United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1975
Child and Family Service Act - Title I: Child and Family Service Programs - Provides that the Secretary shall take all necessary action to coordinate child and family service programs under his jurisdiction and that, to this end, he shall establish and maintain within the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Child and Family Services administered by a Director appointed by the President with the advise and consent of the Senate. Provides that such office shall assume the responsibility of the Office of Child Development and shall be the principal agency of the Department for the administration of this Act. Establishes a Child and Family Services Coordinating Council, consisting of the Director of the Office of Child and Family Services (who shall serve as chairperson), and representatives from the Federal agencies administering the Social Security Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and from the appropriate Federal agencies. Requires the Department of Labor, and other appropriate agencies, to meet on a regular basis, as they may deem necessary, in order to assure coordination of child and family service activities under their respective jurisdictions so as to assure maximum use of available resources through the prevention of duplication of activities; and to structure the activities related to the purposes of this Act. States that funds available for this title may be used (in accordance with approved applications and plans) for planning and developing child and family service programs; establishing, maintaining, and operating child and family service programs, which may include: (1) part-day or full-day child care programs, which provide educational, health, nutritional, and social services directed toward enabling participating children to attain their maximum potential; (2) other health, social, recreational, and educational programs designed to meet the special needs of children and families including before- and after- school and summer programs; (3) school services, and education, and consultation for parents, other family members functioning in the capacity of parents, youth, and prospective and expectant parents who request assistance in meeting the needs of their children; (4) social services to help families determine the appropriateness of child and family services and the possibility of alternative plans; (5) prenatal, post partum and other medical care, including services to expectant mothers who cannot afford such services, designed to help reduce handicapping conditions among the newborn; (6) programs designed to meet the special needs of ethnic groups and to meet the needs of all children to understand the history and cultural backgrounds of ethnic groups and the role of members of such groups in the histroy and cultural development of the Nation and the region in which they reside; (7) food and nutritional services; (8) diagnosis, identification, and treatment, and special activities designed to ameliorate physiological, mental, psychological, and emotional barriers to full participation in child and family service programs; (9) programs designed to extend child and family service gains (particularly parent participation) into the kindergarten and early primary grades, in cooperation with local educational agencies; (10) other such services and activities as the Secretary deems appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of this Act; (11) rental, lease or lease-purchase, mortgage amortization payments, renovation, acquisition and maintenance of necessary equipment and supplies, and to the extent authorized by this Act, construction or acquisition of facilities, including mobile facilities; (12) preservice and inservice education and training for professional and paraprofessional personnel, including parents and volunteers, especially education and training for career development and advancement; (13) staff and other administrative expenses of child and family service councils and of project policy committees established and operated in accordance with the provisions of this Act; and (14) dissemination of information in the functional language of those to be served to assure that parents are well informed of child and family service programs available to them and may participate in such programs. Provides that a State, locality, or combination of localities may be designated by the Secretary as a prime sponsor for the purpose of entering into arrangements to carry out programs under this title. Enumerates the requirements which must be met by States and localities submitting prime sponsorship applications. States that each prime sponsor shall establish and maintain a Child and Family Service Council of specified composition. States that such Council shall be responsible for approving child and family service plans, basic goal, policies, procedures, overall budget policies and project funding, and the selection or establishment and annual renewal of an administering agency or agencies and will be responsible for annual and ongoing evaluation of child and family service programs according to criteria established by the Secretary. States that financial assistance under this title may be provided by the Secretary for fiscal year 1976 and any subsequent fiscal year to a prime sponsor only pursuant to a child and family service plan which is submitted by such prime sponsor and approved by the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of this title. Specifies the elements to be contained in such plans, and the procedure including opportunity for airing of views with respect to such plan, for approval or disapproval of the plan. States that funds may be provided by the prime sponsor for carrying out any program under such prime sponsor's comprehensive child and family service plan only to a qualified public or private agency or organization, including but not limited to an educational agency or institution, a community action agency, single-purpose Headstart agency, community development corporation, parent cooperative, organization of migrant agricultural workers, organization of Indians, organization interested in child care, employer or business organization, labor union, or employee or labor management organization, or by any other public or private agency whose project application is approved by the Child and Family Service Council of the prime sponsorship. Provides for special grants to States for necessary expenses incident to the operation of programs authorized by this Act in such States, and, in addition to the conditions which must be met for such grants, requires that grants for construction or acquisition of facilities may be made only if such construction or acquisition is essential to the provision of adequate child care services. Title II: Standards And Evaluations - Provides that, within six months after the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate a common set of program standards which shall be applicable to all programs providing child care services under this or any other Federal Act, to be known as the Federal Standards for Child Care. Provides that the Secretary shall, within sixty days of the enactment of this Act, appoint a Special Committee on Federal Standards for Child Care to participate in the development of Federal Standards for child care and modifications thereof. Provides for the development of a minimum code for child and family service facilities to be addressed to the health, safety, and physical comfort of the children participating in such programs. Title III: Facilities and Research for Child and Family Services Programs - States that it is the purpose of this title to assist and encourage the provision of urgently needed facilities for child care and comprehensive child services programs. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare is authorized to insure any mortgage (including advances on such mortgage during construction) in accordance with the provisions of this title upon such terms and conditions as he may prescribe and make commitments for insurance of such mortgage prior to the date of its execution or disbursement thereon. Provides that the mortgage shall be executed by a mortgagor approved by the Secretary, and that such mortgages shall involve in principal obligation of up to $250,000 and not to exceed 90 percent of the estimated replacement costs of properties or projects when the proposed improvements are completed. Creates a Child and Family Services Facility Insurance Fund which shall be used by the Secretary as a revolving fund for carrying out all the insurance provisions of this title, including mortgage insurance. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, contracts, or other arrangements to carry out a program of research and demonstration projects, which shall include but not be limited to: (1) research to develop techniques to measure and evaluate child and family services, and to develop standards to evaluate professional and paraprofessional child and family service personnel; (2) research to test preschool programs emphasizing reading and reading readiness; (3) preventive medicine, techniques, and technology to improve the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases and learning disabilities of pre-school children; (4) research to test alternative methods of providing child and family service; (5) evaluation of research findings and the development of these findings and the effective application thereof; (6) dissemination and application of research and development efforts and demonstration projects to early childhood education programs; (7) production of informational systems and other resources necessary to support the activities authorized by this Act; (8) developing methods of determining the needs of individual children in particular areas such as education, nutrition, and medical services, so as to permit the modification of programs to fit the needs of individual children; and (9) a study of the need on a nationwide basis for child and family services programs and of the resources, including personnel, which are available to meet this need. Title IV: Training of Personnel for Child and Family Services - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to or enter into contracts with institutions of higher education, State and local agencies, State and local educational agencies, private organizations and agencies engaged in teacher training, teacher training institutions, national child care organizations, and producers of television programing, for the purpose of establishing, developing, or upgrading early childhood personnel training programs to respond to the demonstrated need for child services personnel in the 1970's; and by stimulating the development of sufficient training and educational programs in every State and region of the United States to assure an adequate supply of personnel to meet staffing requirements. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1976, 1977 and 1978 to carry out this title. Title V: General Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Provides for nutrition services to be provided to child and family service programs under the National School Lunch Act of 1946 and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Provides that all authorizations of appropriations for the Justice Department, with respect to any fiscal year beginning after June 30, 1975, shall be specifically made by Act of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1975
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, and to cause such sculpture to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol as determined by the Joint Committee on the Library.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1975
Title I: Increases the authorizations of specified appropriations, under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, for land and water conservation funds. Sets additional requirements on the State grant programs administered under such Act. Title II: Establishes the historic preservation fund in the Treasury. Provides that during the period commencing July 1, 1975, and ending June 30, 1989, there shall be covered into such fund $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and each fiscal year thereafter, from revenues due to the United States under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and the rental and sale of public lands for lease under Federal law (30 U.S.C. 191).
