five-year rolling average price composite index of residential electricity, residential natural gas, and refiner price to end users of Number 2 fuel oil. Requires the price of propane to be determined by market forces in all cases. Prohibits the Council from taking action to pass the cost of the annual assessments to consumers. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report biennially to the Congress and the Secretary on: (1) whether operation of the Council, in conjunction with the cumulative effects of market changes and Federal programs, has had an effect on propane consumers, including residential, agriculture, process, and nonfuel users; and (2) whether there have been long-term and short-term effects on propane prices as a result of Council activities and Federal programs.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1995
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act Amendments of 1995 - Exempts a physician clinical office laboratory from Public Health Service Act certification requirements, except when such laboratory performs a Pap Smear (Papanicolaous Smear) analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1995
Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to define "minor use" as the use of a pesticide on an animal or commercial agricultural crop or site or for public health protection where: (1) the total U.S. acreage for the crop is fewer than 300,000 acres; or (2) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that the use does not provide sufficient economic incentive to support the initial or continuing registration of a pesticide for such use and there are insufficient alternatives available for the use, the alternatives pose greater environmental or health risks, or the pesticide plays or will play a significant part in managing pest resistance or in an integrated pest management program. Extends the period of exclusive data use for data submitted to support original registration applications for pesticides for an additional year for each three minor uses registered after this Act's enactment and before the expiration of the period of exclusive use, up to a total of three additional years for all minor uses registered by the Administrator if the Administrator determines that: (1) there are insufficient alternatives available for the use or the alternatives pose greater environmental or health risks; or (2) the pesticide plays or will play a significant part in managing pest resistance or in an integrated pest management program. Requires the Administrator, upon the request of a registrant, to extend the deadline for the production of residue chemistry data required solely to support a minor use subject to specified conditions. Applies the same extension conditions to data for reregistrations. Authorizes the Administrator to modify or revoke such extensions if the use may cause unreasonable adverse environmental effects. Permits the Administrator, in handling the registration of a pesticide for a minor use, to waive applicable data requirements if the absence of data will not prevent the Administrator from determining the risk presented by the pesticide and that the risk would not have an adverse environmental effect. Provides for expedited review (within 12 months of submission) of applications to support minor use pesticide registrations. Sets forth conditions for extensions of registrations for unsupported minor uses. Directs the Administrator to assure coordination of minor use issues through the establishment of a minor use program. Establishes and authorizes funding for a Department of Agriculture minor use matching fund program. Requires the program to be utilized to ensure the continued availability of minor use crop protection chemicals. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1995
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to apply an overtime exemption to employees of any establishment (currently, any retail or service establishment) whose regular rate of pay exceeds one and one-half times the minimum wage and more than half of whose compensation represents commissions on goods or services.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1995
Captive Exotic Animal Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit and set penalties for knowingly transferring, transporting, or possessing a confined exotic animal for purposes of allowing the killing or injuring of that animal for entertainment or the collection of a trophy.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1995
Nullifies any executive order or other rule or order that prohibits Federal contracts with, requires the debarment of, or imposes other sanction on a contractor on the basis that such contractor or an organizational unit thereof has permanently replaced lawfully striking workers.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1995
Bosnia and Herzegovina Self-Defense Act of 1995 - Directs the President to terminate the U.S. arms embargo of the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the date of receipt of a request from such government for assistance in exercising its right of self-defense under the United Nations Charter or on May 1, 1995, whichever comes first.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1995
Constitutional Amendment - Makes persons who have been elected to the: (1) Senate two times ineligible for election to the Senate; and (2) House of Representatives six times ineligible for election to the House. Provides that election before this article is ratified shall not be taken into account, but makes valid any State limitation on service for Members of Congress, provided such limitation does not exceed the limitation set forth by this amendment.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1995
Medical Procedures Innovation and Affordability Act - Prohibits the issuance of a patent for any invention or discovery of a technique, method, or process for performing a surgical or medical procedure, administering a surgical or medical therapy, or making a medical diagnosis. Provides that if a technique, method, or process is performed by or as a necessary component of a machine, manufacture, or composition of matter or improvement which is itself patentable subject matter, the patent on such machine, manufacture, or composition may claim the technique, method, or process.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1995
