United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1989
Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Educator Award Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to establish a Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Educator Award program. Provides that each award shall be for three years. Provides that academic institutions shall nominate science faculty members with significant commitments to undergraduate education. Requires a merit review process with certain selection criteria for such awards. Earmarks a majority of awards for traditional sciences. Requires consideration of proposals focusing: (1) on science education for all Americans or for traditionally underrepresented groups; and (2) on projects combining science and the humanities, or several institutions, or involving industry. Encourages award recipients to develop curricular materials with a broad impact on undergraduate science education. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 and subsequent fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1989
Alternative Fuels Incentive Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an income tax credit for investments in qualified clean-burning (natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, or alcohol) motor vehicle fuel property. Permits a 20 percent credit from 1990 through 1999, phasing out the credit in five percent increments annually thereafter to reach zero percent at the end of 2002. Applies the credit to depreciable property that is: (1) equipment designed either to modify a motor vehicle so that it will be propelled only be a clean-burning fuel or to assist in delivering such fuel into such vehicles; or (2) a motor vehicle propelled by clean-burning fuel. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make credit-equivalent payments to States and to local governments in connection with qualified property.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an individual the following qualified employer-provided transportation benefits: (1) the value of transportation in a commuter highway vehicle between the employee's residence and workplace; and (2) up to $60 per month of the value of any transit pass entitling the employee to transportation on mass transit facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1989
Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require, in order to establish and maintain improved AFDC quality control standards and procedures: (1) each State to collect and submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services a statistically reliable sample of AFDC cases; (2) the Secretary to review the sample and notify the State of its AFDC overpayment error rate; (3) the Secretary and the State to negotiate and agree upon an error rate determination plan establishing the criteria by which the State will be held accountable for errors; and (4) each State to develop and submit to the Secretary a quality improvement plan for eliminating or reducing errors. Excuses a State from submitting a quality improvement plan if it has consistently had error rates below its error rate tolerance levels. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for quality control review of AFDC cases and criteria for State quality improvement plans. Requires each State to reimburse the Federal Government to the extent the State's overpayments exceed its overpayment error rate tolerance level. Sets State overpayment tolerance levels pursuant to a formula which takes into account variations among States in population density and caseload volume and composition. Disregards State errors that are technical in nature or result from recent changes in Federal AFDC eligibility criteria or administrative policies. Permits a State to base a request for a reduction of this Act's sanctions upon a showing that it has made a good faith effort to reduce overpayments or that the Secretary incorrectly calculated its overpayment error rate. Directs the Secretary to reduce such sanctions by the amount of State and local funds to be expended under the State's quality improvement plan to reduce errors in a fiscal year. Defines "overpayments" as: (1) payments to ineligible families; and (2) overpayments to eligible families. Makes the preceding quality control standards and procedures effective after FY 1989. Eliminates the backlog of overpayment sanctions applicable to FY 1981 through 1990 by imposing such sanctions only against those States whose error rates exceed a specified amount. Allows such States to appeal the imposition of sanctions on the basis that their quality control record does not reflect a pattern of avoidable misspending of Federal funds. Extends the AFDC quality control program to include cases involving underpayments after FY 1991. Sets forth the formula for determining the State underpayment error rate tolerance level. Requires that States set aside an amount equal to the amount by which its underpayments exceed its underpayment tolerance level and use such amount to increase AFDC payments or improve the administration of the AFDC program. Includes terminations and denials of AFDC eligibility in this Act's data collection and quality control review requirements. Directs the Secretary to develop and report to the Congress, within two years of this Act's enactment, on an improved methodology for measuring a State's performance with respect to inappropriate denials and terminations of AFDC eligibility. Includes, beginning on the first calendar quarter beginning one year or more after submission of the Secretary's report, erroneous denials or terminations of AFDC eligibility within the definition of "underpayments" to which error rate tolerance levels apply. Continues Federal liability to States for erroneous payments of federally-administered State supplements to Supplemental Security Income (title XVI of the Act) benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1989
Designates the Labor Day weekend beginning on September 2, 1989, as National Drive for Life Weekend. Calls on people to observe that weekend with a pledge to not drink and drive.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Privacy for Consumers and Workers Act - Requires employers who engage in electronic monitoring to provide each affected employee with prior written notice describing specified aspects of the electronic monitoring directly affecting the employee. Requires employers to notify prospective employees at personal interviews or meetings of existing forms of electronic monitoring which may directly affect them and, upon request, provide them with the written notice provided to employees. Requires employers to provide affected employees with some form of visual or aural notice that indicates that electronic monitoring is taking place, at periodic intervals unless the monitoring is continuous during each of the employee's shifts. Requires employers to provide affected customers with some form of visual or aural notice, at periodic intervals, indicating that telephone service observation is taking place. Requires employers to permit employees or their authorized agents to have access to all personal data obtained by electronic monitoring of their work. Prohibits employers from collecting personal data on an employee which is not relevant to the employee's work performance. Prohibits employers from disclosing personal data obtained by electronic monitoring to any person or business except to the individual employee to whom that data pertains or without the employee's prior written consent, unless disclosure would be: (1) to the employer's officers and employees who need it to perform their duties; (2) to a law enforcement agency for a criminal investigation or prosecution; or (3) pursuant to a proper court order. Prohibits employers from using personal data obtained by electronic monitoring as the exclusive basis for individual employee performance evaluation or disciplinary action, unless the employee is given an opportunity to review the data