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United States · Official source
618 records where Rep. Peterson, Douglas (Pete) [D-FL-2] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996
Calls for the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend and the Postal Service to issue a postage stamp to honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1996
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from taxation a qualified State tuition program. Defines such a program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1996
Designates the United States courthouse located at 611 North Florida Avenue in Tampa, Florida, as the Sam M. Gibbons United States Courthouse.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1996
Textile and Apparel Global Competitiveness Act of 1996 - Directs the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), whenever the United States negotiates a protocol for accession of a country to the World Trade Organization (WTO), to negotiate for inclusion in that protocol: (1) provisions for effective market access to that country's domestic markets for U.S. textile and apparel products; and (2) provisions allowing the suspension or revocation of paragraph 14 (relating to increasing import levels based on growth rates) of the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, if the country has failed to enforce such market access provisions. Requires negotiation of bilateral agreements containing similar provisions with countries that are not WTO members. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the USTR to identify annually, report to the Congress, and publish in the Federal Register the names of priority foreign countries that deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons producing or selling textile or apparel products. Establishes in the Treasury a Textile Global Competitiveness Research Fund, consisting in part of fines provided by this Act, and whose amounts shall be available: (1) to the Office of Textiles, Apparel, and Consumer Goods of the Department of Commerce for the American Textile Partnership (AMTEX), the Textile-Clothing Technology Center (TC2), and the National Textile Center (NTC); (2) for adjustment assistance for textile and apparel firms; and (3) to the Customs Service for the enforcement of laws governing trade in textile and apparel goods. Directs the USTR to take necessary steps to negotiate a quota agreement with any non-WTO country whose exports to the United States exceed $100 million annually, or are creating serious damage or the actual threat of it to the U.S. textile and apparel industry. Specifies: (1) a quota formula for new textile agreements with non-WTO countries which already have a textile agreement with the United States; and (2) provisions for inclusion in the accession protocol of countries acceding to the WTO. Requires the USTR to ensure that any protocol under negotiation for accession to the WTO of a non-WTO country with a textile import bilateral agreement with the United States, as well as any subsequent agreement, provides for a reduction in the quantity of that country's textile and apparel goods that may be imported into the United States if the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) determines that the bilateral agreement is being circumvented and that inadequate or no measures are being taken by that country to take action against such circumvention. Prescribes specified Customs Service enforcement actions and penalties (including fines, seizure, and forfeiture) for violations of customs laws involving textile and apparel goods. Directs the Commissioner of Customs to establish a Division on Textile Enforcement. Requires withdrawal of preferential tariff or quota treatment (unilateral trade concessions) from the textile and apparel goods of any country: (1) demonstrating a consistent pattern of circumventing textile agreements with United States; (2) refusing to cooperate in investigations; (3) failing to provide adequate enforcement of intellectual property rights with respect to textile and apparel goods; or (4) failing to provide fair and equitable market access for U.S. textile and apparel goods.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1996
Ballistic Missile Defense Act of 1996 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to develop by the year 2000 a National Missile Defense System (System) that: (1) can be deployed in 2003; (2) shall be capable of providing a highly effective defense of the United States against limited ballistic missile attacks; and (3) shall be rigorously tested during development. Sets forth, in the following order, U.S. policy regarding the priority for the development and deployment of ballistic missile defense programs: (1) maintaining the operational readiness of the armed forces and modernization of weapon systems to ensure mission effectiveness in the future; (2) completing the development and deployment of essential theater missile defense systems; and (3) developing the System by the year 2000 for deployment in the year 2003 and developing space-based sensors. Directs the Secretary, in order to implement that policy, to initiate a National Missile Defense Program which shall include: (1) a ground-based interceptor system that provides coverage of the continental United States (including Alaska) and Hawaii; (2) fixed ground-based radars; (3) space-based sensors; and (4) battle management, command, control, and communications. Specifies Program implementing and reporting requirements. Requires the President to take specified actions to: (1) defend against weapons of mass destruction by preventing the spread of fissile materials and other components; (2) reduce the threat to the United States from such weapons delivered by intercontinental ballistic missiles (including by urging Russia to ratify the START II Treaty); and (3) carry out a program to enhance U.S. capabilities relating to the threat to the United States of a chemical or biological weapons attack inside the United States by unconventional means (establishes in the executive branch an interagency task force to assess and make recommendations concerning such capabilities). Requires the President to: (1) carry out requirements of this Act in a manner consistent with the ABM Treaty; (2) seek Treaty amendments necessary to deploy the System; and (3) treat any negotiated Treaty amendment as having entered into force only if it is made in the same manner as a treaty. Specifies conditions to be satisfied in order for Treaty modifications restricting theater ballistic missile defense systems to be binding on the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1996
Amends Federal law to exempt from hazardous material transportation regulation certain vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, unless the Secretary of Transportation determines that the hazardous material involved poses a significant risk to health and safety or property.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1996
Uniformed Services Medicare Subvention Demonstration Project Act - Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Health and Human Services (HHS) to jointly establish a demonstration project (project) to provide the Department of Defense (DOD) with reimbursement, under provisions of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, for health services provided through DOD to certain Medicare-eligible covered military beneficiaries. Requires the project to be conducted in one or more regions in which the TRICARE program (a DOD managed health care program) has been implemented. Allows such project to be conducted for up to two years. Requires such Secretaries to jointly submit to the Congress a first annual report and a final report containing specified information concerning project participants and such project's effects on military medical care access, readiness, and training. Directs the HHS Secretary to make monthly payments to DOD from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund (HHS trust funds) representing appropriate reimbursement amounts. Provides for the determination of such amounts. Directs such Secretaries to jointly: (1) establish a base level of TRICARE coverage required in a geographic region for eligibility under the project; (2) determine baseline costs of such care and coverage; and (3) establish upper reimbursement limits. Directs the Secretary of Defense to waive the enrollment fee for individuals enrolled in a TRICARE program participating in the project. Establishes in the Treasury the Medicare Subvention Fund (Fund) for providing payments to the HHS Secretary for reimbursement of the HHS trust funds and for the payment of all expenses related to the participation of Medicare-eligible covered military beneficiaries in excess of the base level established under this Act, as well as administrative expenses. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 and 1998 for deposit into the Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Assuring Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage Subtitle A: Guaranteed Access to Health Coverage Subtitle B: Provision of Benefits Subtitle C: Fair Rating Practices Subtitle D: Consumer Protections Subtitle E: Benefits Subtitle F: Standards and Certification; Enforcement; Preemption; General Provisions Subtitle G: Definitions; General Provisions Title II: Administrative Simplification Subtitle A: Standards for Data Elements and Transactions Subtitle B: Requirements with Respect to Certain Transactions and Information Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions Title III: Antitrust Health Insurance Affordability Act of 1996 - Title I: Assuring Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage - Subtitle A: Guaranteed Access to Health Coverage - Requires carriers offering health coverage in the individual and small group market to make available standard and high-deductible coverage. Mandates a family option. Prohibits carriers from requiring limits based on health status, claims experience, or similar factors. (Sec. 102) Mandates acceptance of every small employer and qualifying individual. Allows financial capacity limits and provides for multiple employer welfare arrangement treatment. (Sec. 103) Prohibits denying, canceling, or refusing to renew coverage except for premium nonpayment or similar factors. (Sec. 104) Regulates preexisting condition exclusions and enrollment periods. Subtitle B: Provision of Benefits - Sets forth managed care requirements and mandates a utilization review report. Subtitle C: Fair Rating Practices - Regulates rating variations and mandates a model risk adjustment system. Subtitle D: Consumer Protections - Mandates disclosures by carriers and group plans. (Sec. 132) Regulates carrier remuneration and compensation to agents and brokers. (Sec. 133) Requires carriers