United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1984
Aircraft Sabotage Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a Federal offense to willfully: (1) set fire, damage, destroy or interfere with the operation of any aircraft; (2) place a destructive device or substance in or in proximity to any aircraft in order to make it unusable or hazardous to work; (3) damage any air navigation facility; (4) damage, destroy, or disable any appliance, structure, ramp, landing area or property used in connection with the operation or maintenance of any such aircraft; (5) incapacitate or use violence against any individual on such aircraft; (6) communicate false information endangering the safety of such aircraft; or (7) attempt to accomplish any of the above. Provides for a fine of not more than $100,000 or imprisonment for not more than 20 years or both. Establishes a separate offense with regard to using violence against any individual on board or destroying or damaging an aircraft registered in a country other than the United States. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to revise the definition of "special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States." Makes it a Federal criminal act to impart or convey threats dealing with the destruction of aircraft, motor vehicles, trains or vessels. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to provide civil and criminal penalties for conveying false information in regard to aircraft piracy, crimes on aircraft and interference with flight crew members. Prohibits any person, except authorized law enforcement officers or government employees from carrying a concealed or dangerous weapon in flight. Increases the criminal fines for certain aircraft violations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1984
Dangerous Drug Diversion Control Act of 1984 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow the Attorney General to place an uncontrolled substance under temporary controls which provide for registration, recordkeeping, and criminal penalties in order to avoid imminent hazard to the public safety. Sets forth the procedure for issuing a temporary control order. Authorizes the Attorney General to exempt certain compounds, mixtures, or preparations from control. Provides that persons who dispense controlled substances shall obtain from the Attorney General a registration for a period for not more than three years. Allows the Attorney General to deny, suspend, or revoke a registration if such registration is inconsistent with the public interest. Establishes authority for the Attorney General to take control of drugs when a registration expires or a registrant ceases doing business in the manner the registration contemplates. Requires registrants to notify the Attorney General of a change of address. Raises the penalties for criminal offenses involving manufacturing or distributing schedule II nonnarcotic substances. Makes it a Federal offense to knowingly obtain controlled substances by use of an expired registration number. Provides for forfeiture of controlled substances possessed in violation of such Act. Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to allow the Attorney General to authorize the importation of certain narcotic raw materials (opium, poppy straw, and coca leaves) necessary for medical or scientific purposes. Revises the importation requirements for narcotic and nonnarcotic substances. Makes changes in the registration requirements for importers and exporters of controlled substances. Allows the Attorney General to deny, revoke, or suspend a registration taking into consideration the public interest and international obligations. Makes it unlawful to export controlled substances from the United States without the required proof that the export does not violate the law of the importing country.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the International Olympic Committee should establish a permanent Olympic facility on a site that insulates the games from international politics.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1984
Federal Courts Civil Priorities Act - Requires each Federal court to formulate its own rules of priority regarding the order in which civil actions shall be heard. Specifies exceptions. Authorizes the Judicial Conference of the United States to modify such rules to establish consistency.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1984
Supreme Court Mandatory Appellate Jurisdiction Reform Act of 1984 - Repeals the provision of the judicial code authorizing any party (in a proceeding to which the United States is a party) to appeal directly to the Supreme Court from a Federal court order which declares an Act of Congress unconstitutional. Repeals Supreme Court mandatory jurisdiction to hear appeals from a Federal appellate court decision holding a State statute unconstitutional. Repeals Supreme Court mandatory jurisdiction to hear appeals from decisions of the highest court of a State (including Puerto Rico) which hold that: (1) a Federal treaty or statute is invalid; or (2) a State law is valid. Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1984
Counterfeit Access Device and Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a criminal offense to knowingly and with intent to defraud: (1) produce or traffic in counterfeit credit cards or other account access devices; and (2) traffic in one or more unauthorized credit cards or other access devices within one year and by such conduct obtain anything of value aggregating $1,000; (3) possess 15 or more counterfeit or unauthorized access devices; or (4) produce, traffic in, or possess access device-making equipment. Makes it an offense to attempt to commit or to be a party to a conspiracy to commit such an offense. Increases the penalty for subsequent offenses. Provides an additional offense of using a computer without authorization or using a computer with authorization for unauthorized purposes with the intent to execute a scheme to defraud, if such conduct obtains: (1) anything of value aggregating $5,000 or more during any year; or (2) classified information. Prohibits the unauthorized use of a computer when such conduct modifies or discloses information or prevents the use of such computer: (1) if the offense affects interstate or foreign commerce and the offender creates a loss to another of a value of $5,000 or more during any one year; or (2) if the computer is operated on behalf of the U.S. Government. Makes it an offense to attempt to commit or to be a party to a conspiracy to commit such an offense. Increases the penalty for subsequent offenses. Grants authority to the U.S. Secret Service to investigate offenses under this Act. Requires the Attorney General to report annually to Congress about prosecutions under this Act during the first three years after its enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1984
