United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1989
American Heritage Trust Act of 1989 - Title I: American Heritage Trust - Establishes the American Heritage Trust, comprised of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Historic Preservation Fund, to provide funding for the preservation of America's natural, historical, cultural, and outdoor recreational areas. Title II: Land and Water Conservation Fund - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to invest a portion of the Land and Water Conservation Fund in public debt securities. Requires that the interest from such investments be used for the preservation of the Nation's recreational areas. Requires any excess interest to be credited to the Treasury. Sets forth a formula for the allocation of such interest income to the Federal Government and the States. Sets forth specified requirements with respect to the apportionment of such income to local and State governments, Indian tribes, and Alaska Native Village Corporations. Title III: Historic Preservation Fund - Amends the National Historic Preservation Act to extend the Historic Preservation Fund through 2015. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to invest a portion of such Fund in public debt securities. Requires that the interest from such investments be used for the preservation of historic sites. Provides for allocation of a percentage of annual appropriations for State historic preservation trust funds. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires the owner of any site that benefits from moneys derived from the American Heritage Trust to install a sign indicating that fact. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, within 18 months after enactment of this Act, to provide for a contest for elementary or secondary school children for the design of a symbol to represent such Trust and for use in such signs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1989
SSI Disabled and Blind Children Act of 1989 - Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct an individualized assessment of a child's mental and physical impairments in determining his or her eligibility for SSI benefits by reason of disability or blindness. Establishes a presumption that a child under age four with a genetic or congenital impairment is disabled or blind for SSI purposes if it is probable that more accurate clinical and laboratory techniques would prove such to be the case. Directs the Secretary to publish, within 30 days of this Act's enactment, a revision of specified listings of mental and emotional disorders which justifies each deviation from recommendations contained in the Revised Childhood Listings of Mental Impairments submitted by the Mental Impairment Listings Workgroup to the Associate Commissioner for Disability on April 1, 1986. Requires the Secretary to: (1) consider age-appropriate medical and functional criteria developed by experts in childhood disability in reviewing and revising all childhood listings; and (2) publish a revised listings and explain deviations from the recommendations of experts within 18 months of this Act's enactment. Establishes a formula for determining the amount of parental resources deemed available to a disabled or blind child for SSI benefit and eligibility purposes. Excludes property which is essential to the self-support of an individual from his or her resources, but includes income from such property in such individuals earned income. Requires States to provide Medicaid coverage (under title XIX of the Act) for all SSI blind or disabled children.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1989
Family and Medical Leave Act of 1989 - Title I: General Requirements for Family Leave and Medical Leave - Entitles employees to family leave for specified periods in cases involving the birth, adoption, foster care, or serious health condition of a child or the serious health condition of a parent. Entitles employees to temporary medical leave for specified periods in cases involving inability to work because of a serious health condition. Sets forth conditions for certification for such types of leave. Provides that such leave may be without pay. Allows employees to substitute other types of paid leave to cover part of such leave period. Sets forth employment and benefits protections relating to such leave. Provides for administrative enforcement of this title by the Secretary of Labor, as well as enforcement by civil action. Requires employers to post notice of the pertinent provisions of this title. Title II: Family Leave and Temporary Medical Leave for Civil Service Employees - Amends specified Federal law to entitle civil service employees to family and temporary medical leave for specified periods. Provides that such leave will be without pay. Allows employees to substitute other types of paid leave for part of such leave. Provides for protection for job position and health insurance benefits of employees using such leave. Directs the Office of Personnel Management to prescribe regulations for administration of this title which are consistent with the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Labor under title I of this Act. Title III: Commission on Family and Medical Leave - Establishes the Commission on Family and Medical Leave. Requires the Commission to report on its study of family and medical leave (which may include legislative recommendations concerning coverage of small businesses) to the Congress within two years after the Commission first meets. Terminates the Commission within 30 days after its final report. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth the effect of this Act on existing laws and existing employment benefits. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to discourage employers from adopting more generous leave policies. Directs the Secretary of Labor to prescribe regulations to carry out title I of this Act within 60 days.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1989
