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United States · Official source
4,447 records where Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 and the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to terminate sugarcane and sugar beet price support, marketing quota, and acreage allotment programs. Makes related amendments to the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act and the Food Security Act of 1985.
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 · 11 May 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Workforce Development Infrastructure Subtitle A: State and Local Responsibilities Subtitle B: Amendments to Wagner-Peyser Act Title II: Youth Workforce Preparation and Development Consolidation Grant Subtitle A: State Funding Subtitle B: State Organizational, Planning, and Reporting Responsibilities Subtitle C: Subgrants for In-School and At-Risk Youth Programs Subtitle D: National Programs Title III: Adult Employment and Training Consolidiation Grant Subtitle A: Adult Employment and Training Consolidation Grant Subtitle B: Federal Programs Title IV: Adult Education, Family Literacy, and Library Technology Consolidation Grant Subtitle A: Funding Subtitle B: Grants to States Subtitle C: National Programs Title V: Amendments to Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Subtitle A: Vocational Rehabilitation Consolidation Grant Subtitle B: Other Amendments to Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title VI: Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 Subtitle A: Student Loan Marketing Association Subtitle B: College Construction Loan Insurance Association Title VII: Repealers and Other Amendments Consolidated and Reformed Education, Employment, and Retraining Systems Act (CAREERS Act) - Consolidates and revises workforce development and literacy programs. Authorizes appropriations. Title I: Workforce Development Infrastructure - Provides for the establishment of an infrastructure within the States of a system on which to build a comprehensive system of workforce development and literacy. Subtitle A: State and Local Responsibilities - Requires any State desiring to receive a grant under specified workforce development and literacy programs (WDL) (participant State) to: (1) establish a collaborative process regarding its State system; (2) develop a consolidated State workforce development and literacy plan to be submitted to the Secretaries of Education and of Labor; and (3) otherwise comply with this Act's requirements, including designating a State administrative agent for each grant requiring such an agent under this Act. (Lists the WDL programs as under: (1) the title II Youth Workforce Preparation and Development Consolidation Grant; (2) the title III Adult Employment and Training Consolidation Grant; (3) the title IV Adult Education, Family Literacy, and Library Technology Consolidation Grant; and (4) subtitle A of title V, revising title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.) (Sec. 106) Requires any participant State to ensure establishment of a Local Workforce Development Board in each local workforce development area that it designates. Requires each local board to develop a biennial local strategic plan to be approved by local government officials. (Sec. 108) Requires participant States to ensure that each local board establish or designate a one-stop career center system in its area. Requires establishment of State criteria for such purpose, to be consistent with specified minimum requirements for such center systems. (Sec. 109) Provides for certification of education, training, and vocational rehabilitation service providers as eligible to receive funds under this title, through receipt of vouchers or otherwise, if they are eligible to participate in student aid programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 or are determined to be eligible under State-established eligibility procedures, and if they provide certain performance-based information. Exempts providers of on-the-job training from such eligibility requirements. Directs the Workforce Development Board to collect such performance-based information from on-the-job training providers as the Governor may require, and to disseminate such information to the one-stop career centers. (Sec. 110) Requires each State to use a portion of the funds it receives under this Act to design a unified management information system that meets specified requirements. Subtitle B: Amendments to Wagner-Peyser Act - Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act to coordinate its provisions with those of this Act. Requires that at least 25 percent of authorized appropriations under such Act be used for the new labor market information program. Eliminates a Federal Advisory Council under such Act. (Sec. 132) Establishes a labor market information program under such Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to oversee development, maintenance, and continued improvement of a nationwide system of labor market information. Requires such system to be planned, administered, overseen, and evaluated by a cooperative governance structure involving the Federal Government and the States. Directs the Secretary of Labor to prepare an annual plan, through the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to be the operational mechanism for achieving a cooperative Federal-State governance structure for labor market information. Title: I: Youth Workforce Preparation and Development Consolidation Grant - Subtitle A: State Funding - Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) reserve a specified portion of funds under this Act for national programs under subtitle D; and (2) make allotments to States under this Act based on a formula derived from funding allotments under specified provisions of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act and the Job Training Partnership Act. (Sec. 211) Requires Governors to: (1) make at least 90 percent of such State allotments available to local providers, and to use not more than eight percent for State programs and activities and two percent for administration; and (2) allocate 40 percent of the funds for local providers to eligible institutions for school youth programs, and 40 percent to local workforce development boards for at-risk youth programs, with the remainder to go to either or both of such types of programs. Sets minimum grant amounts for local educational agencies, postsecondary institutions, and local development boards. Subtitle B: State Organizational, Planning, and Reporting Requirements - Sets forth title II requirements for State plans to be submitted to the Secretary of Education. (Sec. 222) Requires State programs and activities to include an assessment of programs conducted with title II assistance, including development of: (1) program performance standards and measures; and (2) program improvement and accountability. Lists additional permissible uses of such funds. (Sec. 223) Authorizes States to make performance incentive awards to one or more eligible institutions or local providers that have exceeded performance goals or implemented exemplary workforce development systems at the local level. (Sec. 224) Requires each State receiving title II funds to develop and implement a statewide system of core standards and performance goals and measures, including specified characteristics. Subtitle III: Subgrants for In-School and At-Risk Youth Programs - Requires local workforce development boards and eligible institutions to form partnerships and submit comprehensive workforce development plans for in-school and at-risk youth, in order to receive subgrants under this subtitle. (Sec. 232) Directs States to distribute funds for: (1) in-school youth programs to eligible institutions; and (2) at-risk youth programs to local workforce development boards. Chapter 1: In-School Youth Programs - Sets forth certain requirements for eligible institutions' uses of funds for in-school programs, as well as additional permissible uses of such funds. Chapter 2: At-Risk Youth Programs - Sets forth certain requirements for local workforce development boards' uses of funds for at-risk youth programs, as well as additional permissible uses of such funds. (Sec. 246) Requires that the local workforce development board not operate such programs, but contract with eligible providers of (or providers using methodologies with) demonstrated effectiveness in serving the workforce preparation