Crime Control Act of 1984 - Title I: Bail - Bail Reform Act of 1984 - Repeals the Bail Reform Act of 1966 and sets forth new bail procedures. Retains execution of a money bond as a condition for pretrial release. Authorizes a judicial officer to consider the safety of any person or the community when making a pretrial release determination. Establishes as a mandatory release condition that the person not commit a Federal, State, or local crime during release. Expands the discretionary release conditions to include that the defendant: (1) maintain employment or an educational program; (2) avoid contact with an alleged victim or potential witness; (3) report to a law enforcement or pretrial service agency; (4) comply with a curfew; (5) refrain from possessing a firearm or using alcohol or narcotic drugs; (6) undergo medical treatment; (7) agree to forfeit designated property, including money, upon failure to appear; and (8) return to custody at specified hours. Prohibits a judicial officer from imposing financial conditions that result in the pretrial detention of a person. Authorizes a judicial officer to order detention for up to ten days: (1) if a person who is presently on pretrial release for a felony under Federal, State, or local law or on probation or parole or release pending sentencing or appeal for any offense, upon a determination that such person may flee or pose a danger to any person or the community; or (2) if such person is not a U.S. citizen. Requires that a detention hearing be held upon motion of the attorney for the Government or upon the judge's own motion in any case involving: (1) a crime of violence; (2) any offense punishable by life imprisonment or death; (3) a narcotics offense punishable by at least ten years' imprisonment; (4) a serious risk of flight or obstruction of justice; or (5) any felony committed after the person has been convicted of two or more offenses for which a hearing is mandated. Authorizes a judicial officer after such a hearing to order the pretrial detention of a person upon finding that no condition will reasonably assure such person's appearance and the safety of any other person and the community. Enumerates additional factors to be considered by the judicial officer in making a release determination, including the defendant's past conduct, history of drug or alcohol abuse, criminal history, and the nature and seriousness of the danger to the community or any person. Requires the detention of a person who has appealed his conviction unless the judicial officer finds by clear and convincing evidence that: (1) such person is not likely to flee or pose a danger to another person or property; and (2) the appeal raises a substantial question of law or fact. Requires the detention of a person awaiting sentencing unless the officer finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is not likely to flee or pose a danger to any other person or the community. Authorizes a U.S. attorney to appeal a release order. Allows a defendant to file a motion for amendment of a condition of release. Makes a person guilty of an offense for failing to appear after having been released. Provides increased penalties for persons charged with more serious offenses. Makes it an affirmative defense to such crime that uncontrollable circumstances prevented the person from appearing. Establishes mandatory additional penalties for commission of an offense while on pretrial release. Subjects a person who has been conditionally released and violates a condition of release to revocation of release and prosecution for contempt of court. Authorizes a surety to arrest a person charged with an offense who is released upon execution of an appearance bond with such surety. Requires such person to be delivered promptly to a judicial officer for a revocation determination. Grants new authority to law enforcement officers to arrest a person who violates pretrial release conditions. Title II: Limitation of the Exclusionary Rule - Exclusionary Rule Limitation Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide that evidence obtained by a search or seizure shall not be excluded in a Federal proceeding if the seizure was undertaken in a reasonable good faith belief in its conformity with the fourth amendment to the Constitution. Provides that evidence obtained in accordance with a warrant is prima facie evidence of good faith, absent intentional and material misrepresentation. Title III: Reform of Federal Intervention in State Proceedings - Reform of Federal Intervention in State Proceedings Act of 1984 - Conditions consideration of a habeas corpus claim by a State prisoner on a showing of actual prejudice resulting from the Federal right violated and a showing that: (1) State action precluded assertion of the right; (2) the Federal right did not previously exist; or (3) the factual basis of the claim could not have been discovered by reasonable diligence. Establishes a one-year statute of limitations for habeas corpus actions brought by State prisoners. Vests authority to issue certificates for probable cause for appeal or habeas corpus orders exclusively in the courts of appeals. Permits denial on the merits of habeas corpus writs notwithstanding the failure to exhaust State remedies. Prohibits the granting of a habeas corpus writ with respect to any claim which has been fully and fairly adjudicated in State proceedings. Title IV: Reinstitution of Capital Punishment - Establishes procedures for imposition of the death penalty in certain homicide, treason and espionage cases.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1984
States that the United States joins in recognizing the anniversaries of the Warsaw uprising and the Polish resistance to the World War II invasion of Poland.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1984
Agricultural Patent Reform Act of 1984 - Amends the patent laws to extend the terms of patents which emcompass specified products or methods for using a product, including methods of manufacturing which primarily use recombinant DNA technology, any of which are subject to certain nonpatent regulatory review periods. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such extension, including a five year limitation. Directs the Commissioner of Patents to issue to the owner of record of a patent a certificate of extension stating the fact and length of the extension and identifying the product and the use and the claim to which such extension is applicable. Makes such certificate a part of the original patent. Limits the application of such patent term extension to patents for: (1) any new animal drug or antibiotic subject to regulation under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; (2) any veterinary biological product subject to regulation under the virus, serum, toxin, and analogous products provisions of the Act of March 4, 1913; (3) any pesticide subject to regulation under the Federal Insectide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; and (4) any chemical substance or mixture subject to regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1984
Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1984 - Extends copyright protection to original mask works fixed in semiconductor chip products. Defines a mask work as the two- and three-dimensional features of shape, pattern, and configuration of the surface of the layers of a semiconductor chip product which portray the appearance of a product or convey information. Requires as a condition of protection that: (1) the owner of the mask work be a resident or citizen of the United States or of a country which is party to a protection treaty to which the United States is also a party on the date the work is first commercially exploited or registered; (2) the work is first commercially exploited in the United States; or (3) the mask work comes within the scope of a presidential proclamation extending reciprocal protection to the works of foreign citizens or residents. Vests exclusive rights in the mask work in the owner who may transfer, convey, or bequeath such interest. Recognizes the first registered transfer in case of a conflict. Sets the copyright term for mask works at ten years from the date of registration or first commercial exploitation, whichever comes first. Sets forth the exclusive rights of the owner of such a copyright, including the rights to: (1) reproduce the mask; (2) import or distribute a semiconductor chip product in which the mask work is embodied; and (3) cause another to perform such acts. Excludes from the applicability of an owner's exclusive rights a mask work used for educational purposes or an innocent purchaser of a semiconductor chip product. Protects works registered within two years of the date of their first commercial exploitation. Sets forth administrative procedures for the Register of Copyrights. Permits the owner of the mask work to place a notice of copyright on such works which includes the words 'mask work' or M in a circle, the year the work was first fixed in a semiconductor chip product, and the name of the owner of the work. Entitles the owner of a mask work whose protection has been infringed or whose registration of such work has been refused to institute a civil action. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury and the U.S. Postal Service to issue regulations for the enforcement of the right to import mask works. Permits the impoundment and seizure of mask works imported in violation of the owner's exclusive rights. Sets forth remedies for infringement, including temporary and permanent injunctive relief, actual damages, and the award of the infringer's profits to the owner. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should express to the Soviet Union the U.S. disapproval of the Soviet Union's: (1) systematic nondelivery of U.S. mail addressed to persons in the Soviet Union; and (2) violation of specified treaties governing international mail. States that at the meeting of the Congress of the Universal Postal Union in Hamburg, Germany, U.S. representatives should; (1) bring such violations to the attention of the Union; (2) request that an investigation of such violations be conducted by the Union; and (3) consider possible sanctions against the Soviet Union for such violations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1984
Designates the Brigantine National Wildlife Refuge and the Barnegat National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey collectively as the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1984
Civil Rights Act of 1984 - Amends the Education Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and the Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination by any recipient of Federal financial assistance. (Currently, discrimination is prohibited only in a program or activity receiving Federal assistance.) Defines the term "recipient" to extend comprehensive coverage for purposes of the four Acts to any State or local governmental unit, any public or private agency or entity, and any subunit, successor, assignee, or transfereee of any such unit, agency, or entity.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1984
Grants the President's Commission on Organized Crime subpoena power to require attendance and testimony of witnesses before it and the production of information relating to a matter under its investigation. Grants the Federal courts jurisdiction, upon application by the Attorney General on behalf of the Commission, to issue an enforcement order. Provides that failure to comply may be treated by the court as contempt. Establishes a procedure for the Commission to receive testimony of a person in custody. Provides for the disclosure to the Commission of records of Federal agencies which would otherwise be prohibited by the Privacy Act of 1974. Imposes limitations on the disclosure of intercepted wire or oral communications to members of the Commission or its staff. Places restrictions upon the use of such information. Includes members of the Commission within the protection against assaults and homicide against Federal officers and employees.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1984
Designates the Brigantine National Wildlife Refuge and the Barnegat National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey collectively as the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1984
Age Discrimination in Employment Act Public Safety Officers Amendments of 1984 - Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to exclude State and local law enforcement officers and firefighters from coverage under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1984
Authorizes the Inspector General of the Department of Defense to suspend or revise the schedule for payments of a defense contract under which excessive charges to the United States have been made and other available remedies are insufficient to redress the abuse. Permits the Secretary of Defense to overrule such action in the interest of national security. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees within 30 days, justifying such supersedure.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1984
Controlled Substance Registrant Protection Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for taking or attempting to take any material, compound, or prescription containing any quantity of a controlled substance by force, violence, or intimidation from a person registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Makes it a separate offense for any person to enter or attempt to enter the business premises of a pharmacy or of such a person with the intent to steal any quantity of a controlled substance. Provides for imprisonment for not more than 20 years and a fine of not more than $25,000. Increases the prison sentence to any term of years or for life if any person is killed during the commission of such offense. Imposes a penalty if two or more persons conspire to violate this section.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1984
Shopping Center Tenant Bankruptcy Protections Improvements Act of 1984 - Amends the Bankruptcy Code to require a trustee in bankruptcy to perform all of the obligations of a tenant arising from an order for bankruptcy relief under an unexpired nonresidential lease (including payment of the rent and other charges specified in the lease) until such lease is assumed or rejected. Permits the court to extend the time for performance of any obligation of rent or other charges due upon an unexpired lease. Declares that acceptance of such performance shall not constitute a waiver or relinquishment of the lessor's rights under the lease or under this Act. Imposes a 60 day limit (with additional time, if the court so orders) on a trustee's acceptance or rejection of an unexpired lease in all bankruptcy cases, after which time the lease will be deemed rejected. Requires the trustee to assure that an assignee of such a lease has a financial standing similar to the original tenant's at the time of execution of the lease. Revises the condition that assignment or assumption of the lease not cause a substantial disruption of any tenant mix in the center by deleting the qualifier "substantial". Permits the lessor, if an unexpired lease is assigned pursuant to this Act, to require a deposit or other security for the performance of the obligations under the lease. Declares that the property of the estate does not include any property subject to a lease which has expired by virtue of its own terms without regard to the bankruptcy proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1984