Fairness in Bargaining Act of 1989 - Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to provide that, with respect to the sale, consignment, or distribution of motor fuel, the term "franchise" includes any contract between specified parties which is economically necessary to the operation of the franchise. Provides that the termination or non-renewal of a franchise relationship, upon expiration of an underlying lease for marketing premises, is reasonable if specified conditions exist.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1989
Fastener Quality Assurance Act of 1989 - Prohibits the offering for sale or sale in interstate commerce of any fastener (screw, nut, bolt, stud, similar threaded device, or washer) unless it is part of a lot which: (1) conforms to standards and specifications represented by the manufacturer or ordered by the purchaser; and (2) has been inspected, tested, and certified according to this Act. Requires manufacturers to have a fastener lot sample inspected by a laboratory accredited under an approved system (including one owned or affiliated with the manufacturer if it is so accredited). Authorizes the laboratory, upon determination of conformance with the appropriate standards and specifications, to provide the manufacturer certificates with respect to such lot. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to issue regulations to implement this Act. Prohibits any manufacturer from selling any primary container or lesser quantity of fasteners manufactured in the United States unless delivery to the first purchaser is accompanied by an original certificate from an accredited laboratory. Prohibits any person from selling any primary container or lesser quantity of fasteners manufactured outside the United States to any importer or end user unless delivery is accompanied by a certificate. Allows delivery to an importer or private label distributor without the required certificate if: (1) the manufacturer discloses in writing the appropriate standards and specifications; and (2) the importer or private label distributor assumes responsibility in further sale or offer of sale unless delivery to the first subsequent purchaser is accompanied by an original certificate from an accredited laboratory. Requires that a copy of the original certificate be provided to subsequent wholesale purchasers. Requires persons who make material physical alterations to a fastener subsequent to manufacture to have the altered fastener inspected and tested before offering it for sale or selling it unless delivery is accompanied by a disclosure of the alteration and a warning. Requires subsequent disclosures of the alteration in resales. Prohibits commingling of fasteners from different lots in the same primary container or other package. Requires fastener manufacturers or private label distributors to comply with requirements of a program for recordation of insignias. Directs the Secretary to establish such a program, including regulations to ensure traceability. Sets forth civil remedies, including declaratory and injunctive relief, and criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for violations of this Act. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to: (1) preempt any rights or causes of action that any buyer may have respect to any seller of fasteners under the law of any State, except insofar as such State law conflicts with this Act; and (2) limit or otherwise affect the authority of the National Institute of Standards and Technology or any voluntary consensus standards organizations to establish, modify, or withdraw any standards and specifications under any other law or authority in effect on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1989
Provides that crew members of the U.S.S. Pueblo, who were taken prisoner and held captive by North Korea in January of 1968, shall be eligible for prisoner-of-war medals, notwithstanding specified limitations regarding the awarding of such medals.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1989
Community Revitalization Tax Act of 1989 - Amends Internal Revenue Code income tax accounting rules to treat rehabilitation investment credits and low-income housing credits as credits not derived from passive activities. Revises the limitation on the general business credit to allow a maximum annual credit equal to the first $20,000 of an individual taxpayer's income tax liability plus 80 percent of any excess liability.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1989
Truth in Savings Act - Requires each advertisement, announcement, or solicitation by a depository institution which refers to a specific interest rate, yield, or rate of earnings on amounts deposited in a demand or interest-bearing account to state the following information clearly and conspicuously: (1) the annual percentage yield and the period such yield is in effect; (2) all minimum initial deposit, minimum balance, and time requirements for earning such yield; (3) the annual rates of simple interest; (4) fees or other conditions that could reduce the yield; (5) any interest penalty for early withdrawal; and (6) the effective percentage yield on the maturity date of any account maturing in less than one year. Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to exempt advertisements, announcements, or solicitations made by any broadcast or electronic medium or outdoor advertising displays not on the premises of a depository institution from the disclosure requirements relating to initial deposit requirements, rates of simple interest, or fees if such disclosure would be unnecessarily burdensome. Prohibits any depository institution from advertising an account as a free or no-cost account if: (1) there are minimum balance or limited transaction requirements to avoid fees; or (2) there is any service fee, transaction fee, or similar charge imposed for such account. Prohibits any institution from making any advertisement, announcement, or solicitation that is inaccurate or misleading or that misrepresents its deposit contracts. Requires each depository institution to maintain a schedule, written in clear and plain language, of fees, charges, interest rates, and terms and conditions such as minimum balance and time requirements applicable to each class of accounts offered. Requires that such schedule be disclosed to potential customers and requesting individuals and mailed to account holders. Requires that account holders receive 30 days' advance notice of any change to be made in any term or condition required to