United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code and title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) with respect to the social security exemption for election officials and election workers employed by State and local governments to increase the allowed remuneration paid to such workers.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991
Omnibus Adoption Act of 1991 - Title I: National Advisory Council on Adoption - Establishes the National Advisory Council on Adoption (the Council), to be appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Terminates such Council after four years. Title II: Adoption Data Collection System - Directs the Secretary of HHS to: (1) report to the Congress, within 30 days, on the status of the implementation of the adoption data collection system required under specified provisions of the Social Security Act, including specific assurances relating to such system; (2) report monthly to the Congress on the progress made in implementing such system; and (3) consult with the Council in developing regulations to carry out such reporting requirements and assurances. Title III: Adoption Education Programs - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish a program of fellowships for graduate study in social work, in innovative programs concerning the effects of adoption on the adopted children, their adoptive families, and their biological parents who make an adoption plan. Directs the Secretary of Education to award up to 50 such fellowships. Sets forth provisions for student selection procedures, stipends, payments to institutions, fellowship conditions, consultation with the Council, and an authorization of appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996. Directs the Secretary of Education, within one year after enactment of this Act, to make grants to States to carry out adoption education programs. Sets forth provisions for grants amounts, applications and agreements, program guidelines, consultation with the Council, and an authorization of appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Title IV: Adoption Benefits for Federal Employees and Military Personnel - Amends Federal law relating to Federal employees to allow their sick leave (including advance sick leave) to be used for purposes relating to the adoption of a child. Includes prenatal and maternal benefits (other than those relating to a surrogate parenting arrangement) for the biological mother of an adoptive child among the types of benefits which may be provided under Federal employee benefits plans. Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish minimum standards for this type of benefits, in accordance with specified guidelines. Amends Federal law relating to members of the uniformed services to require establishment of a program to reimburse them for expenses they incur for prenatal and maternal care provided to the biological mother of a child they legally adopt. Limits such reimbursement to care provided on or after the date on which the member notifies the appropriate administering Secretary. Prohibits such reimbursement for expenses incurred in carrying out a surrogate parenting arrangement. Includes prenatal care among types of authorized care for military dependents. Includes care for preexisting conditions among the types of authorized care for adopted children of uniformed service members. Defines adopted child, for purposes of Federal law relating to members of the uniformed services, as a child with respect to whom a written plan of adoption has been entered into pursuant to the laws of the State in which the child resides. Directs OPM and the Secretary of Defense to coordinate their development of regulations and guidelines to carry out their responsibilities under this title, and to consult with the Council in such development. Title V: Adoption Tax Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to establish a refundable tax credit for certain amounts of adoption expenses, for taxpayers at certain income levels. Title VI: Maternal Health Certificates Program - Directs the Secretary of HHS, within 180 days after enactment of this Act, to establish a program to provide maternal health certificates for eligible pregnant women to use to cover expenses incurred in receiving services at a maternal and housing services facility. Bases eligibility on an individual's having an annual individual income of not greater than 175 percent of the applicable official poverty line income. Determines such income without taking account of: (1) the income of any parent or guardian of the individual; or (2) the income of an estranged spouse who has been living apart from the woman for at least six months. Prohibits finding an individual ineligible for such program solely on the grounds that they do not receive aid under the State plan for aid for families with dependent children (AFDC) under the Social Security Act. Sets limits on the amount of expenses which such program certificates may cover. Directs the Secretary of HHS to consult with the Council in developing regulations for such program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994 for such maternal health certificates program. Title VII: Rehabilitation Grants for Maternity Housing and Services Facilities - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out a program to make grants to eligible nonprofit entities for rehabilitation of existing structures for use as facilities to provide housing and services to pregnant women. Sets forth provisions for such grant program authority, applications, limitations on numbers and amounts of grants, and reporting requirements. Directs the Secretary of HUD to consult with the Council in issuing such program regulations. Authorizes appropriations for such program for FY 1992 through 1994. Title VIII: Sense of Congress Regarding Changes in State Adoption Laws - Expresses the sense of the Congress that each State should adopt and enforce specified types of adoption laws, rules, or regulations, which include provisions for: (1) disclosure of all relevant information, including background information (except actual identification of the child or biological parents), to the prospective adoptive parent, with criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure, (2) pre-placement investigations of the prospective adoptive parent; (3) disclosure to the court of all costs incurred by or on behalf of each party to the adoption; (4) guaranteed adequate legal representation for the biological mother; (5) filing of a petition for adoption with the appropriate court within one year after placement; and (6) coverage by the health plan of the adoptive parent of pregnancy and childbirth expenses (excluding surrogate parenting arrangements) for the child and the biological mother, or for any dependent child of the plan enrollee, and plan coverage of pre-existing conditions of adopted children.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991
Davis-Bacon Repeal Act of 1991 - Repeals the Davis-Bacon Act (an Act which requires that the locally prevailing wage rate be paid to various classes of laborers and mechanics working under federally-financed or federally-assisted contracts for construction, alteration, and repair of public buildings or public works).