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1975
Requires the annual disclosure of a personal financial statement, to include that of members of the immediate family, by members of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the Government who are compensated at a rate in excess of $18,000 per year, as well as by candidates for Federal offices. Provides that each report required by this Act shall be made under penalty of perjury, and sets penalties of a $10,000 fine or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both, for violations. Provides that reports filed under this Act will be maintained by the Comptroller General as public records and shall be available for inspection to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1975
Requires the annual disclosure of a personal financial statement, to include that of members of the immediate family, by members of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the Government who are compensated at a rate in excess of $18,000 per year, as well as by candidates for Federal offices. Provides that each report required by this Act shall be made under penalty of perjury, and sets penalties of a $10,000 fine or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both, for violations. Provides that reports filed under this Act will be maintained by the Comptroller General as public records and shall be available for inspection to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1975
Provides that the charge imposed on any household for a coupon allotment under the Food Stamp Act after the date of this Act and prior to December 30, 1975, may not exceed the charge imposed on such household for coupon allotments under rules and regulations in effect on January 1, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1975
Federal Oil and Gas Corporation Act - Creates a body corporate by the name of the "Federal Oil and Gas Corporation" which shall establish and administer on Federal land a national program of natural gas and oil exploration and development. Prohibits the Directors of such Corporation from having a financial interest in any corporation engaged in the business of distributing and selling natural gas or oil to the public nor in any corporation engaged in the business of natural gas or oil exploration, development, transportation or use, nor shall any Director have any interest in any business which may be affected by the activities of the Corporation. Provides that the Corporation shall have the power to explore for natural gas and oil on Federal, State, foreign, or private lands; develop and sell natural gas or oil discovered by exploration, or otherwise obtained by sale, lease, purchase, exchange, or contract; and to build and operate all those facilities necessary for the development or sale of such resources; construct, lease, purchase, or authorize the construction of transmission pipelines within transmission distance from the place where such oil and gas is produced and to interconnect with other systems; and to incur debt for capital purposes. States that such debt may be incurred in the form of bonds, debentures, equipment trust certificates, conditional sale agreements, or any other form of securities, agreements, or obligations. Provides that any Federal agency or department having authority to lease, sell, or otherwise dispose of Federal lands or rights to natural gas or oil which is or may be located on Federal lands, including offshore rights, shall, upon the receipt of a request of the Corporation grant the Corporation such right to develop without payment within ninety days after the receipt of such request. Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting for the Secretary of the Navy, to transfer possession of certain properties inside the naval petroleum and oil shale reserves, which are subject to such Secretary's jurisdiction and control, to the Corporation. Directs the Corporation to build, lease, or purchase refining facilities for the crude oil, natural gas, or oil, it produces or otherwise obtains only if it is unable to make sales of such products in a manner which will promote competition among suppliers of such products. States that sale of natural gas or oil by the Corporation shall be made at fair and reasonable prices designed to promote competition among suppliers of these energy resources. Requires that, in selling natural gas or oil, the Corporation shall give price, supply, or delivery preference to States, political subdivisions of States, and independent refiners. States that it shall be the objective of the Corporation to prevent all adverse environmental impacts associated with the activities of the Corporation which will likely impose an unacceptable cumulative burden of pollution or degradation upon the natural resources of the vicinity and the region. Provides that, prior to the initiation of any program of exploration or the construction of any major facility under this Act, the Corporation shall prepare with the approval of its environmental advisory committee an environmental impact statement pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act. Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to audit the transactions of the Corporation at such times as he shall determine, but not less frequently than once each governmental fiscal year. Authorizes all appropriations necessary to the Corporation for each fiscal year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1975
Energy Information Act - Expresses the findings of Congress and the purposes of this Act. Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Bureau of Energy Information - Establishes as an agency within the Department of Commerce a Bureau of Energy Information to be a main line component of the Social and Economic Statistics Administration, coequal with the Bureau of the Census. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to perform the duties conferred upon the Bureau by this title or delegate any of them. Provides that the Bureau shall be headed by a Director of Energy Information to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that the principal function of the Bureau shall be to operate, maintain, and improve the National Energy Information System established by Title II of this Act. Enumerates the work priorities of the Bureau. Title II: National Energy Information System - Establishes a National Energy Information System, to be operated and maintained by the Bureau. Directs that the components of the System shall be: (1) a public library of energy information; (2) a confidential library of energy information for restricted governmental use; and (3) a secret library of energy information for use only in preparing anonymous statistics. Specifies the characteristics of the System. States that the purpose of the public library is to make available to the general public promptly and conveniently as much of the information in the System as can be released consistently with national security and reasonable competitive equities. States that the purpose of the secret library is to serve the Nation's need for accurate statistical information on mineral fuel reserves, natural energy resources, and energy industries. Directs the Director to place in the secret library information obtained under authority of this Act for which either the national security or reasonable competitive equities require that the information be wholly suppressed or be published only in statistical aggregations of a size and type sufficient to prevent any person from learning or inferring the data furnished by any particular establishment or individual. Prescribes the priorities for entry of information into the System. Enumerates the standards for entry of information into the public, confidential, and secret libraries. Imposes penalties on any employee of the Bureau or other employee who, having taken and subscribed the oath of office, publishes or communicates, without the written authority of the Secretary or the Director, any information coming into his possession by reason of his employment from or for entry in the confidential library or the secret library of the System. Penalizes refusal or neglect to provide information, and the providing of false information, under this Act. Title III: Energy Resources Inventories and Inspections by the Department of the Interior - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to compile, maintain, and keep current on not less than an annual basis an inventory of all mineral fuel reserves and natural energy resources in the public lands of the United States, including the Outer Continental Shelf. Specifies the content of such compilation. Title IV: Information on Mineral Fuel Reserves and Natural Energy Resources - Makes it the duty of every substantial energy resources company, foreign or domestic, engaged in commerce to report annually to the Director full and complete details of all mineral fuel reserves and natural energy resources which it, together with its affiliates, owns or controls anywhere in the world. Provides that all reports required by this title and title V shall be entered by the Director, immediately upon receipt, into one of the three libraries of the System. Title V: Information on the Energy Industries - Makes it the duty of every major energy company, foreign or domestic, engaged in commerce, to report annually to the Director on its assets and operations, worldwide, on an establishment basis. Specifies the content of such reports. Authorizes the requiring of additional reports, at the discretion of the Secretary of Commerce or the Director. Title VI: General Accounting Office Oversight - Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to review and evaluate the procedures and activities of the Bureau. Title VII: Conformance of and with Other Statutes - Provides that whenever any of the information obtained from any major energy company under this Act is contained in any other report of such company, such report having been filed prior to the effective date of this Act, the Director may excuse such company from filing a report with him, containing the same information. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Freedom of Information Act and the Federal Reports Act. Title VIII: Miscellaneous - Provides that if any provision of this Act or the applicability thereof is held invalid the remainder of this Act shall not be affected thereby. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Department of Commerce and the Department of the Interior such amounts, as may be requisite to full and efficient performance of the duties imposed upon such Departments by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1975
