United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
Small Business Innovation Act of 1979 - Title I: Amendments to the Small Business Act - Amends the Small Business Act to empower the Small Business Administration to provide management assistance in addition to technical assistance to small business concerns to obtain government contracts for research and development. Directs the SBA to consult and cooperate with other Government agencies in furthering the purposes of the Small Business Act. Directs each Federal agency to target an increase of its research and development budget to be obligated for prime contract awards to small business concerns by at least two percent more than the percent of such awards made in the preceding fiscal year. Requires the increase to begin in fiscal year 1980 and continue until such concerns are receiving at least 20 percent of such awards. Directs each agency to fully utilize procurement methods authorized under this Act in order to achieve the target levels. Requires each Federal agency having a research and development budget of $100,000,000 or more to initiate and conduct a small business innovation research competitive solicitation program. Directs that funding for such program shall be made available from each agency's budget and that each agency, utilizing applicable procurement methods, award to small business concerns at least 50 percent of its annual target for prime contracts. Directs each agency to conduct its program in accordance with such rules and regulations as are established by the SBA, including: (1) identifying specific and definable categories of projects; (2) establishing a simplified, standardized acquisition process; and (3) developing solicitation release schedules for notifying small business of contract opportunities. Requires the SBA to develop and maintain a master solicitation release schedule, source file, and informational program to facilitate small business participation in federally funded research and development. Directs the National Science Foundation and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to provide advice and assistance to the SBA in the promulgation of such regulations. Requires the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in cooperation with the SBA, to insure that such regulations provide the maximum practicable opportunity for small business concerns to perform federally funded research and development contracts. Provides that such regulations shall include: (1) the elimination of cost-sharing requirements and the allowance of negotiated fees on all contracts; (2) the opportunity for fair and equitable competition for contract awards; (3) a fair and prompt review of unsolicited proposals and the opportunity to receive sole source awards; (4) the consideration of independent research and development and bid and proposal costs as expenses under the contract in the fiscal year in which they occur; (5) the requirement for the Departments of Defense and Energy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to conduct periodic breakout reviews of all proposed large-scale systems contracts; (6) the opportunity for women-owned and minority business firms to be considered for research and development contracts; (7) the evaluation of procurement personnel performance in the award of contracts to small and minority business concerns; and (8) the responsibility to identify, study, and eliminate discrimination practices in procurement systems. Requires all Federal agencies to promulgate regulations which, insofar as practicable, impose the least amount of regulatory burden on small businesses. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission to conduct an annual review of its rules and regulations which have the effect of restricting small business concerns from access to securities markets and to report to the appropriate congressional committees relative to the results of such review. Title II: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide procedures for sales and exchanges of interests in qualified small business concerns. Allows a taxpayer who sells an equity interest in any such business and purchases replacement property within 18 months, to elect that the gain from such sale be recognized to the extent that the amount realized exceeds the costs of the replacement property. Requires that such election be filed with the Secretary of the Treasury in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe. Requires, for purposes of this Act, that an exchange of equity interest shall be treated as a sale of such interest and the acquisition of replacement property on such exchange shall be treated as a purchase of such property. Requires that the determination of whether an equity interest in a small business concern be made at the time such interest is acquired by the taxpayer. Provides limitations on stock sales with respect to any equity interest in a qualified small business concern. Requires a reduction on the basis of replacement property in the case of nonrecognition of gain on the sale of equity interest in qualified small business concerns. Provides a statute of limitations for the assessment of any deficiency attributable to gain from the sale of equity interest in such business concerns. Provides technical and conforming amendments to the Internal Revenue Code applicable to provisions of this Act. Permits employees of qualified small concerns to exercise stock options within ten years after the date such option was granted. Provides for a reduction of capital gains tax for such business concerns held by a taxpayer for at least 5 years. Grants a capital loss carryover to a taxpayer to the extent such loss is attributable to an investment in such business concern for the ten succeeding years after the loss year. Allows a tax deduction for contributions to research and experimental expenditure reserves equal to the amount of such cash contribution during the taxable year, subject to specified limitations. Provides that such reserves shall be considered tax-exempt organizations under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Requires that amounts distributed to any person from such reserve shall be included in the gross income of such person, unless such amount relates to a research and experimental expenditure expense. Amends the definition of small business corporations under the Code to specify that such corporation does not have more than 100 shareholders and does not have as a shareholder a person who is not an individual or corporation. Removes limitations on amounts allowable for tax losses with respect to stock issued by qualified small business concerns. Sets forth effective dates for amendments made under this Act. Allows a qualified small business concern to treat research and experimental expenditures for the acquisition or improvement of property as expenses not chargeable to its capital account. Allows such concerns to treat such expenditures for any property subject to a depreciation or depletion allowance as deferred expenses, and in the case of a building such deferred expense shall be allowed ratably over a period of 120 months. Title III: Patents and Inventions - States that it is the objective of this Act to amend existing patent procedures in order to promote the marketing of inventions developed under federally supported research and development projects by nonprofit organizations and small business firms. Permits any such organization or firm to elect, within a reasonable amount of time, to retain title to such inventions. Permits Federal agencies which have supported such projects to retain title to inventions through their funding agreements in specified circumstances, including when necessary to conduct foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities. Requires review of agency determinations that such circumstances exist by the Comptroller General and the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the implementation of this Act by Federal agencies. Enumerates provisions which must be included in funding agreements between Federal agency and a small business firm or nonprofit organization including provisions: (1) to insure the rights of the Federal Government under this Act; (2) to provide that the agency shall have a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable and paid-up license to use the invention; (3) to prohibit a nonprofit organization from assigning rights to the invention without the approval of the Federal agency; (4) to prohibit such an organization, other than small business firms, from granting exclusive rights from the earlier of five years from the first commercial use of the invention or eight years from the date of invention; and (5) to require such organizations to use their royalties and earnings to support scientific research or education. Provides that the first commercial use with respect to a product of the invention shall not end the exclusive period to different subsequent products covered by the invention. Requires the head of a Federal agency to approve provisions of a funding agreement which require the licensing to third parties of inventions owned by the contractor. Sets forth terms and conditions under which such approval may be granted. Authorizes a Federal agency to transfer or assign its rights, acquired from an agency employee as coinventor, to an inventor electing to acquire title to an invention. Empowers any Federal agency to require inventors or their assigns to grant licenses in order to: (1) achieve practical application of the invention in its field of uses; (2) alleviate health or safety needs; (3) meet requirements for public use specified by Federal regulations; or (4) achieve participation by United States industry in the manufacturing of an invention. Entitles the government to 15 percent of all net income in excess of $70,000 gross income received by a contractor after a patent application is filed on a subject invention. Provides that if a contractor receives a gross income of $1,000,000, the government shall be entitled to a share of the excess of $1,000,000 that shall be negotiated but not to exceed five percent of such excess. Limits the government share of any such excesses to its contributions under the funding agreement. Authorizes and directs the Director of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to revise the government entitlements in light of changes to the Consumer Price Index or other indices at least every three years. Declares such government entitlements applicable to subject inventions upon which United States patents are granted and in effect. Restricts the assignment and licensing of rights by patent holders to foreign owned or controlled firms unless such persons agree that any products embodying the subject invention or produced through the use of the subject invention will be manufactured substantially in the United States where commercially feasible. Authorizes Federal agencies to withhold information on inventions from public disclosure. Specifies the authority of Federal agencies with respect to obtaining patents, granting licenses, and transferring custody of patents. Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to promulgate regulations specifying the terms upon which any federally-owned invention may be licensed. Sets forth the procedure whereby Federal agencies may grant exclusive or partially exclusive licenses in any invention covered by a federally-owned domestic patent or patent application. Prohibits licensing which lessens competition. Directs that business firms be given preference in exclusive or partially exclusive licensing. Enumerates provisions which must be contained in any grant of a license by a Federal agency. Declares that this Act shall take precedence over any other Act in the disposition of inventions. Directs the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to establish regulations governing: (1) the citation to the Patent and Trademark Office of prior art patents or publications which are pertinent to a later patent; and (2) the reexamination of a patent to determine whether such a prior patent or publication has any bearing on the patentability of any claim of such patent. Authorizes any individual to: (1) cite to the Office any such prior patent; and (2) request such a reexamination. Requires the Commissioner within 90 days of such a request to make a determination as to whether the cited prior patent raises a new question of the patentability of any claim of the later patent. Authorizes the Commissioner on his or her own initiative to make such a determination at any time. States that a determination that no new question is raised shall be final. Directs the Commissioner, upon determining that there is a new question of patentability, to order and conduct a reexamination. Requires that the patent owner be provided at least two months to file a statement on such question and that the person making the reexamination request be provided two months to respond to such statement. Declares that the patent owner shall be provided an opportunity in any reexamination to amend any claim of the patent in order to distinguish the claim from the prior patent cited, or in response to a decision adverse to the patentability of the claim. Authorizes the owner to appeal any adverse decision. Directs the Commissioner, upon the conclusion of any reexamination or appeal proceeding, to issue and publish a certificate cancelling any unpatentable claim, confirming any valid claim, and incorporating any amended claim in the patent. Declares that no prior patent or publication may be relied upon as evidence of nonpatentability in a civil action involving the validity or infringement of a patent unless: (1) the prior patent or publication was cited by or to the Office regarding application or reexamination proceedings for the patent; or (2) the court concludes that consideration of the prior patent or publication in such proceedings is unnecessary for adjudication. Sets forth circumstances under which a court may stay the proceedings of a civil action involving the infringement or validity of a patent to enable either party to such action to secure a determination on a request for reexamination of the patent by the Patent and Trademark Office. Provides the moving party in such action the right to dismiss the complaint commencing such action.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of benefits to any individual for any month in which such individual is confined in a penal institution. Stipulates that benefits withheld from such individuals shall be treated as having been paid to such individuals for purposes of determining the benefits to which other persons are entitled on the basis of the same wages and self-employment income.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1979
Establishes an Ad Hoc Committee on water resources to consider and report to the House of Representatives on any bill, resolution, or message or communication from the executive branch, relating to any matter affecting water resources, water conservation, water quality, long-range water supply programs or plans to insure an adequate water supply for the United States, and long-range water policy or planning administered or funded, wholly or partially, by the Federal Government. Authorizes the ad hoc committee to utilize the services of the staffs of those committees from which the Members of the ad hoc committee have been selected.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1979
Federal Property and Administrative Services Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require each Federal agency, in acquiring personal property or nonpersonal services, to: (1) request a statement of the price of such property or services from each supplier submitting a proposal; and (2) select the lowest price offered. Extends specified provisions of such Act governing the management of property of executive agencies to govern property management for all Federal agencies. Requires the Secretary of Defense to obtain the consent of the Administrator of General Services (Administrator) in order to exempt the Department of Defense from specified provisions of such Act. Declares that procurement policies and methods prescribed by the Administrator pursuant to such Act are binding on all Federal agencies. Requires Federal agencies to acquire all personal property and nonpersonal services through the Administrator. Directs any agency currently exempted from such Act to seek an exemption from amendments made by this Act from the Administrator if the head of such an agency believes such amendments adversely affect the agency's authority. Authorizes the Administrator to review the procurement policies of Federal agencies. Authorizes the Administrator to utilize multiple award schedules in the procurement of personal property and nonpersonal services under certain conditions. Directs contractors seeking awards under such a schedule to certify the accuracy of all price and cost data required to be submitted. Requires any contract awarded under a multiple schedule program to provide that: (1) the price to the Government shall be adjusted to exclude any cost increased because of inaccurate data; and (2) the Government may elect to cancel, without liability, any uncompleted portion of the contract. Authorizes the Administrator, upon determining that a contractor knew or should have known that any submitted data was inaccurate, to debar such contractor from participating in Government contracts for three years. Requires the Administrator to establish procedures affording contractors adequate notice and an opportunity for a hearing with respect to any proposed debarment. Permits the Administrator to order a temporary debarment pending such a hearing if such action is necessary to protect public interests.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1979
Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to establish an Office of Private Education to be administered by the Assistant Secretary for Private Education. Terminates the Office of Non-Public Education.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1979
Dollar Bill Preservation Act - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to prohibit the cancellation, retirement, destruction, or removal from circulation of any dollar bill note, except where necessary to replace mutilated bills. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to maintain the amount of dollar bills issued at the level outstanding on September 26, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1979
Prohibits any Federal court (excluding the Supreme Court) from issuing injunctive relief in any case arising out of Federal, State, or local law that prohibits, limits, or regulates abortion or the provision of public assistance for the performance of abortions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the standard mileage rate used in computing the charitable deduction for expenses incurred in the operation of a motor vehicle shall be the same as the standard mileage rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury for the business related deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the method of valuing farms for estate tax purposes to provide that if there is no comparable land from which the average annual gross rental may be determined but there is comparable land from which the average net share rental may be determined, then the existing valuation formula shall be applied by substituting "average net share rental" for "average gross cash rental. Defines net share rental as the excess of: (1) the value of the produce received by the lessor under a lease of the land on which such produce is grown, over (2) the cash operating expenses of growing such produce which, under the lease, are paid by the lessor.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1979
Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to direct the President to promulgate a regulation to hold down the price of diesel fuel and Number 2 fuel oil at their respective levels in effect on January 1, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the unified tax credit for both estate and gift taxes from $47,000 to $155,800 over a five-year phase-in period from 1980 through 1984, with annual inflation adjustments.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a separate income tax on the severance pay of unmarried individuals whose employment is terminated by a closing of their place of employment which appears reasonably likely to be permanent and which involves the discharge within a 12 month period of at least 75 percent of the employees. Allows an income tax deduction for severance pay received in a taxable year to the extent that such pay is included in the gross income of the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1979
Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to prohibit the adoption of any concurrent resolution on the budget which sets forth a level of total budget outlays in excess of 21 percent of the gross national product in fiscal year 1981, or 20 percent of the gross national product for each fiscal year thereafter. Establishes procedures to enable the President and the Congress to suspend such limitations on the level of budget outlays.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1979
Small Business Innovation Research Act of 1979 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to develop an information program to assure that each qualified small business concern has the opportunity to participate in the Federal agency Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs. Requires the SBA to report annually to the appropriate committees of Congress on the SBIR programs. Requires each Federal agency having an annual research and development budget of more than $100,000,000 to establish an SBIR program where one-half of one percent of its 1980 research and development budget and one percent of its subsequent budgets would be reserved for contract awards to small business firms specifically in connection with the SBIR program. Sets forth responsibilities of each such Federal agency with respect to the administration of an SBIR program as follows: (1) determine categories of projects; (2) issue SBIR solicitations; (3) receive and evaluate proposals; (4) select awardees for SBIR contracts; (5) administer such contracts; (6) make payments to SBIR contractors; and (7) make quarterly reports on the SBIR program to the SBA. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget in excess of $20,000,000 to establish goals specifically for awards of contracts for research and development to small business concerns. Allows such agencies to include the value of SBIR contracts in determining whether such goals are met. Prohibits contract awards to small business concerns for research and development which result from competitive or single source selections other than under an SBIR program to be counted as meeting any portion of the percentage requirements established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in conjunction with the SBA and the National Science Foundation, to issue regulations which shall: (1) provide a simplified acquisition process for the program with SBIR requests for proposals being standardized throughout the Federal Government; and (2) include uniform requirements for patent rights and rights in data.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that interest earned on a nonnegotiable time deposit certificate which has a maturity of one year or less will not be treated as received or accrued until the earlier of its maturity date or the date on which it is redeemed. Excludes such certificates from classification as a discount instrument of indebtedness.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1979