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991
Declares that the Congress acknowledges and appreciates the commitment, devotion, and sacrifices of present and former military families. Designates November 25, 1991, as National Military Families Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1991
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to exclude from OASDI coverage any service performed on an election day by State and local election officials and workers.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make members of the armed forces serving on extended active duty and stationed outside the United States eligible for the earned income credit.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991
Prohibits Federal funds from being made available to any agency, institution, organization, or entity (agency) that denies the Secretary of Defense, for military recruitment purposes: (1) entry to campuses or access to students on campuses; or (2) access to directory information pertaining to students unless an objection has been raised to the release of such information pursuant to this Act. Requires any educational agency that releases directory information to: (1) give public notice of the categories of such information to be released; and (2) allow a reasonable period of time after such notice has been given for a student or a parent (in the case of an individual younger than 18 years of age) to inform the agency that any or all of such information should not be released without obtaining prior consent from such student or parent. Specifies that nothing in this Act shall be construed to require students to attend recruitment events.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991
Agricultural Extended Retirement Credit Act of 1991 - Extends creditable service under the Civil Service Retirement System for periods of service in certain Federal-State cooperative programs which had agricultural or related purposes. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer to the Department of Agriculture's Surplus Fund the savings resulting from the expedited retirement of those employees of the Department who have been extended such credit. Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of any budget authority or outlays saved in any fiscal year by reason of implementation of this Act. Requires the surplus budget authority and outlays transferred to the fund to be: (1) deposited by the Secretary in the Treasury to the credit of the Civil Service Retirement Fund, as a Government contribution; and (2) credited against pay and other personnel costs required to be sequestered under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Requires the Comptroller General to notify the Congress of each instance of noncompliance with the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Federal Alternative Fuel Fleet Act - Requires a certain percentage of motor vehicles acquired by the Federal Government for use in a metropolitan or consolidated metropolitan statistical area with a 1990 population of more than 250,000 to be alternative fuel vehicles by specified dates. Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation from considering the fuel economy of such alternative fuel vehicles with respect to the enforcement of fuel economy standards under such Act. Prescribes circumstances under which alternative fuels shall be offered for sale to the public. Mandates that the incremental costs of alternative fuel vehicles shall not be applied to any calculation with respect to a limitation under law on the maximum cost of individual vehicles which may be acquired by the United States. Requires the Secretary of Defense to study the feasibility of increasing the use of alternative fuel vehicles in the Department of Defense's motor vehicle fleet. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Private Property Rights Act of 1991 - Prohibits any regulation issued by an executive agency from becoming effective until that agency is certified by the Attorney General as being in compliance with Executive Order 12630 or similar procedures to assess the potential for, and minimize, the taking of private property by regulatory activity. Limits judicial review of an action taken pursuant to this Act to the question of certification. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) study the effect this Act will have on the farm economy and agricultural production; and (2) report to specified congressional comittees on necessary actions to limit that effect and on Department of Agriculture procedures to minimize the taking of private property in regulatory procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1991
Telecommunications Equipment Research and Manufacturing Competition Act of 1991 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize any Bell Telephone Company (BTC), through an affiliate of such company, to manufacture and provide telecommunications equipment, except that no BTC may engage in such manufacturing with an unaffiliated BTC or affiliates thereof. Allows such manufacturing or provision to be conducted only through an affiliate that is separate from any BTC. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prescribe regulations to ensure that: (1) such manufacturing affiliate maintains separate accounts and records from its affiliated BTC which identify all financial transactions with the BTC; (2) neither a BTC nor any of its non-manufacturing affiliates carry out sales, advertising, installation, production, or maintenance operations for a manufacturing affiliate, except under specified conditions, such manufacturing affiliate conducts all of its manufacturing activity within the United States and uses component parts manufactured in the United States unless specified requirements regarding good faith efforts to obtain such component parts in the United States and domestic content are met; (3) such affiliate incurs debt entirely separate from and without recourse against the affiliated BTC; (4) such affiliate shall not be required to operate separately from any other affiliates of its BTC; (5) if an affiliate of a BTC becomes affiliated with a manufacturing entity, it shall be treated as a manufacturing affiliate of the BTC; (6) such affiliate shall make available any telecommunications equipment manufactured by such affiliate to any purchasing carrier, so long as each such purchaser does not manufacture such equipment or agrees to make available to the BTC or any of its affiliates any telecommunications equipment manufactured by such purchasing carrier or any of its affiliates for use with the public telecommunications network by such carrier or any of its affiliates; and (7) such affiliate shall not discontinue or restrict sales to other local exchange telephone companies of any telecommunications equipment until arrangements are made to provide to them the specifications, plans, and tools to allow them to arrange for the manufacture of such equipment by another entity. Directs the FCC to require that each BTC maintain and file with the FCC complete information with respect to the protocols and technical requirements for connections with and use of its telephone exchange service facilities. Prohibits a BTC from disclosing any such information to its affiliates unless such information is immediately so filed. Requires any two or more carriers providing regulated telephone exchange service in the same area to notify each other of the deployment of telecommunications