United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Minimum Income Maintenance Act - Amends the Social Security Act by adding Title XXI - Minimum Income Maintenance Benefits. Establishes a national program to guarantee a minimum adequate income for all qualified residents of the United States. Establishes eligibility requirements for such program. Sets the amount of annual benefit for any eligible individual at one-half of the applicable guarantee level as defined in this Act, reduced by one-half of the amount of such individual's income. Specifies that the guarantee level shall be established by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the Department of Labor utilizing the most recent information and data which may be available on costs, incomes, budget levels, and consumption patterns, and shall take into account variations in consumption patterns as between different areas and regions and as between families of different sizes and compositions. States that "income," for purposes of this Act, includes all earned and unearned income. Requires every individual eligible for benefits to register for services, training, and employment in a work incentive program established under the Work Incentive Program of Title IV of the Social Security Act. Makes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare responsible for the administration of this title and the program of benefits established by this title. Imposes a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year or both upon anyone found guilty of fraud in connection with determining rights under this title. Abolishes specified public assistance programs under the Social Security Act and the Food Stamp Act of 1964.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act - Prohibits the sale of carbonated beverages in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of not less than five cents. Requires that retailers and distributors pay the amount of the affixed refund value of brands of beverages bought and sold by such retailers or distributors. Prohibits States from imposing any tax on the collection or return of refund values established by this Act. Prohibits distributors and retailers from selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings. Imposes penalties of up to $1,000 and/or 60 days imprisonment for violation of the provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor the rate of reuse and recycling as a result of this Act. Stipulates that the labeling of refund values shall be required within three years of the date of enactment of this Act. Stipulates that the prohibition on detachable metal openings shall take effect one year after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise tax on cigarettes. Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a National Cancer Research Fund in the Treasury to be partially funded from the additional excise taxes collected under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Bikeway Transportation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for 80 percent of the cost to States and municipalities of bikeway construction projects in urbanized areas or connecting such areas with national, State, or local parks, seashores or recreational areas. Requires such bikeway projects to be in accordance with a continuing comprehensive transportation planning process carried on cooperatively by States and local communities and in accordance with construction standards established by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
States that the place of birth of an individual issued a United States passport shall not be disclosed in the passport. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the requirement that the passport of an individual seeking entry into the United States disclose the birthplace of such individual.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act by adding Title XIV - Fertility, Sterility, and the Reproductive Process. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, public or nonprofit entities for research projects in fertility and sterility in humans and the human reproductive process and for training to enable persons to undertake such research. Authorizes the Secretary to establish in the National Institutes of Health and in various geographical regions of the United States specialized treatment centers in the field of human reproduction.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Financial Disclosure Act - Requires the President, Vice President, Members of Congress and candidates for those offices, justices and judges of the United States, Presidential nominees, officers and employees of the United States compensated at a rate equal to or in excess of the rate prescribed for the grade of GS-15, and members of the uniformed services compensated at a rate equal to or in excess of the monthly rate prescribed for grade O-6 to file in each calendar year, with the Comptroller General and other specified executive or administrative officers, a financial statement for the preceding calendar year if such individual has occupied or been a candidate for the office or position for more than 90 days in such calendar year. Specifies the content of such financial statements. Makes mandatory the inclusion in such report of all items held not only by the individual, but by the spouse, and dependents of such person, and those acting on the individual's behalf. Permits the President to exempt any individual in the Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the National Security Agency, or other person engaged exclusively in intelligence activities from the requirement to file a report with the Comptroller General if such disclosure would reveal the identity of an undercover Federal agent. Makes failure to file and falsifying reports punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Requires the head of each agency, the Clerk of the House of Representatives, the Secretary of the Senate, and the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to submit annually to the Comptroller General a complete list of individuals required to file such a report. Requires the Comptroller General to refer to the Attorney General the names of all individuals who the Comptroller General have reasonable cause to believe has failed to file or falsified such report, and that if such an individual is a Member of Congress, that the name be referred to the appropriate Congressional committees. Requires the Comptroller General to make such reports available to the public for all purposes not excluded under this Act. Makes the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission and the head of each agency responsible for the review of such reports in accordance with any law or regulation regarding conflicts of interest or confidential financial information. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct audits of each specified group at varying intervals, and gives the Comptroller General subpena power for the purpose of conducting such audits. Requires the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Justice to recommend to Congress such legislation as may be necessary in the area of financial conflicts of interest among Federal employees and officers.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide identical income tax rates for single persons and married couples filing joint returns. Limits the earned income that must be reported by a married individual filing a separate return to the amount actually earned by that individual.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
