United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1991
Benjamin Franklin Memorial Fire Service Bill of Rights Act - Title I: Minting of Benjamin Franklin National Memorial Commemorative Coin - Benjamin Franklin National Memorial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue: (1) five dollar gold coins emblematic of Benjamin Franklin's contributions to the advancement of science; (2) one dollar silver coins emblematic of Benjamin Franklin's contributions to the American Fire Service. Sets forth sale and issuance guidelines, including a general waiver of procurement regulations and surcharge distributions. Title II: Fire Service Bill of Rights - Fire Service Bill of Rights Act - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to set forth a fire service bill of rights, including the right of responding fire services to: (1) know the kind of danger presented by hazardous materials they face in emergency responses; and (2) be fully informed of infectious diseases their members face during the course of life safety activities. Declares that the bill of rights does not create any private right of action.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1991
Farm Animal and Research Facilities Protection Act of 1991 - Amends title XIV of the Food Security Act of 1985 to add a new subtitle prohibiting (and establishing criminal penalties for) specified acts of destruction, theft, or damage to farm animal, research, and educational facilities. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Attorney General to jointly conduct a study of the extent and effect of terrorism on animal research, production, and processing facilities. Grants jurisdiction for cases arising under these provisions to U.S. district courts. Establishes a private right of action.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1991
Reclamation Recreation Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Water Projects Recreation Act to require non-Federal public bodies to agree to bear at least half (currently, all) of the costs of operation, maintenance, replacement, and expansion (currently, excludes expansion) allocated to fish and wildlife enhancement of Bureau of Reclamation project land and water areas. Provides that, if such bodies execute an agreement after initial operation of the project (currently, within ten years after initial operation) the remainder of the costs of lands, facilities, and project modifications provided under Federal provisions shall be non-reimbursable. Authorizes recreation facilities constructed under such Act to be expanded if the facilities were designed for less use than they actually receive and an approved resource management plan recommends expansion. Limits the Federal share of expanding a facility to 50 percent of the cost of such expansion. Repeals a limitation of $100,000 for any one reservoir for project purposes. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish reasonable filing, use, recreation, and user fees, reasonable charges, and commissions with respect to applications, agreements, contracts, and other documents relating to reclamation lands and their use. Directs the Secretary to: (1) prepare and issue rules and regulations as the Secretary deems necessary to implement this Act with respect to the management, use, and protection of reclamation lands and facilities, for the protection, comfort, and well-being of the public, and to protect public safety and resource values; (2) prepare and maintain on a continuing basis an inventory of resources and uses made of Reclamation lands and resources deemed to be suitable and appropriate for public use, keep records of such inventory, and make the records available to the public; (3) ascertain the boundaries of reclamation lands and provide a means for public identification; and (4) develop, maintain, and revise resource management plans for all reclamation lands determined by the Secretary to be suitable and appropriate for resource management. Requires that resource management plans: (1) be consistent with all relevant statutes, rules, regulations, and executive orders and be developed in consultation with appropriate Federal and non-Federal agencies and appropriate public participation; (2) provide for the development, use, conservation, protection, enhancement, and management of resources on reclamation land in a manner and to the extent compatible with the original authorized purposes of the reclamation projects; and (3) be prepared within ten years. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) acquire property and dispose of interests in reclamation lands; (2) manage recreational, fish and wildlife, and other resources on reclamation lands consistent with resource management plans, applicable State law, and contractual obligations; (3) enter into agreements for appropriate land management activities; and (4) authorize the use of resources by means of easements, permits, and other forms of conveyance instruments as appropriate (and where a nonpublic entity is authorized to provide services or facilities for which a fee is charged, the Secretary is authorized and directed to seek adequate compensation for the use of reclamation resources). Specifies that: (1) nothing in this Act shall be construed to change the authorized purposes of any reclamation project, or authorize or allow any reduction in the availability of the water supply from a reclamation project to project beneficiaries; and (2) this Act shall not result in any increase in the cost of operation, maintenance, and repair of the water supply or water delivery to reclamation project beneficiaries of contracting entities without their express agreement, with exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow farmers' cooperatives to elect to treat as ordinary income or loss certain capital gains and losses from the disposition of assets used in conducting business with or for patrons.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1991
