United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1996
Sweatshop Product Ban Act of 1996 - Prohibits the Defense Commissary Agency (DCA) or any nonappropriated fund instrumentality (NFI) which operates a military commissary or exchange store from purchasing for resale at such store any consumer item imported into the United States if the DCA or NFI has reason to believe that such item was not procured in conformity with minimum labor standards. Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) develop the minimum labor standards to be applied; and (2) annually develop and submit to the Secretary of Defense a list of companies and manufacturers that are not in compliance with such standards. Requires the Secretary of Defense to annually certify to the Congress that the DCA and NFI have not purchased any consumer items from companies and manufacturers so listed.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1996
George Bush School of Government and Public Service Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make a grant to assist in the establishment of the George Bush Fellowship Program, located at the George Bush School of Government and Public Service of the Texas A & M University. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1996
Domestic Violence Legal Services Eligibility Act - Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to require the Legal Services Corporation, in establishing income levels to determine if a client who is the victim of domestic violence is eligible for assistance, to prescribe that only that client's income will be considered in making such determination.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1996
Civil Rights Procedures Protection Act of 1996 - Amends specified Federal civil rights statutes (including title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, the equal pay requirement under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, and the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993) to prevent the involuntary application of arbitration to claims that arise from unlawful employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1996
Provides that when considering proposed welfare legislation the Congress should: (1) seriously evaluate whether it would exacerbate certain ramifications of domestic violence against women and children; (2) require that State-implemented or State-adopted welfare-to-work or education programs take domestic violence into account; (3) require the Comptroller General to study the incidence and effect of domestic violence on AFDC recipients; and (4) provide, in any such legislation, mechanisms identifying and aiding in specified ways recipients and their children victimized by or at risk of violence.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1996
Requires the Secretary of the Interior, upon the request of the Governor of the Virgin Islands, to enter into an agreement to transfer to the Governor authority to manage Christiansted National Historic site, located in Christiansted, Virgin Islands.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1996
Virgin Islands Organic Revision Act of 1996 - Amends the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to declare that the absence of either the Governor or the Lieutenant Governor while on official business shall not be construed as a "temporary absence" involving a surrender of authority and power. Amends a specified Act to revise bond priority guidelines to declare that Virgin Islands revenue bonds, instead of the current priority for payment in the order of the date of issue, shall have a parity lien with every other subsequently issued obligation.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1996
Declares, with regard to AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases, and substance abuse, the sense of the Congress concerning women, youth, families, extended family members, and other nonbiological relatives.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1996
Shore Protection Act of 1996 - Includes as U.S. policy the prevention of damage to U.S. beaches and the promotion of shore protection projects (projects) and related research that encourages the protection, restoration, and enhancement of sandy beaches. Directs the Secretary of the Army to: (1) recommend, conduct, and report to the Congress on studies concerning projects that meet established criteria; (2) recommend to the Congress the authorization or reauthorization of projects based on study results; (3) consider the economic, ecological, local, and regional benefits of such projects; and (4) carry out the projects in coordination with any other Federal projects. Directs the Secretary to: (1) construct any project authorized by the Congress for which funds have been appropriated through a construction agreement with a non-Federal interest; (2) report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on the status of all ongoing shore protection studies and projects; and (3) reimburse non-Federal interests (currently, local interests) for work done on authorized projects (current law) or separable elements of such projects. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to require similar written agreements with non-Federal interests for shoreline projects carried out under such Act. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) cooperate with a State in the preparation of a comprehensive State or regional plan for the conservation of coastal resources; (2) encourage State participation in plan implementation; and (3) submit reports and recommendations to the Congress concerning Federal participation in such plan. Amends the Flood Control Act of 1970 to include within authorized projects shore protection projects, including beach nourishment and the replacement of sand.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1996
Calls for recognition of the historical significance of the Battle of Crete, the Cretan Resistance Movement, and the heroism and sacrifice of the people of Crete during World War II. Requests the President to issue a proclamation calling on Americans to observe the memory of those who fell in the Battle and to honor the survivors. Commends the PanCretan Association of America.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1996
