United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Terminates all budget authority for Federal programs on specified dates according to the functional or subfunctional category of each program as set forth in the fiscal year 1977 budget. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress by April 1, 1977, on specified programs with respect to the laws under which such program is carried on, the amount of new budget authority received by such program during the four fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977, and to identify programs for which no outlays have been made during the last two fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977. Prohibits providing new budget authority after the applicable review date set forth in this Act unless the provision of such budget authority is specifically authorized by law or the standing rules of either House of Congress. Title II: Zero- Base Program Review - Sets forth a timetable for Congressional zero-base review of new budget authority. Defines "zero-base review" as an evaluation of a given program to determine the merits of its continuation at a level less than, equal to, or more than its existing level. Requires each congressional committee conducting a zero- based program review to adopt tenative and final review plans, receive reports from the Comptroller General and Federal agencies on the program being reviewed, and report to their respective House the results of such zero-base review of the program. Sets forth minimum objectives of inquiry for such reviews. Requires that any committee reporting pursuant to this Act recommend the extent to which any program reviewed should be continued or eliminated. Title III: Continuing Review - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 to require, whenever the Comptroller General issues a report which discloses any substantial deficiency in the achievement of the objectives of any Federal program, the agency conducting such program to report to specified congressional committees 60 days after such report and every six months thereafter to deliniate the actions taken with respect to such deficiency. Requires that such agency continue to issue such reports until such time as the Comptroller General determines that no purpose is served by their submission. Amends the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921, to require the inclusion in the Budget of a statement of the specific objectives of each Government program, and a comparison, in each subsequent Budget, of the achievement of such objectives for the last completed fiscal year with the planned objectives of such year. Title IV: Citizens Bicentennial Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government - Establishes the Citizens' Bicentennial Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government, an independent agency of 18 members to study Federal agencies. Directs the Commission to make recommendations to the President and Congress for the restructuring of such agencies to improve their efficiency. Requires the Commission to submit its final report by September 30, 1979, and terminate it 90 days thereafter. Authorizes to be appropriated without fiscal year limitation $12,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this title. Title V: Zero-Base Review of Tax Expenditures - Requires the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation to determine and recommend termination dates for all tax expenditure provisions, defined as any special exclusion, exemption, deduction from gross income, special credit, preferential tax rate or deferral of tax liability. Requires such date to be on December 31, of one of the five years beginning with 1979. Requires that a subsequent zero-base review be conducted every five years after the first such review of such tax expenditure provision. Requires that a bill be passed by the 95th Congress setting the first termination dates for such provisions. Makes any proposal to consider any bill in either House which contains a tax expenditure provision out of order unless such expenditure has a termination date and has been subjected to zero-base review as provided for by this Act. Sets both procedures and time deadlines for conducting zero-base review of tax expenditure provisions. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Requires the Director of Management and Budget to study the feasibility of zero-base budgeting for Federal agencies. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to study the feasibility of personnel ceilings on employees of the United States and their relationships to alternative methods of carrying out the activities of such employees. Requires that such reports be submitted to Congress. Requires Federal agency heads to report requests for new budget authority to Congress. Requires specified committees to study the effectiveness of the zero-base review procedures required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1976
Privacy Protection for Rape Victims Act - Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to prohibit, in cases of alleged rape or assault with intent to commit rape, the introduction of evidence of the victim's prior sexual behavior. Makes such prohibition inapplicable: (1) to evidence of the victim's prior sexual conduct with the alleged assailant; and (2) to evidence of the victim's sexual behavior with others if it is offered by the accused on the issue of whether the accused was the source of the victim's pregnacy, disease, semen, or injury. Requires the accused to make a written motion to offer such evidence accompanied by a written offer of proof. Requires the court to hold a hearing to determine the admissability of such evidence, declaring it admissable only if the court finds that the evidence is relevant and that its probative value outweighs the danger of unfair prejudice. Makes inadmissible reputation or opinion evidence with respect to the victim's past sexual behavior.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1976
Condemns the murders of Orlando Letelier and Ronni Karpen Moffitt and the serious injury of Michael Moffitt. Urges a complete and thorough investigation by federal authorities of the circumstances surrounding the bombing.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1976
Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require automatic sprinkler systems in all skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities certified for participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs unless a waiver of such requirement is granted in accordance with conditions set forth in this Act. Establishes a program of low-interest Federal loans to assist such facilities in constructing or purchasing and installing automatic sprinkler systems.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should exercise his powers to prohibit assistance to countries which grant sanctuary to international terrorists and suspend air service to countries which grant sanctuary to terrorist organizations which use hijacking of aircraft as an instrument of policy. Calls upon the President to instruct the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations to seek the formation of a permanent international commission to conduct an ongoing study of the causes and prevention of terrorism. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should renew efforts to establish an international convention providing aviation sanctions against countries that refuse to punish or extradite persons responsible for unlawful acts against civil aviation.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, upon determining that appropriate State and local officials have taken adequate protective measures, to designate a specified segment of the New River Gorge, West Virginia, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Systems. Prohibits the Federal Power Commission from licensing the construction of any project works under the Federal Power Act and any water resources project, which would adversely affect the desirability of so designating such segment. Establishes time limits for such prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1976
Public Participation in Government Proceedings Act - Entitles any person to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and other costs of participation incurred by such person in any Federal agency proceeding if the participation of such person promotes or can reasonably be expected to promote a full and fair determination of the issues involved in the proceeding, the economic interest of such person in the outcome is small compared to the costs of participation in such proceeding, and such person does not have sufficient resources to participate effectively in such proceeding in the absence of an award under this Act. Requires each agency, whenever practicable, to determine, prior to the commencement of any proceeding, the eligibility of a person for an award under this Act and the amount of such award. Requires payment of such an award, where necessary, prior to the conclusion of such proceeding but in no event later than 90 days after the conclusion of such proceeding. Directs the head of each agency to report annually to Congress with respect to awards made under this Act. Entitles any person who is a party to, or intervenor in, any civil suit or proceeding for judicial review of agency action to costs incurred by such person in litigation if such person is afforded the relief sought in substantial measure, the court determines that such action served an important public purpose, the economic interest of such person in the outcome of such action is small compared with the cost of litigation, and the person does not have sufficient resources to participate effectively in such action absent an award under this Act. Directs the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually to Congress with respect to awards granted by courts of the United States under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for agency awards under this Act, $10,000,000 each year for fiscal years 1977, 1978, and 1979. Authorizes to be appropriated for judicial awards under this Act such sums as may be necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1976
Federal Support Payment Act - Authorizes individuals, to whom the proceeds of a child support order are payable, to register such order in any court in any State in which the individual responsible for making such payments resides. Allows courts, in which such an order is registered, to entertain contempt proceedings against an individual who fails to comply with the support order in the same manner as if the court originally issued the order. Requires a court in which any support order is registered or any enforcement proceedings are undertaken to send written notice of such action to the original court.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Amends Rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that committee funds shall not be used for travel unless its official nature is established by resolution approved by majority vote of the committee involved. Requires that the official travel resolution set forth specific items including the purpose of each destination, the names of all persons who propose to take the trip, the anticipated benefit to the taxpayers, and the estimated total expense.
United States · United States Congress · 31 August 1976
Requires that the following information to be posted in a prominent place in each post office: (1) the qualifications, dates, and places for voter registration and voting in the area served by the post office; (2) the names and office addresses of the United States Senators and Representatives for the area served by the post office; (3) the names and addresses of the State legislators representing the area served by the post office; and (4) the cost and availability of Western Union public opinion messages to the President, Vice President, and Members of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 30 August 1976
Amends the Education Amendments of 1972 to exempt from the sex discrimination prohibition provision of such Act, musical or social programs or activities.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Condemns North Korea for its continued acts of treachery culminating in the axe murders of two American officers and the wounding of five others. Directs the Speaker of the House to make known the regrets of the House to the wives and children and other survivors of Major Bonifas and Lieutenant Barrett.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Deletes the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act which limit to two the number of petitions for preference status which may be granted to a petitioner on behalf of an alien orphan immigrating to the United States for adoption.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1976
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that no law varying the compensation for the services of Senators and Representatives shall take effect until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that article I, section 6 of the Constitution of the United States does not grant any immunity from arrest or prosecution on a charge of violation of any criminal statute of any jurisdiction to a Member of either House of the Congress. Directs that all law enforcement agencies operating within the District of Columbia be made aware of this fact.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1976