be disclosed in the schedule if the change might reduce the yield or adversely affect any account holder. Directs the Board to require modified disclosure requirements concerning the annual yield on variable rate accounts, multiple rate accounts, guaranteed-rate accounts that mature in less than one year, and accounts for which the interest rate is not guaranteed. Directs the Board to provide for public notice and comment on, and to publish, model forms and clauses for common disclosures required by this Act. Provides for the enforcement of this Act and the civil liability of a depository institution that fails to comply with requirements of this Act. Sets forth limitations on such liability and factors to be considered by the court in determining class action awards. Provides that an institution may not be held liable for a violation if the institution demonstrates that the violation was not intentional and resulted from a bona fide error. Establishes U.S. district court jurisdiction and a one-year statute of limitations for actions brought under this Act. Directs the National Credit Union Administration to provide for the similar regulation of credit unions.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1989
Commission on Values Education Act of 1989 - Establishes a Commission on Values Education to investigate how the Federal Government can promote the teaching of values in public schools. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 and 1990. Terminates the Commission 30 days after submission of its final report to the Congress. Requires congressional hearings 90 days after submission of the Commission's report.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1989
Northern Ireland Fair Employment Practices Act - Prohibits an article from being imported into the United States from Northern Ireland unless documentation is presented at the time of entry indicating that the enterprise which manufactured or assembled such article complied at the time of manufacture with certain fair employment principles (such as freedom from religious discrimination). Bases such principles on the MacBride Principles, a nine point set of guidelines for fair employment in Northern Ireland. Requires any U.S. person who has a branch or office in Northern Ireland or who controls an enterprise in Northern Ireland in which more than 20 people are employed to insure implementation of such employment principles and compliance with this Act. Requires reports to the Secretary of Commerce on compliance with this Act. Sets forth the fair employment principles. Authorizes the President to waive the requirements of this Act in the interest of national security. Requires such waiver to become effective 90 days after the President submits a justification of such waiver to the Congress unless the Congress adopts a joint resolution disapproving the waiver. Provides for expedited consideration of such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for interest on any indebtedness incurred to pay the educational expenses of the taxpayer, spouse, or dependent. (Under current law, such a loan must be secured by an interest in real property.)
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1989
Protect Medicare 90 Concurrent Resolution - Expresses the sense of the Congress that Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) hospital payments for FY 1990 should not be reduced below levels set by current law for such fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1989
State Energy Conservation Programs Improvement Act of 1989 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to mandate that each State energy conservation plan which receives Federal assistance under the Act contain a specified reduction in energy consumption as one of its goals. Adds to Federal assistance eligibility prerequisites for proposed State energy conservation plans, including an emergency planning program for energy supply disruption. Cites optional State energy conservation programs. Repeals the mandate for supplemental State energy conservation plans. Authorizes appropriations for energy conservation programs for FY 1990 through 1992. Establishes within the Department of Energy a State Energy Advisory Board to report annually to the Congress regarding recommended energy efficiency objectives, the technology transfer aspect of Federal research and development with respect to energy efficiency and renewable resources, and recommended changes with respect to State and Federal energy policies. Authorizes the use of loan programs and performance contracting for the non-Federal share of energy conservation project costs under the grant program. Cites conditions under which the Secretary is authorized to approve a State application for a waiver of: (1) the requirement that at least 40 percent of Federal weatherization assistance for low-income persons be used for weatherization materials; and (2) the limitations placed upon expenditures per dwelling unit for weatherization measures. Terminates the Performance Fund used for State weatherization assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1989
Chemical and Biological Weapons Control Act of 1989 - Requires the imposition of certain sanctions against any foreign country which uses chemical or biological weapons in violation of international law or against its own citizens. Specifies such sanctions as: (1) a prohibition against the sale or export to any such country of any item on the U.S. Munitions List; (2) a prohibition against the exportation to any such country of any goods or technology listed on the control list established pursuant to the Export Administration Act of 1979; (3) U.S. opposition to any loan or financial or technical assistance to any such country by international financial institutions; (4) a prohibition against U.S. military or economic assistance to the sanctioned country; (5) a prohibition against the importation of any goods or services from any such country; (6) a prohibition against credit or credit guarantees through the Export-Import Bank of the United States; (7) a prohibition against U.S. banks making any loan or providing any credit to any such country; and (8) a denial of landing rights in the United States to any airline owned by the government