United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1994
Ryan White CARE Reauthorization Act of 1994 - Amends the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act of 1990 (title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act) to limit the grant program for emergency relief for areas with substantial need for services to eligible areas with a population of at least 500,000 individuals. Requires an HIV health services planning council (which advises on the distribution of such grants) to be reflective of the demographics of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in an eligible area, with particular consideration given to disproportionately affected and historically underserved groups. Revises the method of distributing such grants and extends authorized appropriations for them until FY 2000. Revises the care grant program that makes funds available for individuals and families with the HIV disease. Authorizes the award of supplemental grants to eligible entities to enhance community-based care, treatment, and supportive services through the development and operation of consortia and innovative approaches. Extends authorized appropriations for such grant program through FY 2000. Requires the establishment of grievance procedures to address allegations of egregious violations of title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to coordinate the planning and implementation of Federal HIV programs to facilitate the development of a complete continuum of HIV-related services for individuals with HIV disease and those at risk of such disease. Extends authorized appropriations for early intervention services until FY 2000. Extends authorized appropriations until FY 2000 for grants for coordinated services and access to research for children, youth, women, and families (formerly known as demonstration grants for research and services for pediatric patients regarding acquired immune deficiency syndrome). Makes appropriations available for special projects of the national significance program to award direct grants to public and nonprofit private entities to fund special programs for the care and treatment of individuals with HIV disease.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Legislative Accountability and Reform Title II: Regulatory Accountability and Reform Title III: Judicial Review Title IV: Baseline Study Title V: Limitation on Implementation of Federal Mandates; Review and Monitoring of Unfunded Federal Mandates and Implementation of Act Title VI: Private Sector Costs Federal Mandates Relief for State and Local Government Act of 1994 - Title I: Legislative Accountability and Reform - Provides that when an authorization committee of the House of Representatives or the Senate reports a public bill or joint resolution including any Federal mandate, the committee shall identify such mandate to the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and issue a report along with the legislation containing, among other things, statements of: (1) the expected direct costs to States and local and tribal governments required to comply with the mandate; (2) the Federal sources available for assisting such entities to meet direct mandate costs, as well as the amount, if any, of new or increased appropriations provided by the legislation; and (3) the possible benefits anticipated from the mandate and whether or not preemptions of State, local, or tribal law will occur because of such mandate, along with the reasons for enacting such preemptions. Requires that, as early as practicable in each new Congress, any congressional committee which anticipates considering proposed legislation establishing, amending, or reauthorizing any Federal program likely to have a significant budgetary impact on State, local, or tribal governments request the CBO Director to study such proposed legislation to develop information that may be useful in analyzing the costs of any Federal mandates, especially unfunded Federal mandates, that may be included in it. Requires the Director to prepare and submit to the appropriate committee estimates for each public bill or joint resolution reported by an authorization committee of the costs of all mandates in the particular legislation. Authorizes appropriations to CBO to carry out this Act. Sets forth guidelines for congressional consideration of measures reported by authorization committees, making it out of order, for example, to consider legislation containing a Federal mandate which does not contain funding for it, subject to waiver under certain conditions. Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives with regard to voting for measures containing mandates, adding requirements for a seven-day layover for certain measures. Title II: Regulatory Accountability and Reform - Requires each agency to assess the effects of Federal regulations on States, and local and tribal governments, including the specific availability of resources to carry out any mandates in those regulations, and seek to minimize those burdens that uniquely or significantly affect such governmental entities, consistent with achieving statutory and regulatory objectives. Requires each agency to: (1) develop an effective process to permit elected officials and other representatives of such governments to provide meaningful and timely input in the development of regulatory proposals containing significant Federal mandates; and (2) develop a plan for providing appropriate notice to, seeking views from, and advising small governments on compliance with any regulatory requirements that might significantly or uniquely affect them before establishing such requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Requires agencies to prepare certain cost-benefit and other statements before promulgating any final rule that includes any Federal mandates upon States or local or tribal governments that may result in expenditures by them in excess of a certain amount in any one year, and before promulgation of any general notice of proposed rulemaking likely to result in promulgation of any such rule. Requires the OMB Director to: (1) collect from agencies the statements prepared under this subtitle and provide copies to the CBO Director promptly after promulgation of the general notice of proposed rulemaking or of the final rule for which the statement was prepared; and (2) establish certain pilot programs to test approaches for reducing reporting and compliance burdens on small governments. Title III: Judicial Review - Disallows judicial review of any action or noncompliance committed under this Act. Title IV: Baseline Study - Requires the Director of the Bureau of the Census to study certain issues involved in calculating the total costs and benefits to State, local, and tribal governments of compliance with Federal law. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Limitation on Implementation of Federal Mandates; Review and Monitoring of Unfunded Federal Mandates and Implementation of Ac t - Federal Mandate and Community Assistance Reform Act - Requires the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations to: (1) investigate and review on a regular basis the role of unfunded Federal mandates in intergovernmental relations and their impact on local, State, and Federal Government objectives and responsibilities; (2) study and make certain recommendations to the President and the Congress regarding, among other things, flexibility for State and local government compliance with specific unfunded Federal mandates for which terms of compliance are unnecessarily rigid or complex; and (3) monitor and evaluate the implementation of this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Title VI: Private Sector Costs - Private Sector Legislative Analysis Act of 1994 - Requires that, at the beginning of each Congress, the majority leader of the Senate and the Speaker of the House prepare for the CBO Director a list of major legislative proposals that they believe are likely to have a significant economic impact and be considered for enactment. Requires that House and Senate leadership review for modification each proposal in such list before adjournment of the first session of each Congress. Requires the Director, upon receiving such a list, to initiate a study of each of the major proposals, topics, and areas of interest in the list for purposes of studying and estimating its economic impact, comparing congressional committee and Federal agency estimates of the impacts of such proposals, topics, or areas. Provides for guidelines for congressional consideration of any bill or joint resolution that is included on such a list.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1994
Centennial of Flight Commemoration Act - Establishes the Centennial of Flight Commission to commemorate the first manned airplane flight by the Wright brothers. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1994
Financial Services Competitiveness Act - Sets as a prerequisite for the establishment of a diversified financial services holding company (DFSHC) compliance with the notice and procedural requirements prescribed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Board) pursuant to this Act. States that a noncomplying company shall cease to be a DFSHC as of its date of noncompliance. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, the Home Owners' Loan Act, and the Banking Act of 1933 to exclude from their purview financial services institution holding companies (and their affiliates) that have filed notice with the Board pursuant to this Act. Subjects a DFSHC to the acquisition and capitalization requirements of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. Prescribes capitalization guidelines for an undercapitalized insured depository institution subsidiary of a DFSHC (including conservatorship and divestiture orders). Prohibits any Federal banking agency from imposing capital requirements upon a DFSHC. Subjects a DFSHC to the: (1) insider lending restrictions of the Federal Reserve Act; and (2) tying restrictions of the Bank Holding Company Act Amendments of 1970. Prescribes guidelines for regulatory oversight by the appropriate Federal banking agencies, including criminal and civil penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Programs Under Public Health Improvement Trust Fund Subtitle A: Programs of Public Health Service Act Subtitle B: Comprehensive School Health Education Title II: Amendments to Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Public Health Improvement Act of 1994 - Title I: Programs Under Public Health Improvement Trust Fund - Subtitle A: Programs of Public Health Service Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a new title regarding public health programs. Establishes the Public Health Improvement Trust Fund to carry out public health programs. Appropriates to such Fund revenues received by the disallowed deduction for certain advertising expenses for tobacco products or alcoholic beverages. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to establish the National Public Health Advisory Commission for advice on carrying out this title and on other Federal policies regarding public health. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1995 through 2002 for the activities of the Commission. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1995 through 2002 for formula grants to States for core functions of public health programs. Declares the purpose of such grants to provide improvements in the health status of the public through attaining the Healthy People 2000 Objectives. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1995 through 2000 for grants to eligible entities for comprehensive evaluations of disease prevention and health promotion programs. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1995 through 2002 for: (1) scholarship loan repayment programs regarding service in approved public health positions; (2) grants to relevant institutions to expand educational capacities; and (3) grants to States lacking public health training programs. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1995 through 1997 for grants to public and nonprofit private entities for regional poison control centers. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1996 through 2002 for grants to eligible entities for the development and operation of school health service sites. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans and loan guarantees regarding such projects. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1995 through 2002 for a scholarship program and loan repayment program for school nurses. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1995 through 2000 for: (1) grants to migrant health centers and community health centers; and (2) grants to public or private health care providers for the development of qualified community health plans and qualified community practice networks. Authorizes the Secretary to make and guarantee loans for the capital costs of developing qualified community health groups. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1996 through 2000 for grants with relevant entities for enabling services such as transporation, community and patient outreach, patient education, and translation services. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1995 through 2000 for: (1) the National Health Service Corps program and to increase the participation of nurses in scholarship and loan repayment programs; (2) grants to States to assist outpatient health centers (satellite clinics) that are providers of comprehensive health services; and (3) formula grants for the development and operation of community health advisor programs to assist States in attaining the Health People 2000 Objectives. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1995 through 2000 for formula grants to States for service activities with respect to mental health and substance abuse. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to entities for the capital costs incurred in the development of non-acute, residential treatment centers and community-based ambulatory clinics. Subtitle B: Comprehensive School Health Education - Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1995 through 2000 for planning and implementation grants for State education agencies and local educational agencies for programs of comprehensive school health education. Title II: Amendments to Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow the deduction for advertising expenses for tobacco products or alcoholic beverages.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1994
