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Official portrait of Rep. Tucker, Walter R., III [D-CA-37]

Rep. Tucker, Walter R., III [D-CA-37]

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331 records where Rep. Tucker, Walter R., III [D-CA-37] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 60 (103rd)open

Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the emphasis that the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission should place on the economic impact of the closure of military installations on affected communities in recommending such installations for closure during the 1993 base closure process.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1993

Calls for the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission, when making recommendations to the President during 1993 for the closure of military installations, to give greater emphasis to the economic impact of such closures on the affected communities.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 136 (103rd)referred

Designating the month of April 1993 as "National African American Health Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1993

Designates April 1993 as National African American Health Awareness Month. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) make information available to the public on the health problems currently facing minority populations and on the careers and contributions of minority health professionals; and (2) present public service announcements on health promotion and disease prevention among African Americans.

Bill· HRH.R. 1188 (103rd)referred

Anti-Redlining in Insurance Disclosure Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1993

Anti Redlining in Insurance Disclosure Act - Requires certain insurers to maintain and make available to the Secretary of Commerce and the public specified information on their practices and activities with respect to property and casualty insurance sold in urban areas, such as the number of policies sold by census tract, itemized by demographic characteristics. Mandates disclosure to insurance applicants of the reasons for rejection or nonrenewal. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations to ensure that the practices of insurers in terminating agents who handle property or casualty insurance do not result in: (1) an inappropriate effect on the availability or affordability of insurance from such insurers; and (2) unfair discrimination against agents as a result of their geographic locations or their clients'. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop, or assist in the improvement of, methods of matching addresses and census tracts to facilitate compliance by insurers with this Act; (2) compile for each urban area aggregate data by census tract for all insurers; and (3) produce tables for each such area indicating aggregate insurance underwriting patterns for various categories of census tracts grouped according to location, age of property, income level, and racial characteristics. Requires such data and tables to be made public. Establishes civil penalties for violations of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1200 (103rd)open

American Health Security Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1993