National Home Health Care Act - Broadens the coverage of home health services under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and removes the 100-visit limitation presently applicable to the home health service program. Extends the coverage of posthospital home health services to include payment for items and services which the individual could otherwise obtain in a skilled nursing facility. Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require the inclusion of home health services in a State's Medicaid program and permit the payment of rent under such program for elderly and handicapped persons who would otherwise require nursing home care. Provides expanded Federal funding for congregate housing for the displaced and the elderly by increasing the amount available for such housing under the low-income housing program. Establishes, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Home Health Patient Ombudsman, who shall be appointed and provided with adequate staff and facilities by the Secretary. Makes it the duty and responsibility of the ombudsman to monitor specified programs under the Social Security and the various medical assistance programs under the State plans approved pursuant to such Act, and to maintain such oversight of those programs and their operation and administration as may be necessary to: (1) assure that home health patients under such programs are receiving the care to which they are entitled: (2) provide safeguards against over-charging for home health services; (3) identify abuses against home health patients; (4) receive, handle, and expedite complaints by home health patients; (5) recommend to the Secretary any changes in the regulations affecting home health services which may appear necessary or desirable; and (6) take appropriate action (including the transmission of findings to the Attorney General) with respect to abuses and violations of law affecting the provision or receipt of home health services under such programs. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of extending to the Medicare program the prospective cost-related method of computing payments to nursing homes and home health agencies which is currently provided under the Medicaid program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to specify the operation of a school bus by an individual younger than 18 years of age as oppressive child labor.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Commission on School Integration Act - Establishes a 13 member Commission on School Integration for the purpose of studying specified aspects of school integration, including: (1) the goals of racial integration and the effectiveness of methods used to achieve it; and (2) the impact of compulsory integration achieved through the use of busing. Directs that one member of the Commission be appointed by each chief judge of the 11 United States Court of Appeals circuits, the remaining two members to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the United State Supreme Court. Makes provisions for pay, travel expenses, and staffing for the Commission. Details the powers of the Commission. Requires the Commission to transmit to the President and Congress a report not later than one year after the Commission's organization. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of such report.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit for 25 percent of the amount of rent rent paid by the taxpayer which is equal to the taxpayer's proportionate share of the local and State property taxes imposed on the land and building in which his dwelling unit is located.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Prohibits any business deduction, under the Internal Revenue Code, relating to expenses paid or incurred for the transportation of any person by commercial airplane or railroad in excess of an amount which is equal to the retail price of a coach class fare ticket on such airline or railroad, unless the use of first class accommodations was necessitated by the circumstances of the taxpayer's business activities, or by a disability or handicap, or because coach tickets were unavailable.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Newsmen's Right to Privacy Act - Makes it unlawful for any telephone company or telegraph company to disclose information with respect to any member of the news media without a court order issued upon the finding that the disclosure of such information (1) will not reveal or threaten to reveal the identity of any source of information with respect to the member of the news media involved in such action; or (2) will serve a compelling and overriding national interest. Sets forth penalties for violation of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Directs the Commissioner of Education to carry out a program of making grants to central library systems to pay the operating expenses of public libraries. States that the amount of such grant shall be equal to the amount of private contributions made to such library system for operating expenses. Requires that 50 percent of the funds received from such grant be used to pay the operating expenses of public libraries in localities where the average family gross income in such localities is at least 25 percent below the average income level in the area served by such system.