Domestic Energy Policy Act of 1979 - Establishes energy supply and demand targets in quadrillion Btu's per year for the United States for the years 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, and 2000, for specific forms of domestic energy production, including crude oil and other liquefied fuels, natural gas, coal, nuclear, and renewable energy sources. Directs the President to submit an annual energy report to the Congress reviewing energy targets approved or revised by Congress in the previous year and proposing recommendations to the Congress for further revision of such targets. Specifies other components of such energy report. Requires the Congress to consider such targets in detail to arrive at a consensus set of figures representing the Nation's energy future, and to formalize such consensus by joint resolution. States that no legislative action authorizing new budget authority in any year for energy programs would be in order in any House until such joint resolution has been agreed to by such House. Requires the President to prepare an energy impact report on any public bill or resolution reported out of any committee of the House or Senate. Stipulates that the preparation of energy targets shall not be construed to comprise a "major Federal action significantly affecting the environment" for the purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1979
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit specified House committees and subcommittees from holding regular or additional meetings on days when the House is in session, other than for the purpose of taking testimony or receiving evidence, on Thursdays or on Wednesday afternoons, and other specified committees on Tuesdays or Wednesday mornings. Prohibits any subcommittee from meeting in the District of Columbia, except for the purpose of taking testimony or receiving evidence, unless the chairman of the committee has specifically authorized in writing the subcommittee meeting. Requires the Committee on House Administration, through the House Information Systems, to provide a scheduling service which shall be used by all the committees and subcommittees of the House to eliminate any meeting and scheduling conflicts. Requires any announcement made by a House committee concerning the date, place, and subject of any committee hearing to be promptly entered into the committee scheduling service of the House Information Systems.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Limits the increase of total budget outlays of the United States Government during any fiscal year to a percentage equal to the percentage increase in the gross national product during the previous calendar year. Stipulates that if the inflation rate exceeds three percent annually the increase in total outlays shall be reduced by one-fourth the difference between the inflation rate and three percent. Requires any surplus in total revenues received by the Government to be used to reduce the public debt. Allows the limit on total outlays to be changed by a three-quarters vote of both Houses of Congress, or to meet an emergency declared by the President. Continues Federal aid programs to States and local governments for a period of six years. Prohibits Congress authorizing any United States agency from requiring that a State or local government engage in additional or expanded activities without compensation equal to the additional costs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1979
Federal Firearms Law Reform Act of 1979 - Title I: Amendments to Gun Control Act - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition and persons engaged in the business of repairing firearms. Adds a new definition, "engaged in the business", with respect to manufacturers, dealers, and importers. Includes as a manufacturer of ammunition a person whose gross sales of his own ammunition exceed $1,000 in any calendar year. Includes as a dealer in firearms a person who deals in firearms as a regular course of business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit through the repetitive purchase and resale of firearms. Replaces the current term "crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" with a new definition of "disabling crime." Eliminates certain activities regarding ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Revises current provisions respecting the interstate sale or transfer of firearms. Revises the current prohibition against selling a firearm or ammunition to certain persons (such as persons under indictment for a felony or addicted to drugs) to apply such prohibition only to persons convicted of a disabling crime. Revises the current prohibition against certain persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to: (1) extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition; (2) conform such prohibition to the new "disabling crime" provision; and (3) include as additional categories illegal aliens, persons dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces, and persons who have renounced their United States citizenship. Makes the same changes to the current prohibition against certain persons who receive a firearm or ammunition which has been transported in interstate commerce, but applies such prohibition to persons who are employed by specified individuals. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Stipulates that the Secretary of the Treasury may revoke a license only where the holder of such license has "knowingly" violated a provision of the Act or regulation. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations under this Act which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, but for which such individual has not been convicted. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, and any firearm or ammunition kept by an importer, manufacturer, or dealer pursuant to this Act that the Secretary has reasonable grounds to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises of such persons. Restricts the firearm information obtained from licensees which the Secretary may make available to State or local governments. Establishes a limited recordkeeping requirement for firearms collectors. Stipulates that the general penalty under this Act shall apply to whoever "willfully" violates any provision. Prohibits, with respect to a person's second or subsequent conviction for illegally using or carrying a firearm during the commission of a felony, the granting of parole before completion of the minimum sentence. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Requires a court to award attorney's fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in an action or proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Allows the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was initiated in bad faith. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require (1) the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or (2) the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Allows one House of Congress to disapprove by resolution any firearms regulation within 90 days of continuous session of the promulgation of such rule. Set forth procedures for such resolutions. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing any rules identical to regulations disapproved by Congress without the enactment of additional legislation respecting his authority. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Makes any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the unified tax credit for both estate and gift taxes from $47,000 to $70,800 over a five-year phase-in period, with annual adjustments for each succeeding year after such period.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1979
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1979 - Entitles title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (as entitled by this Act) the Fair Housing Act. Amends such Act to define "handicap" as: (1) a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of a person's major life activities; (2) a record of having such an impairment; or (3) being regarded as having such an impairment. Defines "aggrieved person" as any person who claims to have been injured by a discriminatory housing practice or who believes that such person will be irrevocably injured by a discriminatory housing practice that is about to occur. Exempts from coverage under such Act a room or unit in an owner-occupied dwelling intended to be occupied by no more than four families living independently if such room or unit is sold or rented: (1) without the assistance of any real estate broker, agent, or salesman; and (2) without the publication or mailing of any advertisement or written notice indicating any preference or discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin. Stipulates that such prohibition shall not preclude the use of attorneys, title companies, or other professional assistance to perfect or transfer title. Includes the handicapped within the groups that may not be discriminated against in housing. Makes it unlawful: (1) for an insurer against hazards to discriminate with regard to such insurance contracts; (2) to refuse to sell or rent (after the making of a bona fide offer) to a handicapped person unless such handicap would present a prospect occupant from conforming to specified non-discriminatory rules and practices; and (3) to discriminate against a handicapped person in the conditions of sale or rental, or in the provision of related services or facilities. Stipulates, with regard to such sales, rental, or related services, that discrimination shall include a refusal to: (1) permit reasonable modification to permit access to the premises; and (2) make reasonable accommodations in policies, services, or facilities to afford handicapped persons equal enjoyment of the premises. Stipulates, with regard to such sales and related services, that discrimination shall not include a refusal to: (1) make alterations at the expense of sellers, landlords, owners, or persons acting on their behalf; (2) modify generally applicable policies, services, or facilities where such modification would unreasonably inconvenience others; or (3) allow architectural modifications which materially alter the intended use of a building or its environs. Makes it unlawful for a State or local government employee or agency to impede the establishment of a dwelling specifically intended for handicapped persons, unless such dwelling: (1) would not comply with Federal, State, or local health or safety regulations; (2) would not comply with Federal or State program standards for services to the handicapped; or (3) would violate a land use plan or zoning ordinance. Makes it unlawful for any person whose business includes the making, buying, or insuring of loans, or selling, brokering, or appraising of real property, to discriminate in the availability or the conditions (amount, interest rate, duration) of such housing-related loans. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to enforce the provisions of such Act upon receiving a written charge filed by an aggrieved party within one year after the alleged discrimination occurred, or upon the Secretary's initiative. Requires the Secretary to notify the party charged with a discriminatory practice within ten days of the filing of such charge. Grants the Secretary authority to subpena necessary information and witnesses, and to issue interrogatories. Establishes penalties of up to $1,000 or one year in prison for willfully failing to testify or produce records, intentionally giving misleading information, or willfully altering any documentary evidence. Directs the Secretary to refer a discriminatory housing charge made within the jurisdiction of a State or local agency to such agency if the agency is certified by the Secretary. Prohibits the certification of such agency unless the Secretary determines that the protections of substantive rights, procedures, remedies, and judicial review are equivalent to those under Federal law. Directs the Secretary and other Federal agencies to cooperate and avoid duplication of efforts. Authorizes the Secretary, on the basis of a preliminary investigation, to refer a charge to the Attorney General in order to get appropriate preliminary relief pending final disposition of such charge. Directs the Secretary, upon a determination that reasonable cause exists to believe a housing discrimination charge is true, to refer the matter to the Attorney General or to file an administrative complaint. Directs the Secretary to provide a copy of such investigation's findings to the parties involved. Sets forth hearing provisions, including: (1) notice of the complaint and opportunity for a hearing not less than 30 days after service of such complaint; (2) rescheduling of such hearing; (3) resolution of a complaint by conciliation; (4) respondent's right to file an answer and testify at such hearing; (5) an aggrieved party's right to intervene; (6) the authority of the person conducting such hearing to make findings of fact and conclusions of law, to issue a final order of relief, and to impose a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 (provides that no such final order shall affect a bona fide sale, rental, or encumbrance consummated before the issuance of such order); (7) the Secretary's authority to modify any such final order; (8) court of appeals judicial review within 60 days of entry of such order; and (9) a civil penalty of up to $1,000 a day for violation of an unreviewable (as set forth by this Act) final order of the Secretary. Permits aggrieved individuals to commence civil actions within three years of the alleged discriminatory practice. Prohibits proceedings by both the Secretary and the aggrieved individual. Authorizes the Attorney General: (1) to intervene in an aggrieved individual's civil action; and (2) to commence a civil action (a) against a person engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to these provisions or (b) to enforce the Secretary's findings or orders. Permits the aggrieved individual to intervene in an action commenced by the Attorney General. Allows prevailing parties reasonable attorney and expert witness fees as part of a judicial or administrative award under this Act. Directs the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to report to the Congress not later than October 1, 1981, concerning: (1) the extent to which architectural barriers and other obstacles to accessibility of housing are operating to deny handicapped persons access to a reasonable housing choice in the private market; (2) the extent to which public, private, or cooperative public and private efforts have been undertaken to increase housing choice for the handicapped in the private market; and (3) the projected cost of retrofitting an adequate supply of existing housing units to make such units suitable for occupancy by handicapped persons. Authorizes appropriations for this Act, effective as of October 1, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1979
Education Amendments of 1980 Title I: Establishment of a New Title I of the Higher Education Act of 1965 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a new title I: "Education Outreach Programs". Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1985, with 85 percent of such sums designated for State programs and 15 percent for Federal discretionary grants. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States to conduct comprehensive statewide planning for improving access to postsecondary education for traditional and nontraditional learners, coordinating educational and occupational information services for youth and adults, and coordinating all continuing education programs. Sets forth formulas to determine the percentage of grant funds which may be spent on statewide studies, information services, and continuing education. Authorizes the States to make grants to public and private institutions and organizations for such purposes. Sets forth formulas and procedures for determining the allotment of such funds to each State. Authorizes the Secretary to make Federal discretionary grants to promote and develop postsecondary and continuing education. Title II: Amendment and Extension of the Higher Education Act of 1965 - Changes the title II heading to: College and Research Library Assistance and Library Training and Research. Directs the Secretary (formerly directed the Commissioner of Education) to make resource development grants to institutions of higher learning and to other public and private nonprofit library institutions whose primary function is to provide library and information services to institutions of higher education on a formal cooperative basis. Limits the amount of such grants to $10,000 each. Directs the Secretary to make grants to, and contracts with, institutions of higher education and library organizations or agencies to assist them in training persons in librarianship. Requires that at least 50 percent of such grants be for establishing and maintaining fellowships and traineeships. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and contracts with, institutions of higher education and other public or private agencies, institutions, and organizations for research and demonstration projects related to library improvement, librarianship training, information technology, and dissemination of project information. Authorizes the Secretary to make special purpose grants to: (1) institutions of higher education to meet special national or regional needs in library or information sciences; (2) combinations of such institutions for joint-use library facilities, resources, and equipment; and (3) other public and private nonprofit library institutions providing formal, cooperative library and information services to higher education institutions to improve such services. Requires recipients of such grants to expend specified matching sums. Directs the Secretary to make grants to institutions with major resource libraries. Bars recipients of such grants from receiving other specified grants in the same fiscal year. Establishes a National Periodical Center and a National Periodical Center Corporation. Directs the Corporation to establish a national system to provide reliable and timely document delivery from a comprehensive collection of periodical literature. Provides for the authority to carry out Corporation functions, a Board of Directors, a Director and Staff, nonprofit status, and corporate powers. Directs the Corporation to report to the President and Congress each year. Title III: Amendment to Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965 - Directs the Secretary to carry out a program to improve the academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability of developing institutions. Redefines "developing institution" as "an institution of higher education: (1) the enrollment of which includes a substantial percentage of students from low-income families; and (2) the average expenditures of which are low, per full-time equivalent student, in comparison with the average expenditures of institutions that offer similar instruction." Authorizes appropriations for such program for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. Sets forth formulas for allocating such appropriations to junior or community colleges, institutions awarding bachelor degrees, and for specified grants. Authorizes the Secretary to waive specified requirements for eligibility for such assistance in order to increase higher education opportunities for American Indians or Spanish-speaking people. Sets forth purposes and durations of grants, requirements for applications for assistance, and limitations on the use of funds granted to this title. Title IV: Student Assistance - Extends through the end of fiscal year 1986 the period during which the Commissioner of Education is directed to pay basic educational opportunity grants to eligible undergraduate students. Redefines student eligibility requirements for such basic grants to include attendance at an eligible institution, carrying at least one-half the normal full-time workload, maintaining satisfactory progress in the course of study, not owing a refund on previous grants or being in default on a student loan, and filing a statement that such funds will be used solely for educational purposes. Sets the maximum amount of each such grant for academic years 1981-1982 through 1985-1986. Requires that such grant payments be made in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary (formerly by the Commissioner). Requires that a schedule of reductions, in case of insufficient funds, be established by the Secretary and that such schedule provide for a uniformly increasing reduction as the entitlement decreases and that no payment less than $50 shall be made. Extends through fiscal year 1985 the requirement that entitlements be paid only if certain minimum amounts for specified programs are appropriated. Eliminates provisions for payments to institutions of higher education to cover information and administrative costs of the basic grant program and for multiple State processing of student aid. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1985 to enable the Secretary (formerly the Commissioner) to make payments to eligible institutions of higher education for supplemental grants to undergraduate students. Raises the limit on the amount of each such grant to $2,000 per academic year. Allows the $200 minimum payment requirement to be reduced proportionately for students enrolled for less than a full academic year. Eliminates the requirement that the Commissioner prescribe criteria and schedules for the guidance of institutions in determining student need. (Prescribes such criteria and directs the Secretary to publish such schedules, later in this Act). Redefines institutional eligibility criteria for such programs to include a program participation agreement with the Secretary (formerly with the Commissioner), continued spending of funds from other sources in its scholarship and student aid program, proper and efficient administration of funds, reporting to the Secretary, and providing financial aid information to students. Redefines student eligibility requirements for such supplemental grants to include attendance at an eligible institution, settlement of previous grants or student loans, the filing of a statement that such funds will be used for educational purposes, and demonstration of financial need in accordance with specified criteria which include expected family contribution as prescribed by the Secretary. Transfers to the Secretary specified duties of the Commissioner relating to the apportionment and allocation of funds to States for undergraduate student assistance. Extends through fiscal year 1985 the authorization of appropriations for payments to States for student incentive grants. Directs the Commissioner to allot, from 60 percent of appropriations in excess of $77,000,000 in any fiscal year, for such incentive grants, a specified proportion to States which have met specified spending requirements, with the remainder to all other States. Raises the limit on the amount of such incentive grants to $2,000 per individual per academic year. Requires that State programs receiving such funds maintain specified levels of State expenditures under such programs. Adds the training of persons serving or preparing for service in a special program for disadvantaged students as an element to be funded under such special program. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants and contracts for such a program without regard to specified advertising requirements for Federal contracts. Removes public agencies and organizations from among the entities which may receive such grants and contracts. Authorizes appropriations for such program through fiscal year 1985. Sets forth requirements for eligibility in the Talent Search, Upward Bound, Special Services for Disadvantaged Students, and Educational Opportunity Centers programs. Requires that specified percentages of those participating in such programs be low-income individuals and/or first-generation college students. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to provide training for staff and leadership personnel in such programs. Extends the program for veterans cost-of-instruction payments to institutions of higher education through fiscal year 1985 for specified institutions and through any academic year ending before the end of fiscal year 1986 for specified institutions. Directs the Secretary (formerly the Commissioner) to administer such program. Eliminates the requirement that only an institution with fewer than 2,500 students in attendance may carry out such program through a consortium agreement with other institutions. Lowers to $100,000 (formerly $135,000) the maximum amount of such program payments in any fiscal year to any one institution and its branches. Raises the percentage (from 75 to 90) of such amount which must be spent to maintain a full-time office of veterans' affairs. Extends the Federal student loan insurance program through fiscal year 1986 for new student loans and through fiscal year 1990 for loans to enable students with prior insured loans to continue or complete their education. Sets a $3,000 limit on the total of loans made to an independent undergraduate student in any academic year which may be covered by Federal loan insurance. Raises the limitations on aggregate unpaid principal amounts for all such insured loans to $12,500 (from $7,500) for non-independent undergraduate students, to $15,000 for independent undergraduate students, and to $25,000 (from $15,000) for graduate or professional students. Makes similar changes in limitations on State and non-profit institution loan insurance programs which receive Federal payments to reduce student interest costs or which are reimbursed under Federal loan insurance supplemental guaranty agreements. Authorizes the Commissioner to increase the limits applicable to graduate and professional students pursuing exceptionally expensive programs. Includes among those permitted to defer repayment of principal on federally-insured student loans: officers in the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service, full-time volunteers with specified tax- exempt organizations, interns, and those temporarily totally disabled or unable to secure employment because of the care required by a temporarily disabled spouse. Permits similar deferments under specified student loan programs insured by States or nonprofit institutions. Directs the Commissioner to enter into cooperative agreements with credit bureau organizations providing for the exchange of information concerning student borrowers. Requires that such agreements provide that: (1) the Commissioner disclose only accurate and complete information and not disclose that a loan is in default until a reasonable effort has been made to collect the debt; (2) such organization will be promptly notified of, and will promptly record, changes submitted by the Commissioner or objections by the borrower with respect to such information; and (3) no unfair, unreasonable, harassing, or misleading collection practices will result. Directs the Commissioner to notify promptly any borrower of any such disclosure. Requires that written agreements evidencing federally-insured student loans (or loans insured by specified State or non-profit institutional programs) contain notice of such system of disclosure and provide that the lender on request of the borrower will inform such credit bureaus of the repayment status of the note. Authorizes the Commissioner to provide eligible lenders, and State or nonprofit organizations having specified guaranty agreements, any relevant information from whatever source with respect to borrowers. Permits parents of a dependent undergraduate student to borrow, under the same terms as other guaranteed student loans, up to $3,000 per student per academic year and up to $15,000 as an aggregate insured principal for loans on account of any one student. Prohibits such borrowing to pay for the expenses of more than three students in any academic year. Provides for annual insurable limits, deferments of repayment of principal, and interest rates for such loans. Directs the Secretary to insure such loans in a State only if the State does not do so within a specified period. Prohibits the payment of special allowances on loans made or purchased with funds obtained from specified tax-exempt securities or on loans pledged as security to obtain specified funds. Sets forth the conditions under which special allowances must be paid to specified agencies. Deletes provisions for a Committee on the Process of Determining Student Loan Special Allowances. Redefines student eligibility requirements for federally insured student loans to include: (1) maintaining satisfactory progress in the course of study; (2) not owing a refund on previous grants and not being in default on specified student loans; and (3) filing a statement that such funds will be used solely for educational purposes. Sets forth requirement for the types of security which must be made on warehousing advances made by the Student Loan Marketing Association and for the use of proceeds from such advances. Requires that student loans set aside pursuant to the offering of participations or pooled interests be adequate at all times to ensure timely principal and interest payments on such securities. Includes lenders with less than $100,000,000 (formerly $50,000,000) in deposits among those permitted to condition student loans upon the student or the student's family maintaining a business relationship with the lender. Permits the Board of Directors of the Student Loan Marketing Association to fix from time to time the par value of its shares of common stock. Terminates the requirements that the Secretary prescribe regulations for the maximum number of shares of such stock which may be issued or be outstanding at any one time. Includes nonvoting common stock among such stock for which dividends may be declared. Authorizes the Association to issue nonvoting stock, which shall be freely transferable. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from conditioning approval of issuance of obligations by the Association on such obligations being made or sold to the Federal Financing Bank. Extends through fiscal year 1984 the authority of the Secretary (of Health, Education, and Welfare) to guarantee payment on such obligations. Requires prompt Government action on Association requests for approval to issue such obligations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase such obligations, within specified limits. Authorizes the Association to sell or issue obligations on the security of guaranteed student loans to the Federal Financing Bank. Authorizes the Association to make new insurable loans to specified borrowers to discharge the liability on old student loans. Authorizes the Association to make insurable student loans whenever the Secretary, after consulting with representatives of a State, determines that a substantial portion of all eligible borrowers in a State or within an area of substantial population within a State are unable to obtain student loans. Stipulates that the Association in making such loans shall not be deemed a creditor for any purposes of the Consumer Credit Protection Act. Declares that the Truth in Lending Act shall not apply to any guaranteed student loans. Establishes, as an independent agency within the executive branch, a National Commission on Student Loans. Directs the Commission to make a report and recommendations to the President and the Congress on specified issues relating to the financing of student loans. Authorizes the Commission to accept grants, gifts, or bequests. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the work of the Commission. Extends the authorization of appropriations for work-study programs through fiscal year 1985. Directs the Commissioner to allot not to exceed one percent of such appropriations among Guam, American Samoa, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and the Virgin Islands according to their respective needs for work-study programs. Includes Puerto Rico among "States" for purposes of allotments of work-study funds. Requires that specified reallotments of funds be available for grants for work-study programs until the close of the second fiscal year next succeeding the fiscal year for which appropriated. Authorizes the Secretary (formerly authorized the Commissioner) to enter into agreements under which the Secretary will make grants to eligible institutions to assist in the operation of work-study programs. Revises conditions for such agreements to require: (1) that the work involved will not pay less than the current Federal minimum wage; and (2) that only students who demonstrate financial need and who meet specified eligibility requirements will be assisted. Repeals additional requirements for such agreements with area vocational schools. Requires that ten percent of work-study sums granted to an eligible institution remain available for expenditure during the succeeding fiscal year. Authorizes the Commissioner to use up to ten percent of the sums which an eligible institution may receive from appropriations for a fiscal year to make grants to such institution during the preceding fiscal year. Raises from $15,000 to $25,000 the limitation on the amount of work-study funds which eligible institutions may use to establish or expand job location and development programs, if such amount is less than ten percent of the allotment. Extends the authorization for appropriations for the National Direct Student Loans program through Fiscal year 1985. Changes the dates during which there shall be a capital distribution of the assets from student loan funds to after fiscal year 1984 and not later than March 31, 1985, with provision for distribution of specified excess assets prior to fiscal year 1985. Raises the limit on the aggregate of loans for all years made by an institution of higher education from National Direct Student Loan funds from $10,000 to $12,000 for graduate or professional students, from $5,000 to $6,000 for undergraduates who have completed two years towards the bachelor's degree, and from $2,500 to $3,000 for any other students. Includes among those permitted to defer, for specified periods, repayment of principal of, or interest on, National Direct Student Loans: (1) officers in the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service; (2) full-time volunteers with specified tax-exempt organizations; (3) interns; and (4) those temporarily totally disabled or unable to secure employment because of the care required by a temporarily disabled spouse. Requires that agreements with institutions for Federal contributions to National Direct Student Loan funds provide that the Commissioner will provide to such institutions any relevant information, from whatever source, on borrowers. Directs the Commissioner to enter into cooperative agreements with credit bureau organizations to exchange information concerning student borrowers in default for specified periods. Requires that student loan agreements contain notice of such system of information disclosure. Removes the limitation on the aggregate of the amount of specified Federal capital contributions paid for any fiscal year to proprietary institutions of higher education. Stipulates that the amount of a national direct student loan, and interest on such loan, which has been cancelled for certain public service shall not be considered taxable income. Revises the formulas and procedures by which the administrative expenses of student assistance programs are compensated by the Federal government. Directs the Secretary (formerly the Commissioner) to administer such compensation. Includes among required information which participating institutions must give to all students: (1) special facilities and services available to handicapped students; and (2) names of entities which accredit, approve, or license the institution and its programs. Directs the Secretary (formerly the Commissioner) to make available to eligible institutions descriptions of Federal student assistance programs. Extends the annual authorization of appropriations, for the Student Financial Assistance Training Program through fiscal year 1986. Terminates all authority for such program at the end of fiscal year 1986. Directs the Secretary to publish annually in the Federal Register a proposed schedule of expected family contributions for an academic year for various levels of family income for the purpose of determining a student's need for financial assistance. Directs the Commissioner to provide interested parties an opportunity for comments and recommendations during a 30-day period following such publication. Requires such schedule to be submitted to Congress and, if either house of Congress adopts a resolution of disapproval, directs the Commissioner to publish a new schedule. Directs the Commissioner to promulgate regulations concerning the determination of such expected family contributions, as well as special regulations for determining the expected family contribution and effective family income of an independent student, in accordance with specified basic criteria. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations necessary to carry out this title, including regulations for the limitation, suspension, or termination of the eligibility for any student assistance program of any otherwise eligibility institution upon determination, after reasonable notice and opportunity for hearing on the record, that such institution has violated or failed to carry out specified provisions, agreements, or regulations. Limits such periods of suspension to sixty days, with specified exceptions. Directs the Secretary to prescribe a single application form for determining a student's need and eligibility for financial assistance under this title. Title V: Amendment and Extension of Title V of the Higher Education Act of 1965 - Extends authorizations of appropriations for the Teacher Corps Program and for Teacher Training Programs through fiscal year 1985. Removes the limit on the rate of compensation for teacher interns in the Teacher Corps program. Directs the Commissioner to allocate teacher training program grants so as to most nearly provide an equitable geographical distribution of grants throughout the States when appropriations in any fiscal year are less than the $50,000,000 level requirement for one teacher center per State. Includes "educational service agencies" among those entities which may operate teacher centers. Includes "collaboration with one or more institutions of higher education which serve teachers" in the definition of teacher centers. Permits institutions of higher learning to apply for grants to plan, establish, and operate teachers' centers either separately or together with other such institutions or with local educational agencies. Ends the authorization of local educational agencies with approved applications to contract with institutions of higher education. Authorizes the Commissioner to use not less than ten percent of teacher center program funds as grants to institutions of higher education for the operation of teacher centers. Title VI: Establishment of a New Title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1965 - Establishes a new title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1965: "Foreign Studies and Language Development". Terminates the program of grants to institutions of higher education for the improvement of undergraduate instruction through acquisition of equipment, including television equipment, and by minor remodeling. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to or contracts with institutions of higher learning for establishing, equipping, and operating modern foreign language studies, foreign area studies, and international studies programs and centers. Authorizes the Secretary to pay stipends to individuals undergoing advanced training in such centers or programs, upon reasonable assurance that recipients will be available for teaching or other public service. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education and to nonprofit organizations for graduate and undergraduate centers of international studies. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to or contracts with any public or private agency or organization for educational programs to promote U.S. student understanding of the cultures and actions of other nations. Directs the Secretary to distribute such assistance throughout the Nation on a broad and equitable geographical basis. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. Repeals the foreign studies and language development program of the National Defense Education Act of 1958. Title VII: Amendment to Title VII of the Higher Education Act of 1965 - Directs the Secretary (formerly directed the Commissioner) to assist institutions of higher education and higher education building agencies to construct, reconstruct, or renovate academic facilities and acquire special equipment for: (1) energy use economy; (2) conforming with specified legal requirements relating to access for the handicapped, environmental protection, or health and safety; or (3) research facilities, including libraries. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes through fiscal year 1985. Raises to $100,000 the minimum amount allotted to any State for any fiscal year for grants to all institutions of postsecondary education other than public community colleges and public technical institutes. Requires that each State's allotment be ratably reduced if appropriations are not sufficient. Terminates the program of assistance for construction of academic facilities and replacement of equipment and supplies by public institutions of higher education in major disaster areas. Title VIII: Cooperative Education - Increases the amount of appropriations authorized for fiscal years 1980 through 1982 for grants to institutions of higher education for programs of cooperative education. Allows such programs to provide parallel, as well as alternate, periods of academic study and of public or private employment. Increases the amount of appropriations for specified training, demonstration, or research grants or contracts for fiscal years 1981 and 1982, and extends such authorization through fiscal year 1985. Raises the limits on the amounts of grants for cooperative education programs made to any one institution of higher education and to combinations of such institutions. Title IX: Graduate Programs - Extends the authorization of appropriations for financial assistance to graduate and professional programs through fiscal year 1985. Changes one of the authorized activities for which such funds may be used from "expansion" to "maintenance and improvement of quality" of such programs. Directs the Commissioner to gather data necessary for the periodic assessment of the state of U.S. graduate education and to submit a special report to Congress on the financing of graduate education. Extends the authority of the Commissioner to award graduate fellowships, public service fellowships, and fellowships for other purposes through fiscal year 1985. Authorizes additional appropriations to carry out a program of assistance for training in the legal profession through fiscal year 1985. Extends the authority of the Commissioner to make grants to, or enter into contracts with, public and private agencies and organizations other than institutions of higher education to assist individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to train for the legal profession. Removes the three-month limit on preliminary training for such individuals. Title X: Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and contracts with, institutions of postsecondary education and other public and nonprofit private educational institutions and agencies to improve postsecondary educational opportunities. Requires that such grants or contracts be submitted to appropriate State commissions for their comments and recommendations. Establishes a National Board of the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education to advise the Secretary and the Director of the Fund. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title through fiscal year 1985. Repeals the provisions of the General Education Provisions Act relating to the fund for the improvement of postsecondary education. Title XI: Establishment of a New Title XI of the Higher Education Act of 1965 - Establishes a new title XI of the Higher Education Act of 1965: "Urban Grant University Program". Directs the Commissioner to carry out programs to aid urban universities in finding answers to urban problems and in making their resources more readily and effectively available to their urban communities. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes through fiscal year 1985. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to urban universities for such urban-oriented projects. Requires that applicants for grants show that the chief executives of the local governments within whose jurisdictions fall the needs to be addressed by such proposed projects have had an opportunity for review and comment. Sets forth guidelines for the Commissioner in approving such projects. Directs the Commissioner to designate institutions receiving such grants as urban grant universities and to publish an annual list of such institutions. Prescribes limitations on the amounts of individual grants and of the portion allotted to individual States. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1985 for Law School Clinical Experience Programs established pursuant to the Higher Education Act of 1965. Title XII: General Provisions - Repeals specified provisions relating to State Postsecondary Education Commissions, Comprehensive Statewide Planning, the Advisory Council on Graduate Education, cost of education data, and funding requirements of title XII of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Requires States to enter into agreements with the Secretary setting forth terms and conditions for the relationship between the Federal Government and each individual State for the purposes set forth in specified programs under this Act in order to receive assistance under such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to direct the President to establish a national set-aside program to provide middle distillates to meet shortages in agricultural production and agricultural transportation requirements. Stipulates that such program shall be made effective only if such shortage has impaired or is likely to impair agricultural production and no State programs have been or are likely to be established to alleviate such shortages.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to exclude interest on savings accounts, if less than $60 in a calendar quarter, from an individual's income for purposes of determining such individual's benefits or eligibility for benefits under such title.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Social Security Deposit Act of 1979 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to direct a State to pay to the Secretary of the Treasury, within 30 days following the end of each month, OASDI contributions related to the employment of State employees.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to stipulate that an automobile manufacturer's failure to comply with any average fuel economy standard shall not be deemed "unlawful conduct" under such Act unless the Secretary of Transportation has determined that: (1) any credits which the manufacturer may have received for exceeding such standards in any model year do not fully offset any penalty for failure to achieve such standards; and (2) the time for which such credits could be earned to offset such a penalty has expired. Allows such a credit to be used to offset any penalty which may have been assessed against the manufacturer in the three consecutive years prior to the model year in which the manufacturer exceeds such a standard.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Soviet Union should, with regard to the 1980 summer Olympics: (1) permit full participation by athletes, spectators, and journalists; (2) issue visas, admission tickets, and hotel reservations on a nondiscriminatory basis; (3) not interfere with news coverage; and (4) not prevent or punish its citizens for communicating with participants.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1979
Employees Incentive Ownership Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove restrictions on the use of restricted stock options and to eliminate the exercise of such stock options as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1979
Consumer Checking Account Equity Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to authorize member banks in the Federal Reserve System and federally insured nonmember banks to make automatic funds transfers from a savings deposit to a demand deposit pursuant to the written authorization of the depositor to make such transfers in connection with checks or drafts drawn upon the bank. Authorizes federally insured banks and savings and loan associations, State banks and savings and loan associations, savings banks, and mutual savings banks to offer interest-bearing deposits or accounts upon which the depositor may make withdrawals by negotiable instrument for the purpose of making transfers to third parties (NOW accounts). Stipulates that such deposits or accounts may only be held by individuals or nonprofit organizations. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 to permit Federal savings and loan associations and Federal mutual savings banks to establish remote service units pursuant to regulations of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. Authorizes such associations to extend loans directly related to negotiable order of withdrawal accounts. Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to require any institution which has subscribed for the stock of a Federal Home Loan Bank to maintain reserves against its negotiable order of withdrawal accounts pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Board after consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Prescribes the required form of such balances. Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to permit insured credit unions to offer share draft deposits to individuals and nonprofit organizations in accordance with regulations prescribed by the National Credit Union Administration Board. Requires each Federal credit union to maintain reserves against such deposits in amounts and forms prescribed by the Board after consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1979
Entitles nonprofit service clubs to the reduced postage rates for third-class mail currently in effect for the mail matter of qualified nonprofit organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1979
Campaign Contribution Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit any multicandidate political committee (other than a multicandidate committee of a political party) from making contributions to a candidate for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress and his or her authorized committees which in any calendar year exceeds: (1) $5,000 with respect to any general or special election and a primary election relating to such election; or (2) $7,500 (but not more than $5,000 for one election) with respect to a general or special election and both a primary and runoff election relating to such election. Prohibits a candidate for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress or any authorized political committee from accepting contributions from political committees, other than committees of a political party, aggregating more than $50,000 in any calendar year, except in the case of a candidate who is a candidate in a general election and a special election, such candidate may accept such contributions aggregating: (1) $50,000 with respect to such general and any primary election relating to such general election; and (2) $50,000 with respect to such special election and any primary election relating to such special election. Specifies that any contribution made in a year, other than the calendar year in which the election is held, is considered to be made in the calendar year in which such election is held, and any contribution made after the date of such election shall be considered a contribution with respect to such election only if such contribution is used to pay obligations incurred with respect to such election. Specifies that any extension of credit for goods or services relating to advertising on broadcasting stations, in newspapers or magazines, by direct mail or other similar types of general public political advertising shall be considered a contribution, if such extension of credit is: (1) in an amount of more than $1,000; and (2) for a period of more than 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1979
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish a standing Committee on Energy to investigate and report on: (1) energy production and conservation policy; (2) energy regulation; (3) energy research and development; (4) natural gas and oil production; (5) coal production, distribution, and utilization; (6) hydroelectric power; (7) solar power systems; (8) nonmilitary development of nuclear energy; (9) naval petroleum reserves; (10) energy- related aspects of deep-water ports; and (11) studies, reviews, and reports relating to energy matters.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1979
World Peace Tax Fund Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit conscientious objectors to designate their income, estate, or gift tax payments for nonmilitary purposes. Establishes within the Treasury of the United States a World Peace Tax Fund to receive such tax payments. Requires tax forms to contain a checkoff for taxpayers who wish to claim conscientious objector status and designate their tax payments for the World Peace Tax Fund. Specifies that an individual may claim conscientious objector status only if such individual has actually qualified as a conscientious objector for selective service or immigration purposes or declares that he or she is conscientiously opposed to participation in war, within the meaning of the Military Selective Service Act. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to require any individual who claims conscientious objector status to provide such additional information as is necessary to verify such status. Permits the setting aside of criminal or civil penalties imposed upon a taxpayer for nonpayment of tax prior to the enactment of this Act, if the taxpayer pays the tax (with interest) and satisfactorily establishes that nonpayment was due to his conscientious objection to war. Directs the Comptroller General to determine the percentage of actual appropriations made by the United States from the Federal budget during the preceding fiscal year for military purposes. Requires the publication of such information in the Congressional Record. Establishes a World Peace Tax Fund Board of Trustees. Sets forth the membership structure and duties of the Board.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1979