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Establishment of a State-Based American Health Security Program; Universal Entitlement; Enrollment Title II: Comprehensive Benefits, Including Preventive Benefits and Benefits for Long Term Care Title III: Provider Participation Title IV: Administration Subtitle A: General Administrative Provisions Subtitle B: Control Over Fraud and Abuse Title V: Quality Assessment Title VI: National Health Security Budget; Payments; Cost Containment Measures Subtitle A: Budgeting and Payments to States Subtitle B: Payments by States to Providers Subtitle C: Mandatory Assignment and Administrative Provisions Title VII: Promotion of Primary Health Care; Development of Health Service Capacity; Programs to Assist the Medically Underserved Subtitle A: Promotion and Expansion of Primary Care Professional Training Subtitle B: Direct Health Care Delivery Subtitle C: Primary Care and Outcomes Research Title VIII: Financing Provisions, American Health Security Trust Fund Subtitle A: American Health Security Trust Fund Subtitle B: Increases in Corporate and Individual Income Tax Rates; Health Security Premium; and Surtax on Individuals with Incomes Over $1,000,000 Subtitle C: Employment Tax Changes Subtitle D: Other Revenue Increases Primarily Affecting Individuals Subtitle E: Other Revenue Increases Primary Affecting Businesses Subtitle F: Estimated Tax Provisions Subtitle G: Alternative Taxable Years Subtitle H: Deduction for Charitable Contribution of Appreciated Property Limited to Adjusted Basis Subtitle I: Minimum 5 Percent Rate of Tax on Interest Paid to Foreign Persons American Health Security Act of 1993 - Title I: Establishment of a State-Based American Health Security Program; Universal Entitlement; Enrollment - Establishes in the United States an American Health Security Program (AHSP) to be administered by the States (including the District of Columbia and, if they so choose, U.S. territories) in accordance with Federal standards established under this Act. Requires a State to establish a State health security program (program) in accordance with this Act to receive Federal health care funding. (Sec. 102) Entitles every individual who is a resident of the United States and is a U.S. citizen or national or a lawful resident alien to benefits for health care services under this Act under the appropriate State program. Sets forth provisions regarding the treatment of nonimmigrants and other individuals. (Sec. 103) Requires each State program to: (1) provide a mechanism for the enrollment of individuals entitled or eligible for benefits (which includes a process for the automatic enrollment of individuals at the time of birth, immigration, or other acquisition of lawful resident status in the United States and provides for the enrollment of all individuals who are eligible to be enrolled as of January 1, 1995); and (2) issue a health security card to enrolled individuals. (Sec. 104) Makes benefits portable when enrollees move or travel between States. Prohibits imposition of a minimum residence or waiting period in excess of three months for program benefit eligibility. Allows reciprocal arrangements between programs in adjacent States for coverage for enrollees residing in the border region. (Sec. 105) Makes benefits available under this Act for items and services furnished on or after January 1, 1995. (Sec. 106) Supersedes Medicare, Medicaid, the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program, and CHAMPUS, which must pay for completion of services they covered before January 1, 1995. Specifies that nothing in this Act affects the eligibility of veterans for Veterans Administration health benefits and services, or of Indians for benefits and services of the Indian Health Service. Title II: Comprehensive Benefits, Including Preventive Benefits and Benefits for Long Term Care - Entitles all eligible individuals to have payment made (if medically necessary and appropriate for the maintenance of health or for the diagnosis, treatment, or rehabilitation of a health condition) for inpatient and outpatient hospital services, professional services of State-authorized practitioners, community-based primary health services, preventive services, long-term and chronic care services, prescription drugs, biologicals, insulin, and medical foods, dental services, mental health services, substance abuse treatment services, diagnostic tests, and other specified items and services, including outpatient therapy, durable medical equipment, home dialysis, ambulance, prosthetic devices, and other items and services specified by the American Health Security Standards Board (Board) (established by title IV of this Act). Specifies that: (1) no deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments may be charged for acute care benefits; (2) no provider may charge a patient for covered services; (3) no private insurance may duplicate program benefits; and (4) States and employers may provide additional benefits at their own expense. (Sec. 203) Covers home and community-based long-term care services for persons unable to perform at least two of five listed activities of daily living without assistance. Limits the cost of such services to 65 percent (or an alternative percentage determined by the Board) of the cost of nursing home care for an individual in the same area in which the services were provided. (Sec. 204) Makes mental health, substance abuse, nursing facility, and home health services subject to utilization review. Directs the Board to make national determinations on coverage of experimental services, with professional and public input. Specifies that where the Board has recognized practice guidelines, coverage is limited to services provided according to the guidelines or any established exception process. Allows the Board to limit quantities of eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, and durable medical equipment that will be covered. Excludes from coverage cosmetic procedures, personal comfort items, and services furnished in non-participating facilities. (Sec. 205) Specifies that: (1) States may require providers to certify that covered services were provided according to program requirements; (2) quality review programs must meet Federal standards; and (3) States may require plans of care for coverage of certain services. Title III: Provider Participation - Requires providers, to receive payment, to agree: (1) not to discriminate based on race, national origin, income, religion, age, sex or sexual orientation, disability, handicapping condition, or (subject to the professional qualifications of the provider) illness; (2) not to charge patients for covered services; (3) to furnish necessary information to the Board or program; (4) not to employ other providers whose participation has been terminated for cause; and (5) to submit bills within a specified time frame. (Sec. 302) Considers a health care provider to be qualified if it is licensed or certified and meets State law requirements, applicable Federal requirements, and additional standards that the Board may specify. Requires: (1) the Board to establish, evaluate, and update national minimum standards to assure the quality of services provided and to monitor efforts by programs to assure such quality; (2) a reasonable transition period for any new standards; and (3) the Board to provide for an exchange of information among programs with respect to quality assurance and cost containment. (Sec. 303) Defines a "comprehensive health service organization" (CHSO) as a public or private organization which, in return for a capitated payment amount, furnishes or arranges a full range of health services and out-of-area coverage in the case of urgently needed services to an identified population in a specified service area which enrolls voluntarily in the organization. Sets forth various CHSO requirements regarding enrollment, withdrawal for cause, accessibility of services, continuity of care, consumer and provider representation on the board of directors, a patient grievance program, medical standards committees, premiums, utilization and bonus information, provision of services to enrollees at institutions operating under global budgets, marketing of services, and provision of emergency services to nonenrollees. (Sec. 304) Extends current Medicare prohibitions on physician self-referrals for clinical laboratory services to other services and applies such prohibitions to AHSP. Title IV: Administration - Subtitle A: General Administrative Provisions - Establishes the American Health Security Standards Board to develop policies and procedures for enrollment, benefits, provider participation, national and State funding levels, assisting programs with planning for capital expenditures and service delivery, and other functions and to establish uniform reporting standards for health services and programs. Authorizes the Board to make statistical and other studies, test alternative payment methods, and develop and test information and budget systems. Provides for the appointment of an Executive Director of the Board and an Inspector General. (Sec. 402) Directs the Board to provide for an American Health Security Advisory Council to advise the Board on matters of general policy, in the formulation of regulations, and in the performance of the Board's duties and to study the operation of, and utilization of health services under, this Act. (Sec. 403) Directs the Board to appoint advisory committees on benefits, cost containment, primary care and the medically underserved, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and prescription drugs. Authorizes the Board to appoint other temporary advisory committees. (Sec. 404) Establishes an American Health Security Quality Council which shall be responsible for quality review activities (under title V). Directs the Quality Council to report to the Board annually on activities and findings from outcomes research and development of practice guidelines that may affect the Board's determination of coverage of services. (Sec. 405) Requires: (1) each State to submit to the Board a plan for a program for providing health care services to residents of the State (but allows neighboring States to join in regional plans); (2) the Board to provide incentives for States to develop regional planning mechanisms to promote the rational distribution of, adequate access to, and efficient use of, tertiary care facilities, equipment, and services; (3) State programs to meet Federal standards, including single-agency administration, a State health security budget, provider payment and quality review methodologies consistent with Federal standards, freedom to choose providers, a consumer ombudsman, an annual report, and a fraud and abuse prevention and control unit; and (4) the Governor of each State to provide for appointment of a State Health Security Advisory Council to advise and make recommendations to the Governor and State regarding program implementation. Allows: (1) programs not meeting Federal requirements, after notice, to be placed in receivership under the Board's jurisdiction; and (2) States to use fiscal agents, after competitive bidding, to process claims. (Sec. 406) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to direct all activities of the Department of Health and Human Services toward contributions to health of the people in a manner complementary to this Act. Subtitle B: Control Over Fraud and Abuse - Authorizes the Board to exclude providers from participation, impose civil monetary penalties, and seek criminal prosecution for fraud or abuse, based on current Medicaid standards. Requires providers to disclose relevant information about their ownership interest in health facilities and services, based on current Medicaid standards. (Sec. 412) Requires the Board: (1) through the Inspector General, to establish a national health care fraud and abuse data base, including the identity of any provider who has been convicted, had a license revoked, has been excluded or suspended from participation, or has been subjected to a civil penalty with respect to a State program, Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federally funded health program; and (2) to establish rules to protect the confidentiality of information in the data base. Requires States to provide relevant information for this purpose and to periodically inquire of the data base to determine provider qualifications to participate in programs. Sets penalties for submitting false information. (Sec. 413) Requires each program to establish and maintain a health care fraud and abuse unit. (Sec. 414) Directs the Board to provide for the assignment of a unique identifier to each participating provider and to each individual eligible for services, which shall be used for claims and payment. Title V: Quality Assessment - Directs the Quality Council to: (1) collect data from outcomes research on an ongoing basis and develop practice guidelines on the basis of such data and existing clinical knowledge; (2) adopt methodologies for profiling the patterns of practice of health care professionals and for identifying outliers (i.e., health care providers whose patterns of practice suggest quality deficiencies); (3) develop standards for the development of centers of excellence for designated procedures and for education of and sanctions for outliers; and (4) disseminate all quality guidelines and standards to the States for implementation. (Sec. 502) Requires each participating State to establish an entity to conduct quality reviews of persons providing covered services under its program which meet Federal standards for the adoption of practice guidelines, identification of outliers, development of remedial programs and monitoring for outliers, and the application of sanctions. Allows the State to adopt alternative methodologies to those adopted by the Quality Council provided that the State can demonstrate that the efficacy of such review and education programs meets Federal standards. Mandates that the quality review entity be administratively independent of the individual or board that administers the program and not provide any financial incentive to reviewers to favor one pattern of practice over another. (Sec. 503) Expresses the intent to replace random utilization controls with a systematic review of patterns of practice that compromise the quality of care by January 1, 1998. Supercedes all existing Federal utilization review programs, including random case-by-case reviews and programs requiring pre-certification of medical procedures on a case-by-case basis, with exceptions. Specifies that nothing in this section shall preclude case management of catastrophic, mental health, or substance abuse cases