Children's Privacy Protection and Parental Empowerment Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit specified activities relating to personal information about a child (defined as a person under age 16), including knowingly: (1) selling such information (by a list broker) without the written consent of a parent of that child; (2) using prison inmate labor for data processing of personal information about children; and (3) distributing or receiving any such information, knowing or having reason to believe that the information will be used to abuse or physically harm the child. Authorizes civil actions by children with respect to whom a violation of this Act occurs. Directs the court to award a prevailing plaintiff a reasonable attorney's fee as a part of the costs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1996
Women's Pension Equity Act of 1996 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for the development of a model: (1) spousal consent form when an election is made to waive a qualified joint and survivor annuity or a qualified preretirement survivor annuity; and (2) qualified domestic relations order. Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to extend the payment of any portion of Tier II Railroad Retirement benefits to surviving former spouses pursuant to divorce agreements. Amends Federal law to provide for a survivor annuity to widows, widowers, and certain former spouses of Federal employees who die after having separated from the service with title to a deferred annuity, but before attaining age for such annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System on the same basis as is currently provided to certain survivors of former Members of Congress. Revises provisions concerning Federal retirement benefits subject to a court order.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1996
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit an employer from obtaining from any source genetic information about an employee or prospective employee without that person's written authorization meeting specified requirements. Allows aggrieved persons to bring civil actions for actual damages and equitable relief against employers who violate this Act. Declares that nothing in this Act authorizes an employer to obtain, disclose, or use genetic information about an employee or prospective employee in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 or any other Federal or State law that restricts access to, disclosure of, or use of genetic information.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1996
Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit persons under indictment for, or convicted of, any crime involving domestic violence from owning or possessing, or engaging in other specified activities with respect to, firearms. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations providing for the effective receipt and secure storage of firearms relinquished by or seized from such persons. Exempts persons convicted of a crime of domestic violence from certain provisions regarding: (1) restoration of civil rights after a conviction; and (2) administrative relief from firearm prohibitions.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1996
American Cities Investment Act of 1996 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to: (1) set limitations on maximum outstanding loan guarantees issued by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; (2) authorize the Secretary to guarantee advances from Federal Home Loan Banks; and (3) expand the community participation requirements to include major stakeholders. Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to authorize advances to units of local government for community development purposes pursuant to such loan guarantees.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1996
Proud To Be an American Citizen Act of 1996 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to: (1) the naturalization oath; (2) naturalization funding; (3) English language and related requirements; (4) citizenship preparation; (5) distribution of naturalization information; (6) citizenship council consultation; (7) naturalization applications and examinations; (8) statistics; and (9) naturalization through military service. Establishes the National Advisory Board on Naturalization. Directs the Attorney General to make funds available for demonstration projects to administer the oath of allegiance to applicant groups on a business day around July 4.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1996
Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases Research Act of 1996 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require specified institutes of the National Institutes of Health to expand and intensify research on osteoporosis and related bone diseases. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1996
National Oceanographic Partnership Act - Establishes the National Oceanographic Partnership Program. Sets forth the purposes of the program. Establishes the: (1) National Ocean Research Leadership Council; (2) Ocean Research Partnership Coordinating Group; and (3) Ocean Research Advisory Panel under the program. Sets forth the composition of membership and specified duties of each. Mandates certain annual reports. Authorizes appropriations for the National Oceanographic Partnership Program for FY 1997 and requires that a certain amount be available for the operations of the partnership program office for such fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1996