Expresses the sense of the Congress that any legislation enacted to reform health care delivery should not include price controls and limits on national health care expenditures that would restrict access to medical technology or hinder its development.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1994
Congressional Occupational Safety and Health Act - Requires each employing authority in the legislative branch to comply with employer duties and occupational safety and health standards under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Directs the Comptroller General to procure by contract the services of an expert consultant in identification and correction of workplace safety and health hazards. Requires biennial reports. Limits contract authority under this Act to the extent and amounts provided in advance in appropriation Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1994
Persian Gulf War Veterans' Compensation Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) develop and implement a uniform case assessment protocol to ensure thorough assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of all Persian Gulf War (War) veterans suffering from illnesses the origins of which are currently unkown but which may be attributable to service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during such War; (2) develop case definitions or diagnoses for such illnesses; and (3) implement a comprehensive outreach program, including a newsletter and a toll-free telephone number, to inform War veterans and their families of the medical care and other benefits that may be provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs as a result of service in such War. Directs the Secretary to pay compensation to a War veteran suffering from a disability resulting from an undiagnosed illness if such disability becomes manifest to a degree of ten percent or more within three years of separation from active military service. Provides exceptions to the payment of such compensation (i.e., when there is a preponderance of evidence to show that the disability was not incurred during such service or occurred after such service). Allows the Secretary to cease such payments after providing specified congressional committees with a scientific report showing that such disabilities are not connected to service in the War. Directs the Secretary to enter into: (1) an agreement with the Secretary of Defense for access to all clinical data on War veterans who remain on active duty, and to continually compile such data (with a required annual report); and (2) a contract for the conduct of an epidemiological study designed to assess the short- and long-term health consequences of service in such War (with appropriate oversight, a status report, and annual and final reports). Authorizes appropriations for FY 1995 through 2000 for such study. Authorizes appropriations to the Department for FY 1995 through 1998 for the conduct of research to advance the understanding of health risks and effects of service in the Gulf during such War and the means of treating such health effects.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Enhanced Supervision of Derivatives Activities Title II: Supervisory Improvements Title III: Financial Institution Insolvency Reforms Title IV: International Regulatory Cooperation Title V: GAO Study Derivatives Safety and Soundness Supervision Act of 1994 - Title I: Enhanced Supervision of Derivatives Activities - Directs the appropriate Federal regulatory agencies to jointly: (1) establish guidelines for capital, accounting, disclosure, suitability or other oversight actions regarding the derivatives activities of financial institutions; and (2) issue substantially similar regulations regarding such activities. (Sec. 101) Directs such agencies to consider comparable regulatory action by all such agencies in other matters regarding financial institutions engagd in derivatives activities, including the need for: (1) strong capital requirements; (2) comprehensive risk management systems; (3) joint regulatory examinations; (4) prudent use of collateral by counterparties to derivatives transactions; (5) evaluation tools regarding a financial institution's exposure to derivatives activities; (6) protections against credit, legal, and systemic risks; and (7) supervision of senior management by the board of directors of a financial institution regarding the prudence of derivatives activities. (Sec. 102) Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) and the Federal Credit Union Act to authorize Federal banking agencies to require that specified disclosures of derivatives activities be set forth in financial institution reports of condition ("call reports"). Subjects non-insured financial institutions and credit unions to the same disclosure requirements with respect to their derivatives activities. (Sec. 103) Includes the Chairperson of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Comptroller of the Currency as principals on any interagency task force dealing with issues regarding derivative financial instruments. (Sec. 104) Directs the Financial Institutions Examination Council to sponsor training programs concerning derivatives activities for examiners and assistant examiners employed by any agency represented on the Council. Mandates that the Council's risk management training include techniques related to derivatives activities. (Sec. 105) Directs the appropriate Federal regulatory agencies to establish liaison committees with State agencies which supervise financial institutions. Title II: Supervisory Improvements - Prohibits a financial institution from: (1) engaging in derivatives activities without a specified written management plan approved by its board of directors; or (2) acting as a dealer in derivative financial instruments or as an active end-user unless its board of directors is familiar with specified attendant risks. Authorizes the appropriate Federal regulatory agency to treat noncompliance with this Act as an unsafe or unsound practice. (Sec. 202) Mandates that the appropriate Federal regulatory agencies develop the means to obtain all necessary information regarding derivatives activities or instruments whenever it determines an emergency situation exists. (Sec. 203) Amends the FDIA to require each appropriate Federal banking agency to prescribe safety and soundness standards relating to internal control for activities involving derivative financial instruments for insured depository institutions and depository institution holding companies. (Sec. 204) Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to include as a prerequisite of Federal approval of an application to establish a foreign bank office in the United States the comprehensive supervision and regulation of derivatives activities by the applicant's home country. Title III: Financial Institution Insolvency Reforms - Amends the FDIA regarding the treatment of certain swap agreements by conservators or receivers of insured depository institutions to include within the definition of such agreements: equity derivative, equity or equity index swap, equity or equity index option, bond option, and spot foreigh exchange transactions. (Sec. 302) Prohibits any construction of Federal law that would place any legal or judicial constraints upon the power of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to transfer or liquidate any qualified financial contract. Requires the FDIC to prescribe regulations requiring more detailed recordkeeping for qualified financial contracts by undercapitalized insured depository institutions. (Sec. 303) Modifies the guidelines governing transfers of qualified financial contracts with respect to notification guidelines and the treatment of bridge banks. Title IV: International Regulatory Cooperation - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to request a meeting with representatives of major industrialized countries to plan a study to examine the adequacy of the international regulation and supervision of derivatives activities of financial institutions. Prescribes study goals and issues. (Sec. 402) Directs the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Comptroller of the Currency to encourage central banks and regulatory authorities of other industrialized countries to maintain and adopt comparable supervisory and capital standards and regulations for financial institutions engaged in derivatives activities. Title V: GAO Study - Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on speculative transactions by financial institutions involving derivative financial instruments and the feasibility of imposing margin and collateral requirements upon them.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1994
Newborn Infant HIV Notification Act - Requires a State, if it requires that the results of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing of an infant be reported to it (or if the State conducts an HIV test of the infant), to disclose such results to: (1) the biological mother of the infant if the mother is the legal guardian; or (2) specified State agencies if the State is the legal guardian of the infant. Directs the State, in disclosing such results (other than to State agencies), to ensure that appropriate counseling on HIV is provided to the individual.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1994
Juvenile Criminal Act of 1994 - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to include among the Act's: (1) findings that emphasis should be placed on identifying hardcore youths who should be transferred from the juvenile justice system to the adult criminal justice system; and (2) purposes to assist State and local governments in improving the identification of hardcore juvenile offenders and the removal of such offenders from the juvenile justice system. Requires State plans under the Act to provide: (1) specified funding for the establishment and maintenance of an effective system that requires the prosecution of at least those juveniles who are 14 years of age and older as adults, rather than in juvenile proceedings, for listed offenses (murder or attempted murder; robbery, battery, or rape while armed with a firearm; any other crime the State deems appropriate; and the fourth or subsequent occasion on which such juveniles engage in an activity for which adults could be imprisoned for a term exceeding one year) unless, on a case-by-case basis, the transfer of such juveniles for disposition in the juvenile justice system is determined under State law to be in the interest of justice; and (2) that the State ensure that whenever a juvenile is adjudicated in a juvenile proceeding to have engaged in such offenses that a record be kept relating to that adjudication, the juvenile be fingerprinted and photographed (with such fingerprints and photograph sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)), and the court in which the adjudication takes place transmit to the FBI information concerning the adjudication and disposition. Provides for a reduction of sums allotted to a State for a fiscal year by 16 2/3 percent for each of specified paragraphs of the Act with respect to which noncompliance occurs. (Current law provides for a reduction by 25 percent and doesn't include the requirements added by this Act in determining noncompliance.)