equipment. Requires the FCC to ensure that manufacturers in competition with a BTC's manufacturing affiliate have access to information with respect to the protocols and technical requirements for connection with and use of its telephone exchange service facilities required for such competition that such BTC makes available to its affiliate. Requires the FCC to prescribe regulations to require any BTC which has a manufacturing affiliate to: (1) provide to other manufacturers of telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment that is functionally equivalent to equipment manufactured by BTC affiliates opportunities to sell such equipment to such BTC which are comparable to opportunities the BTC provides to its affiliates; (2) not subsidize its manufacturing affiliate with revenues from its regulated telecommunications service; and (3) only acquire equipment from its manufacturing affiliate at the open market price. Allows a BTC and its affiliates to engage in close collaboration with any manufacturer of customer premises or telecommunications equipment during the design and development of hardware and software relating to such equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1991
Pension Tax Equity Act of 1991 - Amends Federal law to prohibit a State from imposing an income tax on the pension income of an individual who is not a resident or domiciliary of such State.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1991
Authorizes the States to waive application of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 to vehicles used either for transporting farm supplies from retail dealers to or from a farm, for custom harvesting, or in commercial feed yard operations, regardless of whether or not they are controlled or operated by a farmer.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1991
Alternative Fuels Incentive Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an income tax credit for investments in qualified clean-burning (natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, or alcohol) motor vehicle fuel property. Permits a 20 percent credit from 1992 through 2001, phasing out the credit in five percent increments annually thereafter to reach zero percent at the end of 2004. Applies the credit to tangible property that is: (1) equipment designed either to modify a motor vehicle so that it will be propelled by a clean-burning fuel or to assist in delivering such fuel into such vehicles; or (2) a motor vehicle propelled by clean-burning fuel. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make credit-equivalent payments to States and to local governments in connection with qualified property.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Pipeline Safety Act of 1991 - Amends the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 and the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 to require Federal safety standards for the transportation of gas and hazardous liquids through pipelines to meet the need for protection of the environment as well as pipeline safety. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations establishing criteria for the identification by operators of: (1) gas pipelines (except natural gas distribution lines) that are located in high-density population areas; and (2) hazardous liquid pipelines and gathering lines that are located in areas unusually sensitive to environmental damage, that cross a river, or that are located in high-density population areas. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations requiring a periodic instrumented internal inspection of such pipelines and gathering lines. Directs the Secretary to develop an instrumented internal inspection device (smart pig) capable of detecting potential seam failures, including those in electric resistance weld pipe. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a report on the status of the development of such device. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations prescribing the circumstance under which operators of natural gas distribution systems must install excess flow valves in such systems. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such requirements. Revises the composition of the Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee and the Technical Hazardous-Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards Committee to include on such committees two members who have education, background, or experience in environmental protection. Makes the application of Federal safety standards for the transportation of gas and hazardous liquids by pipeline mandatory with respect to the design, installation, inspection, testing, maintenance, and construction of such pipelines. (Currently, such application is discretionary only.) Requires such standards to include a requirement that operators of such pipelines be tested and certified to recognize and appropriately react to abnormal operating conditions of pipelines which may indicate a dangerous situation or a condition exceeding design limits. Prohibits the Secretary from exempting from Federal safety standards for the transportation of hazardous liquids any pipeline solely on the basis that such pipeline operates at low internal stress. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a schedule of fees based on, in the case of pipelines not in operation, the performance of activities by the Secretary of Transportation under the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 or the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 in preparation for the operation of such pipelines. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations establishing a periodic inspection program for: (1) all offshore gas and hazardous liquid pipelines; and (2) other such pipelines which cross navigable waters and could pose a hazard to navigation or public safety. Prohibits the Secretary from exempting from regulation under this Act any offshore pipeline solely on the basis that such pipeline serves to transfer hazardous liquids in underwater pipelines between vessels and onshore facilities. Redefines the term "transportation of gas" to include the movement of gas and hazardous liquids through regulated gathering lines. Directs the Secretary to define by regulation the term "gathering lines". Revises specified reporting requirements with respect to State safety standards regarding pipeline transportation of gas and hazardous liquids. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to revise the definition of "underground storage tank". Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Authorizes appropriations for the Maritime Administration for: (1) operating-differential subsidies; (2) manpower, education, and training; (3) operating programs; and (4) national security support capabilities, including the Ready Reserve Force.