where necessary to achieve appropriate, cost-effective, and beneficial comprehensive medical care. (Sec. 504) Requires: (1) each State program to develop and use a uniform electronic data base which uses software designated by the Board and which assures confidentiality for all patient records to enable systematic quality review and outcomes analysis; and (2) the Board to designate such software and establish standards designed to protect the privacy of patients. Limits access by government agencies to patient records. Title VI: Health Security Budget; Payments; Cost Containment Measures - Subtitle A: Budgeting and Payments to States - Directs the Board to establish a national health security budget which specifies the total expenditures to be made by the Federal Government and the States for covered health care services, and allocates those expenditures among the States. Prohibits such budget from exceeding the budget for the preceding year increased by the percentage increase in gross domestic product. Divides the budget into quality assessment, professional education, administrative, and operating components. (Sec. 602) Provides for the allocation of funds in the budget by the Board to the States, based on the national average per capita costs of covered services adjusted for differences among the States in costs and the health status of populations. Permits the use of statistical models to estimate State capitation amounts. Sets forth State adjustment factors to reflect differences in relative needs for funds and directs that such factors be applied in a budget-neutral manner resulting in no change in total Federal expenditures from the national per capita average. (Sec. 603) Requires each program to submit to the Board a proposed and final annual budget broken into quality assessment, professional training, administrative, and operating components, with the operating component broken into facility-based services, individual practitioner payments, payments to CHSOs, and payments for other items and services. Sets forth provisions regarding proposed and final budget deadlines, adjustments in allocations, and expenditure limits. Permits programs to provide for a process for the approval of capital expenditures based on information derived from regional planning agencies. (Sec. 604) Provides for programs to receive Federal funds equal to a weighted average of 86 percent of their population-based share of the budget, which the Board may adjust between 81 and 91 percent based on State economic conditions. (Sec. 605) Requires each program to establish a separate budget account for health professional education expenditures and to distribute funds consistent with the achievement of specified national and program goals, including the receipt by the Board of reports to monitor compliance, and taking into account the potentially higher costs of placing health professional students in clinical education programs in health professional shortage areas. Subtitle B: Payments by States to Providers - Directs that: (1) payment for operating expenses for institutional and facility-based care under State programs be made directly to each institution or facility under an annual prospective global budget approved under the program; (2) such budgets take into account discharges by diagnosis-related group, prior expenditures, the extent to which debt service for capital expenditures has been included in the proposed operating budget, change in the consumer price index and other price indices, compensation, occupancy levels, past financial and clinical performance, training, technological changes, and incentives to maintain costs without reducing care; and (3) facility budgets be adjusted to reflect payments made by CHSOs. Allows programs to permit institutions and facilities to raise funds from private sources to pay for newly constructed facilities, major renovations, and equipment. (Sec. 612) Requires: (1) State programs to pay individual practitioners on a fee-for-service basis, as negotiated between States and practitioner representatives; (2) the Board to establish models for such payment and for global fee payment methodologies to encourage payment for combinations of services; and (3) practitioners to bill State programs within 30 days of providing services. Permits States to require electronic billing. (Sec. 613) Authorizes programs to pay CHSOs based on annual budgets or risk-adjusted capitation payments, reduced by the costs of covered services not provided by the CHSO. (Sec. 614) Directs that programs pay for community-based primary health services based on global budgets, basic primary care capitation amounts for enrollees, or fee-for-service, taking into account costs of serving non-covered patients, providing case management, transportation, and translation, and providing health professional education programs. (Sec. 615) Requires: (1) the Board to establish a list of approved prescription drugs based on the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Prescription Drugs and to negotiate maximum prices with manufacturers; and (2) each program to pay for such drugs based on such maximum prices and to pay separate dispensing fees to pharmacies. (Sec. 616) Directs the Board to establish a list of approved durable medical equipment and therapeutic devices and equipment and programs to pay for such items based on maximum prices determined by the Board. (Sec. 617) Requires State programs to pay for other items and services based on methodologies to be adopted by the Board, consistent with the State health security budget. (Sec. 618) Directs the Board to establish model payment methodologies and other incentives to promote the provision of services in medically underserved areas. Permits programs to adjust payments amounts within their budgets to encourage provision of appropriate services in underserved areas. (Sec. 619) Authorizes programs to utilize alternative payment methodologies, provided that such methodologies do not affect the entitlement of individuals to coverage, the weighting of fee schedules to encourage an increase in the number of primary care providers, the ability of individuals to choose among qualified providers, the benefits covered under the Program, or compliance with the State health security budget. Requires States to report on the operation and effectiveness of alternative methodologies to enable the Board to evaluate the appropriateness of applying such methodologies to other States. Subtitle C: Mandatory Assignment and Administrative Provisions - Specifies that participating providers: (1) must accept payment from a program as full payment for covered services; and (2) may not impose additional charges on patients. Permits the Board to exclude from participation and subject to civil penalties violators of such provision. (Sec. 632) Requires programs to establish: (1) procedures for reimbursing providers within 60 days of bill submission; and (2) an appeals process to handle grievances pertaining to provider payments. Title VII: Promotion of Primary Health Care; Development of Health Service Capacity; Programs to Assist the Medically Underserved - Subtitle A: Promotion and Expansion of Primary Care Professional Training - Makes the Board responsible for: (1) coordinating health professional education policies and goals to achieve national goals; (2) overseeing program health professional education expenditures; (3) developing and maintaining a system to monitor the number and specialties of individuals through their health professional education, any postgraduate training, and professional practice; and (4) developing, coordinating, and promoting other policies that expand the number of primary care practitioners. Sets as national goals that: (1) at least 50 percent of graduate medical residencies be in primary care within five years of this Act's enactment; and (2) there be a certain number, specified by the Board, of midlevel primary care practitioners employed in the health care system as of January 1, 2000. Directs the Board to: (1) establish a method of applying such goals to program goals for each medical residency program or consortium of programs and reducing payments for residency programs failing to meet their goals; (2) advise the Public Health Service on allocations of funding under specified programs to increase the supply of midlevel primary care practitioners; and (3) commission a study of the potential benefits and disadvantages of expanding the scope of practice authorized under State laws for any class of midlevel primary care practitioners. (Sec. 702) Requires the Board to establish an Advisory Committee on Health Professional Education to advise the Board concerning graduate medical education policies under this title. (Sec. 703) Directs the Board to transfer specified revenues from the American Health Security Trust Fund (Trust Fund) for specified existing programs supporting health professional education and nursing education and for the National Health Service Corps. Subtitle B: Direct Health Care Delivery - Requires the Board to transfer specified Trust Fund revenues to the Public Health Service for: (1) maternal and child health block grants, preventive health block grants, grants to States for community mental health services and prevention and treatment of substance abuse, and grants for HIV health care services; and (2) grants to nonprofit community health centers and similar facilities. (Sec. 713) Directs the Board to make grants to primary care centers (i.e., nonprofit community health centers, migrant health centers, and other federally qualified health centers) to serve medically underserved populations in urban and rural areas. Specifies that grant funds may be used to plan, develop, and deliver primary care in such areas. Subtitle C: Primary Care and Outcomes Research - Requires the Board to transfer specified Trust Fund revenues to the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research for health outcomes research. (Sec. 722) Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) an Office of Primary Care and Prevention Research to be headed by a Director who shall identify and coordinate research activities relating to primary care and prevention, including care provided by multidisciplinary teams. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Director of NIH to establish a national data system and clearinghouse on primary care and prevention research. Title VIII: Financing Provisions; American Health Security Trust Fund - Subtitle A: American Health Security Trust Fund - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create the American Health Security Trust Fund. Appropriates to the trust fund the increase in tax liabilities attributable to the application of amendments made by this title and receipts from the following programs: Medicare, Medicaid, Federal employees health benefit program, and the CHAMPUS program. Transfers to such trust fund amounts in the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Subtitle B: Increases in Corporate and Individual Income Tax Rates; Health Security Premium; Surtax on Individuals With Incomes Over $1,000,000 - Increases individual and corporate income tax rates, including the imposition of a health premium on such increased rates. Imposes a surtax on individuals with incomes over $1 million. Subtitle C: Employment Tax Changes - Increases the tax on employers for hospital insurance. Modifies self-employment and railroad retirement tax provisions. Makes State and local employees subject to the hospital insurance tax. Subtitle D: Other Revenue Increases Primarily Affecting Individuals - Makes permanent the overall limitation on itemized deductions for high-income taxpayers. Makes permanent the phaseout of the deduction for personal exemptions for such taxpayers. Removes residence sale, purchase, or lease expenses and meals while traveling from the deduction for moving expenses. Increases the overall dollar limitation for moving expenses in connection with the commencement of work. Makes the highest estate and gift tax rates permanent. Denies any deduction for club membership fees as an entertainment expense. Includes increased social security benefits in gross income. Provides for the collection of a monthly long-term health care premium for the elderly (other than the low-income elderly) for deposit into the American Health Security Trust Fund. Subtitle E: Other Revenue Increases Primarily Affecting Businesses - Applies mark-to-market accounting method rules for certain securities held by dealers in securities (with specified exceptions for certain types of securities such as those held for investment or as a hedge). Increases the applicable recovery period for depreciation of nonresidential real property under the accelerated cost recovery system. Includes imported property income of a controlled foreign corporation or related person as foreign base company income. Requires the separate application of the limitation on the foreign tax credit on imported property income. Applies the look-thru rules in the case of controlled foreign corporations to such income. Repeals: (1) the deduction for intangible drilling and development costs in the case of oil and gas wells and geothermal wells; (2) the percentage depletion for oil and gas wells; and (3) the application of like-kind exchange rules to real property. Disallows the capitalization of a percentage of advertising expenses. Allows the amortization of such disallowed amount. Subtitle F: Estimated Tax Provisions - Increases individual and corporate estimated tax payments. Repeals special rules which denied the use of a previous year's liability safe harbor for certain individuals with significant increases in tax liability from one year to the next. Modifies corporate annualized income installment provisions. Subtitle G: Alternative Taxable Years - Provides that the taxable year for an S corporation of partnership must be the same as an entity's reporting period if an entity has annual reports or statements which ascertain income profit or loss and are provided to shareholders or used for credit purposes. Revises computation of the amount of the required payment that must be made by a partnership or S corporation that elects a taxable year other than the required taxable year. Subtitle H: Deduction for Charitable Contribution of Appreciated Property Limited to Adjusted Basis - Limits the deduction for charitable contribution of appreciated property to the amount which would have been gained had the property been sold by the taxpayer at its fair market value. Subtitle I: Minimum 5 Percent Rate of Tax on Interest Paid to Foreign Persons - Sets a minimum rate of tax on interest paid to foreign persons notwithstanding any treaty obligations.