Deep Water Outfall Treatment Systems Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize an eligible State to initiate, expand, or continue a study of the marine environment of coastal areas to determine the feasibility of constructing a deep water outfall for any publicly owned treatment work (POTW) that uses primary treatments and is not exempt from specified effluent limitations. Provides that such study may recommend one or more technically feasible locations for a deep water outfall that would have beneficial effects on the marine environment. Sets forth provisions regarding applications for: (1) modification of secondary treatment requirements for certain POTWs by the owner in an eligible State at a location recommended in such a study; and (2) initial and final determinations regarding and effective periods of such modifications. Specifies that such requirements shall not apply to the POTW owner or operator in an eligible State that has submitted an application for a modification during the period beginning on the date of submission of the application and ending on the date of a final determination.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1996
Pays tribute to the remarkable life and career of Ronald H. Brown (the late Secretary of Commerce) and to the contributions of all those who perished in the airplane accident on April 3, 1996, while in service to their country on a mission to Bosnia. Extends condolences to the victims' families.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1996
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Belarus declared itself as an Independent Belarusan State on March 25, 1918. Calls for: (1) the United States to press the Government of President Lukashenka to abide by the provisions of the Helsinki Accords and the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus and guarantee freedom of the press, allow for the flowering of Belarusan culture, and enforce the separation of powers; and (2) the Congress to join with Belarusans in defending the statehood and democracy of Belarus and sustaining the country's constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1996
Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Jackson, Mississippi, as the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Tax Treatment of Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities Subtitle A: Designation of Additional Empowerment Zones Subtitle B: Increased Incentives for Empowerments Zones and Enterprise Communities Subtitle C: Brownfields Redevelopment Act Title II: Assistance for Infrastructure Improvements and Development Title III: Additional Benefits for Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities Title IV: Regulatory Flexibility More Power for Empowerment Zones Act of 1996 - Title I: Tax Treatment of Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities - Subtitle A: Designation of Additional Empowerment Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the designation of additional empowerment zones. Subtitle B: Increased Incentives for Empowerments Zones and Enterprise Communities - Modifies requirements regarding: (1) the tax exempt status of enterprize zone facility bonds; and (2) expensing. (Sec. 114) Excludes from gross income capital gains on zone assets. Allows deductions for the purchase of enterprise zone stock. (Sec. 115) Allows a business investment deduction for commercial revitalization. Subtitle C: Brownfields Redevelopment Act - Allows: (1) a business credit for empowerment zones for 50 percent of the costs of environmental remediation; and (2) the use of redevelopment bonds for environmental remediation. Title II: Assistance for Infrastructure Improvements and Development - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to: (1) guarantee debt instruments issued by local governments or their designated agencies to finance infrastructure activities to be carried out in empowerment zones or enterprise communities; and (2) require the local government to provide security. Mandates a revolving fund to make loans to local governments for infrastructure activities in empowerment zones or enterprise communities. Authorizes grants to local governments for infrastructure activities in empowerment zones or enterprise communities. Title III: Additional Benefits for Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities - Give Students the Power to Work Program Act - Authorizes grants to local educational agencies in empowerment zones to provide students with employment skills and technologies necessary to sustain or improve businesses and industries in the zones. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 302) Requires that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, at least 15 percent of U.S. assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the Arms Export Control Act, and the Support for East European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989 be provided in the form of credits that may only be used for the purchase of U.S. goods produced, manufactured, or assembled in empowerment zones, enterprise communities, or enterprise zones in the United States. (Sec. 303) Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 and provisions of Federal law relating to the armed forces to require that at least 15 percent of procurement be obligated for contracts to be carried out by entities in empowerment zones or enterprise communities. (Sec. 304) Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require that certain items be procured from entities in empowerment zones or enterprise communities. (Sec. 305) Authorizes grants to a State or local government for innovative programs for the transportation needs of an empowerment zone. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Regulatory Flexibility - Amends Federal law to include enterprise zone businesses, units of government that nominate empowerment zones or enterprise communities, and nonprofit enterprises carrying out a significant portion of their activities in such a zone or community in the definition of "small entity" for provisions relating to analysis of regulatory functions. Authorizes an agency to waive or modify all or part of any rule the agency has the authority to promulgate concerning activities in such a zone or community.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1996
District of Columbia Economic Recovery Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth a limitation on the income tax imposed on individuals who are residents of the District of Columbia. Specifies that the limitation is the sum of: (1) 15 percent of so much District-sourced income as exceeds the exemption amount; and (2) the average rate of the non-District-sourced adjusted gross income. Sets forth definitions, including for "resident of the District of Columbia" and "exemption amount." Provides for the tax treatment of certain sources of income.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1996
Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1996 - Requires health plans and employee health benefit plans that provide maternity (including childbirth) benefits to ensure that coverage is provided for: (1) specified minimum periods after delivery; and (2) certain post-delivery care.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1996
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission to prohibit providers of commercial mobile services from blocking access to emergency 911 services, as necessary in the public interest.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1996
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases should collaborate on research on the human papillomavirus and its relation to cervical cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1996
Makes roads functionally classified as local or rural minor collectors eligible for surface transportation program funds under the special account for areas under 5,000 population pursuant to the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act. Revises the formula for the allocation of apportioned funds for rural areas. Requires States to consider local or rural minor collectors and unclassified rural roads in the statewide planning process.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1996
Uniformed Services Medicare Subvention Demonstration Project Act - Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Health and Human Services (HHS) to jointly establish a demonstration project (project) to provide the Department of Defense (DOD) with reimbursement, under provisions of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, for health services provided through DOD to certain Medicare-eligible covered military beneficiaries. Requires the project to be conducted in one or more regions in which the TRICARE program (a DOD managed health care program) has been implemented. Allows such project to be conducted for up to two years. Requires such Secretaries to jointly submit to the Congress a first annual report and a final report containing specified information concerning project participants and such project's effects on military medical care access, readiness, and training. Directs the HHS Secretary to make monthly payments to DOD from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund (HHS trust funds) representing appropriate reimbursement amounts. Provides for the determination of such amounts. Directs such Secretaries to jointly: (1) establish a base level of TRICARE coverage required in a geographic region for eligibility under the project; (2) determine baseline costs of such care and coverage; and (3) establish upper reimbursement limits. Directs the Secretary of Defense to waive the enrollment fee for individuals enrolled in a TRICARE program participating in the project. Establishes in the Treasury the Medicare Subvention Fund (Fund) for providing payments to the HHS Secretary for reimbursement of the HHS trust funds and for the payment of all expenses related to the participation of Medicare-eligible covered military beneficiaries in excess of the base level established under this Act, as well as administrative expenses. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 and 1998 for deposit into the Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1996
Former Civilian Prisoners of War Benefits Act of 1996 - Entitles a former civilian prisoner of war (CPOW) to receive necessary medical care and disability benefits for any injury or disability resulting from the period of internment or hiding. Requires any presumptive medical or dental condition related to a period of internment provided for former military POWs to be extended to CPOWs and requires such condition to be considered to have been incurred in or aggravated by the period of internment or hiding regardless of the absence of any record of the injury. Requires the Secretary of Labor to facilitate the payment of any expenditures for medical treatment under this Act. Establishes the Former Civilian Prisoner of War Advisory Committee. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on Department of Labor programs and activities pertaining to CPOWs. Directs the Secretary to seek out and inform eligible individuals of the benefits available under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1996
Ward Valley Land Transfer Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the California Department of Health Services specified lands in San Bernardino County, California, known as the Ward Valley Site, upon the tendering to: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury of $500,100 on behalf of California; and (2) the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of a written commitment by California to carry out environmental monitoring and protection measures, based on recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences, subject to Federal oversight by the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1996
Health Centers Consolidation Act of 1996 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions concerning health centers (currently, community health centers), definitions relating to such centers, and the services provided by such centers. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make planning, operating, and infant mortality grants for health centers that provide required primary health services and additional health services to medically underserved and special medically underserved populations (migrant and seasonal agricultural workers, the homeless, and public housing residents). Directs the Secretary to give priority in making grants to health centers in which there is a substantial incidence of infant mortality or a significant increase in the incidence of infant mortality. Specifies that grant amounts for any fiscal year may not exceed: (1) total State, local, and other operational funding for a center; and (2) fees, premiums, and third-party reimbursements received for operations by the center in such fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Office of Rural Health Policy of the Health Resources and Services Administration to administer the rural health services outreach demonstration grant program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1996