and group plans to maintain written policies and procedures respecting advance directives. Subtitle E: Benefits - Regulates standard and high-deductible coverage. (Sec. 144) Mandates establishment of procedures for benefit valuation, the deductible amount for high-deductible coverage, and model benefit packages. (Sec. 145) Regulates the offering of supplemental benefits. (Sec. 146) Requires carriers to offer an option to treat children under 26 as family members. Subtitle F: Standards and Certification; Enforcement; Preemption; General Provisions - Mandates standards regarding this subtitle's requirements. Requires implementation and enforcement regarding carriers, insurance coverage, and group plans. Deems provisions of this title relating to group plans and employers to be provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on a carrier's failure to comply with this Act's requirements. (Sec. 155) Prohibits a single employer plan from offering coverage other than through a carrier unless the plan has at least 100 eligible employees. Subtitle G: Definitions; General Provisions - Sets forth definitions for this Act and effective dates for this title. Title II: Administrative Simplification - Subtitle A: Standards for Data Elements and Transactions - Mandates standards under this subtitle that are: (1) consistent with reducing health care costs; and (2) in use and generally accepted, developed, or modified by standard-setting organizations accredited by the American National Standard Institute. (Sec. 212) Requires: (1) standards regarding electronic transmission of health information data elements; (2) a standard unique identifier for each individual, employer, plan sponsor, and health provider; (3) data element code sets; (4) technical standards consistent with network privacy standards; (5) regulations regarding electronic signature transmission and authentication; (6) direct laboratory claims submission; and (7) network privacy standards. Subtitle B: Requirements with Respect to Certain Transactions and Information - Requires transactions between plan sponsors and providers to use standard data elements. (Sec. 222) Requires a certified health information security organization to make non-identifiable health information available to Federal or State agencies. (Sec. 223) Requires a procedure under which a sponsor or provider that is unable to transmit standard data elements directly may comply with this part. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions - Mandates network operating standards and a network certification procedure. (Sec. 232) Prohibits requiring data elements or transmission inconsistent with this Act. Allows waivers. Requires anonymity for those reporting violations. (Sec. 233) Preempts contrary State law. Title III: Antitrust - Mandates: (1) guidelines on antitrust law application to health plan activities; and (2) a review process enabling plans to request a Federal antitrust conformity opinion.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1996
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue a certificate of documentation for a named vessel for employment in the coastwise trade.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996
Expresses the sense of the Congress that, not later than March 15, 1996, the Congress should appropriate for FY 1996 for each continuing program or activity of the Department of Education not less than the amount appropriated for FY 1995 for such program or activity.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1996
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to subject imported tomatoes to certain domestic packing requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Health Care Access, Portability, and Renewability Subtitle A: Group Market Rules Subtitle B: Individual Market Rules Subtitle C: COBRA Clarifications Subtitle D: Private Health Plan Purchasing Cooperatives Title II: Application and Enforcement of Standards Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Health Insurance Reform Act of 1996 - Title I: Health Care Access, Portability, and Renewability - Subtitle A: Group Market Rules - Prohibits insurers from declining to offer whole group coverage to a group purchaser. Allows plans to establish eligibility, continuation, enrollment, or premium requirements, provided the requirements are not based on health status, medical condition, or similar factors. (Sec. 102) Mandates plan renewability, except for premium nonpayment, material misrepresentation, plan termination, or other specified reasons. (Sec. 103) Regulates the circumstances in which a plan may impose a benefit limitation or exclusion because of a preexisting condition. Allows State laws (unless preempted by specified provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA)) that: (1) limit preexisting conditions to shorter periods than the provisions of this paragraph; or (2) recognize previous qualifying coverage with a lapse period longer than provided for by the provisions of this paragraph. (Sec. 104) Mandates special enrollment periods for individuals who have certain types of changes in family composition or employment status. (Sec. 105) Regulates disclosures an insurer must make to a small employer (as defined in State law or, if not defined in State law, employers with not more than 50 employees). Amends ERISA to modify requirements regarding disclosures to plan participants and beneficiaries. Subtitle B: Individual Market Rules - Prohibits an insurer (for an individual in a period of previous qualifying coverage) from declining to offer coverage or denying enrollment based on health status, medical condition, or similar factors. (Sec. 111) Mandates renewability of coverage for individuals, except for nonpayment of premiums, material misrepresentation, or plan termination. (Sec. 112) Requires that State law in effect on, or enacted after, enactment of this Act apply in lieu of the standards above in this subtitle unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that the State law does not achieve access goals described in this subtitle. Allows States to meet those goals by using a National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) model adopted using a consultation process the Secretary approves. Subtitle C: COBRA Clarifications - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to modify continuation coverage requirements. Subtitle D: Private Health Plan Purchasing Cooperatives - Requires a State to certify health plan purchasing cooperatives (HPPCs) meeting the requirements of this paragraph. Provides for Federal certification if a State fails to do so. Regulates HPPC organization, duties, and activities. Preempts, for a HPPC meeting these requirements, State fictitious group laws. Preempts State premium rating requirement laws in certain circumstances. Requires compliance with State mandated benefit laws. Applies to HPPCs, for enforcement purposes only, the requirements of ERISA provisions relating to fiduciary responsibility and administration and enforcement. Title II: Application and Enforcement of Standards - Deems a requirement or standard under this Act imposed on a plan to be imposed on the issuer. (Sec. 202) Requires each State to mandate that each plan in the State meet the standards under this Act pursuant to an enforcement plan filed by the State with the Secretary of Labor, with employee plans enforced in the same manner as under specified ERISA provisions. Provides for Federal enforcement if a State fails to do so. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow a health maintenance organization, if notified by a member that a medical savings account has been established for the member and if the member requests, to reduce the basic health services payment by requiring the payment of a deductible for basic health services. Mandates a study and report to appropriate congressional committees on: (1) mechanisms to ensure the availability of reasonably priced health coverage to employers purchasing group and individuals purchasing non-group coverage; and (2) whether standards limiting premium variation will further the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1996
Expresses the disapproval of the House of Representatives of the standards proposed by the National Center for History in the Schools for the teaching of U.S. and world history.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1996
Amends Federal law to provide that, in any case in which the Secretary of Defense obtains blood samples or other organic matter from an individual that could be used to obtain genetic information concerning that person: (1) such genetic information may be derived from such organic matter or used without that individual's consent only for the purpose of identification of remains; and (2) such individual shall be provided notice of that provision.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1996
Amends Federal law to increase the public debt limit to $5.5 trillion.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1995
Temporary Duty Suspension Act - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to authorize the administering authority to suspend for up to one year the imposition of antidumping or countervailing duties with respect to a product if such authority determines that prevailing market conditions relating to the availability of such product in the United States make the imposition of such duties inappropriate. Requires potentially affected parties to be given an opportunity to comment before a suspension takes effect. Authorizes the extension of such suspensions for additional periods of up to one year each. Allows the reinstatement of such duties upon a finding of an insufficient basis for continuance of their suspension.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1995
Provides that any individual who performs Operation Joint Endeavor services (United Nations-sponsored peacekeeping activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina) shall be entitled to the same tax benefits under specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that are provided to U.S. military personnel who perform service in an area designated by the President as a combat zone. Makes this Act effective for periods beginning on or after December 4, 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income military compensation received by enlisted personnel and commissioned officers of the armed forces for active service in a contingency operation zone in the same manner as if such service was performed in a combat zone. Increases the income exclusion limit to $2,400 for military compensation received by a commissioned officer for active service in a combat zone or a contingency operation zone.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1995