Just Compensation Act of 1991 - Requires the head of any Federal agency who takes an action under the Endangered Species Act, the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, or under specified provisions of the National Trails System Act or of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act relating to wetlands to compensate the owner of private property for any diminution in value caused by the action. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1991
Steens Mountain National Conservation Area Act - Establishes the Steens Mountain National Conservation Area, Oregon. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop a comprehensive plan for the long-range management and protection of the conservation area. Designates the following lands in the State of Oregon as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) Little Blitzen Gorge Wilderness; (2) Blitzen River Wilderness; (3) Home Creek Wilderness; and (4) High Steens Wilderness. Releases certain portions of the conservation area not designated as wilderness from further study and requires them to be managed as part of the conservation area. Declares that the Congress does not intend the designation of any wilderness areas to lead to creation of buffer zones around them. Establishes the Steens Mountain National Conservation Area Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary with respect to the preparation and implementation of the comprehensive, long-range plan. Terminates the Committee within three years after development of the management plan. Disclaims any reservation of water rights by this Act, but permits Federal acquisition of such rights. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1991
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) Japan has not fully complied with the 1986 U.S. - Japan Semiconductor Trade Agreement and that such failure has had an adverse effect on the national security and economic future of the United States; (2) the United States and Japan should enter into a new agreement that will open the Japanese semiconductor market and will address the threat of future dumping of semiconductors by Japan; and (3) the President, the United States Trade Representative, and the Secretary of Commerce should take all steps necessary to negotiate a strong, effective semiconductor trade agreement with Japan.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1991
Day Care Provider Tax Simplification Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a revised allocation formula for determining deductions allowable to home day care providers for the business use to their homes.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1991
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal provisions enacted under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 which reduced Medicare reimbursement for new physicians and other new health care practitioners.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the tax-exempt status of a cooperative telephone company to provide for the tax treatment of income received from a nonmember telephone company for services by the cooperative which are indirectly paid for by members of the cooperative. Includes billing and collection services for a nonmember telephone company under such treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code and title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) with respect to the social security exemption for election officials and election workers employed by State and local governments to increase the allowed remuneration paid to such workers.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991
Davis-Bacon Repeal Act of 1991 - Repeals the Davis-Bacon Act (an Act which requires that the locally prevailing wage rate be paid to various classes of laborers and mechanics working under federally-financed or federally-assisted contracts for construction, alteration, and repair of public buildings or public works).
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991
Operation Desert Storm Commemorative Coin Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one dollar and ten dollar coins emblematic of the United States military's participation in Operation Desert Storm. Prescribes guidelines for the sale of such coins, including the solicitation by the Secretary of the Treasury and the President of the United Service Organizations of bids for proposals from marketing organizations to implement a coin marketing agreement. Mandates that such agreement not indicate in any manner that any portion of the sales price to the public constitutes a tax deductible contribution. Sets forth a surcharge distribution scheme. Mandates that: (1) all amounts received from the sale of such coins be deposited in the coinage profit fund; and (2) the minting and issuing of such coins not result in any net cost to the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991