National Training Incentives Act of 1984 - Title I: Withdrawals from Individual Retirement Accounts and Annuities for Job Training for Displaced Workers - Sets forth provisions for certification of an unemployed individual as a displaced worker by application of such individual to the Secretary of Labor, through the appropriate employment office. Defines "displaced worker" for purposes of this title as any individual who: (1) has, as of the date of application for certification, at least 20 quarters of coverage under title II of the Social Security Act; and (2) has, within the one-year period ending on such date, received counseling relating to seeking employment from any public employment office of any State or such other agency as the Secretary has approved under specified provisions of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA). Defines "displaced workers" also as individuals who: (1) on the date of application for certification, are receiving (or are eligible to receive) regular unemployment compensation in such State; (2) on or before such date, have exhausted all right to receive regular unemployment compensation in such State in the individual's most recent benefit year; (3) on or before such date, have become unemployed (or have received notice from their employer that their employment will be terminated within six months of such notice) as a result of the permanent closure of the plant or facility of such employer where such individuals are or were employed; or (4) as of such date, have been unemployed for six months or more and have limited opportunity for employment (for any reason, including age) within a reasonable commuting distance from their principal residence in the same or any similar trade or occupation. Permits any displaced worker to withdraw, in a specified manner, an amount not to exceed the qualified amount from any individual retirement account or any individual retirement annuity established for the benefit of such worker to pay any expenses for training in a new trade or occupation. Sets forth formulas for determination of a "qualified amount." Sets forth provisions relating to the manner of such withdrawal, including provisions for issuance of training vouchers. Prohibits depositary institutions from assessing penalties for early withdrawals for purposes of such training, but provides for adjusted rates of return on investments under certain conditions. Requires that such training in an eligible training program at a qualified institution be treated as training with the approval of the State agency for purposes of specified FUTA requirements relating to approval of State unemployment laws. Prohibits denial of any unemployment compensation payment under any Federal law solely because a displaced worker is in such training at an eligible training program at a qualified institution. Sets forth definitions of eligible training programs and training expenses. Directs the Secretary to: (1) prescribe by regulation the application procedure and the criteria to be used in determining whether a training program is eligible; and (2) in making such determination, take into account determinations made by specified other officials and entities. Sets forth nondiscrimination provisions. Directs the Secretary to keep paperwork to the minimum necessary to administer this title and carry out the purposes of this Act. Title II: Amendments to Internal Revenue Code of 1954 Relating to Employee Training - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the additional tax on early withdrawals from individual retirement accounts shall not apply to specified withdrawals for training of dislocated workers. Sets forth special rules for early withdrawals from individual retirement accounts. Establishes an employee training tax credit for employers. Sets forth formulas and rules relating to such employee training credit. Title III: State Employment Service Responsibilities - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Labor for FY 1985 and succeeding fiscal years for reimbursement payments to States for certain administrative costs incurred pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary to allocate such funds among all States which meet specified criteria in order to assist each such State to administer public employment offices or such other agencies which the Secretary has approved under specified FUTA provisions. Makes any State eligible for such payments if its public employment offices (or other such agencies) provide: (1) certification for displaced workers; and (2) labor market and training information and job search services (including specified counseling) to assist displaced workers to enroll in an eligible training program and obtain employment as quickly as possible. Directs the Secretary, within one year after enactment of this Act, to report to Congress on: (1) the extent to which the nationwide computerized job bank and matching program authorized under specified provisions of the Job Training Partnership Act can be expected to increase employment opportunities in each State; (2) the estimated cost of making such nationwide computerized job bank and matching program fully operational in the manner intended under such provisions; (3) the extent to which the development of such nationwide computerized job bank and matching program will require changes in the existing employment service operations in each State; and (4) the feasibility of using nonprofit privately operated job-referral services, in areas where such services are available, for the referral of individuals to jobs in low-wage industries where little or no skill is a prerequisite for employment rather than using State employment service offices or such nationwide computerized job bank and matching program. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act to require private industry councils to make available throughout the service delivery area (SDA) information concerning training programs in such SDA which have been recognized as eligible training programs under this Act. Makes special provision for dislocated workers with respect to Pell Grants. Provides that, notwithstanding specified provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965 or any other provision of law, the determination of the amount of the expected family contribution to a student to determine the amount of a basic grant to any student who is a certified displaced worker shall be made without including in the effective family income the amount of: (1) any unemployment compensation received by the student; or (2) any distribution from an individual retirement account established to pay training expenses of such student.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1984
Counterfeit Access Device and Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a Federal offense: (1) to knowingly and unlawfully produce, buy, sell, or transfer a credit card or other access device which is counterfeit, forged, lost, or stolen; or (2) to produce, buy, sell, transfer, or possess equipment used to produce such fraudulent access devices. Limits the Federal crime to such offenses involving an aggregate value of $5,000 or more during a one year period or ten or more fraudulent access devices. Increases the penalty for subsequent offenses. Provides for an additional offense of using a computer without authorization with the intent to execute a scheme to defraud. Prohibits the unauthorized use of a computer when such conduct modifies or discloses information or prevents the use of such computer and obtains anything of value or creates a loss to another of a value of $5,000 or more during any one year. Grants authority to the U.S. Secret Service to investigate offenses under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1984
