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United States · Official source
2,652 records where Rep. Kennelly, Barbara B. [D-CT-1] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal certain provisions concerning the filing of consolidated returns by insurance companies.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1998
Establishes the National Museum of Women's History Advisory Committee. Directs the Advisory Committee to study matters relating to: (1) a site for the Museum in Washington, D.C.; (2) a business plan for the Museum's creation and maintenance, to be funded solely through private contributions; and (3) assisting the Museum's collection and programs. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide administrative services, facilities, support, and funds for the performance of the Advisory Committee's duties.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1998
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding breast cancer, mammograms, biopsies, and related awareness, availability, and research.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1998
Medicare HMO Improvement Act of 1998 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with regard to contracts with Medicare+Choice organizations to: (1) provide for extension of the initial Medicare+Choice contract period from one year to three years; and (2) require termination of any contract with an organization that terminates coverage for any part of a metropolitan statistical area (or a New England County Metropolitan Area). Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to delay the effectiveness of a Medicare+Choice organization's termination of its plan with respect to all individuals in an area, if: (1) the termination would cause an imminent and serious health risk to enrollees; (2) the termination would result in a significant reduction in the Medicare+Choice plans available in the area affected; or (3) the chief executive officer of the State in which the termination occurs requests such a delay. Provides for continuity of care, for a limited period, in certain cases of involuntary termination (other than for cause) of an individual's enrollment with a Medicare+Choice plan.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1998
Allows, for taxable year 1998, nonrefundable personal credits to fully offset regular tax liability.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income a Holocaust victims' settlement payment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1998
Energy Efficient Technology Tax Act - Establishes: (1) an energy credit based on the energy efficiency of energy properties and passenger vehicles; (2) a reforestation credit; and (3) a credit for certain nonbusiness energy property. Defines terms. Increases the exclusion allowed from gross income as a "qualified transportation fringe" benefit. Extends, by five years, the placed in service date of a qualified energy resources facility.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1998
Open Space Protection Act of 1998 - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Act of 1965 to appropriate from the Land and Water Conservation Fund $900 million for every fiscal year from FY 1999 through 2015, with specified portions available for: (1) Federal purposes (Federal share); (2) financial assistance to the States for State and local natural areas, open space, parklands, or recreational areas; (3) grants to local governments through the Urban Parks and Recreation Recovery Program; (4) grants (through FY 2004) for land acquisition in connection with the American Battlefield Protection Program; and (5) grants (for FY 2004 through 2014) for the restoration and acquisition of historical and cultural sites found within the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and the National Forest Service. (Sec. 3) Requires the President to: (1) require the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to prepare Federal priority lists for expenditure of the Federal share; and (2) name in the annual budget submission the specific purposes for which the Secretaries shall use such funds, unless Congress specifies otherwise. (Sec. 4) Requires Indian-Alaska Native Village Corporations to be treated as one State for allocation purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to approve conversion of property improved or developed with Federal assistance to other than public recreation uses only if the State demonstrates no prudent or feasible alternative exists (with the exception of those properties that are no longer viable as an outdoor conservation and recreation facility due to changes in demographics, or that must be abandoned because of environmental contamination endangering public health and safety). Requires any conversion to satisfy any conditions the Secretary deems necessary to assure the substitution of other conservation and recreation properties which are: (1) of at least equal market value and reasonably equivalent usefulness and location; and (2) in accord with the existing State Plan for Conservation and Recreation. Declares that wetland areas and interests identified in the action agenda, and proposed for acquisition as suitable replacement property (acceptable to the Secretary) within that same State, shall be considered to be of reasonably equivalent usefulness with the property proposed for conversion. (Sec. 5) Amends the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act to include in the list of local governments eligible to compete for Federal assistance grants for the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program: (1) all political subdivisions included in Metropolitan, Primary, or Consolidated Statistical Areas; (2) any other city or town within a Metropolitan Area with a total population of 50,000 or more in the 1970, 1980, 1990, or subsequent census; and (3) any other political subdivision, county, parish, or township with a total of 250,000 or more in the 1970, 1980, 1990, or subsequent census. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make to local governments matching capital: (1) development grants to cover costs of development and construction on existing or new neighborhood recreation sites, including indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, support facilities, and landscaping (but not routine maintenance and upkeep activities); and (2) acquisition grants to cover the direct and incidental costs of purchasing new parkland to be permanently dedicated and made accessible for public conservation and recreation. Authorizes the Secretary to approve conversion of property improved or developed with Federal assistance to other than public recreation uses only if the grantee demonstrates no prudent or feasible alternative exists (with the exception of those properties that are no longer a viable recreation facility due to changes in demographics or that must be abandoned because of environmental contamination endangering public health and safety). Requires any conversion to satisfy any conditions the Secretary deems necessary to assure the substitution of other conservation and recreation properties which are: (1) of at least equal market value and reasonably equivalent usefulness and location; and (2) in accord with the current conservation and recreation recovery action program. Repeals the prohibition against using funds under such Act to acquire land or interests in land.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to nonrefundable personal credits to revise the limitation based on the amount of tax to provide that the aggregate amount allowed for such credits shall not exceed the sum of: (1) the taxpayer's regular tax liability; and (2) the alternative minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1998
Long-Term Care and Retirement Security Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a deduction for eligible long-term health care premiums for an individual who is not eligible for an employer-subsidized long-term care health plan.
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1998
Capital Gains Tax Simplification Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that, if for any taxable year a non-corporate taxpayer has a net capital gain, 38 percent of such gain shall be a deduction from gross income regardless of whether or not the taxpayer itemizes other deductions. Makes such deduction inapplicable to the alternative minimum tax. Revises provisions concerning the maximum and the regular tax on net capital gain for purposes of the alternative minimum tax. Repeals the tax preference for exclusion for gains on the sale of certain small business stock. Treats, as a general rule, any gain or loss from the sale or exchange of a collectible as a short-term gain or loss without regard to the period the asset was held. Amends the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, with respect to maximum capital gains rates for individuals, to repeal the allowance of an election to recognize gain on assets held on January 1, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1998
Establishes the U.S. Capitol Police Memorial Fund on behalf of the families of Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the U.S. Capitol Police.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1998
Declares that the Congress honors the memory of Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the U.S. Capitol Police for the selfless acts of heroism they displayed on July 24, 1998, in sacrificing their lives in the line of duty so that others might live. Provides that, when the House of Representatives adjourns on this date and when the Senate adjourns or recesses on this date, they shall do so out of respect for the memory of Officers Gibson and Chestnut.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1998
Authorizes the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a memorial service for Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the U.S. Capitol Police. Directs the Architect of the Capitol to place a plaque in honor of the memory of Officers Gibson and Chestnut at an appropriate site in the U.S. Capitol, with the approval of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. Directs the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives to make arrangements for funeral services for Officers Gibson and Chestnut, including payments for travel expenses of immediate family members, and for expenses incurred by Members of the House of Representatives in attending such services. Directs the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives to pay survivor's gratuities to the widows of Officers Gibson and Chestnut. Expresses the sense of the Congress that there should be established under law a U.S. Capitol Police Memorial Fund for the surviving spouses and children of members of the U.S. Capitol Police who are slain in the line of duty.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1998
Structured Settlement Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose an excise tax on persons acquiring structured settlement payments in factoring transactions; and (2) set forth related reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1998
Directs the Secretary of State to establish a cultural and training program for disadvantaged individuals from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Declares that the purpose of such program is to provide such individuals with the experience of living and working in a multicultural society while obtaining valuable work skills and experience. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize 60-month nonimmigrant visas for an alien having a residence in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland (which the alien has no intention of abandoning) who is coming temporarily to the United States as a participant in a United States-Northern Ireland-Republic of Ireland cultural and training program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1998
VAWA Restoration Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to modify procedures and provide special rules for battered spouses and children with respect to: (1) adjustment of status; and (2) removal and deportation.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1998
Small Business Employee Retirement Protection Act of 1998 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to establish requirements, for pension plans covering less than 100 participants, relating to holders of plan assets and to annual asset statements.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1998
Kate Mullany National Historic Site Act - Establishes the Kate Mullany National Historic Site in New York State. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop and submit to specified congressional committees a general management plan for the Site. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Pension Access and Coverage Subtitle A: Improved Access to Individual Retirement Savings Subtitle B: Secure Money Annuity or Retirement (SMART) Trusts Subtitle C: Improved Fairness in Retirement Plan Benefits Title II: Security Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: ERISA Enforcement Subtitle C: Increase in Excise Tax on Employer Reversions Title III: Portability Title IV: Comprehensive Women's Pension Protection Subtitle A: Pension Reform Subtitle B: Protection of Rights of Former Spouses to Pension Benefits Under Certain Government and Government-Sponsored Retirement Programs Subtitle C: Modifications of Joint and Survivor Annuity Requirements Title V: Date for Adoption of Plan Amendments Retirement Accessibility, Security, and Portability Act of 1998 - Title I: Pension Access and Coverage - Subtitle A: Improved Access to Individual Retirement Savings - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to allow a tax credit for up to a maximum $500 of the qualified start-up costs of eligible small employers in establishing a qualified pension plan or qualified employer payroll deduction system. (Sec. 102) Provides for an exclusion from an employee's gross income of payroll deduction contributions to individual retirement accounts (IRAs). (Sec. 103) Provides for a nonrefundable tax credit for contributions to individual retirement plans. (Sec. 104) Allows the use without penalty of distributions from certain plans during periods of unemployment. Subtitle B: Secure Money Annuity or Retirement (SMART) Trusts - Establishes a defined benefit plan option for small businesses, to be known as secure money annuity or retirement (SMART) trusts. Subtitle C: Improved Fairness in Retirement Plan Benefits - Amends the IRC to require a specified minimum employer contribution to SIMPLE retirement accounts. Provides for an employer option to suspend contributions with 30-days' notice. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) with respect to fiduciary duties in the case of such accounts. (Sec. 122) Amends the IRC to set forth various nondiscrimination rules for qualified cash or deferred arrangements and matching contributions. (Sec. 123) Increases from $75,000 to $80,000 per year specified compensation criteria for a highly compensated employee. Excludes specified categories of employees with respect to age, short length of service, and part-time service from the meaning of highly compensated employee. (Sec. 124) Includes multiemployer plans, as well as governmental plans, under specified provisions of IRC for: (1) special limitation rules relating to compensation limits; and (2) exemptions for survivor and disability benefits. (Sec. 125) Declares that compensation deferred under a mirror plan shall not be taken into account in applying certain limits (with respect to deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations) to compensation deferred under any other deferred compensation plan. (Sec. 126) Amends specified Federal law relating to Federal employees to allow immediate participation in the Thrift Savings Plan for Federal employees by eliminating certain waiting periods. (Sec. 127) Amends IRC and ERISA to set a full funding limitation for multiemployer plans. (Sec. 128) Eliminates IRC partial termination rules for multiemployer plans. (Sec. 129) Replaces the 150 percent of current liability factor in the calculation of the full-funding limit with an incremental scale from 155 percent in 1998 to 170 percent in 2001, followed by zero in 2002 and succeeding years. Title II: Security - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Amends ERISA to revise requirements for periodic pension benefits statements. (Sec. 202) Applies an ERISA requirement for annual, detailed investment reports to certain IRC section 401(k) plans. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary of Labor, in prescribing regulations for required information in such reports, to consider including specified types of information. (Sec. 204) Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on: (1) the extent to which pension plans invest in collectibles; and (2) whether such investments present a risk to the pension security of the participants and beneficiaries of such plans. (Sec. 205) Amends IRC to prohibit qualified employer plans from making loans through credit cards and other intermediaries. (Sec. 206) Increases the amounts of multiemployer plan benefits guaranteed under ERISA. (Sec. 207) Increases the maximum amount of the civil penalty which may be assessed administratively for certain prohibited transactions. (Sec. 208) Amends ERISA with respect to substantial owner benefits to revise the phase-in of guarantee and the allocation of assets. (Sec. 209) Directs the Secretary to report annually to the President and the Congress on plans from which residual assets were distributed to employers (reversion report). Subtitle B: ERISA Enforcement - Amends ERISA enforcement provisions to change from mandatory to discretionary the Secretary's authority to impose certain civil penalties for breach of fiduciary responsibilities. (Sec. 212) Revises reporting and enforcement requirements for employee benefit plans. Requires plan administrators and accountants to notify the Secretary: (1) of specified irregularities; and (2) upon termination of the accountant. Authorizes the Secretary to impose civil penalties for failure to make such notifications. (Sec. 213) Sets forth additional ERISA requirements for qualified public accountants. (Sec. 214) Directs the Inspector General of the Department of Labor to study, and report to the Congress and the Secretary on, the need for regulatory standards and procedures to authorize the Secretary, in appropriate cases, to prohibit persons from serving as qualified accountants for purposes of specified annual reports. Subtitle C: Increase in Excise Tax on Employer Reversions - Amends the IRC to increase the excise tax on reversions of qualified employee benefit plan assets to employers. Title III: Portability - Amends ERISA and the IRC to provide for faster vesting of employer matching contributions. (Sec. 302) Revises certain restrictions on distributions from IRC section 401(k) plans. (Sec. 303) Amends ERISA and the IRC with respect to an accrued benefit not to be decreased by plan amendment to revise the treatment of transfers between defined contribution plans. (Sec. 304) Amends ERISA rules requiring transfer of benefits of missing participants to direct the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) to prescribe similar rules for multiemployer plans that terminate. Requires transfer of missing participants' plan benefits to the PBGC by certain plans not otherwise subject to ERISA enforcement provisions. (Sec. 305) Allows rollovers from and to the IRC section 403(b) plans. (Sec. 306) Amends the IRC to set forth requirements relating to rollover contributions from deferred compensation plans of State and local governments. (Sec. 307) Extends the IRC 60-day rollover period in the case of presidentially declared disasters and service in combat zones. (Sec. 308) Excludes from gross income, for certain IRC purposes, amounts involved in a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer to a defined benefit governmental plan, if such transfer is for: (1) purchase of service credit under such plan; or (2) a specified type of repayment. Title IV: Comprehensive Women's Pension Protection - Subtitle A: Pension Reform - Amends the IRC and ERISA to provide for the spouse's right to know specified distribution information relating to survivor annuities. Provides for the employee's right to know of the opportunity for elective contributions under IRC section 401(k) plans. (Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary of Labor to contract with an independent organization to create a women's pension toll-free phone number and contact. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 403) Amends the Social Security Act to modify the government pension offset with respect to certain insurance benefits for wives, husbands, widows, widowers, and mothers and fathers. (Sec. 404) Amends the IRC and ERISA to treat periods of family and medical leave, under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, as hours of service for purposes of pension participation and vesting. (Sec. 405) Amends the IRC to: (1) disallow integration for simplified employee pensions; and (2) provide for eventual repeal of certain pension integration rules. (Sec. 406) Amends the IRC and ERISA with respect to division of pension benefits upon divorce, at the former spouse's election, to deem any State divorce decree to be a domestic relations order specifying that half of the marital share of the participant's accrued benefit is to be provided to such former spouse. (Sec. 407) Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (RRA) to entitle divorced spouses to railroad retirement annuities independent of the employee's actual entitlement. Subtitle B: Protection of Rights of Former Spouses to Pension Benefits Under Certain Government and Government-Sponsored Retirement Programs - Amends RRA to extend Tier II railroad retirement benefits to surviving former spouses pursuant to divorce agreements. (Sec. 412) Amends Federal civil service law with respect to survivor annuities for widows, widowers, and former spouses of Federal employees who die before attaining the age for deferred annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). (Sec. 413) Amends Federal civil service law with respect to payment of lump-sum benefits to former spouses of Federal employees under CSRS and the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS). Subtitle C: Modifications of Joint and Survivor Annuity Requirements - Modifies ERISA and IRC requirements for joint and survivor annuities to provide for an alternative joint and two-thirds survivor annuity payable while both the participant and the spouse are alive. (Sec. 422) Requires spousal consent for distributions from the IRC section 401(k) plans. Title V: Date for Adoption of Plan Amendments - Sets forth dates for adoption of plan amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1998
Condemns the repressive policies of the Government of the former Soviet Union during the Ukrainian Famine of 1932-1933. Expresses the sense of the Congress: (1) in remembrance of the victims of the Famine; and (2) that any supplemental material that will assist in disseminating information about the Famine should be compiled and made available worldwide.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1998
Cardiac Arrest Survival Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act with respect to emergency medical services (EMS). Requires programs for emergency medical services and preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative approaches to include: (1) development and dissemination of a core content for a model State training program applicable to cardiac arrest for inclusion in EMS educational curricula and training programs that address lifesaving interventions, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation; (2) a limited demonstration project to provide training in such core content; (3) identification of cardiac arrest care providers; (4) identification of equipment and supplies that should be accessible to such providers to permit lifesaving interventions; (5) development of model State and Federal legislation; and (6) coordination of a national database for reporting and collecting information on the incidence of cardiac arrest and related issues. Prescribes guidelines for the core content of the model State training program. Declares that the purpose of the model legislation is to ensure: (1) access to EMS through consideration of a requirement for public placement of lifesaving equipment; and (2) good samaritan immunity for cardiac arrest care providers, those involved with the instruction of the training programs, and owners and managers of property where equipment is placed.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: The Children's Firearm Safety Act of 1998 Title II: The Children's Firearms Age Limit Act of 1998 Title III: The Children's Firearm Dealer's Responsibility Act of 1998 Title IV: The Children's Firearm Access Prevention Act of 1998 Title V: The Children's Firearm Injury Surveillance Act of 1998 Title VI: The Children's Firearm Education Act of 1998 Title VII: The Children's Firearm Tracking Act of 1998 Children's Gun Violence Prevention Act of 1998 - Title I: The Children's Firearm Safety Act of 1998 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prohibit the manufacture or importation of an unsafe handgun. Defines "unsafe handgun" as any semiautomatic pistol which does not have a magazine safety disconnect that prevents the pistol from being fired once the magazine or clip is removed from the weapon and any handgun: (1) which the Secretary of the Treasury determines, when new, fires in any of five successive trials in which the handgun is dropped onto a solid slab of concrete from a height of one meter from each of several specified positions; (2) without a child resistant trigger mechanism reasonably designed to prevent a child who has attained age five from operating the weapon when it is ready to fire; and (3) sold without a mechanism reasonably designed, under rules determined by the Secretary, to prevent the discharge of the weapon by unauthorized users. Exempts the manufacture or importation by a licensed manufacturer or importer for use by a department or agency of the United States, a State, or a political subdivision thereof, or for purposes of testing or experimentation authorized by the Secretary. (Sec. 102) Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to study and report to the Congress on how handgun safety can be improved so as to prevent unauthorized use or discharge of firearms by children who have not attained age 18. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999. Title II: The Children's Firearms Age Limit Act of 1998 - Prohibits the sale, delivery, or other transfer of a semiautomatic assault weapon to a person the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe is a juvenile. (Sec. 202) Increases the penalty for transferring a handgun or semiautomatic assault weapon to a juvenile for use in a crime of violence. Title III: The Children's Firearm Dealer's Responsibility Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary, after notice and opportunity for hearing, to revoke the license of a dealer who willfully sells a firearm to a minor. (Sec. 302) Prohibits a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer, 30 days after the Attorney General notifies licensees that the national instant criminal background check system is established, from transferring a firearm to any unlicensed person without verifying the identity of a purchaser known or reasonably believed to be under age 24 by examining two valid photograph identification documents. (Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary to issue final regulations that establish minimum firearm safety and security standards that shall apply to dealers who are issued a license, which shall include minimum standards for: (1) a place of business in which a dealer covered by the regulations conducts business or stores firearms; (2) windows, the front door, storage rooms, containers, alarms, and specified other items of a place of business; and (3) the storage and handling of the firearms contained in such place of business. Authorizes the Secretary to enter the place of business of a licensed dealer: (1) under specified conditions, where there is reasonable cause to believe a violation has occurred, to examine records of the safety and security measures taken by the dealer to ensure compliance with such regulations; and (2) without such reasonable cause or warrant not more than once during any 12-month period to ensure compliance. Sets penalties for licensed dealers who knowingly fail to comply with any applicable regulation issued pursuant to this section. Title IV: The Children's Firearm Access Prevention Act of 1998 - Children's Firearm Access Prevention Act of 1998 - Prohibits and sets penalties for keeping a loaded firearm, or an unloaded firearm and ammunition for it, that has been shipped or transported in or otherwise substantially affects interstate or foreign commerce, on premises under the custody or control of a person who knows or reasonably should know that a juvenile is capable of gaining access to the firearm without the permission of a parent or legal guardian, if a juvenile obtains access to the firearm and thereby causes death or bodily injury or exhibits the firearm in a public place or in a school zone. Makes an exception if: (1) the juvenile obtains, or obtains and discharges, the firearm in a lawful act of self-defense or defense of others; (2) the person uses a secure gun storage or safety device for the firearm; (3) the person is a peace officer, member of the Armed Forces or National Guard, and the juvenile obtains the firearm during or incidental to the performance of official duties in that capacity; or (4) the person has no reasonable expectation that a juvenile is likely to be present on the premises on which the firearm is kept. Requires the Secretary to ensure that a copy of such prohibition and penalties appears on the form required to be obtained by a licensed dealer from a prospective firearm purchaser. Title V: The Children's Firearm Injury Surveillance Act of 1998 - Children's Firearm Injury Surveillance Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) make grants to State and local departments of health and law enforcement agencies for establishing and maintaining children's firearm-related injury surveillance systems; and (2) carry out this title through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who shall carry out this title through the Director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (Director). Requires the Director to: (1) ensure that such grants are used to establish systems for gathering information regarding fatal and nonfatal firearm injuries involving children who have not attained age 21; and (2) give priority to States and communities in which firearm- related injuries for children are a significant public health problem. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003. Title VI: The Children's Firearm Education Act of 1998 - Children's Firearm Education Act of 1998 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education or State educational agencies (if the amount appropriated to carry out this title exceeds $50 million) to award grants to eligible local educational agencies for purposes of educating children about preventing gun violence. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) a formula for allocating appropriated funds to the States; (2) minimum allotments; (3) required assurances regarding the use of allocated funds; (4) priorities in awarding grants; (6) peer review of grant applications; (7) eligible grant recipients; (8) State and local applications, and reporting requirements; (9) authorized activities; and (10) requirements that funds received supplement, not supplant, funds that would otherwise be available from non-Federal sources and that persons hired by a local educational agency receiving a grant award not displace persons already employed. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001. (Sec. 603) Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) include on the Internet site of the Department of Education a description of programs that receive grants pursuant to this title; and (2) publicize the competitive grant program through its Internet site, publications, and public service announcements. (Sec. 605) Amends the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1994 to provide for timely counseling and: (1) evaluations of any student who possesses, or threatens to bring or use, a weapon on school grounds; and (2) advice to public school students, staff, and administrators after an incident of gun-related violence on school grounds. Title VII: The Children's Firearm Tracking Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) endeavor to expand the number of cities and counties directly participating in the Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative (YCGII) to 75 cities or counties by October 1, 2000, 150 by October 1, 2002, and 250 by October 1, 2003; (2) select cities and counties for participation in YCGII in consultation with Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials; (3) utilize the information provided by YCGII to facilitate the identification and prosecution of individuals illegally trafficking firearms to persons under age 24; (4) share information derived from YCGII with State and local law enforcement agencies through on-line computer access as soon as such capability is available; and (5) award grants to States, cities, and counties for purposes of assisting in the tracing of firearms and participation in YCGII. Authorizes such grants to be used to: (1) hire or assign additional personnel for the gathering, submission, and analysis of tracing data submitted to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms under YCGII; (2) hire additional law enforcement personnel to identify and arrest individuals illegally trafficking firearms; and (3) purchase additional equipment, including automatic data processing equipment and computer software and hardware, for the timely submission and analysis of tracing data.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1998
Condemns and calls for the condemnation of the brutal killing of James Byrd, Jr., which occurred in Jasper, Texas, as unacceptable and outrageous. Declares that the House of Representatives pledges to: (1) do everything in its power to probe the underlying causes of this brutal killing; and (2) join in efforts to bring an end to racism and the underlying fear and hatred and to encourage all Americans to dedicate themselves to ending racism and violence in the United States. Calls on the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice, the White House, and all other Federal law enforcement agencies to conduct an immediate, full, and fair investigation into all of the facts of the case to aggressively respond to this tragedy with indictments. Urges the prosecution to proceed aggressively with a fair but speedy trial.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Funding for Child Care Title II: Dependent Care Tax Credit Reform Title III: Grants to Business Consortia Subtitle A: Grant Program Subtitle B: General Provisions Title IV: After School Program Subtitle A: 21st Century Community Learning Centers Subtitle B: After School Snacks Subtitle C: After-School Prevention Programs Title V: Model States Early Learning Program Title VI: Standards Enforcement Program Title VII: Child Care Provider Scholarship Program Title VIII: Research and Demonstration Program Title IX: Miscellaneous Subtitle A: Child and Adult Food Program Subtitle B: Mortgage Insurance for Child Care and Development Facilities Subtitle C: Sense of the Congress Affordable and Quality Child Care Act of 1998 - Title I: Funding for Child Care - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to make appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003 for child care subsidy funding under the title IV part A program of Block Grants to States for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). (Sec. 101) Reserves specified portions of such funds for payments to Indian tribes and for quality assurance and quality improvement activities relating to programs under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (CCDBGA). Provides for allotment of funds among the States and territories according to a specified formula, or for matching payments based on certain portions of their expenditures for specified purposes authorized under CCDBGA. Requires targeting of such subsidy for child care assistance funds as follows: (1) at least 70 percent to working non-welfare families, who are not TANF recipients under a State or territory program; and (2) at least 40 percent for children who have not attained four years of age. Title II: Dependent Care Tax Credit Reform - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the dependent care tax credit and to provide an equivalent benefit where one parent stays at home to provide child care for child under age four. (Sec. 202) Allows a business-related tax credit for employer expenses for employer-provided child care assistance. (Sec. 203) Allows the dependent care credit against the alternative minimum tax. Title III: Grants to Business Consortia - Subtitle A: Grant Program - Directs the Secretary to make grants to States to provide grants to eligible entities to improve access to affordable, local, quality child care services. (Sec. 301) Makes eligible for such a grant a consortium that: (1) has not received a grant under this title; and (2) consists of representatives from at least five businesses (or a nonprofit organization that represents at least five businesses), each of which, to the maximum extent practicable, is located in the same geographic region. Requires States to give priority, in providing such grants, to eligible entities that consist of a majority of representatives from small businesses. Sets a maximum limit on the amount of any such grant provided to an eligible entity for any fiscal year. (Sec. 302) Sets forth requirements for grant applications, use of funds, and