Limousine Limitation Act of 1979 - Prohibits the purchase, hiring, or operation by the Government of a motor vehicle of a type not generally available on the date of the enactment of this Act in motorpools of the Federal Government. Prohibits the employment of chauffeurs and the use of Government motor vehicles for transporting any Government official between his dwellings and his place of employment. Exempts from the provisions of this Act: (1) medical officers on outpatient medical service; (2) an employee engaged in fieldwork; (3) the President and Vice President; (4) the head of each executive department; (5) the Chief Justice of the United States; (6) specified officers of Congress; and (7) the U.S. Representative of the United Nations. Prohibits the issuance of a Government motor vehicle for the exclusive use of any official or employee not mentioned in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1979
Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish and maintain a data collection program for monitoring the supply and demand levels of middle distillates on a monthly basis in each state. Specifies that such program provide for: (1) the collection of relevant demand and supply data; (2) making such data available to Congress, State agencies and the public; and (3) the review and adjustment of such data and projections.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1979
Authorizes any State or local government election agency to send free of postage: (1) absentee ballots; (2) voting instructions pertaining to such ballots; and (3) envelopes for returning ballots. Permits any person casting an absentee ballot to return it to the agency postage-free. Stipulates that this Act shall not apply to mail transmitted under the Federal Voting Assistance Act of 1955 or the Overseas Citizens Voting Rights Act of 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1979
Smaller Enterprise Regulatory Improvement Act - Amends the Small Business Act to require each Federal agency to publish semiannually an agenda of those rules which may be proposed during the upcoming six-month period affecting a substantial number of small business concerns and small organizations. Defines "small organizations" to include unincorporated businesses, sheltered workshops, nonprofit enterprises which are not dominant in their fields and such other groups and enterprises as each Federal agency shall establish by rule. Requires each published agenda to be transmitted to the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comments. Directs each Federal agency to endeavor to provide notice of each agenda to affected small enterprises by means other than publication in the Federal Register. Directs each Federal agency to publish a written analysis prior to the issuance of any rule affecting a substantial number of small business concerns and organizations which considers: (1) the effect of such rule on small enterprises and competition; (2) whether an exemption could be provided such small enterprises; (3) whether lesser compliance standards could be adopted for small enterprises; and (4) the expected nature of reporting and recordkeeping requirements necessitated by such rule. Requires each Federal agency to issue a rule containing an exemption or differing compliance standards for such small business concerns and organizations if it is lawful, desirable, and feasible to do so. States that such small enterprises shall be given an opportunity to participate in agency rulemaking. Requires each agency to review its existing rules and prepare an analysis for purposes of eliminating those rules which are most burdensome to small businesses and organizations. Permits any agency to perform the analyses required by this Act in conjunction with any other analysis required by law. Declares that such other analysis shall not in itself satisfy the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
Capital Cost Recovery Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and a six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1979
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the Department of Energy should take necessary steps to maximize immediately the production of middle distillate fuels in the Nation. States that the Department should also act under authority granted in the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to impose reasonable allocation controls on middle distillate supplies in order to provide a reasonable share of such supplies to all end- users. Declares that the Department of Transportation should establish, on an emergency basis, a uniform national minimum truck weight and length standard so long as supplies of middle distillate fuels remain inadequate. Declares that the Interstate Commerce Commission's diesel fuel cost recovery program should be modified to ensure that the owner-operator receives full compensation for rapidly increasing diesel fuel prices. States that such modification should include a review of the figure used to estimate the percent of total trucking revenues used to purchase fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1979
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal of appropriate design to Bryan Lewis Allen, the first aviator to cross the English Channel in a self-powered plane. Authorizes appropriations of up to $15,000 to strike such medal. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike bronze duplicates of such medal for sale to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1979
Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to permit local distribution companies to provide natural gas service to residential customers for use in outdoor lighting fixtures installed before the enactment of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1979
Priority Energy Project Act of 1979 - Title I: Purposes and Definitions - Sets forth the purposes and definitions of terms as used in this Act. Title II: Priority Projects - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to designate a maximum of six proposed energy facilities as priority energy projects during each calendar year. Allows any person planning or proposing an energy facility to apply to the Secretary for an order designating such facility as a priority energy project. Sets forth the procedure and criteria for designating priority energy projects. Excludes such determinations by the Secretary from the definition of major Federal action within the meaning of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Directs the Secretary to encourage prospective applicants to file applications for any necessary Government actions or approvals with the appropriate agencies as soon as possible. Requires such Federal agencies to submit specified information to the Secretary not later than 30 days after public notice of an order designating a proposed energy facility as a priority energy project. Directs the Secretary to establish a decision deadline schedule. Provides for the extension of such deadlines. Delegates decision authority to the President if a deadline on the decision deadline schedule has elapsed without Federal agency decision or action. Provides for the Presidential extension of such deadlines. Directs the Secretary to grant certification of completed Federal agency review upon the determination that all Federal actions and approvals necessary to the completion of a priority energy project have been granted. Specifies that such certification shall indicate Federal approval expiration dates and shall constitute conclusive evidence in any judicial or executive proceeding that all necessary Federal permits have been granted. Directs the Secretary to notify the Governor of any State within which any portion of a priority energy project would be located and to request the Governor to submit specified information to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to submit all such information to the priority energy project and propose a decision schedule to assist State and local authorities in coordinating their activities with actions by the Federal Government. Title III: Judicial Review and Miscellaneous Provisions - Exempts from judicial review the actions of Federal officers or agencies pursuant to this Act, except as specified in this title. Exempts from judicial review a decision of the Secretary granting or denying an order designating a proposed energy facility as a priority energy project except as required by the Constitution of the United States. Sets forth judicial procedures for claims arising out of actions pursuant to this Act. Grants to the Supreme Court the exclusive authority to review an interlocutory judgment or order of the court of appeals pursuant to this title. Sets forth certiorari and certification procedures. Makes this Act effective 30 days after the date of its enactment. Provides for the expiration of the Secretary's authority to designate priority energy projects seven years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1979
Defense Production Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to authorize the President to allow the Department of Energy and the Tennessee Valley Authority to guarantee loans for the purpose of expediting deliveries or services with respect to national defense contracts. Increases the maximum loan which any Federal agency may guarantee under such Act without the approval of Congress from $20,000,000 to $38,000,000. Requires notification to specified Congressional committees of any proposed obligation above such limit. Authorizes the agency involved to guarantee such a loan if neither House of Congress disapproves of such action within a specified time. Authorizes the President to provide loans to private business enterprises for the production of energy. Increases the ceiling for loans made to private enterprises pursuant to such Act from $25,000,000 to 48,000,000. Extends the President's power under such Act to purchase raw materials for the national defense through fiscal year 1995. Directs the President to attempt to achieve a national production goal of at least 500,000 barrels per day crude oil equivalent of synthetic fuels and synthetic chemical feedstocks within five years. Authorizes and directs the President to require fuel and chemical feedstock suppliers to provide synthetic fuels and synthetic chemical feedstocks in any case where the President deems it practicable and necessary to meet national defense needs. Authorizes the President, in carrying out these objectives, to: (1) contract for purchases or commitments to purchase synthetic fuels and synthetic chemical feedstocks which may be for Government use or resale; and (2) encourage the development and production of such synthetic fuels and feedstocks for national defense preparedness. Terminates the President's authority to enter into such contracts at the end of fiscal year 1995. Sets forth procedures for the awarding and performance of such contracts. Authorizes the President to organize corporations to meet the production goal for synthetic fuels and feedstocks as set forth in this Act. Sets forth Congressional oversight measures with respect to the formation of such corporations. Authorizes appropriations of $2,000,000,000 for synthetic fuel and feedstock contracts as authorized pursuant to this Act. Extends specified provisions of such Act through fiscal year 1980.
![Official portrait of Rep. Tauke, Thomas Joseph [R-IA-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/t000053_200.jpg)