needs of at-risk youth. Subtitle D: National Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Education directly or indirectly to carry out research, development, dissemination, demonstration programs, evaluation, capacity-building, and technical assistance activities with regard to services under this title, including support for occupational and career information systems. Directs the Secretary to establish a system to disseminate information resulting from research and development activities under this title. (Sec. 252) Directs the Secretary, through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, to conduct an annual assessment of services and activities under this title, through competitive awards for independent studies and analyses. (Sec. 253) Authorizes the Secretary to establish one or more national centers in the areas of applied research, development, and dissemination. Provides that the center in existence on the date of enactment of this Act shall continue to receive assistance in accordance with its current award. Requires such centers to prepare annual summaries of key research findings, for submission to the Secretaries of Education and of Labor and specified congressional committees. Title III: Adult Employment and Training Consolidation Grant - Subtitle A: Adult Employment and Training Consolidation Grant - Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide a grant for employment, job training, and related assistance for adults to each State that submits a state workforce development and literacy plan under title I. Sets forth requirements for: (1) allotments to States, based on certain allotments under the Job Training Partnership Act; (2) within- State allocation, with reserved funds for statewide activities, and with mandatory and discretionary activities; (3) additional State plan requirements; (4) required use of funds for provision of core services through one-stop career centers, and permissible uses of funds for specified types of intensive services, education and training services, and additional supportive services and needs-related payments; (4) statewide systems of core standards and performance goals and measures. Subtitle B: Federal Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to use such certain funds to make national discretionary: (1) grants for dislocated workers to specified eligible entities to address major economic dislocations resulting from plant closures, base closures, or mass layoffs; and (2) incentive grants to States as performance incentive awards for having achieved exceptional performance through implementing statewide workforce development systems. (Sec. 312) Authorizes the Secretary to use such funds also to provide disaster relief employment assistance to Governors of States with areas that have suffered an emergency or major disaster as defined under specified provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. (Sec. 313) Directs the Secretary to use such funds also to carry out specified research, demonstration, capacity-building, technical assistance, and evaluation activities. Authorizes special grants to eligible entities to carry out activities most appropriately administered at the national level. (Sec. 314) Authorizes the Secretary to use such funds also to provide grants to States for up to 50 percent of the costs of providing loans to eligible entities for skills upgrading of non- managerial employees. Requires the State to establish: (1) a reserve fund for such loan guarantees with such assistance; and (2) criteria for such loan guarantees. (Sec. 315) Directs the Secretary of Labor to use such funds also to make grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements for specified entities to provide employment, training, and education for Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Hawaiian Natives. Authorizes a transfer of authority to the Secretary of Labor from the Secretary of Education to carry out any portion of such assistance devoted to vocational education activities, including support for the United Tribes Technical College and Crowpoint Institute of Technology. Allows recipient entities to consolidate such assistance with that for related programs under the Indian Employment, Training, and Related Services Demonstration Act. (Sec. 316) Directs the Secretary of Labor to use such funds also to make grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements with specified eligible entities to provide certain types of employment, training, and education assistance for migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Authorizes a transfer of authority to the Secretary of Labor from the Secretary of Education to carry out any portion of such assistance devoted to education activities. Title IV: Adult Education, Family Literacy, and Library Technology Consolidation Grant - Subtitle A: Funding - Directs the Secretary of Education to reserve specified amounts annually for: (1) national competitive incentive grants; (2) the National Institute for Literacy; and (3) national leadership and evaluation activities. Provides for an initial allotment, and additional allotments to States according to formulas based on State population and number of qualifying adults. Defines qualifying adult as one who is between ages 16 and 61, beyond age of compulsory school attendance, without a secondary school diploma or equivalent, and not currently enrolled in elementary or secondary school. Subtitle B: Grants to States - Directs the Secretary to make an annual grant allotment to a State if it has satisfied requirements under title I and this title and enters an agreement about use of grant funds. (Sec. 422) Requires States to use grant funds to distribute competitive grants to local service providers and provide assistance to the State library administrative agency for specified purposes. Requires local service providers to use their grants from the State to establish or operate one or more programs providing instruction or services within described categories of: (1) adult basic education; (2) adult secondary education; (3) English literacy instruction; and (4) family literacy services. (Sec. 423) Sets forth additional grant requirements, including goals, progress indicators, and performance measures in specified categories. Subtitle C: National Programs - Directs the Secretary of Education to designate up to ten States as meeting the preliminary criterion for receipt of an incentive grant, based on the quality of plans submitted by States for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the State desires such grant. (Sec. 431) Requires such plans to describe a methodology, along with goals and performance measures, by which the State educational agency will collaborate with other state agencies to provide services to raise the education level and improve the employment skills of these target populations: (1) parents who are educationally disadvantaged adults and who have a child less than eight years old; (2) families on public assistance; and (3) adults with more than one barrier to self-sufficiency, such as being unemployed or educationally disadvantaged. Requires the Secretary to make such grants for a fiscal year to those eligible States that are successfully implementing the plan and achieving the plan goals, under an allotment formula based on State population and success in achieving plan goals. (Sec. 432) Establishes a National Institute for Literacy, to be administered according to an interagency agreement of the Secretaries of Education, of Labor, and of Health and Human Services (the Interagency Group), with daily operations to be carried out by an appointed Institute Director. Establishes an Advisory Board to make recommendations on planning Institute goals and on implementing programs to achieve such goals. Sets forth Institute duties, authorized activities, and biennial reporting requirements. Authorizes the Institute to award literacy leadership fellowships, as well as paid and unpaid internships. (Sec. 433) Authorizes the Secretary to establish and carry out a program of national leadership and evaluation activities to enhance the quality of adult education and family literacy programs nationwide, directly or through grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. Title V: Amendments to Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Subtitle A: Vocational Rehabilitation Consolidation Grant - Chapter 1: Transition Period - Directs the Secretary of Education, through the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), to administer the amendment made by chapter 2 in a specified manner during a transition period. Chapter 2: Revision of Title I of Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (RA) to revise title I, Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Directs the Secretary of Education, through the Commissioner of the RSA, to make RA formula grants to States that submit workforce development and literacy plans that meet requirements under this Act. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 102) Requires States to reserve not more than ten percent of such a grant for carrying out specified responsibilities of State administrative agents, and at least 90 percent for carrying out certain responsibilities of local workforce development boards and one-stop career centers with respect to workforce development areas. (Sec. 105) Sets forth requirements for: (1) individual eligibility; (2) State Rehabilitation Advisory Councils; and (3) allotment amounts. Subtitle B: Other Amendments to Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Eliminates RA provisions: (1) (under title III, Training and Demonstration Projects) for vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities, loan guarantees for community rehabilitation programs, construction of the Commissioner's authority and appropriation of excess funds, migratory workers program grants, special recreational programs grants, and supported employment programs and grants; and (2) (under title VI, Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities) for community service employment pilot programs for individuals with disabilities, supported employment services for individuals with disabilities, business opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and (after a two-year period) projects with industry. Title VI: Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 - Subtitle A: Student Loan Marketing Association - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to provide for the reorganization of the Student Loan Marketing Association (Sallie Mae) through the formation of a holding company and the cessation of Federal sponsorship. Subtitle B: College Construction Loan Insurance Association - Amends HEA to provide for the privatization and renaming of the College Construction Loan Insurance Association and the cessation of Federal sponsorship. Title VII: Repealers and Other Amendments - Repeals: (1) the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act; (2) the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994; (3) the Adult Education Act; (4) the National Literacy Act of 1991, except certain provisions; (5) the Library Services and Construction Act; (6) the library media resources program under the Technology for Education Act of 1994; (7) the Job Training Partnership Act, except provisions for the Job Corps and its authorization of appropriations; (8) provisions of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act relating to State literacy initiatives for adult education for the homeless and to job training for the homeless (except homeless veterans' reintegration projects); (9) various provisions under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (including ones relating to articulation agreements, access and equity to education through telecommunications, academic libraries and information services, national early intervention scholarships, presidential access scholarships, model program community partnerships and counseling grants, database and information line on student financial assistance, technical assistance for teachers and counselors, State student incentive grants, special programs for students whose families are engaged in migrant and seasonal farmwork, special child care services for disadvantaged college students, loan forgiveness for teachers and nurses and individuals performing national community service, training in financial aid services, State postsecondary review entity programs, State and local programs for teacher excellence, national teacher academies, Douglas teacher scholarships, the Teacher Corps, class size demonstration grants, middle school teaching demonstration programs, new teaching careers, national mini corps programs, demonstration grants for critical language and area studies, foreign languages and cultures instructional materials development, small State teaching initiatives, faculty development grants, early childhood staff training and professional enhancement, intensive summer language institutes, foreign language periodicals, academic and library facilities, cooperative education programs, women and minority participation in graduate education, Harris fellowships, Javits fellowships, faculty development fellowships, legal training for the disadvantaged, law school clinical programs, special projects in areas of national need, science and engineering access programs, women and minorities science and engineering outreach demonstration programs, Eisenhower leadership programs, and community service programs); (10) provisions of the Education Amendments of 1986 relating to a National Academy of Science study and to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian culture and art development; (11) provisions of the Education Amendments of 1992 relating to American Indian postsecondary economic development scholarships, American Indian teacher training, a national survey of factors associated with participation, a study of environmental hazards in higher education institutions, a national job bank for teacher recruitment, a national clearinghouse for postsecondary education materials, school-based decisionmakers, sexual offenses education, Olympic scholarships, and advanced placement fee payment programs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1995
International Space Station Authorization Act of 1995 - Authorizes appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for complete development and operations of the International Space Station. Provides for coordination of the Space Shuttle program with the Space Station Program Office.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that economically targeted investments violate specified provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) relating to a fiduciary's responsibility to serve the interests of employee benefit plan participants and beneficiaries exclusively. Requires that the application of such ERISA provisions to employee benefit plan asset investments be determined without regard to a specified Department of Labor (DOL) interpretive bulletin or any other similar directive regarding economically targeted investments. Prohibits DOL officers or employees from traveling, lecturing, or otherwise expending DOL resources to promote, directly or indirectly, economically targeted investments. Amends ERISA to prohibit Federal agencies or instrumentalities from establishing or maintaining any clearinghouse or other database relating to economically targeted investments for employee benefit plans. Directs Federal agencies and instrumentalities to immediately terminate contracts or other arrangements which violate this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1995
Job Skill Development Act of 1995 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exempt from minimum wage and overtime requirements individuals who volunteer to perform services for an employer for not more than 1,040 hours or six months, if no regular employee is affected in specified ways and if other conditions are met.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995
False Identification Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to reduce the minimum number of documents to three (currently, five) for certain offenses involving fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents. Sets criminal penalties for knowingly sending through the mails or producing, with the intention or knowledge that it will be deposited for mailing, any unverified identification document that bears a birth date showing the individual named in the document to be 21 years of age or older, when in fact that individual has not attained age 21.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1995
Amends the Federal criminal code to increase the penalty imposed upon a person who escapes from the custody of a Federal institution or officer to up to ten years' imprisonment (currently, up to five years).
