United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to remove the $75 limit on the excess shelter expense deduction in the computation of household income for households composed entirely of persons who are age 62 or older, or who receive supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act. Entitles such households to a medical expense deduction to the extent that the monthly amount expended by any such household for medical or dental care exceeds the amount of the standard deduction in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979
Senior Citizens Health Insurance Reform Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to institute a program of voluntary certification for health insurance policies sold in supplementation of medicare. Sets forth minimum standards for such certification with respect to liability, cancellation, reasonableness of premium charge, and economic benefit to the insured. Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) misrepresentations in connection with such certification; (2) the sale of specified types of duplicate insurance; and (3) certain activities in connection with the sale of insurance policies in States which have not approved such policies.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends the program of optional State supplemental payment under title XVI of the Social Security Act (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) (SSI) to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to furnish States with such information about residential institutions, foster homes, and group living arrangements in which a significant number of recipients of SSI benefits are residing as is necessary for the States to establish and enforce standards for such institutions. Sets forth specific matters which such State standards must cover. Deletes the requirement of a reduction of the payment of an SSI beneficiary who lives in such an institution, home, or group living arrangement when such residence does not meet State standards. Directs the Secretary, upon findings that the standards established by a State under this Act will assure a reasonable standard of well-being for residents of such institutions, to reimburse the State for the costs attributable to the compensation or training of personnel responsible for inspecting such institutions to determine whether they comply with the standards established by the States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to finance the construction and rehabilitation of congregate facilities in federally assisted housing projects and the provision of congregate services for elderly and handicapped individuals and families.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Medicare Home Health Amendments of 1979 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove the 100 visit limitation presently applicable to home health care services under such title. Includes "periodic chore services" within those home health services for which payment may be made under the supplementary medical insurance program (Part B of title XVIII). Eliminates the $60 deductible under the supplementary medical insurance program with respect to home health services. Includes services by a community mental health center among the benefits provided under the medicare program for up to: (1) 10 outpatient visits per year; and (2) 60 partial hospitalization visits per year. Stipulates that in determining the 190-day limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services under the Medicare program, one day shall be included for every four partial hospitalization visits to a community mental health center. Sets forth the conditions and limitations on payments for community mental health center services.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends title III of the Public Health Service Act (General Powers and Duties of Public Health Service), as amended by the Health Services Extension Act of 1978, to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to State health authorities for preventive health service programs for the treatment of hypertension.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for preventive examinations for hypertension and drugs for the treatment of hypertension.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the individual income tax credit for the elderly and to increase the adjusted gross income limitation on such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to allow the Select Committee on Aging to appoint, by majority vote of the committee, not more than 18 professional staff members.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of individuals who have attained age 65 interest earned on any series E United States savings bond.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1979
Act to Combat International Terrorism - Directs the President to report biannually to Congress regarding acts of international terrorism and to submit lists of countries supporting international terrorism. Specifies the sanctions to be imposed against such countries, which includes: (1) no foreign assistance other than disaster assistance; (2) no sales of defense articles or services; and (3) denying export licenses for defense articles or services or for goods with potential military application, if the President determines such denial would reduce the support of the particular country for terrorist actions. Permits the President to suspend application of such sanctions in the interests of national security after consulting with the appropriate congressional committees. Authorizes the President to exercise other sanctions, including the suspension of air services between the United States and the country supporting terrorist activities. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the Secretary of Transportation to assess the effectiveness of security measures maintained at foreign airports and report such assessments to Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to restrict operations at those foreign airports failing to bring their security measures to a standard level of effectiveness. Requires the Federal Aviation Administration Administrator to include in the Administrator's report to Congress assessments of the effectiveness of security measures maintained at foreign airports. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical aviation assistance to foreign governments. Amends the provisions of Federal law which relate to the manufacture of explosive materials to require such manufacturers to add an identification taggant and a detection taggant to the explosive materials. Prohibits the distribution, importation, or sale of explosive materials without such taggants. Sets forth the time periods in which such requirements must be met. Specifies penalties for violations of these provisions. Amends the provisions of title 18 of the U.S. Code that specify prohibited acts regarding the destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities to, among other revisions, set forth penalties for committing violence against a passenger which is likely to endanger an aircraft in service, and for communicating false information which results in endangering the safety of an aircraft in flight. Authorizes civil penalties for carrying an accessible weapon aboard an aircraft and for imparting or conveying information known to be false regarding specified crimes aboard an aircraft. Specifies criminal penalties for threatening to commit air piracy, and placing a loaded firearm in baggage on board an aircraft. Urges the President to seek international agreements to assure more effective cooperation in combating international terrorism. Specifies agreements which should receive high priority.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1979
Amends the program of medical and dental care for members and certain former members of the uniformed services and for their dependents to include former spouses of members of the uniformed services. Establishes length of marriage and other requirements of eligibility.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1979
Child Health Assurance Act of 1979 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require the State plan for medical assistance required by such title to provide for making medical assistance available to: (1) any individual who is under the age of 18 and, at the option of the State, to any individual over the age of 17 and under 21, if the individual is a member of a family eligible for aid under the program of Aid to Families with Dependent Children and does not exceed specified income standards; and (2) any woman for a period of her pregnancy and for 60 days following the termination of her pregnancy who on the basis of resources is eligible for aid under the program of Aid to Families with Dependent Children and whose income does not exceed specified standards. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a national child health assurance program (CHAP) income standard for the purpose of establishing the eligibility of, and extent of medical assistance provided to, certain children and pregnant women. Sets the national CHAP income standard at two-thirds of the nonfarm income official poverty line. Defines the services to be made available to pregnant women and eligible individuals under age 21 pursuant to this Act. Requires each State plan for medical assistance under the Medicaid program to provide, in the case of any individual under 21 who has received a timely periodic child health assessment, all care and services available under such program and referral for care and services not available under Medicaid. Sets forth standards of the "child health assessment" required by this Act. States that the health care provider performing such assessment must agree to perform such basic diagnostic and treatment services as an assessment shows to be necessary, or to refer a beneficiary to an appropriate provider for such services, and to provide beneficiaries with routine dental care. Requires such a provider to be reasonably accessible on a continuing basis to beneficiaries whom it has assessed. Stipulates that for individuals under 21 who have received a timely health assessment no enrollment fee or charge for any service will be imposed. Provides for the payment of a percentage of the cost of a State child health assessment program by the Federal Government. Requires each State plan under the Medicaid program to develop a plan to implement a CHAP. Directs the Secretary to establish performance standards for CHAP's. Sets forth penalties for States which fail to comply with such standards. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on each State's CHAP. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the coordination of health care services to children under: (1) the CHAP program and under title XIX; and (2) title V (Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services) and title XIX of the Social Security Act. Requires the Secretary: (1) to study and conduct demonstration projects in order to evaluate the participation of health care providers in CHAP's and methods of improving their level of participation in these programs; and (2) to develop and carry out experiments and demonstration projects designed to determine the effect of payment on a capitation basis for child health assessments and other services provided under CHAP's upon the level of participation and performance of such providers in these programs. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on such studies. Stipulates that certain individuals will remain eligible for Medicaid by disregarding specified involuntary increases in benefits, compensation, the pensions provided under specified Federal laws. Stipulates that certain individuals under the age of 21 shall remain eligible for Medicaid while inmates in certain juvenile institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Sales Representatives Protection Act - Requires a principal who, without good cause, terminates or fails to renew a contract between such principal and a sales representative, reduces the size of the geographic territory assigned to a representative for a specified account by more than 25 percent, or reduces the rate of commission for orders solicited on behalf of such principal, to indemnify the representative according to this Act. Sets forth formulae for the indemnification of such representatives. Requires a principal to furnish specified information to a sales representative concerning orders placed through the representative's account and a monthly accounting of commissions due such representative. Allows a plaintiff to bring an action to enforce any rights or liabilities created by this Act in a United States district court. Stipulates the procedure for such action.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow renters of their principal residence an income tax credit for 25 percent of their proportionate share of the State and local real property taxes imposed upon the property on which their residence is located. Stipulates that the amount of the allowable credit may not exceed the amount of rent paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1979