Agricultural Extended Retirement Credit Act of 1991 - Extends creditable service under the Civil Service Retirement System for periods of service in certain Federal-State cooperative programs which had agricultural or related purposes. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer to the Department of Agriculture's Surplus Fund the savings resulting from the expedited retirement of those employees of the Department who have been extended such credit. Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of any budget authority or outlays saved in any fiscal year by reason of implementation of this Act. Requires the surplus budget authority and outlays transferred to the fund to be: (1) deposited by the Secretary in the Treasury to the credit of the Civil Service Retirement Fund, as a Government contribution; and (2) credited against pay and other personnel costs required to be sequestered under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Requires the Comptroller General to notify the Congress of each instance of noncompliance with the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny a deduction for any tax imposed by a State on the pension income of a resident if the State imposes, assesses, or takes action to collect any tax on the pension income of a nonresident. Sets forth rules for allowable taxation of nonresident pension income.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Private Property Rights Act of 1991 - Prohibits any regulation issued by an executive agency from becoming effective until that agency is certified by the Attorney General as being in compliance with Executive Order 12630 or similar procedures to assess the potential for, and minimize, the taking of private property by regulatory activity. Limits judicial review of an action taken pursuant to this Act to the question of certification. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) study the effect this Act will have on the farm economy and agricultural production; and (2) report to specified congressional comittees on necessary actions to limit that effect and on Department of Agriculture procedures to minimize the taking of private property in regulatory procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Amends Federal law to increase the Federal payments in lieu of taxes to units of local government for entitlement land. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to adjust such payments by the rate of inflation according to the Consumer Price Index.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Increases the cap on annual funds transferrable to the Restoration Trust Fund. Obligates certain of such funds for the Secretary of the Interior (through the Bureau of Land Management) to: (1) reforest areas in western Oregon; and (2) negotiate related cooperative agreements, including conservation easements.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1991
Disclaims all Federal right, title, and interest in specified base lands over which the United States holds record title. Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture must prepare interim lists of such lands and identify those listed lands which are located wholly or partially within any conservation system unit (and all other listed lands which the Congress has designated for specific management or which the Secretary concerned finds should be retained for specific needs), which shall be excluded from the final list of disclaimed lands. Prescribes guidelines for the preparation of final land lists. Establishes a deadline by which the appropriate Secretary must issue quitclaim deeds for the disclaimed lands. Authorizes claimants to make land claims against the United States in the U.S. Claims Court. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1991
Student Counseling and Assistance Network Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to award two-year technical assistance grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to obtain specialized training for guidance counselors, teachers, and principals to counsel students about college opportunities, precollege requirements, college admissions procedures, and financial aid opportunities. Gives priority to LEAs serving school districts with significantly high proportions of students who do not continue on to higher education and who are educationally disadvantaged. Sets forth planning, evaluation, and reporting requirements. Directs the Secretary to award grants to develop model programs for: (1) counseling students about college opportunities, precollege requirements, college admissions procedures, and financial aid opportunities, in ways designed or customized for use in specific geographic, social, and cultural environments; or (2) stimulating community partnerships with schools by providing tutoring, mentoring, work experiences, and other support services to make postsecondary education a realistic goal for all students. Gives priority to model programs directed at areas with a high proportion of minority, economically disadvantaged, or at-risk students. Sets forth requirements for: (1) either tailoring to a specific environment or community partnership with local businesses, labor organizations, or community groups; and (2) measurement of goals and outcomes. Directs the Secretary to collect, and disseminate through the National Diffusion Network, information on: (1) successful programs for counseling students about college and for early intervention to help them stay in school and pursue postsecondary education; and (2) model programs for counseling students in specific environments and for community partnership support services to make postsecondary education a realistic goal. Directs the Secretary to award a contract to establish and maintain: (1) a computerized database of all public and private student financial assistance programs, accessible to schools and libraries through modems or toll-free telephone lines; and (2) a toll-free information line to provide individualized student financial assistance information. Directs the Secretary to encourage private nonprofit agencies and organizations to work with video producers to develop and deliver public service announcements and paid advertising messages encouraging economicaly disadvantaged, minority, or at-risk individuals to seek higher education and education and student aid counseling at public schools and libraries. Directs the Secretary to keep the appropriate congressional committees informed of such efforts and recommend any additional legislative authority to serve such purposes. Sets forth administrative authority under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for technical assistance grants, model program grants, dissemination activities, and the data base and information line.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1991