within a reasonable time after it is obtained. Prohibits employers from using personal data or collective data obtained by electronic monitoring as the sole basis for setting production quotas or work performance expectations. Prohibits employers from maintaining, collecting, using, or disseminating personal data obtained by electronic monitoring which describes how an employee exercises First Amendment rights, unless such use is: (1) expressly authorized by statute or by the employee; or (2) pertinent to and within the scope of an authorized law enforcement activity. Sets forth the following enforcement provisions: (1) civil penalties; (2) injunctive actions by the Secretary of Labor; and (3) private civil actions. Prohibits waiver of rights and procedures provided by this Act, unless such waiver is part of a written settlement by the parties to a pending action or complaint. Directs the Secretary of Labor to issue rules and regulations to carry out this Act within six months. Makes this Act inapplicable to otherwise permissible electronic monitoring by law enforcement agencies in criminal investigations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Elephant Protection Act - Requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR), before January 1, 1990, to identify each foreign country that has enacted sanctions against trading in ivory. Requires the USTR to: (1) determine, for each year after 1989, if each identified country has effectively enforced such sanctions; (2) determine, for each year after 1990, if each foreign country not so identified has enacted such sanctions; and (3) determine, for each year after 1990, if such countries that have implemented sanctions against trading in ivory have enforced them. Directs the USTR to: (1) make such determinations for each year; (2) notify the President of each negative determination; and (3) publish each negative determination in the Federal Register. Requires the President, after receiving a negative determination with respect to any foreign country, to revoke nondiscriminatory treatment (most-favored-nation treatment) for all products of such country that are imported into the United States. Makes it unlawful for any person to import or export ivory products. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny foreign tax credit benefits with respect to income derived from trading in ivory. Provides that ivory-related income shall not be treated as foreign base company income.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Requires a certain percentage of Federal fleets of passenger automobiles and light-duty trucks to be alternative fuel vehicles by specified deadlines if such vehicles are being operated in an area designated under the Clean Air Act as an area of serious health endangerment for ozone and/or carbon monoxide. Requires the Administrator of General Services and the Secretary of Defense, with the concurrence of the Secretary of Energy, to issue regulations ensuring that such vehicles shall: (1) be supplied with alcohol, natural gas, other gaseous hydrocarbons, or electricity in the primary area of operation; and (2) be operated exclusively on such fuel (except when it is impracticable to obtain it). Requires funds appropriated to implement this Act to be expended first in those areas determined by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (the Administrator) to have the most severe air pollution problems. Prescribes circumstances under which such alternative fuels shall be offered for sale to the public. Mandates that the funds appropriated for alternative fuel vehicle acquisition apply only to the portion of costs which exceeds the cost for comparable conventional fuel vehicles. Directs the Secretary of Energy to ensure that the cost to any Federal agency receiving an alternative fuel vehicle under this Act not exceed the cost to such agency of a comparable conventional fueled vehicle. Mandates that gasoline powered Federal vehicles, with specified exceptions, which are operated in an area designated as seriously endangering health for carbon monoxide, and which are not dual energy (or natural gas dual energy), be operated exclusively with fuel which blends oxygenates with gasoline at their primary fueling facility. Requires underground fuel storage equipment installed or replaced at designated Federal facilities to be capable of safely storing alcohol. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress the results of a comprehensive analysis regarding the public health risk associated with the use of significant amounts of alcohol, natural gas, or other gaseous hydrocarbons as transportation fuels as compared to diesel and gasoline fuels. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991. Sets forth criteria for alternative fuel vehicles. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Child Welfare and Foster Care Amendments of 1989 - Title I: Provisions Relating to Older Children in Foster Care Independent Living Program - Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to authorize States to continue foster care payments for children under age 21 who are participating in an independent living program but have exceeded the age limit (age 18 or, for full-time secondary school students, 19) for such payments. Extends, indefinitely, Federal funding for State programs to assist children who have attained age 16 in making the transition from foster care to independent living. Title II: Health Care Plans for Foster Care Children - Requires that: (1) the written case plan developed for each foster care child include a health care record and plan for each child indicating how the child's health care needs have been and are being met; and (2) foster care children who are under a State's responsibility and not covered under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Act receive comprehensive health assessments comparable to those required under the Medicaid early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment program. Reimburses States for a percentage of assessment costs equal to the Medicaid Federal assistance percentage. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) develop and disseminate foster children health care standards; and (2) provide technical assistance to foster care agencies and providers to ensure the development and management of health care plans and records for foster children and the adequate provision of health care assessments and services to such children. Title III: Training and Compensation of Foster Care Parents, Staff, and Providers - Directs States to require foster parents and staff members of child-care institutions to satisfactorily participate in training designed to familiarize them with the special needs and problems of foster children. Requires States to develop specific training and retraining requirements and provide free child care services to foster parents who are receiving such training. Covers 75 percent of State costs of providing such training and child care. Requires that in conducting periodic reviews of foster care payment amounts States give full consideration to increases in the cost of providing foster care and the costs relating to the care of children with extraordinary physical or mental health care needs. Directs the Secretary to periodically (at least biennially) collect information on each State's level of foster care payments and distribute such information to all States. Title IV: Increase in Authorization for Child Welfare Services under Title IV - B of the Social Security Act and Extension of Transfer of Funds Provisions - Amends part B (Child Welfare Services) of title IV of the Act to increase authorized appropriations under such program. Amends the Foster Care and Adoption Assistance program to extend through FY 1991: (1) the ceiling on Federal payments to States for foster care expenditures; and (2) the authority for States to use such payments to cover expenditures under part B (Child Welfare Services) of title IV of the Act. (Currently, such ceiling and authorization runs through FY 1989.) Title V: Effective Date - Makes this Act's amendments effective on October 1, 1989, unless otherwise specified.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1989