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Title I: Survey and Certification, Rate-Setting and Audit, and General Regulation of Long Term Care Facilities Under Medicaid Programs - Directs that State plans under Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act must provide that no skilled nursing facility may receive payments under such plan unless and until it is approved to receive payments under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Requires the State plan to give the State agency the power to terminate reimbursement to a skilled nursing or intermediate care facility which such agency has found has violated its provider agreement. States that payment of the skilled nursing facility and intermediate care facility services shall be based upon a prospective cost based method of computation in which the audited costs of rendering service in such facilities in a prior year is updated through the use of economic indices to the year in which payment is made. Requires that any skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility receiving payments under such plan be required to maintain with the State agency a bond in such amount, under such terms, and in such form as the State agency may direct. Title II: Medical, Psychological, and Social Assessment of Patients In Need of Long Term Care under Medicare and Medicaid Programs - Directs that payments for services furnished an individual may be made only to eligible providers of services and only if a physician certifies that such services are necessary, based on such patient assessment criteria as the Secretary may require.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Equal Employment of the Handicapped Act - Title I: Equal Employment Opportunity for the Handicapped - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include as an unlawful employment practice discrimination on the basis of handicap. Title II: Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to include disabled persons on the Interagency Committee on Handicapped Employees. Sets forth procedures through which handicapped individuals who believe that they have been subjected to employment discrimination by a Federal agency, who believe that a Federal contractor has failed to comply with its obligation to take affirmative action to employ qualified handicapped individuals, or who believe that they have been subjected to discrimination under any program receiving Federal financial assistance may file complaints with the Civil Service Commission, the Secretary of Labor, or the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, respectively, and have such complaints heard by ad hoc arbitration panels. Requires that a contractor have in effect a program to take affirmative action to employ handicapped persons in order to be eligible for Federal contracts in excess of $2,500. Title III: Employment Placement Services for the Handicapped - Directs State agencies which are responsible for the administration of State laws for vocational rehabilitation of physically handicapped persons to provide assistance to handicapped individuals seeking employment through certain State employment agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Arms Export Control Act to eliminate maintenance of internal security as a purpose for which military sales may be made. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961: (1) to eliminate maintenance of internal security as a purpose for which military assistance may be furnished; and (2) to prohibit furnishing military education and training for internal security.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Allows an individual receiving payments under Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to receive up to $200 a month in support and maintenance (furnished by members of his or her immediate family) without a reduction in the individual's benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Establishes an 11-member Commission on the Humane Treatment of Animals to study the treatment of animals. Requires that the membership include zoologists, veterinarians, and representatives from humane societies. Requires the Commission to determine if animals are caused needless pain or suffering as a result of their treatment on farms and in laboratory experimentation. Requires Commission investigation into domestic pet growth rates and the effectiveness of existing laws regarding the treatment of animals. Excludes the study of the treatment of animals occurring in connection with the exercise of any religion. Directs the Commission to report its findings to the Congress and the Commission 60 days after it submits its final report. Authorizes appropriations of $750,000 per year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to decrease from 20 to 10 the number of years a divorced woman must have been married to an insured individual in order for her to qualify for wife's or widow's benefits on his wage record.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for donations of blood to charitable organizations in an amount equal to $25 for each pint donated. Limits the aggregate amount of donations which shall be deductible to $125 in any taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Civil Rights Amendments - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination based on affectional or sexual preference in: (1) public accommodations; (2) public facilities; (3) public education; (4) federally assisted opportunities; (5) equal employment opportunities; (6) housing; and (7) educational programs receiving Federal assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the excise tax on the investment income of tax exempt foundations shall not apply to any private foundation organized and operated exclusively as a library, museum or similar educational institution, and which is not directly or indirectly controlled by substantial contributors or their families.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Marihuana Control Act - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to provide that the possession of not more than one ounce of marihuana for private use, or the transfer of not more than one ounce of marihuana without profit for private use, shall not constitute a crime against the United States. Provides for a civil penalty of not more than $100 for such possession or transfer.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Establishes an 11-member Commission on the Humane Treatment of Animals to study the treatment of animals. Requires that the membership include zoologists, veterinarians, and representatives from humane societies. Requires the Commission to determine if animals are caused needless pain or suffering as a result of their treatment on farms and in laboratory experimentation. Requires Commission investigation into domestic pet growth rates and the effectiveness of existing laws regarding the treatment of animals. Excludes the study of the treatment of animals occurring in connection with the exercise of any religion. Directs the Commission to report its findings to the Congress and the Commission 60 days after it submits its final report. Authorizes appropriations of $750,000 per year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Makes it unlawful for any Federal employee or official or for any person engaged in any business or other activity in or affecting interstate commerce to (1) permit, require, request, or attempt to require or request any employee or person applying for employment to take any polygraph test; or (2) discharge, discipline, or deny promotion to any employee or deny employment to any individual for refusing to submit to any requirement or request that such person take a polygraph test. Permits any person aggrieved by a violation of this Act, or any employee organization authorized by such a person, to obtain compensatory and injunctive relief in appropriate United States district courts.