Provides that, in the administration of the child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, minors under age 18 shall be permitted to load materials into balers or compactors that meet specified safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1995
Food Stamp Fraud Prevention Act of 1995 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to provide for forfeiture of food stamp benefits and property used in or resulting from food stamp trafficking.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1995
Level of Effort Clean Water Bonus Fund Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to reserve 20 percent of the amounts made available for capitalization grants for State water pollution control revolving funds for making level of effort capitalization grants to eligible States. Requires States that receive level of effort grant payments to deposit all payments into the revolving funds. Makes eligible for such grants States that have deposited more than the required matching amount into the revolving fund or into a non-Federal revolving fund or grant program that is subject to requirements similar to those for the State revolving fund. Prohibits States from receiving a grant in an amount greater than 20 percent of the amount of funds reserved.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1995
First-Time Homebuyers Assistance Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth the conditions under which builders will be allowed to compute on the installment sales method income from the sale of newly constructed one-family residential real property.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1995
Amends the Goals 2000: Educate America Act to eliminate the National Education Standards and Improvement Council (the Council). Prohibits any Federal agency from expending Federal funds for the development or dissemination of model or national content standards, national student performance standards, or national opportunity-to-learn standards. Eliminates the requirement that the National Education Goals Panel review and approve such standards and criteria. Terminates funding for: (1) the Council; (2) opportunity-to-learn development grants; and (3) assessment development and evaluation grants. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, the General Education Provisions Act, and the Education Amendments of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1995
Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund Act of 1995 - Establishes in the U.S. Treasury the Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund. Authorizes appropriations. Specifies that any individual who submits to the Attorney General written medical documentation that the individual has a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection shall receive $125,000 from amounts available in the Fund if the individual: (1) has a blood-clotting disorder and was treated with blood-clotting agents between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 1987; (2) is the lawful spouse of such individual or the former lawful spouse and was the lawful spouse of the individual at any time after a date within such period on which the individual was treated; or (3) acquired the HIV infection through perinatal transmission from a parent who is such an individual. Requires that a claim for payment be filed with the Attorney General by or on behalf of such individual and that the Attorney General determine that the claim meets the requirements of this Act. Specifies that a claim under this Act shall not be assignable or transferable. Sets limits regarding the number of claims per victim. Prohibits the Attorney General from paying claims filed under this Act unless filed within three years after this Act's enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1995
Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to revise and rename it the Integrated Spent Nuclear Fuel Management Act of 1995. (Sec. 1) Instructs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to accept spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste by not later than January 31, 1998. Entitles contract holders to specified remedies for the Secretary's failure to meet service contract obligations, or to accept spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste as mandated under this Act. States that the Nuclear Waste Fund shall fund the execution of service contract and implementation of the Secretary's responsibilities, including the acceptance of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste at contract holder sites and transporting such fuel or waste to a private storage facility. Establishes an integrated spent nuclear fuel management system for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste, including its storage, transportation, and disposal. Prescribes procedural guidelines for the use of: (1) railroads; (2) transportation planning and requirements; (3) multi-purpose canister systems; (4) interim storage facilities; (5) permanent disposal; (6) land withdrawal; and (7) private storage facilities. Prescribes consultation and assistance guidelines between the Secretary and the State of Nevada. Prescribes budget priorities for purposes of annual requests for appropriations from the Waste Fund. Prescribes a fee schedule for electricity and nuclear fuel used to generate electricity in a civilian nuclear power reactor. Sets forth advance contract prerequisites for utilization or production facility license renewals. Reestablishes the Nuclear Waste Fund and the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish by rule the appropriate portion of the costs of managing high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel allocable to the interim storage or permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel from atomic energy defense activities; and (2) advise the Congress annually of the amount of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel from atomic energy defense activities requiring management in the integrated spent nuclear fuel management system. Subjects the Secretary to all Federal, State, and local environmental or land use laws and regulations, with specified