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to remove the $75 limit on the excess shelter expense deduction in the computation of household income for households composed entirely of persons who are age 65 or older, or who receive supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1979
Authorizes appropriations for the use by the Phelps-Stokes Fund for the acquisition of a monument to Doctor Ralph J. Bunche and its erection in United Nations Plaza Park in New York City.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to provide that an individual who applies for supplemental security income benefits on the basis of disability shall be considered presumptively disabled if he has received disability insurance benefits under title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act or supplemental security income benefits as a disabled individual within five years of his most recent application for supplementary security income benefits. Provides that benefits paid to an individual who is considered presumptively disabled under this Act will be considered overpayments if such individual is ultimately determined not to be disabled in fact.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Civil Rights Amendments Act of 1979 - Authorizes the Attorney General to institute a civil action when an individual is denied use of a public facility because of the individual's affectional or sexual orientation. Prohibits the discrimination on the basis of an individual's affectional or sexual orientation in Federally assisted programs, employment, or housing. Authorizes the Attorney General to intervene in actions charging such discrimination. Prescribes penalties for interfering with an individual's right to housing on the basis of the individual's affectional or sexual orientation. Prohibits: (1) the use of statistical differences in determining whether such discrimination exists; or (2) requiring quotas as a remedy .
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow handicapped individuals an income tax deduction for expenses incurred in commuting between their residence and their principal place of employment.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay a monthly pension at a rate not to exceed $150 to: (1) each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements and whose annual income does not exceed $10,000; (2) certain qualified surviving spouses of each such veteran (whose own annual income does not exceed $10,000); or (3) the child or children of each such veteran.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Victims of Crime Act of 1979 - Establishes a nine-member, part-time Advisory Committee on Victims of Crime to advise the Attorney General with respect to the administration of this Act and the compensation of victims of crime. Directs the Attorney General to make grants to qualified State programs for the compensation of victims of crime. States that such grants shall total: (1) 50 percent of the cost of such State programs with respect to any criminally punishable act or omission designated by the State as appropriate for compensation under this program; and (2) 100 percent of the cost of such State programs with respect to any act or omission which would constitute designated State crimes except for the fact that the crime is subject to exclusive Federal jurisdiction. Specifies criteria for a State plan to qualify under this Act, including that such plan: (1) offers compensation for personal injuries suffered as a result of certain State and Federal crimes; (2) offers compensation to surviving dependents of any person whose death resulted from being victim to such a crime; (3) grants claimants the right to a hearing; (4) requires cooperation with law enforcement agencies as a condition for recovery; (5) subrogates the State to any claim the victim or dependent has against the perpetrator to the extent of the amount compensated by the State; (6) does not require claimants to seek welfare benefits; (7) denies or reduces any claim where the victim or claimant contributed to the death or injury; (8) may require the criminal by State law or rule to make restitution to the victim; and (9) does not require that any person be apprehended or convicted of the crime giving rise to the claim. Permits States with programs not in compliance with this Act to remain eligible for grants under this Act until the day after the close of the first regular State legislative session that begins after the effective date of this Act. Sets forth specified expenses that may not be included in the State program's cost of paying compensation when determining the amount of the grant for which such program is eligible. Directs the Attorney General to submit annual reports to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees with respect to each qualifying State program, and the activities of the Attorney General in carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit taxpayers who do not itemize income tax deductions to claim a deduction from gross income for charitable contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to reduce the requirements for eligibility for disability benefits for blind persons. Requires that a blind individual have at least six quarters of coverage to be eligible for disability benefits. Sets forth a method of computing the average monthly wage of a blind individual for the purpose of determining such individual's primary insurance amount. Provides that in no case shall such amount be less than the amount which would be determined without regard to an individual's blindness. States that no reductions will be made from the benefits to which a person is entitled because of such person's refusal to accept State-approved rehabilitative services under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Continues the payment of such benefits as long as blindness lasts, the amount of an individual's earnings notwithstanding.