Designates September 8, 1989, as National Pledge of Allegiance Day. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Jubilee Commission should include the centennial observance of the Pledge of Allegiance in its commemorative activities.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1989
Inter-American Scientific Cooperation Act of 1989 - Requires the National Science Foundation to establish the Inter-American Scientific Cooperation Program to increase the level of science and technology cooperation between the United States and Latin America. Requires the Program to identify and cooperate with private and governmental funding bodies, both in Latin America and in the United States, which will bear a share of the financing of cooperative projects. Sets forth required Program elements, including establishment of an Inter-American Scientific Educational Development Fund. Sets forth required Fund activities, including graduate and post-doctoral fellowships in science and technology. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 and 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1989
Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to appoint a Special Environmental Counsel as an independent counsel to enforce compliance with such Act and other environmental laws concerning hazardous waste management at Federal facilities. Empowers the Counsel to issue orders, bring civil actions, and collect civil penalties. Requires the President to request funds for compliance with such orders in the annual budget submission if such funds are not otherwise available. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1989
Renewable Energy Trade Equity and Promotion Act of 1989 - Requires the United States Trade Representative to submit to the Congress a report on: (1) the extent to which countries impose protective tariffs and other requirements on renewable energy products or services; (2) a description by country of such tariffs and requirements; and (3) the need for the imposition of reciprocal tariffs by the United States if such tariffs are not removed. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to include under the special projects and programs of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation the initiation of incentives, grants, and studies for renewable energy and other small business activities. Prohibits the use of administrative funds for such activities. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 and the Small Business Act to provide that in order to encourage the development of markets for U.S. renewable energy and related services industries, the Export-Import Bank and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall attempt to provide, in each fiscal year, loans, including loans to small businesses, for the promotion of renewable energy technology for export in an aggregate amount of at least five percent of the aggregate amount of loans provided in the previous fiscal year for all forms of energy technology. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to include feasibility studies for renewable energy projects as an authorized purpose with respect to the provision by the President of financial assistance for the development of indigenous energy resources of developing countries. Requires the agency responsible for administering such assistance to develop an information exchange with the renewable energy industry in the United States in order to facilitate the use of renewable energy equipment in developing countries. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to make potential end users, including other industry sectors (such as health care, rural development, communications, and refrigeration) in foreign countries eligible to receive technical information about the domestic renewable energy industry and related service industries. Establishes a program to provide information concerning export financing opportunities to such domestic industries. Requires an interagency working group to establish a program to inform other countries of the benefits of policies that would allow small facilities which produce renewable energy to compete with producers of energy from nonrenewable sources. Authorizes appropriations to such group for FY 1990. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the Executive Directors of the International Monetary Fund and the Inter-American Development Bank to urge such institutions to: (1) provide financing for renewable energy purposes; (2) submit to recipient countries plans for renewable energy development; and (3) appoint an officer to facilitate the use of renewable energy technologies in such countries. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to include renewable energy equipment as a "defense article" for purposes of military assistance programs.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the targeted jobs income tax credit through 1992 (under current law the credit will expire after December 31, 1989). Amends the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 to authorize appropriations through FY 1992 in connection with the targeted jobs credit. Raises from 23 to 25 years the age limitation with respect to economically disadvantaged youth targeted for credit purposes. Adds as a targeted group under the credit economically disadvantaged individuals who have completed a qualified drug rehabilitation program.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989
Provides for the establishment of categories of aliens who are subject to persecution in the Soviet Union or in Indochina (Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos) and therefore admissible as refugees into the United States. Deems Jews and Evangelical Christians in the Soviet Union as such a category. Provides for the adjustment of status to refugee status for certain Soviet and Indochinese parolees residing in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1989
Employee Educational Assistance Act of 1989 - Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that: (1) terminated the income tax exclusion of amounts paid under employee educational assistance programs as of tax year 1989; and (2) deny benefits in connection with graduate work.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to provide a duty on certain (non-leather) sporting gloves designed for sports other than skiing or snowmobiling.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1989
Local Government Infrastructure Financing Improvement Act of 1989 - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to provide local governments technical assistance with respect to financing construction, repair, and expansion of public works facilities, including provision of information necessary to familiarize local governments about the use and availability of tax-exempt public works facility bonds for such financing. Requires the Secretary to report biennially to specified congressional committees on local government public works financing practices. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) raise to $25,000,000 the threshold amount of tax-exempt bonds that a small governmental unit may issue and still remain within the exception from arbitrage rebate requirements; and (2) increase from ten percent to 25 percent the amount of tax-exempt government bond proceeds that may be used by a nongovernmental entity for private purposes without triggering treatment of the bond issue as a taxable private activity bond. Limits the latter provision to governmental issuers whose reasonably anticipated amount of tax-exempt obligations to be issued during the calendar year is $25,000,000 or less. Caps at $25,000,000 the amount of bonds to which the issuer may apply the 25 percent private use test in any year.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1989