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Price Fixing Prevention Act of 1991 - Provides that in any civil action alleging a contract, combination, or conspiracy to set, change, or maintain prices (other than a maximum price) under the Sherman Antitrust Act: (1) evidence that a person who sells a good or service to the claimant for resale received from a competitor a communication regarding price competition by the claimant and in response terminated the claimant as a buyer (or refused to supply such goods or services) shall be sufficient to raise the inference that such person and such competitor engaged in concerted action to set, change, or maintain prices in violation of such Act (in such case, a termination or refusal to supply is in response to a communication if such communication is a substantial contributing cause of such termination or refusal to supply); (2) the fact that the seller and the purchaser of a good or service entered into an agreement to set, change, or maintain prices shall be sufficient to constitute a violation of such Act; and (3) an agreement between the seller and the purchaser to terminate another purchaser as a dealer or to refuse to supply such other purchaser because of that purchaser's pricing policies shall constitute a violation of such Act, whether or not a specific price level is agreed upon. Provides that the provisions with respect to agreements to set, change, or maintain prices (other than a maximum price) shall apply to civil actions commenced before enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Directs the Comptroller General to conduct an annual audit of the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Advisory Council, the Federal Open Market Committee, and all Federal Reserve banks and their branches. Requires the Comptroller General, within six months after the end of each fiscal year, to report to the Congress on the results of such audit.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Family Unity and Parental Notification Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit financial assistance under titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act and specified provisions of the Public Health Service Act unless the receiving entity agrees to notify the parents of an unemancipated minor under the age of 18 48 hours before performing an abortion on the minor, except in an emergency threatening the minor's life. Declares that the notification requirement does not apply in a State which requires parental notification or parental consent. States that certain provisions of this Act apply without regard to whether the State allows the parental notification or the parental consent requirements to be waived through judicial proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Trawlers Relief and Working Livelihood Act of 1991 - Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce, notwithstanding any other provision of law, from restricting the taking of shrimp within the Exclusive Economic Zone or inland waters of the United States beyond the restrictions in effect as of enactment of this Act. Continues the prohibition until 90 days after the Secretary submits to the Congress findings regarding the need for additional restrictions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit of a specified percentage of the sales of shrimp caught using a trawl net when use of a turtle excluder device (TED) was required by Federal law. Declares that, notwithstanding any provision of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), no person shall be subject under the ESA to criminal penalties relating to the use of TEDs. Directs the Secretary, through the National Marine Fisheries Services, to implement a comprehensive headstart program involving the taking of eggs of all endangered and threatened species of sea turtles found in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic seaboard for hatching in captivity and return to the wild within one year. Directs the Secretary to construct captive maintenance facilities as necessary and ensure that the facilities include sufficient professional scientific staffs. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore prior law for determining wages subject to employer social security taxes for certain employers whose employees receive income from tips.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Declares that the President should award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Martha Raye in honor of her service in the form of entertainment and nursing care to members of the U.S. armed forces.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1991
Intangibles Amortization Clarification Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the amortization of customer based, market share and similar intangible items for purposes of the depreciation deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1991
Tax Exemption Equity Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny tax-exempt status to organizations that directly or indirectly perform or finance abortions. Denies the income, estate, and gift tax charitable contribution deductions for donations to them. Denies an exemption for interest on any tax-exempt bond that is used to finance a health care facility that performs abortions while the bond is outstanding.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1991
Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) oppose boycotts fostered or imposed by foreign countries against countries friendly to the United States or against any U.S. person; and (2) encourage major trading nations engaged in the export of goods or technology or other information to refuse to take actions which support such boycotts. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to issue an annual report detailing which members of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade encourage actions supporting such boycotts.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Federal Law Enforcement Officers Death Penalty Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal criminal code to subject any person who is found guilty of the first degree murder of a Federal law enforcement officer, or certain other Federal officials or employees, to the penalty of death. Establishes procedures for the imposition of the death penalty in such cases. Provides that no person who was less than 18 years of age at the time of the offense may be sentenced to death. Sets forth mitigating and aggravating factors to be considered by the jury in determining whether the death sentence will be imposed. Requires the Government to serve notice upon the defendant a reasonable time before trial or acceptance of a plea that it intends to seek the death penalty, as well as notice of the aggravating factors upon which it will rely. Provides that no presentence report shall be prepared in such cases. Requires a separate sentencing hearing before a jury or the court (upon motion by the defendant) when the defendant is convicted and the Government has filed notice that it intends to seek the death penalty. Allows the Government and the defendant to present any information relevant to a mitigating or aggravating factor without regard to the rules of evidence, but permits information to be excluded where its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of creating unfair prejudice, confusing the issues, or misleading the jury. Conditions imposition of the death penalty on a unanimous finding by the jury or, if there is no jury, the court, that: (1) the aggravating factors found to exist sufficiently outweigh any mitigating factor found to exist; or (2) in the absence of a mitigating factor, the aggravating factors alone are sufficient to justify a sentence of death. Specifies that: (1) the jury or the court, regardless of its findings with respect to aggravating and mitigating factors, is never required to impose a death sentence; and (2) the jury shall be so instructed. Requires the court to instruct the jury not to consider the race, color, national origin, creed, or sex of the defendant in its consideration of the death sentence. Directs the court to impose the death sentence upon a finding that such sentence is justified. Establishes procedures for appeal from a death sentence. Requires the court of appeals, upon consideration of the record, the information and procedures of the sentencing hearing, and any special finding, to affirm the decision if: (1) the sentence was not imposed under influence of passion, prejudice, or arbitrariness; and (2) the information supports the special finding of the existence of an aggravating factor. Requires the court to provide a written explanation of its determination. Establishes procedures for the implementation of the death sentence.