Fair Trade in Steel Act of 1984 - Declares that it is the policy of Congress that access to the U.S. market for foreign-produced carbon, alloy, and specialty steel mill products should be on an equitable basis to safeguard national security, insure orderly trade in steel mill products, reduce unfair trade in steel mill products, and alleviate U.S. balance-of-payments problems. Expresses the intent of Congress to: (1) expand the economic viability of the U.S. steel industry and the jobs of its workers; (2) prevent the further decline of the domestic steel industry; and (3) temper the economic hardships resulting from unemployment in steel industry communities by encouraging reinvestment in existing steelmaking facilities. Limits annual imports of specified steel mill product categories to specified percentages of the apparent domestic supply which are based on adjusted average import penetration levels for each such product category for the years 1979, 1980, and 1981. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to allocate global product limitations among foreign countries, groups of countries, or areas. Sets forth guidelines for making such allocations. Requires the Secretary to make an annual determination of the expected apparent domestic supply in each steel mill product category. Requires the Secretary to revise such determination periodically during the year. Directs the Secretary to determine, within 90 days after the effective date of this Act, whether the steel industry companies have plans to use substantially all of the cash flow from the steel sector for reinvestment in and the modernization of the steel sector. Prohibits the import restrictions from taking effect until the Secretary determines that the steel companies have such plans. Directs the Secretary to monitor steel sector investments made and announced by the steel industry and to consult with steel industry representatives and employees in the course of such monitoring. Directs the Secretary to determine annually whether steel companies are using substantially all the cash flow from the steel sector for reinvestment in and modernization of the steel sector. Directs the Secretary to modify or suspend the relevant import restrictions if the Secretary determines that substantially less than all the cash flow from the steel sector is being used for such reinvestment and modernization and that the level of investment is not demonstrably justified by adverse financial conditions within the industry. Directs the Secretary to publish: (1) each annual determination and its rationale; and (2) the total amount of cash flow from the steel sector and the total amount used for reinvestment in and modernization of the steel sector. Requires the steel companies to provide the Secretary with the information necessary for making such determinations. Directs the Secretary to examine the supply and demand situation in the United States for a specified steel product category if requested by affected steel consumers. Sets forth criteria to be used in determining short supply. Directs the Secretary to monitor imports of fabricated steel mill products. Sets forth the method of investigating whether imports of fabricated steel products are rendering ineffective or materially interfering with the objectives of this Act. Limits the quantity of iron ore that may be entered from all sources during any calendar year after the effective date of this Act. Directs the Secretary to allocate global iron ore limitations among foreign countries, groups of countries or areas. Sets forth guidelines for making such allocation. Directs the Secretary, in making such allocations, to attempt first to accommodate the requirements of individual steel mills which have been traditionally dependent on ocean sourced foreign iron ore and the requirements of contractual obligations incurred before January 1, 1984. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the import restrictions on iron ore if necessary to meet the needs of such individual steel mills. Provides for the enforcement and implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1984
Joint Research and Development Act of 1984 - Declares that no joint research and development program shall be deemed illegal per se under the Federal antitrust laws or under any similar State law. Excludes from the term "joint research and development program" any activity in which two or more participating parties: (1) exchange information regarding the sales, marketing, or distribution of any product, process, or service; or (2) restrict or require the participation by any party in another research and development program, the production, marketing, or other commercial application by any party of any product, process, or service, or the sale, licensing, or sharing by any party of any invention not jointly developed under the program. Permits any party to a joint research and development program to file with the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) a written notice disclosing: (1) the parties to such program; (2) the nature, objectives, and duration of the program; and (3) the agreements made by the parties under the program. Directs the Attorney General or the FTC, within 60 days after receiving such notice, to publish in the Federal Register a notice identifying the parties to such program and the general nature and duration of such program. Exempts material submitted as part of such notices from public disclosure. Limits the amount that may be recovered in an action brought by a person or by a State on behalf of its residents for an injury to business or property sustained as a result of a violation of a State or Federal antitrust law, to the amount of the actual damages sustained, interest thereon, and the cost of the suit, if: (1) the action is based on conduct under a joint research and development program that is described in the program notice filed with the Attorney General and the FTC; and (2) such action is filed after the notice of such program is published in the Federal Register. Directs the court to award the prevailing party in such action a reasonable attorney's fee. Provides that such recovery limitation shall not apply to any conduct that occurs after an order granting a permanent injunction has been issued against such conduct as a result of an action under Federal or State antitrust law.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1984
Amends the Education Amendments of 1972 to include educational institutions receiving Federal financial assistance within the prohibition against sex discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 1984
Repeals the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code which would include one-half of social security and tier 1 railroad retirement benefits in the gross income of the taxpayer. Provides that one-half of social security benefits paid to nonresident aliens is includible in gross income of the nonresident alien.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1984