matching funds. Subtitle B: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for such child care services grants to business consortia. Title IV: After School Program - Subtitle A: 21st Century Community Learning Centers - Amends the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Act to require that discretionary grants be awarded to local educational agencies (LEAs) for supporting certain programs of public elementary schools or secondary schools, including middle schools, that serve communities with substantial needs for expanded learning opportunities for children and youth. (Sec. 401) Increases the maximum duration of such a grant from three to five years. (Sec. 402) Requires the LEA to demonstrate that it will provide specified portions of the annual costs of project activities from sources other than such grant funds. (Sec. 403) Requires the use of grant funds to establish or expand community learning centers that provide activities that offer expanded learning opportunities for children and youth in the community (such as activities conducted before or after school), and which may include any of the currently authorized activities. (Sec. 405) Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for such Act. Authorizes continuation awards of FY 1998 grants. Subtitle B: After School Snacks - Amends the National School Lunch Act to provide for participation by certain additional institutions under the child and adult care food program. Allows such institutions to claim reimbursements for meal supplements which they serve without charge to children in afterschool care. (Sec. 411) Revises eligibility requirements for meal supplements for children in afterschool care. Subtitle C: After-School Prevention Programs - Declares that certain provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, as set forth in specified legislation passed by the House of Representatives on May 8, 1997, and in effect for purposes of title I of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State Appropriations Act, 1998 (Public Law 105-119) (under the heading Violent Crime Reduction Programs, State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance) shall apply as though amended by this subtitle. Requires that 50 percent of specified amounts paid to a State, local government, or eligible unit be used to improve crime prevention programs in the juvenile justice system. (Sec. 421) Requires such programs to: (1) operate after-school, with high priority given to programs designed and operated by law enforcement personnel, such as police athletic leagues; (2) target high crime neighborhoods or at-risk juveniles; (3) operate educational or recreational activities designed to encourage law-abiding conduct, reduce the incidence of criminal activity, and teach juveniles alternatives to crime; and (4) coordinate with State or local juvenile crime control and juvenile offender accountability programs. Title V: Model States Early Learning Program - Amends SSA title IV part A (TANF) to make appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003 for model States early learning programs. Provides for allotment of funds among the States, territories, and Indian tribes according to a specified formula, or for matching payments based on portions of their expenditures for an early learning program under CCDBGA. (Sec. 501) Amends CCDBGA to establish the Model States Early Learning Program. Sets forth program requirements for State participation and plans, allowable activities, and annual reports. Title VI: Standards Enforcement Program - Amends CCDBGA to establish a program of annual payments to States for child care standards enforcement. (Sec. 601) Requires States, to be eligible for such payments for a fiscal year, to: (1) include a child care standards enforcement plan in their State plans; and (2) report specified data on enforcement of child care quality and safety plans. Authorizes appropriations. Subjects such program to specified requirements for basic grant payments and annual reports. Title VII: Child Care Provider Scholarship Program - Amends CCDBGA to establish a national child care provider scholarship program. (Sec. 701) Sets forth eligibility criteria for scholarship applicants, including: (1) demonstrated commitment to a child care career; (2) cost sharing by the applicant and employer; and (3) the employer's agreement to provide increased financial incentives to the employee upon completion of the education or training. Includes such program under requirements for State plans, allotments, payments, and annual reports. Authorizes appropriations. Title VIII: Research and Demonstration Program - Amends CCDBGA to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, directly or through grants, contracts, or other arrangements, to carry out research, demonstration projects, and other activities relating to child care, including activities designed to improve the quality and increase the availability of child care. (Sec. 801) Includes among allowable activities under such research and demonstrations program: (1) research on child care needs of low-income families, on good policies and practices, and on retention of child care provider staff; (2) demonstrations of technology-based education and training; (3) demonstration projects for new methods; (4) a National Center on Child Care Statistics; and (5) a hotline to locate local child care resources, and child care consumer education activities. Authorizes appropriations. Title IX: Miscellaneous - Subtitle A: Child and Adult Food Program - Amends the National School Lunch Act to increase reimbursement rates for family or group day care homes under the child and adult care food program. Subtitle B: Mortgage Insurance for Child Care and Development Facilities - Children's Development Commission Act - Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure mortgages for: (1) new or rehabilitated child care and development facilities, including mortgage insurance for fire safety equipment loans; and (2) purchase or refinance of existing child care and development facilities. (Sec. 955) Establishes the Children's Development Commission which shall: (1) issue facility standards and compliance certifications; and (2) make loans not in excess of $50,000 for facility rehabilitation or renovation. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 956) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study the availability of child care facility secondary mortgage markets. Subtitle C: Sense of the Congress - Expresses the sense of the Congress that funds should be appropriated under the amendments made by this Act to the maximum extent authorized and consistently with achieving a balanced Federal budget.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore and make permanent the exclusion from gross income for amounts received under qualified group legal services plans.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the earned income credit, to increase the phaseout amount for individuals with children.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income foster care payments paid by certain nongovernmental placement agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code concerning the additional credit for taxpayers with three or more children to repeal provisions which, in specified circumstances, would increase such taxpayers' taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1998
Expresses grave concern regarding the findings of the report of the International Commission of Jurists on Tibet issued in December 1997 concerning religious and cultural repression in Tibet. Supports report recommendations that call on: (1) the People's Republic of China to enter into discussions with the Dalai Lama on a solution to the question of Tibet, to ensure respect for the fundamental human rights of the Tibetan people, to end practices which threaten to erode the distinct cultural, religious, and national identity of the Tibetan people, and to cease policies which result in the movement of Chinese people to Tibetan territory; (2) the United Nations General Assembly to resume its debate on the question of Tibet; and (3) the Dalai Lama to enter into discussions with the Chinese Government on a solution to the question of Tibet. Commends the appointment by the Secretary of State of a U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. Calls on: (1) the People's Republic of China to release from detention the nine-year old Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, to his home in Tibet from which he was taken on May 17,1995, and to allow him to pursue his religious studies; and (2) the President, as a central objective of the 1998 presidential summit meeting with Jiang Zemin in Beijing, to work toward securing an agreement to begin substantive negotiations between the People's Republic of China and the Dalai Lama.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1998
21st Century Firearm Technology and Safety Act of 1998 - Directs the Director of the National Institute of Justice to make grants to reduce firearms violence through improvements in firearms safety technology, weapons detection technology, and other technology. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2002. Establishes in the Department of Justice the Independent Panel on Firearms Safety to: (1) research how technology can be used in the area of weapons safety improvements to reduce violence; and (2) direct, oversee, and review the work of the Technical Study Group on Firearms Safety. Requires the Panel to: (1) report to the Congress on the findings of the Technical Study Group on Firearms Safety (established in the Department under this Act); and (2) if the report contains a recommendation for standards governing the design of firearm safety locks, forward the recommendation to the National Institute of Justice. Requires the Panel to submit to the Congress annual reports detailing its findings and recommendations on such firearms safety improvements as the Panel considers appropriate. Terminates the Panel five years after the date it is organized. Requires the Group to undertake such studies and activities as it considers necessary to determine the technical and commercial feasibility, economic impact, and other consequences of developing improvements in firearms safety technology. States that: (1) a main focus of the Group shall be to reduce deaths and injuries resulting from the unintended or inappropriate discharge of firearms; and (2) the Group's initial research should be a study of the reliability of firearm safety locks and a determination as to whether the locks prevent the unintended discharge of firearms. Requires the Group to: (1) report to the Panel on its findings; and (2) include in the report a recommendation for standards governing the design of firearm safety locks if the Group determines that firearm safety locks can prevent the unintended discharge of firearms.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1998
Class-Size Reduction and Teacher Quality Act of 1998 - Establishes a grants program to help States and local educational agencies recruit, train, and hire 100,000 additional teachers over a seven-year period in order to: (1) reduce class sizes nationally, in grades one through three, to an average of 18 students per classroom; and (2) improve teaching in the early grades so that all students can learn to read independently and well by the end of the third grade. Makes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2008 for such program. Sets forth program requirements for: (1) allocations to States; (2) grant applications; (3) within-State allocations; (4) State-level activities; (5) uses of funds; (6) cost-sharing; (7) carryover of funds; (8) accountability; (9) participation of private school teachers; (10) evaluation; and (11) waivers.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Price Increase to Discourage Child Tobacco Use Title II: FDA Jurisdiction Over Tobacco Products Title III: Performance Objectives to Reduce Child Tobacco Use Title IV: Smoke-Free Environments Title V: Tobacco Prevention Initiatives Title VI: International Tobacco Control Title VII: Tobacco Accountability Board Title VIII: Payments to States Subtitle A: Resolution of State Actions Subtitle B: State Grants Title IX: Definitions Bipartisan NO Tobacco for Kids Act of 1998 - Title I: Price Increase to Discourage Child Tobacco Use - Requires that the funds raised by this title be used to reduce the public debt, except as provided in titles V and VIII. (Sec. 102) Requires each tobacco manufacturer (defining manufacturer, for this Act, to include importers) to make initial ($10 billion allocated by the manufacturer's share of units manufactured or imported) and annual (50 cents per unit manufactured or imported) payments. Excludes exports. (Sec. 103) Provides for injunctions and civil monetary penalties for failure to comply with regulations under this title. Title II: FDA Jurisdiction Over Tobacco Products - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to add nicotine in tobacco products to the definition of "drug" and add tobacco products to the definition of "device." (Sec. 203) Declares a tobacco product misbranded if it does not comply with section 205 requirements. Amends restricted device provisions to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, if the Secretary determines that there cannot otherwise be reasonable assurances of safety and effectiveness, to require tobacco advertising and promotion restrictions. Prohibits State and local requirements of warnings on labels and in advertising if this Act requires a warning. (Sec. 204) Requires that all provisions of specified existing tobacco regulations be considered lawful and lawfully promulgated under the FDCA. (Sec. 205) Deems, for tobacco products, an action providing appropriate protection of public health to provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness. Mandates regulations, conforming to specified provisions of the Proposed Resolution between manufacturers and State attorneys general on June 20, 1997: (1) restricting tobacco marketing, advertising, and access (but prohibits restrictions on marketing or advertising that would violate the First Amendment to the Constitution); (2) requiring warnings on cigarette and smokeless tobacco labeling and advertisements; and (3) regarding tobacco product ingredients. Makes it unlawful to advertise tobacco on any electronic medium subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission. Prohibits considering the Secretary of Health and Human Services' failure to approve or disapprove an ingredient's safety within the review period to be approval. Prohibits a manufacturer from stating or implying in labeling or advertising that a product has a reduced health risk unless the Secretary has so determined. Prohibits a State from receiving a grant under subtitle B of title VIII of this Act unless the State has put into law a tobacco control program conforming to the model State program established by the Secretary. Mandates establishment of that model program, including in its requirements State retail licensure, a prohibition of tobacco purchase for resale or distribution to individuals under 18, compliance inspection conduct and frequency, State performance objectives, and violations penalties. Requires, if a State fails to implement a conforming program or fails to achieve the performance objectives, that the Secretary withhold up to 20 percent of the grant to the State under subtitle B of title VIII of this Act. Mandates a Federal retail licensing program for retailers on Federal property, retailers in a State without an effective program conforming to the model program, and others as specified by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to order a State-licensed retailer in violation of this Act to suspend or cease tobacco sales. Treats Indian tribes and tribal organizations as a State regarding retailers operating on Indian reservations. (Sec. 206) Adds violation of any FDCA tobacco requirement to the list of FDCA prohibited acts. Authorizes the Secretary to disclose tobacco information to the public if the Secretary determines it appropriate to protect public health. (Sec. 207) Repeals the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act and the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986. Title III: Performance Objectives to Reduce Child Tobacco Use - Mandates an annual survey regarding the percentage of children using each manufacturer's tobacco product. (Sec. 302) Requires each manufacturer to have a performance objective of reducing its child tobacco use by specified percentages. Requires, if the reductions are not met, price increases and, for subsequent consecutive year failures, sales by carton minimum and packaging in black on a white background. (Sec. 306) Makes failure to comply with this title's requirements an FDCA prohibited act. (Sec. 307) Requires that the annual survey determine the use level for children of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Mandates, if use is increasing (or not decreasing at a proportionate rate) among children of a racial or ethnic background, recommendations to the Congress regarding reducing the level for those children. Title IV: Smoke-Free Environments - Requires the responsible entity for each public facility (any building in which activities substantially affecting interstate commerce occur, subject to exceptions for locations such as residential buildings, on-sale alcoholic beverage establishments, and prisons) to implement a smoke-free environment policy meeting specified requirements. Allows smoking areas meeting certain requirements. (Sec. 402) Authorizes an action to enforce this title (by injunction or civil monetary penalty) by any aggrieved person, State or local governmental agency, or the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, allowing the award of litigation costs (including attorney's and expert fees) to any prevailing party. Authorizes the court to order that the civil penalties be used for projects furthering this title. Prohibits compensatory and punitive damages. (Sec 403) Authorizes the Administrator to extend the smoke-free policy requirement to certain otherwise-exempt facilities if the Administrator determines that the extension is appropriate to protect the public health. (Sec. 405) Declares that this title does not preempt or affect any other Federal, State, or local law providing protection from environmental tobacco health hazards. Title V: Tobacco Prevention Initiatives - Requires that funds be made available (from annual manufacturer payments under section 102) to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, without fiscal year limitation, for: (1) a national public awareness campaign to discourage tobacco use; (2) the implementation of FDCA tobacco provisions, title III of this Act, and Tobacco Accountability Board provisions of this Act; (3) tobacco use cessation programs (mandating grants); (4) research on nicotine addiction, cessation, and prevention; and (5) tobacco surveillance and epidemiology research. Requires that certain programs under this title: (1) take into account the