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Community- Based Day Treatment and In-Home Services for Children and Families Act - Amends Part B of Title IV (Child-Welfare Services) of the Social Security Act to provide for the establishment of day treatment and in-home arrangements for services to children and families in trouble. Makes funds appropriated under the Social Security Act for child welfare services available to cooperating State agencies in the provision of day treatment and in-home services to children and families. Authorizes the appropriation of an additional $50,000,000 for each of the two fiscal years following the enactment of this Act for the purposes of this Act. Provides for the distribution of such funds to the appropriate State agencies. Defines the terms "day treatment services," and "in-home services. Requires States, as a condition to receiving Federal payments for child welfare services, to limit the placement of children outside of the home for treatment to those cases in which all feasible alternatives have been exhausted, or such placement has been ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction. Requires State plans for aid and services to needy families with children to provide that the State agency supervising the administration of the plan will: (1) exhaust all feasible alternatives to placement of a child in a foster home, institution, or other residential facility before placing or approving the placement of such child in such a home, institution, or facility; and (2) submit to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare periodic reports indicating the steps being taken to explore such alternatives (and the various types of alternative arrangements being considered) in connection with the placement of children in such homes, institutions, and facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to make it an unlawful employment practice for an employer to either (1) request any employee or applicant for employment to provide copies of military discharge papers or other service records; or (2) make inquiries relative to the military discharge of any employee or applicant for employment. Excepts from such prohibition inquiries made for the sole purpose of ascertaining either (1) education or work experience in the Armed Forces; or (2) any conditions by a court-martial.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited credit against the income tax for contributions of the taxpayer's literary, musical or artistic compositions to certain tax exempt organizations. Limits the credit allowed for any one year to the amount of tax on past gross income attributable to the sale of such compositions. Disallows any credit for letters, memoranda, or similar property relating to the duties of any governmental office held by the taxpayer when they were composed. Limits the credit taken in any taxable year to the greater of $2,500 or 50 percent of the taxpayer's income tax liability for the year. Disallows a credit to the extent that the total value of contribution exceeds $35,000. Allows a five-year carry-over of any credit disallowed by the previous two limitations. Requires that the donee certify to the taxpayer that the contribution is material of literary, artistic or musical significance and its use will be related to the purpose upon which the donee's tax exempt status is based.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Radiation Health and Safety Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for the accreditation of educational institutions conducting programs for the training of radiologic technologists and medical and dental practitioners. Directs the Secretary to develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for licensure of radiologic technologists. Directs that State and local governments be encouraged to minimize exposure of the public to ionizing from all sources, and establishes procedures for the adoption of appropriate standards. Allows the Secretary to make grants to States in an amount up to two-thirds of the first year and one-third of the second year costs of planning, developing, or establishing programs to carry out the provisions of this Act. Prohibits conducting activities contrary to this Act and subjects violators to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress an annual report evaluating the implementation of this Act and making recommendations for legislation. States that whenever a performance standard for a class of X-ray system is prescribed, the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe a performance standard applicable to systems of such class prior to the effective date of such standard. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of inspection of all X-ray systems to which standards apply and which are in actual use in the United States. Authorizes officers or employees duly designated by the Secretary to enter at reasonable times any establishment in which an X-ray system is located and to inspect such system.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Civilian Conservation Corps Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to establish a Civilian Conservation Corps for the purpose of providing employment for unemployed persons through public projects in connection with the conservation, improvement and utilization of the natural resources of lands and waters under the ownership or control of the United States or its agencies. Permits the Corps to undertake certain cooperative projects on State, local governments, or private lands. Sets forth eligibility requirements to be met by persons employed under this Act as Corps members. Directs that preference for employment be given to persons residing in areas having an employment rate of 6.5 percent or greater for three consecutive months. Limits employment of Corps members under this Act to a period of 24 months total employment. Sets forth the duties of the Secretaries under this Act. Authorizes the Secretaries to make grants to the States to assist them in employing unemployed individuals to carry out on non-Federal lands projects similar to those performed by the Corps.