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act Amendments of 1984 - Title I: Funding - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (Superfund) (CERCLA) to replace provisions for environmental taxes on petroleum, certain chemicals, and hazardous waste disposal with provisions for fees on petroleum, certain chemicals, and hazardous waste disposal and provisions for the collection, enforcement, and deposit of such fees in the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund. Imposes a fee of four cents a barrel on: (1) crude oil received at a U.S. refinery (to be paid by the operator of the U.S. refinery); and (2) petroleum products entering the United States for consumption, use, or warehousing (to be paid by the person entering the product for such purposes). Imposes such fee (to be paid by the user or exporter) on any domestic crude oil if: (1) it is used in or exported from the United States; and (2) such fee was not imposed before such use or exemption. Provides that such fee shall not apply to any use of domestic crude oil for extracting oil or natural gas on the premises where such crude oil was produced. Sets forth definitions and special rules. Provides that only one fee may be imposed under this part with respect to any petroleum product. Makes such fee effective on October 1, 1985. Provides that such fee shall not apply after September 30, 1990. Imposes a fee on any assessed chemicals sold (or used) by the manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof. Sets forth a table of assessed chemicals, with a specified fee per ton for each. Sets forth definitions, exceptions, and other special rules. Provides for a refund or credit for certain uses. Makes such fee effective on October 1, 1985. Provides that such fee shall not apply after September 30, 1990. Imposes a fee on the disposal of hazardous waste which is listed or identified under specified provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Provides that such fee shall apply only to hazardous waste disposal which is required to be carried out in compliance with hazardous waste management provisions of such Act, and shall not apply to the treatment of any hazardous waste, including thermal treatment by incineration at a facility for which a permit is in effect under hazardous waste management provisions of such Act. Sets the amount of such fee at: (1) $20 per ton of assessable hazardous waste which is disposed of by means other than underground injection; and (2) $10 per ton of assessable hazardous waste which is disposed of by means of underground injection. Requires the owner or operator of the facility to pay such fee with respect to the disposal of any hazardous waste at a facility for which a permit is in effect under the hazardous waste management provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Requires the person disposing of the hazardous waste to pay such fee with respect to any other disposal of hazardous waste. Sets forth special rules relating to such fee on disposal of hazardous waste. Provides that no such fee shall be imposed on the disposal of any solid waste which is required to be studied under specified provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act unless, after receipt of the required studies, the Congress enacts legislation respecting the application of such fee to such solid waste. Makes the fee on disposal of hazardous waste effective on October 1, 1985. Provides that such fee shall not apply after September 30, 1990. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations for the collection of fees under this title, including reporting and information-gathering regulations. Authorizes the Administrator to use authorities relating to inspection of records and access under hazardous waste management provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act and specified provisions of this Act for purposes of carrying out this title. Sets forth criminal and civil penalties for specified violations of this title. Requires that revenues from fees established under this title be deposited in the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund. Authorizes appropriations to the Fund for FY 1986 through 1990. Title II: Amendments Relating to Response Authorities under CERCLA - Amends CERCLA to revise provisions relating to response authorities. Revises provisions relating to the State share of certain costs. Prohibits the Administrator from providing specified remedial actions unless the State in which the release first occurs enters into a contract or cooperative agreement with the Administrator providing specified assurances deemed adequate by the Administrator. Limits the State share to: (1) ten percent of the future operation and maintenance costs of any onsite remedial actions provided for the expected life of such actions, as determined by the Administrator, and ten percent of costs of the remedial action; or (2) 50 percent of any sums expended in response to a release or threatened release at a facility (not including navigable waters or the beds underlying those waters) that was owned and operated by the State or local government at the time of any disposal of hazardous substances therein, including all future operation and maintenance costs of any onsite remedial action. Directs the President to reimburse from the Fund any State which has paid, at any time after the enactment of CERCLA, in excess of ten percent of the costs of remedial action at a facility owned but not operated by the State or local government. Repeals specified provisions relating to CERCLA preemption of State law (thus allows States to require taxes or other contributions to State funds similar to Superfund. Authorizes States to bring abatement actions under CERCLA in Federal district courts and to take other necessary abatement actions, including issuing orders to protect public health and welfare and the environment. Raises the amount of the fine for willful violations of, or failures or refusals to comply with, such abatement orders of the President (or of a State). Sets forth provisions for citizen petitions for evaluation of facilities included in the emergency and remedial response information system (ERRIS). Allows any person, in the case of any release or threatened release at an ERRIS facility, to petition the Administrator to evaluate such facility in accordance with the hazard ranking system under the national contingency plan in order to determine the national priority of such release or threatened release. Directs the Administrator, upon receipt of any such petition, to promptly commence such evaluation or provide a written explanation as to why such evaluation is not warranted. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants available to any group of individuals which may be affected by a release or threatened release at any facility which is listed under the national priorities list under the national contingency plan for the purpose of enabling such group to obtain technical assistance to review and assess data and information prepared by the Administrator in connection with: (1) the evaluation of such facility under the hazard ranking system; or (2) any proposed plan for remedial action at such facility. Allows only one such grant with respect to any single facility. Limits the amount of any such grant to $40,000. Requires each grant recipient to contribute at least one-eighth of the total costs of the review and assessment. Sets forth standards for cleanup actions under CERCLA response authorities. Provides that the remedial action selected shall require that the level or standard of control of each hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant be consistent with such standards under other relevant provisions of law. Directs the Administrator to make any revisions in the national contingency plan necessary to carry out such purpose. Permits waivers of such standards if: (1) an alternative remedial action will provide protection of human health and the environment substantially equivalent to the remedial action which would be necessary to comply with such standards; or (2) compliance with such standards at the site or facility in question will consume such a disproportionate share of the Fund resources as to have the effect of deferring or preventing remedial action at other sites or facilities which pose a significantly greater threat to human health and the environment. Provides that no permit shall be required under Federal, State, or local law for any removal or remedial action undertaken by any person pursuant to CERCLA at the location of the release or threatened release. Authorizes the Administrator to establish the exclusive administrative procedures for making any determination under provisions for standards for CERCLA cleanups. Includes (by removing an exclusion) under the definition of "hazardous substance" for purposes of CERCLA response and liability provisions: petroleum (including crude oil) and natural gas, natural gas liquids, liquefied natural gas, or synthetic gas usable for fuel (or mixtures of natural gas and such synthetic gas). Includes (by removing an exclusion) under the definition of "pollutant or contaminant" for purposes of CERCLA response authorities: petroleum (including crude oil) and natural gas, liquefied natural gas, or synthetic gas of pipeline quality (or mixtures of natural gas and such synthetic gas). Sets forth a regulatory program with standards for underground storage tanks. Directs the Administrator, within 12 months after the enactment of this Act, to promulgate regulations establishing performance standards, applicable to owners and operators of underground storage tanks used for the storage of hazardous substances, including gasoline or other liquid hydrocarbons, in order to prevent releases into the environment for the operational life of the tank. Provides that such regulations shall apply only to underground storage tanks located on property used primarily for commercial or governmental purposes. Directs the Administrator to distinguish in such standards between requirements for new tanks and those for tanks already in existence. Sets forth requirements which must be included in such standards. Authorizes the Administrator to implement such standards through: (1) promulgation of regulations made effective in accordance with specified hazardous waste management provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act; or (2) establishment of a permit program if necessary. Provides that such permits may be required for any person or category of persons who stores any hazardous substance, including gasoline or any other liquid hydrocarbon, in an underground storage tank located on property primarily used for commercial or governmental purposes. Provides that specified provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act shall apply to the program and requirements established under this Act in the same manner as such provisions apply to the hazardous waste regulation program under such Act. Provides that the failure or refusal of an owner or operator of any underground storage tank to provide to a supplier of any hazardous substance, including gasoline or any other liquid hydrocarbon, appropriate evidence of compliance with standards established under this Act shall constitute a defense to any enforcement action brought under any other authority of law to require such supplier to deliver any such substance to such tank. Sets forth criminal penalties for persons who knowingly commit material violations or omissions with respect to requirements established by the Administration under the regulatory program established by this Act, if such violation or omission results in a release or threatened release of any hazardous substance (including gasoline or other liquid hydrocarbon) from an underground storage tank. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987 to carry out this regulatory program. Provides that up to 50 percent of such appropriations in any such fiscal year may be used to make grants to States for development and implementation of State programs to carry out this regulatory program. Directs the Administrator, within one year after the enactment of this Act, to conduct a study regarding underground storage tanks which are located on residential property and used for the storage of hazardous substances, including gasoline or other liquid hydrocarbons. Requires that such study include estimates of the number and location of such tanks and an analysis of the extent to which there may be releases or threatened releases from such tanks into the environment. Directs the Administrator to report to the President and the Congress on the results of such study, with recommendations on whether such tanks on residential property should be subject to requirements under this regulatory program. Makes CERCLA national contingency plan provisions applicable to federally owned or operated facilities. Directs the Administrator, within one year after the enactment of this Act, to: (1) apply specified criteria (for determining priorities among releases or threatened releases throughout the United States for purposes of taking remedial action) to each facility owned or operated by a Federal agency at which there is a release or threatened release of any hazardous substance or pollutant or contaminant; and (2) revise the national priority list (based on such criteria) to include such Federal facilities in the same manner and to the same extent as non-Federal facilities. Provides for remedial investigations and feasibility studies at Federal facilities. Directs each Federal agency with administrative jurisdiction over any facility included on the national priority list under the national contingency plan to conduct, in accordance with such plan, a remedial investigation and feasibility study with respect to such facility. Requires that such investigations and studies be completed by December 31, 1986. Directs the Administrator to approve such investigations and studies which are consistent with the national contingency plan. Directs the Federal agency involved to commence remedial actions at such facility within 120 days after such approval by the Administrator. Includes references to "pollutants" or "contaminants," in addition to "hazardous substances," under CERCLA liability provisions. Revises the statute of limitations under CERCLA claims procedure provisions to allow presentation of claims and commencement of specified cost recovery actions until six years after the date of completion of the response action. Limits court review of abatement orders under CERCLA to actions to: (1) enforce such orders; (2) recover penalties for violations of such orders; or (3) recover punitive damages in connection with such order. Provides that, in any action under CERCLA liability provisions, the results of any EPA laboratory