Congressional Mailing Act - Abolishes the use of franked mail. Establishes a system for the use of postage meters for Congressional mail. Restricts the kinds of mail matter which may be transmitted as Congressional mail to material which directly relates to Congressional business. Prohibits the transmission by Congressional mail of material laudatory to a Member of Congress, mass mailings, newsletters, reprints from the Congressional Record, news releases, voter registration materials, agricultural reports, mailgrams, and other specified classes.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Conference Act - Establishes a National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Conference. Enumerates the duties of the Conference, including: (1) the formulation of a national program to develop capabilities for earthquake hazards reduction; (2) the establishment of means for disseminating earthquake prediction information and technical assistance; (3) the coordination of earthquake and related hazard research programs; and (4) the establishment of an earthquake prediction board. Details provisions relating to the powers, composition, structure, and reporting requirements of the Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1976
Provides that an elderly person residing in a dwelling unit receiving Federal assistance shall be entitled to terminate, without penalty, the lease or rental agreement if such person or his or her spouse dies, or incurs severe mental or physical disability during the period of such lease as long as proper notice is given to the management. Provides remedies for noncompliance with this Act which includes termination or reduction of financial assistance to the recipient of funds from a Federal housing program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1976
Disapproves the Federal Energy Administration's proposed energy action numbered 3 which would exempt number 2 heating oil and number 2-D diesel fuel from mandatory petroleum allocation and price regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1976
Disapproves the Federal Energy Administration's proposed energy action numbered 4 which would exempt middle distillates (other than number 2 heating oil and number 2-D diesel fuel) from the mandatory petroleum allocation and price regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1976
Provides that funds shall not be expended from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives for allowances to Members, officers, or standing committees of the House except through the adoption of a resolution by the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1976
Extends the delimiting period in the case of any eligible veteran who is pursuing, during his or her tenth year of eligibility, a program of education. Terminates such extension on whichever of the following dates first occurs: (1) the date on which the veteran completes, or ceases to pursue, the program he was pursuing in his tenth year of eligibility; or (2) the last day of the 11-year period beginning on the date of his discharge from active duty. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 1662(e))
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Postal Service shall not close or suspend the operation of any post offices, unless there is a clear and compelling need to do so. Encourages the service to continue cost-cutting programs which do not affect levels of service.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1976
Provides that the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 shall govern annuity, supplemental annuity, and benefit claims currently governed by the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 for those individuals who did not become eligible for such benefits until December 31, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1976
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) and Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to include as "medical and other health services" for which coverage will be provided under Medicare, and as "medical assistance" for which coverage will be provided under Medicaid, that medical or other remedial care furnished by licensed (registered) nurses within the scope of their practices as defined by State law.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1976
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to entitle widows and widowers who are under a disability to receive unreduced widow's and widower's benefits without regard to age.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to designate a specified segment of the New River, North Carolina, as a component of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System upon application of the Governor of North Carolina. Prohibits the Federal Power Commission from issuing any license for any undertaking which would adversely affect such segment.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Authorizes payment under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for optometric and medical vision care.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Requires the appointment of an optometrist to the National Professional Standards Review Council and the participation by optometrists in the activities of local professional standards review organizations pursuant to the requirements of Title XI of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1976
Replaces Federal criminal statutory provisions penalizing "rape" and "carnal knowledge of females under 16" with provisions penalizing "sexual assault." Designates guilty of sexual assault any person who knowingly engages in sexual contact or penetration of another person without such person's consent. Imposes penalties for sexual contact or penetration of any person who has not attained the age of 18, notwithstanding such person's consent. Sets forth penalties for such assault according to specified criteria, including the consideration of aggravating factors. Specifies procedures for medical examination of alleged victims of offenses under this Act. Prohibits the introduction of evidence of the victim's prior sexual activity unless the court determines after an in camera hearing that the evidence is relevant and material and does not constitute an unnecessary invasion of privacy. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 2031-35)
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Amends the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the medicare program for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