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1994
National Community Service Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar silver coins to commemorate students who volunteer to perform community service. Mandates that all surcharges received from such coin sales be paid to the National Community Service Trust to fund innovative community service programs at American universities, including the service, research, and teaching activities of the faculty and students involved in such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Time-Limited Transitional Assistance Title II: Make Work Pay Subtitle A: Health Care Subtitle B: Earned Income Tax Credit Subtitle C: Child Care Subtitle D: AFDC Work Disregards Subtitle E: AFDC Asset Limitations Title III: The Work First Program Subtitle A: AFDC Subtitle B: Targeted Jobs Tax Credit Title IV: Family Responsibility and Improved Child Support Enforcement Subtitle A: Enhancement of Ability to Identify and Locate Noncustodial Parents Subtitle B: Paternity Establishment Subtitle C: Improvement of Child Support Order Establishment Process Subtitle D: Child Support Enforcement Title V: Teen Pregnancy and Family Stability Subtitle A: Federal Role Subtitle B: State Role Title VI: Program Simplification Subtitle A: Increased State Flexibility Subtitle B: Coordination of AFDC and Food Stamp Programs Subtitle C: Fraud Reduction Title VII: Financing Subtitle A: Ineligibility of certain Aliens for certain Social Services Subtitle B: Other Provisions Relating to Aliens Subtitle C: Limitation on Emergency Assistance Expenditures Subtitle D: Family Day Care Homes Program Improvements Subtitle E: Collection of Certain State and Local Taxes on Out-of-State Sales Title VIII: Effective Date Independence for Families Act of 1994 - Title I: Time-Limited Transitional Assistance - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) require States opting below to have work first programs to make ineligible for AFDC any family with a member who has participated in such work program for two years; (2) condition eligibility for AFDC on participation in job search activities except during unsubsidized full-time private sector employment; (3) provide transitional child care for families cut off AFDC after two years; and (4) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Service (Secretary) to establish a database of work first and community service programs participants for use by States opting to have work first programs. Title II: Make Work Pay - Amends SSA titles XIX (Medicaid) and IV part A (AFDC), as well as the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and other specified Federal law, to make various specified changes with regard to, among others, extended Medicaid enrollment for former AFDC recipients, increased AFDC earned income disregards, limited AFDC income and resource disregards of savings for education, first time home or automobile purchase, microenterprise initiatives, increased child care funding and transitional benefits for two parent families, and refundable tax credits for dependent care and other expenses connected with gaining employment in order to enable AFDC recipients to become self-sufficient. (Sec. 229) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Child Care Development and Block Grant Act should be reauthorized to allow States greater flexibility to use their funds to strengthen child care; and (2) States should institute a child care voucher system to enable families on AFDC to purchase child care services, create Consumer Information Centers for providing information on eligible child care providers, and loosen their regulations to allow for reimbursement of certain provider costs. Title III: The Work First Program - Amends SSA title IV to: (1) replace the current Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program under part F with a new Work First Program that allows participating States to establish work programs similar to those operated by Riverside County, California and the State of Oregon; (2) add a new part G (Community Service Program); (3) include a work supplementation component under each such program that provides for subsidized private sector or State or local government jobs; (4) give States the option of having such programs; and (5) require States exercising such option to provide participants with the necessary case management services to ensure integrated benefits and services provided under such programs. (Sec. 311) Amends IRC to provide for an increase in the minimum period of employment required to receive a targeted jobs tax credit. Title IV: Family Responsibility And Improved Child Support Enforcement - Amends SSA title IV parts A and D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to make specified changes with regard to AFDC recipient cooperation in establishing paternity of illegitimate children, locate services for enforcing child support orders, parenting services for new fathers, and distribution of child support proceeds. (Sec. 411) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) certain actions pursuant to a child support order, such as the denial of visitation rights, should be treated as irrelevant in actions brought to enforce other provisions of the order; (2) the Secretary should investigate accessing certain Federal data banks not linked to the Parent Locator Service; (3) the national network established under this title for handling locate requests should be used to access State records only through the agency administering the State part D plan; (4) social services should be provided in hospitals to women whose pregnancy results from rape or incest; and (5) States should implement methods for verifying locate information and develop programs like the State of Wisconsin's program for noncustodial parents unable to meet support obligations. (Sec. 421) Establishes the National Child Support Guidelines Commission to: (1) study and develop a national child support guideline if one proves advisable; and (2) submit a report on the study's results to the President and the Congress. (Sec. 431) Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a system for enabling child support information to be obtained at the workplace via W-4 form reporting by employees. Amends IRC to require employers to: (1) deduct and withhold child support obligations from employee wages; (2) pay withholdings to the appropriate payee; and (3) include withheld obligations on the employee's W-2 form. Makes various other specified changes to SSA title IV part D involving: (1) State procedures for comparing information in the national registry of child support orders (NR) established under this title with information obtained above from W-4 form reporting, and for imposing monetary penalties on employees who fail to report support obligations; (2) development of uniform withholding orders; (3) garnishment of certain Federal benefits and seizure of lottery winnings and other payouts to satisfy support arrearages; (4) State reporting of support obligations to credit bureaus; and (5) liability of grandparents for financial support of children of their minor children. Title V: Teen Pregnancy and Family Stability - Amends SSA title IV part A (AFDC) with respect to Federal and State roles in reducing teenage pregnancy and promoting family stability; by: (1) requiring States to deny AFDC for additional children (except those born as a result of rape or incest) of AFDC families unless the State plan explicitly provides for such additional children; and (2) providing for unmarried minors who are pregnant or who have children to live under adult supervision in order to receive AFDC. (Sec. 503) Directs the Secretary of Education to establish a task force to reduce teenage pregnancy. (Sec. 511) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) children should be educated about the risks of early parenthood; (2) reproductive family planning and education should be made available to potential parents; and (3) States should use SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) funds to provide comprehensive services to high-risk youth and work with schools for early identification and referral of such children. Title VI: Program Simplification - Amends SSA titles IV part A and XI, as well as the Food Stamp Act of 1977, to give States increased flexibility in providing AFDC benefits (including restoring those wrongfully terminated) through, among other means, use of electronic benefit transfers, quicker action on waiver requests, and coordination with food stamp rules. (Sec. 631) Expresses the support of the Congress for certain efforts by the Social Security Administration to reduce fraud and abuse in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program under SSA title XVI. (Sec. 632) Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of issuing a single counterfeit-resistant ID card to replace the current social security card and any health security card issued under health reform legislation. Title VII: Financing - Amends the SSA, the IRC, and the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to make certain aliens ineligible for AFDC, SSI, Medicaid, food stamps, and the earned income tax credit. (Sec. 711) Sets forth special rules concerning aliens and general public assistance. (Sec. 714) Authorizes appropriations for financial assistance to States for assistance to resident aliens. Specifies the annual allocation of such Federal financial assistance for each State and the District of Columbia through FY 1988. (Sec. 721) Amends SSA title IV part A (AFDC) to revise: (1) the definition of "emergency assistance to needy families with children"; and (2) the limitation on State expenditures for such assistance. (Sec. 731) Amends the National School Lunch Act to: (1) modify family and group day care home reimbursement provisions under the child and adult care food program; and (2) provide grants to States for making grants to family and day care homes. Tax Fairness for Main Street Business Act of 1994 - States that the Congress: (1) recognizes that some States will be adversely affected by provisions of this Act which deny immigrants certain public assistance; (2) pledges to help those States offset the potential cost shift; and (3) encourages States, in authorizing them below to require out-of-State companies to collect sales taxes on certain purchases, to use increased revenues resulting from such collections to offset such cost shift and design assistance programs addressing special needs of immigrants. (Sec. 744) Authorizes a State or local jurisdiction to require certain out-of-State businesses to collect sales taxes on tangible personal property sold to residents of the State or local jurisdiction. (Sec. 745) Provides an in-lieu fee rate where local taxes are not uniform. (Sec. 746) Prohibits a State from requiring out-of-State businesses to file reporting returns more than once every calendar quarter. (Sec. 749) Requires a State to establish toll-free information services to provide such businesses with necessary forms and instructions. Title VIII: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1994