exceptions. Grants the U.S. courts of appeals original and exclusive jurisdiction over civil actions under this Act. Provides that upon a contract holder's request, the Secretary shall take title to or possession of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste without removing it from the contract holder's designated storage site if the Secretary cannot accept such items within the contract's acceptance schedule. Requires the NRC to promulgate regulatory guidelines for: (1) financial assurances for low-level radioactive waste site closures; and (2) training and qualification of civilian nuclear powerplant personnel. Reestablishes the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to take action as necessary to improve the management of the civilian radioactive waste management program to ensure that it is operated to the maximum extent like a private business. States that the program is not subject to civil service regulations. Abolishes the Interim Storage Fund, the Monitored Retrievable Storage Commission, the Office of Subseabed Disposal Research, and the Office of Nuclear Waste Negotiator. Repeals all references to the Yucca Mountain site. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress whether particular milestones have been reached with respect to: (1) multi-purpose canister systems; (2) land withdrawals; (3) interim storage facilities; and (4) acceptance of spent nuclear fuel from contract holders. Directs the Secretary to: (1) create a value engineering function within the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management; and (2) employ on an on-going basis, integrated performance modeling regarding site characterization. (Sec. 2) Sets forth transition provisions for the continuation of: (1) contracts; (2) Nuclear Waste Fund; (3) Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management; and (4) Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board. (Sec. 3) Mandates that amounts in the Nuclear Waste Fund be appropriated exclusively for certain authorized purposes cited in the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982. Precludes such appropriations from being taken into account for any budget enforcement procedures under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Amends such Act to provide that appropriations to the Nuclear Waste Fund are not subject to its discretionary spending limits or to a certain allocation of the Energy and Waster Development Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee. Reduces specified discretionary spending limits under the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1995
ERISA Targeted Health Insurance Reform Act of 1995 - Title I: Improved Access to Affordable Health Plan Coverage - Subtitle A: Increased Availability and Continuity of Group Health Plan Coverage for Employees and Their Families - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for access to, and continuity of, group health plan coverage. (Sec. 1001) Provides for: (1) nondiscrimination and limitations on preexisting condition exclusions; (2) portability; (3) requirements for renewability of coverage; and (4) group health plan participation standards. Encourages private standards-setting organizations for provider networks and utilization review under group health plans. Establishes standards applicable to insurers offering health insurance coverage to group health plans. Provides for enforcement with respect to insurers offering health insurance coverage to group health plans. Preempts State laws that differ from such uniform national standards under ERISA. Subtitle B: Requirements for Insurers Offering Health Insurance Coverage to Group Health Plans of Small Employers - Establishes ERISA requirements for insurers offering health insurance coverage to group health plans of small employers. (Sec. 1101) Requires insurers to offer general, catastrophic, and optional medisave coverage to small employers. Requires use of fair rating, uniform marketing materials, and miscellaneous consumer protections. Authorizes States to implement and enforce such uniform national standards. Grants States that elect to implement such standards the exclusive authority to enforce them as they apply to insurers only, and not to the group health plans purchasing health insurance coverage. Allows a three-year phase-in period during which States can conform existing standards with such uniform standards. Preempts differing standards after such period. Subtitle C: Encouragement of Multiple Employer Health Plans and Preemption - Limits the scope of State regulation. Prohibits: (1) State benefit mandates for group health plans; and (2) State prohibition of employer groups purchasing health insurance. Preempts State anti-managed care laws. (Sec. 1202) Preempts State laws for multiple employer health plans meeting Federal standards. Relieves exempted multiple employer health plans of certain restrictions on preemption of State law. Treats such plans as employee welfare benefit plans. Sets forth an exemption procedure and eligibility requirements, as well as additional requirements applicable to exempted multiple employer health plans. Requires: (1) disclosure to participating employers by arrangements providing medical care; (2) maintenance of reserves; and (3) notice for voluntary termination. Sets forth provisions for: (1) corrective actions and mandatory termination; (2) expiration, suspension, or revocation of exemption; and (3) review of actions of the Secretary of Labor. (Sec. 1203) Revises provisions relating to: (1) the scope of preemption rules; (2) treatment of single employer arrangements; and (3) treatment of certain collectively bargained arrangements. (Sec. 1206) Sets forth requirements for employee leasing health care arrangements. (Sec. 1207) Sets forth enforcement provisions relating to multiple employer welfare arrangements and employee leasing health care arrangements. (Sec. 1208) Sets forth filing requirements for multiple employer welfare arrangements offering health benefits. (Sec. 1209) Provides for cooperation between Federal and State authorities. (Sec. 1210) Revises provisions for treatment of employer health coalitions and health maintenance organizations. (Sec. 1211) Requires a single annual filing for all participating employers. Subtitle D: Remedies and Enforcement with Respect to Group Health Plans - Sets forth a claims procedure for group health plans, as well as court remedies for claims disputes. Subtitle E: Funding and Plan Termination Requirements for Self-Insured Group Health Plans - Sets forth special rules for funding and plan termination for self-insured group health plans. Subtitle F: General Provisions - Declares that nothing in this Act may be construed to require the coverage of any specific procedure, treatment, or service as part of a group health plan or health insurance coverage under this Act or through regulation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore the business meal expense deduction to 80 percent (currently 50 percent) for individuals subject to the hours of service limitations of the Department of Transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1995