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Propane Education and Research Act of 1995 - Authorizes the qualified industry organizations (the National Propane Gas Association, the Gas Processors Association, or successor organizations, or a group of retail marketers or producers who collectively represent at least 25 percent of the volume of propane sold or produced in the United States) to conduct, at their own expense, a referendum among producers and retail marketers for the creation of a Propane Education and Research Council. Directs the Council, if established, to develop programs (including programs to enhance consumer and employee safety and training) and enter into contracts for: (1) propane research and development; (2) consumer education; and (3) payment for program costs with funds collected under this Act. Requires the Council to reimburse the Secretary of Energy annually for any costs incurred by the United States, but not to exceed the average annual salary of Department of Energy employees. Prescribes guidelines under which the Council shall set annual assessments on odorized propane to cover program costs. Directs the Council to establish a program to coordinate its operations with any State propane education and research council. Prohibits Council funds from being used for lobbying activities. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to annually prepare and make available to the Council, the Secretary of Energy (Secretary), and the public, an analysis of changes in propane prices relative to other energy resources. Requires the Council to restrict its activities to research and development, training, and safety whenever in any year the five-year average rolling price index of consumer grade propane exceeds by more than 10.1 percent the five-year rolling average price composite index of residential electricity, residential natural gas, and refiner price to end users of Number 2 fuel oil. Requires the price of propane to be determined by market forces in all cases. Prohibits the Council from taking action to pass the cost of the annual assessments to consumers. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report biennially to the Congress and the Secretary on: (1) whether operation of the Council, in conjunction with the cumulative effects of market changes and Federal programs, has had an effect on propane consumers, including residential, agriculture, process, and nonfuel users; and (2) whether there have been long-term and short-term effects on propane prices as a result of Council activities and Federal programs.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Consumer Fraud Prevention Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to subject to civil forfeiture any property constituting, derived from, or traceable to any proceeds obtained as a result of telemarketing fraud. Directs that any such property or proceeds be used to the extent needed, as determined by the Attorney General, for the national telemarketing fraud information hotline (established under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994) and other enforcement of telemarketing fraud provisions. Directs the court, in sentencing for telemarketing fraud, to order that the offender forfeit to the United States any property constituting or derived from proceeds obtained as a result of the offense. Specifies that the payment of an amount due pursuant to mandatory restitution for telemarketing fraud shall have priority over the payment of fines or the forfeiture of property under criminal forfeiture provisions. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to amend the sentencing guidelines to increase by two levels: (1) the vulnerable victim adjustment; and (2) the level for any fraud offense if the defendant conducted activities to further the fraud from a foreign country in order to impede prosecution. Requires any presentence report required under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to include information about the age of each victim of each fraud offense for which a defendant is convicted.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Citizens' Protection From Violent Crime Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to set mandatory prison terms for possessing, brandishing, or discharging a firearm or destructive device during a Federal or State crime that is a serious violent felony or serious drug offense, with exceptions involving defense of person or property during the course of a crime committed by another person. Sets forth penalties for second or subsequent convictions. Bars the court from imposing probation or a concurrent term of imprisonment for offenses under this Act. Prohibits releasing any such individual for any reason during a term of imprisonment imposed under this Act. Requires the court to sentence a person convicted of transporting, receiving, or possessing a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to not less than five years in prison if the person has a prior conviction for a serious violent felony and not less than ten years in prison if the person has two such prior convictions. Makes certain serious juvenile drug offenses predicate offenses under the Armed Career Criminal Act. Includes within the definition of "crime of violence" specified offenses relating to the possession of explosives and firearms by convicted felons. Directs the Attorney General to establish an armed violent criminal apprehension program. Declares that a person not prohibited by Federal law from receiving a firearm shall have the right to use firearms within a home in defense of self or other persons against a reasonably perceived threat of imminent and unlawful infliction of serious bodily injury. Authorizes a person whose right is violated to bring an action in U.S. district court against a person or government. Sets forth provisions regarding attorney's fees and the statute of limitations. Repeals the ban on semiautomatic firearms and on large capacity ammunition feeding devices under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) Taiwan deserves full participation, including a seat, in the United Nations (UN) and its related agencies; and (2) the U.S. Government should immediately encourage the UN to take action by considering the unique situation of Taiwan in the international community and adopting a comprehensive solution to accommodate Taiwan in the UN and its related agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Law Enforcement Officers Civil Liability Act of 1995 - Prohibits, in any Federal civil action against a law enforcement officer for conduct in the course of official duty, the award of punitive damages against that officer except to punish or deter conduct: (1) specifically intended unlawfully to cause serious personal injury; or (2) engaged in with flagrant indifference to the rights of the injured party and with an awareness that such conduct is likely to result in serious personal injury and is unlawful. Limits any such awards to $10,000, upon clear and convincing evidence to that effect. Specifies that the indemnification of any such officer, by any person or entity, for any punitive damages paid by that officer shall not in itself create any liability of that person or entity in any civil action. Limits the amount of attorney's fees that may be awarded in any civil action arising out of the conduct of a law enforcement officer in the course of official duty to one third of any monetary recovery.