Veterans' Persian Gulf War Benefits Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) develop and expeditiously implement a uniform case assessment protocol that will ensure thorough assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of all Persian Gulf War veterans suffering from illnesses attributed to service in the Persian Gulf theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War; (2) expedite efforts to develop case definitions or diagnoses for illnesses associated with such service; and (3) develop and implement a comprehensive outreach program to inform such veterans and their families of health-care services, including comprehensive medical evaluations, that may be available through the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Directs the Secretary to pay compensation to Persian Gulf War veterans suffering from a chronic disability resulting from an undiagnosed illness that became manifest to a degree of ten percent or more within one year after completion of active duty in the Gulf War, with exceptions. Terminates compensation payments three years after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Veterans Affairs for: (1) FY 1995 through 1997 for conducting research of the health risk and effects of service during the Gulf War and the treatment of such effects; and (2) FY 1995 for a survey of Persian Gulf veterans as to the incidence and nature of health problems occurring in such veterans and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1994
Charitable Contributions Encouragement Act of 1994 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers who do not itemize deductions to deduct a portion of their charitable contributions. Excludes the deduction for charitable contributions from the overall limitation on itemized deductions.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1994
Instructs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise Medicare regulations governing payment of anesthesia services to compensate: (1) certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) for their services; and (2) physician supervision of CRNAs. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide guidelines for split payments for anesthesia services furnished jointly by a physician and a CRNA.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1994
Health Research Act of 1994 - Establishes in the Treasury the National Fund for Health Research. Requires regional and corporate health alliances formed under a comprehensive health care reform program to set aside and transfer specified amounts each calendar year into the Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize individuals (other than nonresident aliens) to designate for payment into the Fund at least $1 of a cash contribution or of any tax overpayment made. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to distribute specified amounts from the Fund for various health research activities of the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Research Resources. Excludes Fund amounts from any budget enforcement procedures under the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 or the Balanced Budget Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act).
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1994
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Defense to transfer on a nonreimbursable basis any excess industrial property to any nonprofit educational institution or training school when such entity's proposed use of such property will contribute materially to the national defense.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1994
NATO Expansion Act of 1994 - Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to NATO membership of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Authorizes the President to establish a program to assist the transition to full NATO membership for Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and other European countries emerging from communist domination designated pursuant to this Act. Permits the President to provide specified security assistance to such countries, including excess defense articles, economic support fund assistance, international military education and training, and foreign military financing. Authorizes the President to provide additional assistance from the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund and Countries in Transition accounts. Permits the President to designate other European countries emerging from communist domination to receive assistance under this Act if he reports to the appropriate congressional committees that such countries: (1) have made significant progress toward establishing democratic institutions, free market economies, civilian control of their armed forces, and the rule of law; and (2) are likely to be in a position to further the principles of the North Atlantic Treaty and to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area. Authorizes the President to confer, pursuant to agreement with any country eligible to participate in the Partnership for Peace, rights with respect to the military and related civilian personnel and activities of that country in the United States comparable to those conferred by that country with respect to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Credit for Rural Business Enterprises Title II: Credit for Rural Infrastructure Title III: Credit for Rural Housing Rural Credit and Development Act of 1994 - Title I: Credit for Rural Business Enterprises - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to permit farm credit banks and production credit associations to purchase loans and loan interests from non-Farm Credit System institutions. Enlarges the scope of farm-related business for credit availability purposes. Authorizes banks for cooperatives to provide loans and other financial services to entities providing certain farm-related services or products under specified conditions. Title II: Credit for Rural Infrastructure - Authorizes Farm Credit banks to make community facility loans. Authorizes banks for cooperatives to finance utility-related services. Title III: Credit for Rural Housing - Enlarges rural housing credit availability by: (1) increasing eligible population areas; (2) increasing farm credit bank and production credit association loan portfolios for non-farmer rural housing loans; and (3) authorizing loans to rural residents for personal, family, or household needs other than housing finance.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1994
A Child is Waiting Resolution - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) any health care reform legislation include guaranteed full funding for the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC); and (2) specified amounts should be made available to move toward such full funding goal.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Comprehensive Program for Worker Reemployment Title II: One-Stop Career Center System Title III: National Labor Market Information System Title IV: Reinvention Labs for Job Training for the Economically Disadvantaged Reemployment Act of 1994 - Establishes: (1) a comprehensive program for worker reemployment; (2) a one-stop career center system; (3) a national labor market information system; and (4) reinvention labs for job training for the economically disadvantaged. (Sec. 4) Authorizes appropriations for titles I, III, and IV of this Act. Title I: Comprehensive Program for Worker Reemployment - Allots funds among States and reserves certain funds for national activities. (Sec. 103) Makes certain permanently laid-off workers and long-term unemployed individuals (as well as workers facing imminent plant shutdowns and self-employed individuals unemployed because of community economic conditions or natural disasters) eligible for services under this title. Makes dislocated homemakers eligible if a State Governor deems this appropriate and certain conditions are met. Part A: State and Substate Delivery System - Makes States responsible for administrative and management systems under this title. (Sec. 112) Requires the Governor to designate or establish a dislocated worker unit at the State level, with specified rapid response, information, and coordination functions. Directs such unit to coordinate with substate grantees and career centers, and to promote worker-management transition assistance committees. Provides for rapid response coverage of certain layoffs, State funding of preliminary assessments of worker buyouts of plants, prohibition of State transfer of rapid response functions, and Federal oversight of such functions. (Sec. 113) Requires the Governor to develop and maintain a comprehensive labor market information system in the State that meets certain requirements relating to the national system of effective labor market information. (Sec. 114) Requires the Governor to coordinate programs under this title with the worker profiling system under the Social Security Act and the retraining income support program under this Act. (Sec. 115) Authorizes the Governor to award supplementary grants to eligible entities to provide authorized services to eligible individuals in areas of the State experiencing substantial increases in numbers of such individuals due to plant closures, base closures, and mass layoffs. Allows such grant funds to be used to establish additional service centers, including on-site transition centers. (Sec. 116) Authorizes the Governor to award job retention project grants for: (1) upgrading skills of workers at risk of permanent layoff; and (2) retraining workers in new technologies and work processes to help convert or restructure businesses into high performance work organizations and avert plant closings or substantial layoffs. Requires State and employer contributions. Requires consultation with unions. (Sec. 117) Requires establishment of substate area administrative structures. (Sec. 118) Requires each designated substate grantee to establish one or more career centers in that area. Allows additional, temporary on-site transition centers. (Sec. 119) Authorizes the use of substate area funds for the following services for eligible individuals: (1) basic reemployment services; (2) intensive reemployment services; (3) education and training services; (4) retraining income support; (5) supportive services; and (6) supplemental wage allowances for older workers. (Sec. 120) Allows a career center to issue a certificate of continuing eligibility for services to eligible individuals who are accepting employment at a significantly lower wage than their previous one or in an occupation significantly different from their previous one. Part B: Federal Service Delivery System - Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a program of national discretionary grants to address large-scale economic dislocations resulting from plant closures, base closures, or mass layoffs. Allows the use of such grants to: (1) provide comprehensive planning services to assist communities in addressing and reducing the impact of an economic dislocation; and (2) establish on-site transition centers. (Sec. 132) Directs the Secretary to make funds available for disaster relief employment assistance to States for substate allocation. (Sec. 133) Directs the Secretary to provide for: (1) evaluation of programs under this title; (2) research on addressing economic dislocation, facilitating the transition of permanently laid-off workers to reemployment, and upgrading skills of employed workers; and (3) demonstration projects to develop and improve methods