National Forest Timber Management Reform Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish standards for future timber sales from national forests consistent with the criteria set forth in this Act. Requires that timber sales be made only from stable lands which are capable of regenerating a commercial stand of timber. Requires that minimum reforestation requirements be included in such standards. Imposes quantity sales limitations on timber sales in order to prevent the quantity and quality of timber from declining. Directs the Secretary to establish standards for maximum utilization of all trees sold from the national forests. Requires a complete interdisciplinary review from an environmental, biological, engineering, and economic standpoint of all proposed timber sales of $5,000 or more in national forests. Directs the Secretary to make public at least 60 days prior to each sale a brief statement as to the consistency of such proposed cut with principles of multiple use. Requires that the Secretary impose limitations on clearcutting practices in national forests. Prohibits the Secretary from allowing the cutting of immature trees except where the cutting of such trees: (1) conforms to specified forest management purposes; (2) achieves an even age distribution in southern pine forests; and (3) in connection with clearcuts where the stand of trees is predominantly of mature trees. Prohibits the cutting and removal of any tree from national forests unless such tree has been properly marked. Authorizes clearcuts without marking of individual trees in accordance with standards to be promulgated by the Secretary. Requires that the Secretary evaluate and limit the effects of proposed conversions of plant communities within natural forests. Prohibits contracts for the cutting of timber in national forests for more than a three-year period. Prohibits the use of DDT and other chlorinated hydrocarbons by the Secretary in the national forests for pest control purposes. Requires that the Secretary and the Forest Service take steps to preserve the natural ecosystems, soil resources, and fish and wildlife resources in national forests. Requires the preparation of a multiple use-sustained yield management plan for each national forest. Requires the establishment of a cost accounting system for future timber sales, to include indirect and direct administrative costs with respect to growth and reforestation of timber as well as sales. Allows States and localities to elect to receive payments from the Secretary of Agriculture based on the amount of specified public lands within the boundaries of such governmental units in lieu of the sum of amounts made available to States and localities under other provisions of Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Legal Fees Reimbursement Act - Provides that in any legal action initiated by the Government, or in any action instituted by a taxpayer contesting the accuracy of a deficiency or claiming a refund of taxes paid where the taxpayer prevails or substantially prevails, the Government shall be liable for the reimbursement in full of all reasonable litigation expenses incurred by the taxpayer as a consequence of legal defense, under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Consumer Communications Reform Act - States that Congress finds that the revenues from integrated interstate and foreign common carrier telecommunications services helped maintain a level of charges for telephone exchange service which is lower than otherwise would be required. Expresses the sense of Congress that the authorization of lines, facilities, or services of specialized carriers which duplicate the lines, facilities, or services of other telecommunications common carriers is contrary to the public interest. Reaffirms the intent of Congress that the complete authority to regulate terminal and station equipment used for telephone exchange service shall rest with the States even though such terminal and station equipment also may be used in connection with interstate services. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that no compensatory charges for or in connection with such communication service may be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the ground that it is to low. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from holding the charge of a carrier up to a particular level to protect the traffic or revenues from a communication service offered or provided by another carrier if such charge proposed by the carrier is compensatory. Grants the Commission jurisdiction to approve the acquisition of control by a domestic common carrier of any other domestic common carrier or to approve the acquisition by a person which is not a common carrier of control of any domestic common carrier or the acquisition of the whole or any part of the property of a domestic common carrier after determining that the acquisition is in the public interest. Provides that the Commission shall not grant or authorize any construction permit, station license, or certificate, for the construction, acquisition, or operation of any communication or transmission line or facility, or extension thereof, or any modification or renewal thereof, unless the Commission shall find, after full opportunity for evidentiary hearing on the record, that such permit, license, or certificate will not result in increased charges or unnecessary duplication of communication lines.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1976
Requires the United States Postal Service to consider specified factors in determining the need for an existing third- or fourth-class post office. Sets guidelines relating to with determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1976
Stipulates that with regard to any obligation which is issued by, or in behalf of, any State or possession of the United States, any political subdivision of the foregoing, or the District of Columbia, the interest paid on such obligation and received by the purchase thereof shall be included in gross income, under the Internal Revenue Code. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay to the issuer of such obligation such portion of the interest as is deemed appropriate taking into account current market yields on obligations of the issuer and on similar obligations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1976
Higher Education Amendments - Directs the Commissioner of Education to carry out a program of establishing and maintaining funds at each of the regional offices of the Office he heads for the purpose of extending reduced-interest loans to students at institutions of higher education. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for the purpose of such loans. Provides for the apportionment of the appropriations authorized under this Act. Sets the terms which shall apply to such loans based upon the status of students receiving loans. Provides measures to insure the collection of loans made under this Act. Defines the terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1976