Provides that the right of a citizen of the United States, who otherwise is qualified, to vote in any election for Federal office shall not be denied or abridged because he has committed a criminal offense unless such citizen is imprisoned in a correctional institution or facility at the time of such election. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1975
Provides that the right of a citizen of the United States, who otherwise is qualified, to vote in any election for Federal office shall not be denied or abridged because he has committed a criminal offense unless such citizen is imprisoned in a correctional institution or facility at the time of such election. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1975
Establishes within the Treasury an Offender Rehabilitation Fund to be available to the Attorney General as a revolving fund to make loans to releasees not to exceed $150 for any releasee during any calendar month, up to $600 in aggregate for any releasee. Specifies the factors to be taken into account by the Attorney General in determining whether a releasee is in need of loan assistance under this Act. Stipulates that, if the Attorney General determines that it is in the best interest of the releasee not to have money provided directly to him, a loan may be in the form of the purchase of essential needs of the releasee. Specifies the terms and conditions of loans to be made under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund $1,500,000 for fiscal year 1975, to remain available until expended.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1975
Parole Reorganization Act - Establishes, as an independent entity in the Department of Justice, a United States Parole Commission, to consist of a national office and five regional offices. States that the Commission shall have the power to establish general policies, guidelines, rules, and regulations for the Commission, including rules with respect to the factors to be taken into account in determining whether or not a prisoner should be released on parole. Provides that the Commission shall meet not less frequently than quarterly to establish its general policies and rules. States that, whenever confined and serving a definite term or terms of over one hundred and eighty days, a prisoner shall be eligible for release on parole after serving one-third of such term or terms or after serving ten years of a life sentence or of a sentence over thirty years. Stipulates that a prisoner shall be released on parole if his record shows that he has substantially observed the rules of the institution in which he is confined on the date of his eligibility for parole, unless it is determined by an examining panel that he should not be released on such date for one or more of the following reasons: (1) there is a reasonable probability that such prisoner will not live and remain at liberty without violating any criminal law; (2) there is a reasonable probability that such release would be incompatible with the welfare of society; or (3) the prisoner's release on such date would so deprecate the seriousness of his crime as to undermine respect for the law. Requires the regional offices to hold a hearing in making a determination of whether to release a prisoner on parole. Sets forth the procedure to be followed in such hearings. Authorizes the regional Commissions to impose such conditions of parole as are deemed reasonably necessary to insure that the parolee will lead a law-abiding life or to assist him in doing so. Provides, with certain exceptions, that the jurisdiction of the Commission over the parolee shall terminate no later than the date of the expiration of the maximum term or terms for which he was sentenced. States that if the regional commissioner believes that any parolee has violated a condition of his parole, or that there is reason to terminate any parolee's assignment to a center or similar facility, he may order such parolee to appear before him or before a hearing examiner, or issue a warrant and retake the parolee as provided in this Act. Requires that a hearing be held on such a matter. Authorizes the courts to fix eligibility for parole at the time of sentencing of an individual. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to provide that any prisoner shall be eligible for release on parole if such prisoner is ineligible for such release under any other provision of law. Requires the Commission to report annually to each House of Congress on the activities of the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1975
Federal Correctional Ombudsman Act - Establishes an office of the United States Correctional Ombudsman. Provides that the Chief Ombudsman shall have the authority to investigate in such manner as he sees fit, either upon complaint or upon his own initiative, any administrative act of the Bureau of Prisons or the Board of Parole, pertaining to the treatment of any Federal prisoner or parolee, or the conditions in any Federal penal or correctional institution. Provides that if, after any investigation, the chief ombudsman finds that any administrative act is: (1) contrary to law; (2) unreasonable, unfair, oppresive, or unnecessarily discriminatory; (3) based on mistaken ascertainment of fact; (4) based on improper or irrelevant grounds; (5) performed in an inefficient manner; (6) unclear or inadequately explained when reasons should have been revealed; or (7) otherwise objectionable; he shall consult with the appropriate official or employee in order to make a satisfactory disposition of the matter. States that if the Chief Ombudsman believes that an administrative act has been dictated by laws whose results are unfair or otherwise objectionable, he shall notify the appropriate committees of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives. Provides that no information disclosed to any ombudsman or to any staff or employee of the Office in connection with an investigation under this Act shall be disclosed to any other person except to the extent the Chief Ombudsman determines necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act. Requires the Chief Ombudsman to report annually to the Congress on the operations of the Office.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1975
Parole Reorganization Act - Establishes, as an independent entity in the Department of Justice, a United States Parole Commission, to consist of a national office and five regional offices. States that the Commission shall have the power to establish general policies, guidelines, rules, and regulations for the Commission, including rules with respect to the factors to be taken into account in determining whether or not a prisoner should be released on parole. Provides that the Commission shall meet not less frequently than quarterly to establish its general policies and rules. States that, whenever confined and serving a definite term or terms of over one hundred and eighty days, a prisoner shall be eligible for release on parole after serving one-third of such term or terms or after serving ten years of a life sentence or of a sentence over thirty years. Stipulates that a prisoner shall be released on parole if his record shows that he has substantially observed the rules of the institution in which he is confined on the date of his eligibility for parole, unless it is determined by an examining panel that he should not be released on such date for one or more of the following reasons: (1) there is a reasonable probability that such prisoner will not live and remain at liberty without violating any criminal law; (2) there is a reasonable probability that such release would be incompatible with the welfare of society; or (3) the prisoner's release on such date would so deprecate the seriousness of his crime as to undermine respect for the law. Requires the regional offices to hold a hearing in making a determination of whether to release a prisoner on parole. Sets forth the procedure to be followed in such hearings. Authorizes the regional Commissions to impose such conditions of parole as are deemed reasonably necessary to insure that the parolee will lead a law-abiding life or to assist him in doing so. Provides, with certain exceptions, that the jurisdiction of the Commission over the parolee shall terminate no later than the date of the expiration of the maximum term or terms for which he was sentenced. States that if the regional commissioner believes that any parolee has violated a condition of his parole, or that there is reason to terminate any parolee's assignment to a center or similar facility, he may order such parolee to appear before him or before a hearing examiner, or issue a warrant and retake the parolee as provided in this Act. Requires that a hearing be held on such a matter. Authorizes the courts to fix eligibility for parole at the time of sentencing of an individual. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to provide that any prisoner shall be eligible for release on parole if such prisoner is ineligible for such release under any other provision of law. Requires the Commission to report annually to each House of Congress on the activities of the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1975