of addressing economic dislocation and promoting worker adjustment. (Sec. 134) Directs the Secretary to provide staff training and technical assistance to various entities to enhance their capacity to develop and deliver adjustment assistance services to workers, and to avert plant closings or substantial layoffs. Requires integration of such activities with those of the Capacity Building and Information and Dissemination Network. (Sec. 135) Directs the Secretary to provide for delivery of programs, activities, and services under this title in any State that chooses not to participate. Part C: Performance Standards and Quality Assurance Systems - Directs the Secretary to establish a process, including an annual meeting, in each State to promote development of a customer service compact among parties administering programs under this title. (Sec. 152) Directs the Secretary to prescribe performance standards relating separately to the substate grantees and the career centers. Directs Governors to prescribe adjustments to such standards and award incentive grants to grantees and centers exceeding such standards. (Sec. 153) Requires each substate grantee to establish methods for obtaining customer feedback from eligible individuals and employers who have received services from a career center. (Sec. 154) Makes providers of education and training services eligible to receive funds under this title if they are eligible to participate under student aid provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965 or are determined eligible under alternative procedures established by Governors, and if they provide performance-based information. Exempts on-the-job training providers from such requirements. Part D: General Requirements - Sets forth general requirements for programs under this title, including provisions for benefits, labor standards, and grievance procedures. Part E: Fiscal Administrative Provisions - Sets forth various administrative provisions, including ones for program year, prompt allocation of funds, monitoring, fiscal controls and sanctions, reports, recordkeeping, and investigations, administrative adjudication, nondiscrimination, judicial review, nondiscrimination, and criminal provisions. Part F: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides for transition, on July 1, 1995, to programs authorized under this title from the following programs, which this Act repeals, under employment and training assistance for dislocated workers provisions of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA): (1) Economic Dislocation and Worker Adjustment Assistance program; (2) Defense Conversion Adjustment Program; (3) Defense Diversification Program; and (4) Clean Air Employment Transition Assistance Program. Terminates the Disaster Relief Employment Assistance program under JTPA. Title II: One-Stop Career Center System - Part A: Components of Voluntary One-Stop Career Center System - Requires a State's one-stop career center system, in order to receive a grant or waiver under this title, to include: (1) local workforce investment boards; (2) one-stop career centers established in accordance with specified procedures; (3) provision of specified services; (4) participation of specified Federal programs; (5) operating agreements for such centers; (6) quality assurance systems; and (6) a State Human Resource Investment Council. (Sec. 212) Directs the Governor to designate one-stop service areas within the State. Directs local officials to establish a workforce investment board for each such area. (Sec. 213) Directs the Governor and local officials to jointly select a consortium option or a multiple independent operator option as the method for establishing one-stop career centers for each service area. (Sec. 214) Requires each center to make available: (1) certain basic services to the public free of charge; and (2) certain intensive services to participants in the title I comprehensive program for worker reemployment who are unable to obtain employment through the basic services (and, optionally, to other individuals in accordance with the written agreement). Authorizes each center to provide specialized services to employers and additional services specified in the agreement. Authorizes charging fees under specified conditions, with all program income to be used to expand or enhance services. (Sec. 215) Requires the following programs to be made available to participants through the centers (and to participate in operation of such centers as parties to the agreement): (1) comprehensive programs for worker reemployment under title I of this Act; (2) Wagner-Peyser Act programs (employment services); (3) job counseling, training, and placement for veterans; (4) training services for the disadvantaged under title II of JTPA; (5) community service employment for older Americans programs under title V of the Older Americans Act; and (6) programs authorized under Federal and State unemployment compensation laws. Allows other human resource programs to provide services through and participate in operation of the centers, under specified conditions, including the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills program for AFDC recipients, the Food Stamp Employment and Training program, the Job Corps, veterans' employment programs under JTPA, and programs under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act, Adult Education Act, Vocational Rehabilitation Act, and School-to-Work Opportunities Act. (Sec. 216) Sets forth requirements for operating agreements and quality assurance systems. (Sec. 218) Requires each State to establish a State human resource investment council that meets specified JTPA requirements and carries out certain additional functions including advising on development and implementation of the one-stop career center system. Part B: Grants and Waivers to Promote the Development and Implementation of One-Stop Career Center System - Authorizes the Secretary to establish programs of competitive grants to States for planning and development and for implementation of comprehensive statewide networks of one-stop career centers. (Sec. 233) Allows a State, at any point during such development or implementation, to request from the Secretary a waiver of one or more statutory or regulatory provisions. Sets forth waiver criteria. Subjects to such waiver authority the mandatory participating programs of the centers. (Sec. 234) Provides for pooling of administrative resources. Part C: Additional Activities in Support of One-Stop Career Center Systems - Directs the Secretary to establish a process, with each State implementing the one-stop career center system, including an annual meeting, to promote development of a customer service compact among the parties administering the system. (Sec. 235) Makes each State implementing such a system responsible for administration, management, monitoring, and technical assistance. (Sec. 236) Makes the Secretary responsible for monitoring compliance, staff training and technical assistance (integrated with the Capacity Building and Information Dissemination Network under JTPA), a national logo and name, and evaluation of one-stop career center programs. Part D: Effective Date - Sets forth effective dates for this title and for performance standards. Title III: National Labor Market Information System - Directs the Secretary to develop, in coordination with other Federal, State, and local entities, a strategy to establish a nationwide system of local labor market information. (Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary, in cooperation with such other entities and public-private partnerships, to develop such system to make available specified types of information. Requires certain technical standards, consumer reports, and evaluation. (Sec. 304) Directs the Secretary to provide for coordination and integration of such system and appropriate dissemination of information. Title IV: Reinvention Labs for Job Training for the Economically Disadvantaged - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to establish a five-year Reinvention Labs program to: (1) encourage innovative program designs to improve provision of services to and labor market outcomes for economically disadvantaged youth and adults; (2) develop, through service delivery areas (SDAs) and States, knowledge of effective approaches to providing employment and training to the economically disadvantaged; and (3) provide SDAs with increased flexibility in operating job training programs, in exchange for greater accountability. (Sec. 401) Sets forth requirements for SDA applications for waivers of Federal requirements relating to JTPA programs for employment and training of the economically disadvantaged. Authorizes the Secretary to waive certain of such requirements under specified conditions and to provide technical assistance to SDAs, States, and service providers for Reinvention Labs programs. (Sec. 402) Modifies the definition of tuition under JTPA.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1994
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend the student loan default rate exemption for historically Black colleges, tribally controlled community colleges, and Navajo community colleges.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1994
Blind Workers' Wage Equity Act - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide that individuals with impaired vision or blindness are not to be covered by special certificates for employment of handicapped workers at a lower than minimum wage.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Insurance Reform Subtitle A: Increased Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage for Employees and Their Families Subtitle B: Reform of Health Insurance Marketplace for Small Business Subtitle C: Preemption Subtitle D: Health Deduction Fairness Title II: Preventing Fraud and Abuse Subtitle A: Establishment of All-Payer Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program Subtitle B: Revisions to Current Sanctions for Fraud and Abuse Subtitle C: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions Subtitle D: Amendments to Criminal Law Title III: Malpractice Reform Subtitle A: Findings; Purpose; Definitions Subtitle B: Uniform Standards for Malpractice Claims Subtitle C: Requirements for State Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems (ADE) Title IV: Paperwork Reduction and Administrative Simplification Title V: Expanding Access/Preventive Care Subtitle A: Expanding Access Through Community Health Authorities Subtitle B: Expansion of Public Health Programs on Preventive Health Title VI: Antitrust Provisions Title VII: Prefunding Government Health Benefits for Certain Annuitants Health Reform Consensus Act of 1994 - Title I: Insurance Reform - Subtitle A: Increased Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage for Employees and Their Families - Requires each employer to make available to each eligible employee a group health plan under which: (1) coverage of each eligible individual with respect to such employee may be elected on an annual basis; (2) coverage is provided for at least the required coverage specified; and (3) employees may elect to have premiums collected through payroll deduction. Does not require employer contributions to the cost of coverage under such a plan. Provides for the exclusion