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Diesel Fuel and Gasoline Conservation Act of 1979 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize sellers of goods under a uniform zone delivered pricing system to grant backhaul allowances to buyers where: (1) the backhaul function is actually performed by the buyer; (2) where the allowance is not greater than actual savings in delivery costs; and (3) where such allowances are available to all customers on a nondiscriminatory basis.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Amends title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to authorize payments to States for the cost of emergency shelter or services provided to an individual in danger of physical or mental injury, neglect, maltreatment, or exploitation.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Prohibits anyone from: (1) breaking and entering a pharmacy with intent to unlawfully obtain a narcotic or controlled substance; or (2) obtaining, or attempting to obtain, such substances from a pharmacy by force or violence. Imposes maximum penalties for anyone violating this section of 20 years imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine. Increases such penalties to 25 years and/or a $10,000 fine if, during the commission of such offense, any person is assaulted or any person's life is put in jeopardy by the use of a dangerous weapon. Mandates a minimum term of imprisonment of ten years, if any person is killed or maimed during such offense.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Prohibits the pretrial release of any person charged with an act of terrorism, as defined by this Act, if the judicial officer determines that such release would pose a danger to any person or to the community.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to provide that an individual may work without being considered as having engaged in substantial gainful activity, and thus forfeiting disability status, if such individual's earnings are at a rate that does not exceed the amount specified by this Act. Excludes from an individual's income, for purposes of determining eligibility for benefits under such title, an amount equal to the expenses which such individual incurs in earning income.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and for physical examinations, and for related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979
States that if the Secretary of Commerce revises the criteria for determining standard metropolitan statistical areas, Federal agencies shall collect data on, and provide benefits to, such revised areas to the same extent as such services were performed for standard areas prior to such revision.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979
Congressional Pages Education Act - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to establish the Congressional Pages School Board with authority to establish and maintain a school for congressional pages, and to enter into or terminate, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Senate and Clerk of the House, arrangements with the District of Columbia with respect to the education of congressional pages in the public school system of the District of Columbia.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend to permanently and totally disabled individuals the one time $100,000 exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979
Requires the Department of Commerce to submit to Congress, within 90 days after the enactment of this Act, a report on the effects on the United States economy of the implementation of the Department's proposed rule to revise the definition of a standard metropolitan statistical area. Prohibits the Department from implementing such rule until such report is submitted.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Medical Assistance Amendments of 1979 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate all the deductibles, coinsurance, and time limitations presently applicable to benefits thereunder. Eliminates medicare taxes as the method of financing hospital insurance benefits and premium payments as the method of financing supplementary medical insurance benefits. Includes within the coverage of title XVIII eye care, dental care, hearing aids, prescription drugs, prosthetics, one physical checkup a year, preventive care, diagnosis of breast cancer, services of clinical psychologists, and services of registered nurses. Establishes a system of administrative and judicial review of claims which arise under the supplementary medical insurance program. Amends title VII of the Social Security Act to prohibit sex discrimination under any program or activity authorized by the Act or under any program receiving Federal assistance under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Illegal Alien Employment Prohibition Act - Prohibits, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the employment or referral for employment of aliens who have not been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence, unless such employment is authorized by the Attorney General. States that a person will not be deemed to have violated this Act who has made a bona fide inquiry whether a person employed or referred is a citizen or alien. States that a signed statement from such person that he is a citizen or authorized alien constitutes a bona fide inquiry provided that the writing conforms with regulations prescribed by the Attorney General. Directs the Attorney General to serve a citation upon first-time violators of this Act. Establishes