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 1996, the duty on certain infant nursery monitors and intercoms.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1989
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 1993, the duty on d-6-Methoxy-a-methyl-2-naphthaleneacetic acid and its sodium salt.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1989
Missing Service Personnel Act of 1989 - Requires the responsible uniformed service commander, after receiving notice that a person under his command is missing, to conduct an informal investigation to determine such person's whereabouts and, if appropriate, to place such person in a missing status. Requires the commander, if a person has been placed in such status, to notify the officer holding general court-martial authority over such person (or, in the case of a missing civilian, the Secretary concerned), who shall convene a board of initial inquiry within 45 days. Requires such board to: (1) investigate evidence relating to the disappearance of such person; (2) recommend whether to continue such person in a missing status or make a finding that such person has deserted, is absent without leave, or is dead; and (3) report its recommendations and findings. Provides for the convening of a board of further inquiry, if a board of initial inquiry recommends that such person be continued in a missing status, within one year of such recommendation. Requires such board to analyze any information which has become available since the board of initial inquiry issued its report, to determine whether such person should be continued in a missing status or declared dead, and to report its findings. Directs the Secretary concerned, upon the written request of a member of the immediate family of a missing person who, before the date of the enactment of this Act, was determined by the Secretary to be dead, to: (1) convene a board of further inquiry to determine whether such finding of death should be upheld or such person should be placed in a missing status; and (2) report its findings. Requires the Secretary, within three years after a board of further inquiry recommends a missing status for any person, to reconvene such board to review such status. Specifies the composition of such boards. Directs the Secretary to invite each member of the immediate family of the missing person to the meetings of a board of initial inquiry unless attendance would place such member in danger. Requires the Secretary to: (1) invite family members of missing persons to meetings of boards of further inquiry; (2) schedule such meetings at convenient locations and times; (3) provide such family members with reasonable notice of such meetings; and (4) open such meetings to the general public. Authorizes each board to hold meetings, take testimony, receive evidence, and secure directly from any U.S. department or agency any information necessary to carry out its duties. Provides for the appointment of counsel by the officer or Secretary concerned to represent the missing person. Requires that, if a board determines that a missing person is dead, it shall include in its report a detailed description of the location and date of death, whether the body has been recovered, and whether a licensed practitioner of forensic medicine determined that the body recovered is that of the missing person. Prohibits any such board from declaring a missing person dead unless: (1) evidence other than the passage of a period of less than 50 years suggests that such person is dead; (2) no evidence which reasonably suggests that such person is alive is in the possession of the Government; (3) representatives of the Government have made a complete search of the area where such person was last seen (unless the United States is not granted access to such area); and (4) Government representatives have checked the records of the government or entity having control over the area where such person was last seen (unless the Government is not granted access to such records). Provides for judicial review of determinations of death upon the filing of a written petition by any member of the missing person's immediate family. Directs the Secretary of the uniformed service in which a missing person serves to make certain that such person's personnel file contains all information in the possession of Federal departments and agencies pertaining to the disappearance or whereabouts of such person. Requires the Secretary to make certain that, if classified information is withheld, such file contains: (1) a notice that the information exists; and (2) a notice of the date of the most recent review of the classification status of the information. Sets forth penalties for knowingly withholding information pertaining to the disappearance or whereabouts of a missing person from that person's personnel file. Requires the Secretary concerned to make the contents of such file available to a member of the immediate family of such person upon written request.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989
Authorizes the President to present a gold medal, on behalf of the Congress, to each of the following individuals in recognition of their contributions to this Nation's cultural heritage: (1) Frank Capra; (2) James Stewart; and (3) Fred Zinnemann. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to design a different gold medal for each such individual. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates of such medals at a price sufficient to cover the costs of such duplicates and the gold medals. Requires the appropriations to be reimbursed out of the sales proceeds. Designates all such medals as National Medals.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1989
Tropical Forest Protection Act of 1989 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors of specified multilateral development banks to promote the preservation of tropical forests or other endangered ecosystems and species in debtor developing countries by enabling such countries, through debt reduction or restructuring, to buy back private debt at discount rates in the secondary market if such countries: (1) convert an agreed upon amount of debt to local currency for use in "debt-for-nature swap" programs for the protection of such forests, ecosystems, or species; or (2) demonstrate a commitment to the protection of such forests in the form of such swaps for set asides or conservation easements. Directs the Secretary to instruct such directors to consult with one another to promote debt suspension in such countries as long as environmental protection commitments are maintained. Requires the Secretary to instruct the U.S. executive director to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to initiate discussions with other directors and management of the Bank and propose a three-year environmental sector lending program for countries with such commitments to: (1) reduce the future need for lending for reforestation and restoration of environmentally degraded areas; and (2) be based on the estimated long-term economic return expected from the sustainable use and protection of tropical forests and the benefits from maintenance of biological diversity and climate stabilization. Directs the Secretary to instruct such directors to promote policies which: (1) assist in strengthening nongovernmental organizations in such countries by providing technical assistance and support for environmental protection activities; and (2) encourage international collaboration for information exchange and project enhancement with environmental protection organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Education of the Blind Act of 1989 - Amends Federal law relating to the education of the blind to permit the American Printing House for the Blind (APHB) to acquire from other suppliers books and other educational materials for the blind which it distributes to schools. (Current law only allows distribution of materials manufactured by APHB.)