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Felon Handgun Purchase Prevention Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from transferring a handgun from business inventory to any other person unless: (1) before the completion of the transfer the licensee contacts the hotline established under this Act; and (2) the hotline notifies the licensee that the information available does not demonstrate that the receipt of a handgun by such other person would violate provisions of the Federal criminal code (Federal provisions), or that the hotline will not be able to respond to the licensee before the end of the next business day; or (3) at least 24 hours have elapsed since the licensee first contacted the hotline with respect to the transfer and the hotline has not notified the licensee that the information available to the hotline demonstrates that the receipt of a handgun by such other person would violate such provisions. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to a handgun transfer between a licensee and another person if: (1) such other person presents to the licensee a valid permit or license, issued by the State or political subdivision in which the transfer is to occur, that authorizes such other person to purchase, possess, or carry a firearm; (2) the Secretary has approved the transfer under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code; (3) telephone service is not provided to the premises where the licensee conducts business subject to such license and is not generally available to the public in the area in which such premises are located; (4) the ability of the licensee to exchange information with the hotline is impaired due to circumstances beyond the control of the licensee; or (5) the licensee, pursuant to State law, notifies State law enforcement authorities of the proposed transfer and such authorities approve the transfer or determine that receipt of a handgun by such other person would not violate State law. Requires the licensee to include in the record of transfer the identification number provided by the hotline with respect to the transfer where the hotline notifies the licensee that the information available to the hotline does not demonstrate that the receipt of a handgun by such other person would violate Federal provisions. Establishes penalties against the licensee for knowingly failing to comply with provisions of this Act. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish such hotline; (2) arrange for a toll-free telephone number; (3) ensure that the hotline operates continuously; (4) ensure that not more than two percent of the initial telephone responses of the hotline contain erroneous determinations; and (5) notify each licensee of the existence, purpose, and toll-free number of the hotline. Specifies that the hotline shall not provide information to any caller with respect to another person unless: (1) the hotline verifies that the caller is a licensee; and (2) the caller states that such other person seeks to obtain a handgun and the caller provides the name and social security number (or other identifying information for a person with no number) of such other person. Directs that, if such requirements are met, the hotline: (1) inform the caller whether the information available to the hotline demonstrates that the receipt of a handgun by the person would violate Federal provisions; and (2) if such receipt would not violate such provisions, assign a unique identification number to the transfer, provide the caller with the number, and destroy all records of the hotline with respect to the call (other than the identifying number and the date the call was received) and all records of the hotline relating to the person. Requires the hotline: (1) to make every effort to provide the caller with the information required immediately or by return telephone call without delay; and (2) if it is unable to comply with such requirement due to circumstances beyond the hotline's control, to advise the caller that the response of the hotline will be delayed and the reasons for, and probable length of, the delay, and make every effort to provide the information required within 24 hours of the initial call. Authorizes the Attorney General to secure directly from any U.S. department or agency such information as necessary to enable the hotline to operate in accordance with this Act. Directs the head of such department or agency, on request of the Attorney General, to furnish such information to the hotline. Requires the Attorney General to develop such computer software, design and obtain such telecommunications and computer hardware, and employ such personnel as necessary to establish and operate the hotline. Sets forth procedures for the correction of erroneous hotline information. Creates a private cause of action where a person is denied a handgun based on erroneous information provided by the hotline. Bars any U.S. department, agency, officer, or employee from: (1) requiring that any record or portion thereof maintained by the hotline be recorded at or transferred to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or political subdivision; or (2) using the hotline to establish any system for the registration of handguns, handgun owners, or handgun transactions or dispositions, except with respect to persons prohibited by Federal provisions from receiving a handgun. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to: (1) increase the percentage of funds (from five to ten percent) to be allocated by each State for the improvement of criminal justice records; and (2) include in such improvement the sharing of such records with the Attorney General for use by the hotline established under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the treatment of rental and nonrental real estate activities under the limitations on losses from passive activities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1991