Bill· HRH.R. 1172 (103rd)open

Justice for Wards Cove Workers Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1993

Justice for Wards Cove Workers Act - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1991 to remove a provision excluding from application of the Act any disparate impact case filed before March 1, 1975, and decided after October 30, 1983. (Wards Cove Packing Co. v. Atonio, 1989, held that, in cases brought under title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the burden is on the plaintiff to prove an employer had no business necessity for a practice with discriminatory effects.)

Bill· HRH.R. 1152 (103rd)referred

Hate Crimes Sentencing Enhancement Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1993

Hate Crimes Sentencing Enhancement Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal judicial code to require the U.S. Sentencing Commission to: (1) promulgate or amend existing guidelines to provide for sentencing enhancements of not less than three offense levels for offenses that are hate crimes; and (2) ensure reasonable consistency with other guidelines, avoid duplicative punishments for substantially the same offenses, and take into account any mitigating circumstances that might justify exceptions.

Bill· HRH.R. 1133 (103rd)open

Violence Against Women Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1993

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Safe Streets For Women Subtitle A: Law Enforcement and Prosecution Grants to Reduce Violent Crimes Against Women Subtitle B: Rape Prevention Programs Subtitle C: Victim Compensation Subtitle D: National Board on Violent Crime Against Women Subtitle E: Safe Campuses for Women Title II: Safe Homes for Women Subtitle A: Interstate Enforcement Subtitle B: Arrest in Domestic Violence Cases Subtitle C: Safe Homes for Immigrant Women Subtitle D: Confidentiality for Abused Persons Title III: Civil Rights Title IV: Equal Justice for Women in the Courts Subtitle A: New Evidentiary Rules Subtitle B: Education and Training for Judges and Court Personnel in State Courts Subtitle C: Education and Training for Judges and Court Personnel in Federal Courts Violence Against Women Act of 1993 - Title I: Safe Streets for Women - Safe Streets for Women Act of 1993 - Subtitle A: Law Enforcement and Prosecution Grants to Reduce Violent Crimes Against Women - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Omnibus Act) to authorize the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to: (1) make grants to reduce the rate of violent crimes against women to States and nonprofit nongovernmental victim services programs, and to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or nongovernmental domestic violence and sexual assault victim services programs on Indian reservations; and (2) request any Federal agency, with or without reimbursement, to use its authorities and resources to support such State and local efforts. (Sec. 112) Specifies that no State is entitled to funds under this title unless the State or other grantee incurs the full cost of forensic medical exams for victims of sexual assault. Subtitle B: Rape Prevention Programs - Chapter 1: Rape Prevention Grants - Authorizes the Director to make education and prevention grants to reduce sexual assaults against women. Chapter 2: Offender Training and Information Programs - Directs the: (1) National Institute of Justice to establish criteria and develop training programs to assist probation and parole officer and other personnel who work with released sex offenders in the areas of case management, supervision, and relapse prevention; and (2) Attorney General to compile information regarding sex offender treatment programs and ensure that information regarding treatment programs in the community into which a convicted sex offender is released is made available to persons imprisoned for sexual abuse offenses. Subtitle C: Victim Compensation - Amends the Federal criminal code to require that a court order restitution for violations of Federal sexual abuse laws. Subtitle D: National Board on Violent Crime Against Women - Establishes an Interagency Advisory Board on Violent Crime Against Women to assess and review, and make recommendations regarding, policies and practices of the Government regarding violence against women. Subtitle E: Safe Campuses for Women - Directs the Attorney General to provide for a national baseline study to examine the scope of the problem of campus sexual assaults and the effectiveness of institutional and legal policies in addressing such crimes and protecting victims. Title II: Safe Homes for Women - Safe Homes for Women Act - Subtitle A: Interstate Enforcement - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for traveling across a State line with the intent to: (1) contact that person's spouse or intimate partner and, in the course of such contact, intentionally committing a crime of violence causing bodily injury to such spouse or partner; and (2) engage in conduct that violates a protection order, or that would violate such order if the conduct occurred in the jurisdiction in which the order was issued, and engaging in such conduct. Requires that in any proceeding for the purpose of determining whether a defendant charged shall be released pending trial, or the conditions of such release, the alleged victim be given an opportunity to be heard regarding the danger posed by the defendant. Mandates that a court order restitution to the victim of an offense under this Act. Requires, provided that certain conditions are met, that a protection order issued by the court of one State be accorded full faith and credit by the court of another State. Subtitle B: Arrest in Domestic Violence Cases - Amends the Omnibus Act to authorize the Director to make grants to eligible States, Indian tribes, municipalities, or local governmental entities to encourage arrest policies in domestic violence cases, including mandatory arrest programs for protective order violations and improving judicial handling of domestic violence cases. Subtitle C: Safe Homes for Immigrant Women - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) permit an alien to petition for preference or immediate relative status under the Act (currently, only a U.S. citizen may petition claiming that an alien is entitled to such status), and provide that such a petition may only be withdrawn by the beneficiary or self-petitioner; (2) provide that an abused alien family member shall be considered to remain the spouse or child of a citizen or resident abuser after the legal termination of the marriage through which the member seeks immigrant status if specified conditions are met; and (3) provide for a stay of deportation and the granting of work authorization for abused alien family members until such time as an immigrant visa is available and the alien's application for adjustment of status has been finally adjudicated by the Attorney General (but authorizes the Attorney General to revoke the work authorization of, and initiate deportation proceedings against, any alien who has fraudulently made a claim to be an abused alien family member, if the alien has received notice of intent to revoke and has a reasonable opportunity to rebut evidence supporting the revocation). Subtitle D: Confidentiality for Abused Persons - Directs the Postmaster General to promulgate regulations to secure the confidentiality of abused persons' addresses or otherwise prohibit the disclosure of an abused person's address, subject to specified requirements. Title III: Civil Rights - Declares that all individuals within the United States, and the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, shall have the right to be free from crimes of violence motivated by the victim's gender. Permits individuals deprived of such right to bring a civil action for compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief, declaratory relief, or any combination thereof, subject to specified limitations. Title IV: Equal Justice for Women in the Courts - Subtitle A: New Evidentiary Rules - Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to make evidentiary rulings pursuant to Rule 412 (Rape Cases; Relevance of Victim's Past Behavior) subject to interlocutory appeal by the Government. (Sec. 402) Makes reputation or opinion evidence of the past sexual behavior of an alleged victim inadmissible in a criminal case, other than a sex offense case. Allows other types of evidence of a victim's past sexual behavior in accordance with specified procedures if its probative value outweighs the danger of unfair prejudice. (Sec. 403) Makes reputation or opinion evidence of the plaintiff's past sexual behavior inadmissible in a civil action involving allegations of actionable sexual misconduct. Allows other types of evidence of a plaintiff's past sexual behavior in accordance with specified procedures if its probative value outweighs the danger of unfair prejudice. (Sec. 404) Makes evidence of an alleged victim's clothing in a criminal case under Federal laws relating to sexual abuse inadmissible to show that the victim incited or invited the offense. Subtitle B: Education and Training for Judges and Court Personnel in State Courts - Authorizes the State Justice Institute to award grants to develop, test, present, and disseminate model programs to be used by States in training judges and court personnel in the laws of the State on rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes of violence motivated by the victim's gender. Subtitle C: Education and Training for Judges and Court Personnel in Federal Courts - Directs the: (1) circuit judicial councils to conduct studies of the instances of gender bias in their respective circuits; (2) Judicial Conference of the United States to designate an entity within the judicial branch to act as a clearinghouse to disseminate any reports and materials issued by the gender bias task forces and to respond to requests for such reports and materials; and (3) Federal Judicial Center to include in its educational programs information on issues related to gender bias in the courts, prepare materials necessary to accomplish that end, and take into consideration the findings and recommendations of such studies and consult with individuals and groups with relevant expertise in gender bias issues as it prepares or revises such materials.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 52 (103rd)referred

Expressing the sense of Congress that equitable mental health care benefits must be included in any health care reform legislation passed by Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1993

Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that any legislation enacted to reform the health care system must: (1) ensure that every person has access to coverage for medically and psychologically necessary treatments for mental disorders that is equitable to the coverage provided for treatments of physical illnesses; and (2) meet specified requirements concerning coverage, consumer choice, financial protection, financing policies, and coordination across Federal, State, and local programs.

Bill· HRH.R. 1036 (103rd)open

To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to provide that such Act does not preempt certain State laws.

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1993

Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide that title I (Protection of Employee Benefit Rights) does not preempt any State law which provides for: (1) the payment of prevailing wages; (2) standards or other requirements relating to apprenticeship or other training programs; or (3) liens, bonding, or other security to collect delinquent contributions to a multiemployer plan.

Bill· HRH.R. 1051 (103rd)referred

Turbo Enterprise Zone Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1993

Turbo Enterprise Zone Act - Provides for the waiver of Federal income, employment, self-employment, and excise taxes and State, county, and local jurisdiction taxes on qualified residents and qualified businesses in turbo enterprise zones during a five-year period. Describes such zones as any area designated as being: (1) afflicted with especially high unemployment; (2) subject to severe economic blight as measured by per capita income and the number of persons below the Federal poverty level; and (3) nonproductive of material tax revenues to the city, county, State, or Federal governments. Requires designations to be approved by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Provides for an extension of such period if necessary. Suspends the treatment of any deduction, credit, or capital loss carryover during such period. Allows a turbo enterprise zone employment credit equal to the applicable percentage of qualified first-year wages to a qualified productive business that: (1) is engaged in the manufacture or production of any tangible personal property in a turbo enterprise zone for use outside such a zone; or (2) is providing services performed outside such a zone by qualified residents. Limits such credit to $1,000 for the first-year wages paid to an employee. Makes such credit applicable to qualified residents of a turbo enterprise zone who are hired during the five-year period. Make such credit a part of the general business credit.