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Nuclear Weapons Production Health and Safety Act of 1989 - Title I: Nuclear Weapons Production Health and Safety Board - Establishes as an independent agency in the executive branch the Nuclear Weapons Production Health and Safety Board (the Board) whose function is to establish environmental protection and public and occupational health and safety standards for Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear facilities. Empowers the Board to investigate: (1) any event at a DOE nuclear facility posing a threat to the environment or to the public health and safety; and (2) nuclear materials transportation to and from such facilities which may pose threats. Directs the Board periodically to review the design and operation of such nuclear facilities to determine ways to enhance environmental and public protection. Requires the Board to report to the Congress and the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) after each review and investigation with recommendations for improved safety measures. Requires the Board to maintain an onsite investigatory and review staff at each facility. Authorizes the Board to issue subpoenas and administrative orders compelling compliance with its standards and with Federal and State standards. Requires the Board to submit a written notice to the Secretary to abate any facility activity which presents imminent and substantial danger to the environment and public health. Sets forth civil penalties for non-compliance with the Board's administrative orders. Requires the Board to establish procedures for petitions by citizens for Board action with respect to matters within its purview. Authorizes the Board to enter into agreements with the States providing for discontinuance of the Board's regulatory authority during the period in which the State assumes such authority. Requires the Board to: (1) periodically review such agreements to ensure compliance with this Act; and (2) make grants to an agreement State to cover the costs of program implementation. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994. Terminates the Board and the requirements of this title after six years. Requires the Board to report to the Congress five years after enactment of this Act regarding the efficacy of its oversight and regulatory activities. Title II: Licenses for Department of Energy Nuclear Facilities - Prohibits any DOE facility from commencing operations unless it has received a license from the Board issued pursuant to environmental and public health safety standards compatible with this Act. Title III: EPA Authority - Amends the Clean Water Act to include within the definition of "pollutant" any byproduct, source, and special nuclear material. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to exclude source, special nuclear, or byproduct materials from the definition of "solid waste" unless such materials are a part of any mixture or combination comprising a solid waste. Title IV: Radiation Research Reorganization Act of 1989 - Radiation Research Reorganization Act of 1989 - Transfers to the Secretary of Health and Human Services the authority of the Secretary of Energy to conduct epidemiological studies of the effects of radiation. Mandates that such authority be exercised through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control with respect to health effects of radiation in places of employment. Establishes an advisory panel to be appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to advise such Secretary in implementing the epidemiological studies. Title V: Department of Energy Safety and Environmental Responsibility - Transfers to the DOE Assistant Secretary assigned to environmental responsibilities and functions all functions and responsibilities relating to nuclear facilities cleanup and compliance with safety and environmental standards. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to establish within DOE a Chief Safety Officer, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, who shall not be under the control or supervision of any other DOE officer, to: (1) advise the Secretary regarding DOE safety management; (2) monitor DOE and contractor safety performance; (3) enforce safety policies; (4) advise the Secretary on DOE budget allocations for safety measures; and (5) report annually to the Congress on DOE safety programs.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Emergency Refugee Act of 1989 - Authorizes additional FY 1989 refugee admissions from the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, Vietnam, the Near East, and East Asia First Asylum countries. Transfers unused FY 1989 State legalization impact assistance grant (SLIAG) funds to cover specified costs related to such admissions. Authorizes additional SLIAG FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations. Authorizes FY 1990 and 1991 appropriations for anti-discrimination in employment activities. Authorizes SLIAG funds to be used for: (1) employment training and educational outreach programs for legalized aliens; and (2) State enforcement of anti-discrimination activities. Establishes an administrative appeals process for States applying for SLIAG assistance. Gives education priority under such grants to basic citizenship skills (English language and United States history and government).