Calls for the President: (1) in response to the transfers from the People's Republic of China to Pakistan of equipment important to the development of a nuclear weapons program, to impose the strongest possible sanctions available under Federal law on all Chinese official and commercial entities associated with the research, development, sale, transportation, or financing of any nuclear or military industrial product or service made available for export since March 9, 1992; and (2) to not exercise his authority to waive sanctions in this instance.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1996
Recognizes the importance of African-American music to global culture. Calls on the people of the United States to study, reflect on, and celebrate African-American music.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1996
United States-Puerto Rico Political Status Act - Requires a referendum to be held by December 31, 1998, on Puerto Rico's path to self-government either through U.S. statehood or through sovereign independence or free association. Requires the President to submit to the Congress for approval legislation for: (1) a transition plan of at least ten years which leads to full self-government for Puerto Rico; and (2) a recommendation for the implementation of such self-government consistent with Puerto Rico's approval. Sets forth specified requirements with respect to the referendum and congressional procedures for consideration of legislation. Makes funds available for the referendum.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 1996
Women's Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Prevention Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate expansion, intensification, and coordination of research and related activities of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute with regard to cardiovascular diseases in women. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1996
Parents Television Empowerment Act of 1996 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a toll-free number for the collection of public comments, suggestions, and complaints (comments) concerning the transmission by broadcast stations or cable systems of programming containing depictions of violence and other patently offensive material. Requires the FCC to: (1) publicize such number and the FCC's functions under this Act; (2) publish a summary of comments received in the Federal Register quarterly; (3) transcribe such comments; (4) transmit to each licensee any comments made concerning its station; (5) make such comments available for public inspection; (6) omit from any records transmitted or made available the name and address of any caller requesting confidentiality; and (7) include an analysis of such comments in an annual report to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996
Fossil Preservation Act of 1996 - Provides that all Federal lands shall be open to fossil collecting by reconnaissance (from the surface) without a permit, with specified exceptions, and open to fossil collecting by quarrying pursuant to permit. Requires Federal land managers to manage fossils separately from archaeological resources, cave resources, and cultural resources, but in conjunction with natural resources. Specifies the types of collecting and whether notice or permits are required. (Sec. 5) Sets forth permit terms and conditions. Allows for educational collecting permits, scientific collecting permits, and commercial collecting permits. (Sec. 6) Imposes fees and royalty payments (on the fair market value of fossils) for commercial collecting. (Sec. 7) Places ownership of collected fossils in the collector. Provides an exception for scientifically unique fossils collected commercially, making them the property of the United States. (Sec. 9) Requires the Director of the United States Geological Survey to establish a National Fossil Council to provide guidance under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996
Recognizes and supports the efforts of the United States Soccer Federation to bring the 1999 Women's World Cup tournament to the United States. Requests that the President designate appropriate Federal agencies to work with the Federation to meet the Federation Internationale de Football Association's requirements for the tournament host country.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996
Expresses the sense of the Congress that, not later than March 15, 1996, the Congress should appropriate for FY 1996 for each continuing program or activity of the Department of Education not less than the amount appropriated for FY 1995 for such program or activity.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Health Care Access, Portability, and Renewability Subtitle A: Group Market Rules Subtitle B: Individual Market Rules Subtitle C: COBRA Clarifications Subtitle D: Private Health Plan Purchasing Cooperatives Title II: Application and Enforcement of Standards Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Health Insurance Reform Act of 1996 - Title I: Health Care Access, Portability, and Renewability - Subtitle A: Group Market Rules - Prohibits insurers from declining to offer whole group coverage to a group purchaser. Allows plans to establish eligibility, continuation, enrollment, or premium requirements, provided the requirements are not based on health status, medical condition, or similar factors. (Sec. 102) Mandates plan renewability, except for premium nonpayment, material misrepresentation, plan termination, or other specified reasons. (Sec. 103) Regulates the circumstances in which a plan may impose a benefit limitation or exclusion because of a preexisting condition. Allows State laws (unless preempted by specified provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA)) that: (1) limit preexisting