Missing Service Personnel Act of 1995 - Requires the military commander of the unit, facility, or area to which the following persons are assigned to conduct an investigation as to their whereabouts after receiving factual information that their status is uncertain: (1) military personnel who disappear during a period of war, national emergency, or hostilities; and (2) any civilian Federal employee (including an employee of a Federal contractor) who serves with or accompanies an armed force in the field during such a period. Requires such persons to be placed in a missing status and requires notification of such status to either the officer having general court-martial authority over the person (for military personnel) or the Secretary of the military department employing such person (for civilian and contractor employees). Requires such officials to be kept informed (specifies deadlines) as to all information and inquiries concerning efforts to locate such missing personnel. Requires such officials to appoint a board to conduct an inquiry into the whereabouts and status of such persons. Provides for: (1) board composition, activities, and access to information; (2) inquiry proceedings (requiring the appointment of counsel, with specified duties, to represent the missing person); (3) a board recommendation as to the official status of a person following such an inquiry; (4) board reports to the officials involved as to board conclusions (prohibiting public availability of such reports for a one-year period); (5) report review by the official; (6) a report from such official to interested persons; and (7) an additional investigation and inquiry by an additional board upon receipt of new information within one year after the date of the first official notice of a person's disappearance. Allows interested persons (family members, dependents, next of kin) to participate at the proceedings of the board during such additional inquiry. Provides for the availability of appropriate information to board personnel conducting investigations and inquiries. Provides similar procedures for the second board with respect to meetings (open to the public, with exceptions), recommendations, reports, review by the Secretary of the military department concerned, and reports to interested persons. Directs the Secretary concerned: (1) if information becomes available on the whereabouts or status of a missing person within three years after the first official notice of the person's disappearance, to appoint a board to conduct an inquiry into such information; and (2) to appoint a board to conduct an inquiry as to the status of any missing person on or about three years after the first official notice of the disappearance of such person and not later than every three years thereafter until a total of 12 years after the first official notice. Allows certain interested persons to request the Secretary to appoint a board to review the status of a person declared dead before five years after the enactment of this Act. Limits the review subjects to those whose deaths were declared to have occurred on or after December 7, 1941. Provides for the conditions under which an appointed board may recommend that a person be declared dead. Requires the Secretary concerned to ensure that the personnel file of each person covered contains all information in possession of the Government relating to the disappearance and whereabouts or status of such person. Provides for judicial review of a person's declared status under this Act. Requires a person in a missing status or previously declared dead who is subsequently found alive to be paid for the full time of their absence. Requires the Secretary concerned, upon the enlistment of a person in an armed force, to require such person to specify in writing the individual(s) to whom information on their whereabouts or status shall be provided in the event of an investigation under this Act. Allows for revision of such choice by the enlisting individual.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1995
Volunteer Protection Act of 1995 - Prescribes circumstances under which volunteers working for nonprofit organizations or government entities shall be immune from personal financial liability for acts on behalf of the organization or entity. Sets forth exceptions and conditions that a State may impose on the granting of such immunity. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase by one percent the fiscal year allotment which would otherwise be made to a State to carry out the Social Services Block Grant Program under title XX of the Social Security Act if such State has, within two years, certified to the Secretary that it has enacted a State law which provides such immunity. Provides for the continuation of such increase based on an annual recertification.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1995