Terminates the authorization for the Tocks Island Reservoir project in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Requires that property acquired by the Secretary of the Army pursuant to such authorization be transferred to the Secretary of the Interior for management by the National Park Service. Establishes criteria for administration of such lands by the Secretary. Directs the Secretaty to relocate United States Highway Numbered 209 as part of the authorization for the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in order to reduce the environmental impact on the area.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1976
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to assist any veteran, who has a permanent and total service-connected disability due to the loss, or loss of use, of one arm and one leg, including but not limited to cases of hemiparaplegia, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair, in acquiring a suitable housing unit with special fixtures or moveable facilities made necessary by the nature of the veteran's disability, and necessary land therefor. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 801)
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1976
Federal Regulatory Review Act - Establishes a Federal Regulatory Agency Review Commission to study the structures, policies and regulations of the regulatory agencies and make recommendations to the Congress to promote the elimination of practices which result in greater consumer costs, and to promote competition throughout American industry. Authorizes the Commission to hold hearings and to have access to any information which is relevant to its function. Directs the Commission to transmit an interim report to the Congress not later than six months after the Commission's first meeting and a final report six months later. Provides that the Commission shall expire 30 days after the submission of the final report.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1976
Defines terms for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans available through the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund to agricultural producers who suffer losses as a result of having their agricultural commodities or livestock quarantined or condemned because such commodities or livestock have been found to contain toxic chemicals dangerous to the public health.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1976
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to require proof of automobile property and personal liability insurance on automobiles imported for the personal use of nonresidents and foreign government personnel, in an amount equal to the minimum insurance requirements in those States in which the vehicle will be operated. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to forward identifying information on such vehicles to the Secretary of Transportation who shall forward such information to the appropriate State agency responsible for motor vehicle registration. Excludes from such requirements automobiles which will be in the United States for not more than 30 days. Requires importers of automobiles so excluded to forward the required information to the nearest customs officer in the event the vehicle remains in the country for 40 days. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to impose a fine of $5,000 upon violators of this Act who had no notice of such requirements. Sets forth penalties of $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, for knowingly failing to furnish information required under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1976
Energy Conservation Research and Development Act - Declares it the purpose of this Act to establish an energy conservation program through the development of new technologies designed to reduce consumption by small energy consumers and organizations that influence energy consumption. Title I: State Energy Conservation Research and Development Institutes - Authorizes the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to assist the States in establishing and operating energy research, development and demonstration institutes. Authorizes the expenditure of additional funds to the institutes for special projects which would not otherwise be undertaken, provided such funds are matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis by non-Federal sources. Lists requirements and qualifications for such institutes. Authorizes the Administrator to establish additional rules and regulations, and to encourage cooperation between the institutes and other organizations. Directs the Administrator to submit an annual progress report to Congress with regard to projects financed under this title. Title II: Cooperative Energy Conservation Extension Service - Directs the Administrator to submit to Congress a cooperative energy conservation plan, including the creation of a Cooperative Energy Conservation Service. Details requirements for such a plan, including a list of services to be offered by the Conservation Service. Requires congressional action before the plan becomes finalized. Title III: Authorizing Appropriations - Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000 to each State for the establishment of the institutes during fiscal year 1977. Authorizes $250,000 to each State for each of the fiscal years 1978 through 1980, inclusive, for such purposes. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for special energy conservation projects of such institutes: $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $6,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $7,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $7,500,000 for fiscal year 1980. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1977 and 1978, for the establishment of the Cooperative Energy Conservation Extension Service.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1976
Requires the United States Postal Service to consider specified factors in determining the need for an existing third- or fourth-class post office. Sets guidelines relating to with determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1976