Law· HRH.R. 1025 (103rd)enacted

Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1993

Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit (until the Attorney General certifies that a national instant criminal background check system (System) is established pursuant to this Act) any licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from selling, delivering, or transferring a handgun to an unlicensed individual unless: (1) after the most recent proposal of such transfer by the individual, the transferor has received a statement of eligibility from the individual, verified the identity of such individual, provided notice of the contents, and transmitted a copy of the statement to the chief law enforcement officer (chief) of the place of residence of the individual within one day after the individual furnishes the statement; and five business days have elapsed from the date the transferor furnished notice of the contents of the statement to the chief, during which period the transferor has not received information from the chief that receipt or possession of the handgun by the individual would be in violation of Federal, State, or local law or has received notice from the chief that the chief has no information indicating that such receipt or possession would violate such law; (2) the individual has presented to the transferor a statement from the chief, issued in the past ten days, stating that the individual requires a handgun because of a threat to such individual or such individual's family; (3) the individual has presented to the transferor a permit to possess a handgun that has been issued in the past five years by the State in which the transfer is to take place under a State law which requires law enforcement verification of the individual's legal qualification to possess a handgun; (4) State law requires that an authorized government official verifies that the information available to such official does not indicate that possession of a handgun by the purchaser would be unlawful, with exceptions; (5) the Secretary of the Treasury has approved the transfer under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code; or (6) the Secretary has certified, on application of the transferor, that compliance with the notice requirement is impracticable for specified reasons. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish the System; (2) expedite the upgrading and indexing of State criminal history records in the Federal criminal records system maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the development of hardware and software systems to link State criminal history check systems into the System, and the current revitalization initiatives by the FBI for technologically advanced fingerprint and criminal records identification; and (3) ensure the privacy and security of System information. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the use of justice system improvement formula grants for the improvement of State record systems and the sharing with the Attorney General of specified records for the purpose of implementing this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 1027 (103rd)referred

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an incremental investment tax credit to assist defense contractors in converting to non-defense operations.

United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1993

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a defense contractor conversion investment tax credit to be equal to 15 percent of: (1) the incremental nondefense qualified investment for a taxable year; plus (2) the qualified nondefense product expenses incurred during such year. Defines a "defense contractor" as any taxpayer if more than ten percent of its gross receipts are derived from defense contracts. Bars a deduction for that portion of the qualified nondefense product expenses otherwise allowable as a deduction that is equal to the amount of credit with respect to such expenses.

Bill· HRH.R. 1019 (103rd)open

Gang Prevention and Youth Recreation Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1993

Gang Prevention and Youth Recreation Act of 1993 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to make grants to not more than ten selected cities to assist them to establish and operate teen resource and education centers to provide education, employment, recreation, social, and cultural awareness assistance to at-risk youth. Authorizes the Secretary to make such grants to a city if it applies and agrees to operate at least two such centers. Requires such centers to offer for at-risk youth: (1) educational assistance, including information on institutions of higher education, assistance with financial aid applications and scholarship search, and preparatory courses for high school equivalency and college entrance examinations; (2) employment and skills training, including hiring teen peer counselors to provide basic job skills training, job referral services, and job banks; (3) recreational opportunities, such as sports teams, neighborhood gardening and food distribution, creative activities and arts, and reading programs; (4) social skills development, including hiring adult counselors and providing support groups for counseling on social and personal issues; and (5) cultural awareness programs, such as classes in the history and culture of various cultural groups and productions of plays, stories, and artwork reflecting the cultural heritage of such youth. Requires such centers to provide financial assistance to college graduates who work full-time at the center to assist them to repay part of their student loan debt. Sets forth grant selection, allocation, and reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 1020 (103rd)open

Job and Life Skills Improvement Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1993

Job and Life Skills Improvement Act of 1993 - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act to authorize the Secretary of Labor to establish a national program of Job and Life Skills Improvement grants to eligible entities to pay the Federal share of providing comprehensive services to youth and young adults in high poverty urban and rural areas. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 1022 (103rd)referred

Comprehensive Services for Youth Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1993

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: School-Based or School-Linked Health and Social Services Center Grants Title II: State and Local Coordinated Youth Services Grants Subtitle A: Local Consortia Grants Subtitle B: Statewide Youth Services Center Grants Subtitle C: Provisions Relating to Both Local and Statewide Grant Programs Title III: Implementation Provisions Title IV: Federal Coordinated Youth Services Initiatives Comprehensive Services for Youth Act of 1993 - Title I: School-Based or School-Linked Health and Social Services Center Grants - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) (the Secretary), acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (the Administrator), to award grants to eligible local community partnerships to coordinate and deliver comprehensive education, health, and social services to children or youth in school-based, school-linked, or community-based locations. Requires partnership use of grant funds for coordination and delivery of specified core services at a school-based, school-linked, or community-based location or locations accessible to and used by at-risk children, youth, and their families. Gives priority to grant applicants whose comprehensive services plan demonstrates: (1) continuity of access to core services on a year-round basis or beyond traditional school or service hours, either on site or through a backup referral system of community-based providers; and (2) the offer of services beyond the in-school population, including core services to out-of-school youth, to the extent practicable. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Administration, to award planning grants to eligible entities that agree to establish a local community partnership to deliver comprehensive services. Title II: State and Local Coordinated Youth Services Grants - Subtitle A: Local Consortia Grants - Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to award grants to eligible consortia to coordinate and deliver comprehensive core education, health, and social services to at-risk youth through an integrated service delivery network directed by a consortium. Requires such consortia membership to include specified types of local representatives. Requires specified financial or organizational commitments by consortium members. Subtitle B: Statewide Youth Services Center Grants - Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to award grants to eligible States to provide for coordination and delivery of comprehensive education, health, and social services to at-risk youth through the award of State grants to local community partnerships or consortia. Subtitle C: Provisions Relating to Both Local and Statewide Grant Programs - Sets forth requirements for applications and use of grant funds for a consortium or State entity awarded a grant under subtitle A or B. Requires coordination and delivery of the core services through a system of school-based, school-linked, or community-based youth centers to serve in-school and out-of-school youth and their families. Requires coordination and co-location of existing core services in a broader system of health and social services centers accessible to in-school or out-of-school youth (including adolescent parents and runaway and homeless youth), as well as coordination of core services with alternative education and job training and placement opportunities for them. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to award planning grants to consortia or States. Title III: Implementation Provisions - Makes ineligible for title I funds any community that: (1) is currently receiving State funds to deliver co-located education, health, and social services; or (2) will receive funding from a State funded under subtitle B of title II. Allows such a currently funded community partnership to form a consortium to seek funding for an expanded citywide or countywide youth services network under subtitle A of title II. Requires a local consortium operating in a locality receiving State funding for delivery of such co-located services to include participation from the entities receiving such State funding. Makes eligible for continued funding, at the completion of its five-year grant period under title I, a partnership that has expanded into a citywide or countywide consortium (as described under subtitle A of title II) or has become part of a statewide network (as described under subtitle B of title II). Directs the Secretary to: (1) disseminate information on programs under this Act as well as successful and model programs and to provide technical assistance; and (2) collaborate with the Departments of Education and Labor and the Commission on National and Community Service in such efforts. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Federal Coordinated Youth Services Initiatives - Directs the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to establish and administer a special projects of national significance program to award direct grants to public and nonprofit private entities to fund model programs to integrate health and social services, including HIV prevention, provided to special populations of youth at risk. Allows such special projects to include projects targeting youth who are: (1) runaway, homeless, or street youth; (2) immigrants or migrants; (3) in the juvenile justice system; (4) in foster care; (5) in gangs; (6) with a history of substance abuse; (7) with HIV disease; (8) adolescent parents; and (9) Native American. Amends the Augustus F. Hawkins Human Resources Reauthorization Act of 1990 to direct the Federal Council on Children, Youth, and Families to: (1) identify program regulations or practices that impede coordination and collaboration; and (2) develop recommendations for creating jointly funded programs, unified assessments, application procedures, confidentiality regulations that facilitate information-sharing, and pertinent legislative action.

Bill· HRH.R. 1021 (103rd)referred

Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvement and Inner City Job Creation Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1993

Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvement and Inner City Job Creation Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants to eligible administrative entities for programs to provide employment opportunities to unemployed individuals through payments for labor and related costs associated with repair and renovation of essential community facilities. Gives grant priority to administratve entities that assure giving priority to low-skilled workers as program participants. Requires that eligible participants have been unemployed for at least 15 weeks and have sought employment during that period. Makes secondary school-age individuals (16 to 20 years old) eligible only if they have not attended a secondary school at any time during the previous six months. Gives priority to individuals who have exhausted or are not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, particularly those who have been unemployed for the longest periods. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 921 (103rd)open

Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1993

Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education to disclose gender participation rates and program support expenditures in college athletic programs to prospective students and, upon request, to the public. Directs the Secretary of Education to compile and publish annual reports of such data reported to the Secretary by the institutions.

