United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Requires the initial report of the National Drug Enforcement Policy Board to include: (1) a comprehensive assessment of the current and potential contribution of synthetic narcotic analogs (designer drugs) to the illegal narcotics problem in the United States; (2) proposals for illegal drug law enforcement strategies to prevent the manufacture and distribution of synthetic narcotic analogs; and (3) recommendations to the Congress for necessary legislation to eliminate the manufacture and distribution of illegal synthetic narcotic analogs.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Federal Drug Law Enforcement Agent Protection Act of 1985 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to authorize awards of up to $100,000 to any individual who provides original information which leads to the arrest and conviction of a person who kidnaps or kills a Federal drug law enforcement agent. Provides that the money for such rewards be taken from the forfeiture proceeds within the Department of Justice.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Superfund Expansion and Protection Act of 1985 - Title I: Provisions Relating Primarily to Response and Liability - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA)(Superfund) to include among hazardous substances subject to such Act any petroleum released from an underground storage tank. Includes pollutants and contaminants under Superfund, defining them as any substance which after release into the environment causes disease or abnormalities upon exposure or assimilation, either directly or through the food chain. Excludes petroleum and natural gas except as otherwise indicated under such Act. Redefines "release" to include the abandonment of containers containing hazardous substances or pollutants or contaminants. Requires the President to consider long-range effects when evaluating the cost-effectiveness of offsite remedial actions. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish reportable quantities for all noncarcinogenic hazardous substances within six months of this Act's enactment and all other hazardous substances by November 1, 1986. Requires the Administrator to conduct periodic audits of reported releases and report to the Congress at least annually on such audits. Increases criminal penalties for failure to notify the Federal Governmentu of a hazardous substance release. Authorizes the Administrator to undertake any response action when faced with a release or threatened release of a hazardous substance unless the Administrator determines the responsible party will take appropriate action. Requires the Administrator to assess the health effects associated with such release or potential release. Exempts from liability for the effects of such release any party performing information or engineering services pursuant to an approved response action. Requires a State to pay 50 percent of the cleanup costs only if the State both owned and operated the polluting facility. Credits States with cleanup costs already dispersed as specified. Requires the Administrator to choose remedial actions which are: (1) consistent with the National Contingency Plan (NCP); (2) cost-effective; and (3) permanent whenever possible. Places facilities for which no permanent solution is technologically feasible on an interim National Priorities List (NPL), such list to be reviewed every five years to determine if a permanent solution has become feasible. Eliminates the requirement that pollutant levels be such as to protect human welfare, leaving the requirement that such levels protect human health and the environment. Requires pollutant levels to comply with the other Federal standards applicable. Specifies under what conditions removal actions must comply with the requirements of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Entitles Federal and State environmental officials to access to the information and premises of any person who generates, treats, or disposes of hazardous substances for purposes of determining the need for a response action. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to prepare toxicological profiles on the most frequently found or threatening hazardous substances. Entitles the public to participate in the selection of a plan for remedial action. Authorizes the Administrator to provide grants for technical assistance to groups which may be affected by a release from a facility on the NPL. Establishes a schedule for the commencement of remedial investigations and feasibility studies for all facilities on the NPL. Provides for the listing of additional facilities at regular intervals. Requires the commencement of remedial actions at a minimum rate of 200 facilities per year by the start of FY 1987. Requires the Administrator to complete preliminary assessments of all facilities on the Emergency and Remedial Response Information System list by the start of 1987. Requires completion of remedial action for facilities currently on the NPL within five years or requires an explanation of nonperformance. Permits individuals to petition the Administrator for a health effects study where hazardous substances have been removed. Permits Federal authorities to provide the Congress with information on such studies and their conduct without administrative clearance or approval. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) provide alternative water supplies; (2) relocate individuals; and (3) provide medical care if such studies indicate the necessity of such actions. Requires the Administrator to revise the NCP, consistent with these provisions. Permits an individual to petition the Administrator for a preliminary assessment of a release. Includes damage to the food chain and the ambient air among the factors determining a facility or site ranking under the NCP. Authorizes the Administrator to determine whether and how an individual may object to a nonreviewable abatement action. Includes additional Federal cleanup or abatement activities for which a responsible party would be liable. Requires each Federal agency which may be a defendant under this Act to provide its own counsel rather than the Attorney General. Grants Federally-ordered lab tests the presumption of accuracy. Makes liability strict, joint, and several under this Act for damages and costs resulting from the release and cleanup of hazardous substances. Entitles a defendant to prove such damages are divisible and to seek contribution. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990 for the Hazardous Substance Superfund, earmarking specified amounts for the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Account. Repeals the ability of any party to recover for damages to natural resources caused by a release. Requires an annual audit of the conduct of Superfund, including comparative reports of actions taken in earlier fiscal years. Establishes a statute of limitations of six years after the completion of the response action, regardless of the date of discovery of the loss. Permits a State to require contributions for response costs compensated under this Act. Title II: Federal Cause of Action - Entitles individuals injured by the disposal of a hazardous substance to recover damages from the responsible parties who will be held strictly, jointly, and severally liable. Entitles such individuals to compensation for expenses related to personal injury, economic injury, and limited pain and suffering. States that this Federal cause of action does not preempt State law regarding liability for damages in connection with any hazardous substance. Establishes a three year statute of limitations, running from the date of knowledge of the injury or the date of enactment of this Act. Prohibits dual recovery through worker's compensation or actions filed in a State court and this Act. Permits additional recovery against the source of the disposal for later manifested injuries. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Permits citizen action lawsuits against any party, including the Federal Government, involved with hazardous substances in such a way as may present an imminent and substantial danger to health or the environment or against the President for failure to perform a required duty. Requires potential plaintiffs to give 60 days notice to the appropriate Federal and State officials as well as the alleged violator before commencing an action. Prohibits such action if the Administrator or the State has commenced and is prosecuting a court action already or a settlement has been reached. Permits intervention, as a matter of right. Prohibits citizen actions for the siting or issuance of permit to a hazardous waste disposal facility. Authorizes the Federal district court to award costs to any substantially prevailing party. Permits EPA intervention as a matter of right. Includes the disposal of a pollutant or contaminant under CERCLA only as specified. Directs the Administrator to commence the drilling fluids study required by the Solid Waste Disposal Act within six months of this Act's enactment. Directs the Administrator to select ten to 20 areas to establish and operate for three to five years a victim assistance demonstration program for individuals injured through exposure to hazardous substances. Sets forth application and program criteria and conditions for such grants. Requires such programs to include group insurance benefits for medical treatment and disability. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the effectiveness of these programs. Requires participating States to report on such as well. Title IV: Community Right to Know and Emergency Planning - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act by adding a new title II concerning the communities' right-to-know, emergency planning, and liability. Requires each covered manufacturer, distributor, user, and importer of a covered hazardous substance (potential release) to prepare and update a fact sheet for such substance for distribution to local police, fire, and health officials. Requires the fact sheet to include the name, physical properties of, and hazards posed by the substance, including potential routes of human exposure to such substance, symptoms of such exposure, and appropriate emergency and first aid procedures. Requires status sheets on the same basis as fact sheets, with each status sheet to include the maximum inventory and method of storage of the substance, the quantity of its emission into the environment, and the quantity and method for disposal. Requires the releasor of a covered hazardous substance in an emergency situation to provide an emergency bulletin to the State and local police and other local officials. Requires the bulletin to identify the name and amount of the substance released and the response actions taken. Requires fact and status sheets and emergency bulletins to be made available for public inspection with public notice of such availability at the facility of the potential releasor. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to publish a uniform format for fact and status sheets. Authorizes a State's Governor to identify local officials to receive covered hazardous substance release information, with the Administrator doing so in the absence of the Governor's identification. Requires the potential releasors to maintain records of information required by this Act. Requires manufacturers or importers to transmit fact sheets to covered distributors or users upon shipping of a covered hazardous substance. Excludes certain small businesses and research, medical, and household uses from coverage under this Act. Provides protection for trade secrets while continuing to make necessary information available to the appropriate persons. Excludes listed or possible carcinogens from such protection. Sets forth application and substantiation procedures for trade secret claims. Permits affected citizens or government officials to compel disclosure of nonsubstantiated trade secrets through the Federal courts. Authorizes the Administrator to grant exemptions from the basic notification requirements of this Act through specified procedures open to the public, based upon a cost-benefits analysis where there is no reasonable likelihood of harm. Directs each covered major manufacturer to develop within two years of enactment of this Act a comprehensive evacuation and emergency response plan which addresses the health and safety issues applicable to such manufacturer's particular situation. Requires the plan to include designations of the appropriate government officials to be notified, mitigation measures, evacuation routes, notification plans, and evaluation of community support services. Authorizes each Governor to designate emergency response districts within 18 months of enactment of this Act or the Administrator will do so. Permits each Governor to appoint an Emergency Response Committee per district or the Administrator will be treated as such Committee. Requires such Committees to review the manufacturers' plans, revising them where necessary. Directs the Administrator within 18 months of enactment of this Act to develop uniform national mandatory labeling requirements for pipes, storage tanks, or containers not otherwise required to be labeled which would reasonably be presumed to release a covered hazardous substance. Requires the label to indicate the appropriate response to a release. Directs the Administrator to designate covered major manufacturers for emergency response purposes within one year of enactment of this Act. Limits the designation to those whose substances would pose an imminent and substantial danger to health and the environment if released in significant quantities. Includes all persons covered under this Act in lieu of such designations. Includes Federal departments as potential covered major manufacturers. Exempts those whose emergency activities are sufficiently covered under other Federal or State law. Renders the manufacturer or processor strictly liable for damages caused by accidental or abnormal releases, excluding act of God or war. Covers medical, burial, and economic losses as well as pain and suffering (to a limited extent). Includes specified analysis and scientific evidence and studies among the evidence which may be introduced to establish causation. Establishes a three-year statute of limitations from the date of enactment or the date of realization of injury for causes of action for injury from the release of a covered hazardous substance, whichever is later. Provides that this Act does not preempt State or other law in the area of liability for damages. Requires entitled individuals to receive compensation for injuries sustained from a hazardous substance release from workers' compensation rather than under this Act. Sets forth categories of substances to be considered covered hazardous substances and procedures for adding additional substances. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to compile and update a digest of all such substances. Exempts certain substances for this Act's purposes, based upon the form, amount, and other regulation of such substances. Establishes civil and criminal penalties, limiting criminal penalties to the knowing violation of emergency requirements. Authorizes citizens' suits to enforce this Act. Permits States to adopt more stringent right-to-know standards in the workplace context and emergency response requirements. Permits State and local governments to impose fees upon potential releasors to cover administrative costs. Title V: Amendments of the Internal Revenue Code to 1954 - Superfund Revenue Act of 1985 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase and extend through FY 1990 the environmental excise taxes on petroleum and specified chemicals. Includes an inflation adjustment for computing the tax on chemicals. Exempts exported chemicals from tax liability. Adjusts special rules for certain chemicals. Imposes a waste end tax on: (1) the receipt of hazardous waste at a qualified hazardous waste management unit; (2) the ocean dumping of such waste; and (3) the export of such waste. Sets increasing, per-ton tax rates on the disposal of such wastes. Sets forth reporting requirements and penalties for violations. Establishes in the Treasury the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund. Establishes within Superfund a separate Leaking Underground Storage Tank Account. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study the economic impact of the environmental taxes on specified chemicals and report to the Congress on the results by April 1, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Hazardous Waste Reduction Act of 1985 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on the receipt of: (1) taxable hazardous waste in any qualified hazardous waste management unit; and (2) taxable hazardous waste for export or for disposal in the ocean pursuant to a permit. Provides that the tax rate for all forms of land and ocean waste disposal, except underground injection wells, shall be $20 for each ton of hazardous waste. Provides that the tax rate for each ton of hazardous waste placed in underground injection wells shall be five dollars per ton. Authorizes the Secretary of Treasury to increase the rates of tax on such hazardous waste where the tax revenue falls below projections for any year. Requires the tax to be paid by the owner or operator of the qualified waste management unit at which the taxable waste is received or by the person exporting the taxable hazardous waste or the person holding the permit for transport for ocean disposal. Requires the tax to be paid at the close of the calendar quarter during which the taxable hazardous waste became subject to tax. Imposes a tax of $20 per ton on hazardous waste placed in a facility other than a qualified hazardous waste management unit or pursuant to a permit for export or ocean dumping. Makes the person placing the hazardous material in the facility or location liable for the tax. Provides that such tax will not apply with respect to small quantity generator waste, or with respect to the placement of taxable hazardous waste in any facility, vehicle, or location if such placement is not required to