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Comprehensive National Nutrition Monitoring System Act - Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to replace provisions relating to nutritional status monitoring with provisions directing the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretaries) to jointly establish: (1) a National Nutrition Monitoring System (Monitoring System) to carry on assessment and surveillance regarding nutrition-related health problems; and (2) an Interagency Committee on Nutrition Monitoring to assist the Secretaries in the coordination of nutrition monitoring efforts within the Federal Government. Directs the Secretaries to jointly prepare and implement a Ten-Year National Nutrition Monitoring Plan (Plan) to commence with FY 1991. Requires the General Accounting Office to conduct an evaluation of the Monitoring System and the implementation of the Plan. Directs the Secretaries to contract with experts in nutrition data analysis for the analysis of the data collected from the Monitoring System and the Plan. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to submit to the Congress a catalog of all nutrition education programs conducted by all Federal departments and agencies. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit to the Congress a report on the appropriate Federal role in ensuring that medical students and practicing physicians have access to adequate nutrition training. Directs the Secretaries, at least every five years, to jointly publish a report containing nutritional and dietary information and guidelines for the general public. Requires the report to be promoted by each Federal agency in carrying out any Federal food or nutrition program. Requires any Federal agency that proposes to issue any dietary guidance to submit the text to the Secretaries for their joint approval. Requires the approval of both Secretaries for either of the Secretaries to issue any dietary guidance. Repeals provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985 relating to nutrition monitoring.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Declares it to be the policy of the United States that Federal records, books, and publications of enduring value be produced on acid-free permanent papers. Makes recommendations relating to such papers to Federal agencies and to American publishers. Recommends that the Secretary of State make known such national policy to foreign governments and appropriate international agencies. Directs the Librarian of Congress, the Archivist of the United States, the Director of the National Library of Medicine, and the Administrator of the National Agricultural Library to monitor progress in implementing such policy.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1989
Designates the week beginning September 1, 1989, as World War II Remembrance Week in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the outbreak of that War.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1989
Child Investment and Security Act of 1989 - Title I: Prenatal Care - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to phase-in mandatory State coverage of pregnant women and infants whose family income is below 200 percent of the Federal poverty level. Includes prenatal and postpartum home visitation services within such coverage. Deducts child and medical care costs from the income eligibility test. Requires the continuation of such coverage for women through the month in which the 60-day post-partum period expires, and for infants throughout their first year of life. Requires that States make ambulatory prenatal care available to a pregnant woman during a presumptive eligibility period which ends when she is determined to be ineligible for Medicaid benefits or 14 days after she is determined to be eligible, but fails to apply. Requires that States submit information to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, by April 1 of each year, pertaining to the supply of and demand for obstetrical and pediatric services and proposed Medicaid payment rates for such services so that the Secretary may determine whether such rates are sufficient to ensure that obstetrical and pediatric services will be at least as available to Medicaid beneficiaries as they are to the general population. Requires States to immediately revise rates determined to be insufficient. Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Act to increase authorized appropriations for the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant Program. Sets aside such additional appropriations for the expansion of prenatal care services for pregnant women and infants in target populations which include pregnant women and infants who are economically disadvantaged and who reside within areas or among populations suffering disproportionately high levels of infant mortality and inadequate maternity and infant care. Amends the Public Health Service Act to increase and permanently extend authorized appropriations for grants to community and migrant health centers for services promoting the reduction of infant mortality and the management of health services for pregnant women and infants. Title II: Preventive Child Health - Amends the Medicaid program to phase-in mandatory coverage of children under age eight whose family income is below 200 percent of the Federal poverty level. Requires States to receive and process the Medicaid applications of such children at locations which include locations other than those used for applications under part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993 for supplemental grants to public entities for the inclusion of immunization training and outreach services within their immunization programs. Title III: Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to require the Secretary to allocate specified funds among States from FY 1990 through 1993 under the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC). Title IV: Early Childhood Education - Amends the Head Start Act to increase and extend, through FY 1993, authorized appropriations for Head Start programs. Title V: Application Process for Certain Forms of Federal Assistance with Respect to Child Health - Directs the Secretary to develop a plan, to be implemented within nine months of this Act's enactment, for the use of a single, standardized application form for simultaneously requesting assistance for children under age six under the Social Security Act, the Public Health Service Act, the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, and the Head Start Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1989
Young Americans Act of 1989 - Title I: Declaration of Objectives; Definitions - Sets forth the declaration of objectives and definitions under this Act. Title II: The Administration on Children, Youth, and Families - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services an Administration on Children, Youth, and Families which shall be headed by a Commissioner on Children, Youth, and Families. Directs the Commissioner to advise, consult, and cooperate with the head of each Federal agency or department proposing or administering programs or services substantially related to the purpose of this Act. Establishes a Federal Council on Children, Youth, and Families. Directs the Council to report annually to the President. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue regulations for the administration of this Act. Directs the Secretary to measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized under this Act. Directs the Commissioner to report annually to the President and the Congress on the activities carried out under this Act and other activities delegated by the Secretary to the Administration. Provides for advance funding. Title III: Grants for State and Community Programs for Children, Youth, and Families - Part A: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993 for grants under this title. Sets forth requirements for a State to be eligible to participate in grant programs. Requires designation of an independent State body to: (1) serve as an effective and visible advocate for children and youth by reviewing and commenting on all State plans, budgets, and priorities which affect children, youth, and their families and by providing technical assistance to those representing the needs of the young; (2) develop and administer the State plan; (3) coordinate all State activities related to the purpose of this Act; and (4) divide the State into district planning and service areas and designate area agencies for children, youth, and families. Requires State plans to be based upon needs as identified through analysis of updated "State of the Child" reports. Provides that State allotments may be used for grants to pay up to 75 percent of the cost of administration of a State plan. Part B: Supportive Services - Directs the Commissioner to make grants to States under approved State plans to demonstrate successful program approaches to service gaps identified through State and area planning and advocacy efforts. Lists eligible services. Provides that grants pay up to 85 percent of supportive services. Title IV: White House Conference on Young Americans - 1990 White House Conference on Young Americans - Directs the President to call a White House Conference on Young Americans in 1990. Provides that the Conference shall be planned and conducted under the direction of the Secretary of Health and Human Services in cooperation with the Commissioner on Children, Youth, and Families and the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies. Requires a final report of the Conference to the President within 180 days following its adjournment. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days after submission of the report, to transmit to the President and the Congress recommendations for administrative action and legislation necessary to implement the report's recommendations. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to the Conference and such other committees as may be necessary to assist in planning, conducting, and reviewing the Conference. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 and 1991 to carry out this title.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1989
Utah BLM Wilderness Act of 1989 - Title I: Designation of Wilderness - Designates the following lands in Utah as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) the Great Basin Wilderness; (2) the Zion and Mojave Desert Wilderness; (3) the Grand Staircase and Kaiparowits Plateau Wilderness; (4) the Escalante Canyons Wilderness; (5) the Henry Mountains Wilderness; (6) the Dirty Devil River Wilderness; (7) the Cedar Mesa Wilderness; (8) the Canyonlands Wilderness; (9) the San Rafael Swell Wilderness; and (10) the Book Cliffs and Uinta Basin Wilderness. Title II: Administrative Provisions - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer the wilderness areas designated under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1989
Acid Deposition Control Act of 1989 - Title I: Stationary Sources - Amends the Clean Air Act to require each Governor to submit to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for approval a two-phased plan establishing emission limitations and compliance schedules for sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen emissions from fossil fuel fired electric utility steam generating units in the State. Requires reductions in sulfur dioxide emissions by 1994 (phase I) and reductions in oxides of nitrogen and further reductions in sulfur dioxide by 1998 (phase II). Directs each Governor to submit to the Administrator for approval an emissions limitations plan for such units, other than electric utilities' units, requiring both sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen emissions reductions by 1998. Requires the Administrator to conduct and update an annual inventory of sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen emissions from stationary sources. Directs the Administrator to identify the total statewide potential reductions in such emissions and to transmit such information to the State. Requires each Governor to submit to the Administrator a plan for establishing emission limitations from stationary sources of industrial process emissions to achieve such State's potential reductions by 1998. Requires the Administrator to study and report to the Congress by June 30, 1994, on the reductions achieved during phase I, granting the Congress an opportunity to legislate by the start of 1995 against the implementation of phase II. Grants States an opportunity to modify disapproved plans. Establishes emissions standards and Administrator-promulgated plans for States without an approved plan. Requires units in such States to submit a compliance plan and schedule to the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to impose fees on the generation and importation of electric energy if a utility is eligible for Federal subsidies to cover rate increases attributable to emission reduction requirements. Limits such fee to a maximum of 1/2 mill per kilowatt hour and makes it inapplicable to the generation of electric energy within the United States by hydroelectric or nuclear power. Prohibits the application of such fees after December 31, 1997. Prescribes civil penalties for violations in connection with such fees. Establishes the Acid Deposition Control Fund to provide for subsidies to electric utilities to cover rate increases attributable to emission reduction requirements. Prohibits the payments of subsidies to any utility, unless the State's Governor has assured that such rate increases are: (1) equivalent for residential electric utility ratepayers throughout the State; and (2) made level over the period during which such requirements are in effect. Prohibits costs for any technological system of emission reduction from being attributed to such requirements, unless such system meets specified conditions. Authorizes the Administrator to provide financial assistance to the owners or operators of stationary sources to promote the use of innovative technologies to control sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other emissions from fossil fuels covered under the Clean Air Act. Sets forth eligibility and evaluation requirements. Allows State plans to provide for the use of innovative technology if contingent emission limitations are included in such plans. Authorizes the Administrator to impose fees on the generation of electric energy in such States to promote the use of innovative technologies. Prescribes civil penalties for violations in connection with such fees. Directs the Administrator to revise standards for emissions of nitrogen oxides for electric utility steam generating units burning bituminous or subbituminous coal. Requires the Administrator to promulgate standards for such emissions from nonelectric utility units which are new sources over a certain capacity. Title II: Emissions from Mobile Sources - Establishes emission standards for: (1) oxides of nitrogen from passenger cars and trucks manufactured after model year 1990; and (2) hydrocarbons from trucks manufactured after model year 1991. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations setting a maximum percentage for the sulfur content of motor vehicle diesel fuel. Prohibits any manufacturer or processor of diesel fuel from selling or introducing into commerce any fuel not in compliance with such regulations after January 1, 1991. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations to require the use of either hydrocarbon control technology by motor vehicles manufactured after model year 1991, or gasoline vapor recovery of hydrocarbon emissions emanating from the fueling of motor vehicles, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1989