Amends Federal armed forces provisions to provide that: (1) the special rule concerning annual cost-of-living adjustments to retired military pay for individuals who first became members of a uniformed service before August 1, 1986, shall apply only through FY 1996 (currently, FY 1998); and (2) the initial month that such increase is payable shall be March (currently, September) of the year following the effective date of such increase.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1995
Requires the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to report to the House of Representatives by November 28, 1995, concerning: (1) the status of the Committee's investigation of the complaints against Speaker Newt Gingrich; (2) the Committee's disposition with regard to the appointment of a nonpartisan outside counsel and the scope of the counsel's investigation; and (3) a timetable for Committee action on the complaints.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1995
Extends the law making further continuing appropriations for FY 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1995
Extends the law making further continuing appropriations for FY 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1995
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to establish milk price support provisions for calendar years 1996 through 2002. Mandates establishment of a special milk marketing order to equalize returns on all milk used in the 48 contiguous States to produce Class IV final products (butter, nonfat dry milk, and dry whole milk) among all milk marketed by producers for commercial use in those States. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to extend the termination date of the dairy products export incentive program (renaming it as the exporter bid program). Establishes a dairy products export incentive program (the price equalization program), requiring it to provide for payments by the Commodity Credit Corporation to the Administrator of the Class IV account established under the Agricultural Reconciliation Act of 1995. Mandates inviting proposals and conducting expedited hearings on consolidating and reforming Federal milk marketing orders issued under specified provisions of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, including considering how all milk shall be regulated under Federal or State order, with manufacturing grade producers receiving pool proceeds from Class III and Class IV sales only. Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that Federal milk marketing orders in operation under the Agricultural Adjustment Act should be consolidated to between 8 and 14 orders.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: State Programs for Long-Term Care Services for Needy Individuals with Disabilities Subtitle A: State Long-Term Care Programs Subtitle B: Increase in SSI Personal Needs Allowance Subtitle C: Repeal of Coverage Under the Medicaid Program of Long-Term Care Services Title II: Tax Treatment of Long-Term Care Insurance and Services Title III: Long-Term Care Insurance Reform Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Federal Standards and Requirements Subtitle C: Enforcement Subtitle D: Recommendations for Consumer Education Program Title IV: Financing Comprehensive Long-Term Care Reform Act of 1995 - Title I: State Programs for Long-Term Care Services for Needy Individuals with Disabilities - Subtitle A: State Long-Term Care Programs - Entitles each State with a plan, approved under section 102, for long-term care services furnished to needy individuals with disabilities to payment in accordance with provisions of this title. (Sec. 102) Sets forth requirements a State plan for long-term care services for needy individuals with disabilities must meet in order to be approved, including: (1) eligibility requirements which will provide for the initial screening of individuals who appear to have a reasonable likelihood of being individuals with disabilities; (2) services requirements; (3) cost sharing requirements; (4) provider requirements; (5) budget requirements; and (6) quality assurance requirements. Permits provider reimbursement methods to include retrospective reimbursement on a fee-for-service basis, prepayment on a capitation basis, payment by cash or vouchers to individuals with disabilities, or any combination of these methods. Restricts payment to providers agreeing to accept plan payment as payment in full. Requires the plan to assure that, in the case of an individual receiving medical assistance for home and community-based services under Medicaid, a State will continue to make available an appropriate level of assistance for home and community-based services. Requires each State plan to provide for the establishment and maintenance of an advisory group to advise the State on all aspects of the plan. Requires coordination of the plan with other Federal and State plans assisting individuals with disabilities. (Sec. 103) Defines the term individual with disabilities to mean: (1) individuals requiring help with activities of daily living; (2) individuals with severe cognitive or mental impairment; (3) individuals with severe or profound mental retardation; or (4) severely disabled children. Defines a needy individual as an individual whose income is less than 100 percent of the official poverty line and whose resources are less than a specified amount. (Sec. 104) Requires a State plan to provide for long-term care services if provided pursuant to a comprehensive assessment of an individual's need has been made and an individual plan of care is developed by a care manager. Defines long-term care services, institutional services, home and community services, and personal assistance services. (Sec. 105) Directs that under a State plan nominal cost-sharing may be imposed with respect to home and community-based services. (Sec. 107) Provides for the establishment of a Federal advisory group. (Sec. 108) Sets forth a formula for determining payments to States. (Sec. 109) Requires the Comptroller General to submit a report to the Congress on a study of the estimated need for Federal payments to the States under this title for FY 1998, by no later than February 1997. Establishes the total Federal budget level for State plans in FY 1998 as the amount authorized and appropriated by the Congress. Sets forth a formula for determining allotments to States. Subtitle B: Increase in SSI Personal Needs Allowance - Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to increase the personal needs allowance. Subtitle C: Repeal of Coverage Under the Medicaid Program of Long-Term Care Services - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to exempt a State from providing long-term care services to needy individuals with disabilities under Medicaid when coverage is provided under provisions of this Act. Title II: Tax Treatment of Long-Term Care Insurance and Services - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat qualified long-term care services as medical care for purposes of the medical expense deduction. Provides that the adjusted gross income threshold does not apply to amounts paid for qualified long-term care insurance and services. (Sec. 203) Provides for the treatment of long-term care insurance as accident and health insurance. (Sec. 204) Allows accelerated death benefits under life insurance contracts to be paid to terminally ill individuals. (Sec. 206) Excludes from gross income amounts withdrawn from individual retirement plans or certain pension plans to pay qualified long-term care insurance premiums. (Sec. 207) Provides for the nonrecognition of gain from the sale of a principal residence if the new residence is a qualified continuing care retirement community and the taxpayer has attained the age 55. Title III: Long-Term Care Insurance Reform - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations to implement this title in accordance with a specified timetable. Subtitle B: Federal Standards and Requirements - Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations: (1) designed to standardize formats and terminology used in long-term care insurance policies, to require insurers to provide to customers and beneficiaries information on the range of public and private long-term care coverage available, and to establish such other requirements as are appropriate to promote consumer understanding and comparison of benefits; (2) establishing requirements with respect to the terms of and benefits under long-term care insurance policies; (3) establishing requirements applicable to premiums for long-term care policies; (4) establishing requirements applicable to the sale or offering for sale of long-term care insurance policies; (5) establishing requirements applicable to the renewal, replacement, conversion, and cancellation of long-term care insurance policies; and (6) establishing requirements with respect to claims for and payment of benefits under long-term care insurance policies. Subtitle C: Enforcement - Authorizes appropriations for grants to States which have an approved program to: (1) monitor insurers and policies; (2) investigate and resolve consumer complaints, which will include procedures for dispute resolution; and (3) provide technical assistance to insurers to help them understand and comply with the requirements of this subtitle, and other State laws, concerning long- term care policies and business practices. Subtitle D: Recommendations for Consumer Education Program - Directs the Secretary to design programs for educating consumers concerning long-term care and long-term care insurance. Title IV: Financing - Increases the excise taxes on cigarettes. Imposes floor stocks taxes on cigarettes removed before the tax increase and held on such date for sale, subject to exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1995
Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to exclude from the definition of "solid waste" any solid or dissolved materials contained, collected, and reused in an on-site production process that prevents releases to the environment.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1995
Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to provide for payments to State and local prisons for monthly reports on the identities of inmates ineligible for benefits, especially those erroneously paid such a benefit. Denies SSI benefits for ten years to a person found to have fraudulently obtained such benefits while in prison.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1995
Requires that any markup in the committees or subcommittees of the House of Representatives of any legislation changing existing law concerning Medicare or Medicaid pursuant to the reconciliation instructions of the concurrent resolution on the budget for FY 1996 be preceded by a minimum of four weeks for public disclosure of and public hearings on the legislative text of such changes. Prohibits such legislation from being considered in the House until such requirements have been met. Expresses the sense of the House that the Senate should adopt a similar schedule for public disclosure and hearings on the legislative text of any such changes.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1995
Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from: (1) regulating the sale or use of tobacco or tobacco products under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; and (2) taking any similar action under the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act or the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986 which was not authorized before enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1995
Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services and any other Federal official from: (1) regulating the use of tobacco or tobacco products by the National Association of Stock Car Automobile Racing or other professional motor sports association under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; and (2) taking any action with respect to tobacco, tobacco products, or tobacco advertising used by such associations under the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act or the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health and Education Act of 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
Restricts the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency to control the production, importation, or export of methyl bromide for pesticide use consistent with requirements and obligations of the Montreal Protocol.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
Continues existing average fuel economy standards for passenger and non-passenger automobiles until such standards are specifically amended or changed by law.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
Military Survivors Equity Act of 1995 - Repeals the social security offset applicable to certain annuities paid to surviving spouses under the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) for retired members of the armed forces, to the extent that such offset is due to integration with social security benefits when the surviving spouse reaches 62 years of age. Directs the Secretary of Defense to recompute the existing annuities of certain individuals under the SBP to reflect the changes made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1995
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to revise peanut poundage quota, acreage allotment, and marketing provisions. Extends peanut experimental and research programs. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to revise and extend the peanut price support program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1995
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to make such corrections to specified Coastal Barrier Resources System maps as necessary to ensure consistency with the depictions of areas on maps on file with the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Assuring Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage Subtitle A: Insurance Reform Subtitle B: Benefits Subtitle C: Standards and Certification; Enforcement; Preemption; General Provisions Subtitle D: Definitions; General Provisions Title II: Removal of Financial Barriers to Access Subtitle A: Tax Deductibility for Individuals and Self- Employed Subtitle B: Premium and Cost-Sharing Subsidy Program and Supplemental Benefits Program for Low-Income Individuals Title III: Access Improvements Subtitle A: Improved Access in Rural Areas Subtitle B: Public Health Grants Subtitle C: Academic Health Centers Title IV: Malpractice Reform Subtitle A: Findings; Purpose; Definitions Subtitle B: Uniform Standards for Malpractice Claims Subtitle C: Requirements for State Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems (ADR) Subtitle D: Grants to States for Development of Practice Guidelines Title V: Market Incentives to Containing Costs Subtitle A: Administrative Simplification Subtitle B: Antitrust Title VI: Medicare Subtitle A: Increased Beneficiary Choice; Improved Program Efficiency Subtitle B: Savings Health Care Improvement Act of 1995 - Title I: Assuring Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage - Subtitle A: Insurance Reform - Requires each carrier that offers health insurance coverage in the individual and small group market to make coverage available to each qualified individual or small employer and to accept every applying small employer and qualifying individual. Prohibits denial, cancellation, or refusal to renew except for specified reasons. Limits preexisting condition exclusions. Regulates enrollment periods. (Sec. 1011) Sets forth requirements for plans that use managed care, including regarding consumer disclosure and provider disclosure and due process. Prohibits requiring physician referral for obstetric or gynecological services. Preempts certain State law restrictions on managed care. (Sec. 1012) Mandates a study and report on utilization review. (Sec. 1013) Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to treat the account beneficiary of a medical savings account (MSA) as the owner of the account and subjects them to taxation on the account in accordance with specified provisions. Includes in gross income, and imposes a penalty regarding, any account expenditure not used exclusively for medical expenses of the beneficiary or the beneficiary's spouse or dependents. Excludes limited employer payments to an MSA from the employee's gross income and from the definition of "wages" for purposes of provisions relating to Social Security contributions. Amends the Social Security Act to make a similar change in the definition of "wages." Amends the IRC to exclude such payments from the definition of: (1) "compensation" for provisions relating to railroad retirement taxes; and (2) "wages" for provisions relating to unemployment taxes and to withholding. (Sec. 1021) Regulates premium rate variation, allowing limited variation based on the factors of age, geographic area, family class (individual, individual with children, couple without children, or couple with children), benefit design, and administrative categories. (Sec. 1022) Requires each carrier or plan to accept and apply any premium certificate issued under a State premium assistance program under specified Social Security Act provisions. (Sec. 1023) Mandates development of a model risk adjustment system composed of one or more risk adjustment mechanisms. Requires each State to establish and maintain a conforming risk adjustment system. (Sec. 1031) Sets forth information carriers and plans must disclose to prospective enrollees, brokers, plans, and States. (Sec. 1032) Prohibits carriers from: (1) varying or conditioning remuneration to a person, or terminating or failing to renew an agent or broker, based on the claims experience or health status of individuals enrolled by or through the person; or (2) conditioning coverage on the purchase of any other product. (Sec. 1033) Requires carriers and plans to meet Social Security Act requirements relating to advance directives. Subtitle B: Benefits - Defines "qualified health coverage" as meeting the requirements of subtitle A above and including standard or high-deductible coverage consistent with this subtitle. (Sec. 1102) Includes in standard coverage: (1) hospital, surgical, in-hospital medical, ambulatory, supplemental, and obstetrical services; (2) drugs, medicines, and prosthetic devices; (3) routine medical costs of treatment as part of an approved research trial; (4) drug off-label use if listed in specified compendia; and (5) preventive measures (without cost sharing). Sets forth actuarial value requirements. Prohibits benefits in any benefit category from being less than the narrowest scope and shortest duration in any of the plans under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. (Sec. 1103) Requires that high-deductible coverage provide the benefits of standard coverage and use the deductible amount established under this Act, with the actuarial value of coverage equivalent to 80 percent of the actuarial value for standard coverage. (Sec. 1104) Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and modify benefit valuation procedures. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) the deductible amount for high-deductible coverage; and (2) model benefit packages. (Sec. 1105) Regulates supplemental coverage. (Sec. 1106) Requires each carrier and plan to provide for an option under which children under 26 years old are treated as family members. (Sec. 1107) Mandates certain coverage relating to Christian Science. Subtitle C: Standards and Certification; Enforcement; Preemption; General Provisions - Mandates development of standards regarding the requirements of this subtitle. (Sec. 1202) Requires each State to report on steps the State is taking to implement and enforce the standards. Provides for Federal action in the event of uncorrected State deficiency. (Sec. 1204) Deems provisions of this title, as they relate to plans or employers and for purposes of administration and enforcement provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), to be provisions of ERISA. Amends the IRC to impose a tax on the failure of a carrier to comply with specified provisions of this Act. (Sec. 1205) Prohibits a single employer plan from offering coverage other than through a carrier unless the plan has at least 100 eligible employees. Subtitle D: Definitions; General Provisions - Sets forth definitions for this Act and effective dates for this title. Title II: Removal of Financial Barriers to Access - Subtitle A: Tax Deductibility for Individuals and Self-Employed - Amends the IRC to phase in a permanent 100 percent deduction for the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals. (Sec. 2002) Allows individuals who are not self-employed to deduct 25 percent of the amount paid for insurance which constitutes medical care for the taxpayer, spouse, and dependents, except for months in which the taxpayer is eligible to participate in any subsidized plan maintained by an employer of the taxpayer or the taxpayer's spouse. Allows the deduction whether or not the taxpayer itemizes other deductions. (Sec. 2003) Includes in employee gross income employer-provided coverage provided through a flexible spending or similar arrangement if any amount of cost-sharing may be paid for or reimbursed under the arrangement. Amends the definition of "qualified benefit," for cafeteria plan provisions, to exclude any benefits or coverage if any amount of cost-sharing or more than 20 percent of any premium may be paid for or reimbursed under the plan. Provides for transfers from flexible spending arrangements to medical savings accounts during 1997. Subtitle B: Premium and Cost-Sharing Subsidy Program and Supplemental Benefits Program for Low-Income Individuals - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new title XXI entitled "State Acute Care Benefits Programs For Low-Income Individuals." Outlines specific requirements for State premium and cost-sharing subsidy programs, as well as State supplemental acute care benefits programs, for low- income individuals. Requires operation of a premium and cost-sharing subsidy program as a State plan requirement under Medicaid. (Sec. 2102) Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to provide for the division of Medicaid benefits into core benefits and supplemental benefits for AFDC, SSI, and non-cash Medicaid beneficiaries. Places a limitation on the amount of Federal financial participation for benefits for acute medical services for such beneficiaries. Title III: Access Improvements - Subtitle A: Improved Access in Rural Areas - Mandates grants to an eligible State for the development of plans to increase access to health care services for residents of chronically underserved areas. (Sec. 3002) Requires that funds be made available for technical assistance (including regarding eligibility for other Federal programs) and advice, concerning establishing or enhancing a community rural health network in an underserved rural area, for: (1) entities receiving a grant under this subtitle for such a network; (2) state or local governmental units; and (3) entities providing health care services (including health professional education services) in the area. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3003) Mandates financial assistance for the development and implementation of such networks. Authorizes appropriations. Declares that, in order to provide for that authorization of appropriations and notwithstanding any other provision of law, no funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out, after FY 1996: (1) the rural health transition grant program of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987; and (2) the rural health outreach program. (Sec. 3011) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any payment made on behalf of the taxpayer by the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. (Sec. 3012) Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that, for frontier health professional shortage areas, the decision on whether the area is a rational area for the delivery of health services be made without regard to the travel time between population centers or to contiguous area resources. (Sec. 3013) Authorizes appropriations to carry out provisions relating to the Scholarship Program (mandating a set-aside for nurse education) and the Loan Repayment Program. (Sec. 3021) Authorizes grants to States to improve the availability and quality of emergency medical services through the operation of State offices of emergency medical services. Requires that projects under existing provisions relating to communications technologies and rural trauma care include demonstration projects to establish telecommunications between rural medical facilities and facilities with useful expertise or equipment. Authorizes appropriations to carry out specified provisions relating to trauma care and emergency medical services. (Sec. 3022) Mandates grants to States for the creation or enhancement of air medical transport systems that provide victims of medical emergencies in rural areas with access to treatment. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3031) Mandates a demonstration project to increase the number and percentage of medical students entering primary care practice. Requires a portion of direct graduate medical education cost payments (under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act) be used for payments to States and training consortia. Authorizes grants to States and consortia for developing and evaluating the projects. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3041) Mandates demonstration projects to increase the number and percentage of medical students entering primary care practice. Requires payments to participating health care training consortia and prohibits payments under Medicare for direct and indirect costs of graduate medical education during the participation. Subtitle B: Public Health Grants - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants to States for specified public health programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3102) Mandates programs of scholarships and educational loan repayment for attendance at schools of public health in return for the scholarship and loan recipients agreeing to provide services in public health positions, approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, serving a population with significant unmet need. Applies to these programs existing provisions of the National Health Service Corps scholarship and loan repayment programs. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Academic Health Centers - Mandates studies of: (1) the feasibility and desirability of making payments to facilities that are not hospitals for the direct and indirect costs of graduate medical education costs attributable to residents trained at the facilities; (2) the funding needs of health professions schools. Title IV: Malpractice Reform - Subtitle A: Findings; Purpose; Definitions - Sets forth findings and, regarding this title, purposes and definitions. Subtitle B: Uniform Standards for Malpractice Claims - Applies this subtitle to any medical malpractice liability action in a Federal or State court, and to any medical malpractice claim subject to an alternative dispute resolution system (ADR), initiated after a specified date. (Sec. 4102) Prohibits medical malpractice actions in State or Federal courts unless the claim has been initially resolved under an ADR. Requires establishment of an ADR process for claims against the United States. (Sec. 4103) Sets forth filing procedures, including regarding a certificate of merit and standard interrogatories and requests. (Sec. 4104) Limits the dollar amount of noneconomic damages. Prohibits punitive or exemplary damages against manufacturers of medical products. Requires several and prohibits joint liability for noneconomic damages, except for defendants found liable as a result of gross negligence or fraud. Requires the total amount of punitive damages to be paid to the State in which the action is brought or in which the services were rendered to carry out activities to assure the safety and quality of health care. Requires development and submission to the Congress of alternative limits on noneconomic damages, including separate limits for specified categories of limits. (Sec. 4105) Prohibits requiring a single payment of damages for future economic loss over a specified amount, subject to waiver. (Sec. 4106) Requires claims to be initiated within 2 years after the alleged injury was or should have been discovered. (Sec. 4107) Prohibits finding malpractice against a provider of services during labor or delivery, if the provider did not previously treat the claimant, unless the malpractice is proved by clear and convincing evidence. (Sec. 4108) Allows finding malpractice only if the defendant's conduct was not reasonable unless, in accordance with State law, the action is based on a strict liability theory. (Sec. 4110) Declares that this title supersedes any State law only to the extent that State law permits greater damages or establishes a less strict standard of proof. Subtitle C: Requirements for State Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems (ADR) - Sets forth basic requirements for State ADRs, including: (1) application to all medical malpractice claims; (2) if multiple ADR procedures are available, allowing the parties to select the procedure to be used, assigning a procedure if the parties do not agree; and (3) transmitting findings of malpractice to the State agency responsible for monitoring or disciplining health care professionals and providers. Applies the provisions of subtitle B of this title, subject to exception, to claims brought under the State ADR. (Sec. 4202) Provides for State certification of ADRs meeting applicable requirements. Mandates establishment of a Federal ADR system for the resolution of claims in States without certified ADRs. (Sec. 4203) Mandates grants to States for implementing and operating ADRs. Subtitle D: Grants to States for Development of Practice Guidelines - Mandates grants to States for the development of medical practice guidelines for health care professionals that may be applied to resolve claims and actions. Title V: Market Incentives to Containing Costs - Subtitle A: Administrative Simplification - Requires adoption of standards: (1) consistent with the objective of reducing the costs of providing and paying for health care; and (2) in use and generally accepted, developed, or modified by the standard-setting organizations accredited by the American National Standard Institute. (Sec. 5012) Mandates adoption of standards to make uniform and compatible for electronic transmission through the health information network the data elements of any health information the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines appropriate for transmission in connection with standard transactions under this subtitle. Establishes a system to provide for a standard unique health identifier for each individual, employer, plan sponsor, and provider. (Sec. 5013) Requires adoption of technical standards consistent with the health information network privacy standards under this subtitle relating to the transmission method for health information. Mandates regulations specifying procedures for the electronic transmission and authentication of signatures. (Sec. 5014) Requires adoption of information privacy standards. (Sec. 5021) Declares to be standard transactions (and requires the information transmitted in the transaction to be in the form of standard data elements): verification of benefit eligibility, coordination of benefits, claim submission, claim attachment submission, claim status notification, claim status verification, claim adjudication, payment and remittance advice, and certification or authorization of a referral to a non-network provider. (Sec. 5022) Requires a health information security organization certified under this subtitle to make certain non-identifiable information available to a Federal or State agency, on a cost-type contract, as requested by the agency to fulfill a requirement of this Act. (Sec. 5023) Mandates establishment of a procedure under which a sponsor or provider that does not have the ability to transmit standard data elements directly and does not have access to a health information network may comply with these provisions. (Sec. 5031) Requires the establishment of: (1) standards regarding the operation of health information network services; and (2) a