tests to determine what substances are present at the site of the release or threatened release may be introduced into evidence and shall be presumed to be accurate. Provides that such presumption shall be overcome if the defendant establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that such test results lack a reasonable basis. Includes interest on the costs and damages referred to in CERCLA liability provisions among the amounts recoverable in actions under such provisions. Provides for access authorities under CERCLA response authorities. Establishes civil penalties for noncompliance with EPA or State requests for such access. Sets forth requirements for the use of settlement funds obtained under CERCLA. Requires that any costs or damages recovered by the Administrator in any settlement of an action brought under liability provisions with respect to a release at a facility shall be retained by the Administrator and used only for removal or remedial action (or both) at such facility, except to the extent that the amount of settlement exceeds EPA expenses (after receipt of the settlement) for removal and remedial action at such facility. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), on or before September 30, 1991, to also carry out health effects studies at a total of 75 top priority sites on the national priority list under the national contingency plan. Provides that such sites shall be the 75 which the ATSDR determines to present the most significant risk to human health. Authorizes for the period FY 1986 through 1990 the use of not more than $20,000,000 of the amounts available for payments to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for costs incurred in carrying out ATSDR responsibilities under CERCLA. Provides that such sums shall remain available until expended. Authorizes for the period FY 1986 through 1990 the use of not more than $50,000,000 of the amounts available in the Fund for grants to States to implement State response actions which are consistent with the national contingency plan in the case of States which have demonstrated the ability and willingness to carry out a high level of such response actions and which are authorized to carry out State programs under hazardous waste management provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Authorizes for the period FY 1986 through 1990 the use of not more than $25,000,000 of the amounts available in the Fund for grants for research and development activities regarding innovative technologies which may be used in removal and remedial actions under CERCLA. Deletes a condition that a guarantor must be "acting in good faith" in order for certain limitations of liability to apply. Repeals specified provisions for transfer of liability to the Postclosure Liability Fund. Directs the Administrator, within six months after enactment of this Act, and after consultation with the States, to submit a report to the Congress with a schedule for the cleanup of sites which are listed on the national priority list under the national contingency plan. Repeals provisions authorizing the use of the Fund to pay the costs of Federal or State efforts in the restoration, rehabilitation, or replacement or acquiring the equivalent of any natural resources injured, destroyed, or lost as a result of a release of a hazardous substance. Repeals provisions authorizing the President or a State to assert claims against the Fund for injury to, or destruction or loss of, natural resources resulting from a release or threatened release of a hazardous substance from a vessel or a facility.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1984
Directs the President to: (1) secure from the Indochina nations a full accounting of Americans captured or missing as a result of the Vietnam conflict; and (2) work for the release of captive Americans and the return of the remains of those American servicemen and civilians who died in Southeast Asia. Requires the President to submit two reports to Congress on American POW/MIAs in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1984
Title I: Controlled Substances Provisions - Comprehensive Drug Penalty Act of 1984 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to subject to forfeiture all land and buildings used for holding or storing controlled substances or materials used to manufacture such substances except if done without the knowledge or consent of the owner. Provides that a proceeding for forfeiture may be brought in the judicial district in which the defendant owning such property is found or in the judicial district in which the criminal prosecution is brought. Establishes within the Treasury a revolving fund known as the Department of Justice Forfeiture Fund. Allows the fund to be used for the payment of rewards for information that results in a forfeiture and for the expenses incurred in a forfeiture action. Requires deposit in this fund of proceeds and profits forfeited as a result of drug violations. Authorizes appropriations from the fund for FY 1984 through 1986. Sets the maximum reward for information at $250,000. Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to increase the maximum authorized fines for certain drug offenses. Permits imposition of an alternative fine up to twice the gross gain derived from the offense. Provides judicial procedures for seizure of property subject to criminal forfeiture. Title II: Tariff Act Provisions - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide for the seizure of vessels, vehicles, merchandise, or baggage valued at $100,000 or less. Requires written notice of such seizure to all interested parties. Increases the surety bond for any person claiming interest in the seized property to $2,500, or ten percent of the value of the claimed property, whichever is less. Establishes in the Treasury the Customs Forfeiture Fund to pay for maintenance of forfeited property, awards to informants, and liens and mortgages. Requires the deposit in such fund of all proceeds from the sale and disposition of property forfeited under customs law. Allows transfer of the property for forfeiture under State law. Increases from $50,000 to $250,000 the award of compensation given to informers for information leading to forfeiture. Grants customs officers arrest authority and the right to carry firearms. Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code dealing with customs officers' law enforcement authority to conform to this Act. Title III: Effective Date - Sets forth an effective date.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1984
Amends the Bankruptcy Code to permit a trustee to reject or assume a collective bargaining agreement made under the authority of title II of the Railway Labor Act or the National Labor Relations Act only if and after the court approves such rejection or assumption. Requires notice to all parties and a hearing before the court may approve such a rejection. Prohibits the court from approving the rejection of a collective bargaining agreement if, absent the rejection: (1) the jobs covered by such agreement will be lost; and (2) any financial reorganization of the debtor will fail. Declares that a rejection of a collective bargaining agreement constitutes a breach at the time of such rejection. Declares that no provision of this Act shall be construed to permit the trustee unilaterally to terminate or alter any of the terms and conditions of such a collective bargaining agreement.