of any such country. Authorizes the President to waive any of such sanctions for a period not to exceed nine months upon a determination that such a waiver would be in the national interest. Requires the President to notify the Congress of the imposition of such sanctions not later than five days after such sanctions become effective. Provides for the removal of such sanctions after specified conditions are met. Provides for the sanctity of contracts entered into prior to the date on which Congress is notified of the imposition of sanctions. Requires the President to report to the Congress every 180 days on: (1) efforts by Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and other developing nations to acquire materials and technology to produce and deliver chemical and biological weapons; and (2) an assessment of such countries' present and future capability to produce and deliver such weapons. Urges the President to cooperate in multilateral efforts to control chemical and biological weapons and to give full support to United Nations involvement in such efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1989
Economic Conversion Act of 1989 - Title I: Economic Stabilization and Revitalization Pilot Program - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to authorize the President to make grants for job retraining programs and planning for alternative production required by the cancellation of major defense contracts (or reductions of $10,000,000 or more in the value of such contracts) during FY 1990 through 1994. Permits one grant for each defense contract cancellation or reduction. Requires the administration of such grants at the local level by a capable unit of general local government or, through default, by the collective bargaining agents of affected employees. Directs the President to make weekly economic adjustment assistance payments to employees affected by such a cancellation or reduction of a contract during FY 1990 through 1994. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of such assistance, making allowances for unemployment compensation or public assistance received and health insurance coverage needed. Sets forth assistance application procedures and notification requirements. Makes available for such grants and assistance payments the amount of previously-appropriated funds which the United States will save as a result of the cancellation or reduction of a defense contract. Title II: Prenotification of Base Closures and Defense-Related Contract Cancellations - Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Economic Adjustment Committee, to notify State and local governments and regional organizations within a specified period of time of the proposed realignment or closure of a military installation, the cancellation or termination of a defense contract, or the failure to proceed with an approved major weapon system program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1989
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to pay the Federal share of the cost of operating and maintaining publicly owned treatment works which are located in States which limited by law on January 1, 1989, the amount of revenues which may be raised through property taxes. Requires that such grants cover 75 percent of such costs in excess of revenues which may be raised through property taxes. Authorizes appropriations for such grant program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1989
Anti-Drug Abuse Supplemental Appropriations Act of 1989 - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY 1989 for purposes specified in titles I through VIII and for drug treatment and rehabilitation services and assistance to law enforcement agencies. Title I: Departments of Justice and State and the Judiciary - Makes appropriations for the Department of Justice for: (1) salaries and expenses for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the General Legal Activities Account, U.S. Attorneys, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Federal Prison System (FPS); (2) support of U.S.. prisoners; (3) buildings and facilities of the FPS; (4) the National Institute of Corrections; (5) Office of Justice programs; (6) the National Institute of Justice; (7) the Bureau of Justice Statistics; (8) the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; (9) the Bureau of Justice Assistance; and (10) the State Justice Institute. Makes appropriations for the Department of State for: (1) expenses for development, procurement, and implementation of a machine-readable travel and identity document border security program; and (2) rewards for information concerning narcotics-related offenses. Makes appropriations for the Judiciary for: (1) salaries and expenses for courts of appeals, district courts, and other judicial services; (2) defender services; (3) fees of jurors and commissioners; and (4) security equipment. Title II: Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies - Makes appropriations for: (1) the Department of Labor for substance abuse employee assistance programs in the workplace; (2) the Department of Health and Human Services for certain substance abuse prevention and treatment activities; (3) the Department of Education for school improvement programs and for the National Commission on Drug-Free Schools; and (4) related agency substance abuse prevention and education activities. Title III: Department of Agriculture - Makes appropriations to the Department of Agriculture for: (1) the Food and Nutrition Service for preparing and distributing drug abuse education materials; and (2) the National Forest Service for Federal law enforcement activities relating to the use and production of narcotics and controlled substances on lands administered by the Service. Title IV: Department of Transportation - Makes appropriations to the Department of Transportation for: (1) the Coast Guard for drug interdiction program operating expenses; (2) acquisition, construction, and improvements; (3) the Federal Highway Administration for drunk driving prevention programs; and (4) the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to establish a regional pilot program for training law enforcement officers to identify individuals operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. Title