Bill· HRH.R. 930 (103rd)open

Fairness for Adopting Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1993

Fairness for Adopting Families Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an individual income tax deduction for qualified adoption expenses. Includes as deductible reasonable and necessary expenses that are directly related to a legal adoption of any child if the adoption has been arranged by a State, local, or other nonprofit agency, or through a private placement. Excludes from an employee's gross income any amounts paid on behalf of the employee by an employer pursuant to a qualified adoption assistance program. Limits both the deduction and the exclusion to $5,000 ($7,000 in the case of an international adoption). Reduces the amount when the taxpayer's income exceeds $60,000. Permits an employer to treat an adoption assistance program as a statutory employee benefit plan, thus making the employer's contributions to such a program tax deductible as business expenses.

Bill· HRH.R. 937 (103rd)referred

To provide for the establishment of the Margaret Walker Alexander National African-American Research Center.

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1993

Directs the Secretary of Education to make a grant to Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, to establish the Margaret Walker Alexander National African-American Research Center on its campus in recognition of, and to commemorate, the literary contributions of Margaret Walker Alexander. Requires the application for the grant to ensure that the Center will serve as a national center for the study, research, and teaching of African-American literature and history, and as a repository for papers and memorabilia relating to the lives of individuals noted for their work in African-American literature and history. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 959 (103rd)referred

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restore the prior law exclusion for scholarships and fellowships and to restore the deduction for interest on educational loans.

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1993

Repeals provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 that restrict the types of scholarships and fellowship grants that may be excluded from gross income for income tax purposes. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for interest on a qualified educational loan incurred to pay the educational expenses of the taxpayer, spouse, or dependent.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 86 (103rd)referred

To express dissatisfaction with the Republic of Azerbaijan's failure to work toward a peaceful and fair settlement to the dispute over Nagorno Karabagh by continuing the devastating blockade and economic boycott of the Republics of Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh.

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1993

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should: (1) continue to send immediate fuel and humanitarian assistance to help Armenia and its economy and continue to withhold all U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan until Azerbaijan lifts its blockade and other uses of force against Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh; (2) promote a lasting and equitable resolution to the conflict within the United Nations and the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe; (3) promote the full participation of the representatives of Nagorno Karabagh in all negotiations concerning this conflict; (4) encourage Turkey to play a neutral role in helping to promote an equitable resolution to this crisis; and (5) condemn the continuing blockade of Armenia and Karabagh and demand the immediate lifting of the blockade and the opening of corridors to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian goods to Armenia.

Bill· HRH.R. 881 (103rd)open

Ban on Smoking in Federal Buildings Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1993

Ban on Smoking in Federal Buildings Act - Prohibits smoking in Federal buildings and in any other space owned or leased for use by a Federal agency. Directs the Administrator of General Services (with respect to the executive branch), the Administrative Office of the United States Courts (with respect to the judicial branch), and the House Office Building Commission, the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, and the Architect of the Capitol (with respect to the legislative branch) to take such actions as necessary to institute and enforce such prohibition. Requires the Administrator to report to specified congressional committees with information concerning the degree of compliance with this Act and an assessment of the legal status of smoking in public places. Specifies that nothing in this Act is intended to preempt any provision of State or local law that is more restrictive than a provision of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 870 (103rd)open

Toxic Cleanup Equity and Acceleration Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1993

Toxic Cleanup Equity and Acceleration Act of 1993 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to absolve municipalities or other persons of liability (other than to the President) for claims of contribution or other response costs for the generation, transportation, or arrangement for the transportation, treatment, or disposal of municipal solid waste or sewage sludge. Authorizes eligible persons (defined as persons against whom administrative or judicial actions are brought, or to whom notice is given of potential liability, for activities involving municipal solid waste or sewage sludge) to settle their liability with the President. Requires final settlements to: (1) allocate to all activities for the management of municipal solid waste or sewage sludge a combined maximum of four percent of total response costs for the facility; (2) require eligible persons to pay only equitable shares of the maximum percentage; (3) limit payments based on inability to pay, litigative risks, and other equitable factors; (4) permit in-kind services with regard to response actions in lieu of cash contributions; (5) limit a publicly owned treatment works' payments if it has promoted the reuse of sewage sludge through land application; and (6) be reached even if a person is liable under other CERCLA provisions. Authorizes the President to provide a covenant not to sue to persons who have entered into settlements. Absolves such persons of liability for contributions or other response costs for matters addressed in settlements. Reduces others' potential liability by the amount of a settlement, but bars discharging potentially responsible parties unless the settlement so provides. Applies settlement provisions to municipalities or treatment works who engage in municipal solid waste or sewage sludge management activities occurring 36 months after this Act's enactment date only if the eligible person is a: (1) municipality and a qualified household hazardous waste collection program has been operating while such waste was collected and disposed; or (2) treatment works in compliance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Makes this Act retroactively effective to all actions commenced before this Act's effective date unless a final court judgment or approval of a settlement agreement has been granted.

Bill· HRH.R. 877 (103rd)open

National African American Museum Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1993

National African American Museum Act - Establishes within the Smithsonian Institution the National African American Museum (the Museum) to be operated as a center for scholarship and museum training and a location for education, research, events, and collection and display of items and materials relating to the life, art, history, and culture of African Americans. Authorizes the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution (Board of Regents) to plan, design, reconstruct, and renovate the Arts and Industries Building to house the Museum. Establishes a Board of Trustees of the Museum (Board of Trustees) in the Smithsonian Institution. Sets forth various duties of the Board of Trustees, including: (1) establishing and supporting cooperative programs with other museums and institutions; and (2) reporting annually to the Board of Regents. Directs the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution to appoint a Director to manage the Museum (as well as appointing five other Museum employees). Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 818 (103rd)open

Community Services Empowerment Amendments of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1993

Community Services Empowerment Amendments of 1993 - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to establish the National Community Services Empowerment Partnership Corporation (Corporation). Authorizes the Corporation to appoint a Community Services Empowerment Advisory Committee. Establishes in the Corporation an Office of Inspector General. Authorizes the Corporation to make grants to existing or emerging community services empowerment corporations (corporations) for revolving funds that will provide assistance for business and employment opportunities in low-income urban and rural areas. Obligates at least ten percent of existing corporation annual appropriations for loans and capital investments to locally-owned small enterprises in high unemployment areas. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) eligibility requirements; (2) aggregate grant limits; (3) limitations on capital investment, administrative costs, technical assistance, and training; and (4) limitations on loan repayments and capital investment proceeds. Authorizes the Corporation to make grants for: (1) emerging corporation enhancement, technical assistance, and training; and (2) research and demonstration. Sets forth audit and reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 846 (103rd)open

To amend section 118 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for certain exceptions from rules for determining contributions in aid of construction, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1993

Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the corporate income tax exclusion of contributions to the capital of the taxpayer. Includes as a qualifying contribution any amount of money or property received by a regulated public utility which provides water or sewage disposal services that: (1) is a contribution in aid of construction; (2) meets certain expenditure requirements; and (3) is not included in the taxpayer's rate base. Excludes amounts paid as service charges for starting or stopping services. Determines the depreciation deduction for such property by using the straight line method and provides for a 25-year recovery period.

Bill· HRH.R. 841 (103rd)referred

Defense Economic Reinvestment Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1993

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Worker and Military Personnel Assistance Programs Title II: Defense Economic Development Title III: National Technology and Industrial Base Initiatives Defense Economic Reinvestment Act of 1993 - Title I: Worker and Military Personnel Assistance Programs - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a program to assist displaced defense workers, at-risk defense workers, and military personnel involuntarily separated from active duty in obtaining reemployment in defense dependent areas. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements to pay 25 percent of the first-year wages of such workers to public or private employers who hire them. Provides a similar incentive program with respect to defense facilities that have begun or announced the termination of employees before enactment of this Act due to completion or curtailment of a defense contract. Authorizes FY 1994 appropriations. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow an additional credit against Federal unemployment tax for employers who contribute to a reemployment assistance fund maintained under a State law certified by the Secretary of Labor; (2) lower the percentage rate of Federal unemployment tax paid by employers; (3) revise the definition of "Federal taxable wages"; and (4) revise the method of computing installment payments of Federal unemployment tax to take into account the additional credit allowed against such tax. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a program to establish cooperative arrangements between the Department of Defense and specified entities for providing retraining services and placement assistance for displaced and at-risk defense workers; and (2) establish a program under which retraining services (and fellowship assistance) are provided to such defense workers and involuntarily separated military personnel to obtain employment in environmental engineering. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Defense Economic Development - Directs the Secretary to make grants to communities located in defense dependent areas to assist in the economic transition necessary due to reductions in defense spending or the closure of defense facilities. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: National Technology and Industrial Base Initiatives - Directs the Secretary to conduct a program to provide assistance for the establishment or continuation of cooperative arrangements between institutions of higher education and State government agencies and other entities to establish new, or enhance existing, programs of alternative technology development and application. Directs the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education in defense-dependent areas to assist in the establishment or operation of environmental and entrepreneurial technology centers that would focus on the transfer of technology and human resources from defense-related industries into growth sectors of the environmental field. Directs the National Defense Technology and Industrial Base Council to make a grant to each State to carry out a survey of eligible firms engaged in manufacturing activities to determine the manufacturing technology capabilities of that State's industrial base. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to establish a loan guarantee program to assist a defense facility holding a major defense contract or subcontract to finance economic development projects related to conversion and diversification from defense-related production and operations to nondefense-related uses.