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorization of New Budget Authority - Terminates all budget authority for Federal programs on specified dates according to the functional or subfunctional category of each program as set forth in the fiscal year 1977 budget. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress by April 1, 1977, on specified programs with respect to the laws under which such program is carried on, the amount of new budget authority received by such program during the four fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977, and to identify programs for which no outlays have been made during the last two fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977. Prohibits providing new budget authority after the applicable review date set forth in this Act unless the provision of such budget authority is specifically authorized by law or the standing rules of either House of Congress. Title II: Zero-Base Program Review - Sets forth a timetable for Congressional zero-base review of new budget authority. Defines "zero-base review" as an evaluation of a given program to determine the merits of its continuation at a level less than, equal to, or more than its existing level. Requires each congressional committee conducting a zero-based program review to adopt tentative and final review plans, receive reports from the Comptroller General and Federal agencies on the program being reviewed, and report to their respective House the results of such zero-base review of the program. Sets forth minimum objectives of inquiry for such reviews. Requires that any committee reporting pursuant to this Act recommend the extent to which any program reviewed should be continued or eliminated. Title III: Continuing Review - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 to require, whenever the Comptroller General issues a report which discloses any substantial deficiency in the achievement of the objectives of any Federal program, the agency conducting such program to report to specified congressional committees 60 days after such report and every six months thereafter to delineate the actions taken with respect to such deficiency. Requires that such agency continue to issue such reports until such time as the Comptroller General determines that no purpose is served by their submission. Amends the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921, to require the inclusion in the Budget of a statement of the specific objectives of each Government program, and a comparison, in each subsequent Budget, of the achievement of such objectives for the last completed fiscal year with the planned objectives of such year. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Requires the Director of Management and Budget to study the feasibility of zero-base budgeting for Federal agencies. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to study the feasibility of personnel ceilings on employees of the United States and their relationships to alternative methods of carrying out the activities of such employees. Requires that such reports be submitted to Congress. Requires Federal agency heads to report requests for new budget authority to Congress. Requires specified committees to study the effectiveness of the zero-base review procedures required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to make the provisions, formerly applicable to persons between 40 and 65 years of age, applicable to anyone 40 years of age or older.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Nursing Home Reform Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize a deduction for amounts paid during the taxable year by the taxpayer for nursing home expenses for an individual if such individual is a dependent of the taxpayer in all respects except the receipt of at least half of his support from such taxpayer. Permits the payment of supplemental security income to residents in nonmedical shelter care facilities in any State if such State certifies that the residents are ambulatory, needing only minimum supervision, and that the amount of State supplementation is not less than $100 per resident per month. Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to redefine the term "skilled nursing facility" to require that such facilities, in order to qualify under Title XVIII, provide the services set forth in this Act. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct a review of State plans approved under Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act at least once a year to determine each State's compliance with and the quality of the administration of its plan. Directs the Secretary to establish a rating system for nursing homes participating in the programs under titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act. States that whoever shall offer, solicit, receive, or accept any consideration as compensation or inducement for referring patients, clients, or customers to any person for purposes of Titles XVIII and XIX shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Requires nursing facilities to provide a program to insure the integrity of patients' accounts, moneys, or valuables and to insure that they are not mingled with those belonging to the facility. Specifies that the Secretary shall pay to the States an amount equal to 100 percent of the sums expended in the enactment of, conversion to, and enforcement of, new enforcement tools short of nursing home licensure revocation. Allows beneficiaries to bring suit for specific performance in any Federal district court without reference to the $10,000 jurisdictional amount. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to any nonprofit organization, church, or association of churches to meet all or a part of the cost of construction or rehabilitation of a home which will be owned and operated by such church, organization, or association. Authorizes the Secretary to make interest reduction payments under specified circumstances with respect to a mortgage covering repair or rehabilitation of a nursing home in order to correct physical deficiencies and comply with Federal minimum standards. Establishes a program of grants to any church, association of churches, or other nonprofit organization to meet all or part of the cost of planning, developing, constructing, or rehabilitating a nursing home owned by such entity in black and other minority areas where there is a demonstrated shortage of nursing home beds. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President submit to the Congress an action plan which would provide a suitable multiagency plan for dealing with nursing home abuses. Authorizes the President to call a White House Conference on Long-Term Care in 1978, in order to develop recommendations for action in establishing a national policy with respect to the needs of disabled Americans with primary emphasis on the physically and mentally impaired aged.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit for 25 percent of the amount of rent paid by the taxpayer which is equal to the taxpayer's proportionate share of the local and State property taxes imposed on the land and building in which his dwelling unit is located.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated under such Act to $6,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Makes every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups or non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Extends coverage to all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished. Extends coverage to: (1) comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered; (2) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency; and (3) pathology and radiology services as parts of institutional services. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Extends coverage to two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Lists approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and those available for use outside such organized settings. Declares that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Extends coverage to professional services of optometrists and podiatrists, subject to regulations, and diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. Excludes from coverage: (1) health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law; and (2) services of a professional practitioner if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Makes professional practitioners licensed when the program becomes eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to existing State standards. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals. Makes psychiatric hospitals eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Allows the participation of the following as providers of health services under this Act: (1) a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or, at least, with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of health and the care of ambulatory patients; (2) a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society; and (3) community health centers or the like which, though furnishing services as comprehensive as are required by this Act, do not serve an enrolled or otherwise predetermined population and may not meet other requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of medical services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when acting as an employee. Allows reimbursement for any services furnished by such institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State. Grants similar authority to other professional and nonprofessional health personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Directs that three separate accounts be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Make provision for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Stipulates that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Directs the Board to divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, appliances, equipment; and miscellaneous services. Stipulates that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers shall be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Stipulates that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies shall be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Stipulates that a health organization shall be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services; and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care, to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for the administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member, full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires that the members be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Directs the Advisory Council to advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, and reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services and the administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Authorizes the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. Stipulates that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to one percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, raising the rate to 2.5 percent. Adds a new one percent Health Security Tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act; and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commission shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Requires that after the effective date of benefits received under this Act no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen and Indians and Alaskan natives and also veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Young Adult Conservation Corps Act - Amends the Act which established the Youth Conservation Corps to direct the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to jointly extend the Youth Conservation Corps so as to make possible the year-round employment of young adults. States that individuals employed as Corps members under this Act shall be either between the ages of 18 and 24 exclusively or school dropouts who are at least age 16; shall meet applicable physical standards; shall be given preference for employment if they reside in counties in which the unemployment rate was equal to or in excess of six percent for three consecutive months; and may be employed for a total of not more than 12 months. Specifies guidelines to be followed by the Secretaries in administering this Act, including those relative to the types of jobs and projects to be given preference and the wages to be paid Corps members. Extends the program under which grants are made to States and to assist them in meeting the cost of projects for the employment of young people to develop and maintain non-Federal public lands and waters. Designates a time period during which the Secretaries are to develop a plan to carry out the activities authorized by this Act and prepare the site location, facilities, and equipment selected in such plan. Directs the Secretaries, in performing such functions, to plan for a capacity of the extended Corps to employ 100,000 young adults during the first fiscal year of operation, 300,000 during the second, 400,000 during the third, and 500,000 during the fourth.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives: (1) that the Soviet Union permit free emigration of Soviet Jews and others, (2) that the Soviet Union permit the free exercise of religious beliefs and cultural expression, and (3) that the Congress supports "Solidarity Sunday."