V: Department of the Treasury - Makes appropriations to the Department of the Treasury for: (1) salaries and expenses for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; (2) salaries and expenses for the U.S. Customs Service, including funding for development, procurement, and implementation of a machine-readable travel and identity document border security program; (3) operations and maintenance for the Customs Service's air interdiction program; and (4) the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Makes appropriations for: (1) the National Commission on Measured Responses to Achieve a Drug-Free America by 1995; and (2) the President's Media Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention. Title VI: Foreign Assistance - Makes appropriations to the Department of State for: (1) multilateral assistance authorized by the International Narcotics Control Act of 1988; and (2) military assistance to the armed forces of Colombia to combat illicit narcotics production and trafficking. Title VII: Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Veterans Affairs - Makes appropriations to the: (1) Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Public Housing Drug Elimination Pilot Program; and (2) Department of Veterans Affairs for drug and alcohol treatment programs. Title VIII: Department of the Interior - Makes appropriations for: (1) Indian alcohol and substance abuse prevention and treatment; (2) Federal law enforcement activities related to the use and production of narcotics and controlled substances on Bureau of Land Management public lands and in National Park System units; and (3) grants to the Governments of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Palau for specified anti-drug abuse purposes under the United States Insular Areas Drug Abuse Act of 1986. Title IX: General Provisions - Precludes any part of any appropriation contained in this Act from remaining available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year unless expressly so provided. Expresses the sense of the Congress that Federal anti-drug abuse program funding levels for FY 1990 should be maintained at the FY 1989 levels provided under specified Acts together with increases authorized by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1989
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the income tax deduction for the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals to: (1) increase from 25 percent to 100 percent the allowable deduction; and (2) make the deduction permanent (under current law it will expire after tax year 1989).
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1989
Repeals provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 that establish nondiscrimination requirements for coverage and benefits under certain statutory employee benefit plans. (The consequence is the repeal of section 89 of the Internal Revenue Code.)
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1989
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to remove certain restrictions on the making of guaranteed loans to their students by institutions of higher education. Permits such institutions to make loans to their students if the institutions continue to hold such loans until the beginning of the loan grace period (i.e. when the borrower ceases to carry at least one-half the normal full-time academic workload).
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1989
Residential Mortgage Credit Fairness Act of 1987 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a creditor from: (1) imposing terms and conditions for a residential mortgage transaction which are less favorable to the consumer than the terms and conditions which were originally disclosed to the consumer; or (2) limiting the availability or effectiveness of such terms and conditions to a specified period. Allows an exception to such requirements if: (1) the disclosure contains a clear and conspicuous statement that such terms and conditions are subject to change; or (2) any delay in consummating the transaction is due to an unreasonable delay caused by the consumer. Requires that any disclosure made in connection with a residential mortgage shall: (1) be mailed or delivered before the earlier of the date on which the credit is extended or three days after the creditor receives the consumer's application; and (2) include a statement of the rights and duties of the creditor and the consumer and any form to be used by the consumer to exercise the right to withdraw the application. Allows a consumer to withdraw a mortgage application without incurring any obligation to the creditor (other than certain reasonable fees) if the consumer provides the creditor written notice within three days after receiving the required disclosure statement from the creditor. Specifies that for purposes of such required disclosure statements the term "finance change" shall include any fee imposed by the creditor for any such extension of credit. Increases the civil penalty for failure to make a required disclosure for a residential mortgage from a minimum of $100 and a maximum of $1,000 to a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $10,000.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1989
Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act - Prohibits the sale of beer, mineral water, soda water, or carbonated soft drinks in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of not less than five cents. Requires that retailers and distributors pay the refund on returned containers of brands sold by such retailers or distributors. Prohibits distributors and retailers from selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings. Preempts inconsistent State or local laws. Prohibits State and local governments from imposing any tax on the collection or return of refund values. Imposes penalties of up to $1,000 for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1989