of: (1) employers who have been employers for less than two years or who have no more than two eligible employees or no more than two eligible employees not covered under any group health plan; and (2) family members under specified circumstances. Specifies that a group health plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of this Act solely because a period of service by an eligible employee of not more than 60 days is required for coverage. Specifies that the required coverage is standard coverage, except that in the case of a small employer that has not contributed during the previous plan year to the cost of coverage for any eligible employee under any group health plan, the required coverage for the plan year is coverage under a standard plan and a catastrophic plan. Provides for a five-year transition for existing group health plans. (Sec. 1002) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) compliance with applicable requirements through multiple employer health arrangements; and (2) coverage options under a State medical health allowance program. (Sec. 1011) Prohibits a group health plan from imposing (and an insurer from requiring an employer from imposing through a waiting period for coverage under a plan or similar requirement) a limitation or exclusion of benefits relating to treatment of a preexisting condition if: (1) the condition relates to a condition that was not diagnosed or treated within three months before the date of coverage under the plan; or (2) the limitation or exclusion extends over more than six month after the date of coverage, applies to an individual who, as of the date of birth, was covered under the plan, or relates to pregnancy. Specifies that, in the case of an individual who is eligible for coverage under a plan but for a waiting period imposed by the employer, the individual shall be treated as having been covered under the plan as of the earliest date of the beginning of the waiting period. (Sec. 1012) Requires each group health plan to waive any period applicable to a preexisting condition for similar benefits with respect to an individual to the extent that the individual, prior to enrollment in such plan, was covered for the condition under any other health plan. (Sec. 1013) Prohibits: (1) a multiemployer plan and an exempted multiple employer health plan from canceling or denying renewal of coverage under such a plan for an employer other than for nonpayment of contributions, fraud or other misrepresentation, noncompliance with plan provisions, failure to maintain minimum participation rates (in the case of a small employer) misuse of a provider network provision, or because the plan is ceasing to provide any coverage in a geographic area; (2) an insurer from canceling a health insurance plan or denying renewal of coverage other than as prescribed above; and (3) an insurer who terminates the offering of health insurance plans in an area from offering such a plan to any employer in the area until five years after the date of the termination. (Sec. 1021) Makes provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 applicable with respect to enforcement of this Act (by the Department of Labor). Imposes a civil penalty ($100 per day for each individual involved, subject to specified limitations) on the failure of an insurer to comply with the requirements of sections 1011 through 1013, unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) determines that the State has in effect a regulatory enforcement mechanism that provides adequate sanctions. Subtitle B: Reform of Health Insurance Marketplace for Small Business - Requires each insurer that makes available a health insurance plan to a small employer in a State to make available to each small employer in the State a standard plan and a catastrophic plan, with exceptions for health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and if a State provides for guaranteed availability (rather than guaranteed issue). Requires each insurer that offers a standard or catastrophic plan to a small employer in a State to accept: (1) every small employer in the State that applies for coverage; and (2) every eligible individual who applies for enrollment on a timely basis. Sets forth provision regarding: (1) special rules for HMOs; (2) timely enrollment requirements; and (3) enrollment of spouses and dependents. Makes such requirements inapplicable in a State that has provided (in accordance with specified standards) a mechanism under which each insurer offering a health insurance plan to a small employer in the State must participate in a program for assigning high-risk small employer groups (or individuals within such a group) among some or all such insurers, if the insurers comply. (Sec. 1102) Defines "health plan" as a health insurance plan that: (1) is designed to provide standard coverage with substantial cost-sharing or only catastrophic coverage; (2) meets applicable requirements relating to guaranteed issue; (3) meets specified consumer protection standards; and (4) meets any participation requirements with respect to an applicable reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanism. States that standard coverage includes: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital care; (2) inpatient and outpatient physicians' services; (3) diagnostic tests; (4) specified preventive services; and (5) specified inpatient hospital care for mental disorders. Sets forth coverage scope, including that there be no limits on the amount, scope, or duration of items number one, two, and three in the preceding sentence. Sets forth exceptions. Sets forth limitations on deductibles, copayments and coinsurance, and out-of-pocket expenses. Defines a catastrophic benefits package. Provides for the determination of target actuarial values for standard and catastrophic coverage. (Sec. 1103) Directs the Secretary to request NAIC to develop model regulations that specify standards with respect to requirements: (1) that insurers make available health plans; (2) of guaranteed availability of health plans to small employers; (3) relating to limits on premiums and certain consumer protections; (4) relating to limitation of annual premium increases; and (5) for standard and catastrophic coverage. Requires the Secretary to review such standards and, if NAIC fails to specify standards meeting such requirements, to promulgate standards. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the application of health plan standards and consumer protection standards by the States; (2) the Federal role; and (3) consumer protection standards. (Sec. 1104) Sets forth provisions: (1) regarding limits on premiums and annual premium increases; and (2) requiring an insurer, at the time of offering a health insurance plan to a small employer, to fully disclose rating practices for health insurance plans, including rating practices for different populations and benefit designs. (Sec. 1106) Directs the Secretary to: (1) request NAIC to develop models for reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms for health insurance plans made available to small employers for whom an insurer is at risk of incurring high costs under the plan; and (2) review such models or specify models. Sets forth provisions regarding implementation of reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms by the States and the Federal role. (Sec. 1108) Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Private Health Care Coverage. Requires the Office Director to submit to the Congress annual reports evaluating health care coverage reform. (Sec. 1109) Authorizes the Director to conduct: (1) research on the impact of this subtitle on the availability of affordable health coverage for employees and dependents in the small employers group health care coverage market and other specified topics; and (2) demonstration projects relating to such topics. Requires the Director to develop: (1) methods for measuring the relative health risks of eligible individuals in terms of the expected costs of providing benefits under health insurance plans and, in particular, health plans; (2) a model for equitably distributing health risks among insurers in the small employer health care coverage market. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Preemption - Prohibits: (1) State benefit mandates for group health plans; and (2) State or local law prohibitions against two or more employers obtaining coverage under an insured multiple employer health plan. (Sec. 1203) Preempts State restrictions concerning: (1) reimbursement rates or selective contracting; (2) differential financial incentives; and (3) utilization review methods. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the benefits and cost effectiveness of the use of managed care in the delivery of health services. (Sec. 1211) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to allow a limited exemption under preemption rules for multiple employer plans providing health benefits subject to certain Federal standards. Relieves exempted multiple employer plans providing medical care benefits of certain restrictions on preemption of State law. Treats such plans as employee welfare benefit plans. Allows commencement of new arrangements only if such exemption is in effect or an application is pending and the Secretary of Labor determines that provisional protection is appropriate. Sets forth exemption procedures, eligibility requirements, and additional requirements applicable to exempted arrangements. Requires certain disclosures to participating employers, maintenance of reserves, and corrective actions. Provides for expiration, suspension, and revocation of exemptions, and for review of actions by the Secretary. (Sec. 1213) Revises provisions relating to scope of preemption rules, and to treatment of single employer arrangements and of certain collectively bargained arrangements. (Sec. 1215) Establishes special rules for employee leasing healthcare arrangements. Treats such arrangements as multiple employer welfare arrangements except when they are multiple employer health plans. (Sec. 1216) Sets forth enforcement provisions relating to multiple employer welfare arrangements and employee leasing health care arrangements. (Sec. 1217) Sets forth filing requirements for multiple employer welfare arrangements. (Sec. 1218) Provides for cooperation between Federal and State authorities in enforcing ERISA requirements for multiple employer welfare arrangements with the limited exemption. (Sec. 1221) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the commonality of interest or geographic location requirement for tax exempt trust status for multiple employer health plans and insured multiple employer health plans if they meet certain requirements under ERISA and this Act. (Sec. 1231) Amends ERISA to direct the Secretary of Labor to prescribe an alternative method providing for a single annual report with respect to all employers who are covered under the same insured multiple employer health plan. (Sec. 1241) Provides for compliance with applicable coverage requirements through multiemployer plans and other multiple employer health arrangements. Subtitle D: Health Deduction Fairness - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a permanent extension and increase in the health insurance tax deduction for self-employed individuals. Title