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Amends rule 30 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to require that depositions be recorded by stenographic means unless the court upon motion orders, or the parties stipulate in writing, to the contrary.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Court Arbitration Authorization Act of 1995 - Deletes a limitation on the authorization of appropriations for cases referred to arbitration pursuant to the Judicial Improvements and Access to Justice Act. Requires (current law authorizes) each U.S. district court to authorize by local rule the use of arbitration in civil actions. Increases (from $100,000 to $150,000) the limit in money damages with respect to cases referred to arbitration. Amends the Federal Judgeship Act of 1990 regarding temporary judgeships to provide that the first vacancy in the office of district judge in each of a list of judicial districts occurring five years or more after the date on which the first appointment of a judge to that office is confirmed by the Senate shall not be filled.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Contact Lens Prescription Release Act of 1995 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission to amend its trade regulation rule on ophthalmic practice under 16 C.F.R. 456 to require the prescriber of contact lenses, regardless of whether or not the patient requests the prescription, to offer to release a copy of it: (1) after the fitting process is completed; or (2) in the case of a prescription renewal, immediately if there is no change in its specifications.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1995
Exempts registered nurses, physician's assistants, and expanded-duty dental auxiliaries of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs from Federal provisions prohibiting VHA employees from assuming responsibility for the medical care of any patient other than a patient admitted for treatment at a Department facility.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1995
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) declare it to be U.S. policy that illegal aliens not be entitled to public education benefits in the same manner as U.S. citizens and lawful resident aliens; and (2) authorize States to deny public education benefits to illegal aliens.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1995
Constitutional Amendment - Repeals the 22d amendment to the Constitution (limitation on presidential terms).
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Kaliningrad-Konigsberg area should be made into a demilitarized zone and the Russian Federation should remove all its military forces from such area; (2) the administration of such area should be transferred from the Russian Federation to an international body; and (3) appropriate international and regional agencies should be requested to conduct and implement studies to restore the environmental integrity of the area.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1995
Federal Trademark Dilution Act of 1995 - Amends the Trademark Act of 1946 to entitle registrants of famous marks registered under specified Acts or on the principal register to injunctions against, and relief for, another's commercial use in commerce of a mark or trade name if such use begins after the registrant's mark becomes famous and causes dilution of its distinctive quality. Limits registrants to injunctive relief unless the person against whom the injunction is sought willfully intended to trade on the registrant's reputation or to cause dilution of the mark. Provides for additional remedies if such intent is proven. Provides that ownership by a person of a valid registration of a mark shall be a complete bar to an action against such person that is brought under common or State law and seeks to prevent dilution of the distinctiveness of a mark, label, or form of advertisement. Provides that the following uses shall not be actionable: (1) fair use of a registrant's mark in comparative commercial advertising or promotion to identify the registrant's competing goods or services; and (2) noncommercial use of a mark.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1995
Comprehensive Wetlands Conservation and Management Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit, unless such activity is undertaken pursuant to a permit issued by the Secretary of the Army: (1) the discharge of dredged or fill material into U.S. waters; or (2) the draining, channelization, excavation, or flooding of wetlands, construction of structures in and diversion of water from wetlands, or the conduct of any activity which adversely affects wetlands. Requires the Secretary, upon receiving permit applications, to: (1) classify as Type A wetlands those that are of critical significance to the long-term conservation of an ecosystem; (2) classify as Type B wetlands those that provide habitat for a significant population of wildlife or provide other significant wetlands functions; and (3) classify as Type C wetlands those that serve marginal functions but exist in such abundance that regulation of activities is not necessary to conserve wetlands values and functions, or are lands that do not serve significant wetlands functions. Permits owners of interests in Type A wetlands to seek compensation for the fair market value of such lands. Provides that title for such lands shall pass to the United States upon acceptance of an offer for compensation. Requires the Secretary to deny a permit authorizing activities in Type A wetlands unless: (1) such activities can be undertaken with minimal alteration or disturbance; (2) there are public interest concerns that require use of the lands for purposes other than conservation; or (3) the proposed use of the land will result in overall environmental benefits. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a permit for activities in Type B wetlands subject to conditions that ensure that the wetland ecosystem does not suffer loss or degradation. Imposes requirements for mitigation when such activities result in permanent wetland loss or degradation. Directs the Secretary to establish a mitigation banking program in each State to ensure compensation for loss and degradation of wetlands. Requires the primary objective of such programs to be to provide for the restoration, enhancement, or creation of ecologically significant wetlands on an ecosystem basis. Exempts specified activities from this Act's requirements. Requires the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to undertake a project to identify and classify U.S. wetlands. Authorizes civil actions and prescribes penalties for permit violations. Authorizes States to administer permit programs for activities covered by this Act, subject to the Secretary's approval.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1995