needs of minority populations; and (2) be age, culturally, and linguistically appropriate for those populations. Title VI: International Tobacco Control - Mandates regulations to prohibit domestic concerns from directly or indirectly: (1) selling or distributing tobacco in a foreign country without warning labels appropriate to protect public health; or (2) selling or distributing tobacco in a foreign country to children or advertising or promoting it in a way that appeals to children. Adds violations to the list of FDCA prohibited acts. (Sec. 602) Prohibits any U.S. officer, employee, department, or agency from: (1) promoting tobacco export or foreign sale, manufacture, promotion, distribution, or use; or (2) subject to exception, seeking the removal or reduction of foreign restrictions on tobacco importation, exportation, sale, manufacture, promotion, distribution, tariffs, or taxes. (Sec. 603) Establishes in the Treasury the International Tobacco Control Trust Fund, to be funded by payments under section 605. Provides for the use of Fund amounts for: (1) the American Center on Global Health and Tobacco; (2) grants and other assistance to foreign governments, nongovernmental organizations, and international organizations for foreign tobacco control; and (3) enforcement of any requirement regarding foreign tobacco sale, distribution, or promotion. (Sec. 604) Establishes the American Center on Global Health and Tobacco (ACT) as a private, nonprofit corporation, requiring it to assist foreign organizations to reduce and prevent tobacco use, including through public awareness campaigns and youth-oriented and community-based programs. (Sec. 605) Requires each domestic concern that manufactures tobacco in a foreign country (or controls a person who does so) to annually pay to the Fund a specified amount per unit manufactured. (Sec. 606) Mandates regulations to reduce tobacco smuggling in interstate and foreign commerce. (Sec. 607) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Government should support implementation of the International Framework Convention on Tobacco Control through all available resources. Title VII: Tobacco Accountability Board - Establishes the Tobacco Accountability Board as an independent board. Requires each tobacco manufacturer to submit to the Board all documents in the manufacturer's possession: (1) relating to tobacco health effects (including addiction), the manipulation of nicotine, or tobacco sale or marketing to children; or (2) produced or ordered to be produced in a named civil action. Requires the Board to make the documents available to the public. Exempts trade secrets from public disclosure unless the Board determines that disclosure is appropriate to protect the public health. (Sec. 703) Requires the Board to investigate all matters relating to tobacco and public health and report to the Congress annually. (Sec. 705) Empowers the Board to bring an action to enjoin a failure to comply with this title or to impose a civil monetary penalty. (Sec 707) Prohibits discrimination against an individual as a reprisal for disclosing information regarding a violation of tobacco-related law. Applies to whistleblowers existing provisions of Federal law allowing whistleblowers to receive a portion of any false claims amounts recovered. Title VIII: Payments to States - Subtitle A: Resolution of State Actions - Allows a State to elect to receive payments under section 802 instead of seeking recovery from manufacturers for health care costs attributable to tobacco use. Prohibits a State that so elects from seeking recovery from manufacturers, except for actions after enactment of this Act or for criminal prosecutions. (Sec. 802) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay to any State so electing the amount the State would have received under the Proposed Resolution between manufacturers and State attorneys general. Requires a State to pass payments through to local governments in proportion to the local government's tobacco use health care costs. Makes a State that fails to pass through payments ineligible for this section's future payments. (Sec. 803) Exempts a manufacturer from the portion of the section 102 payments that will be provided to States under this title if the manufacturer: (1) resolved tobacco-related civil actions with more than 25 States before 1998; (2) provided to all other States the opportunity to enter into substantially similar settlements; and (3) manufactures less than three percent of all cigarettes manufactured or imported in the United States. Subtitle B: State Grants - Requires that funds be made available annually from amounts paid under section 102, without fiscal year limitation, for grants to States with approved child-oriented or community-based programs to discourage tobacco use. (Sec. 812) Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment to States for a specified percentage of the State's Medicaid expenditures for tobacco use cessation programs. Title IX: Definitions - Sets forth definitions for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1998
Poison Control Center Enhancement and Awareness Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide coordination and assistance to regional poison control centers for the establishment of a nationwide toll-free phone number to be used to access such centers. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates a national media campaign to educate the public about poison prevention and the availability of local poison control resources and to conduct advertising campaigns concerning the nationwide toll-free number. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates grants for certified regional poison control centers to achieve financial stability and to prevent, and provide treatment recommendations for, poisoning. Mandates other grant uses. Sets forth center certification requirements. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1998
Children's Hospitals Education and Research Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make payment as specified to each children's hospital for each hospital cost reporting period beginning during FY 1999 or 2000 for the direct and indirect expenses associated with operating approved medical residency training programs. States that such payments are in lieu of certain Medicare payments to hospitals for inpatient hospital services, but shall not affect the amounts otherwise payable to such hospitals under a State Medicaid plan. Makes appropriations for such payments for such fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1998
Designates the headquarters compound of the Central Intelligence Agency in Langley, Virginia, as the George H.W. Bush Center for Central Intelligence.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1998
Recognizes the 50th anniversary of the enactment of the National Heart Act and the creation of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1998
Library of Congress Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the Library of Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to mint and issue $10 bimetallic coins of gold and platinum in lieu of the gold coins. Requires payment of coin sale surcharges to the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board to support Library activities.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1998
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to make eligible for the pediatric vaccine distribution program any children receiving health insurance coverage from a private contractor with the State under the new SSA title XXI (Children's Health Insurance) program.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1998
Congratulates the Diocese of the Armenian Church in America on the occasion of its 100th anniversary in the United States. Welcomes His Holiness Karekin I, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, upon his visit to the United States. Commends Armenian-Americans for their contributions to U.S. society and culture.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1998
Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act of 1998 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to give States the option of making medical assistance for breast and cervical cancer-related treatment services available to certain low-income women without creditable coverage during a presumptive eligibility period. Provides for an enhanced match with regard to such treatment services.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1998
Provides for the liquidation or reliquidation of certain customs entries as if, at the time such entries were made, a specified note to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States regarding nuclear fuel assemblies was in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendments to the National School Lunch Act Title II: Amendments to the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 Title III: Amendments to the Commodity Distribution Reform Act and WIC Amendments of 1987 Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Amendments of 1998 - Title I: Amendments to the National School Lunch Act - Amends the National School Lunch Act (NSLA) with respect to direct expenditures for agricultural commodities and other foods to repeal requirements for: (1) interim sources of funds pending supplemental appropriations; and (2) State matching funds for such interim funds and for cash donations in lieu of commodity donations. (Sec. 102) Allows State agencies to retain up to one-half of any program funds recovered during State-conducted audits or reviews of school food authorities, institutions, and service institutions participating in food assistance programs authorized under NSLA and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA). Requires State agencies to use such funds for otherwise allowable program costs to improve management operations of such programs within the State, including by providing funds to school food authorities, institutions, and service institutions participating in such programs. (Sec. 103) Repeals a prohibition against requiring a State to match Federal funds for meals in private schools if the State educational agency is prohibited by law from disbursing State appropriated funds to private schools. Sunsets the Secretary of Agriculture's authority to disburse NSLA program funds to schools directly at the end of FY 2000. Requires the Secretary to provide training and technical assistance to State agencies which assume program administration from the Secretary on or before October 1, 2000. (Sec. 104) Requires all schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (lunch program) under NLSA or the School Breakfast Program (breakfast program) under CNA in which meals are prepared on site to obtain inspections twice during each school year that indicate food service operations meet State or local health and safety standards. (Sec. 105) Repeals the Secretary's authority, acting through the Administrator of the Food and Nutrition Service or through the Extension Service, to award grants for food and nutrition demonstration projects. Requires schools participating in the lunch program or breakfast program to make every effort to establish meal service periods that provide children adequate time to fully consume their meals in an environment conducive to eating. (Sec. 106) Directs the Secretary to require that schools in the contiguous United States purchase for the lunch program and breakfast program, whenever possible, only food products that are produced in the United States. (Sec. 107) Revises the NLSA summer food service program to apply to suppers and supplements the Secretary's authority to establish adjustments to reimbursement rates in the States of Alaska and Hawaii, and in specified territories, to reflect differences in costs from those in all other States. Revises the eligibility criteria for private nonprofit institutions under the summer food service program to increase from five to 25 the number of sites they may operate. Repeals certain summer food service program requirements relating to: (1) a March 1st deadline for indication of interest; (2) restrictions on meal contracting; and (3) vendor registration. Extends through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for the NLSA summer food service program. (Sec. 108) Reauthorizes through FY 2002 the NSLA commodity distribution program, which may use Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and other specified funds to purchase agricultural commodities for use in programs under NLSA, CNA, and the Older Americans Act of 1965. (Sec. 109) Revises NLSA child and adult care food program requirements for licensing and alternate approval for schools and outside school hours child care. Reinstates categorical eligibility, under the NLSA child care food program, for participants in the Even Start program of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. (Extends such eligibility through FY 2002; it had ended with FY 1997.) Revises conditions for child and adult care program participation by institutions moving toward compliance with the requirement for tax exempt status. Repeals a notification requirement for incomplete applications. Requires State agencies, at least once every two years, to provide notification of child and adult care program availability, participation requirements, and application procedures to each nonparticipating institution or family or group day care home that is located in a needy area within the State, and has Federal, State, or local licensing or approval or receives funds under Social Security Act block grants to States for social services. Repeals the requirement that a participating State provide sufficient training, technical assistance, and monitoring to facilitate effective program operation. Repeals the Secretary's mandate to make funds available each fiscal year for State audits of participating institutions in the child care food program. Directs the Secretary to provide State agencies with increased levels of training and technical assistance for their management and oversight of the child and adult care program. Allows institutions that provide care to at-risk school children during after-school hours, weekends, or holidays during the regular school year to participate in the child care food program. Defines as at-risk any children who: (1) are age 12 through 18; and (2) live in a geographical area served by a school enrolling elementary students in which at least 50 percent of the total number of children enrolled are certified eligible to receive free or reduced price school meals under NSLA or CNA. Allows such institutions to claim reimbursements, at the free supplement rate, only for: (1) supplements served without charge to at-risk school children during after-school hours, weekends, or holidays during the regular school year; and (2) one supplement per child per day. Directs the Secretary to provide State agencies with information concerning the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC program) under CNA. Requires State agencies to ensure that each participating child care center (other than institutions providing care to school children outside of school hours) receives certain WIC program informational materials and updates, and provides such information to parents of enrolled children annually. Repeals specified termination dates to grant permanent authorization to demonstration projects for child care food program qualification of private for-profit organizations providing nonresidential day care services. (Sec. 110) Allows emergency shelter homeless programs to participate in the child and adult care food program. Allows shelters to claim reimbursements, at the free supplement rate, only for: (1) supplements served without charge to resident children through age 12; and (2) not more than three meals or two meals and a supplement per child per day. (Sec. 111) Repeals authority for certain demonstration projects involving: (1) meals and supplements outside of school hours; (2) fortified fluid milk; (3) fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, and grain-based products; (4) low-fat dairy products and lean meat and poultry products; and (5) reduced paperwork and application requirements and increased participation. (Sec. 112) Extends through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for training and technical assistance under the child and adult care food program. (Sec. 113) Extends through FY 1999 authority to fund the food service management institute, including mandatory and discretionary activities. (Sec. 114) Extends through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for compliance and accountability activities under the child and adult care food program. (Sec. 115) Extends through FY 1999 authority to fund an information clearinghouse for nongovernmental groups on food assistance and self-help activities for low-income individuals and communities. Makes the Secretary's authority to contract for such a clearinghouse discretionary rather than mandatory. Waives competition requirements for a contract with any organization that has performed satisfactorily under a previous clearinghouse contract. (Sec. 116) Repeals the requirement that the Secretary provide guidance and grant assistance to eligible entities for accommodating special dietary needs of individuals with disabilities who participate in covered programs under NSLA and CNA. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out accommodation activities, including guidance, technical assistance, training, and grants for State agencies and eligible entities. Title II: Amendments to the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) to Sunsets the Secretary of Agriculture's authority to disburse CNA program funds to schools directly at the end of FY 2000. Requires the Secretary to provide training and technical assistance to State agencies which assume program administration from the Secretary on or before October 1, 2000. (Sec. 202) Repeals specified requirements for reallocation of State administrative expense funds. Eliminates the ten percent limitation on the transfer of administrative expense funds under CNA and NSLA. Extends through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for State administrative expenses under CNA. (Sec. 203) Establishes additional program application requirements, involving physical presence, income documentation, and verification, for the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children (WIC program). Authorizes the Secretary to provide bulk quantities of WIC program nutrition education materials to State agencies administering the Commodity Supplemental Food Program under the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 at no cost to that program. Extends through FY 2002: (1) the authorization of appropriations for the WIC program and for the WIC farmers market nutrition program; and (2) requirements to use certain WIC funds for allocations to State agencies for costs of nutrition services and administration, and for program infrastructure and information, projects of regional or national significance, and breastfeeding promotion and support activities. Revises WIC program requirements relating to: (1) infant formula procurement; (2) spend-forward authority; (3) matching funds requirement; (3) ranking criteria for farmers market nutrition program State plans; and (4) disqualification of certain vendors convicted of trafficking or illegal sales. (Sec. 204) Authorizes appropriations in necessary amounts (currently gives a specified amount for each fiscal year) for FY 1999 through 2002 for the nutrition education and training program under CNA. Title III: Amendments to the Commodity Distribution Reform Act and WIC Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Commodity Distribution Reform Act and WIC Amendments of 1987 to revise provisions relating to applicability and customer acceptability information. (Sec. 302) Adds to such Act food distribution requirements relating to the Secretary of Agriculture's authority to: (1) transfer commodities between programs; (2) resolve claims; (3) use specified funds to make payment of costs associated with management of commodities which pose a health or safety hazard; and (4) accept commodities donated by Federal sources.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1998