Global Poverty Reduction Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the President to develop a plan to ensure that U.S. development assistance contributes measurably toward eradicating the worst aspects of absolute poverty by the year 2000. Requires that such plan include target dates for reaching specific measurable goals whose attainment would contribute to direct improvements in the living standards of the poorest 40 percent of the population. Specifies that such goals shall include reducing the mortality rate of infants under age five, increasing the female literacy rate, and reducing the percentages of populations below the absolute poverty level by specified amounts by the year 2000. Directs that development activities carried out under this Act shall be consistent with maintaining and restoring the renewable natural resource base. Requires the President to submit the plan to the Congress by July 1, 1990. Requires all U.S. development assistance to be directed at attaining plan goals between October 1, 1990, and December 31, 2000. Requires the President to submit annual reports to the Congress detailing progress toward achieving plan goals. Directs the Comptroller General to review and comment on each report issued. Directs the President to host an international development conference for heads of governments of development assistance donor and recipient countries by October 16, 1989, to conclude an international agreement on eliminating the worst aspects of absolute poverty by the year 2000.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1989
United States Coast Guard Bicentennial Medal Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design, strike, and sell a medal in commemoration of the bicentennial of the U.S. Coast Guard in 1990. Requires the design of the medal to be selected by the Secretary of the Treasury after consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the Commission of Fine Arts.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1989
Amends Federal law to require the reverse side of the first coin redesigned to commemorate the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution for a two-year period. Provides that the design on the obverse side of U.S. coins shall contain the likenesses of those displayed on current coins and shall be considered for redesign. Requires any such obverse redesigns to conform to the inscription requirements of current law. Requires U.S. coins to be redesigned, at the discretion of the Secretary of the Treasury, over the next six years. Requires the Secretary, in selecting new designs, to consider specified constitutional concepts. Requires the designs to be selected by the Secretary upon consultation with the United States Commission of Fine Arts. Requires that any profits from the sale of uncirculated and proof sets of U.S. coins be deposited in the Treasury and used solely to reduce the national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1989
Air Travel Rights for Blind Individuals Act - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to preclude an air carrier from establishing aircraft seating restrictions based upon a passenger's visual acuity or use of a white cane or dog guide or other such means of assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1989
Catastrophic Coverage Election Act of 1989 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to permit individuals to elect not to receive benefits to which such individuals are entitled as a result of the enactment of the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988 and not to pay premiums imposed pursuant to such Act. Requires that beneficiaries be notified of such option.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1989
Information Dissemination and Research Accountability Act - Establishes in the National Library of Medicine a National Center for Research Accountability to assist in eliminating duplication of effort in Federal research proposals involving live animals. Prohibits Federal agencies from carrying out or funding any research proposal involving live animals unless the proposal is submitted to the Center following agency approval. Prohibits Federal funding of any proposal the Center determines would duplicate other research completed or in process. Authorizes the Center to contract with private entities to assist in conducting comprehensive full-text literature searches. Directs the Center to report annually to the President and the Congress. Provides for modernization of biomedical information storage and dissemination by the National Library of Medicine. Authorizes the Library to award contracts to the private-sector data recording industry to improve: (1) the development of technologies for storage and dissemination of full-text biomedical information; and (2) dissemination of such information to medical libraries for research use. Requires the Library to report annually to the Congress on its progress. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 and thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1989
Natural Gas Transition Act of 1989 - Prohibits the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) from permitting natural gas distribution service which would displace existing service being provided by a local distribution company (or which could be provided) if: (1) the State or local regulatory authority certifies to the Commission that the displacing service would prejudice the interests of such distribution company's customers; or (2) the proponent of such displacing service fails to demonstrate that the local distribution company protesting the proposed service is unwilling to provide transportation service on terms acceptable to the State or local commission. Precludes the Commission from permitting such displacing service until 30 days after it has published notice of such service in the Federal Register. Applies this Act to all service not provided before its date of enactment, regardless of whether the Commission had granted permission to provide such service before such date.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1989
Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to prescribe the extent to which Federal agency activities directly affecting the coastal zones must be consistent with approved State management programs. Allows Federal activities to be inconsistent with State coastal zone management programs only if to be consistent would violate Federal law or if substantial unforeseen obstacles are encountered. Describes what is encompassed by "directly affecting activities."