comply with permit, interim status, or manifest requirement under the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Provides that the tax does not apply to the placement of taxable hazardous waste in a vehicle which is required to transport such taxable hazardous waste. Exempts from the tax waste removed from a Superfund site or a closed interim status facility or waste required to be studied. Exempts from the tax qualified wastewater treatment facilities. Provides that the exemption for qualified wastewater treatment facilities shall not apply after November 8, 1988, unless the facility is in compliance with certain minimum technological requirements or meets certain interim status surface impoundments requirements. Permits a tax credit where the taxable hazardous waste is moved from one unit or facility to another. Provides that where the taxable waste is moved from a surface impoundment to an underground injection well, the credit is the difference between the tax on the surface impoundment and the tax on the underground injection. Permits a tax credit for all waste rendered nonhazardous by reason of treatment or conversion within 12 months of receipt at the unit or facility. Prohibits the tax credit for treatment or conversion at a qualified wastewater treatment facility. Prohibits the tax credit for land treatment. Provides that the tax credit will not apply to any treatment or conversion which violates any requirement of Federal or State law relating to the management of hazardous taxable waste. Provides that this tax shall apply for the period from January 1, 1986, through September 30, 1990. Requires every person subject to this tax to keep records, render such statements, make such returns, and comply with such rules and regulations as the Secretary of the Treasury may require. Provides that the revenues from this tax shall be deposited in the Hazardous Substance Superfund. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make various reports to the Congress concerning different aspects of this tax on hazardous waste disposal.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1985
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for outpatient occupational therapy services.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Hazardous Waste Safety and Technology Incentive Act of 1985 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (Superfund) to require each State to develop and adopt a plan to assure the availability of adequate capacity to treat or dispose of all hazardous waste reasonably anticipated to be generated in such State during the next 20 years. Requires such plans to include timetables and schedules for the construction and operation of treatment and disposal facilities. Requires emissions standards for such facilities to conform with applicable State and Federal laws and to be sufficient to protect human health and the environment. Prohibits the construction or operation of new landfills. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) approval of such plans within two years. Provides for resubmittal of rejected plans. Prohibits the expenditure of Superfund monies for remedial action after four years if a State is not in compliance with an Administrator-approved plan. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the issuance of a hazardous waste facility permit unless the owner or operator of the facility enters into a siting agreement with the Administrator specifying the terms and conditions applicable to such facility, including construction, maintenance, monitoring procedures, and a relationship with and financial obligation to the local government. Amends Superfund to direct the Administrator to establish a national research and development program to develop advanced technologies to reduce the risks associated with hazardous waste disposal. Sets forth the components of such program. Limits the amount of available appropriations which may be used. Directs the Administrator to establish a Coordinated Permit Review Office within each regional office of EPA to accelerate the concurrent review of all hazardous waste treatment or disposal facility projects requiring agency permits as they relate to the nation's air, water, and land. Directs such Office to: (1) assist in identifying the appropriate permits needed for a site; (2) convene meetings to determine the scope of and issues raised by a proposed project; and (3) assist the applicable government agencies in working with the applicant. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans for projects for the acquisition, construction, or installation of hazardous waste recycling or treatment equipment. Limits such loans to fixed percentages of total indebtedness or capital costs and restricts them to the private sector. Requires eligible projects to control emissions sufficiently to protect human health and the environment and meet applicable Federal and State air and water quality standards and conditions on land disposal. Makes landfill solutions ineligible for such guarantees. Grants priority to technologies which satisfy specified requirements of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Requires recipients of such guarantees to report annually to the Administrator. Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to at least five States for demonstration programs for ensuring and improving enforcement of the requirements of such Act. Requires such States to: (1) complete the program within the year; (2) have adequately trained personnel; (3) establish a Federally-compatible system for collecting data relating to the transportation of hazardous materials and enforcement actions; and (4) establish meaningful penalties for violations. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress and each participating State within two years. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, acting through the Office of State and Local Assistance for Hazardous Materials Emergencies, to: (1) provide technical and financial assistance to States and local governments and for regional planning for emergency preparedness relating to accidents involving the transportation of hazardous materials; (2) be an information clearinghouse on accident response methodology; and (3) coordinate Federal emergency response programs. Requires the Director to establish the Office of State and Local Assistance for Hazardous Waste Emergencies to carry out such requirements. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1985
Prohibits the implementation or consummation of any interstate compact by a State or Federal entity unless the Congress has given prior approval to the State statute which authorizes such compact. States that the Congress shall review each statute to determine that it is not discriminatory or violative of the commerce clause (of the Constitution) and that the statute is consistent with the procompetitive requirements of the Federal antitrust laws. Declares that legislation which authorizes acquisitions or mergers on a reciprocal basis without the imposition of restriction or conditions against out-of-State bank holding companies by reference to their State of origin or size shall not be deemed an interstate compact for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1985
Declares that all persons in the workplace, regardless of whether they are employed in manufacturing or any other industrial or commercial enterprise, have a fundamental right to know when they are handling or are exposed to a hazardous substance which may threaten their health and well-being. Declares that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration should immediately revise its Hazardous Communication Standard so as to: (1) provide for the dissemination of meaningful information to workers on the actual identity and composition of hazardous substances which workers handle or are exposed to; (2) extend "Right to Know" protection to all workers in all industries and services which are not covered by this standard; and (3) set minimum requirements which States may improve upon through appropriate legislation. Commends the action of those State and local governments which have passed community "Right to Know" laws to safeguard the health and well-being of all their citizens in the community at large.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