Capital Gains Tax Simplification Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that, if for any taxable year a non-corporate taxpayer has a net capital gain, 40 percent of such gain shall be a deduction from gross income regardless of whether or not the taxpayer itemizes other deductions. Repeals the tax preference for exclusion for gains on the sale of certain small business stock. Amends the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, with respect to maximum capital gains rates for individuals, to repeal the allowance of an election to recognize gain on assets held on January 1, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1998
Empowerment Zone Enhancement Act of 1998 - Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act with respect to additional grants to: (1) provide for grant funding for additional empowerment zones; (2) set the amount of such grants for zones in urban ($10 million) and rural ($4 million) areas, as well as the timing of such grants (ten years of one-year grants); (3) provide funding for such grants; (4) require environmental review by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (urban areas) and the Secretary of Agriculture (rural areas); and (5) require the lead implementing entity for an empowerment zone to establish a performance measurement system.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1998
National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 1998 - Authorizes the oilheat industry to conduct a referendum through a qualified industry organization among retailers and wholesalers for the creation of a National Oilheat Research Alliance to develop programs concerning oilheat research and development, safety issues, consumer education, and training. Defines industry to include those persons involved in the production, transportation, and sale of oilheat, and in the manufacture and distribution of oilheat utilization equipment, in the United States (but not the ultimate consumers of oilheat). Permits State participation in such Alliance. Prescribes guidelines for Alliance membership and representation. Requires the Alliance to: (1) establish a program coordinating its operation with that of any similar State, local, or regional program; and (2) levy and collect annual assessments on the wholesale sale of No. 1 distillate and No. 2 dyed distillate sufficient to cover Alliance plans and program costs. Empowers the Alliance to bring suit in Federal court to compel compliance with any assessments it levies.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Health Insurance Bill of Rights Subtitle A: Access to Care Subtitle B: Quality Assurance Subtitle C: Patient Information Subtitle D: Grievance and Appeals Procedures Subtitle E: Protecting the Doctor-Patient Relationship Subtitle F: Promoting Good Medical Practice Subtitle G: Definitions Title II: Application of Patient Protection Standards to Group Health Plans and Health Insurance Coverage Under Public Health Service Act Title III: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 Title IV: Application to Group Health Plans Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Title V: Effective Dates; Coordination in Implementation Patients' Bill of Rights Act of 1998 - Title I: Health Insurance Bill of Rights - Subtitle A: Access to Care - Requires any group health plan, or health insurance coverage offered by a health insurance issuer, providing emergency services benefits to cover emergency services furnished: (1) without the need for any prior authorization determination; (2) whether or not the health care provider furnishing such services is a participating health care provider; and (3) without regard to any other term or condition of such coverage (other than exclusion or coordination of benefits, or an affiliation or waiting period, permitted under the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), or the Internal Revenue Code, and other than applicable cost-sharing). Requires such coverage in a manner so that, if the emergency services are provided by a nonparticipating health care provider: (1) the participant, beneficiary, or enrollee is not liable for amounts exceeding the liability that would be incurred if the services were provided by a participating provider; and (2) the plan or issuer pays an amount that is not less than the amount paid to a participating provider for the same services. Prescribes the same coverage for maintenance care or post-stabilization care (subject to certain guidelines) by nonparticipating health care providers. (Sec. 102) Requires a plan or coverage that provides benefits only through participating providers to offer a participant the option to purchase point-of-service coverage for benefits provided by a nonparticipating provider, unless the plan offers the participant: (1) a choice of health insurance coverage through more than one health insurance issuer; or (2) two or more coverage options that differ significantly with respect to the use of participating providers or the networks of such providers that are used. (Sec. 103) Requires any plan and any health insurance issuer to permit each participant, beneficiary, and enrollee to receive: (1) primary care from any participating primary care provider available to accept such individual; and (2) (unless the plan or issuer clearly declares choice limitations) medically necessary or appropriate specialty care, pursuant to appropriate referral procedures, from any qualified participating provider available to accept such individual for such care. (Sec. 104) Requires any plan or issuer that requires or provides for designation of a participating primary care provider to permit a female participant, beneficiary, or enrollee to designate a participating physician who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology as the individual's primary care provider. Prohibits the plan or issuer, in the absence of such a designation, from requiring authorization or a referral by the individual's primary care provider or otherwise for coverage of routine gynecological care (such as preventive women's health examinations) and pregnancy-related services provided by a participating specialist in obstetrics and gynecology to the extent such care is otherwise covered. Permits a plan or issuer to treat the ordering of other gynecological care by such a participating physician as the primary care provider's authorization of such care. Requires the plan or issuer to refer to an available and accessible specialist any participant, beneficiary, or enrollee with a condition or disease of sufficient seriousness and complexity to require treatment by a specialist, and benefits for such treatment are covered. Requires a plan or issuer to refer an individual to a nonparticipating specialist: (1) only if a participating specialist is not available and accessible; and (2) only at no additional cost to the individual. Requires a plan or issuer to have a procedure by which an individual with an ongoing special condition (life-threatening, degenerative, or disabling) may be referred to a specialist who shall be responsible for and capable of providing and coordinating the individual's primary and specialty care, without referral from the individual's primary care provider. Requires standing referrals to a specialist for any condition requiring ongoing specialist care. (Sec. 105) Prescribes requirements for continuity of care for participants, beneficiaries, or enrollees in the event of a termination of a health care provider or of the contract between a plan and an issuer. (Sec. 106) Prescribes requirements for participation in approved clinical trials of individuals with life-threatening or serious illnesses for which no standard treatment is effective. Prohibits denial of participation in such trials, or discrimination against participants. Limits plan or issuer payments to routine patient costs. (Sec. 107) Requires any plan or issuer that provides prescription drug benefits limited to drugs included in a formulary to: (1) ensure participation of participating physicians and pharmacists in the development of the formulary; (2) disclose to providers, and upon request to participants, beneficiaries, and enrollees, the nature of the formulary restrictions; and (3) consistent with the standards for a utilization review program, provide for exceptions from the formulary limitation when a non-formulary alternative is medically indicated. Prohibits a plan or issuer from denying coverage of such a drug or device on the basis that the use is investigational, if certain labeling requirements are met. (Sec. 108) Requires each plan and issuer to have (in relation to the coverage) a sufficient number, distribution, and variety of qualified participating providers to ensure that all covered health care services, including specialty services, will be available and accessible in a timely manner to all participants, beneficiaries, and enrollees. Permits inclusion among such providers of federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, migrant health centers, and other essential community providers located in the service area. Requires inclusion of such providers if necessary to meet such number, distribution, and variety requirements. (Sec. 109) Prescribes nondiscrimination requirements. Subtitle B: Quality Assurance - Directs each plan and issuer to establish an ongoing, internal quality assurance and continuous quality improvement program meeting specified requirements. (Sec. 112) Requires each plan and issuer to: (1) collect uniform quality data, including a minimum uniform data set specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services; (2) have a written process for the selection of participating health care professionals, including minimum professional requirements; and (3) establish and maintain, as part of any internal quality assurance and continuous quality improvement program including prescription drug benefits, a drug utilization program which encourages appropriate drug use and takes appropriate action to reduce the incidence of improper drug use and adverse drug reactions and interactions. (Sec. 115) Requires each plan and issuer to conduct (or arrange for qualified outside agents to conduct) benefit utilization review activities only in accordance with a utilization review program that meets certain requirements. Prohibits a program from permitting or providing contingent compensation arrangements with its employees, agents, or contractors in a manner that: (1) provides incentives, direct or indirect, for such persons to make inappropriate review decisions; or (2) is based, directly or indirectly, on the quantity or type of adverse determinations rendered. Requires a utilization review program to make determinations and notifications concerning: (1) prior authorization services within three business days after receiving any necessary information; (2) authorization for continued or extended health care services within one business day after receipt of such information; and (3) retrospective review of services previously provided, within 30 days of such receipt. (Sec. 116) Directs the President to establish an advisory board to provide information to Congress and the administration on issues relating to quality monitoring and improvement in the health care provided under group health plans and health insurance coverage. Subtitle C: Patient Information - Specifies benefits, access, emergency coverage, prior authorization, grievance and appeals, and other pertinent information which plans and issuers shall provide to participants and beneficiaries at the time of initial coverage, annually, within a reasonable period before or after the date of significant changes, and upon request. (Sec. 122) Requires plans and issuers to establish procedures to: (1) safeguard the privacy of any individually identifiable enrollee information; (2) maintain records and information in an accurate and timely manner; and (3) assure individuals timely access to such records and information. (Sec. 123) Provides for grants to States for creation and operation of a Health Insurance Ombudsman. Requires any State receiving such a grant to contract for such an Ombudsman with a not-for-profit organization that operates independent of group health plans and health insurance issuers. Requires the Secretary to provide through such a contract for an Ombudsman in any State that does not provide for one. Makes such an Ombudsman responsible to: (1) assist consumers in choosing among health insurance coverage or among coverage options offered within group health plans; and (2) provide counseling and assistance to enrollees dissatisfied with their treatment by issuers and plans, and with respect to grievances and appeals of coverage or plan determinations. Subtitle D: Grievances and Appeals Procedures - Requires each plan and issuer to establish a system for the presentation and resolution of oral and written grievances brought by participants, beneficiaries, or enrollees, or health care providers or other individuals acting on behalf of an individual and with the individual's consent. Requires the system to include grievances regarding access to and availability of services, quality of care, choice and accessibility of providers, network adequacy, and compliance with the requirements of this title. (Sec. 132) Requires each plan and issuer to establish an internal appeals process, and provide for an external appeals process, which meet certain requirements. Specifies the appeal rights of participants, beneficiaries, and their representatives, as well as the kinds of decisions which are appealable. Subtitle E: Protecting the Doctor-Patient Relationship - Prohibits any contract or agreement between a plan or issuer and a health care provider from: (1) prohibiting or restricting the provider from engaging in medical communications with the provider's patient; or (2) containing any provision purporting to transfer to the health care provider by indemnification or otherwise any liability relating to activities, actions, or omissions of the plan, issuer, or agent (as opposed to the provider). Declares null and void any such contract or agreement provisions. (Sec. 142) Prohibits any plan or issuer from operating any physician incentive plan that does not meet certain requirements under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. (Sec. 143) Requires any plan or issuer to establish reasonable procedures relating to the participation of health care professionals, including notice of participation rules, written notice of adverse participation decisions, and a process for appealing adverse decisions. (Sec. 144) Prohibits a plan or an issuer from retaliating against a participant, beneficiary, enrollee, or health care provider based on use of, or participation in, a utilization review or a grievance process. Prohibits a plan or an issuer from retaliating or discriminating against a protected health care professional because the professional in good faith: (1) discloses information relating to the care, services, or conditions affecting one or more participants, beneficiaries, or enrollees to an appropriate public regulatory agency, private accreditation body, or management personnel of the plan or issuer; or (2) initiates, cooperates, or otherwise participates in an investigation or proceeding by such an agency with respect to such care, services, or conditions. Defines good faith action. Subtitle F: Promoting Good Medical Practice - Prohibits a plan or issuer from arbitrarily interfering with or altering the decision of the treating physician regarding the manner or setting in which particular covered services are delivered if they are medically necessary or appropriate for treatment or diagnosis. Allows a plan or issuer to limit the delivery of services to one or more providers within a network. (Sec. 152) Prescribes standards for benefits for certain breast cancer treatments. Prohibits a plan or issuer from restricting benefits for any hospital length of stay: (1) in connection with a mastectomy to less than 48 hours; or (2) in connection with a lymph node dissection for the treatment of breast cancer to less than 24 hours. Prohibits a plan or issuer from requiring a provider to obtain its authorization for prescribing any such length of stay. Permits a discharge before expiration of the minimum length of stay otherwise required, if the decision is made by the attending provider in consultation with the woman involved, or in a case involving a partial mastectomy without lymph node dissection. Prohibits a plan or issuer from: (1) denying to a woman eligibility to enroll or renew coverage solely for the purpose of avoiding the requirements of this title; (2) providing monetary payments or rebates to encourage women to accept less than the minimum protections available under this title; (3) penalizing or otherwise reducing or limiting reimbursement because an attending provider gave care to a participant or beneficiary in accordance with this title; (4) providing incentives (monetary or otherwise) to induce an attending provider to provide care to a participant or beneficiary in a manner inconsistent with this title; or (5) restricting benefits (other than imposing deductibles, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing) for any portion of a period within a required hospital length of stay in a manner less favorable than the benefits provided for any preceding portion of such stay. (Sec. 153) Requires a plan or issuer to provide coverage for reconstructive breast surgery resulting from a mastectomy, including coverage: (1) for all stages of reconstructive breast surgery performed on a nondiseased breast to establish symmetry with the diseased when reconstruction on the diseased breast is performed; and (2) of prostheses and complications of mastectomy, including lymphedema. Prohibits denial of coverage on the basis that it is for cosmetic surgery. Subtitle G: Definitions - Sets forth definitions. Title II: Application of Patient Protection Standards to