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1989
Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act - Makes it unlawful for any licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer a handgun to an unlicensed individual unless: (1) the transferor has notified the chief law enforcement officer for the individual's place of residence about the proposed transfer and either has received a response indicating that such transfer is not prohibited by law or has not received a response indicating otherwise within seven days; (2) the individual has presented to the transferor a statement from the officer indicating that the individual requires a handgun because of a threat to him or his family; or (3) the individual has a State handgun permit that is less than a year old which satisfies the same requirements. Requires any transferor who subsequently receives a report from such officer that receipt or possession of the handgun by the individual violates the law to: (1) furnish information about the transfer and the individual to the chief law enforcement officer of the transferor's place of business and the individual's place of residence; and (2) keep confidential any information received which is not otherwise available to the public, with exceptions. Requires a transferor to retain a copy of the individual's sworn statement for at least a year. Requires the law enforcement officer to destroy any copy of the individual's sworn statement and any record containing information derived from such statement within 30 days, unless such officer determines that the transaction would violate Federal, State, or local law. Provides that this Act shall not apply in any State that requires: (1) a seven-day waiting period for the transfer of a handgun to an unlicensed individual; or (2) a State law enforcement officer to verify an unlicensed individual's eligibility to receive a handgun. Sets penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1989
Authorizes the City of Newburyport, Massachusetts, to retain any land disposition proceeds from the financially closed-out Central Business Urban Renewal Project not paid to the Department of Housing and Urban Development and to use such proceeds in accordance with the requirements of the community development block grant program under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1989
Repeals provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 that restrict the types of scholarships and fellowship grants that may be excluded from gross income for income tax purposes. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for interest on a qualified educational loan incurred to pay the educational expenses of the taxpayer, spouse, or dependent. Eliminates the current requirement that such indebtedness be secured by an interest in real property.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Coal Pipeline Act of 1989 - Amends the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920 to authorize a person who has secured specified water rights under State law to apply to the Secretary of the Interior for certification that it is in the national interest to construct, operate, or extend a coal pipeline. Conditions such certification upon an applicant's reservation of a specified portion of total pipeline capacity for small, independent producers located in the geographic region served by such pipeline. Makes all Federal and State environmental laws applicable to the issuance or denial of such certification. Proscribes the granting of any right-of-way through lands: (1) designated as wilderness areas; (2) administered as part of the national park system; or (3) which are part of a historic site (unless there is no reasonable alternative and reasonable planning is made to minimize the harm of such site). Prohibits any person or entity (including the United States) from claiming any right or interest in water within any State for a coal pipeline unless such claim takes place under the law of the affected State. Delegates to the States all power regarding water rights for a coal pipeline. States that this Act does not: (1) impair the validity of any State law (or interstate compact) regarding any claim to water rights; (2) alter the rights of any State to its apportioned share of water under past or future allocation or interstate compact; (3) affect any Indian water rights; or (4) preempt or otherwise affect any State or Federal law or interstate compact regarding water quality or disposal. Prohibits any State acting under authority of this Act from restricting the movement through such State of water acquired in another State and within a coal pipeline. Authorizes certain persons who have received a certification from the Secretary that it is in the national interest to operate or extend a coal pipeline to acquire rights-of-way through private lands by the power of eminent domain. States this Act shall not be construed to permit any person (including the United States) to acquire any water rights through the power of eminent domain. Prohibits the acquisition of any right-of-way through the power of eminent domain if such right-of-way is upon land which is part of a historic site unless there is no prudent alternative and reasonable planning is made to minimize harm to such site. Provides for an antitrust review of applications for certification by the Attorney General. Requires each pipeline carrier for which a certification has been issued to provide service on reasonable request. Prohibits such carriers from unreasonably discriminating or refusing to enter into contracts with coal shippers under similar conditions in a contemporaneous period. States that this Act shall not be construed to modify or preempt the ratemaking authority of any State utility regulatory agency. Requires the Secretary to establish uniform Federal standards for coal pipeline safety. Establishes penalties for failure to comply with such safety standards.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Permits certain veterans with service-connected disabilities who are retired members of the uniformed services to receive compensation concurrently with retired pay, without deduction from either.