Emerging Telecommunications Technologies Act of 1991 - Requires the Secretary of Commerce and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct joint electromagnetic spectrum planning meetings with respect to: (1) future spectrum needs and the allocation actions to accommodate those needs; and (2) actions to promote the efficient use of the spectrum. Directs the Secretary to submit reports to the President that identify frequency bands that: (1) are allocated on a primary basis for Government use and eligible for licensing pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934 (the Act); (2) are not required for present or identifiable future Government needs; (3) can be made available for use under the Act for non-Government users; (4) are likely to have significant value for such users; and (5) will not result in excessive costs to the Government. Sets forth criteria for identifying, and recommending for reassignment or sharing, such frequency bands. Requires such reports to make an initial identification of 30MHz of spectrum for immediate reallocation and distribution by the FCC pursuant to competitive bidding procedures, and preliminary and final identifications of additional reallocable frequency bands. Directs the Secretary to convene an advisory committee to: (1) review frequency bands identified in the preliminary report; (2) advise the Secretary with respect to those bands which should be included in the final report; (3) receive public comment on the reports; and (4) prepare and submit to the Secretary and specified congressional committees a report on recommendations for the reform of allocating the spectrum between Government and non-Government users. Directs the President to: (1) withdraw or limit the assignment to a Government station of any frequency recommended in the initial identification report for reallocation; (2) withdraw or limit the assignment to a Government station of any frequency recommended in the final report for reallocation or mixed use; (3) assign or reassign other frequencies to Government stations as necessary to adjust to such withdrawal or limitation of assignments; and (4) publish in the Federal Register a notice and description of such actions taken. Authorizes the President to substitute alternative frequencies in the interests of national defense, important Government needs, public health or safety, or Federal financial considerations. Provides that any Government licensee, or non-Government entity operating on behalf of a Government licensee, that is displaced from a frequency pursuant to this Act may be reimbursed not more than the incremental costs it incurs, in such amounts as provided in advance in appropriation Acts, that are directly attributable to the loss of the use of the frequency pursuant to this Act. Authorizes appropriations to affected licensee agencies to cover such costs. Directs the FCC to form a plan to assign the spectrum identified in the initial report pursuant to competitive bidding procedures during FY 1994 through 1996. Directs the FCC to submit to the President a plan for the distribution of the remaining reallocated frequency bands. Authorizes the President to reclaim reallocated frequencies for reassignment to Government stations. Sets forth procedures for reclaiming frequencies. Amends the Act to require the FCC to use competitive bidding for awarding all initial licenses and new construction permits, subject to specified exclusions. Outlines criteria for awarding licenses and permits under competitive bidding procedures. Prohibits licensing by lottery when competitive bidding is required.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1991
National Sea Grant College Program Authorization Act of 1991 - Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to require that the National Sea Grant College Program be administered by a National Sea Grant Office within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Authorizes appropriations to carry out specified provisions of the Act and for administration of the Act. Repeals provisions authorizing grants relating to marine affairs and resource management.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1991
Used Oil Recycling Act of 1991 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from listing or identifying as a hazardous waste any: (1) recycled oil; (2) used oil transferred to a person who certifies that such oil will be rerefined, processed, or reclaimed for a beneficial purpose or stored less than 12 months prior to such transfer; and (3) used oil which has been removed from the engine of a light duty motor vehicle or household appliance by the owner, transferred to a service station dealer, and stored by the dealer for less than 12 months. Requires the Administrator to determine whether to list as a hazardous waste used oil which is a solid waste and does not satisfy the above-listed criteria. Directs the Administrator to establish management standards for the storage, testing, transportation, treatment, exportation and importation, and processing of used oil. Requires such standards to be designed to protect human health and the environment by encouraging and expanding reliance on recycling of used oil. Exempts generators of used oil from recordkeeping or reporting requirements if such generators: (1) enter into an agreement for delivery of such oil to a recycling facility whose owner or operator certifies compliance with such standards or recycles such oil; (2) do not mix the oil with any hazardous wastes; and (3) maintain necessary records relating to the oil. Prohibits mixing used oil with any hazardous waste identified under such Act except where: (1) such mixing involves an identified hazardous waste and the resulting mixture does not exhibit a characteristic identified in such Act; and (2) the used oil mixture is burned to recover useful energy such that protection of human health and the environment is assured. Deems owners or operators of facilities which process used oil for fuel to have permits for recycling activities if in compliance with management standards. Directs the Administrator to conduct inspections of such facilities to determine compliance with such standards. Requires the Administrator to implement educational programs to inform the public about the environmental and safety hazards associated with improper handling of used oil and the benefits of used oil recycling. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations concerning the procurement of used oil fuel by Federal agencies subject to the requirements of the Solid Waste Disposal Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1991
Savings and Investment Incentive Act of 1991 - Title I: Retirement Savings Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove the limitations on deductions for individual retirement plans and provides a cost-of-living adjustment for deductible amounts. Establishes special individual retirement accounts that are nondeductible. Makes such accounts nontaxable if earnings on contributions are held for at least five years. Applies the early withdrawal penalty to distributions made before the end of the five year-period. Title II: Penalty-Free Distributions - Provides exemptions from the ten-percent penalty on early withdrawals from individual retirement plans for: (1) first home purchases; (2) higher education expenses; and (2) financially devastating medical expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1991