certification procedure for network services. (Sec. 5032) Prohibits an individual or entity, after the establishment under this subtitle of standards to make data elements uniform and compatible for electronic transmission, from requiring any additional data element in connection with the transaction or an inquiry regarding the transaction. Makes a similar prohibition regarding the transmission method. Allows waivers. (Sec. 5033) Declares that a provision, requirement, or standard under this subtitle supersedes any contrary provision of State law. Subtitle B: Antitrust - Mandates the development and publication of explicit guidelines on the application of antitrust laws to the activities of health plans. (Sec. 5102) Directs the Attorney General to issue a certificate of public advantage to each eligible health care collaborative activity complying with the requirements of this paragraph. Declares that such activity and the parties to it shall not be liable under any of the antitrust laws (as defined in specified provisions of the Clayton Act, including specified provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act relating to unfair methods of competition, and similar State laws). Requires issuance of the certificate if the likely benefits outweigh the likely reduction in competition and the reduction is necessary to obtain the benefits. Title VI: Medicare - Subtitle A: Increased Beneficiary Choice; Improved Program Efficiency - Outlines various specified requirements for HMOs and other eligible organizations under the Medicare program, including the use of metropolitan statistical areas to determine adjusted average per capita cost and enrollment periods for Medicare HMOs. (Sec. 6002) Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to permit Medicare select policies in all States. Revises requirements of such policies under the Medicare program. (Sec. 6003) Includes notice of available HMOs in the annual notices to Medicare beneficiaries. (Sec. 6004) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and submit to the Congress a proposal for legislation which provides for the voluntary enrollment of Medicare beneficiaries in private health insurance plans. (Sec. 6005) Provides for optional interim enrollment of Medicare beneficiaries in private health plans. (Sec. 6011) Directs the Secretary to take such steps as may be necessary to consolidate the administration of Medicare parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) over a four year period. (Sec. 6021) Provides under Medicare for notice of advance directive rights to individuals entering Medicare. Subtitle B: Savings - Provides for a reduction in: (1) the conversion factor for the physician fee schedule for non-primary care services; and (2) hospital outpatient services through establishment of the prospective payment system. (Sec. 6103) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for an increase in the Medicare part B premium for individuals with high income. (Sec. 6104) Provides for phased-in elimination of Medicare hospital disproportionate share adjustment payments. (Sec. 6105) Provides for imposition of 20 percent coinsurance on laboratory services.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1995
George Washington Commemorative Coin Act of 1995 - Requires the Secretary of Treasury to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins emblematic of George Washington. Mandates that the design for the coins be: (1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association and the Commission of Fine Arts; and (2) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee. Provides for the distribution of coin sale surcharges to the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1995
Coastal Zone Management Reauthorization Act of 1995 - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize annual grants to States to develop coastal zone management programs. Limits each State to four (currently, two) grants. Authorizes grants to States to implement program changes. Allows financial assistance under existing provisions for research and monitoring in a national estuarine reserve to be used for research outside such a reserve if the activities support research inside the reserve. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) such development grants; (2) administering State management programs; (3) resource management improvement grants; (4) coastal zone enhancement grants; (5) grants under the National Estuarine Research Reserve System; (6) technical assistance; and (7) expenses incidental to the administration of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1995
Federal Surplus Property Reform Act of 1995 - Amends Federal law to repeal the Secretary of Defense's authority to make surplus Department of Defense ("Defense") property available for Federal, State, and local law enforcement in counter-drug activities. Repeals the mandate for Defense participation in infrastructure improvement demonstration programs conducted by Regional Equipment Centers in Newport Township and Cambria County, Pennsylvania. Repeals the authority of the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service to receive requests for the transfer to foreign countries or international organizations in foreign assistance or military sales programs of excess supplies of Defense construction and fire equipment.Authorizes the Administrator of General Services, instead, to receive such requests. Limits to nonlethal the type of excess supplies that may be transferred. Allows such transfer for humanitarian relief purposes.Requires the President to certify to Congress the emergency necessity for any such transaction. Amends specified Federal law to repeal the general delegation to the Secretary of Defense of disposal authority over personal property. Repeals the authority of the Secretary of Energy to transfer surplus equipment to an educational institution with which it has a partnership agreement. Repeals general authority to transfer surplus property to disadvantaged small businesses. Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to repeal the authority of a Federal agency head or the director of a Federal laboratory to give excess research equipment to an educational institution or nonprofit organization. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the Administrator of General Services to delegate such transfer authority to the director of a Federal laboratory.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1995
Natural Disaster Protection Partnership Act of 1995 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Act) to: (1) require a State to pay or agree to pay at least five dollars per resident, as determined by the latest official census, before such State or local government receives Federal assistance for the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of public facilities damaged or destroyed by a major disaster in the State; and (2) revise the formula used to determine the Federal share of such assistance as well as the Federal share for debris and wreckage removal from publicly and privately owned lands resulting from such disaster. Allows an increase of such assistance only upon the enactment of a joint resolution not designated as an emergency under provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). (Sec. 5) Adds provisions concerning disaster mitigation. Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to establish and carry out natural disaster hazard mitigation (mitigation) programs that support natural disaster research, technology, and education. Gives the effect of law to a specified executive order relating to earthquake design and construction standards for federally leased, assisted, or regulated buildings. Requires the Director to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of establishing: (1) national minimum building construction standards for residential and commercial building construction; and (2) standards for the training and licensing of home inspectors and for using such inspections as a means of promoting mitigation for residential property. Requires the Director to define which States should be classified as natural disaster-prone for purposes of the Act. Requires each natural disaster-prone State to either: (1) adopt multihazard building and safety codes for all new and substantially modified building construction in that State; or (2) certify that the State's local communities have adopted and are enforcing building codes which meet the appropriate minimum mitigation requirements of that State. Requires each State designated as flood-prone to either adopt relevant flood protection standards or certify that its flood-prone local communities are in compliance with appropriate State flood protection standards. Requires each natural disaster-prone State to either develop a multihazard mitigation plan or designate an existing plan which includes specified compliance and response requirements. Outlines provisions concerning State compliance with the establishment, adoption, and implementation of appropriate mitigation plans. Provides penalties for noncompliance. Requires the Director, after crediting premiums from the Natural Disaster Insurance Corporation (established under this Act), to allocate funds from a Mitigation Account (established under this Act) to States which comply with all mitigation requirements under this Act. Provides an allocation formula. Requires such funds to be used to support mitigation activities, especially those necessary to bring a State into compliance with building and safety code requirements enumerated under this Act. Requires audits of fund uses. Exempts a State, under specified conditions, from a particular mitigation requirement if it receives inadequate funds from the Account to cover the costs of complying with such requirement. Encourages each private insurer that participates in the Natural Disaster Insurance Corporation to take mitigation measures into account in setting rates and deductibles for its property insurance. Establishes the Natural Disaster Insurance Corporation as a not-for-profit membership corporation to provide primary insurance coverages and reinsurance coverage for hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. Requires the Corporation's Board of Directors (Board) to: (1) develop a plan of operation describing the Corporation's administration and the provision of the insurance coverages it provides; and (2) develop and adjust, when necessary, actuarially sound rates for such coverages. Establishes an independent Natural Disaster Insurance Board of Actuaries (Independent Board) to review and approve such plan and rates. Requires the Board to file with each State insurance regulator information copies of the initial material and future revisions to its insurance rates, terms, or conditions. Requires the Corporation to establish