Department of Veterans Affairs Mammography Quality Standards Act - Prohibits a mammogram from being performed at a Department of Veterans Affairs facility unless the facility is accredited for such purpose by a private nonprofit organization designated by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Requires any such organization to meet the standards for accrediting bodies established under the Public Health Service Act (the Act). Directs the Secretary to prescribe quality assurance and control standards relating to performance and interpretation of mammograms and the use of Department mammogram equipment and facilities consistent with requirements of the Act. Requires the Secretary to provide for an annual inspection of Department mammogram equipment and facilities. Requires any Department mammograms contracted to a non-Department facility or provider to conform to the standards of the Act. Provides for: (1) a deadline for the prescribing of standards; (2) transition provisions covering mammograms performed prior to the enactment of this Act; and (3) an implementation report from the Secretary to specified congressional committees.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1995
Rural Emergency Access Care Hospital Act of 1995 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) permit certain rural hospitals to serve as rural emergency access care hospitals; and (2) provide for coverage of rural emergency access care hospital services under Medicare part B.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1995
Family Planning Amendments Act of 1995- Amends the Public Health Service Act to require family planning grant and contract recipients to provide nondirective counseling and referrals regarding: (1) prenatal care and delivery; (2) infant care, foster care, and adoption; and (3) termination of pregnancy. Allows a provider who objects, on religious or moral grounds, to providing such counseling and referrals to refer the woman to another provider. Requires recipients to: (1) comply with State parental notification or consent laws; and (2) distribute only those condoms meeting current quality and labeling requirements and provide information regarding condom use benefits and risks. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes appropriations for grants and contracts concerning: (1) training to provide family planning services; and (2) informational and educational materials regarding family planning and population growth.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1995
Provides that the Code of Laws of the United States and the U.S. Code Annotated (or the Federal Code Annotated) shall not be furnished to Members of the House of Representatives. Permits Members to purchase versions of the U.S. Code under the appropriate official allowance.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the current link should be maintained between: (1) the levels of earnings allowed for blind individuals entitled to disability insurance benefits; and (2) the exempt amounts allowed for purposes of the social security earnings test for individuals who have attained retirement age.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1995
National Park Service Concession Policy Reform Act of 1995 - Repeals the Concessions Policy Act of 1965. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to authorize, under specified conditions, private persons, corporations, or other entities to provide and operate such facilities and services as the Secretary deems necessary and appropriate in the National Park System (NPS). (Sec. 6) Authorizes the Secretary, upon request and under specified criteria, to allow such entities to provide services to park visitors other than by award of a concession contract or permit. Requires the provision of such services to have minimal impact on park resources and values and to be consistent with park purposes. Provides a two-year term limit for the provision of such services. (Sec. 7) Requires a concession contract to be awarded to the person submitting the best proposal through a competitive selection process to be established by the Secretary. Allows waiver of such procedures and award of a temporary contract to avoid interruption of services. Requires the Secretary to publish a notice of availability for a prospectus soliciting proposals for contracts for concessions at a Park specifying minimum contract requirements and contract terms and conditions. Requires congressional notification of any proposed contract with anticipated gross receipts exceeding $5 million or of a duration of ten or more years. Prohibits the Secretary from granting a preferential right to a concessioner to: (1) renew concession contracts under this Act, with exceptions; or (2) provide new or additional services at a park. Allows such preferential rights to be granted for certain outfitting and guide contracts and certain contracts with annual gross receipts of under $500,000. (Sec. 8) Sets forth criteria for determining franchise fees, including fees for multiple franchise contracts within a park. (Sec. 9) Requires all fees to be: (1) covered into a special Treasury account established for reallocation to NPS units for resource management and protection, maintenance activities, interpretation, and research; or (2) deposited into a Park Improvement Fund established by the concessioner (as directed by the Secretary) from which expenditures shall be made for park activities and projects. Requires: (1) an annual statement from the concessioner to the Secretary reflecting total activity in the Fund for the preceding fiscal year; and (2) an annual report from the Secretary to specified congressional committees concerning Fund expenditures. (Sec. 10) Establishes a maximum: (1) ten-year duration for a concessions contract, provided that the Secretary may award a contract for up to 20 years if determined necessary; and (2) two-year duration for a temporary contract. (Sec. 11) Requires the approval of the Secretary and congressional notification before a concession contract can be transferred, assigned, sold, or conveyed and sets forth conditions that preclude such conveyance. (Sec. 12) Grants possessory interest to: (1) concessioners who have commenced acquisition or construction of any structure on Federal land within a park before the enactment of this Act; and (2) concessioners who construct or acquire an improvement on U.S. land within a Park after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 13) Places limitations on a concessioner's rates and charges to the public. (Sec. 14) Directs the Secretary to: (1) periodically evaluate the performance of each concessioner under contract; (2) terminate a contract if a concessioner fails, within the prescribed time, to meet minimum requirements identified in a notice of unsatisfactory performance; and (3) notify specified congressional committees of each unsatisfactory rating and each contract terminated. (Sec. 15) Provides that the Comptroller General of the United States shall, until the expiration of five calendar years after the close of the business year for each concessioner, have access to and the right to examine any pertinent books, documents, papers, and records of the concessioner related to the contracts. (Sec. 16) Exempts contracts awarded by the Secretary under this Act from certain provisions of Federal law with respect to the leasing of U.S. buildings and properties. (Sec. 18) Requires the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior to submit biannual reports to specified congressional committees on the implementation of this Act and its effect on facilities operated pursuant to concession contracts and on visitor services. (Sec. 19) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1995