conditions to shorter periods than the provisions of this paragraph; or (2) recognize previous qualifying coverage with a lapse period longer than provided for by the provisions of this paragraph. (Sec. 104) Mandates special enrollment periods for individuals who have certain types of changes in family composition or employment status. (Sec. 105) Regulates disclosures an insurer must make to a small employer (as defined in State law or, if not defined in State law, employers with not more than 50 employees). Amends ERISA to modify requirements regarding disclosures to plan participants and beneficiaries. Subtitle B: Individual Market Rules - Prohibits an insurer (for an individual in a period of previous qualifying coverage) from declining to offer coverage or denying enrollment based on health status, medical condition, or similar factors. (Sec. 111) Mandates renewability of coverage for individuals, except for nonpayment of premiums, material misrepresentation, or plan termination. (Sec. 112) Requires that State law in effect on, or enacted after, enactment of this Act apply in lieu of the standards above in this subtitle unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that the State law does not achieve access goals described in this subtitle. Allows States to meet those goals by using a National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) model adopted using a consultation process the Secretary approves. Subtitle C: COBRA Clarifications - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to modify continuation coverage requirements. Subtitle D: Private Health Plan Purchasing Cooperatives - Requires a State to certify health plan purchasing cooperatives (HPPCs) meeting the requirements of this paragraph. Provides for Federal certification if a State fails to do so. Regulates HPPC organization, duties, and activities. Preempts, for a HPPC meeting these requirements, State fictitious group laws. Preempts State premium rating requirement laws in certain circumstances. Requires compliance with State mandated benefit laws. Applies to HPPCs, for enforcement purposes only, the requirements of ERISA provisions relating to fiduciary responsibility and administration and enforcement. Title II: Application and Enforcement of Standards - Deems a requirement or standard under this Act imposed on a plan to be imposed on the issuer. (Sec. 202) Requires each State to mandate that each plan in the State meet the standards under this Act pursuant to an enforcement plan filed by the State with the Secretary of Labor, with employee plans enforced in the same manner as under specified ERISA provisions. Provides for Federal enforcement if a State fails to do so. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow a health maintenance organization, if notified by a member that a medical savings account has been established for the member and if the member requests, to reduce the basic health services payment by requiring the payment of a deductible for basic health services. Mandates a study and report to appropriate congressional committees on: (1) mechanisms to ensure the availability of reasonably priced health coverage to employers purchasing group and individuals purchasing non-group coverage; and (2) whether standards limiting premium variation will further the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1996
Calls for: (1) the Government of Turkey to release all political prisoners, lift restrictions on free expression, declare a ceasefire and work towards peace, and take specified steps to further reduce the potential for future confrontation; (2) the President to encourage such Government to initiate steps to end the armed confrontation in Turkey and to support the provision of technical assistance to carry out this Act; (3) the Kurdistan Workers Party to declare a ceasefire and restate support for resolution of the conflict through democratic means and within the framework of the territorial unity of Turkey; and (4) the International Committee of the Red Cross and other appropriate humanitarian and monitoring organizations, upon cessation of hostilities, to be given access to southeastern Turkey.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1996
Taxpayers' Cancer Research Funding Act of 1996 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain individuals to designate that five dollars (ten dollars in the case of joint returns) be paid over to the Breast and Prostate Cancer Research Fund. Establishes a trust fund to be known as the Breast and Prostate Cancer Research Fund into which such designated amounts shall be deposited.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1996
Northern Marianas Delegate Act - Mandates representation of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in the Congress by the Resident Representative authorized by the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America. Provides that the Resident Representative shall be a nonvoting Delegate to the House of Representatives. Sets forth requirements for the election of the Delegate. Requires a candidate for the office of Delegate to: (1) be at least 25 years of age on the date of the election; (2) have been a U.S. citizen for at least seven years prior to the date of the election; (3) be an inhabitant of the Northern Mariana Islands; and (4) not be a candidate for any other office. Grants the Delegate the same compensation, allowances, and benefits as a Member of the House and entitles the Delegate to privileges and immunities granted to nonvoting House Delegates.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1995