Provides, under the Clayton Act, that it shall be unlawful for any oil company: (1) to acquire any coal, uranium, or geothermal power asset after the enactment of this Act; or (2) to own or control any coal, uranium, or geothermal power asset after the expiration of 3 years after the enactment of this Act. Requires each oil company which owns or controls any coal, uranium, or geothermal asset to file with the Attorney General such reports resepcting such assets as the Attorney General may by regulation require. Directs the Attorney General to commence a civil action for appropriate relief, including a permanent or temporary injunction, whenever any person violates the provisions of this Act. States that any person who knowingly violates the provisions of this Act shall upon conviction be punished by a fine of not to exceed $100,000 or by imprisonment not exceeding 10 years, or both. Defines the terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1975
States that every person, including a unit of government, who, under color of law, causes any inmate of a State or local correctional facility or jail to be deprived of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution and laws of the United States shall be liable to the inmate in an action for redress, including an application for a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or other order for preventive relief. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action in any appropriate United States district court whenever he has reasonable cause to believe that any person or group of persons, including a unit of government, is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment by an inmate of any rights guaranteed by the Constitution or laws of the United States, and that such denial of rights raises an issue of general public importance.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1975
Authorizes all unmarried individuals to use the same tax tables when computing their tax as are presently applicable to married individuals filing joint returns and to surviving spouses. Authorizes married individuals filing separately to use such table so long as such individual reports all income earned by him or her on the return.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1975
Title I: General Revision of Copyright Law - Provides for the general revision of the Copyright Law, title 17 of the United States Code. Title II: Protection of Ornamental Designs of Useful Articles - Design Protection Act - Provides that the author or other proprietor of an original ornamental design of a useful article may obtain the protection of this title by complying with the enumerated provisions of the title.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish on specified public lands of the United States national petroleum reserves the development of which needs to be regulated in a manner consistent with the total energy needs of the Nation, including but not limited to, national defense. Requires the Secretary to review the potential for oil and gas production, in the State of Alaska, and to submit to Congress within one year a plan of development.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Freedom from Surveillance Act - Provides a penalty of a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, for any U.S. civil officer who maintains surveillance over, or maintains records regarding the beliefs, associations, political activities, or private affairs any U.S. citizen, or regarding the beliefs, membership, or political activities of any group or organization of citizens. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be deemed either to limit or enlarge such legal authority of the United States as may exist to: (1) collect or maintain information relevant to an investigation of a person who has committed or is suspected on reasonable grounds to have committed a felony; and (2) collect and maintain information relevant to lawful investigations of persons who have applied for employment with the United States, who are employees, or who are contractors of prospective contractors of the United States. Makes a civil officer who violates this Act liable for damages to any person, group, or organization that has been the object of conduct prohibited by this Act. Allows actual damages, punitive damages (not to exceed $1,000), and the costs of any successful action. Permits a class action in specified circumstances. Allows a civil action to be brought in U.S. district courts, which shall have jurisdiction over such action without regard to the pecuniary amount in controversy. Defines the terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1975
Specifies that the provisions of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stocks Piling Act regarding the acquisition and development of strategic raw materials shall not apply to regulations or prohibitions pertaining to economic relations and/or communications with foreign nations or foreign nationals which are established under the authority of the United Nations Participation Act in response to sanctions imposed by the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1975
Provides that the charge to a household for its food stamp allotment under the Food Stamp Act of 1964 shall not exceed the lesser of (1) the level established as of January 1, 1975, or (2) 25 percent of the household's income. Provides that, effective July 1, 1975, households in which all members receive supplemental security income benefits under the Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled program of the Social Security Act, or households in which all members are included in a federally aided public assistance or general assistance grant shall be certified for participation in the food stamp program under this Act. States that certification of all other households shall be based on the uniform national standards for eligibility required to be established under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Quality Dairy Imports Act - States that no dairy product shall be imported into the United States unless it has been inspected and found to be wholesome and unless the foreign farms and plants in which such products were produced, manufactured, or processed comply with all the inspection, grading and other standards comparable to domestic standards that are prescribed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare pursuant to the provisions of this Act. Provide for a certificate issued by the exporting country assuring compliance with prescribed standards as to the quality of the milk farm, plant facilities, equipment, and procedures used in the production and transportation of milk, and the production, manufacture, and processing of all imported dairy products. Requires all imported dairy products, after entry into the United States, to be subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and other dairy product inspection Acts. Provides for cooperation between the Secretary and foreign governments as well as other executive departments in carrying out this Act, and authorizes necessary inspections and investigations. Prescribes a fine of not more than $5,000 and imprisonment for not more than six months, or both, for violation of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Prescription Drug Patent Licensing Act - Requires that whenever the Federal Trade Commission, upon complaint made to it by a qualified applicant for a license under a drug patent, determines through an investigation and hearing that such application for license was not granted and that the price quoted to druggists by the patentee is more than 500 percent of the total cost of production, the Commission shall order such patentee to grant an unrestricted license to any qualified applicant to make, use, and sell such drug. States that the Commission may delay such order up to five years to provide a fair return on the patentee's invested capital. (Adds 35 U.S.C. 294)