Bill· HRH.R. 840 (103rd)referred

National Stalker Reduction Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1993

National Stalker Reduction Act of 1993 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to: (1) authorize the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to make grants to States which include programs that increase awareness, reporting, and prevention of stalking; and (2) provide for a reduction of formula grants for noncompliance by States with specified requirements. Directs each State which receives drug control and system improvement formula grants under the Act in a fiscal year to allocate not less than five percent of such funds for the development of records regarding stalking and other forms of domestic violence, including: (1) the development or expansion of maintaining records regarding the dispositions of all complaints and arrests for stalking and other forms of domestic violence; (2) the full automation of such records; and (3) the frequency and quality of reports sent to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Authorizes the Director to waive compliance with such allocation requirement by a State, or to authorize a State to reduce the minimum amount such State is required to allocate, if the Director finds that the quality of the States' records regarding stalking and domestic violence complaints and arrests does not warrant expending the amount allocated. Requires the Bureau of Justice Statistics to: (1) define terms that relate to stalking and make such definitions available to individuals and groups that request such information; and (2) compile a national database regarding stalking and other forms of domestic violence. Requires the Director to submit annual reports to the Congress, evaluating the effectiveness of State anti-stalking efforts and legislation.

Bill· HRH.R. 789 (103rd)open

Jefferson Commemorative Coin Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1993

Jefferson Commemorative Coin Act of 1993 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of Thomas Jefferson and his home, Monticello. Mandates that all surcharges received from the sale of such coins be paid to the Jefferson Endowment Fund, and to the Corporation for Jefferson's Poplar Forest. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the coin program shall be self-sustaining and that its administration should result in no net cost to the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund.

Bill· HRH.R. 737 (103rd)open

Strict Liability for Safer Streets Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1993

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Strict Liability of Manufacturers and Importers of Handguns and Assault Weapons Title II: Report to Victims on Federal Crimes Committed With Firearms Title III: Revenue Provisions Strict Liability for Safer Streets Act of 1993 - Title I: Strict Liability of Manufacturers and Importers of Handguns and Assault Weapons - Authorizes any person suffering bodily injury, death, or property damage as a result of the discharge of a handgun or an assault weapon (weapon) to bring an action against any manufacturer or importer of such weapon for damages and such other relief as the court deems appropriate in U.S. district court. Specifies that each such defendant shall be held strictly liable in tort for all direct and consequential damages arising from bodily injury, death, and property damage proximately resulting from the discharge of the weapon, with exceptions for: (1) injury while committing a felony; (2) self-inflicted injury; (3) injury by a law enforcement officer; (4) injury by a member of the U.S. armed forces; and (5) injury by a security guard. Authorizes the court to allow the prevailing party to recover a reasonable attorney's fee. Sets a two-year statute of limitations that begins with the date the injury is discovered. Makes this title applicable only to weapons manufactured in or imported into the United States after the effective date of this Act. Title II: Report to Victims on Federal Crimes Committed with Firearms - Requires the U.S. attorney prosecuting a case, after a conviction is obtained in any Federal court of a crime during or in relation to which an individual was injured or killed by a firearm, to report on whether title I of this Act applies to the firearm, to the individual, or, if the individual is dead, to the closest relative of the individual (or, if there is no such relative, the estate of the individual). Title III: Revenue Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax on firearms. Imposes a floor stock tax on specified firearms. Establishes in the Treasury a Hospital Gunshot Cost Relief Trust Fund to assist hospitals located in urban areas in defraying costs incurred in providing medical care to gunshot victims who are not covered under any health plan.

Bill· HRH.R. 727 (103rd)referred

Children and Pregnant Women Health Insurance Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1993

TITLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Requiring Employers to Provide Health Insurance Coverage for Pregnant Women and Children Title II: Provision of Health Insurance for Pregnant Women and Children Through State Children and Pregnant Women Health Plans Title III: Health Insurance Reform for Small Employers Children and Pregnant Women Health Insurance Act of 1993 - Title I: Requiring Employers to Provide Health Insurance Coverage for Pregnant Women and Children - (Secs. 101 and 102) Amends the Social Security Act to require employers either to enroll their employees and family members in a qualified employer health plan or to provide information to the State in which they reside for enrollment instead in the new universal State health insurance plan (the State plan) created by this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose: (1) a premium tax on employers who fail to enroll their employees and family members in a qualified employer health plan, as well as on such employees; and (2) an excise tax on employers who fail to provide to the applicable State information for enrollment under the State plan. Phases in implementation of enrollment requirements and tax payments over four years. Allows a qualified employer health plan to be either private or self-insured, depending upon the employer's size. Outlines requirements for qualified employer health plan premiums and cost-sharing, including limitations on the amount that may be charged for premiums. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) develop standards to certify a qualified employer health plan; (2) establish procedures for the periodic review and recertification of plans; and (3) terminate the certification of any such plan that no longer meets such requirements. Requires employers to provide their employees and family members with a health benefit package that at least mirrors the services mandated under the State plan. Outlines plan requirements respecting: (1) treatment of employee families; (2) period of coverage; (3) health plan cards; (4) limits on pre-existing condition exclusions and coverage standards for required health services; (5) limits on cost-sharing; (6) payment rates; (7) coordination and portability of health insurance coverage; (8) notification of premium subsidies for low-income individuals and other disclosures for consumers; (9) expense accounting; (10) grievance procedures; (11) certain physician incentive plans; (12) enrollee financial protection; and (13) use of uniform claims forms. Title II: Provision of Health Insurance for Pregnant Women and Children Through State Children and Pregnant Women Health Plans - (Sec. 201) Amends the Social Security Act to require each State to establish a health insurance plan (the State plan) for pregnant women and children and other lawful State residents who have not been enrolled or covered under a qualified employer or Federal health plan. Requires each State also to establish a program under which low-income individuals enrolled in any such health plan may apply for assistance to limit or eliminate their financial obligations for premiums, deductibles, and co-payments. Provides that if a State fails to establish a mandated plan, the Secretary shall establish one for it, and the State shall be liable for part of the start-up costs. Requires the State plan to provide specified: (1) preventive care services, including routine immunizations and prenatal care; (2) major medical services; (3) extended medical services, including mental health services; (4) outreach services to link low-income enrolled individuals with such health services; and (5) social services (but only at the State's option). Directs the Secretary to establish standards for such health services. Prohibits a State from imposing any limitation on their number, duration, or scope. Allows individuals covered under the State plan to choose any qualified plan provider or practitioner. Incorporates the use of Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) or similar payment rates for reimbursing providers for required health services. Requires each State to establish adequate payment rates for outreach and social services. Sets: (1) the maximum annual deductible and co-payment amount for major medical services and extended medical services; and (2) an overall annual limit on cost-sharing for such services. Applies in the same manner to State plans qualified employer health plan requirements for the treatment of family members, coverage period, health plan cards, and coordination and portability of health care coverage. Creates in the Treasury the Federal Children and Pregnant Women Health Insurance Trust Fund (the Fund) to receive the funds generated from the premium and excise taxes as well as other specified revenues dedicated to the support of the State plan. Details the assistance to be provided to low-income individuals and the application process to obtain it. Provides for State demonstration projects to: (1) improve the delivery and quality of health care services under new title XXII; and (2) increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the methods for paying for such services. Title III: Health Insurance Reform for Small Employers - (Sec. 302) Amends the Social Security Act to require health insurance plans provided by small employers (small employer plans) to meet the standards established below in order to be issued, avoid loss of their qualified status, and escape disqualification from State plan administration. (Sec. 301) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax (50 percent of all gross health plan premiums received during the taxable year) on the issuer of a small employer plan which fails to meet such standard, with specified exceptions. Directs the Secretary to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to develop specific standards to implement the requirements which small employer plans must meet if the State has not established a regulatory program for applying such standards to such plans (program). Provides that if NAIC fails to develop such standards or the Secretary finds that they do not implement such requirements, the Secretary must develop them. Subjects programs to periodic review by the Secretary for determining compliance with such NAIC standards. Requires any carrier which offers a small employer plan to register with the applicable State regulatory authority. Requires such carriers to offer the same plans to all small employers within their individual service areas. Details separate requirements with respect to the treatment of health maintenance organizations. Requires a minimum 12-month term for any small employer plan, guaranteed renewable (with specified exceptions) for additional minimum 12-month terms. Declares that no small employer plans may discriminate on the basis of health status, claims experience, receipt of health care, medical history, or lack of evidence of insurability. Requires the premiums for all small employer plans of the same entity to be: (1) based on a single cohesive rating system applied consistently for all employer groups and designed not to differentiate groups by health or risk status; and (2) actuarially certified each year. Requires small employer plan premiums within a block of business to be community-rated for a given geographical area. Sets limits on premium reference rate variations among blocks of business. States that, with respect to premiums for small employer plans with similar coverage, a small employer plan carrier may establish blocks of business only on the basis of specified criteria. Prohibits the issuance of any small employer plan unless it: (1) provides for a minimum benefit package mirroring the health services required under title II of this Act; (2) does not impose cost-sharing in excess of allowable limits; and (3) includes only such additional items and services as the carrier can demonstrate will facilitate appropriate hospital discharges or avoid unnecessary hospitalization.