Comprehensive Wetlands Conservation and Management Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to revise provisions concerning permits for dredged or fill material. Prohibits, unless such activity is undertaken pursuant to a permit issued by the Secretary of the Army: (1) the discharge of dredged or fill material into U.S. waters; or (2) the draining, channelization, or excavation of wetlands. Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits for such activities. Sets forth permit application procedures. Requires the Secretary, upon receiving applications, to: (1) classify as Type A wetlands wetlands that are of critical significance to the long-term conservation of the ecosystem of which they are a part and which meet specified requirements; (2) classify as Type B wetlands wetlands that provide habitat for a significant population of avian, aquatic, or wetland dependent wildlife or provide other significant wetlands functions; and (3) classify as Type C wetlands wetlands that serve marginal functions but exist in such abundance that regulation of activities is not necessary to conserve wetlands values and functions, or are prior converted cropland, fastlands, or wetlands within intensely developed areas that do not serve significant wetlands functions. Directs the Secretary to notify a permit applicant of the classification. Permits owners of interests in Type A wetlands to seek compensation for the fair market value of such lands. Provides that title for such lands shall pass to the United States upon acceptance of an offer for compensation. Deems such takings to be takings of surface interests in lands only or water rights allocated under State law unless the Secretary determines that the exploration for, or development of, oil and gas or mineral interests is not compatible with conservation of the surface interests in lands that have been classified as Type A wetlands. Authorizes the Secretary to classify such interests as Type A wetlands and to notify the owner that he may receive compensation. Sets forth provisions concerning court jurisdiction and remedies for taking of interests. Requires the Secretary to deny a permit authorizing activities in Type A wetlands unless: (1) such activities can be undertaken with minimal alteration or surface disturbance; (2) there are overriding public interest concerns that require use of the lands for purposes other than conservation; or (3) the proposed use of the land will result in overall environmental benefits. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a permit for activities in Type B wetlands subject to conditions that ensure that the watershed or aquatic ecosystem of which such wetlands are a part does not suffer loss or degradation of wetlands values or functions. Imposes requirements for mitigation when such activities result in the permanent loss or degradation of Type B wetlands where such loss or degradation is not a temporary or incidental impact. Directs the Secretary to establish a mitigation banking program in each State to ensure compensation for loss and degradation of wetlands. Requires the primary objective of such programs to be to provide for the restoration, enhancement, or creation of ecologically significant wetlands on an ecosystem basis. Sets forth requirements of such programs. Permits activities in Type C wetlands to be undertaken without specified authorization. Authorizes the Secretary to issue general permits on a State, regional, or nationwide basis for activities in wetlands if such activities are similar in nature and will not result in the significant loss of ecologically significant wetlands values and functions. Exempts specified activities from this Act's requirements. Permits States or political subdivisions to submit land management plans for identified wetlands for the Secretary's approval. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to establish standards that govern the delineation of lands as wetlands. Prohibits more than 20 percent of any county, parish, or borough from being classified as Type A wetlands. Requires the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to undertake a project to identify and classify U.S. wetlands. Provides for public participation in such project and makes information concerning identification and classification available to the public. Authorizes the Secretary to commence civil actions for permit violations. Prescribes civil penalties for such violations. Authorizes States to administer permit programs for activities covered by this Act, subject to the Secretary's approval.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1991
Title I: Findings and Definitions - National Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Act of 1991 - Sets forth congressional findings and definitions. Title II: Oil and Gas Leasing on National Wildlife Refuges - Mandates that all oil and gas leasing receipts generated from activities on units of the National Wildlife Refuge System be deposited into the Refuge Revenue Sharing Fund. Exempts oil and gas leases on Alaskan units of the System from such mandate. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) to repeal, with the commencement of the first coastal plain lease sale, the proscription against oil and gas leasing within the Arctic Refuge. Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to initiate, through the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Director), a coastal plain oil and gas leasing program. Makes this Act the sole authority for oil and gas leasing and regulation on the coastal plain. Suspends all lease sales, in the event that the State of Alaska initiates a judicial challenge to the division of revenues between the State and the Federal Government, until a final decision has been issued. Directs the Secretary, through the Director, to publish draft competitive oil and gas coastal plain leasing regulations within six months after the date of enactment of this Act. Declares that further environmental analysis or documentation shall not be required for promulgation of such regulations. Sets forth environmental policy guidelines for such regulations, including a mandatory analysis of the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of oil and gas development. Sets forth general procedures and conditions for competitive oil and gas leasing, including expedited judicial review of administrative actions relating to such leasing, bonding requirements, and environmental stipulations. Authorizes the Secretary, through the Director, to work cooperatively with other Federal, State, and local agencies in developing and implementing a comprehensive oil and gas leasing program for the coastal plain. Grants the Secretary (acting through the Director) exclusive authority to grant a right-of-way across the coastal plain for purposes of a common carrier transportation or utility system corridor. Prohibits granting a permanent or year-round right-of-way until the first competitive coastal plain lease sale has been held. Mandates that the right-of-way standards for oil and gas pipelines across the coastal plain be consistent with the remainder of the pipeline outside the Arctic Refuge. Prohibits the construction of more than two new port facilities necessitated by oil or gas development that affects the Arctic Refuge along a specified coastal area. Prohibits the construction of any port facility within a distance of one and a half miles on either side of Pokok Bluffs (a polar bear denning habitat). Prohibits port facility or offshore causeway construction without prior consultation with specified fish and wildlife agencies. Declares that provisions of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 shall apply to any discharge of oil, or to the substantial threat of such discharge, into or upon the coastal plain, including land owned by the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation or other public or private entity. Makes a party liable for removal costs and damages with respect to such discharges. Grants the Secretary enforcement powers for violations of this Act, including power to issue compliance orders and assess civil and criminal penalties. Requires the Secretary to: (1) revise a specified Arctic Refuge conservation plan to include the Arctic Refuge coastal plain; (2) consult with affected State, native villages, regional corporations, and Canada in evaluating the impact of oil and gas exploration upon fish and wildlife; and (3) report biennially to the Congress regarding