Authorizes the States to waive application of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 to vehicles used either for transporting farm supplies from retail dealers to or from a farm, for custom harvesting, or in commercial feed yard operations, regardless of whether or not they are controlled or operated by a farmer.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1991
Utah Public Lands Wilderness Act of 1991 - Designates specified lands in Utah as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Provides for continuation of existing grazing on such lands. Requires those areas in Utah administered by the Secretary of the Interior which are not designated as wilderness to be managed for multiple use.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore prior law for determining wages subject to employer social security taxes for certain employers whose employees receive income from tips.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Repeals a Federal provision prohibiting the payment of veterans' disability compensation to an incompetent veteran having no spouse, child, or dependent when such veteran's estate value exceeds $25,000, until such estate value is reduced to less than $10,000.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1991
Intangibles Amortization Clarification Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the amortization of customer based, market share and similar intangible items for purposes of the depreciation deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1991
Horn of Africa Recovery and Food Security Act of 1991 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide assistance for civil strife relief and rehabilitation in the Horn of Africa (Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan). Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to authorize the President to provide supplemental emergency food assistance for civilian victims of civil strife in the Horn of Africa. Permits the President to transfer funds from unobligated amounts in the economic support fund (ESF) and military assistance to carry out this Act. Makes available a percentage of assistance for management support activities of the Agency for International Development. Requires the President to consult with other nations, armed and unarmed parties in the Horn of Africa, and the United Nations Secretary General to bring about negotiated settlements of the wars in the region. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) direct the U.S. representative to the United Nations to take specified steps with respect to peace and the implementation of an arms embargo in the region; (2) play an active role in other fora in pressing for settlements to such wars; and (3) participate in regional and international peace consultations. Declares that development assistance in the Horn of Africa should be targeted to aid the poor. States that U.S. Government aid institutions should seek to: (1) build upon the capabilities and experiences of organizations active in local grassroots relief, rehabilitation, and development efforts; (2) consult with such organizations and incorporate their views into the policymaking process; and (3) support the expansion of their activities without compromising their private nature. Declares that current legislative provisions that restrict assistance to Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan should be retained until concrete steps toward peace, democracy, and human rights are achieved. States that development assistance should be: (1) targeted to the voluntary relocation and repatriation of displaced persons and refugees; and (2) carried out in coordination with strategies for debt relief of countries in the region and with efforts to establish an International Fund for Reconstruction of developing nations which settle civil wars. Prohibits assistance appropriated under this Act from being available for involuntary or forced resettlement of persons. Prohibits development assistance to Ethiopia, Somalia, or Sudan unless the President certifies that the government of the country has: (1) begun to implement peace or national reconciliation agreements; (2) demonstrated a commitment to human rights; (3) manifested a commitment to democracy and has held or scheduled free and fair elections; and (4) agreed to distribute development assistance without discrimination. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors of the multilateral development banks to oppose any loan or other funds, except to meet basic human needs, to or for Ethiopia, Somalia, or Sudan until the President makes such certification. Prohibits ESF assistance, grant military assistance, or international military education and training assistance to Ethiopia, Somalia, or Sudan unless the President certifies that the government of the country has: (1) begun to implement peace or national reconciliation agreements; (2) demonstrated a commitment to human rights; and (3) held or scheduled free and fair elections.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1991
Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to exclude from the definition of "owner or operator," for purposes of limiting liability for releases of hazardous substances, a person who, without participating in the management of a vessel or facility, holds indicia of ownership primarily to protect a security interest in such vessel or facility. Defines "indicia of ownership" as an interest in a vessel or facility acquired either for: (1) securing payment of a loan or indebtedness or the performance of an obligation; or (2) protecting a security interest. Makes liable for any release or threatened release of a hazardous substance attributable to their activities: (1) any person who causes the transfer of a vessel or facility subject to a security interest; or (2) a fiduciary or trustee who acquires ownership or control of a vessel or facility. Makes conforming amendments to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Federal Law Enforcement Officers Death Penalty Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal criminal code to subject any person who is found guilty of the first degree murder of a Federal law enforcement officer, or certain other Federal officials or employees, to the penalty of death. Establishes procedures for the imposition of the death penalty in such cases. Provides that no person who was less than 18 years of age at the time of the offense may be sentenced to death. Sets forth mitigating and aggravating factors to be considered by the jury in determining whether the death sentence will be imposed. Requires the Government to serve notice upon the defendant a reasonable time before trial or acceptance of a plea that it intends to seek the death penalty, as well as notice of the aggravating factors upon which it will rely. Provides that no presentence report shall be prepared in such cases. Requires a separate sentencing hearing before a jury or the court (upon motion by the defendant) when the defendant is convicted and the Government has filed notice that it intends to seek the death penalty. Allows the Government and the defendant to present any information relevant to a mitigating or aggravating factor without regard to the rules of evidence, but permits information to be excluded where its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of creating unfair prejudice, confusing the issues, or misleading the jury. Conditions imposition of the death penalty on a unanimous finding by the jury or, if there is no jury, the court, that: (1) the aggravating factors found to exist sufficiently outweigh any mitigating factor found to exist; or (2) in the absence of a mitigating factor, the aggravating factors alone are sufficient to justify a sentence of death. Specifies that: (1) the jury or the court, regardless of its findings with respect to aggravating and mitigating factors, is never required to impose a death sentence; and (2) the jury shall be so instructed. Requires the court to instruct the jury not to consider the race, color, national origin, creed, or sex of the defendant in its consideration of the death sentence. Directs the court to impose the death sentence upon a finding that such sentence is justified. Establishes procedures for appeal from a death sentence. Requires the court of appeals, upon consideration of the record, the information and procedures of the sentencing hearing, and any special finding, to affirm the decision if: (1) the sentence was not imposed under influence of passion, prejudice, or arbitrariness; and (2) the information supports the special finding of the existence of an aggravating factor. Requires the court to provide a written explanation of its determination. Establishes procedures for the implementation of the death sentence.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Requires the Federal Government, before acquiring 100 or more acres of land in a State in which it already owns at least 25 percent of the land, to dispose of land in that State of value equal to the land to be acquired. Exempts from the applicability of this Act certain land held in trust or held or acquired by the Government for debt collection purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Felon Handgun Purchase Prevention Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from transferring a handgun from business inventory to any other person unless: (1) before the completion of the transfer the licensee contacts the hotline established under this Act; and (2) the hotline notifies the licensee that the information available does not demonstrate that the receipt of a handgun by such other person would violate provisions of the Federal criminal code (Federal provisions), or that the hotline will not be able to respond to the licensee before the end of the next business day; or (3) at least 24 hours have elapsed since the licensee first contacted the hotline with respect to the transfer and the hotline has not notified the licensee that the information available to the hotline demonstrates that the receipt of a handgun by such other person would violate such provisions. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to a handgun transfer between a licensee and another person if: (1) such other person presents to the licensee a valid permit or license, issued by the State or political subdivision in which the transfer is to occur, that authorizes such other person to purchase, possess, or carry a firearm; (2) the Secretary has approved the transfer under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code; (3) telephone service is not provided to the premises where the licensee conducts business subject to such license and is not generally available to the public in the area in which such premises are located; (4) the ability of the licensee to exchange information with the hotline is impaired due to circumstances beyond the control of the licensee; or (5) the licensee, pursuant to State law, notifies State law enforcement authorities of the proposed transfer and such authorities approve the transfer or determine that receipt of a handgun by such other person would not violate State law. Requires the licensee to include in the record of transfer the identification number provided by the hotline with respect to the transfer where the hotline notifies the licensee that the information available to the hotline does not demonstrate that the receipt of a handgun by such other person would violate Federal provisions. Establishes penalties against the licensee for knowingly failing to comply with provisions of this Act. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish such hotline; (2) arrange for a toll-free telephone number; (3) ensure that the hotline operates continuously; (4) ensure that not more than two percent of the initial telephone responses of the hotline contain erroneous determinations; and (5) notify each licensee of the existence, purpose, and toll-free number of the hotline. Specifies that the hotline shall not provide information to any caller with respect to another person unless: (1) the hotline verifies that the caller is a licensee; and (2) the caller states that such other person seeks to obtain a handgun and the caller provides the name and social security number (or other identifying information for a person with no number) of such other person. Directs that, if such requirements are met, the hotline: (1) inform the caller whether the information available to the hotline demonstrates that the receipt of a handgun by the person would violate Federal provisions; and (2) if such receipt would not violate such provisions, assign a unique identification number to the transfer, provide the caller with the number, and destroy all records of the hotline with respect to the call (other than the identifying number and the date the call was received) and all records of the hotline relating to the person. Requires the hotline: (1) to make every effort to provide the caller with the information required immediately or by return telephone call without delay; and (2) if it is unable to comply with such requirement due to circumstances beyond the hotline's control, to advise the caller that the response of the hotline will be delayed and the reasons for, and probable length of, the delay, and make every effort to provide the information required within 24 hours of the initial call. Authorizes the Attorney General to secure directly from any U.S. department or agency such information as necessary to enable the hotline to operate in accordance with this Act. Directs the head of such department or agency, on request of the Attorney General, to furnish such information to the hotline. Requires the Attorney General to develop such computer software, design and obtain such telecommunications and computer hardware, and employ such personnel as necessary to establish and operate the hotline. Sets forth procedures for the correction of erroneous hotline information. Creates a private cause of action where a person is denied a handgun based on erroneous information provided by the hotline. Bars any U.S. department, agency, officer, or employee from: (1) requiring that any record or portion thereof maintained by the hotline be recorded at or transferred to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or political subdivision; or (2) using the hotline to establish any system for the registration of handguns, handgun owners, or handgun transactions or dispositions, except with respect to persons prohibited by Federal provisions from receiving a handgun. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to: (1) increase the percentage of funds (from five to ten percent) to be allocated by each State for the improvement of criminal justice records; and (2) include in such improvement the sharing of such records with the Attorney General for use by the hotline established under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the treatment of rental and nonrental real estate activities under the limitations on losses from passive activities.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1991
Comprehensive Wetlands Conservation and Management Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to revise provisions concerning permits for dredged or fill material. Prohibits, 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, or excavation of wetlands. Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits for such activities. Sets forth permit application procedures. Requires the Secretary, upon receiving applications, to: (1) classify as Type A wetlands wetlands that are of critical significance to the long-term conservation of the ecosystem of which they are a part and which meet specified requirements; (2) classify as Type B wetlands wetlands that provide habitat for a significant population of avian, aquatic, or wetland dependent wildlife or provide other significant wetlands functions; and (3) classify as Type C wetlands wetlands that serve marginal functions but exist in such abundance that regulation of activities is not necessary to conserve wetlands values and functions, or are prior converted cropland, fastlands, or wetlands within intensely developed areas that do not serve significant wetlands functions. Directs the Secretary to notify a permit applicant of the classification. 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. Deems such takings to be takings of surface interests in lands only or water rights allocated under State law unless the Secretary determines that the exploration for, or development of, oil and gas or mineral interests is not compatible with conservation of the surface interests in lands that have been classified as Type A wetlands. Authorizes the Secretary to classify such interests as Type A wetlands and to notify the owner that he may receive compensation. Sets forth provisions concerning court jurisdiction and remedies for taking of interests. Requires the Secretary to deny a permit authorizing activities in Type A wetlands unless: (1) such activities can be undertaken with minimal alteration or surface disturbance; (2) there are overriding 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 watershed or aquatic ecosystem of which such wetlands are a part does not suffer loss or degradation of wetlands values or functions. Imposes requirements for mitigation when such activities result in the permanent loss or degradation of Type B wetlands where such loss or degradation is not a temporary or incidental impact. 