Youth Development Community Block Grant Act of 1995 - Establishes a youth development block grant program. (Sec. 5) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 6) Sets forth formulae for allocation of funds to States for distribution to local boards for community-based youth development services. Sets forth requirements relating to distribution: (1) of State allotments; (2) of local allocations; (3) to other entities (Native American, including Native Hawaiian, organizations); and (4) to grant recipients. Provides for reallotments and reallocations. (Sec. 11) Requires establishment of county or multicounty Community Youth Development Boards to receive such assistance and make grants for youth development programs. Requires such Boards to submit community strategic plans and to carry out certain monitoring, evaluation, technical assistance, and reporting activities. (Sec. 13) Requires, as a condition for any entity within a State to receive such assistance, establishment or designation of a State entity to receive youth development input, review community youth development plans, monitor operations of community boards, provide technical assistance in developing and implementing community plans, and provide annual reports and audits. (Sec. 14) Directs the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish and implement a mechanism to receive youth development advice and input; (2) develop and issue national policy goals and a national strategic plan for youth development; (3) establish a system for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of activities funded under this Act; (4) coordinate programs funded under this Act with other Federal programs serving youth and families; and (5) establish a system for providing training and technical assistance to States and local communities to increase their capacity to provide quality youth development services. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to provide financial assistance to appropriate entities to carry out time-limited, research-based youth development demonstration programs designed to improve the knowledge base of the youth development and youth prevention fields. Directs the Assistant Secretary to: (1) report biennially to the President and the Congress; and (2) correct instances of noncompliance by providing training and technical assistance first and then, if necessary, terminating funding. (Sec. 15) Repeals specified provisions under: (1) certain Federal law relating to the Local Partnership Act; (2) the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 relating to crime prevention programs and to urban recreation and at-risk youth; (3) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) relating to school dropout demonstration assistance and to drug free schools and communities; (4) the Public Health Service Act relating to grants for the prevention of alcohol and drug abuse among high-risk youth; (5) the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 relating to gang-free schools and communities, to mentoring, and to local delinquency programs; (6) the Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1986 relating to demonstration partnership agreements; (7) the Community Services Block Grant Act relating to the National Youth Sports Program; and (8) the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 relating to drug abuse prevention relating to youth gangs and runaway and homeless youth. (Sec. 17) Provides for transfer of a limited amount of funds from such repealed programs to the program under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1995
Reaffirms the universal nature of human rights and the principle that women's rights are human rights. Supports: (1) the inter-agency council on women; and (2) action on the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women. Considers that dedication to enacting U.S. commitments to promote the following would benefit citizens around the world: (1) economic security; (2) the human rights of women; (3) the health of women and children; (4) the empowerment of women and the strengthening of families; and (5) women's legal status and political participation. Encourages the U.S. Government to build on the strong partnership of nongovernmental organizations and governments that developed during the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women. Urges governmental actions that uphold and enact the tenets of the platform for action and the commitments of the United States made at the Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1995
East Timor Human Rights Accountability Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit the provision of assistance under that or any other Act to the Government of Indonesia unless the President determines and certifies to the Congress that: (1) any assistance for the preceding fiscal year has not been used to violate human rights in East Timor or to support the occupation of East Timor by Indonesia; and (2) such Government has provided assurances to the President that assistance for the current fiscal year will not be used for either such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1995
Smithsonian Institution Sesquicentennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the scientific, educational, and cultural significance of the Smithsonian Institution. Mandates that: (1) all but a certain portion of surcharges received from coin sales be paid by the Secretary to the Smithsonian Institution for such purposes as its Board of Regents determines to be appropriate; and (2) a certain portion of such surcharges be dedicated to supporting the operation and activities of the National Numismatic Collection at the National Museum of American History.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1995
Veterans' Memorials Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide penalties for individuals who willfully injure or commit any degradation against any structure on public property commemorating the service of U.S. military personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1995
Smokeless Tobacco Consumption Reduction and Education Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise tax on snuff and chewing tobacco to an amount equivalent to that on small cigarettes. Establishes in the Treasury the Smokeless Tobacco Education and Prevention Trust Fund. Requires ten percent of the net increase in revenues received by reason of this Act to be transferred to such Fund. Makes the Fund available for programs of public education regarding the risks of smokeless tobacco and other programs to reduce the consumption of smokeless tobacco.
![Official portrait of Rescom. Romero-Barcelo, Carlos A. [D-PR-At Large]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000417_200.jpg)