International Trade and Investment Act Amendments of 1985 - Title I: Mandatory Presidential Actions Regarding Barriers to Market Access - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to: (1) identify and analyze U.S. acts, policies, or practices which constitute significant barriers to, or distortions of, foreign trade or investment in U.S. markets; and (2) estimate the trade-distorting impact on U.S. commerce of any such act, policy, or practice. Requires the USTR to submit the annual analysis of trade barriers required by the International Trade and Investment Act of 1984 to two additional congressional committees. Authorizes the President to provide certain import relief for products adversely affected by imports. Directs the President to report annually to the Congress those countries: (1) with which the United States has a substantial current account deficit; and (2) which engage in practices which constitute substantial and systematic barriers to U.S. exports of goods or services or foreign direct investment by U.S. persons and have a substantial trade distorting impact on U.S. commerce. Directs the President, upon reporting that a country meets such standards, to: (1) initiate specific action which shall have an immediate and identifiable impact on the trade imbalance with that country; (2) report to the Congress the nature of the action taken and its expected effect; (3) provide an opportunity for the presentation of views concerning such action; (4) direct the USTR to initiate negotiations with such country and initiate consultations with other trading partners on the potential effect of U.S. action; and (5) try to identify incentives that would form a basis for further negotiations to provide equitable market opportunities. Provides that actions taken by the President shall remain in effect until the satisfactory conclusion of negotiations between the USTR and the affected country. Prohibits the President from rescinding such action based on a satisfactory conclusion of negotiations unless the President certifies to the Congress that the country subject to such action has taken specific steps to remove its market access barriers. Title II: Adjustment Plans for Industries Requesting Import Relief - Directs the International Trade Commission (ITC), within 45 days of the date that a petition for import relief is filed, to make a preliminary determination as to whether there is a reasonable indication that the serious injury or threat of serious injury to the domestic industry exists. Directs the ITC to conclude the investigation if it does not find a reasonable indication of such threat or injury. Directs the ITC to continue the investigation if it finds a reasonable indication of such injury or threat. Directs the Chairman of the ITC, if a reasonable indication of such injury or threat is found, to establish an adjustment plan board. Requires the adjustment plan board to establish a plan to enable the industry that claims it is adversely affected by imports to adjust to changing economic conditions resulting from imports or otherwise and to become more competitive internationally. Directs the board to recommend forms of import relief other than those contained in the Trade Act of 1974 if it believes that such other relief would be appropriate. Authorizes the ITC to recommend the implementation of such aspects of an approved adjustment plan as it considers appropriate. Authorizes the President to use those aspects of an approved adjustment plan for an industry adversely affected by imports. Directs the President to explain why aspects of an approved adjustment plan are not implemented. Directs the ITC, if it finds that imports are an important but not a substantial cause of serious injury or threat of injury to an industry and that relief other than an increase in import restrictions and provision of trade adjustment assistance is warranted, to recommend to the President alternative import relief. Directs the President to propose implementing such alternative import relief unless it is not in the national economic interest. Requires the President to explain to the Congress if the President decides not to implement such alternative relief.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1985
Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to prohibit the Export-Import Bank from making any payment to subsidize financing offered to any person. Authorizes any director of the Export-Import Bank whose term has expired to serve until his or her successor has been appointed. Extends the authorities of the Export-Import Bank Act until September 30, 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1985
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that travel by Members of Congress to the Soviet Union and travel by Soviet leaders to the United States serves the interests of the two nations and that such travel is encouraged.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985
Federal Industrial Mortgage Association Act - Establishes the Federal Industrial Mortgage Association. Authorizes the Association to purchase, hold, deal with, and sell industrial mortgages used to finance facilities and equipment for productive activities of qualifying businesses in the United States. Sets forth other requirements for such mortgages. Directs the Association to establish standards regarding the maximum principal amount of a mortgage it will buy, seller participation requirements, seller repurchase or exchange requirements for mortgages in default, and financial institutions from which it will purchase mortgages. Authorizes the Association to: (1) establish requirements and impose fees for different classes of sellers; and (2) issue and sell securities backed by mortgages that it may set aside. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct and report to the Congress on an annual audit of the Association. Terminates the Association ten years after the effective date of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1985
National Commission on Illiteracy Act - Establishes a National Commission on Illiteracy. Provides for Commission members to be appointed by the President and by specified congressional officers. Directs the Commission to conduct a full and complete study of the causes of illiteracy, including a study of methods of teaching reading and of methods of teacher training relating to classroom reading instruction. Directs the Commission to: (1) assess the factors which contribute to illiteracy; (2) recommend programs and policies for, and the appropriate local, State, and Federal role in, illiteracy prevention; and (3) assemble, analyze, and publicize its findings. Directs the Commission to submit to the President and the Congress: (1) such interim reports as it deems advisable; and (2) within 12 months after its first meeting, a final report of the study and investigation, with recommendations. Sets forth provisions relating to Commission administration, member compensation, and powers. Terminates the Commission 90 days after the submission of its final report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1985
Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1985 - Title I: Public Water Systems - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) to make existing national interim primary drinking water regulations final. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), within varying time periods for specified contaminants, to simultaneously propose and then publish either maximum contaminant level goals and national primary drinking water regulations or else a determination that such regulations are not justified because the levels of such contaminant in the public water systems do not represent a threat. Directs the Administrator to publish maximum contaminant level goals and simultaneously promulgate national primary drinking water regulations for each other substance which may have an adverse effect on human health. Requires the Administrator to publish an annual list establishing priorities for the review of such substances, considering substances regulated as toxic water pollutants under the Clean Water Act and substances registered as pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. Directs the Administrator, within three years of each contaminant's being listed on such priority list, to simultaneously propose and then publish either maximum contaminant level goals and national primary drinking water regulations or else a determination that such regulations are not justified. Requires that each maximum contaminant level goal allow an adequate margin of safety and that each national primary drinking water regulation specify a maximum level which is as close to the goal as is feasible. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate a national primary drinking water regulation that requires the use of an acceptable treatment technique in lieu of establishing a maximum contaminant level if it is not economically or technologically feasible to establish such a level. Directs the Administrator to propose and promulgate primary drinking water regulations specifying when public water systems using surface water as a source of supply must use filtration. Directs the Administrator to promulgate disinfection regulations applicable to all public water systems, including variances and technical assistance. Directs the Administrator to provide the Science Advisory Board an opportunity to comment prior to the proposal of a maximum contaminant level goal and national primary drinking water regulation. Authorizes the Administrator to take into consideration the size of a public water system and the contaminants likely to be found in its drinking water in requiring a system to monitor for unregulated contaminants. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring every public water system to conduct a monitoring program for unregulated contaminants at least once every five years, unless the number of persons served or the likely contaminants require greater frequency. Authorizes the primary State enforcement authority to delete contaminants for an individual system after Administrator approval of the assessment. Permits the waiver of such monitoring requirement for certain systems which have recently concluded such a program and for certain systems supplying fewer than 150 service connections. Authorizes the Administrator to issue compliance orders as well as bring civil suits to enforce these provisions. Directs the Administrator to amend regulations to provide for varying types and frequencies of public notice of violations by a public water system, depending upon their frequency and seriousness. Requires a State to prescribe within one year a schedule of compliance and implementation of control measures at the same time it grants an exemption. Permits the primary enforcing authority (State or Administrator in the case of four States and the District of Columbia) to extend the exemption for up to three years after the issue date if a system in good faith cannot meet the standard without capital improvements or financial assistance or has agreed to become part of a regional public water system. Permits exemption renewals for systems with 500 or fewer service connections. Establishes criminal and civil penalties for tampering with a public water system. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance to small public water systems to enable them to comply with national drinking water standards. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989. Title II: Protection of Underground Sources of Drinking Water - Prohibits the disposal of hazardous waste by underground injection above or into a formation which contains an underground source of drinking water unless such injection is part of a required corrective or response action. Directs the Administrator to require groundwater monitoring at appropriate locations to detect fluid migration into underground drinking water sources from injection wells. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress within nine months of this Act's enactment on State surveys of disposal wells which discharge nonhazardous waste into or above underground sources of drinking water. Directs the Administrator to issue a compliance order or commence a civil action if a State does not enforce violations of the underground injection control program. Quintuples the maximum per day penalty for violations. Revises other provisions relating to the imposition of civil penalties. Requires each State to adopt and submit to the Administrator for approval a comprehensive State plan to protect underground sources of drinking water from unhealthful contamination. Requires such plans to: (1) identify the implementing agency; (2) identify each underground water source, its quality, patterns, and contamination potential; (3) identify the types of human development and their effects for each such source; (4) set forth regulations, including establishing best management practices for potential contamination activities; and (5) guarantee alternative drinking water supplies when an underground source becomes unhealthful to persons. Sets forth submission and resubmission procedures. Requires State compliance with these requirements as a condition of receiving funds for a State underground injection program. Extends to natural gas storage operations specified limitations on regulation of underground injection of brine or other fluids which are brought to the surface in connection with oil or natural gas production. Limits the use of funds authorized for such purposes to these purposes. Requires each State to implement its plan within two years of its adoption if possible, submitting a progress report to the Administrator within that time regarding implementation. Requires Federal agencies involved in activities affecting a critical recharge area identified in an approved State plan to act in a manner consistent with such plan. Authorizes municipalities within a sole source area to petition the Governor to designate part of such area as a "special protection area." Requires the Governor, if approving the petition, to: (1) designate or establish an entity to develop a comprehensive management plan; (2) assure and encourage public participation; and (3) submit to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency the proposed boundaries of the area and a description of the planning entity. Authorizes the Administrator, if approving the Governor's submission, to provide such State with a 50 percent matching grant for the costs of preparing the petition and developing and implementing the plan. Increases the Federal share to 60 percent for aquifers serving populations of 10,000 or less. Requires the plan to maintain the quality of the ground water recharged through the special protection area by maintenance, to the maximum extent possible, of the natural vegetative and hydrological conditions. Permits the resubmission of modified plans if earlier submissions to the Governor or Administrator are rejected. Authorizes the Administrator or a State with primary enforcing responsibility to order certain contaminators of a sole or principal source aquifer which supplies a public water system to provide potable water to affected persons. Establishes civil penalties for violations. Directs the Administrator to establish criteria for sole or principal source areas. Title III: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985
Labor-Management Notification and Consultation Act of 1985 - Prohibits any employer (i.e. any business with 50 or more employees) from ordering a plant closing or permanent layoff until 90 days after the employer serves written notice of a proposal to issue such an order to: (1) the representative of the affected employees or, if none, to each affected employee; and (2) the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. Provides for reduction of such notification period if the Service determines that unavoidable business circumstances prevent the employer from withholding such closing or layoff until the end of such period. Provides for extension of such notification period thus prohibiting the ordering of such closing or layoff while the employer is subject to an order to continue to consult. Prohibits an employer from ordering a plant closing or permanent layoff unless the employer has: (1) met with representatives of the affected employees with respect to a proposal to order such closing or layoff; and (2) consulted in good faith with such representative for the purpose of agreeing to a mutually satisfactory alternative to or modification of such proposal. Makes such obligation to consult commence on the date of notice and continue until the end of the 90-day notification period. Provides that such consultation period shall be extended if the Service determines that the employer has failed to comply with such consultation requirements. Authorizes the Service to renew any such extension imposed. Requires the employer to disclose to the affected employees' representative information necessary for thorough evaluation of: (1) the proposal to order the closing or layoff; and (2) any alternatives or modifications suggested to such proposal. Authorizes the Service to issue protective orders to prevent disclosure of information which could compromise the employer's competitive position. Sets forth provisions for the administration and enforcement of requirements under this Act. Provides for: (1) assistance by the Service to employers, employee representatives, affected employees, State employment services, and other State and local officials; (2) investigations and injunctive actions by the Department of Labor; (3) civil actions against employers; and (4) civil actions against representatives of employees. Provides that the rights and remedies provided to employees by this Act are in addition to any other contractual, statutory, or other legal rights and remedies of the employees. Expresses the sense of the Congress that employers who, because affected employees do not have a representative, are not required to comply with the consultation and disclosure requirements under this Act should consult with and disclose information to such employees in order to reach a mutually satisfactory alternative or modification of the proposal to order the closing or layoff. Establishes a National Commission on Plant Closings and Worker Dislocation. Requires the Commission to report to the President and the Congress within 12 months of the appointment of members. Terminates the Commission 30 days after such report. Authorizes appropriations for the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission from permitting the assessment of a charge to recover the costs of services and facilities provided for interstate or foreign telecommunications on: (1) any residential subscriber of telephone exchange service; or (2) any business or individual subscriber that does not have more than one subscriber line within the same exchange area.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985