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Prescription Drug Freshness Act - Requires that over-the-counter drugs whose effectiveness or potency becomes diminished after storage must be prominently labeled by the manufacturer as to the date beyond which the product shall not be used. Requires that similar prescription drugs be similarly labeled by the retailer dispensing the product.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Prescription Drug Labeling Act - Requires that in the labeling and advertising of drugs sold by prescription the "established name" of such drug must appear each time their proprietary name is used.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Prescription Drug Price Information Act - Requires drug retailers to post prominently a list of the prices of the one hundred prescription drug products that had the highest dollar volume of retail sales by such drug retailer. Enables any person, including States, to commence a civil action to obtain an injunction restraining any drug retailer from violating this Act. Prescribtion Drug Advertising Act - Directs the Federal Trade Commission, in cooperation with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and with the appropriate agency of any State, to establish programs and procedures to implement the advertising, at the discretion of vendors, of prescription drug prices, and to eliminate any legal impediments to such advertising. Defines as an unfair act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act the prohibition or burdening of advertising of prescription drug prices.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Consumer Food Labeling Act - Title I: Truth in Food Labeling Act - Truth in Food Labeling Act - Requires, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that the labels on all foods disclose each of their ingredients in order of predominance and the amounts of the ingredients in the food. Title II: Nutritional Labeling Act - Nutritional Labeling Act - Requires any packaged consumer food product to be labeled by the processor in conformity with specified information, including: with respect to processed food products, an analysis of nutritional contents including fat content, vitamin and protein value, fats and fatty acids, calories, and any other nutritional information deemed appropriate. Requires such lable to contain a statement of the nutritional value of the food commodity, and to appear in conspicuous and easily legible type on the package. Provides that the label of any packaged consumer product which has been packaged in a container of any given net content (by weight or volume) and which afterwards is packaged in a container of a different net content, shall conspicuously set forth the amount of difference. States that the appropriate Federal agencies shall prescribe regulations to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides for injunctions in Federal courts to assure compliance with this Act. Prescribes a civil penalty of not to exceed $1,000 for any willful violation of this Act; such sum to be assessed by the appropriate agency and enforced in a Federal court in the name of the United States. Title III: Open Dating of Perishable Food Act - Open Dating of Perishable Food Act - Provides, under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, that no person who manufactures or packages a perishable or semiperishable food in the form in which it is sold by retail distributors to consumers may distribute for purposes of sale a perishable or semiperishable food packaged by him in such form unless he has labeled such packaged to show the pull date for such food and the optimum temperature and humidity conditions for its storage by the ultimate consumer. Provides, with certain exceptions, that no retail distributor may sell, offer to sell, or display for sale any food whose pull date has expired. States that no person may place packages on foods in shipping containers or wrappings unless such containers or wrappings are labeled by him to show the pull date. Provides that no person may change, alter, deface or remove before sale to the ultimate consumer any pull date. States that any person who violates any provision of this Act shall be imprisoned for not more than one year or fined not more than $5,000, or both. Provides that the United States district courts shall have jurisdiction to restrain violations of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to submit an annual report to the Congress concerning activities and enforcement of this Act. Title IV: Marketing Practices Disclosure Act - Marketing Practices Disclosure Act - Requires that labels on packaged foods contain the names and places of business of the manufacturer, packer and distributor, rather than just one of the three. Title V: Consumer Food Grading Act - Consumer Food Grading Act - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, after consultation with representatives of consumers, producers, and processors, to develop and promulgate a system of retail qualify grade designations for consumer food products expressed in a uniform nomenclature. Authorizes the Secretary to determine the manner in which the system of consumer food grade designations shall be displayed and disseminated to the public. Provides that in developing and updating quality grade standards, consideration shall be given to the nutritional quality and wholesomeness of food products, as well as the acceptability of the products. Requires that any food products sold more than nine months after the promulgation of applicable quality standards in accordance with this Act shall either be conspicuously labeled in accordance with such standards or shall be conspicuously labeled "not quality graded by the United States Department of Agriculture". Title VI: Unit Pricing Act - Unit Pricing Act - Provides that no person engaged in business in the sale at retail of any packaged consumer commodity which has been distributed in commerce, or the distribution of which affect commerce, shall sell, offer for sale, or display for sale any such commodity unless: (1) the total selling price of such commodity is plainly marked by a stamp, tag, or label affixed to a principal display panel of the package or by a label or sign at the point of display of such package; and (2) the retail unit price of such commodity is plainly marked by: (a) stamp, tag, or label affixed to a principal display panel of the package, or (b) a label or sign in close proximity to the point of display of such package, which label or sign shall also contain the name and quantity of contents of such commodity. Exempts from the requirement of marking the unit price of commodities: (1) any individual retail outlet which sells or offers for sale packaged consumer commodities and whose total gross sales do not exceed $250,000 per annum, unless such an outlet is one of a number of outlets owned substantially or whose inventory is supplied substantially, by a single person, partnership, or corporation whose total gross sales exceed $500,000 perannum; (2) any retail outlet in any State or any political subdivision thereof which has enacted mandatory unit pricing laws and whose laws, in the judgment of the Federal promulgating authority, are in scope and comprehensiveness superior to the requirements of this Act; except that retailers (including chainstores and affiliated stores) who operate outlets in any such geographical area shall be subject to the unit pricing requirement of this Act if they also operate outlets in one or more other States or political subdivisions. Title VII: New Ingredient Notification Act - New Ingredient Notification Act - Requires a food to carry a label setting forth in a conspicuous manner any change in its ingredients for six months after such change. Title VIII: Misleading Brand Names Act - Misleading Brand Names Act - Expands the meaning of "unfair or deceptive act or practice" under the Federal Trade Commission Act to inlcude advertising a brand name of a product which inherently misleads the public as to the product's value, quantity, quality of contents, or performance.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Family Farm Antitrust Act - Finds that vertical integration of the agricultural industry by corporations engaged in the processing, distributing and retail industries, and other conglomerate corporations, tends to create monopolies in the agricultural indsutry and produce unfair competition for family farms, contributing to the decline of rural populations and the consequent crowding of metropolitan centers. Declares it to be the national policy to restore competition to the agricultural industry and to provide for the continuance of the family farm. Provides that no person engaged in commerce in a business other than farming, whose nonfarming business assets exceed $3,000,000 shall engage in farming or the production of agricultural products, or participate in farming by any means of acquisition or control of another person who is engaged in farming. Specifies exceptions including charitable, educational, or nonprofit institutions, and farmer owned and controlled cooperatives. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire at fair market value any property or interest of which a person is required to divest himself under the provisions of this Act, if the person is otherwise unable to divest himself of such property. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Federal Criminal Code Reform Act - Chapter 1: Preliminary Provisions - Provides that no person may be convicted of an offense unless each element of the offense is proved beyond a reasonable doubt. Sets forth the requirements and effects of statutory presumptions. Defines terms used in this Act. Chapter 2: Federal Penal Jurisdiction - Describes the general, special (territorial and maritime), and extraterritorial jurisdictions of the United States. Chapter 3: Basis of Criminal Liability; Culpability; Causation - Provides that a person commits an offense under this Act only if: (1) he engages in conduct which is declared to be an offense, and (2) he engages in such conduct intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, negligently, or willfully. Chapter 4: Complicity - Declares that a person may be convicted of an offense based upon the conduct of another person when: (1) acting with the kind of culpability required for the offense he causes the other to engage in such conduct; or (2) with intent that an offense be committed, he commands, induces, procures, or aids the other to commit it or, having a legal duty to prevent its commission, he fails to make proper effort to do so; or (3) he is a coconspirator and his association with the offense meets the requirements of either (1) or (2) above. Establishes standards for the criminal liability of organizations. Stipulates that a person is criminally liable for any conduct which he performs or causes to be performed in the name of an organization or on its behalf to the same extent as if the conduct was performed or caused to be performed in his own name or behalf. Chapter 5: Responsibility Defense: Juveniles; Intoxication; Mental Disease or Defect Provides that the prosecution of any person as an adult shall be barred if the offense was committed: (1) when he was less than fifteen years old in any case, or when he was less than sixteen years old in the case of offenses other than murder, aggravated assualt, rape, and aggravated involuntary sodomy; or (2) when he was less than eighteen years old unless trial as an adult is ordered by the district court to promote justice. Disallows the defense of intoxication in a criminal proceeding unless the intoxication: (1) is not self-induced, or (2) if self-induced, is grossly excessive in degree, given the amount of the intoxicant, to which the actor does not know he is susceptible, or if by reason of such intoxication the actor at the time of his conduct lacked substantial capacity either to appreciate its criminality or to conform his conduct to the requirements of law. Provides that a person is not responsible for criminal conduct if at the time of such conduct it was a result of mental disease or defect for which he lacked substantial capacity to appreciate the criminality of his conduct or to conform his conduct to the requirements of law. Chapter 6: Defenses Involving Justification and Excuse - Lists and describes the following defenses to prosecution: justification; execution of public duty; self defense; defense of others; use of force by persons with parental, custodial, or similar responsibilities; defense of premises and property; excuse; mistake of law; or duress. Chapter 7: Temporal and Other Restraints on Prosecution - Sets forth the statute of limitations for specified offenses. Describes the affirmative defense of entrapment. List types and requirements of former prosecutions which may be a bar to a present prosecution. Sets forth the circumstances necessary for a Federal prosecution to be a bar to a subsequent prosecution by a local government. Chapter 10: Offense of General Applicability - Provides that a person is guilty of criminal attempt if, acting with the kind of culpability otherwise required for commission of a crime, he intentionally engages in conduct which, in fact, constitutes a substantial step toward commission of the crime. States that a person is guilty of criminal facilitation if he knowingly provides substantial assistance to a person intending to commit a felony, and that person, in fact, commits the crime contemplated, or a like or related felony, employing the assistance so provided. Defines the offense of criminal solicitation and provides that criminal solicitation is an offense of the class next below that of the crime solicited. Declares that a person is guilty of conspiracy if he agrees with one or more persons to engage in or cause the performance of conduct which, in fact, constitutes a crime or crimes, and any one or more of such persons does an act to effect an objective of the conspiracy. Chapter 11: National Security - Defines the following crimes involving National Security: (1) treason; (2) participating in or facilitating war against the United States within its territory; (3) armed insurrection; (4) paramilitary activities; (5) sabotage; (6) recklessly impairing military effectiveness; (7) intentionally impairing defense functions; (8) avoiding military service obligations; (9) obstruction of recruiting or induction into Armed Forces; (10) causing insubordination in the Armed Forces; (11) impairing military effectiveness by false statement; (12) espionage; (13) mishandling national security information; (14) misuse of classified communications information; (15) misuse of classified information by public servant; (16) receiving classified information; (17) wartime censorship of communications; (18) harboring or concealing national security offenders; (19) aiding deserters; (20) aiding escape of prisoner of war or enemy alien; (21) offenses relating to vital material; and (22) failing to register as a person trained in foreign espionage service. Chapter 12: Foreign Relations, Immigration, and Nationality - States that a person is guilty of a criminal offense if he: (1) launches an air attack from the United States against a friendly power; (2) organizes a military expedition assembled in the United States to engage in armed hostilities against a friendly power; or (3) within the United States, joins or knowingly provides substantial resources or transportation from the United States to a military expedition described in (2) above. Defines the offenses of unlawful entry into the United States, hindering discovery of an illegal entrant, and fraudulent acquisition or improper use of naturalization, evidence of citizenship, or United States passport. Chapter 13: Integrity and Effectiveness of Government Operations - Defines the offense of: (1) physical obstruction of Government function; (2) preventing, arrest, or discharge of other duties; (3) hindering law enforcement; (4) aiding consummation of crime; (5) failure to appear after release; bail jumping; (6) escape; (7) public servants permitting escape; (8) inciting or leading riot in detention facilities; (9) introducing or possessing contraband useful for escape; (10)flight to avoid prosecution or giving testimony; (11) tampering with witnesses and informants in proceedings; (12) tampering with informants in criminal investigations; (13) tampering with physical evidence; (14) harassment of and communication with jurors; (15) demonstrating to influence judicial proceedings; (16) eavesdropping on jury deliberations; (17) nondisclosure of retainer in criminal matter; (18) criminal contempt; (19) failure to appear as witness, to produce information, or to be sworn; (20) refusal to testify; (21) hindering proceedings by disorderly conduct; (22) disobedience of judicial order; (23) soliciting obstruction of proceedings; (24) perjury; (25) false statements; (26) false statement obstructing the foreign relations of the United States; (27) false reports to security officials; (28) tampering with public records; (29) bribery; (30) unlawful rewarding of public servants; (31) unlawful compensation for assistance in Government matters; (32) trading in public office and political endorsement; (33) trading in special influence; (34) threatening public servants; (35) retaliation; (36) disclosure of confidential information provided to Government; (37) speculating or wagering on official action or information, and (38) impersonating officials. Chapter 14: Internal Revenue and Customs Offenses - Defines the crimes of tax evasion, smuggling, and other related crimes. Chapter 15: Civil Rights and Elections - Enumerates various civil rights offenses. Makes it a crime to obstruct, impair, or prevent the lawful conduct of an election or to obstruct voter registration for such election. Declares it to be a crime to intercept mail, wire, or an oral communication. Chapter 16: Offenses Involving Danger to the Person - Lists specified crimes against the person, including: (1) murder; (2) manslaughter; (3) negligent homicide; (4) simple assault; (5) aggravated assault; (6) reckless endangerment; (7) terrorizing; (8) threats against the President and successors to the Presidency; (9) menacing; (10) criminal coercion; (11) harassment; (12) kidnaping; (13) felonious restraint; (14) unlawful imprisonment; (15) usurping control of aircraft; (16) rape; (17) gross sexual imposition; (18) aggravated involuntary sodomy; (19) involuntary sodomy; (20) corruption of minors; (21) sexual abuse of wards; and (22) sexual assualt. Chapter 17: Offenses Against Property - Establishes crimes