Amends Federal law to eliminate specific clothing references in the definition of the Forest Service's Woodsy Owl character.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1995
Madrid Protocol Implementation Act - Amends the Trademark Act of 1946 to set forth the Madrid Protocol concerning the International Registration of Marks. Authorizes the owner of a basic application for mark registration pending before, or of a basic registration granted by, the Patent and Trademark Office who is a U.S. national, is domiciled in the United States, or has a real and effective industrial or commercial establishment in the United States to file an international application with the Office. Requires the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to certify that information contained in the international application corresponds to that in the basic application or registration and to transmit the application to the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization. Authorizes holders of international registrations based on U.S. registrations to request extensions of protection from the International Bureau or the Office. Entitles holders of international registrations to extensions of protection to the United States. Bars protection for an international registration if the Office is the office of origin. Entitles holders of such registrations to a right of priority under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, subject to certain conditions. Subjects requests for extension of protection to opposition. Bars extension of protection to any mark not registrable on the Principal Register. Grants extensions of protection for international registrations the same effect and validity as registrations on the Principal Register and extends corresponding rights and remedies to holders of such registrations. Cancels or invalidates an extension of protection to the United States for goods and services under an international registration that has been cancelled or is not renewed. Authorizes holders of cancelled international registrations to file applications for registration for a mark for cancelled goods and services with the Office (allowing transformation into a U.S. application). Requires an extension of protection to remain in force for the term of the international registration upon which it is based. Cancels protection unless the holder files an affidavit showing current use of the mark in commerce or nonuse based on special circumstances. Authorizes extensions of protection only to persons who are nationals of, or have other specified connections to, a country that is a Contracting Party or a member of an intergovernmental organization that is a Contracting Party to the Protocol. Requires an extension of protection to convey the same rights as an existing registration for the same mark if: (1) the extension and the existing registration are owned by the same person; (2) the goods and services listed in such registration are also listed in the extension; and (3) the certificate of extension is issued after the date of the existing registration.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1995
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the Congress and the States shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the U.S. flag.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1995
Reaffirms that the status quo on Cyprus is unacceptable and welcomes the appointment of a Special Presidential Emissary for Cyprus. Insists that all parties to the dispute regarding Cyprus agree to seek a solution based upon the relevant United Nations (UN) resolutions and reaffirms that all foreign troops should be withdrawn from the Republic of Cyprus. Encourages the UN Security Council and the U.S. Government to consider alternative approaches to promote a resolution of the dispute regarding Cyprus based upon relevant Security Council resolutions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1995
Stormwater Management Improvement Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to apply permit requirements to stormwater discharges associated with commercial activity and to certain discharges from storm sewer systems serving populations between 50,000 and 100,000 in urbanized areas in which other discharges requiring permits are located. Exempts, with exceptions, a discharge composed entirely of stormwater from a municipal storm sewer system serving a population of between 50,000 and 100,000 individuals that is located in an urbanized area from permit requirements prior to October 1, 2001. Exempts, with exceptions, sources of discharges composed entirely of stormwater from municipal storm sewer systems from permit requirements (currently, such exemption is only available prior to October 1, 1994). Provides that permits issued for discharges from municipal storm sewers composed entirely of stormwater shall not require compliance with numeric effluent limitations and water quality standards shall not be applied or enforced as effluent limitations. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue a consolidated permit for discharges from a storm sewer system owned by a municipality and the stormwater discharges from industrial or commercial sources owned by the same municipality. Requires the Administrator to establish permit requirements for stormwater discharges from commercial and light industrial sources. Authorizes the Administrator to exempt certain commercial and light industrial stormwater discharges from permit requirements. Exempts stormwater discharges from small industrial or commercial businesses (businesses with a maximum of 25 employees and defined as small business concerns pursuant to the Small Business Act) from permit requirements unless the discharge contributes to a violation of a water quality standard or is a significant contributor of pollutants. Directs the Administrator to establish an initiative to fund State and local demonstration programs and research to test innovative approaches to address the impacts of hydrologic and hydraulic changes, source controls, and water quality management practices and controls for runoff from municipal storm sewers. Authorizes appropriations. Makes municipalities subject to stormwater discharge permit requirements eligible for grants to train citizens in watershed monitoring activities to support municipal stormwater management programs.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1995
Amends the Portal-to-Portal Act of 1947 to provide that an employer does not have to pay minimum wages or overtime compensation to an employee for or on account of such employee's use of employer-owned vehicles for traveling to and from the actual place of performance of the principal activity which such employee is employed to perform (thus relieving the employer of liability and punishment, under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, Walsh-Healey Act, and Davis-Bacon Act, for failure to pay such wage or compensation for the time of such use).