Teamwork for Employees and Managers Act of 1995 - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to allow employers to establish, assist, maintain, or participate in an organization or entity in which employees participate to address matters of mutual interest (including issues of quality, productivity, and efficiency) if such organizations or entities cannot negotiate, enter into, or amend collective bargaining agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore the 25-percent deduction for health insurance costs of self-employed individuals for the taxable year 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1995
States Rights Empowerment Act of 1995 - Repeals provisions requiring the withholding of certain Federal aid highway funds for noncompliance by States with: (1) a program requiring the use of safety belts and motorcycle helmets; (2) national maximum speed limit provisions; and (3) a minimum drinking age of 21 requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1995
Student Loan Evaluation and Stabilization Act of 1995 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 with respect to student loan programs. (Sec. 3) Revises the Federal Direct Student Loan program to limit the proportion of loans made under such program: (1) for academic year 1994-1995, to five percent of the new student loan volume for such year; and (2) for academic year 1995-1996 and any succeeding fiscal year, to loans to students and parents of students attending eligible institutions which have applied and been accepted for institutional participation in such program on or before December 31, 1994. Eliminates provisions for selecting additional institutions to participate in such pilot program. Reduces the maximum amount of funds for administrative expenses of such program allowed for certain periods. Revises the items which such funds must cover, including the costs of annually assessing such program and payment of an administrative cost allowance for the expenses of guaranty agencies in servicing outstanding loans in their portfolios and in guaranteeing new loans. Revises provisions for congressional oversight of program administration, by providing for funding triggers which allow administrative funds to be obligated only in such amounts and according to such schedule as specified in the appropriations Act for the Department of Education after submission by the Department of a detailed proposal for such expenditures. Requires a guaranty agency to: (1) submit a specified application before obtaining an administrative cost allowance from such funds; (2) expend such allowance only for specified purposes; and (3) elect a payment rate on the basis of one of two specified formulas. Provides for ratable reductions of such allowances when total payments exceed a specified level. Directs the Secretary of Education to provide a detailed quarterly report of all such expenditures to specified congressional committee chairs. Requires such report to specifically identify all contracts entered into by the Department for services supporting the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program and the Federal Perkins Loan Program, as well as the current and projected costs of such contracts. Eliminates the transition to the Federal Direct Loan Program. (Sec. 4) Sets forth conditions under which: (1) Federal Perkins Loan borrowers can obtain FFEL consolidation loans; and (2) FFEL borrowers can obtain Federal direct consolidation loans. (Sec. 5) Revises provisions relating to reserve fund programs. (Sec. 6) Sets institutional default rate limitations on direct lending. (Sec. 7) Provides for applications for FFEL loans using the free Federal application form, which is already in use for other types of student aid. Allows such form to be in an electronic or any other format, subject to certain conditions, in order to facilitate use by borrowers and institutions. Provides for authorized guaranty agencies to receive such form. (Sec. 8) Amends the Congressional Budget Act to prescribe a formula for determining the cost of a direct loan on the basis of the net present value, at the time the direct loan is disbursed, of specified types of cash flows for the estimated life of the loan.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1995
Church Retirement Benefits Simplification Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to recodify and revise qualifications for church retirement and pension plans. Makes employee contributions to such plans nonforfeitable. Requires the plan to meet minimum vesting requirements. Recodifies the authority of a church or a convention or association of churches to be treated as an employer making contributions to retirement income accounts. Subjects church-related hospitals and universities to certain coverage and related rules in the case of a contract purchased by a church. Requires distributions from retirement income accounts provided by churches to be in accordance with distributions under cash or deferred arrangements. Provides for determining the beginning date for such distributions. Allows self-employed ministers and chaplains who work for non-church employers to participate in their church plans. Provides that certain rules aggregating employees do not apply to churches. Restores qualified voluntary employee contributions to church plans. Treats self-employed ministers as employees for purposes of certain welfare benefit