Group Health Plans and Health Insurance Coverage Under Public Health Service Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require each plan and issuer to comply with the patient protection requirements of this Act. (Sec. 202) Requires each health insurance issuer to comply with such requirements with respect to individual health insurance coverage. Title III: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends ERISA to require each plan and issuer to comply with the patient protection requirements of this Act. (Sec. 302) Provides that nothing in ERISA shall be construed to invalidate, impair, or supersede any cause of action under State law to recover damages resulting from personal injury or wrongful death against any person (except employers and other plan sponsors): (1) in connection with the provision of insurance, administrative services, or medical services by that person to or for a group health plan; or (2) that arises out of the arrangement by that person for the provision of insurance, administrative services, or medical services by other persons. Allows such an action against an employer or other plan sponsor only if it is based on the employer's or sponsor's exercise of discretionary authority to decide a claim for covered benefits, and such exercise resulted in personal injury or wrongful death. Title IV: Application to Group Health Plans Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan to comply with this Act. Deems this Act to be incorporated into the Internal Revenue Code. Title V: Effective Dates; Coordination in Implementation - Sets forth effective dates for provisions of this Act. (Sec. 502) Amends the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 to provide for coordination in the implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendments to National and Community Service Act of 1990 Subtitle A: Amendments to Subtitle A (General Provisions) Subtitle B: Amendments to Subtitle B (School-Based and Community-Based Service-Learning Programs) Subtitle C: Amendments to Subtitle C (National Service Trust Program) Subtitle D: Amendments to Subtitle D (National Service Trust and Provision of National Service Educational Awards) Subtitle E: Amendments to Subtitle E (National Civilian Community Corps) Subtitle F: Amendments to Subtitle F (Administrative Provisions) Subtitle G: Amendments to Subtitle G (Corporation for National and Community Service) Subtitle H: Amendment to Title III (Points of Light Foundation) Subtitle I: Amendments to Title V (Authorization of Appropriations) Title II: Amendments to the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 Subtitle A: Amendments to Title I (National Volunteer Antipoverty Programs) Subtitle B: Amendments to Title II (National Senior Volunteer Corps) Subtitle C: Amendments to Title IV (Administration and Coordination) Subtitle D: Amendments to Title V (Authorization of Appropriations) Title III: Technical Amendments Subtitle A: Technical Amendments to the National and Community Service Act of 1990 Subtitle B: Technical Amendments to the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 Title IV: Amendments to Other Laws National and Community Service Amendments Act of 1998 - Title I: Amendments to National and Community Service Act of 1990 - Subtitle A: Amendments to Subtitle A (General Provisions) - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NCSA) to include among its purposes the expansion and strengthening of service-learning programs to improve the education of children and youth and maximize the benefits of national and community service. Subtitle B: Amendments to Subtitle B (School-Based and Community-Based Service-Learning Programs) - Revises NCSA with respect to school-based and community-based service-learning programs of the Corporation for National and Community Service (the Corporation). (Sec. 121) Authorizes the use of school-based grant funds for the provision of training and technical assistance to service-learning programs. Allows a State to apply for school-based service assistance either through a State educational agency (SEA) or through a State Commission. Requires any State receiving such assistance to ensure that the SEA and the State Commission coordinate their respective activities. (Sec. 122) Repeals the Corporation's authority to assist local applicants in nonparticipating States and public or nonprofit organizations with grants for school-based service-learning programs. Repeals authority for local (as distinguished from State or tribal) applications for such grants. (Sec. 123) Revises the formula for school-based grant allotments to States. (Sec. 124) Repeals the limitation to States or Indian tribes of applications to the Corporation for school-based service-learning grants. Requires applications to give assurances that the applicant selected programs on a competitive basis. (Sec. 125) Increases from 15 percent to 25 percent the percentage of assistance which the original recipient of the grant or allotment may use for certain capacity-building activities. Authorizes the Corporation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to place restrictions on the types and amounts of such activities. (Sec. 126) Allows a State to apply for community-based service program assistance either through an SEA or through a State Commission. Requires any State receiving such assistance to ensure that the SEA and the State Commission coordinate their respective activities. (Sec. 127) Repeals the limitation to public or private nonprofit organizations of eligibility (thus making for-profit organizations also eligible) to receive assistance for service-learning clearinghouse activities, as long as they have extensive experience with service-learning, including the use of adult volunteers to foster service-learning. (Sec. 128) Provides for reservation of funds for school-based grant payments to Indian tribes and territories. (Sec. 129) Authorizes the Corporation to make grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, eligible entities to support multi-State, demonstration, or other activities to improve or expand effective service-learning programs. (Sec. 130) Revises higher education programs for community service to include service-learning components. Provides for assistance in the form of contracts or cooperative agreements, as well as grants, for such programs. Makes eligible to apply for such assistance higher education institutions, including ones applying as part of a consortium with public or private nonprofit organizations, and State Commissions on National and Community Service or State agencies for higher education as part of a consortium with higher education institutions. Extends the Federal share of 50 percent of project cost to service-learning projects (and maintains that share for community service projects). Subtitle C: Amendments to Subtitle C (National Service Trust Program) - Prohibits the Corporation from making grants to Federal agencies (as opposed to contracts or cooperative agreements) to support national service programs. (Sec. 141) Specifies fiscal year limits on the Corporation's share of the cost of positions approved under the national service laws, as measured by the average budgeted cost per individual enrolled in an approved national service position, including administrative and support costs attributable to such individuals. (Sec. 143) Increases the minimum amount, and revises the maximum limit on the Federal share, for grants to assist State Commissions on National and Community Service. Repeals authority for national service program challenge grants. (Sec. 144) Authorizes the Corporation to make certain National Service Trust Program grant allotments to applicant States, the District Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Repeals the mandate to reserve certain funds for approved national service educational awards. Revises formulas for competitive distribution of remaining grant funds to States and other applicants, including local governments, Indian tribes, public or private nonprofit organizations (including labor unions), and higher education institutions. Revises requirements for grants for national service by individuals with disabilities. Requires grant recipient entities to use such funds to increase the participation of such individuals in activities carried out under the national service laws. (Current law requires use of funds to place a substantial number of such individuals as participants in National Service Trust Program projects.) Authorizes the Corporation to reserve a limited amount of funds to provide operational assistance to programs that receive approved national service positions but do not receive specified National Service Trust Program funds. Limits such operational support to not more than $1,000 per individual enrolled in an approved national service position. Authorizes the Corporation CEO to waive, or specify alternatives to, certain requirements for approved national service positions if this will further the purposes of the national service laws. Prohibits waiver of, or alternatives to, certain requirements relating to labor union consultation and concurrence. (Sec. 145) Adds consideration of the extent to which the program generates volunteer involvement, if applicable, to criteria for evaluating applications for assistance and approved national service positions. (Sec. 146) Revises requirements for selection of national service participants to provide that individuals who receive special leadership training from the Corporation prior to and upon assignment by the Corporation to national service programs shall not, by reason of their status as such leaders, be considered Federal employees, except for purposes of specified laws relating to compensation for work-related injuries and torts claims procedure. (Sec. 147) Revises terms of national service and eligibility conditions for receiving a national service educational award in cases of release for compelling personal circumstances. Authorizes the organization responsible for granting the release to: (1) determine if such circumstances are compelling, if the participant has performed satisfactorily and has completed at least 15 percent of the original term of service; and (2) certify the participant's eligibility for a portion of such award. (Sec. 148) Revises limitations on national service living allowances. Requires reduction of such an allowance by the amount of the individual's concurrent Federal Work-Study award. (Sec. 149) Authorizes the Corporation to waive, or specify alternatives to, certain requirements for matching funds and use of assistance. Prohibits waiver of, or alternatives to, certain requirements relating to labor union consultation and concurrence. Subtitle D: Amendments to Subtitle D (National Service Trust and Provision of National Service Educational Awards) - Makes National Service Trust funds available for: (1) national service scholarships and (2) administrative expenses to ensure effective Trust management. (Sec. 152) Requires the supervisory organization to certify that an individual is eligible to receive a national service educational award from the Trust. Revises eligibility requirements for those released for compelling personal circumstances to include satisfactory performance and completion of at least 15 percent of the required term of service. Provides that an individual may receive no more than the aggregate value of two full-time national service educational awards. (Sec. 153) Makes national service educational award amounts available to pay an individual's expenses incurred in enrolling at any educational institution or training establishment that meets requirements for veterans educational benefits. Expands the definition of qualified student loans for which such payments may be made to include certain loans made directly by the lender to the student. Transfers to the Corporation CEO the authority to approve whether a national service program may offer participants an alternative post-service benefit funded entirely from non-Federal resources. (Sec. 154) Establishes the national service scholarship program. Authorizes the Corporation to use amounts in the Trust to: (1) support the scholarship program to recognize high school juniors and seniors engaged in outstanding community service; and (2) supplement locally-funded scholarships to help cover an individual's postsecondary education or job training costs. Limits the Corporation's share of an individual's scholarship under such program to not more than $500. Subtitle E: Amendments to Subtitle E (National Civilian Community Corps) - Makes it an additional purpose of establishing the National Civilian Community Corps to provide a basis for determining whether residential service programs can meet national and community needs related to natural and other disasters in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other public and private organizations. (Sec. 162) Requires the national service program component of the Corps to be residential. (Sec. 163) Increases the minimum age for Corps participation from 16 to 18 by the end of the calendar year in which the individual enrolls. Repeals the eligibility of persons between 18 and 24 who have not received a high school diploma or its equivalent. Allows, as an alternative to holding a high school diploma or equivalent, not having dropped out of elementary or secondary school to participate, and agreeing to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. (Sec. 164) Authorizes the Corps Director to select individuals with prior supervisory or service experience to be Team Leaders in the Corps to perform service that includes leading and supervising teams of Corps Members. Requires such Team Leaders to be: (1) selected without regard to age limitation; (2) Corps members; and (3) given rights and benefits applicable to Corps Members, without the limitation on the amount of living allowance. (Sec. 165) Includes State Commissions among those to be consulted in developing Corps project proposals. Requires the Corps Director, in project selection, to place appropriate emphasis on projects addressing the environment and in support of disaster relief efforts. (Sec. 166) Eliminates the option of Corps members upon completion of a service period to elect a post-service benefit alternative (of cash or other suitable benefit) instead of a national service educational award (thus requiring them to receive the educational award). (Sec. 167) Transfers to the Corporation CEO specified duties of the Corps Director with respect to a permanent cadre of Corps supervisors and training instructors. Requires the CEO to include the Director in such cadre and consider the Director's recommendations in appointing the other cadre members. (Sec. 168) Requires the Corps Advisory Board to advise the Corporation CEO as well as the Corps Director. Includes nonprofit organizations and the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency among Advisory Board members. Subtitle F: Amendments to Subtitle F (Administrative Provisions) - Revises NCSA with respect to: (1) notice, hearing, and grievance procedures; (2) resolution of displacement complaints; and (3) agreements with States. Subtitle G: Amendments to Subtitle G (Corporation for National and Community Service) - Revises NCSA with respect to: (1) Corporation for National and Community Service terms of office; (2) peer reviewers; and (3) officers. Subtitle H: Amendment to Title III (Points of Light Foundation) - Revises NCSA to allow the Corporation CEO to serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member of the Points of Light Foundation's Board of Directors. Subtitle I: Amendments to Title V (Authorization of Appropriations) - Revises and extends through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for NCSA programs. Title II: Amendments to the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 - Subtitle A: Amendments to Title I (National Volunteer Antipoverty Programs) - Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (DVSA) to revise provisions for National Volunteer Antipoverty Programs with respect to the Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program's: (1) support of efforts by local agencies and organizations to achieve long-term sustainability of VISTA activities in the absence of Federal assistance; (2) operation by the Director of the ACTION agency; (3) funds for related public awareness and recruitment activities under the national service laws; (4) assistance in post-service transition; (5) cost-sharing; (6) limitation on number of terms of service; (7) grievance procedure; (8) competition requirement for grants and contracts; and (9) consideration, in merit selection of projects, on existing projects' needs as well as potential new projects. (Sec. 219) Repeals authority for the VISTA Literacy Corps. (Sec. 220) Repeals the prohibition against denying assistance to a project or program solely on the basis of the assistance already received. Requires the Corps Director to grant assistance to a project or program only on the basis of merit (as under existing law) and the achievement of sustainability. (Sec. 221) Repeals authority for special volunteer programs. Subtitle B: Amendments to Title II (National Senior Volunteer Corps) - Revises DVSA provisions for national older American volunteer programs. Renames them collectively the National Senior Volunteer Corps (Senior Corps), composed of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP), the Senior Companion Program (SCP), and demonstration and other programs of community service opportunities for people 55 years of age or older. (Sec. 233) Allows cost-defraying incentives to Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) project volunteers who make a substantial commitment of time and coordinate activities, including training, and otherwise support other volunteers. Eliminates the requirement for State agency prior review of RSVP grants and contracts. (Sec. 234) Makes eligible for Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) enrollment low-income individuals 55 or older, giving priority to those 60 or older (current law requires such volunteers to be 60 or older). (Sec. 235) Revises requirements for an agreement on FGP person-to-person services. Authorizes the agency responsible for providing such services to determine whether it is in the best interests of a child receiving, and of a particular foster grandparent providing, such services to continue such relationship after the child reaches the age of 21. Requires any foster grandparent replacement to be determined through the mutual agreement of all parties involved in the provision of services to the child. (Sec. 236) Raises the low-income ceiling for FGP eligibility from 125 percent to 150 percent of the poverty line amount. (Sec. 237) Allows individuals who are not low-income persons to serve as FGP volunteers, if their appointment does not prevent or displace low-income persons from being volunteers. Limits to ten percent of FGP appropriations the amount that may be used to cover any costs relating to FGP volunteers who are not low-income persons. (Sec. 238) Authorizes the ACTION Director to: (1) support Foster Grandparent Leaders who, by virtue of past volunteer experience, special skills, and demonstrated leadership abilities, may coordinate activities, including training; and (2) otherwise support the service of FGP volunteers. (Sec. 239) Makes eligible for Senior Companion Program (SCP) enrollment low-income individuals 55 or older, giving priority to those 60 or older (current law requires such volunteers to be 60 or older). (Sec. 240) Authorizes the ACTION Director to: (1) support Senior Companion Leaders who, by virtue of past volunteer experience, special skills, and demonstrated leadership abilities, may coordinate activities, including training; and (2) otherwise support the service of SCP volunteers. (Sec. 241) Revises provisions for grants for programs of national significance. Subtitle C: Amendments to Title IV (Administration and Coordination) - Deems volunteers in DVSA programs to be Federal employees for purposes of family and medical leave requirements. (Sec. 252) Permits program and project evaluation activities to include subjects relating to the national service laws, if the ACTION Director determines that this will assist the Corporation for National and Community Service in conducting more efficient evaluations and in avoiding duplication of effort and function. Repeals the mandate for evaluation of programs relating to services that assist families caring for frail and disabled adult family members. Subtitle D: Amendments to Title V (Authorization of Appropriations) - Extends through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations under DVSA for: (1) the VISTA program; (2) National Senior Service Corps programs (RSVP, FGP, SCP, and programs of national significance); and (3) administration and coordination. (Sec. 264) Authorizes FY 1998 through 2002 appropriations for certain DVSA evaluation activities. Title III: Technical Amendments - Subtitle A: Technical Amendments to the National and Community Service Act of 1990 - Makes various technical amendments to NCSA. Subtitle B: Technical Amendments to the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 - Makes various technical amendments to DVSA. Title IV: Amendments to Other Laws - Makes technical amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965, the Bilingual Education Act, and a specified Federal law relating to the Public Lands Corps. (Sec. 403) Repeals the eligibility of the Secretaries of Transportation and of Housing and Urban Development for NCSA funds for the Urban Youth Corps.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1998