Public Telephone System Bypass Access Charge Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require that any system of telephone access charges established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) include: (1) a special access charge of $25 a month or more for any line that indirectly interconnects with the exchange facilities of an exchange carrier; and (2) a bypass charge equal to 20 percent of the special access charge per line to be assessed on any person who, without direct or indirect interconnection with the exchange facilities of an exchange carrier, for commercial or governmental purposes, provides facilities and services comparable to the exchange access available from the exchange carrier. Sets forth exemptions. Requires persons subject to such charges to notify the appropriate exchange carriers, the FCC, and the appropriate State commissions. Prescribes penalties for evading such charges and for failing to comply with notification requirements. Provides that any person who pays to obtain exchange access directly from an exchange carrier for purposes of resale shall not be required to pay any additional amount for the exchange access for which payments have already been made indirectly. Requires that the non-traffic-sensitive costs apportioned to the interstate jurisdiction that are not recovered under the charges prescribed by this Act and the end-user common line charges be recovered through carrier common line charges. Limits to 25 percent the national aggregate percentage of non-traffic-sensitive costs that may be apportioned to the interstate jurisdiction. Directs the FCC to review and report to the Congress annually on the effects of the charges assessed under this Act, including information on whether the bypass charge allows for recovery of an equitable share of the costs of services and facilities of the exchange carrier that are available to the person subject to such charge on request or as an alternative to such person's facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1985
Ethnic and Minority Affairs Broadcasting Clearinghouse Act of 1985 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish the Ethnic and Minority Affairs Clearinghouse within the Federal Communications Commission. Directs the Clearinghouse to: (1) establish a clearinghouse for complaints about the portrayal of ethnic and minority groups in radio and television broadcast programming; (2) collect and disseminate information about such portrayal; (3) conduct an annual conference to draw public attention to such portrayal; (4) submit to the Congress an annual report on its activities, including a compilation of all complaints received; and (5) provide information to the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Textile and Apparel Trade Enforcement Act of 1985 - Limits the total quantity of 1985 imports of textiles and textile products from a major exporting country to the lesser of an amount equal to 101 percent: (1) of the total quantity of textile products imported from such country if the total had increased by six percent annually (one percent annually for wool products) during 1981 through 1984; or (2) if the United States has an agreement with such country providing for an annual growth rate of less than six percent, of the total quantity of such products from such country imported during 1984. Limits the total quantity of 1985 imports of textiles and textile products from an exporting country to an amount equal to the total quantity of such products imported from such country during 1984 plus: (1) 15 percent of such quantity in the case of a category that is not an import sensitive category; or (2) one percent in the case of an import sensitive category. Provides for changing the classification of a country, except for a Caribbean country, from an exporting country to a major exporting country if the total textile imports from such country equals or exceeds one and one-quarter percent of all textiles imported into the United States. Sets forth a formula for adjusting the growth of textile imports annually. Sets forth certain minimum quantities of textile imports that all countries shall be allowed to export to the United States. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to enforce this Act. Directs the Secretary, within six months of enactment of this Act, to establish an import licensing system under which an importer of textiles will be required to present an import permit as a condition of entry of such textiles. Directs the President to report to the Congress annually on the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1985
Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to impose criminal penalties upon manufacturers who fail to notify owners or purchasers of motor vehicle safety defects or failures to comply with motor vehicle safety standards.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1985
Social Security Trust Funds Act of 1985 - Amends title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to exclude from Federal budget totals and limitations: (1) the receipts and disbursements of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund; and (2) employment related social security taxes. Repeals superseded provisions relating to budgetary treatment of social security trust operations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1985
Age Discrimination in Employment Act Public Safety Officers Amendments of 1985 - Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to exclude State and local law enforcement officers and firefighters from coverage under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
High Risk Occupational Disease Notification and Prevention Act of 1985 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct research into improving the means of: (1) surveillance of employees exposed to occupational health hazards; and (2) medical monitoring and treatment of employees exposed to occupational hazards. Provides that such research shall be conducted primarily through the occupational and environmental health centers established under this Act. Lists areas such research is to include (among which are: studying the etiology and development of such diseases; developing means of medical surveillance of exposed employees; and developing educational programs). Directs the Secretary to undertake or sponsor additional epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory research to identify and define additional employee populations at risk of occupational disease. Provides that: (1) this expanded research shall be conducted or sponsored by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); and (2) in conducting such research, NIOSH shall have access to prior and current employment, occupational, and health-related data and information maintained by Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary, in carrying out such research, to employ experts and consultants. Establishes a Risk Assessment Board, within NIOSH, to: (1) review current medical and other scientific studies and reports concerning the incidence of disease associated with employment; (2) report to the Secretary on the state of current research on such diseases; and (3) designate, from such review, employee populations at risk of disease associated with hazardous occupational exposures. Sets forth factors which the Board must consider in identifying such populations at risk. Directs the Board, within ten days of making a finding that a class or category of workers is a population at increased risk (30 percent greater incidence of disease than a comparable worker population not exposed to the hazardous occupational exposure) or a population at high risk (100 percent greater incidence than the comparable worker population not exposed), to recommend to the Secretary that individuals within such populations be notified and, in cases of high risk, be eligible for services and information under this Act. Gives priority for Board review to those employee populations exposed to hazardous occupational exposures for which there already exists a permanent standard under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Requires the Board to transmit to the Secretary its findings and recommendations on these employee populations within one year after the effective date of this Act. Directs the Secretary, upon determination that a given class or category of employee is a population at risk of occupational disease, to notify each individual within such population at risk. Sets forth the required contents of such notification, including counseling information. Directs the Secretary to establish a telephone "hot line" for the personal physicians of employees who have received such notification, to provide additional medical and scientific information concerning the nature of the risk and its associated disease. Directs the Secretary to prepare and distribute other medical and health promotion material and information on any risk subject to such notification requirements and its associated disease as the Secretary deems appropriate. Provides that, in carrying out such notification responsibilities, the Secretary shall have access to information and data contained in any Federal agency records, solely for the purpose of obtaining names, addresses, and work histories of employees subject to such notification. Directs the Secretary to establish and certify occupational and environmental health centers. Provides that such centers shall be selected from: (1) educational resource centers of NIOSH and similar centers of the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences; and (2) at a later date, existing health care facilities, in an appropriate number to obtain even regional distribution of such centers throughout the United States. Sets forth criteria for selection of such centers. Requires such centers to be capable of providing research resources, diagnosis, treatment, medical monitoring, and family services for employees notified under this Act who are at high risk of occupational disease. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop criteria governing the most appropriate type of medical monitoring; and (2) develop a program for training of existing personnel and procuring specialized equipment required under criteria for certification of such centers. Prohibits discrimination by any employer, insurance carrier, or any other person against any employee on the basis that the employee has been notified by the Secretary of being at risk of any occupational disease. Requires that the employee retain the same rates of pay, benefits and seniority as in the former job if, based upon sound medical advice or monitoring initiated under this Act, it is determined that the employee should be transferred to a less hazardous or non-exposed job. Prohibits any health care financing system from discriminating against an employee who has been notified by the Secretary under this Act in the payment of the costs associated with a medical monitoring program, or any subsequent treatment, including treatment required by a medical monitoring examination or the onset of disease. Sets forth procedures for review of discrimination complaints. Provides for reinstatement and specified compensation for employees who are discriminated against in violation of this Act. Sets forth civil penalties for persons or institutions that violate such discrimination prohibitions. Provides for injunctive relief against violations of this Act or any rule or regulation promulgated under this Act. Requires each health care financing system (including public and private health insurance programs, and the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and disability benefits under the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program) to provide appropriate testing, evaluation, and medical monitoring services to employees as required under this Act. Requires that the cost of testing, evaluation, and medical monitoring required by an employee as a result of hazardous occupational exposure and notification under this Act be included as a covered item in any health care financing system available to such employees through their employment or as individual purchasers of health insurance. Provides that any treatment provided by a health care financing system to an employee for a subsequent disease that was subject to a notification under this Act may constitute an insurance subrogation claim against a workers' compensation program or insurance carrier. Provides that notification of risk to an employee under this Act and subsequent medical evaluation and monitoring shall not constitute a workers' compensation claim, nor shall such notice toll any statute of limitations with respect to such a claim, except as specifically provided by law under a workers' compensation statute. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and subsequent fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) (Superfund) to require each Federal agency and department to notify the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) within six months of this Act's enactment of any hazardous substance treated, stored, or disposed of at Federal facilities under their control. Requires such agencies and departments to make annual reports to the Administrator on all facilities not on the initial notice. Requires such initial notice to describe the location, nature, toxicity, contamination, response actions, and cleanup techniques for the hazardous substances. Directs the Administrator to establish a public Federal Agency Hazardous Waste Compliance Docket (Compliance Docket) to record each listed facility and subsequent actions taken. Requires preliminary assessment of each facility for possible evaluation under the National Contingency Plan (NCP) and inclusion on the National Priorities List (NPL). Requires Federal agencies or departments responsible for facilities placed on the NPL to commence a remedial investigation and feasibility study for such facility and enter into an interagency agreement with the Administrator to conduct remedial action. Requires continuous, substantial onsite response within six months of the agreement. Requires that such agreements: (1) review alternative remedial actions and construction design selection by the Administrator; (2) schedule completion of remedial actions; and (3) arrange for long-term operation and maintenance of the facility. Requires completion of remedial actions within two years of the agreement to the extent practicable. Requires explanations of noncompletion which would be included on the Compliance Docket and in the agency's or department's annual report to the Congress on its progress on reaching and implementing interagency agreements. Requires such annual report to also include cost information and public comments. Makes Federal facility cleanup actions ineligible for Superfund monies. Provides that the Administrator shall retain the authority to enforce this Act. Includes Federal facilities within CERCLA guidelines for preliminary assessments, NCP evaluations, and inclusion on the NPL. Requires public participation before adoption of any remedial action and public notice of the final remedial plan adopted or any significant deviations therefrom. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants available to groups affected by releases or threatened releases from any NPL facility to obtain expert advice and technical assistance. Permits the Administrator to bring action under CERCLA against any Federal agency or department and prohibits the Attorney General from representing such agencies or departments in such actions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1985
Cancer Patients Employment Rights Act - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to make it an unlawful employment practice for an employer, employment agency or labor organization to: (1) require an employee or prospective employee with a cancer history to meet certain medical standards unrelated to job requirements; or (2) reveal any confidential medical information without consent. Makes it an unlawful employment practice for an employer to fail to make a good faith effort to explore where reasonable accommodations may be made for an employee with a cancer history. Provides that it shall not be an unlawful employment practice to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge an employee: (1) if the employer demonstrates no reasonable accommodation can be made; or (2) the employee is unable to perform the job safely. Includes cancer history within the protections of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1985
Radiation Research Reorganization Act of 1985 - Transfers to the Secretary of Health and Human Services the authority of the Secretary of Energy to conduct epidemiological studies of radiation effects. Directs the Secretary to exercise such authority through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control. Establishes an advisory panel comprised of individuals representing: (1) public interest groups; (2) experts in epidemiological studies of radiation effects upon health; and (3) public health officials.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1985