II: Preventing Fraud and Abuse - Subtitle A: Establishment of All-Payer Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program - Directs the Attorney General to establish a program to: (1) coordinate Federal, State, and local law enforcement programs to control health care fraud and abuse; (2) conduct investigations, audits, and inspections relating to the delivery of payment for health care; and (3) facilitate enforcement of provisions of the Social Security and other Acts applicable to health care fraud and abuse. Authorizes additional appropriations as necessary. (Sec. 2003) Establishes the Anti-Fraud and Abuse Trust Fund. Subtitle B: Revisions to Current Sanctions for Fraud and Abuse - Excludes from participation in Medicare and State health care programs any individual or entity convicted of: (1) fraud in connection the delivery of a health care item or service; or (2) a felony related to a controlled substance. (Sec. 2103) Subjects to a civil monetary penalty any individual or entity offering inducements to individuals to receive any service or supply from a particular provider. (Sec. 2104) Permits the imposition of intermediate sanctions in addition to the current option of termination, for Medicare health maintenance organizations. Subtitle C: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to establish a national health care fraud and abuse data collection program for the reporting of final adverse actions against health care providers, suppliers, or practitioners. Requires each government agency and health care plan to report to the Secretary any final adverse action taken against a health care provider, supplier, or practitioner. Subtitle D: Amendments to Criminal Law - Establishes a penalty of up to five years' imprisonment for knowingly: (1) defrauding any health care plan; or (2) fraudulently obtaining money or property in connection with the delivery of health care items, benefits, or services. Permits a payment of up to $10,000 to any person furnishing information relating to any such crime. Title III: Malpractice Reform - Subtitle A: Findings; Purpose; Definitions - Sets forth, for this title, findings, purposes, and definitions. Subtitle B: Uniform Standards for Malpractice Claims - Makes this subtitle applicable to any medical malpractice liability action brought in a Federal or State court and to any medical malpractice claim subject to an alternative dispute resolution system. (Sec. 3102) Prohibits bringing a medical malpractice liability action in either a State or Federal court unless there has been an initial resolution of the action under an alternative dispute resolution system. Directs the Attorney General to establish an alternative dispute resolution process for medical malpractice liability claims brought against the United States. (Sec. 3104) Sets limits on both noneconomic damages and punitive damages. (Sec. 3105) Provides for the periodic payment of future losses. (Sec. 3106) Limits attorney's fees. (Sec. 3108) Sets forth special provisions for certain obstetric services. Subtitle C: Requirements for State Alternative Dispute Resolution System (ADR) -Requires a State's alternative dispute resolution system, among other things to: (1) apply to all medical malpractice liability claims within the jurisdiction of the State's courts; (2) issue a written opinion resolving the dispute within six months of a defendant receiving notice; (3) qualify individuals who hear and resolve claims under the system; and (4) notify the appropriate State agency if there is a finding of malpractice, unless the provider contests the ADR decision. (Sec. 3202) Directs the Secretary to establish an Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisory Board in order to advise the Secretary regarding the establishment of State and Federal ADR systems. Provides for the certification of State ADR systems by the Board. Title IV: Paperwork Reduction and Administrative Simplification - Preempts State quill pen laws. (Sec. 4102) Provides for the confidentiality of electronic health care information. (Sec. 4003) Directs the Secretary to establish national goals for the health care industry concerning: (1) standardization for the electronic receipt and transmission of health plan information; (2) use of uniform health claims forms and identification numbers; (3) priority of insurers when benefits are payable under two or more health plans; and (4) availability of information among health plans when benefits are payable under two more plans. Requires the Secretary to promulgate requirements if the industry does not meet the goals. Provides for monetary penalties on any health plan that does not meet the Secretary's requirements. Title V: Expanding Access/Preventive Care - Subtitle A: Expanding Access Through Community Health Authorities - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary to operate a program under which States establish projects to demonstrate the effectiveness of various innovative health care delivery approaches through the operation of community health authorities. Requires a community health authority to be a nonprofit entity that: (1) serves a geographic area that includes those designated by the Public Health Service Act as medically underserved or as being in a health professions shortage area; (2) enrolls the Medicaid eligible; and (3) provides for the provision of at least preventive services, primary care services, inpatient and outpatient hospital services, and other services. (Sec. 5002) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to migrant and community health centers for the development of health service networks to serve high impact areas, medically underserved areas, or medically underserved populations. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1999. Subtitle B: Expansion of Public Health Programs on Preventive Health - Authorizes appropriations, under the Public Health Service Act, for the following: (1) immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases; (2) prevention, control, and elimination of tuberculosis; (3) lead poisoning prevention; (4) preventive health measures with respect to breast and cervical cancers; (5) the Office of Minority Health Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; and (6) the Office of Minority Health; and (7) the preventive health and health services block grant. Title VI: Antitrust Provisions - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) provide for the development and publication of explicit guidelines on the application of antitrust laws to the activities of health plans; and (2) establish a review process under which the administrator or sponsor of a health plan may submit a request to the Attorney General to obtain a prompt opinion from the Department of Justice on the plan's conformity with Federal antitrust laws. (Sec. 6002) Authorizes the issuance of a certificate of public advantage by the Attorney General to each eligible health care collaborative activity if there is a finding that the benefits that are likely to result from carrying out the activity outweigh any reduction in competition that is likely to result and such reduction is reasonably necessary. Title VII: Prefunding Government Health Benefits for Certain Annuitants - Requires certain executive branch agencies to prefund government health benefits contributors for their annuitants.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1994
Designates March 23, 1994, the 92d birthday of the Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (leader of the worldwide Lubavitch movement), as Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1994
1995 Special Olympics World Games Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the 1995 Special Olympics World Games. Mandates that the surcharges collected from the sale of such coins be paid to the 1995 Special Olympics World Games Organizing Committee, Inc.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Interstate Banking and Branching Title II: CRA Evaluations Interstate Banking Efficiency Act of 1994 - Title I: Interstate Banking and Branching - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prescribe guidelines under which the Federal Reserve Board may approve applications by bank holding companies to acquire voting shares or interests in additional insured depository institutions or banking holding companies located in any State (State law to the contrary notwithstanding). Amends Federal banking law to prescribe guidelines under which the Comptroller of the Currency may approve applications by adequately capitalized and adequately managed national banks to acquire and operate interstate branches. Authorizes the States, by a specified deadline, to: (1) either permit or prohibit interstate branching by national or State banks; and (2) set conditions upon such branching. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to: (1) prohibit a State nonmember insured bank from establishing and operating any new domestic branch or foreign branch without the prior written consent of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC); and (2) set forth parameters within which adequately managed insured State banks may engage in interstate branching. Permits the States to coordinate their bank examination and regulatory activities. Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to prescribe guidelines under which foreign banks may establish interstate banking operations. Amends the FDIA to authorize the interstate consolidation or merger of bank holding company subsidiary banks, subject to prescribed guidelines. Conditions approval of such consolidation upon submission by the applicant of a plan for meeting the credit needs of the local communities served by the merger. Requires Federal banking regulatory agencies to prescribe regulations which: (1) prohibit any person from engaging in interstate branching primarily for the purpose of deposit production; (2) include guidelines to ensure that each interstate branch meets the credit needs of its local community and market area; and (3) restrict the ratio of out-of-State loans by interstate branches. Title II: CRA Evaluations - Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to require the appropriate Federal financial supervisory agency to prepare written State-by-State evaluations of the performance records of financial institutions with interstate branches.