a civil penalty of not more than $500 for each alien if a violation occurs within two years after the service of a citation. Permits a civil penalty to be imposed only after an opportunity for hearing and after the Attorney General has determined that a violation did occur. Provides that one who is assessed a civil penalty and thereafter violates this Act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction punished by a fine not exceeding $1,000 or by one year imprisonment, or both, for each alien in respect to whom any violation of this Act occurs. Directs any officer or employee of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to disclose the name and most recent address of any illegal alien whom the employee knows to be receiving assistance under any State plan under specified titles of the Social Security Act. Adds border crossing cards, alien registration receipt cards, and other documents prescribed by regulation for entry into the United States to the list of documents the false making of which shall be punished by a fine or imprisonment or both.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Excludes from the Federal law limiting and restricting the corporate powers of national banking associations to deal in and underwrite investment securities, specified dealings in and underwriting of all other nongeneral obligations issued or guaranteed by or on behalf of a State or any political subdivision thereof or agency of a State or any political subdivision thereof (except special assessment obligations and industrial revenue bonds) which are at the time eligible for purchase by a national bank for its own account, subject to specified limitations. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to submit an annual report to the Congress showing the extent to which the business of underwriting and dealing in State and local obligations is being carried on by commercial banks as compared with other banking institutions with a view to determining the effect of the amendment made by the first section of this Act on the institutional distribution of such business.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to increase the maximum civil penalty which may be assessed for discharges of oil and hazardous substances from $5,000 to $100,000 per violation. Imposes criminal penalties for such illegal discharges of fines up to $100,000 or imprisonment for not more than three years, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Terminates the authorization for duplicate locks on the Illinois River, Illinois. Terminates the flood control projects authorized for: (1) Salt Creek Lake, Ohio; (2) Trexler Lake, Pennsylvania; (3) Spewrell Bluff Lake, Georgia; (4) Lincoln Dam and Reservoir, Illinois; (5) Pattonsburg Lake, Missouri; (6) Helm Lake, Illinois; (7) Mill Creek Lake, Ohio; (8) Salem Church Dam and Reservoir, Virginia; and (9) Big Darby Lake, Ohio. Directs the Secretary of Army to convey certain lands acquired for the Big Darby Lake flood control project to the State of Ohio to be administered as a wildlife refuge. Terminates the authorization for further construction of the Cross-Florida Barge Canal. Extends the boundaries of the Ocala National Forest, Florida, to include land owned by the United States as part of the Cross-Florida Barge Canal project. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire lands owned by the State of Florida within the extended boundaries of the Forest. Terminates the Meramec Park Lake flood control project, Missouri. Requires the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers to study and report to Congress concerning the manner of disposition and future utilization of the project's land and structures which best serves the public interest.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that an otherwise eligible individual shall be entitled to old-age insurance benefits if such person has attained age 60 and has been required by his employer (after having been employed by such employer for five or more years) to retire at such age in compliance with an Executive Order of the President, a regulation or order issued by a Federal department or agency and published in the Federal Register, or a Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Expresses congressional concern that Mexico be given full consideration as a major source for imported oil and natural gas in the formulation of our national and international energy policies. Encourages the President to agree to cooperate with Mexico on common concerns, including the mutually beneficial development of Mexico's oil and natural gas reserves.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to provide for the acceptance by pharmacies of food stamps in exchange for food or food supplements prescribed for cancer patients.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1979
Declares the public policy of the United States to prohibit the manufacture, sale, interstate shipment, and use of leg-hold and steel-jaw traps in the United States and abroad. Prohibits the shipment into interstate or foreign commerce of fur or leather products which come from animals trapped in any State or foreign country which has not banned such traps. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to publish a list of States and foreign countries which have not banned the manufacture, sale, and use of leg-hold and steel-jaw traps. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Child Care Act of 1979 - States the purposes of this Act to be to: (1) provide assistance to the States in improving the quality and coordination in child-care programs; (2) assess the need for child-care services in the country; (3) provide assistance to families who cannot pay the full cost of child care services; and (4) strengthen the functioning of families by seeking to assure that parents are not forced by lack of available programs or financial resources to place a child in an undesirable facility. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize any public agency or private individual or organization to interfere with parental authority. Requires States to submit a plan to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in order to participate in a program authorized under this Act. Requires such State plan to include provisions regarding: (1) the designation of a responsible State agency; (2) distribution of funds with priority to be given to child-care providers that provide priority for services on the basis of family need; (3) the establishment of fee schedules for services based on family need and size; (4) information and referral services; (5) child-care personnel training; (6) licensing of child-care providers; (7) parental involvement in the planning and evaluating of child-care programs; (8) maximum allowable administrative costs; and (9) the establishment of a State Advisory Panel to advise the State on child-care matters. Stipulates that the Secretary shall approve any plan that complies with the requirements under this Act. States that the Secretary must first provide notice and a hearing before disapproving any State plan. Directs the Secretary to designate an administrative unit and individual in charge of such unit within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to carry out the provisions of this Act and to coordinate other child-care activities within such Department. Provides for the establishment of a National Advisory Panel on Child Care Needs and Services within the Office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Directs the Secretary, with the assistance of the National Advisory Panel, to develop standards for programs under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with public and private entities for innovative demonstrative child-care projects. Directs participating States to submit a report to the Secretary outlining the current status of child-care licensing with the State. Directs the Secretary to develop a Model State Licensing of Child Care Providers Act to be used by the States as a guide to improving licensing of child-care providers. Authorizes the Secretary to provide training and technical assistance to the States. Limits allotments of funds appropriated under this Act to not more than one percent for Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Establishes an allotment priority system for the States based on the number of children living in homes in which: (1) both parents are employed; or (2) the child resides with only one parent and that parent is employed. Authorizes the Secretary, after reasonable notice and opportunity for hearing, to withhold payments to any State where there has been a substantial failure to comply with requirements of such State's plan or other applicable provisions under this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) review and evaluate programs carried out under this Act; and (2) submit a report on national child-care needs to the President and the Congress not later than four years after enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980-1984.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Permits taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns whether they wish to contribute any portion of their income tax refund or make any additional contribution to the support of either the arts or the humanities. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to amend income tax return forms to provide a notice to taxpayers of their option to contribute. Authorizes the payment of 50 percent of taxpayer refunds or contributions designated for the arts to the National Endowment for the Arts and 50 percent to State Art Agencies. Specifies purposes for which such funds may be used and imposes restrictions on the use of such funds for administrative purposes or for research projects. Treats payments of funds to State agencies as donations from private persons and not as Federal assistance. Authorizes the payment of 80 percent of taxpayer refunds or contributions designated for the humanities to the National Endowment for the Humanities and 20 percent to State Humanities Entities. Specifies purposes for which such funds may be used and imposes restrictions on the use of such funds for administrative purposes or for research projects. Treats payments of funds to State Humanities Entities as donations from private persons and not as Federal assistance. Prohibits any Endowment or agency to which funds are paid under this Act from requiring any applicant for funds to raise additional funds or meet any matching requirements. Prohibits the use of funds raised by this Act to make grants to any institutions which hold such funds for investment. Limits the amount of funds which any institution may receive under this Act according to a specified percentage of the institution's operating budget.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Solar Energy Bank Act - Establishes a Government corporation in the Department of Housing and Urban Development to be known as the Solar Energy Development Bank to make long-term, low-interest loans to encourage the use of solar energy in commercial and residential structures. Sets forth requirements for loan eligibility concerning the term and amount of the loan and necessary warranties for the solar energy systems covered by such loan. Prohibits conflicts of interest on the part of officers or employees of the Bank. Imposes criminal penalties for the furnishing of false or misleading information by applicants for loans under this Act. Establishes a seven-member Advisory Board to make annual reports to Congress and the President on the operation of the program established by this Act. Prohibits subsidy payments under this Act to any person who has received other Federal assistance for purchase and/or installation of energy systems similar to the solar systems assisted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1964 to exclude cost-of-living increases in Social Security benefits from consideration as household income for purposes of determining: (1) eligibility for participation in the food stamp program; (2) the charge for issuing a coupon allotment to a household; and (3) eligibility for any Federal program administered by the Department of Agriculture which provides for the donation or distribution of surplus agricultural commodities to low-income persons.