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1995
Requires that any action brought in or removed to a U.S. district court that challenges the constitutionality of a State law adopted by referendum be heard and determined by a three-judge court and that any appeal of such action be to the Supreme Court. Prohibits a district court or judge thereof from granting an interlocutory or permanent injunction restraining the enforcement, operation, or execution of a State law upon the ground of unconstitutionality unless the application for the injunction is heard and determined by such a three-judge court.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1995
Nullifies any executive order or other rule or order that prohibits Federal contracts with, requires the debarment of, or imposes other sanction on a contractor on the basis that such contractor or an organizational unit thereof has permanently replaced lawfully striking workers.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1995
Medical Procedures Innovation and Affordability Act - Prohibits the issuance of a patent for any invention or discovery of a technique, method, or process for performing a surgical or medical procedure, administering a surgical or medical therapy, or making a medical diagnosis. Provides that if a technique, method, or process is performed by or as a necessary component of a machine, manufacture, or composition of matter or improvement which is itself patentable subject matter, the patent on such machine, manufacture, or composition may claim the technique, method, or process.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1995
Provides that, in the administration of the child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, minors under age 18 shall be permitted to load materials into balers or compactors that meet specified safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1995
Level of Effort Clean Water Bonus Fund Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to reserve 20 percent of the amounts made available for capitalization grants for State water pollution control revolving funds for making level of effort capitalization grants to eligible States. Requires States that receive level of effort grant payments to deposit all payments into the revolving funds. Makes eligible for such grants States that have deposited more than the required matching amount into the revolving fund or into a non-Federal revolving fund or grant program that is subject to requirements similar to those for the State revolving fund. Prohibits States from receiving a grant in an amount greater than 20 percent of the amount of funds reserved.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1995
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of diabetes outpatient self-management training services.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1995
Repeals the Impoundment Control Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1995
Amends the Goals 2000: Educate America Act to eliminate the National Education Standards and Improvement Council (the Council). Prohibits any Federal agency from expending Federal funds for the development or dissemination of model or national content standards, national student performance standards, or national opportunity-to-learn standards. Eliminates the requirement that the National Education Goals Panel review and approve such standards and criteria. Terminates funding for: (1) the Council; (2) opportunity-to-learn development grants; and (3) assessment development and evaluation grants. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, the General Education Provisions Act, and the Education Amendments of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1995
Repeals provisions of the Clean Air Act that require: (1) the use of reformulated gasoline in specified nonattainment areas; and (2) State implementation plan revisions for Severe ozone nonattainment areas to require employers to reduce work-related vehicle trips and miles traveled by employees.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1995
Electric Consumers and Environmental Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to provide that the obligation of the Secretary of Energy to accept high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel as of January 31, 1998, is absolute and is not dependent on the commencement of operation of a repository or a monitored retrievable storage facility. Repeals certain site selection limitations and licensing conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1995
Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to revise and rename it the Integrated Spent Nuclear Fuel Management Act of 1995. (Sec. 1) Instructs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to accept spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste by not later than January 31, 1998. Entitles contract holders to specified remedies for the Secretary's failure to meet service contract obligations, or to accept spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste as mandated under this Act. States that the Nuclear Waste Fund shall fund the execution of service contract and implementation of the Secretary's responsibilities, including the acceptance of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste at contract holder sites and transporting such fuel or waste to a private storage facility. Establishes an integrated spent nuclear fuel management system for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste, including its storage, transportation, and disposal. Prescribes procedural guidelines for the use of: (1) railroads; (2) transportation planning and requirements; (3) multi-purpose canister systems; (4) interim storage facilities; (5) permanent disposal; (6) land withdrawal; and (7) private storage facilities. Prescribes consultation and assistance guidelines between the Secretary and the State of Nevada. Prescribes budget priorities for purposes of annual requests for appropriations from the Waste Fund. Prescribes a fee schedule for electricity and nuclear fuel used to generate electricity in a civilian nuclear power reactor. Sets forth advance contract prerequisites for utilization or production facility license renewals. Reestablishes the Nuclear Waste Fund and the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish by rule the appropriate portion of the costs of managing high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel allocable to the interim storage or permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel from atomic energy defense activities; and (2) advise the Congress annually of the amount of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel from atomic energy defense activities requiring management in the integrated spent nuclear fuel management system. Subjects the Secretary to all Federal, State, and local environmental or land use laws and regulations, with specified exceptions. Grants the U.S. courts of appeals original and exclusive jurisdiction over civil actions under this Act. Provides that upon a contract holder's request, the Secretary shall take title to or possession of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste without removing it from the contract holder's designated storage site if the Secretary cannot accept such items within the contract's acceptance schedule. Requires the NRC to promulgate regulatory guidelines for: (1) financial assurances for low-level radioactive waste site closures; and (2) training and qualification of civilian nuclear powerplant personnel. Reestablishes the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to take action as necessary to improve the management of the civilian radioactive waste management program to ensure that it is operated to the maximum extent like a private business. States that the program is not subject to civil service regulations. Abolishes the Interim Storage Fund, the Monitored Retrievable Storage Commission, the Office of Subseabed Disposal Research, and the Office of Nuclear Waste Negotiator. Repeals all references to the Yucca Mountain site. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress whether particular milestones have been reached with respect to: (1) multi-purpose canister systems; (2) land withdrawals; (3) interim storage facilities; and (4) acceptance of spent nuclear fuel from contract holders. Directs the Secretary to: (1) create a value engineering function within the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management; and (2) employ on an on-going basis, integrated performance modeling regarding site characterization. (Sec. 2) Sets forth transition provisions for the continuation of: (1) contracts; (2) Nuclear Waste Fund; (3) Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management; and (4) Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board. (Sec. 3) Mandates that amounts in the Nuclear Waste Fund be appropriated exclusively for certain authorized purposes cited in the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982. Precludes such appropriations from being taken into account for any budget enforcement procedures under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Amends such Act to provide that appropriations to the Nuclear Waste Fund are not subject to its discretionary spending limits or to a certain allocation of the Energy and Waster Development Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee. Reduces specified discretionary spending limits under the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1995