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Housing Assistance Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Public and Indian Housing Subtitle C: Section 8 Assistance Subtitle D: Homeownership Programs Subtitle E: Other Programs Title II: Home Investment Partnerships Title III: Supportive Housing Programs Title IV: Mortgage Insurance and Secondary Mortgage Market Subtitle A: Mortgage Insurance and Loan Guarantee Programs Subtitle B: Multifamily Housing Property Disposition Subtitle C: Secondary Mortgage Market Programs Subtitle D: Emergency Mortgage Relief Title V: Rural Housing Title VI: Community Development Subtitle A: Community Development Block Grant Program Subtitle B: Other Community Development Programs Title VII: Regulatory and Miscellaneous Programs Title VIII: Housing Programs Under Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act Subtitle A: Housing Assistance Subtitle B: Interagency Council on the Homeless Subtitle C: Federal Emergency Management Food and Shelter Program Housing and Community Development Act of 1994 - Title I: Housing Assistance - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to increase low-income housing budget authority. Sets forth assistance uses. (Sec. 103) Authorizes appropriations for the family self-sufficiency program. Subtitle B: Public and Indian Housing - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to temporarily exclude earned income of a previously unemployed family member from public housing rent determinations. (Sec. 113) Extends set-aside authority for public housing for disabled families. (Sec. 114) Extends authority for construction of projects for disabled families. (Sec. 115) Authorizes appropriations for public housing operating subsidies. (Sec. 119) Authorizes appropriations for public housing resident management. (Sec. 120) Authorizes appropriations for public housing family investment centers. (Sec. 121) Amends the revitalization of severely distressed public housing program to: (1) increase individual planning grant ceilings; (2) increase implementation grant support services ceilings; and (3) add community service activities as eligible planning and implementation grant activities. (Sec. 122) Applies public housing amendments to Indian housing. (Sec. 123) Amends the Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983 to authorize appropriations for public housing early childhood development services. (Sec. 124) Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to authorize appropriations for: (1) Indian housing childhood development services; and (2) public housing one-stop perinatal services demonstration. Subtitle C: Section 8 Assistance - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to authorize appropriations for the moving to opportunity for fair housing demonstration program, including counseling activities set-asides. (Sec. 142) Amends the HUD Demonstration Act of 1993 to authorize appropriations for the community investment demonstration program. (Sec. 143) Merges the section 8 certificate and voucher rental assistance programs into a single rental assistance program. Subtitle D: Homeownership Programs - Amends the Cranston - Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to authorize appropriations for the HOPE multifamily unit and single family homeownership programs. Reduces recipient matching funds requirements. (Sec. 152) Extends the termination date and authorizes appropriations for the National Homeownership Trust Fund. Subtitle E: Other Programs - Amends the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 to entitle chapter 124 of such Act as the Community Partnerships Against Crime Act of 1994. Authorizes grants to public housing agencies (including Indian housing agencies) and to nonprofit and for-profit owners of federally-assisted low-income housing for crime elimination activities. Increases the grant period for public housing agencies with severe crime problems. Authorizes appropriations, with technical assistance set-asides. (Sec. 162) Authorizes appropriations for public housing youth sports programs. (Sec. 163) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 to authorize appropriations for low-income housing preservation, with set-asides for grants and technical assistance and capacity building. (Sec. 164) Amends the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 to authorize appropriations for the flexible subsidy program. (Sec. 165) Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to authorize appropriations for specified housing counseling services. (Sec. 166) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 with regard to multifamily housing projects to: (1) authorize operating assistance and capital improvement assistance for troubled projects, and loan management assistance; (2) set aside allocations for incentives to extend low-income use; and (3) revise the refinancing program. Directs the General Accounting Office (GAO) to evaluate the adequacy of specified loan loss reserves and recommend steps to prevent future losses. (Sec. 167) Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to authorize appropriations for the youthbuild program. Title II: Home Investment Partnerships - Amends the Cranston - Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act with regard to the home investment partnerships program to: (1) authorize appropriations; (2) make State agencies eligible participants; (3) revise income targeting, resale, and matching provisions; (4) eliminate the first-time homebuyer requirement; and (5) permit the use of community development block grant (CDBG) funds for certain program expenses. Requires a GAO study of HOME program funds. Title III: Supportive Housing Programs - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to authorize appropriations for supportive housing for the elderly and for persons with disabilities. (Sec. 302) Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to set aside funds for the elder cottage housing demonstration program. (Sec. 303) Authorizes appropriations for the revised congregate services program. (Sec. 304) Authorizes appropriations for the elderly independence demonstration program. (Sec. 305) Authorizes appropriations for the housing opportunities for persons with AIDS program. Makes program revisions, including making certain non-profit organizations eligible participants. (Sec. 306) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize appropriations for service coordinators. Title IV: Mortgage Insurance and Secondary Mortgage Market - Subtitle A: Mortgage Insurance and Loan Guarantee Programs - Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Secretary) to enter into (limited) commitments to insure mortgages. (Sec. 402) Extends the Federal Housing Administration Advisory Board's termination date. (Sec. 403) Extends the program of home equity conversion mortgages for elderly homeowners. (Sec. 404) Extends and revises the risk sharing multifamily mortgage pilot program and the housing finance agency pilot program. Authorizes appropriations for the National Interagency Task Force on Multifamily Housing. (Sec. 405) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to authorize appropriations for the Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund. Subtitle B: Multifamily Housing Property Disposition - Multifamily Housing Property Disposition Reform Act - Amends the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 to revise provisions regarding the management and disposition of Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - held multifamily properties and mortgages. Subtitle C: Secondary Mortgage Market Programs - Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to authorize the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) to issue guarantees of mortgage-backed securities. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Emergency Mortgage Relief - Amends the Emergency Homeowners' Relief Act to extend and authorize appropriations for emergency mortgage relief assistance. Title V: Rural Housing - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to extend and authorize appropriations for specified rural housing and related programs. (Sec. 510) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a rural housing capacity demonstration program for Native Americans and Alaskan Natives. (Sec. 511) Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide assistance for rural community development initiatives. (Sec. 512) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a rural housing loan delegated processing demonstration program. Title VI: Community Development - Subtitle A: Community Development Block Grant Program - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for: (1) the community development block grant program; and (2) special purpose grants. (Sec. 603) Extends authority for the Section 108 loan guarantee program. (Sec. 609) Extends authority for the colonias program. Subtitle B: Other Community Development Programs - Amends the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation Act to authorize appropriations for the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation. (Sec. 632) Amends the Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983 to authorize appropriations for the John Heinz neighborhood development program. Title VII: Regulatory and Miscellaneous Programs - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 to authorize appropriations for the fair housing initiatives program. (Sec. 702) Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to authorize appropriations for HUD program monitoring and research. (Sec. 703) Authorizes appropriations for HUD salaries and expenses. (Sec. 705) Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 to authorize appropriations for HUD research and development. (Sec. 706) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize additional appropriations for the National Institute of Building Sciences. (Sec. 707) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to authorize appropriations for residential lead-based paint hazard reduction. (Sec. 708) Authorizes appropriations for the New Towns demonstration program for emergency relief of Los Angeles, including mortgage and community development assistance. (Sec. 709) Authorizes appropriations for the Solar Assistance Financing Entity. (Sec. 710) Authorizes appropriations for the National American Indian Housing Council. (Sec. 711) Authorizes appropriations for the Housing Assistance Council. Title VIII: Housing Programs Under Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act - Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Housing Assistance Amendments Act of 1994 - Subtitle A: Housing Assistance - Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to authorize appropriations for the emergency shelter grants program. (Sec. 812) Authorizes appropriations for the supportive housing program. (Sec. 813) Authorizes appropriations for the safe havens for homeless individuals demonstration program. (Sec. 814) Increases budget authority for section 8 assistance for single room occupancy dwellings. (Sec. 815) Authorizes appropriations for the shelter plus care program. (Sec. 816) Authorizes appropriations for the rural homelessness grant program. (Sec. 817) Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to extend the time for the Secretary to develop and publish a strategy for the elimination of unfit transient facilities. (Sec. 818) Amends the HUD Demonstration Act of 1993 to extend and authorize appropriations for the innovative homeless initiatives demonstration program. Subtitle B: Interagency Council on the Homeless - Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to extend and authorize appropriations for the Interagency Council on the Homeless. Subtitle C: Federal Emergency Management Food and Shelter Program - Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to authorize appropriations for the Federal emergency food and shelter program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1994
Designates 1994 as a year to honor the memory and leadership qualities of the Honorable Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill, Jr., the late Speaker of the House of Representatives.
![Official portrait of Rep. Neal, Stephen L. [D-NC-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/n000016_200.jpg)