the status of the oil and gas leasing program and its impact upon wildlife and the environment. Requires all oil and gas leasing revenues on the Artic and the Teshekpuk-Utukok National Wildlife Refuges to be paid into the Treasury. Outlines the manner in which such revenues shall be disbursed. Establishes the National Wildlife Refuge System Enhancement Fund to promote the restoration and enhancement of units of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Establishes as a National Wildlife Refuge and as a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System the Teshekpuk-Utukok National Wildlife Refuge. Requires the Director to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan for such Refuge. Sets forth a limited oil and gas leasing moratorium within such Refuge. Continues the local use of coal as fuel. Repeals certain statutory prohibitions applicable to subsurface coastal plain property interests owned by the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation or surface property rights owned by the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation. Precludes the authorization of exploratory drilling involving such property interests (with specified exceptions) until the day after the first lease sale is held pursuant to this Act. Applies environmental provisions of the final regulations issued pursuant to this Act to all oil and gas exploration, development, production, and transportation activities involving such property interests. Requires all surface disturbance activities involving such property interests to be undertaken in accordance with a plan of operations to be approved by the Director. Authorizes the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation or Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation to bring a claim for money damages or other relief in specified U.S. district courts alleging that the provisions of this Act constitute a taking of contract or property rights under the fifth amendment of the Constitution. Confers full land reclamation liability upon coastal plain oil and gas leaseholders and holders of rights-of-way. Establishes the Coastal Plain Reclamation Fund with royalties from commercially produced crude oil or natural gas. Authorizes appropriations for impact aid for affected governments and communities. Directs the Secretary to establish an impact aid grant program for such entities, and to submit to the Congress the results of a study of projected impact aid needs. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Migratory Bird Conservation Act to revise the membership content of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission to include four members (currently, two) from the House of Representatives and the Senate, respectively. Provides that lease terms shall, at a minimum, address the same wildlife conservation and protection matters that are applicable to the access and development of reserved non-Federal mineral interests in National Wildlife Refuge System areas. Amends the Fish and Wildlife Improvement Act to authorize appropriations for each fiscal year through FY 1998 for the Secretary of the Interior to implement the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat. Amends the Refuge Administration Act to provide that specified Federal criminal law does not preclude the use of aircraft and motor vehicles in implementation of approved management plans on national wildlife refuges. National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act - Amends the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 to require the Secretary to plan for the expansion of the National Wildlife Refuge System through fish and wildlife conservation activities. Requires the Secretary to resolve conflicts between existing laws establishing a refuge and one of the above purposes. Exempts Alaskan units of the System from the administration and management provisions of this section. Declares that nothing in this section shall prohibit the Secretary from providing compatible fish-and-wildlife-oriented recreation in the System. Prohibits lands acquired with funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund or the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund for inclusion in the System from being managed by an organization or agency other than the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, unless otherwise provided by an Act of the Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to exchange System lands only if he or she determines they are suitable for disposition and are no longer needed. Excludes from such exchanges the exchange of easements or other interests in such lands which would allow such interests to be managed by an organization or agency other than the Service, unless otherwise provided by an Act of the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1991
Plastic Recycling Assistance Act of 1991 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to require plastic containers manufactured or offered for sale in the United States to be coded to identify the principal plastic resin used in such containers. Establishes a symbol and numbers identifying specific types of resins, including degradable resins, for such codes. Prohibits States or political subdivisions from: (1) enforcing any law applicable to plastic coding unless requirements are the same as requirements under this Act; and (2) enforcing any ban on plastic containers coded in compliance with this Act unless such ban is equally applicable to containers made from other materials. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Requires the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on technology to facilitate the automated sorting of recyclable and nonrecyclable plastics in municipal solid waste and to separate such plastics by resin type. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1991
Urges the President to instruct the Attorney General to appoint an independent counsel to investigate the involvement of Government officials in the savings and loan scandal.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1991
Authorizes the President to present a gold medal to General H. Norman Schwarzkopf in recognition of his exemplary performance in coordinating the planning, strategy, and execution of U.S. combat action and his invaluable contributions to the United States and to the liberation of Kuwait. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1991
Requests the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to publish, within one year, proposed amended regulations that specify the components of an adequate operator training program and certification system for operators of powered industrial trucks.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1991
United States One Dollar Coin Act of 1991 - Amends Federal currency law to prescribe the color and content of one-dollar coins. Mandates that the obverse side of the one dollar coin have a design recognizing America's veterans. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to cease regular production of one-dollar Federal Reserve notes by a specified date (except for such quantities as are required to meet collectors' needs). Mandates that the seigniorage of the new one-dollar coins be used to offset the reverse seigniorage resulting from the destruction of Susan B. Anthony dollar coins in Government storage.
![Official portrait of Rep. Tauzin, W. J. (Billy) [R-LA-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/t000058_200.jpg)