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Creates a Select House Committee on Population to conduct an investigation and study of: (1) the major adverse effects of current population growth throughout the world; (2) approaches which have been shown to be effective in coping with excessive population growth; and (3) means to encourage countries with excessive population growth rates to adopt methods proven to be successful in reducing population growth rates.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Requests the President (1) to transmit to the Congress and to Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe a report on human rights in Romania, and (2) to transmit such a report to Congress with each request of the President to extend the United States-Romanian trade agreement or to waive trade restrictions against countries which do not permit freedom of emigration. Requests the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe to transmit to Congress a report on the freedom to emigrate from Romania and the status of minorities in Romania. Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives that the 1975 United States-Romanian Trade Agreement and the most-favored-nation status of Romania should be terminated if Romania continues to restrict the human rights of its citizens.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Expresses the endorsement of Congress for the President-elect's pardon program for persons who, during the Vietnam era, failed to report for induction into, or refused induction into, the armed forces and have not been prosecuted for such violation. Requests the President-elect to extend his reconciliation program by: (1) granting amnesty to all persons convicted under the Military Selective Service Act of offenses committed during the Vietnam era; (2) upgrading all the general and undesirable discharges issued to those who served during that era to honorable discharges; (3) reviewing on a case-by-case basis each bad conduct and dishonorable discharge issued during that period; and (4) granting amnesty to all those who were convicted or charged with desertion and to those convicted of absence without leave.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Expresses the endorsement of Congress for the President-elect's pardon program for persons who, during the Vietnam era, failed to report for induction into, or refused induction into, the armed forces and have not been prosecuted for such violation. Requests the President-elect to extend his reconciliation program by: (1) granting amnesty to all persons convicted under the Military Selective Service Act of offenses committed during the Vietnam era; (2) upgrading all the general and undesirable discharges issued to those who served during that era to honorable discharges; (3) reviewing on a case-by-case basis each bad conduct and dishonorable discharge issued during that period; and (4) granting amnesty to all those who were convicted or charged with desertion and to those convicted of absence without leave.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Prohibits the use of Federal funds by any corporation wholly owned by the Federal Government for the purpose of influencing any legislative issue before Congress, any State legislature, or on the ballot of any State.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Right to Private Records Act - Prohibits any financial institution from disclosing to any State or to any subdivision of any State any financial record of a customer unless such customer has so authorized or a valid search warrant, subpena or summons has been obtained according to the terms of this Act. States that no officer, employee or agent of any financial institution, communication common carrier, creditor or credit reporting agency holding any financial, toll, or credit record who is required by law to notify any law enforcement official or any political subdivision of any State of any criminal law violation which such person believes is being committed shall disclose any information except in accordance with this Act. Makes provisions for general or limited authorization of disclosure of any financial, toll, or credit record by means of a written statement containing specified information. Permits revocation of such authorization by written notification at any time, and otherwise limits to one year, any authorization to disclose. Prohibits any financial institution, communication common carrier, creditor, credit reporting agency or other person from requiring any person to make such authorization as a condition for doing business. Prescribes standards for the issuance of search warrants and judicial subpenas. Provides that a court may grant a subpena with a temporary delay of notification for a period of not greater than 90 days following the date of issuance if it finds, on the basis of an affadavit or sworn testimony, that it has been affirmatively demonstrated that such notification would jeopardize a continuing investigation of any crimes enumerated in this Act. Allows courts to enter ex parte orders granting an additional delay of such notification period not to exceed 180 days. Requires judges who grant or deny such delays to report to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts the particulars of such request. States that the Director of such office shall transmit to the Congress an annual report concerning the number of applications for extension of delay and the number of extensions granted or denied during the preceding calendar year. Grants standing to move to quash a subpena to any person to whom the financial, toll, or credit record ordered to be disclosed relates. Prohibits any officer, employee, or agent of any person or government agency from intercepting, in the course of carrying out the business operations of such person or agency, oral or wire communications by or to any other officer, employee, or agent of such person or agency unless: (1) written notice is given; (2) such interceptions are for the purpose of training; (3)such interceptions occur only during the period specified in the notice required by this Act; (4) there is no recording of such communication; and (5) such person whose communication is intercepted has given written consent.
![Official portrait of Rep. Koch, Edward I. [D-NY-18]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/k000302_200.jpg)