relating to the conduct of such activities as arson, burglary, robbery, forgery, counterfeiting, and other offenses against property. Chapter 18: Offenses Against Public Order, Health, Safety, and Sensibilities - Prescribes crimes against the public order in the areas of riots, firearms, drugs, obscenity, prostitution, gambling, and disorderly conduct. Chapter 30: General Sentencing Provisions - Classifies offenses as class A, B, and C felonies, class A and B misdemeanors, and infractions. Permits a presentence commitment to allow for a study to recommend a sentence which should be imposed on the defendant. Chapter 31: Probation and Unconditional Discharge - Sets forth the authorized terms of probation and conditional discharge for an offender. Enumerates various factors to be considered by the court in determining whether to grant a probation or conditional discharge. States that the discharge shall be such as the court in its discretion deems reasonable and appropriate to assist the offender to lead a law-abiding life. Chapter 32: Imprisonment - Sets forth the maximum limits of imprisonment for each classification of offense. Provides that when multiple sentences of imprisonment are imposed they shall run concurrently unless otherwise specified by the court. States that the sentence of imprisonment of any person convicted of a Federal offense shall commence to run from the date on which such person is received at the institution at which the sentence is to be served. Directs the Bureau of Corrections to give credit toward service of the maximum term and any minimum term of a sentence to imprisonment for all time spent in custody as a result of the offense or acts for which the sentence was imposed. Chapter 33: Fines - Establishes maximum limits on fines for specified classes of offenses. Provides that, in addition to considering the nature and circumstances of the offense and the history and characteristics of the defendant, the court, in determining the amount and method of payment of a fine, shall take into account the financial resources of the defendant, the nature of the burden that payment of the fine will impose, and whether imposition of the fine will prevent the defendant from making restitution or reparation to the victim. Chapter 34: Parole - Declares that every prisoner sentenced to an indefinite term of imprisonment shall be eligible for release on parole upon completion of the service of any minimum term or, if there is no minimum, at any time. Directs the Board of Parole to consider the desirability of parole for each prisoner at least sixty days prior to the expiration of any minimum term or, if there is no mimimum, at least sixty days prior to the expiration of the first year of the sentence. Provides that, whenever the Board of Parole considers the parole of a prisoner who is or soon will be eligible for parole, he shall be released on parole, unless the Board is of the opinion that his release should be deferred because: (1) there is undue risk that he will not conform to reasonable conditions of parole; (2) his release at that time would unduly depreciate the seriousness of his crime or undermine respect for law; (3) his release would have a substantially adverse effect on institutional discipline; or (4) his continued correctional treatment, medical care, or vocational or other training in the institution will substantially enhance his capacity to lead a law-abiding life if he is released at a later date. Provides that the conditions of parole shall be such as the Board of Parole in its discretion deems reasonably necessary to insure that the parolee will lead a law-abiding life or to assist him to do so. Chapter 35: Disqualification from Office and Other Collateral Consequences of Conviction - Declares that a person convicted of any specified crime may, as part of the sentence, be disqualified from any, or a specified, Federal position or category thereof for such period as the court may determine, but no longer than five years following completion of any other imposed sentence. Chapter 36: Life Imprisonment - Provides that the court may impose a sentence of life imprisonment or a sentence up to the maximum term for a class A felony in the following cases: (1) where the defendant has been convicted of treason; (2) where the defendant has been convicted of murder and the court is satisfied that the defendant intended to cause the death of another human being.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Public Disclosure of Lobbying Act-Defines "lobbying" and other terms used in this Act. Requires each lobbyist, within 15 days of becoming a lobbyist, to file a notice of representation with the Federal Edection Commission. Sets forth minimum elements to be contained in such notice. Enumerates those persons required to maintain records of lobbying activities. Sets forth the required form and content of reports to be made to the commission containing such records. Requires GS-15 and above employees of the executive branch to maintain records of communucations received from outside parties expressing opinions or containing information with respect to the policy making process. Directs each executive agency to make such records available for public inspection. Enumerates the powers of the Commission, including the powers: (1) to require any person to submit in writing such reports and answers to question as the Commission may prescribe: and (2) to initiate, prosecute, defend, or appeal any civil or criminal action in the name of the Commission for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Act through its General Counsel. Provides that it shall be the duty of the Commission to perform specified tasks, including; (1) to develop and furnish to lobbyists forms required to be filed under this Act: (2) to develop forms for the filing of records of outside contacts by executive branch employees; and (3) to prepare a manual setting forth recommended uniform methods of bookkeeping and reporting, filing coding, and cross-indexing. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. States the purposes of this Act, including to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a director appointed by the President. States that such office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriation to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1975, $300,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for 5 years, to assist the States in carrying on the work or a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center agency at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar for dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for 6 years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in research institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projectd scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research to advise him on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.25 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or 10 percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mined lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Permits the Secretary to acquire land by condemnation for reclamation. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to implement within 135 days of enactment, a Federal program of enforcement of specified standards to remain in effect until State programs are approved. Directs publication within 180 days of enactment of regulations covering surface coal mining and reclamation, setting standards for State programs. States that such regulations must meet approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Requires States, within 18 months of enactment, to submit programs for carrying out this Act, such programs to include a State regulatory authority capable of regulating surface coal mining, State laws providing for sanctions for violations of regulations, and a permit system for surface coal mining regulation. Demands that such State programs meet the approval of the EPA Administrator. Subjects State programs to approval of Secretary of Interior within 6 months. Requires implementation of a Federal program of surface coal mining regulation where States fail in such implementation. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than this Act. Requires, 30 months after enactment, that no surface coal mining shall take place except where a permit, good for 5 years, has been issued. States that permits application must demonstrate ability and intent to comply with this Act and assurance that reclamation can be achieved. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. States that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage, and a description of the reclamation activities. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Sets general performance standards for environmental protection in surface coal mining which permittees under this Act must meet. Imposes additional standards for steep-slope surface mining. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining, including specified requirements. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides for requirement of record keeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Requires civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Provides that when an operator completes the backfilling, regrading, and drainage control of a bonded area, he may request a release of 60 percent of the bond. Provides that the remaining amount may be returned upon completion of all reclamation. Allows persons with a legal interest to file objections to release of bond, and for public hearings to follow. Permits any person to bring a civil suit against any person, including the United States, alleged to be in violation of this Act. Allows the court to award costs of litigation to parties in suits brought under this Act. Permits the Secretary to intervene in actions under this Act. Allows, where State regulatory authorities do not exist or fail to act, for Federal enforcement of this Act and of permit conditions. Permits issuance of an order to cease mining and reclamation. Provides for the Attorney General to institute civil suit for a restraining order or injunction to enforce this Act or regulations under it. Directs States to designate as unsuitable for surface coal mining those areas where reclamation is impossible or where land is fragile or of historical value. Prohibits existing mining operations from being declared unsuitable. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires such program to, at least, adopt all requirements of this Act. Demands separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet speicified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the President to minimize the adverse impact upon employment of any actions taken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants to the States to provide cash benefits to individuals who have lost their jobs as a direct result of this Act and who are not eligible for unemployment assistance or who have exhausted their unemployment benefits. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act, as follows: (1) $10,000,000 for various contract authority immediately and for the next two fiscal years; (2) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1976 and 1977, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; (3) for research and demonstration projects, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and for each fiscal year thereafter, $250,000 for the Alaskan surface coal mine study; and (4) $500,000 for the study of surface mining of other minerals. Requires the written consent of the owner of the surface rights before the Secretary shall lease Federally-owned mineral rights, and requires compensation to be paid by the lessee to the surface owner.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
News Source and Information Protection Act - Provides that no newsman be required in any State or Federal proceeding to disclose information or the identity of a source of information received or obtained by him in his capacity as a newsman except as qualified by this Act. Declares that any order of a State or United States court pertaining to a claim of privilege on the part of a newsman is subject to judicial review. Provides that appeals be heard at the earliest practicable date. States that this Act should not be construed to impair any State law which secures the minimum privileges established by this Act. Provides that the protection afforded by this Act not be available to a defendant in a defamation suit with respect to the source of any allegedly defamatory information which such defendant asserts a defense based on such source. Declares that if any provision of this Act is declared invalid, the remainder shall not be affected thereby.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Prohibits foreign economic or military assistance to any country which engages in: (1) a consistent pattern of gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, including torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; (2) internment or imprisonment for political purposes; or (3) other flagrant denials of the right of life, liberty, and the security of the person.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Freedom from Military Surveillance Act - Restricts the actions of any civil officer of the United States or any member of the Armed Forces of the United States in using the Armed Forces of the United States to exercise surveillance of civilians or to execute the civil laws. Sets forth penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Surveillance Practices and Procedures Act - Defines the term "foreign agent" for purposes of permissible wire interceptions and interceptions of communications as meaning a person who is engaged in activities which, in the opinion of the Attorney General, are intended to serve the interests of a foreign principal and undermine the security or national defense of the United States. Defines the term "foreign principal" for purposes of this Act. Requires that in January, April, July, and October of each year, the Attorney General shall report to the Committees of the Judiciary and on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committees on the Judiciary and on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives specified information with respect to interceptions of wire or oral communications made during the preceding 3 months pursuant to applications made, and orders and extensions granted or denied, for legal wire interceptions. Directs the President, the Attorney General, and all departments and agencies of the United States to supply to any committee named in this Act, upon request of such committee, any information regarding any interception of wire or oral communications covered by this Act, within 30 days after the receipt of such request.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Provides that the price of milk shall be supported at not less than 90 percent of the parity price during the period from April 1, 1975, to March 31, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Requires the annual disclosure of a personal financial statement, to include that of members of the immediate family, by members of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the Government who are compensated at a rate in excess of $18,000 per year, as well as by candidates for Federal offices. Provides that each report required by this Act shall be made under penalty of perjury, and sets penalties of a $10,000 fine or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both, for violations. Provides that reports filed under this Act will be maintained by the Comptroller General as public records and shall be available for inspection to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the direct popular election of the President and Vice President of the United States. States that each elector shall cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Stipulates that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number be at least 40 percent of the whole number of votes cast for such offices. Authorizes Congress to provide by law for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1975
Establishes a Joint Committee on Central Intelligence composed of nine Members of the Senate to be appointed by the President of the Senate, and nine Members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Requires the joint committee to make continuing studies of the intelligence activities and problems relating to the gathering of intelligence affecting the national security and of its coordination and utilization by the various departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Government. Requires the Central Intelligence Agency and other services engaged in foreign intelligence activities to keep the joint committee fully and currently informed with respect to their activities. Provides that all bills, resolutions, and other matters in the Senate or the House of Representatives relating primarily to the Central Intelligence Agency and to other services engaged in foreign intelligence activities shall be referred to the joint committee.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1974
Changes the Jury Selection and Service Act of 1968 to permit any person who having been convicted of a felony and has been restored to his civil rights to serve on grand or petit juries of the United States district courts.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1974
Title I: Increases the authorizations of specified appropriations, under the Land and Water Conservation Funds Act, for land and water conservation funds. Sets additional requirements on the State grant programs administered under such Act. Title II: Establishes the historic preservation fund in the Treasury. Provides that during the period concering July 1, 1975, and ending June 30, 1989, there shall be covered into such fund $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; and 100,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and each fiscal year thereafter, from revenues due to the United States under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and the rental and sale of public lands for lease under Federal law (30 U.S.C. 191).
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1974
Provides a penalty of one year imprisonment, or a $1,000 fine, or both, for failure of a convicted person to surrender himself to the Attorney General in accordance with the direction of the court.
![Official portrait of Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/k000020_200.jpg)