Bill· HRH.R. 654 (103rd)referred

United States Mint Bicentennial Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1993

United States Mint Bicentennial Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the United States Mint. Prescribes the designs for the ensuing five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar silver coins. Restricts issuance of such coins to 1993. Mandates that all surcharges received from the sale of such coins be paid to the Smithsonian Institution for the National Numismatic Collection. Requires the Executive Director of the National Numismatic Collection to establish specified funds with the surcharge proceeds. Prescribes financial assurances.

Bill· HRH.R. 688 (103rd)referred

Sexual Assault Prevention Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1993

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Sexual Violence Subtitle A: Penalties and Remedies Subtitle B: Rules of Evidence, Practice, and Procedure Subtitle C: Safe Campuses Subtitle D: Assistance to States and Localities Title II: Domestic Violence, Stalking, and Offenses Against the Family Title III: National Task Force on Violence Against Women Sexual Assault Prevention Act of 1993 - Title I: Sexual Violence - Subtitle A: Penalties and Remedies - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide for: (1) pretrial detention in sex offense cases; and (2) the death penalty for murders committed by sex offenders. Increases penalties for: (1) recidivist sex offenders; and (2) sex offenses against victims under age 16. Amends: (1) the Victims' Rights and Restitution Act of 1990 to require a governmental department or agency to pay for up to two tests for a sexual assault victim in the 12 months following the assault and a counseling session; (2) the Controlled Substances Act to provide for increased penalties for distribution of a controlled substance to a woman while she is pregnant; and (3) the Federal criminal code to authorize the restitution of victims of sex offenses. Establishes a civil remedy for victims of sexual violence. Subtitle B: Rules of Evidence, Practice, and Procedure - Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to allow evidence of similar offenses in criminal or civil sexual assault and child molestation cases. Revises Federal Rule of Evidence 412 (rape victim shield law). Adds a Federal Rule of Evidence that, in a criminal case in which a person is accused of a sex offense, evidence is not admissible to show that the alleged victim invited or provoked the commission of the offense. Enacts rules to be known as the Rules of Professional Conduct for Lawyers in Federal Practice. Subtitle C: Safe Campuses - Requires the Attorney General to provide for a national baseline study on campus sexual assault. Subtitle D: Assistance to States and Localities - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to support projects and programs relating to sexual violence. Title II: Domestic Violence, Stalking, and Offenses Against the Family - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for interstate travel to commit spouse abuse or to violate a protective order. Establishes penalties (including restitution) for noncompliance with child support obligations in interstate cases. Provides for full faith and credit of protective orders among the States. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) prepare a report on the status of battered women's syndrome as a medical and psychological condition and on its effect in criminal trials; (2) conduct a study of the means by which abusive spouses may obtain information concerning the addresses or locations of estranged or former spouses; and (3) complete a study of problems of recordkeeping of criminal complaints involving domestic violence. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to support projects and programs relating to domestic violence and other criminal and unlawful acts that particularly affect women. Title III: National Task Force on Violence Against Women - Establishes the National Task Force on Violence Against Women to develop a uniform Federal, State, and local law enforcement strategy aimed at protecting women against violent crimes, punishing persons who commit such crimes, and enhancing the rights of the victims.

Bill· HRH.R. 660 (103rd)open

Small Business Credit Availability Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1993

Small Business Credit Availability Act of 1993 - Establishes the Venture Enhancement and Loan Development Administration for Smaller Undercapitalized Enterprises (Velda Sue) as a Federal instrumentality to: (1) develop uniform underwriting, security appraisal, and repayment standards for qualified loans; (2) determine the eligibility of certified poolers to contract with Velda Sue for specific mortgage pool guarantees; and (3) provide timely repayment guarantees of the principal and interest on certain qualified obligations. Provides for a Board of Directors to manage Velda Sue. Authorizes Velda Sue to: (1) set conditions under which it will guarantee qualified obligations and securities; and (2) issue securities based on certain pooled interests in qualified obligations. Directs Velda Sue to issue certification and eligibility standards for secondary marketing for loan poolers. Directs Velda Sue to establish fees based upon the risk incurred in providing financial assistance or guarantees for: (1) qualified loans; and (2) securities issued by a qualified loan pooler. Declares that for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933, neither securities nor guarantees issued by Velda Sue shall be deemed to be a security issued by an agent of the Federal Government or a "government security." Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the Treasury without fiscal year limitation. Provides Federal funding to the Corporation through purchases by the Secretary of Corporation obligations of up to $300 million. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for such purchases.

Bill· HRH.R. 581 (103rd)open

Local Partnership Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1993

Local Partnership Act of 1993 - Establishes a revenue sharing program of payments to local governments. Sets forth the framework for the use and timing of payments and for adjustments. Establishes for the Department of Housing and Urban Development a Local Government Fiscal Assistance Fund and authorizes appropriations to finance it. Describes qualifying criteria for and conditions to be met by local governments seeking payments under the program. Requires payments be withheld in cases of noncompliance. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, in accordance with specified formulae, to determine fund allocations to each State for further allocation to local and territorial governments. Permits State variation of certain local government allocations. Sets forth special rules governing adjustments in local government allocations. Specifies the information to be used in making allocations under the program. Requires: (1) public hearings on proposed uses of program payments in relation to the local government's budget; and (2) public disclosure of information on proposed payment uses and budgets both prior to the hearing and after adoption of the budget. Prohibits discrimination under a local government program or activity on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or religion, if such program or activity is paid for with funds provided under this Act. Prescribes procedures for violations and judicial review of sanctions. Sets forth provisions for enforcement by the Attorney General of prohibitions, civil actions by persons adversely affected by prohibited practices, audits of local government finances, investigations by the Secretary of violations, and other review, reporting, and compliance requirements.

Bill· HRH.R. 535 (103rd)open

Prisoner-of-War Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1993

Prisoner-of-War Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of one-dollar coins emblematic of the experience of American prisoners of war. Requires that all sales of such coins include a surcharge of $5 per coin. Requires specified proceeds from such surcharges to be paid to the: (1) Secretary of the Interior for construction of the Andersonville Prisoner-of-War Museum in Andersonville, Georgia; (2) endowment fund established by this Act for the maintenance of such Museum; and (3) Secretary of Veterans Affairs to maintain national cemeteries.

Bill· HRH.R. 553 (103rd)referred

To amend title II of the Social Security Act to provide that a monthly insurance benefit thereunder shall be paid for the month in which the recipient dies and that such benefit shall be payable for such month only to the extent proportionate to the number of days in such month preceding the date of the recipient's death.

United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1993

Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that a beneficiary shall be entitled to a prorated benefit for the month in which he or she dies.