and maintain a: (1) primary insurance coverage trust account to pay qualifying claims and loss adjustments expenses to private insurers acting as service providers of the primary insurance coverages; and (2) reinsurance coverage trust account to pay qualifying claims to private insurers which purchased such coverage. Outlines provisions concerning the Corporation's use of funds from other accounts and funds to pay for losses in excess of trust account funds or funds raised by issuing obligations in the private market (requiring repayment of funds borrowed from such accounts or funds). Requires the trust accounts to be kept separate. Prohibits: (1) the borrowing of monies between such accounts; and (2) the authorization or appropriation of Federal funds for Corporation activities. Requires the Comptroller General to audit and report to the Congress on Corporation and Independent Board activities. Requires the Corporation to: (1) issue primary insurance coverages that insure against physical damages and losses to residential property, including debris removal, additional living expenses incurred as a result of direct damage to such property, and ordinance and law coverages, resulting from the natural disasters enumerated in this Act that meet specified terms and conditions; and (2) make, under certain conditions, excess reinsurance coverage available to private insurers and State insurance pools for residential losses (including quota-share amounts retained by the private insurers under this Act not already insured by the Corporation under the primary insurance coverage policies) and commercial losses that are proximately caused by specified natural disaster perils. Prohibits making or renewing any federally-related mortgage loan secured by residential property located in an earthquake, volcanic eruption, tsunami, or hurricane-prone State unless the property is covered by: (1) primary insurance coverages; or (2) coverage issued by a private insurer which has equivalent terms, conditions, and rates as such coverages for seismic perils and that meets such terms and conditions as those required for the hurricane peril. Provides an escrow requirement with respect to insurance premiums for such coverage. Outlines requirements that must be met by residential property owners in natural disaster-prone States before the owners can receive any financial assistance under the Act or any similar Federal disaster assistance. Requires the Director and the Corporation to jointly report to the Congress on any additional sanctions or other measures deemed necessary to assure that policyholders purchase Federal flood insurance pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. Requires private insurers which exclude coverage for physical damage caused by flooding to include in the contract a specified warning statement to that effect (or an appropriate alternative warning statement). Establishes in the Treasury the Natural Disaster Protection Fund. Establishes within the Fund a separate Private Loss Account, Public Loss Account, and Mitigation Account. Requires the three accounts to be kept separate and prohibits the borrowing of monies between them. Requires the Private Loss Account to provide direct Federal loans to cover shortfalls in the Corporation's primary insurance and reinsurance accounts. Requires the Public Loss Account to: (1) retain reserve funds sufficient to cover the anticipated costs resulting from natural disasters up to the annual ten-year historical average of disaster relief provided by the Director; and (2) provide grants to States for the repair or restoration of critical facilities and lifelines, public facilities, and infrastructure damaged or destroyed by natural disasters and for pre-natural disaster mitigation. Allows the Federal share of such grants to be increased only upon the enactment of a joint resolution not designated as an emergency under provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Requires: (1) the Mitigation Account to provide funds to States for appropriate mitigation efforts described in this Act; and (2) the Corporation to pay a specified percentage of the annual net premiums collected for the primary insurance coverages and the reinsurance coverages for mitigation purposes. Provides for appropriate transfers and credits to the Public Loss Account and the Mitigation Account. Authorizes appropriations to such Accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to add use in diesel-powered boats to the list of nontaxable uses for diesel fuel, effective on the enactment of this Act. Prohibits imposing a penalty on a person who sells or holds for sale dyed fuel for use in, or uses dyed fuel in, any diesel-powered boat and pays the tax imposed on such sale or use, effective on the date of the enactment of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Specific Coins Authorized Title II: General Provisions United States Commemorative Coins Act of 1995 - Title I: Specific Coins Authorized - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue ten-dollar gold coins to commemorate the bicentennial of United States gold coinage. (Sec. 102) Requires the Secretary to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the role of President Harry S. Truman. Directs coin sale surcharge distribution to the Harry S. Truman Library Foundation and the U.N. Association. (Sec. 103) Requires the Secretary to mint and issue coins commemorating: (1) the sesquicentennial of the founding of the Smithsonian Institution; (2) the public opening of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Washington, D.C.; (3) the 125th anniversary of the establishment of the first U.S. National Park, Yellowstone National Park; and (4) the sacrifices of law enforcement officers and their families in preserving public safety, with surcharge proceeds paid to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Inc. Title II: General Provisions - Mandates that the design for the coins be: (1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with recipient organizations and the Commission of Fine Arts; and (2) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1995
Amends the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act to provide that where State workers' compensation laws are applicable and provide coverage for a migrant or seasonal agricultural worker, workers' compensation benefits shall be the exclusive remedy for actual damages for loss from an injury or death of such a worker for all cases in which a final judgment has not been entered. Provides that this does not preclude recovery for statutory damages or an injunction under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Biomedical and Behavioral Research Title II: Preventive Health Research Title III: Development of Improved Pharmaceuticals and Other Therapeutic Agents Pediatric Research Initiative Act of 1995 - Title I: Biomedical and Behavioral Research - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate a comprehensive plan for the conduct and support by the national research institutes of pediatric research. Establishes the National Advisory Council on Pediatric Research. Authorizes appropriations. Requires: (1) guidelines for the inclusion of children as subjects in clinical research projects conducted or supported by the National Institutes of Health; and (2) increasing the percentage of child subjects. Title II: Preventive Health Research - Mandates: (1) a program of research (directly or through grants) regarding preventable diseases, disabilities, and injuries in children; (2) an advisory committee; and (3) a comprehensive plan for the research. Establishes the Pediatric Prevention Research Initiative Fund. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Development of Improved Pharmaceuticals and Other Therapeutic Agents - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to delay for a specified time (after the approval would otherwise be granted) the approval of new drugs for which the application materials refer to a drug whose approval application materials include pediatric clinical investigations. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to consider pharmacokinetic studies as clinical investigations. Provides for requests for pediatric studies.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995
James Madison Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue commemorative one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the 250th anniversary of the birth of James Madison and the life and achievements of the fourth President of the United States. Requires the Secretary to turn over proceeds from surcharges to the National Trust for Historic Preservation to be used to: (1) establish an endowment as a permanent source for Montpelier (home of James Madison and a museum); and (2) fund capital restoration projects at Montpelier.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1995
Amends Federal civil service law to entitle certain honorably discharged veterans who served on active duty to five additional points on examinations for entrance into the competitive service.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Cancellation and Suspension Title II: Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 Title III: Data Collection Activities to Assure the Health of Infants and Children and Other Measures Title IV: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Food Quality Protection Act of 1995 - Title I: Cancellation and Suspension - Amends provisions of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) relating to cancellations, changes in classifications, or other terms of registration with respect to the authority of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires that a rulemaking under such provisions be based on a validated test or other significant evidence raising prudent concerns of unreasonable adverse effects to man or to the environment. Denies registration applications that are not in compliance with this Act. Title II: Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 - Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 - Amends FIFRA to define "minor use" as the use of a pesticide on an animal or commercial agricultural crop or site or for public health protection where: (1) the total U.S. acreage for the crop is less than 300,000 acres; or (2) the Administrator determines that the use does not provide sufficient economic incentive to support the initial or continuing registration of a pesticide for such use and there are insufficient alternatives available for the use, the alternatives pose greater environmental or health risks, or the pesticide plays or will play a significant part in managing pest resistance or in an integrated pest management program. Extends the period of exclusive data use for data submitted to support original registration applications for pesticides