Suspends Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules establishing requirements for the use of reformulated gasoline in specified nonattainment areas until the EPA Administrator: (1) demonstrates that reformulated gasoline manufactured and distributed in accordance with such rules does not cause adverse health effects or revises such rules to eliminate such effects; and (2) reports to the appropriate congressional committees on steps taken under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1995
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to allow the Federal Communications Commission to authorize the operation of radio stations without individual licenses for the: (1) personal radio services; and (2) aviation or maritime radio service for aircraft or ship stations operated on domestic flights or voyages when such aircraft or ships are not otherwise required to carry a radio station.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1995
Repeals, effective January 1, 1994, provisions of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 requiring establishment of the Medicare and Medicaid Coverage Data Bank. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to the Congress on how to achieve the former objectives of such entity in the most cost-effective manner.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1995
Volunteer Protection Act of 1995 - Prescribes circumstances under which volunteers working for nonprofit organizations or government entities shall be immune from personal financial liability for acts on behalf of the organization or entity. Sets forth exceptions and conditions that a State may impose on the granting of such immunity. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase by one percent the fiscal year allotment which would otherwise be made to a State to carry out the Social Services Block Grant Program under title XX of the Social Security Act if such State has, within two years, certified to the Secretary that it has enacted a State law which provides such immunity. Provides for the continuation of such increase based on an annual recertification.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1995
Educational Quality Index Act of 1995 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to substitute evaluations of educational quality for cohort default rates in eligibility determinations for proprietary institutions of higher education under the Federal student loan insurance program of the Federal Family Education Loan Program (guaranteed student loans). Revises program integrity reviews provisions to include such educational quality index for proprietary institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1995
Repeals penalties for noncompliance by States with a program requiring the use of motorcycle helmets.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1995
Helium Privatization Act of 1995 - Amends the Helium Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) enter into agreements with private parties for the recovery and disposal of helium on Federal lands; (2) grant leasehold rights to such helium; (3) store and transport crude helium; and (4) maintain and operate existing crude helium storage at the Bureau of Mines Cliffside Field. Directs the Secretary to: (1) cease producing, refining, and marketing refined helium; and (2) dispose of all facilities, equipment, and Federal property interests relating to refined helium activities. Requires the Secretary to impose fees for helium storage, withdrawal, or transportation services. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) the purchase of helium by Federal agencies from certain private persons; and (2) the sale of crude helium by the Secretary. Prohibits the Secretary from making crude helium sales in amounts that will disrupt the crude helium market price. Mandates that proceeds from helium sales be paid to the Treasury. Instructs the Secretary to eliminate helium stockpiles by a prescribed deadline. Repeals the Secretary's authority to borrow under the Helium Act. Directs the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior to prepare certain annual financial statements for the Helium Operations of the Bureau of Mines.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1995
American Farm Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross estate tax the value of land subject to a qualified conservation easement (less the amount of any indebtedness secured by such land). Includes in the gross estate tax the value of each development right retained by the donor in the conveyance of the easement. Makes such tax due upon the disposition of the property. Provides that such land subject to the exclusion will have a carryover basis for purposes of determining gain or loss. Excludes from the gift tax transfers by gift of land subject to a conservation easement. Declares that for purposes of the alternative estate valuation method: (1) a qualified conservation contribution is not a disposition; and (2) land subject to a conservation easement is not disqualified.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1995
Office of Surgeon General Termination Act - Transfers all authorities and personnel of the Office of the Surgeon General of the Public Health Service to the Assistant Secretary for Health of the Department of Health and Human Services. Rescinds all unobligated portions of budget authority allocated for the Office. Terminates the Office and the position of such Surgeon General.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1995
Superfund Recycling Equity Act of 1995 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to absolve persons (other than owners or operators) who arranged for the recycling of recyclable material from liability for environmental response actions. Deems transactions involving scrap paper, plastic, glass, textiles, or rubber (other than whole tires) to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that the following criteria were met: (1) the recyclable material met a commercial specification grade and a market existed for the material; (2) a substantial portion of the material was made available for use as a feedstock for the manufacture of a new saleable product; (3) the material (or product to be made from the material) could have been a replacement for a virgin raw material; and (4) with respect to transactions occurring 90 days after this Act's enactment, the person exercised reasonable care to determine that the facility where the material would be managed by another was in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations. Deems transactions involving scrap metal to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; (2) he or she complied with applicable standards regarding activities associated with the recycling of scrap metals; and (3) the scrap metal was not melted prior to the transaction. Deems transactions involving spent lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or other batteries to be arranging for recycling if the person involved demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; and (2) he or she complied with applicable Federal environmental regulations or standards regarding such batteries. Makes the exemptions from liability under this Act inapplicable if the person: (1) had an objectively reasonable basis to believe at the time of the recycling transaction that the recyclable material would not be recycled or would be burned as fuel or for energy recovery or incineration or that the consuming facility was not in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations; (2) added hazardous substances to the material for purposes other than processing for recycling; or (3) failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to the management of the material. Makes such exemptions inapplicable if the recyclable material contained polychlorinated biphenyls in excess of 50 parts per million or any new Federal standard.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the current link should be maintained between: (1) the levels of earnings allowed for blind individuals entitled to disability insurance benefits; and (2) the exempt amounts allowed for purposes of the social security earnings test for individuals who have attained retirement age.