Medicare Social Work Equity Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to exclude clinical social worker services from coverage under the Medicare skilled nursing facility prospective payment system.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Continuing the Commitment of the Violence Against Women Act Subtitle A: Law Enforcement and Prosecution Grants to Combat Violence Against Women Subtitle B: National Domestic Violence Hotline Subtitle C: Battered Women's Shelters and Services Subtitle D: Community Initiatives Subtitle E: Education and Training for Judges and Court Personnel Subtitle F: Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies Subtitle G: Rural Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Enforcement Subtitle H: National Stalker and Domestic Violence Reduction Subtitle I: Federal Victims' Counselors Subtitle J: Education and Prevention Grants to Reduce Sexual Abuse of Runaway, Homeless, and Street Youth Subtitle K: Victims of Child Abuse Programs Title II: Limiting the Effects of Violence of Children Subtitle A: Safe Havens for Children Subtitle B: Violence Against Women Prevention Among Youth in Schools Subtitle C: Family Safety Subtitle D: Domestic Violence and Children Subtitle E: Child Welfare Worker Training on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Subtitle F: Child Abuse Accountability Title III: Sexual Assault Prevention Subtitle A: Rape Prevention Education Subtitle B: Standards, Practice and Training for Sexual Assault Examinations Subtitle C: Prevention of Custodial Sexual Assault by Correction Staff Subtitle D: Hate Crimes Prevention Title IV: Domestic Violence Prevention Subtitle A: Domestic Violence Victims' Housing Subtitle B: Full Faith and Credit for Protection Orders Subtitle C: Victims of Abuse Insurance Protection Subtitle D: National Summit on Sports and Violence Subtitle E: Keeping Firearms From Intoxicated Persons Subtitle F: Access to Safety and Advocacy Subtitle G: Federal Witness Protection for Victims of Domestic Violence Title V: Violence Against Women in the Military System Subtitle A: Civil Jurisdiction for Crimes of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Subtitle B: Transitional Compensation and Health Care for Abused Dependents of Members of the Armed Forces Title VI: Preventing Violence Against Women in Traditionally Underserved Communities Subtitle A: Older Women's Protection From Violence Subtitle B: Protection Against Violence and Abuse for Women with Disabilities Subtitle C: Battered Immigrant Women Subtitle D: Conforming Amendments to the Violence Against Women Act Title VII: Violence Against Women and the Workplace Subtitle A: National Clearinghouse on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and the Workplace Grant Subtitle B: Victims' Employment Rights Subtitle C: Workplace Violence Against Women Prevention Tax Credit Subtitle D: Battered Women's Employment Protection Subtitle E: Education and Training Grants to Promote Responses to Violence Against Women Subtitle F: Workers' Compensation Title VIII: Educational Institutions and Violence Against Women Subtitle A: Grants to Reduce Violent Crimes Against Women on Campus Subtitle B: Student Safety Subtitle C: Violence against Women Training for Health Professions Subtitle D: Campus Hate Crimes Right to Know Title IX: Violence Against Women Intervention, Prevention, and Education Research Violence Against Women Act of 1998 - Title I: Continuing the Commitment of the Violence Against Women Act - Subtitle A: Law Enforcement and Prosecution Grants to Combat Violence Against Women - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (the Act) to authorize appropriations for grants to combat violent crimes against women. (Sec. 102) Revises grant allocation guidelines governing prosecution grants, victims' services and State court systems. Expands grant purposes to include training that addresses sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking for State, local, and tribal judicial personnel. Directs the Attorney General to deny State grant applications that fail to provide documentation of collaborative efforts with other agencies or organizations. Redefines "victims' services" to include advocacy and assistance for victims seeking legal, social, and health care services. (Sec. 103) Directs the Attorney General to make grants to State domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions for purposes of coordinating with: (1) victim services activities; and (2) Federal, State, and local entities engaged in violence-against-women activities. Subtitle B: National Domestic Violence Hotline - Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) to authorize increased appropriations for the national domestic violence hotline grant. Requires grantees to submit a grant evaluation report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the HHS Secretary) for publication and public comment as a prerequisite to a grant award or renewal. Subtitle C: Battered Women's Shelters and Services - Battered Women's Shelters and Services Act - Amends the FVPSA to authorize appropriations for State grants. Modifies guidelines governing: (1) allotment of appropriations; (2) grants for information and technical assistance centers; and (3) authorization of appropriations. (Sec. 123) Instructs the HHS Secretary to award grants for: (1) State domestic violence coalitions and local domestic violence programs providing shelter or related assistance, in order to develop model strategies to address domestic violence in underserved populations; (2) each State domestic violence coalition for an emergency assistance fund for domestic violence victims; and (3) technical assistance and training for State and local domestic violence programs. Subtitle D: Community Initiatives - Authorizes appropriations for demonstration grants for community initiatives. Subtitle E: Education and Training for Judges and Court Personnel - Amends the Equal Justice for Women in the Courts Act of 1994 to permit training grants for judges and court personnel to include: (1) child custody, visitation, and safety issues raised by domestic violence and child sexual assault; and (2) the extent to which addressing domestic violence and victim safety contributes to the efficient administration of justice. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle F: Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies - Amends the Act to reauthorize appropriations to implement the functions of the Bureau of Justice Statistics. (Sec. 153) Mandates that at least five percent of appropriated funds be used for grants to Indian tribal governments to treat domestic violence as a serious violation of criminal law. Subtitle G: Rural Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Enforcement - Amends the Safe Homes for Women Act of 1994 to authorize appropriations for rural domestic violence and child abuse enforcement. Mandates that five percent of such funds be used for grants to Indian tribal governments. Subtitle H: National Stalker and Domestic Violence Reduction - Amends the Safe Homes for Women Act of 1994 to authorize appropriations for grants to enter stalking and domestic violence data into crime information databases. Subtitle I: Federal Victims' Counselors - Amends the Safe Streets for Women Act of 1994 to authorize appropriations for the United States Attorneys to appoint Victim-Witness counselors for the prosecution of domestic violence and sexual assault crimes. Subtitle J: Education and Prevention Grants to Reduce Sexual Abuse of Runaway, Homeless, and Street Youth - Amends the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to authorize appropriations for street-based outreach and education to prevent sexual abuse and exploitation. Subtitle K: Victims of Child Abuse Programs - Amends the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990 to authorize appropriations for: (1) the court-appointed special advocate program; and (2) child abuse training programs for judicial personnel and practitioners. (Sec. 191-3) Amends the Act to authorize appropriations for grants for closed-circuit televising of testimony of child abuse victims. Title II: Limiting the Effects of Violence on Children - Subtitle A: Safe Havens for Children - Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to public or private nonprofit nongovernmental entities to establish and operate supervised visitation centers. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Violence Against Women Prevention Among Youth in Schools - Authorizes appropriations for the Secretary of Education to implement a program in primary, middle, and secondary schools to educate young people about violence against women. Subtitle C: Family Safety - Family Safety Act - Amends the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act of 1980 to include among its purposes: (1) the promotion of cooperation between State and tribal courts to protect parents and children from domestic violence or sexual assault; (2) the promotion of realistic and protective standards for interstate relocation when parents dispute custody; (3) the avoidance of jurisdictional conflicts between State courts in matters of child custody and visitation consistent with not endangering or inappropriately punishing parents who are victims of domestic violence, or children who are victims of sexual assault. (Sec. 233) Amends Federal criminal law to provide as a defense to prosecution of either a criminal custodial interference or parental abduction charge, or criminal contempt of court relating to an underlying child custody or visitation determination, that the defendant was fleeing an incident or pattern of domestic violence or sexual assault of the child, or would otherwise have a defense under the International Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act. Directs the Attorney General to issue guidelines to assist U.S. Attorneys and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to determine whether to initiate or terminate an action due to the potential availability of such defense. (Sec. 234) Amends the Judicial Code to declare that the intent of full faith and credit doctrine in child custody determinations is to preempt inconsistent State law. Declares that a protection order regarding custody and visitation of a minor child that is consistent with this Act shall be given full faith and credit by the courts of any State where the party who sought the order seeks enforcement. Modifies State court jurisdiction guidelines governing: (1) relocation of the child due to domestic violence or sexual assault; and (2) court authority to decline to exercise jurisdiction on behalf of parents engaged in specified conduct. Subtitle D: Domestic Violence and Children - Expresses the sense of the Congress that for purposes of determining child custody: (1) it is in the best interest of children to have a presumption that their main physical residence should be with their primary caretaker parent unless such parent is unfit; (2) child abuse and sexual abuse allegations should be fully investigated regardless of when raised, or whether the child has withdrawn the allegation; (3) States should not order specified measures if they may endanger either parent or child; and (4) States should provide training to all relevant professionals on how domestic violence and sexual assault affects determinations of custody, child support, and visitation. Subtitle E: Child Welfare Worker Training on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault - Directs the Attorney General to make grants jointly with the HHS Secretary to enable child welfare service agencies to train their staffs and modify their policies, procedures, programs, and practices in order to make them consistent with specified principles and goals. Sets forth grantee eligibility criteria. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle F: Child Abuse Accountability - Child Abuse Accountability Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permit the assignment or alienation of any pension benefit payable to a participant pursuant to a qualified child abuse order. Exempts qualified child abuse orders from preemption by ERISA. Title III: Sexual Assault Prevention - Subtitle A: Rape Prevention Education - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the use of certain State funds for rape prevention and education programs conducted by rape crisis centers and nonprofit State sexual assault coalitions for specified programs. (Sec. 301) Instructs the HHS Secretary to establish a National Resource Center on Sexual Assault to provide resource information, policy, training, and technical assistance to Federal, State, and Indian tribal agencies, State and local sexual assault coalitions and programs, and to other interested parties. Mandates that State grantors ensure that at least 25 percent of the funds are devoted to educational programs targeted for middle school, junior high, and high school aged students. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Standards, Practice, and Training for Sexual Assault Examinations - Standards, Practice, and Training for Sexual Assault Examinations Act - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) evaluate standards of training and practice for licensed health care professionals performing sexual assault forensic examinations, and develop a national recommended training standard; (2) recommend sexual assault examination training for health care students to improve recognition of injuries suggestive of rape and sexual assault; and (3) establish a mechanism for nationwide dissemination of a national protocol on sexual assault for forensic examinations. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Prevention of Custodial Sexual Assault by Correctional Staff - Prevention of Custodial Sexual Assault by Correctional Staff Act - Directs the Attorney General to establish and disseminate to the States certain guidelines regarding the prevention of custodial sexual misconduct by correctional staff. Requires withholding of specified correctional facilities funds from any State that fails to implement: (1) such guidelines; or (2) criminal penalties explicitly prohibiting custodial sexual misconduct by correctional staff against prisoners. (Sec. 335) Directs the Attorney General to create a national, confidential, toll-free telephone hotline to collect data, and to provide information and assistance to prisoners who have experienced custodial sexual misconduct by corrections staff. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Hate Crimes Prevention - Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 1998 - Amends Federal criminal law to establish criminal penalties for willfully causing bodily injury because of a person's race, color, religion, or national origin. (Sec. 345) Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to study the issue of adult recruitment of juveniles to commit hate crimes, and, where appropriate, to amend Federal sentencing guidelines to provide sentencing enhancements for adult defendants who do such recruiting. (Sec. 346) Directs the Administrator of the Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to make grants to State and local programs to combat hate crimes committed by juveniles. (Sec. 347) Authorizes appropriations for the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Justice (including the Community Relations Service), to increase the number of personnel to prevent and respond to such hate crimes. Title IV: Domestic Violence Prevention - Subtitle A: Domestic Violence Victims' Housing - Domestic Violence Victims Housing Act - Authorizes appropriations under the United States Housing Act of 1937 solely for public housing agencies and qualified nonprofit organizations to provide tenant-based rental assistance for families leaving a residence due to domestic violence. Subtitle B: Full Faith and Credit for Protection Orders - Amends Federal criminal law to require the Attorney General to reduce the amount of certain grants to any State that fails to comply with Federal full faith and credit requirements for protection orders. (Sec. 412) Authorizes the Attorney General to provide grants to assist governmental entities to develop and strengthen law enforcement and recordkeeping strategies to enforce protective orders issued by other governmental entities. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Victims of Abuse Insurance Protection - Victims of Abuse Insurance Protection Act - Prohibits an insurer from denying or restricting insurance coverage on the basis that the applicant or insured (or any employee or associated person) is, has been, or may be the subject of abuse or has incurred or may incur abuse-related claims. Confers enforcement jurisdiction upon the Federal Trade Commission. Authorizes a private cause of action by an applicant or insured adversely affected by a violation of this Act. Subtitle D: National Summit on Sports and Violence - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) a national summit should be promptly convened to develop a multifaceted action plan to deter acts of violence, especially domestic violence and sexual assault; (2) the members of such summit should include sports, community, political, and media leaders, as well as Members of Congress and other governmental and community leaders with relevant expertise; and (3) summit members should assume leadership roles deterring acts of domestic violence and sexual assault. Subtitle E: Keeping Firearms from Intoxicated Persons - Amends Federal criminal law to declare unlawful the transfer of a firearm or ammunition to any person reasonably believed to be intoxicated. Subtitle F: Access to Safety and Advocacy - Access to Safety and Advocacy Act - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to designated grantees and services to improve legal assistance to victims of domestic violence through access to the justice system, legal advocacy, and representation. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle G: Federal Witness Protection for Victims of Domestic Violence - Amends Federal criminal law to include victims of domestic violence within the Federal Witness Protection Program. Title V: Violence Against Women in the Military System - Subtitle A: Civilian Jurisdiction for Crimes of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence - Amends Federal criminal law to declare that domestic violence and sexual assault offenses committed by persons formerly serving with, or presently employed by or accompanying the armed forces outside of the United States shall be subject to prosecution in the Federal District Court of the jurisdiction of origin of the person arrested. Provides for concurrent jurisdiction with other military tribunals and foreign governments. (Sec. 502) Amends Federal law governing separation from the armed forces to mandate that: (1) a copy of records of any penal action taken against the departing member of the armed forces be transmitted to the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and (2) any member convicted by court-martial of an offense of a sexual nature provide whatever specimen is necessary to conduct DNA analysis for inclusion in the Combined DNA Identification System of the FBI. Subtitle B: Transitional Compensation and Health Care for Abused Dependents of Members of the Armed Forces - Revises Federal guidelines governing transitional compensation and health care for abused dependents of former members of the armed forces. Mandates that an abused dependent of a former member be furnished with medical, dental, and mental health care in uniformed services' facilities with the same eligibility and benefits as were applicable during the former member's active service. Title VI: Preventing Violence Against Women in Traditionally Underserved Communities - Subtitle A: Older Women's Protection From Violence - Older Women's Protection From Violence Act - Chapter 1: Violence Against Women Act of 1994 - Amends the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 to direct the Attorney General to: (1) make grants to law school clinical programs to fund the inclusion of cases addressing issues of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including domestic violence, and sexual assault against older individuals; and (2) develop curricula and provide for training programs in those issues for law enforcement officers and prosecutors. Authorizes appropriations. Chapter 2: Family Violence Prevention and Services Act - Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to require federally-funded State domestic violence coalitions to include within their scope of activities programs targeted to older individuals, including outreach, support groups, and counseling. (Sec. 604-3) Authorizes entities eligible for a community initiatives demonstration grant to include representatives of adult protective services entities. Chapter 3: Older Americans Act of 1965 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for Aging to consider the importance of research about the sexual assault of older women when establishing research priorities for grants or contracts for research and demonstration projects on elder abuse. (Sec. 605-3) Authorizes appropriations without fiscal year limitation for grants to implement a State long-term care ombudsman program. (Sec. 605-4) Directs such Assistant Secretary to develop curricula and implement continuing education training programs to improve the ability of health care and social services providers to recognize and address instances of elder abuse. (Sec.605-5) Directs the Assistant Secretary, when making grants and contracts, to give special consideration to projects designed to: (1) expand access to domestic violence shelters and programs for older individuals and encourage the use of certain facilities as emergency short-term shelters; and (2) promote research on legal, organizational, or training impediments to providing services to older individuals through shelters and programs. (Sec. 605-6) Authorizes appropriations for the ombudsman and the elder abuse prevention program. (Sec. 605-7) Directs the HHS Secretary to make grants to: (1) nonprofit private organizations to support projects in local communities to coordinate activities for intervention in and prevention of elder abuse, including domestic violence and sexual assault; and (2) develop outreach programs for assisting victims of elder abuse, including some for assisting individuals in certain senior housing facilities. Authorizes appropriations. Chapter 4: Public Health Service Act - Elder Abuse Identification and Referral Act of 1998 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to instruct the HHS Secretary, when awarding grants or contracts, to give preferences to health professions schools or programs that condition the awarding of their degrees or certificates upon significant student training in specified areas of elder abuse identification and treatment. Subtitle B: Protection Against Violence and Abuse for Women with Disabilities - Protections Against Violence and Abuse for Women with Disabilities Act - Makes the protection of women with disabilities eligible for grants and research under the following Acts: (1) the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968; (2) Public Health and Human Services Act; (3) Family Violence Prevention and Services Act; (4) Safe Homes for Women Act of 1994; and Equal Justice for Women in the Courts Act of 1994. (Sec. 617) Authorizes the HHS Secretary to: (1) develop curricula and implement training programs to improve the ability of social service and health providers to recognize and address domestic violence directed against women with disabilities; and (2) make grants and enter into contracts for such training programs for health professionals. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 619) Directs the HHS Secretary to consider the importance of research about the sexual assault of, and violence against, women with disabilities in establishing certain research priorities. (Sec. 619-1) Authorizes the Attorney General to establish a grants program for States and nongovernmental private entities to provide education and technical assistance for information dissemination on abuse and violence against women with disabilities. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Battered Immigrant Women - Battered Immigrant Women's Protection Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that it is contrary to the law enforcement purposes of the Violence Against Women Act for State law enforcement officers, prosecutors, or judges to: (1) inquire into the immigration status of a domestic violence victim who is seeking protection from crimes of domestic violence, battering, or extreme cruelty to herself or her children; and (2) report such victims to the Immigration and Naturalization Service. (Sec. 623) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise guidelines governing a battered spouse or child with respect to: (1) cancellation of removal and adjustment of status; (2) ineligibility for visas or admission; (3) procedures for granting immigrant status; (4) general classes of deportable aliens; (5) status adjustment of nonimmigrant to that of person admitted for permanent residence; (6) removal proceedings; and (7) married persons and employees for certain nonprofit organizations. (Sec. 630) Authorizes the Attorney General to grant certain battered applicants documentation signifying authorization of employment during the pendency of their application. (Sec. 631) Amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to permit Federal agency disclosure of records to the spouse or child of a naturalized citizen or lawful permanent resident who requests information from the Immigration and Naturalization Service regarding the immigration status of their spouse or parent, or who needs to obtain documentation for an immigration case or domestic violence-related judicial procedure. Excludes from such disclosure the records of victims of battering or extreme cruelty by a spouse or parent. (Sec. 632) Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to redefine "qualified alien" to include certain battered aliens for purposes of welfare and public benefits eligibility. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980, the Social Security Act, and the United States Housing Act of 1937, to declare restrictions on the use of assisted housing inapplicable to certain battered aliens. (Sec. 633) Amends the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 to provide that requirements and restrictions placed upon Legal Services Corporation funding shall not be construed to prohibit a recipient from providing related legal assistance to certain aliens who have been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty. (Sec. 634) Amends the Act to require each branch of the U.S. military to train its supervisory military officers in domestic violence dynamics in military families, and the protections available for battered immigrant women and children. Expands the purposes of training grants to combat violent crimes against women to include: (1) training immigration and asylum officers and judges; and (2) training justice system personnel on the judicial ramifications of the Violence Against Women Act, and the potential immigration consequences for perpetrators of domestic violence. (Sec. 635) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to express the intent of the Congress that statutory constraints upon the powers of immigration personnel not be construed as discouraging crime and domestic violence victims from reporting crimes to the police, from cooperating in criminal prosecutions, or from obtaining the legal relief needed for protection from ongoing violence. Subtitle D: Conforming Amendments to the Violence Against Women Act - Amends the Act to make technical and conforming amendments with respect to law enforcement and prosecution grants. Title VII: Violence Against Women and the Workplace - Subtitle A: National Clearinghouse on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and the Workplace Grant - Authorizes the Attorney General to award a grant to a private non-profit entity, including one operating within the boundaries of an Indian reservation, to provide for establishment of a national clearinghouse and resource center to disseminate information and assistance to employers and labor organizations responding to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Victims' Employment Rights - Victims' Employment Rights Act - Prohibits an employer from taking any adverse job action against an employee based upon such employee's status, experience, or condition as a victim of crime, even if the crime alleged does not result in criminal prosecution or conviction. Prohibits any adverse job action for an employee's participation in related judicial proceedings requiring absence from work. Prescribes enforcement guidelines, including civil action by an affected employee for actual and treble punitive damages. Subtitle C: Workplace Violence Against Women Prevention Tax Credit - Workplace Violence Against Women Prevention Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an employer a workplace safety program tax credit for 40 percent of the costs of implementing workplace safety and education programs to combat violence against women. Subtitle D: Battered Women's Employment Protection - Battered Women's Employment Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for unemployment compensation for separation from employment as a direct result of an employee's experience of domestic violence. (Sec. 743) Amends the Social Security Act to provide for the training of claims reviewers and hearing personnel in the nature and dynamics of domestic violence, and in methods of ascertaining and keeping confidential information about domestic violence experiences so that employment separations stemming from such violence are identified and adjudicated while full confidentiality is provided for the employee's claim and submitted evidence. (Sec. 744) Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and the provisions concerning Federal employees to establish an entitlement for leave resulting from certain domestic violence situations. Prescribes confidentiality guidelines for an employee's situation of domestic violence. Requires that employees, under State law, be permitted to use existing leave for domestic violence situations. Empowers the Secretary of Labor to enforce the entitlement for leave due to an employee's domestic violence situation. Subtitle E: Education and Training Grants to Promote Responses to Violence Against Women - Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to public and private nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations for the education and training of individuals who, as a result of their employment responsibilities, are likely to come into contact with victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle F: Workers' Compensation - Expresses the sense of the Congress that State workers' compensation laws should: (1) provide benefits to eligible female victims of workplace violence, including full compensation for physical and nonphysical injuries; and (2) permit the employee to pursue an action at law (other than statutory workers' compensation benefits) against an employer's role in the act of workplace violence. Title VIII: Educational Institutions and Violence Against Women - Subtitle A: Grants to Reduce Violent Crimes Against Women on Campus - Amends the Act to authorize Department of Education grants to institutions of higher education for campus personnel and student organizations, and nonprofit, nongovernmental victim services programs to provide personnel, training, technical assistance, data collection, and other equipment for the more widespread apprehension, investigation, and adjudication of persons committing violent crimes against women on campus. (Sec. 801) Authorizes the Secretary of Education to request any Federal agency to use its authorities and resources in support of campus security, investigation, and victim services efforts. (Sec. 802) Directs the Secretary to provide for, and report to the Congress on, a national baseline study of university campus procedures when receiving a sexual assault report. Subtitle B: Student Safety - Student Safety Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to: (1) revise guidelines governing crime logs and annual statistics of criminal offenses on campus; (2) exclude from educational records open to parental review specified records of campus disciplinary proceedings or criminal activity; and (3) modify eligibility criteria for Federal student financial aid services to require institution certification of comprehensive and accurate crime statistics. (Sec. 815) Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary of Education to publish annually and transmit to certain congressional committees and the general public a report identifying model programs for improving campus safety. Subtitle C: Violence Against Women Training for Health Professions - Violence Against Women Training for Health Professions Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the HHS Secretary, when making health care grants for rural areas, to give preference to a health professions entity that requires, as a condition of receiving a degree or certificate, each student to have had significant training in identification, examination, treatment, and referral of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Subtitle D: Campus Hate Crimes Right to Know - Campus Hate Crimes Right To Know Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to mandate the separate collection and categorization of on-campus criminal offenses statistics that manifest prejudice based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or disability. Title IX: Violence Against Women Intervention, Prevention, and Education Research - Amends the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 to direct the HHS Secretary and the Attorney General to establish a multi-agency task force coordinating research on violence against women. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 901) Directs the Department of Health and Human Services to make grants to entities to: (1) support research to further the understanding of the causes of violent behavior against women; and (2) evaluate education, prevention, and intervention programs. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Departments of Health and Human Services and of Justice to make grants to domestic violence and sexual assault organizations, research organizations and academic institutions to expand knowledge about violence against women, with a particular emphasis on exploring such issues as they affect underserved communities. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to study and report to the Congress on specified aspects of domestic violence. Directs the Secretary to award grants to designated entities to gather data on the experiences of women and girls who become pregnant as a result of sexual assault within State health care, judicial, and social services systems. Authorizes appropriations. Instructs the Attorney General to conduct a national study and report to the Congress on laws regarding rape and sexual assault offenses and their effectiveness in addressing those crimes and protecting the victims. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary and the Attorney General to establish three research centers to: (1) support the development of research and training programs that focus on violence against women; (2) provide collaboration mechanisms between researchers and practitioners; and (3) provide technical assistance for integrating research into service provision. Authorizes appropriations.