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. Sets forth requirements of such programs. Permits activities in Type C wetlands to be undertaken without specified authorization. Authorizes the Secretary to issue general permits on a State, regional, or nationwide basis for activities in wetlands if such activities are similar in nature and will not result in the significant loss of ecologically significant wetlands values and functions. Exempts specified activities from this Act's requirements. Permits States or political subdivisions to submit land management plans for identified wetlands for the Secretary's approval. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to establish standards that govern the delineation of lands as wetlands. Prohibits more than 20 percent of any county, parish, or borough from being classified as Type A wetlands. Requires the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to undertake a project to identify and classify U.S. wetlands. Provides for public participation in such project and makes information concerning identification and classification available to the public. Authorizes the Secretary to commence civil actions for permit violations. Prescribes civil penalties for such violations. Authorizes States to administer permit programs for activities covered by this Act, subject to the Secretary's approval.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1991
Community Stability Act of 1991 - Declares that it is the policy of the Congress with respect to management and use of national forests and public lands of the United States not to: (1) create instability in the resource-dependent communities associated with each particular national forest or unit of public land; (2) create access barriers to any area of the national forests or public lands for persons who are disabled or limited in personal mobility because of age; or (3) create disadvantages to minority groups through reductions of employment, housing, or career opportunities. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to include in their statutory planning for each national forest and unit of public land certain additional requirements implementing the policy of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1991
Sets forth a formula, beginning with the 1991 grazing year, for determining fees for domestic livestock grazing on public rangelands. Bases the formula on the base established by the 1966 Western Livestock Grazing Survey, the Forage Value Index, and the adjusted Beef Cattle Price Index. Prohibits annual fee adjustments greater or less than 25 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1991
Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a Federal criminal offense to leave or remain outside a State for the purpose of avoiding payment of arrearages in child support.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1991
Joint Manufacturing Opportunities Act of 1991 - Declares that the conduct of any individual in making or performing a contract to carry out a flexible manufacturing network shall not be deemed illegal per se under the antitrust laws, but rather shall be judged on its reasonableness considering all relevant factors affecting competition. Defines "flexible manufacturing network" (FMN) as any group of activities, including attempting to make, making, or performing a contract, carried out by two or more persons for the purpose of: (1) purchasing raw materials, services, or facilities to jointly manufacture and distribute a product; (2) collecting and sharing information on production costs and manufacturing capacity necessary to prepare a bid to sell a product jointly manufactured by such persons, or information applicable to the marketing of such product; or (3) sharing information on manufacturing and distribution capacity for the purpose of jointly manufacturing and distributing such product. Excludes activities not reasonably required to carry out a flexible manufacturing network. Limits recovery under the Clayton Act to actual damages (for private suits), the total damage sustained (in suits by States), interest calculated at a specified rate, and costs, including a reasonable attorney's fee, if such claim results from conduct that is within the scope of a notification that has been filed under this Act for an FMN and is filed after such notification becomes effective. Specifies that interest shall be awarded on the damages involved for the period between the date of injury and the date of judgment, unless the court finds that such award is unjust under the circumstances. Limits recovery under this Act if the challenged conduct of a person defending against a claim is not in violation of any decree or order entered or issued after the effective date of this Act. Provides for the award of costs and attorney's fees. Establishes procedures for the filing of a notice with the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission of a written agreement to carry out an FMN disclosing: (1) the identities of the parties; and (2) the nature and objectives of such FMN. Exempts specified information from disclosure. Provides for: (1) publication of such notice in the Federal Register; (2) withdrawal of notice; and (3) judicial review of any action by the Attorney General or the Commission with respect to notification filed under this Act. Restricts the admissibility of information disclosed or published under this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Smith, Robert [R-OR-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000607_200.jpg)