for an additional year for each three minor uses registered after this Act's enactment and before the expiration of the period of exclusive use, up to a total of three additional years for all minor uses registered by the Administrator if the Administrator determines that: (1) there are insufficient alternatives available for the use or the alternatives pose greater environmental or health risks; or (2) the pesticide plays or will play a significant part in managing pest resistance or in an integrated pest management program. Requires the Administrator, upon the request of a registrant, to extend the deadline for the production of residue chemistry data required solely to support a minor use subject to specified conditions. Applies the same extension conditions to data for reregistrations. Authorizes the Administrator to modify or revoke such extensions if the use may cause unreasonable adverse environmental effects. Permits the Administrator, in handling the registration of a pesticide for a minor use, to waive applicable data requirements if the absence of data will not prevent the Administrator from determining the risk presented by the pesticide and that the risk would not have an adverse environmental effect. Provides for expedited review (within one year of submission) of applications to support minor use pesticide registrations. Sets forth conditions for extensions of registrations for unsupported minor uses. Provides a procedure for meeting data requirements where a registrant has voluntarily cancelled a registration and another application is pending for registration of a pesticide that is for a minor use and is identical or substantially similar to, or for an identical or substantially similar use as, the cancelled pesticide. Directs the Administrator to establish a minor use program. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Department of Agriculture minor use program and a separate matching fund program. Requires the matching fund program to be utilized to ensure the continued availability of minor use crop protection chemicals. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Data Collection Activities to Assure the Health of Infants and Children and Other Measures - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Administrator and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to coordinate the development and implementation of survey procedures to ensure collection of adequate data on food consumption patterns of infants and children. Requires residue surveillance activities of the Department of Agriculture to provide for the improved surveillance of pesticide residues, including increased sampling of foods most likely consumed by infants and children. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) collect pesticide use data of statewide or regional significance for all the major crops and crops of dietary significance; and (2) in cooperation with the Administrator, implement research, demonstration, and education programs to support adoption of integrated pest management. Requires Federal agencies to use and promote integrated pest management techniques. Title IV: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to redefine "pesticide chemical," subject to exception, as any substance that is a pesticide, or any active ingredient thereof, within the meaning of FIFRA. Defines "pesticide chemical residue," subject to exception, as a residue in or on a raw agricultural commodity or processed food of a pesticide chemical or any other added substance present as a result of a pesticide chemical's metabolism or other degradation. Deems a processed food not to be adulterated, within the meaning of FDCA, if there are present pesticide chemical residues at tolerance levels not considered unsafe. (Current law treats only raw agricultural commodities in this manner.) Sets forth requirements relating to tolerances and exemptions from tolerances for pesticide chemical residues in food, including residues of degradation products, which allow the presence in processed food at the tolerance applicable to the raw agricultural commodity from which the processed food is made. Prohibits establishment of a tolerance that is more stringent than a level the Administrator determines is adequate to protect the public health (i.e., if the dietary risk posed by such level of residues is negligible). Allows a greater than negligible dietary risk if: (1) use protects from greater adverse health effects to humans or the environment; (2) use avoids greater risks from another pesticide; or (3) the unavailability of the pesticide would reduce the availability of an adequate, wholesome, and economical domestic supply of the food. Prohibits issuance of a final rule that revokes, modifies, or suspends a tolerance or exemption until the Administrator has taken any necessary action under FIFRA with respect to the registration of the pesticide involved. Requires the Administrator, where a pesticide is labeled for use on a particular food, to: (1) revoke any tolerance or exemption that allows the presence of a particular chemical or its residue in or on such food if the Administrator cancels the registration of each pesticide that contains the chemical or modifies it to prohibit the pesticide's use in connection with such food; and (2) suspend any such tolerance or exemption upon the suspension of the use of each pesticide that contains the chemical. Provides for: (1) tolerances for unavoidable residues in the case of a residue of a canceled or suspended pesticide chemical that will unavoidably persist in the environment and be present in or on a food; and (2) residues resulting from an application which was lawful at the time of application but with respect to which the tolerance or exemption has since been revoked, suspended, or modified. Prohibits, subject to exception, a State from enforcing any limit on a qualifying pesticide chemical residue (as defined in this Act) in or on any food which is not identical to Federal requirements. Prohibits a State, absent an unreasonable dietary risk, from enforcing a limit on the level of residues in any food if the sale of such food containing such residue level was lawful at the time of application of the pesticide. Authorizes appropriations for increased monitoring of pesticide residues in imported and domestic food.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1995
Requires the rate of duty on tomatoes imported from Mexico to be equal to the column one duty rate under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States as adjusted by the change in value of Mexican currency (stated in U.S. dollars) on January 1, 1994, and its value on the date of enactment of this Act. Provides for periodic three-month adjustments in such rate. (Sec. 3) Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to determine the extent of the harm to the domestic winter tomato industry as a result of the devaluation in the Mexican peso in December 1994 and immediately take steps to remedy such harm. (Sec. 4) States that for purposes of applying standards provisions of the Agricultural Adjustment Act, imports of tomatoes from Mexico shall be prohibited that do not meet specific requirements with respect to grade, size, and containers.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Amends the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 to require that determinations of status as: (1) an Indian child be prospective from date of birth; and (2) a member of an Indian tribe be prospective from tribal membership. States that for the purposes of any child custody proceeding involving an Indian child, retroactive effect of tribal membership shall not be permitted.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1995
Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to make a State ineligible for assistance, other than essential assistance, under the Act if the State: (1) has received a loan or advance under the Act and is not in compliance with the repayment terms; and (2) in the two-year period preceding the application date for such assistance, has enacted laws that have reduced or are likely to reduce annual tax revenues received by the State by one percent or more.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1995
Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to define "minor use" as the use of a pesticide on an animal or commercial agricultural crop or site or for public health protection where: (1) the total U.S. acreage for the crop is fewer than 300,000 acres; or (2) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that the use does not provide sufficient economic incentive to support the initial or continuing registration of a pesticide for such use and there are insufficient alternatives available for the use, the alternatives pose greater environmental or health risks, or the pesticide plays or will play a significant part in managing pest resistance or in an integrated pest management program. Extends the period of exclusive data use for data submitted to support original registration applications for pesticides for an additional year for each three minor uses registered after this Act's enactment and before the expiration of the period of exclusive use, up to a total of three additional years for all minor uses registered by the Administrator if the Administrator determines that: (1) there are insufficient alternatives available for the use or the alternatives pose greater environmental or health risks; or (2) the pesticide plays or will play a significant part in managing pest resistance or in an integrated pest management program. Requires the Administrator, upon the request of a registrant, to extend the deadline for the production of residue chemistry data required solely to support a minor use subject to specified conditions. Applies the same extension conditions to data for reregistrations. Authorizes the Administrator to modify or revoke such extensions if the use may cause unreasonable adverse environmental effects. Permits the Administrator, in handling the registration of a pesticide for a minor use, to waive applicable data requirements if the absence of data will not prevent the Administrator from determining the risk presented by the pesticide and that the risk would not have an adverse environmental effect. Provides for expedited review (within 12 months of submission) of applications to support minor use pesticide registrations. Sets forth conditions for extensions of registrations for unsupported minor uses. Directs the Administrator to assure coordination of minor use issues through the establishment of a minor use program. Establishes and authorizes funding for a Department of Agriculture minor use matching fund program. Requires the program to be utilized to ensure the continued availability of minor use crop protection chemicals. Authorizes appropriations.