Surplus School Conservation Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to local agencies to pay the costs of renovating closed school buildings so they may be converted for other educational and social purposes. Suggests purposes for which conversion grants may be extended, including: (1) community centers; (2) senior citizen centers; (3) day care centers; (4) vocational schools; (5) medical facilities; and (6) recreational centers. Sets forth application requirements which local agencies must complete including: (1) structuring a plan for renovation of the closed school building; (2) estimating costs of such renovation; and (3) demonstrating to the Secretary's satisfaction sufficient financial ability to carry out the provisions of such plan. States that the amount of a grant under this Act shall be 80 percent of the estimated cost of renovation. Requires local agencies which receive a grant for more than the actual cost of renovation to return such surplus money to the Secretary. Sets priorities to be followed by the Secretary in approving applications for grants under this Act including: (1) an application for renovating a closed school building in a school district whose current school enrollments have decreased by ten percent or more from the school enrollments of the previous school year, and (2) an application for renovating a closed school building which is not being utilized for any educational or social service purpose at the time of application. Directs the Secretary to serve as a national clearinghouse to local agencies by providing information on feasible alternative uses for closed school buildings. Prohibits the distribution of more than ten percent of the funds appropriated by Congress for the program for grants in any fiscal year. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to the President and Congress: (1) a yearly report listing local agencies which received grants and the purposes for which such grants were made; and (2) a detailed evaluation of the effectiveness of the program based on cost analysis and a survey of school closure problems to be submitted at the end of three years.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1976
Surplus School Conversion Act - Entitles taxpayers, under the Internal Revenue Code, to elect to take a deduction with respect to the amortization of any qualified school or hospital property based on a period of 180 months. Defines qualified school or hospital property to mean any building or other structure which is acquired by the taxpayer from a tax-exempt organization which used such structure to provide facilities for an educational institution or an institution which provided medical or custodial care. Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1976
Electric Utility Rate Reform and Regulatory Improvement Act - Title I: General Provisions -- Declares it the purpose of this Act to reform inequities in the structure of electric utility rates. Title II: Utility Rate Reform - Defines terms as used in this title. Limits applicability of this title to sales of electric energy for purposes other than resale by an electric utility, where sales by such utility for purposes other than resale exceed 200 million kilowatt-hours during the second preceding calendar year. Imposes national minimum standards on utility rate structures, to be enforced by State regulatory authorities. Prohibits rate structures which allow lower rates for increased consumption without a showing that such lower rates actually reflect decreased costs. Eliminates price differentials for residential users of subsistence quantities of electricity, unless the Governor of the State has determined that an adequate alternative means to alleviate the burden to low-income residential consumers has been implemented. Stipulates that promotional and advertising costs may not be treated by a utility as an operating expense for purposes of rate determination. Requires evidentiary hearings by regulatory authorities on proposed rate increases. Limits the amount of actual increases pursuant to an automatic adjustment clause which may become effective without such a hearing. Requires that regulatory authorities annually review existing utility rate schedules. Authorizes State regulatory authorities to prescribe variances upon application by individual electric consumers unduly hardshipped by rate schedules. Directs State authorities to prescribe load management techniques to reduce maximum kilowatt demand on electric utilities. Establishes procedures to be followed in determining marginal costs of service to electric consumers. Establishes an Electric Utility Rate-making Assistance Office in the Federal Energy Administration to provide information and assistance with respect to ratemaking policies and procedures established by this Act. Title III: Economic Regulation of Bulk Power Supply - Amends the Federal Power Act to require that public utilities make new, increased, or retired capacity in bulk power facilities available to others engaged in the sale or transmission of electric energy in the same geographical area. Establishes additional requirements and procedures to insure continuation of service in cases of anticipated deficiencies in the available supplies of electric power. Requires that the Federal Power Commission hold evidentiary hearings on proposed rate increases. Limits the amount of actual increases pursuant to an automatic adjustment clause which may becomes effective without such a hearing. Requires the establishment of an Office of Public Counsel in the Federal Power Commission for the purpose of adequate representation of consumer interests before the Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 to such Office. Authorizes the Commission to pay reasonable fees to certain participants in evidentiary hearings, not to exceed $1,000,000 for all such persons in any fiscal year. Directs the Commission to prescribe minimum standards to assure a reliable supply of electric energy. Requires electric utilities to develop a quality control program to assure compliance with such reliability standards. Directs the Commission, upon consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, to study the desirability and means of increasing competition within the electric utility industry. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to conduct a study on the feasibility of generating electricity near the place of consumption. Title IV: Financial Assistance to State Regulatory Authorities - Authorizes the Electric Utility Ratemaking Assistance Office (established by title II of this Act) to make grants to State regulatory authorities for the following purposes: (1) to increase the quantity and quality of State regulatory staff; (2) to establish programs to meet Federal consumer representation requirements; and (3) to demonstrate innovative rate structures. Prescribes criteria on the allotment of funds to the States. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,000,000 in any fiscal year for grants to improve staffing. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for grants for consumer representation, and $5,000,000 for grants for rate structure innovation. Title V: Coordination of Planning and Siting of Bulk Power Facilities - Requires that electric utilities which control bulk power facilities prepare an annual long-range plan for the use of each such facility. Establishes areawide planning councils to review such plans and submit area plans for bulk power facilities to the Commission. Directs the Chairman of the Federal Power Commission to supervise the overall approval process for the siting of bulk power facilities. Establishes procedures to assist in coordinating the Federal approval process.
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