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Oyster Disease Research Assistance Act - Directs the Chief Scientist of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration to establish an oyster disease research program, including: (1) identification of certain oyster diseases; (2) identification of priority research categories; (3) support for research in priority categories; and (4) a process for making the results of the research available to interested persons. Permits eligible institutions to apply for research grants. Establishes the Oyster Research Program Advisory Committee to advise the Chief Scientist regarding matters related to carrying out this Act. Directs the Chief Scientist to consult with the Department of the Interior, the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the Food and Drug Administration with respect to the identification of priority oyster diseases, the identification of priority research categories, and matters covered by the biennial review required by this Act. Directs the Chief Scientist to undertake a biennial review of the program. Sets forth reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Defense Economic Adjustment Act - Title I: Defense Economic Adjustment Council - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Defense Economic Adjustment Council to be co-chaired by the Secretaries of Commerce and Labor. Establishes in the Executive Office an Office of Economic Adjustment, headed by a Director, to provide staff support to the Council. Directs the Council to disseminate information from the Secretary of Defense to Federal, State, and local agencies concerning proposed or pending changes in defense spending which would affect employment in the defense industry. Requires the Council to perform other duties, including: (1) encouraging the preparation of plans for non-defense-related public projects; (2) coordinating and developing information on priority, federally-funded projects and programs pertaining to defense economic adjustment; (3) monitoring job services information banks; and (4) determining criteria for eligibility for assistance under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide the pertinent information to the Council a year in advance of any change and to furnish the Council with projected future defense spending levels. Directs the Council to prepare and distribute a Conversion Guidelines Handbook to outline requirements of programs for professional retraining of personnel. Title II: Community Economic Adjustment Planning - Makes eligible for Federal assistance for economic adjustment planning any community which is substantially affected by reduction or elimination of Government defense facilities or curtailment or conclusion of defense contracts. Directs the Council to make available to alternative use committees information on economic development programs of any Federal instrumentality which provides funds that may be used for planning. Requires the Council to report to the Congress at least annually on any such economic development program. Directs the Council to use data from other departments to develop criteria which ensures that assistance is directed to those communities that are most vulnerable economically to reductions in defense expenditures. Requires the Council to publish a semiannual list of eligible communities. Requires excess property resulting from a closing or reduction in a Government-owned facility to be appraised for purposes of resale to the community. Title III: Alternative Use Committees - Requires the establishment of alternative use committees at defense facilities to plan for economic conversion in the event of closure or reduction. Directs such committees to: (1) evaluate the assets of the facilities and the resources and requirements of the local community; (2) develop at least biennially a detailed plan for conversion of the facility to non-defense-related productive activity; and (3) provide retraining and reemployment counseling services. Requires conversion plans to maximize the pool of skills of available personnel and specify in detail the composition of the work force and plant, material, and financing requirements. Penalizes any contractor who fails to submit an alternative use plan or carry out one approved by the Council by making such contractor ineligible for future defense contracts for three years. Title IV: Economic Adjustment Assistance for Workers - Makes displaced workers certified by the local alternative use committees to the Council eligible for benefits for two years under this Act. Includes among such benefits: weekly compensation, vested pension credit, maintenance of health insurance, retraining for civilian work, job search allowance, and reimbursement for relocation expenses. Requires completion of a program of professional retraining before certain employees are eligible for assistance. Directs the Council to enter into agreements with a State or agency in the State administering the unemployment compensation law to disburse benefits under this Act. Requires displaced workers to accept any employment determined by the State agency or Secretary of Labor to be comparable to the former job, or benefits will terminate. Excludes these benefits from other determinations of eligibility for unemployment compensation under any Federal or State law. Title V: Economic Adjustment Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Workers Economic Adjustment Reserve Trust Fund. Requires defense contractors to pay a specified percentage into the Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit a percentage of the projected savings resulting from a cancellation or cutback in defense spending. Title VI: Use of Certain Research Funds - Requires the Council to define urgent national requirements for nondefense sectors of the economy in any determination of the Secretary of Defense as to how certain research and development funds are to be spent. Title VII: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations.
![Official portrait of Rep. Mavroules, Nicholas [D-MA-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000264_200.jpg)