plans and retirement income accounts. Allows a deduction for contributions to retirement income accounts by such ministers. Provides that a church plan maintained by more than one employer shall not be treated as a single plan. Provides that accounting methods of deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations do not apply to a church plan. Exempts a church plan from the requirement to maintain separate accounts for medical benefits for key employees. Provides that the special rules for computing employee contributions to pension plans do not apply to certain foreign missionaries. Repeals the elective deferral catch-up limitation for church retirement income accounts. Allows church plans to annuitize benefits and increase benefit payments. Provides that rules for self-insured medical reimbursement plans are not applicable to church plans. Provides that retirement benefits of ministers are not subject to the tax on net earnings from self-employment.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 1995
Workforce Preparation and Development Act - Declares the intent of the Congress to provide for the establishment of a comprehensive and consolidated workforce preparation and development system in the United States. Declares that, by the end of the 104th Congress, the Congress shall: (1) conduct a thorough evaluation of all Federal workforce preparation and development programs to determine their quality, effectiveness, and efficiency; (2) enact legislation that provides for a comprehensive and consolidated workforce preparation and development system, with specified features; and (3) repeal specified existing Federal workforce preparation and development programs, as appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1995
National Gambling Impact and Policy Commission Act - Establishes the National Gambling Impact and Policy Commission to: (1) study gambling in the United States and existing governmental policies and practices with respect to the legalization or prohibition of gambling activities; and (2) formulate and propose appropriate changes in such policies and practices for a report to the President and the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1995
Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to: (1) make permanent the Medicare select policy program; and (2) allow access to Medicare select policies in all States. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the Medicare select policy program and provide for a civil penalty for misrepresentations made in connection with a Medicare select policy.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1995
Directs the Secretary of Commerce, upon determining on the basis of comments submitted in rulemaking under this Act that interest among manufacturers is sufficient to warrant the establishment of a three-year toll-free number pilot program and manufacturers will provide fees so that the program will operate without cost to the Federal Government, to: (1) establish such program solely to help inform consumers whether a product is made in America or the equivalent thereof; and (2) publish the toll-free number in the Federal Register. Requires: (1) the Secretary to contract for the establishment and operation of such pilot program and the registration of products; and (2) such number to be used solely to inform consumers as to whether products are American made. Requires consumers to be informed that such registration does not mean that: (1) the product is endorsed or approved by the Government; (2) the Secretary has conducted any investigation to confirm that the product meets the definition of American made; or (3) the product contains 100 percent U.S. content. (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary to propose regulations to: (1) establish a procedure under which the manufacturer of a product may voluntarily register such product as complying with such definition and have such product included in the information available through the toll-free number; (2) establish, assess, and collect a fee to cover all costs of registering products and including registered products in information provided under the number; (3) establish the pilot program; and (4) solicit views from the private sector concerning the level of interest of manufacturers in registering products. Requires the Secretary to promulgate such regulations if the pilot program and product registration is determined to be warranted. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) registration fees; and (2) penalties for knowingly registering a product which is not American made.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Amends Federal law to prohibit any State from imposing an income tax on the retirement income of any individual who is not a resident or domiciliary of that State.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize a State in which all or part of a Severe ozone nonattainment area is located to submit a plan revision requiring employers in such area to implement programs to reduce work-related vehicle trips and miles by employees. (Current law requires such States to submit such revision within two years of the enactment of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.) Authorizes such revision to require employers in such areas to increase average passenger occupancy per vehicle in commuting trips between home and workplace during peak travel periods. (Current law requires specified increases in average passenger occupancy.) Authorizes (currently, requires) the revision to require employers subject to a vehicle occupancy requirement to submit a compliance plan.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the burden of proof with respect to all issues, in the case of any court proceeding, is on the Secretary of the Treasury. Requires the Secretary to identify in writing the specific kind or type of tax, and its specific implementing regulations, within 14 days upon the written request from any person made liable for such tax. Increases the limitation on the amount of recovery for civil damages for unauthorized collection actions by the Internal Revenue Service. Excludes such damages from gross income.
![Official portrait of Rep. Gunderson, Steve [R-WI-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000524_200.jpg)