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an agreement for the transfer of the Platoro Reservoir to the Conejos Water Conservancy District, Colorado, upon the early payout of the repayment obligation on a lump-sum basis. Defines the Platoro Reservoir as the Platoro Dam and Reservoir Unit of the Conejos Division of the San Luis Valley project. Transfers to the District upon such payment: (1) all lands beneath the Platoro Dam and Reservoir up to the high water line; (2) land and improvements at the operation and maintenance site in the townsite of Platoro, Colorado, including the shop and caretaker house; and (3) all associated structures and all project operating facilities and equipment. Reserves to the United States: (1) the right to make recreational use of the Platoro Reservoir, and all land underlying the high water line when such land is not inundated so long as such use does not interfere with its use for water supply, interstate compacts, and flood control; and (2) a reversionary interest in the transferred land in the event such lands are no longer used for reservoir purposes. Subjects such transfer to the following conditions: (1) the District will use its best efforts to operate the reservoir to provide that releases from the reservoir flush out the channel of the Conejos River periodically to maintain the hydrologic regime of the river subject to operation of the reservoir by the District for water supply use; and interstate compact and flood control purposes; (2) the District will maintain a permanent pool in Platoro Reservoir for fish, wildlife, and recreation purposes; (3) the District will not use or sell any of the lands conveyed to it for private, commercial, or residential development; and (4) the District shall maintain specified releases of water from Platoro Reservoir to preserve fish and wildlife habitats. Relieves the United States of responsibility and liability associated with the operation and maintenance of the project except: (1) recreation with respect to the Reservoir; and (2) flood control administration by the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers. Requires the Secretary of the Army to retain authority for the management of the Platoro Dam and Reservoir for flood control purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1989
Waste Reduction Act - Makes it the national policy to reduce or prevent pollution at its source whenever feasible. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish an office within the EPA which will be independent of the EPA's single-medium program offices and have the authority to review and advise such offices on their activities to promote a multi-media approach to source reduction. Directs the Administrator to develop and implement a strategy to promote source reduction. Identifies several review, coordination, outreach, and organizational actions that the Administrator must take as part of such strategy. Requires the Administrator to: (1) make matching grants to States for programs promoting the use of source reduction techniques by businesses; and (2) establish a Source Reduction Clearinghouse to compile information generated by States receiving grants on management, technical, and operational approaches to source reduction. Requires that such information be made available to the public. Requires filings of annual toxic chemical release forms required under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to include toxic chemical source reduction and recycling reports for toxic chemicals which are the subject of such filings. Includes in such reports information, on a facility-by-facility basis, as to: (1) the amounts and disposition of each toxic chemical; (2) the source reduction practices used with respect to such chemicals; (3) measurements of changes from past to anticipated levels of chemical reduction and recycling; and (4) the techniques used to identify source reduction opportunities. Makes such information available to the public. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress within one year of this Act's enactment and biennially thereafter on the results of actions taken to implement source reduction strategies. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1989
Medicaid Frail Elderly Community Care Amendments of 1989 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit States to provide Medicaid coverage of community care for functionally disabled elderly individuals. Defines a functional disability as Alzheimer's disease or the inability, due to physical or cognitive impairment, to perform at least two daily living activities. Defines a covered community care setting as a nonresidential setting or a residential setting in which more than two unrelated adults reside and personal services are provided. Requires that community care be provided to each client in accordance with an individual community care plan (ICCP) prepared and periodically reviewed and revised by a community care case manager on the basis of a comprehensive functional assessment of a client's needs conducted by an interdisciplinary team before his or her receipt of care and at least annually thereafter. Sets a ceiling on Medicaid payments to States for community care. Reduces Federal Medicaid payments to States that reduce their Medicaid community care expenditures below their FY 1989 expenditures for such care. Requires that such care meet minimum requirements, to be developed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, regarding client rights and the quality of such care. Makes the requirements imposed on nursing facilities regarding patient's rights and facility safety and sanitation applicable to settings in which community care is provided. Requires that community care settings: (1) disclose persons having an ownership or control interest in the setting; and (2) exclude a person from such interest if he or she has been excluded from the Medicaid program or had an interest in a community care setting repeatedly found to have provided substandard care. Makes the: (1) Secretary responsible for certifying that State community care providers and settings comply with Medicaid requirements; and (2) States responsible for certifying that other community care providers and settings comply with Medicaid requirements. Requires that providers and settings be certified annually. Bases community care setting certification on an annual, unannounced survey. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a protocol for conducting surveys; and (2) conduct sample surveys of community care settings, within two months of State surveys, to test the adequacy of State surveys. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a special survey of a setting or a review of a provider when there is reason to question its compliance with this Act. Prohibits the use of surveyors who have an interest in the provider or setting being surveyed. Requires States and the Secretary to investigate complaints against providers or settings concerning violations of this Act's requirements. Requires each State to provide, through the State agency responsible for the certification of such providers and settings, for the receipt, review, and investigation of allegations of client neglect and abuse, and of misappropriation of client property by providers. Requires that: (1) certain information regarding providers and settings and their compliance with this Act's requirements be made available to the public; and (2) State Medicaid fraud and abuse control units be given access to provider or setting survey and certification information. Authorizes the Secretary or States to terminate a community care provider's participation in the Medicaid program and to impose a civil monetary penalty for failure to meet this Act's requirements. Sets forth the Secretary's responsibilities relating to community care requirements. Requires that State Medicaid payment rates for community care be reasonable and adequate to meet the costs of providing such care efficiently, economically, and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards. Prohibits the coverage of substandard community care, penalties imposed for such care, and community care furnished by family members.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1989
Research and Experimental Credit Extension and Reform Act of 1989 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the income tax credit for qualified research expenditures by repealing the provisions that would terminate the credit for expenses incurred or paid after 1989. Revises the method for computing: (1) base period research expenses, adding a factor reflecting the gross national product growth rate; and (2) the tax credit, adding an alternative computation component. Applies the credit to in-house research expenses that the taxpayer pays or incurs for the principal purpose of using the research results in the active conduct of a future trade or business.
![Official portrait of Rep. Skaggs, David E. [D-CO-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000462_200.jpg)