Interstate Banking Act of 1985 - Authorizes interstate branching by national banks. Permits a national bank of one State to establish a branch in another State to the same extent such other State allows interstate branching by State banks. Authorizes States to allow such interstate branching: (1) without restriction; or (2) based upon the location of the other States involved or the reciprocal treatment by the other States. Requires any State which permits interstate branching on a regional basis within the three years following enactment of this Act: (1) to allow the establishment of branches by banks located in any State which is contiguous to such State or which provides for reciprocal treatment; and (2) after such three years expire, to allow the establishment of branches by banks located in any State providing for reciprocal treatment. Authorizes a national bank, five years after enactment of this Act, to establish a branch at any location within any State if banks of such State are affirmatively authorized by law to establish a branch at such location. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to allow a State to authorize a bank holding company, the banking operations of which are principally conducted in another State, to acquire interest in, or voting shares or assets of, a bank located in such State. Authorizes States to allow such acquisitions: (1) without restriction; or (2) on the basis of the location of the other States involved or reciprocal treatment by such other States. Requires any State which permits such acquisitions on a regional basis within the three years following enactment of this Act: (1) to permit such an acquisition by an out-of-State bank holding company located in any State which is contiguous to such State or which provides for reciprocal treatment; and (2) after such three years expire, to allow such an acquisition by any out-of-State bank holding company located in any State which provides for reciprocal treatment. Terminates such restrictions on acquisitions by out-of-State bank holding companies five years after enactment of this Act. Prohibits approval of an acquisition of bank shares or assets by a bank holding company unless: (1) the domestic deposits of the holding company subsidiaries and of the bank to be acquired do not exceed specified ceilings: (2) the acquisition will not result in an undue concentration of resources; and (3) the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System determines that the acquisition is reasonably likely to result in reduced rates and fees for existing services, new or improved community services, increased operating efficiency, or greater convenience. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prohibit the responsible agency from approving a merger that would result in the operation by a bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation of branches in more than one State unless: (1) the merger is authorized by the laws of the States in which such branches will be operated; (2) the domestic deposits of the acquiring bank and of the bank to be acquired do not exceed specified ceilings; (3) the merger will not result in an undue concentration of resources; and (4) the responsible agency determines that the merger is reasonably likely to result in reduced rates and fees for existing services, new or improved community services, increased operating efficiency, or greater convenience. Authorizes States to allow interstate mergers: (1) without restriction: or (2) on the basis of the location of the other States involved or reciprocal treatment by such other States. Requires any State which permits such mergers on a regional basis within the three years following enactment of this Act: (1) to permit such a merger by an out-of-State bank located in any State which is contiguous to such State or which provides for reciprocal treatment; and (2) after such three years expire, to allow such a merger by any out-of-State bank located in any State which provides for reciprocal treatment. Terminates certain restrictions on interstate mergers five years after enactment of this Act. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 to authorize States to allow interstate branching by Federal savings and loan associations or Federal savings banks; (1) without restriction; or (2) on the basis of the location of the other States involved or reciprocal treatment by the other States. Requires any State which permits such interstate branching on a regional basis within the three years following enactment of this Act: (1) to allow the establishment of branches by such banks located in any State which is contiguous to such State or which provides for reciprocal treatment; and (2) after such three years expire, to allow the establishment of branches by such banks located in any State providing for reciprocal treatment. Terminates the restrictions on interstate branching by such banks five years after enactment of this Act. Amends the National Housing Act to direct the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation (FSLIC) to permit a reorganization or merger involving insured Federal savings and loan associations located in different States if such a reorganization or merger or interstate branching by such associations is expressly permitted under the laws of the States involved. Authorizes a State to allow such a merger, reorganization, or interstate branching: (1) without restriction; or (2) on the basis of the location of the other States involved or reciprocal treatment by such other States. Requires any State which permits such a merger on a regional basis within the three years following enactment of this Act: (1) to permit such a merger by out-of-State savings and loan associations located in any State which is contiguous to such State or which provides for reciprocal treatment; and (2) after such three years expire, to permit such a merger by any out-of-State associations located in any State which provides for reciprocal treatment. Prohibits the FSLIC from approving any merger unless: (1) the domestic deposits of the acquiring association and the association to be acquired do not exceed specified ceilings; (2) the merger will not result in an undue concentration of resources; and (3) the FSLIC determines that the merger is reasonably likely to result in reduced rates and fees for existing services, new or improved community services, increased operating efficiency, or greater convenience. Requires each savings and loan association to notify the FSLIC of the State designated as its principal place of savings and loan business. Authorizes the FSLIC to allow a savings and loan holding company whose operations are principally conducted in one State to acquire interest in, or the voting shares or assets of, any association located in another State if the laws of such State expressly permit such acquisition. Authorizes States to allow such acquisitions: (1) without restriction; or (2) on the basis of the location of the other States involved or reciprocal treatment by such other States. Terminates such restrictions on interstate acquisitions five years after enactment of this Act. Prohibits the FSLIC from approving such an acquisition unless: (1) the domestic deposits of the holding company subsidiaries and of the association to be acquired do not exceed specified ceilings; (2) the acquisition will not result in an undue concentration of resources; and (3) the FSLIC determines that the acquisition is reasonably likely to result in reduced rates and fees for existing services, new or improved community services, increased operating efficiency, or greater convenience.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1985
Commission on Congressional Financing Act - Establishes the Bipartisan Commission on Congressional Campaign Financing to consider and study laws, regulations, and public commentary relating to the financing of congressional elections. Requires such study to give particular attention to the extent to which current campaign financing practices undermine public confidence in the Government. Requires the Commission to consider the following changes in the present system of campaign financing: (1) increasing or decreasing allowable contributions; (2) initiating a plan of public financing; (3) making available free or subsidized broadcasting time; or (4) examining the role of independent expenditures. Directs the Commission to make reasonable efforts to achieve the broadest bipartisan consensus in arriving at its recommendations. Requires the Commission, not later than one year after enactment of this Act, to submit to the Congress its final report. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of such report. Requires the Director of the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress and the Chairman of the Federal Election Commission, not later than two months after enactment of this Act, to transmit briefing papers to the Bipartisan Commission which catalog and synthesize pertinent reports, analyses, and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to the family of Harry Chapin in recognition of Harry Chapin's efforts to address issues of world hunger. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1985
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a clinical trial in order to determine the efficiency and economic feasibility of providing Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) coverage for personal emergency response systems. Requires each personal emergency response system to include, for purposes of the clinical trial: (1) communication equipment located in the home which transmits signals for emergency medical assistance over the telephone; (2) a local response center to monitor such signals; and (3) medical personnel or other persons to provide emergency medical assistance. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to transmit to the Congress a report containing the findings and conclusions of the clinical trial, along with any legislative recommendations.
![Official portrait of Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-29]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000556_200.jpg)