United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2000
Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to establish an Office of Pension Participant Advocacy in the Department of Labor under the supervision and direction of a Pension Participant Advocate who shall: (1) have demonstrated experience in the area of pension participant assistance; (2) be selected by the Secretary of Labor after consultation with pension participant advocacy organizations; and (3) report directly to the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2000
Ryan White CARE Act Amendments of 2000 - Title I: Emergency Relief for Areas with Substantial Need for Services - Subtitle A: HIV Health Services Planning Councils - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that an HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) planning council reflect the demographics of the population of individuals with HIV disease (currently, the demographics of the epidemic) in the eligible area involved. Modifies requirements regarding council composition, including requiring representatives of former prisoners. Requires that at least 33 percent of the council be people who: (1) are receiving HIV-related services pursuant to a grant under provisions relating to emergency relief for areas with a substantial need for services (substantial need grant); and (2) are not officers, employees, consultants, or representatives of any entity that receives substantial need grant amounts. (Sec. 102) Modifies council duties, including regarding: (1) determining the size, demographics, and needs of the HIV disease population; (2) council establishment of fund allocation priorities; and (3) coordination with Federal grantees that provide HIV-related services in the area. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) develop epidemiologic measures for establishing the number of individuals with HIV disease who are not receiving HIV-related health services and for carrying out council duties; and (2) provide to the chief elected official receiving a substantial need grant guidelines and materials for training council members regarding council duties. (Sec. 103) Requires that council meetings and records be open to the public, subject to exception. Subtitle B: Type and Distribution of Grants - Makes permanent provisions requiring expedited disbursement of certain substantial need grant amounts. Requires, after fiscal year 2004, that the substantial need grant amount formula use the number of cases of HIV disease in the most recent year rather than the number of cases of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the most recent ten years, but until FY 2007 conditions that change on the Secretary's determination that there is sufficiently accurate and reliable data on HIV disease cases from all eligible areas, requiring the Secretary to consider: (1) the findings of a study mandated by title V of this Act; (2) the fiscal impact of using or of not using that data; and (3) the impact of the use of that data on the organization and delivery of HIV-related services. Modifies requirements regarding increases in the amount of a substantial need grant under expedited disbursement provisions. (Sec. 112) Requires that the amount of supplemental substantial need grants be determined by the Secretary based on a weighting of specified factors, with severe need counting one-third. Includes the current HIV disease prevalence, an increasing need for services, and unmet need for services as factors the Secretary must consider in determining severe need. Directs the Secretary, in determining the required factors, to develop a mechanism to use national, quantitative incidence data by 18 months after enactment of this Act (currently, by May 20, 1998). Requires mechanism modification based on the findings of a study mandated by title V of this Act. Removes provisions basing the amount of substantial need grants on substantial need grant applications. Subtitle C: Other Provisions - Requires that substantial need grant funds be used, among other purposes, for: (1) outreach to identify individuals with HIV disease who are not receiving HIV-related services; and (2) early intervention services. Requires that substantial need grants be used to provide health and support services to infants, children, youth, and women (currently, infants, children, and women) with HIV disease in the same ratio as those groups with HIV disease bear to those groups in the general population. Requires that the chief elected official of a substantial need grant-receiving area establish a quality management program to assess whether HIV health services under the substantial need grant are consistent with the most recent Public Health Service guidelines. (Sec. 123) Requires that official to ensure that the area's planning council: (1) reviews existing, available data on expenditures by substantial need grant recipient entities from their overall budget for administrative costs; and (2) makes a determination whether the financial compensation of any of those entity's officers or employees exceeds that of the official. Title II: Care Grant Program - Subtitle A: General Grant Provisions - Requires that grants to States to improve the quality, availability and organization of health care and support services for individuals with HIV disease (care grants) be used to provide health and support services to infants, children, youth, and women (currently, infants, children, and women) with HIV disease in the same ratio as those groups with HIV disease bear to those groups in the general population. (Sec. 202) Allows care grants to be used for support services, outreach activities, early intervention, and quality management. (Sec. 203) Modifies requirements regarding grants to establish HIV care consortia. (Sec. 204) Allows a State to meet a requirement to use a portion of its care grant to provide therapeutics to treat HIV disease or prevent related health deterioration (including prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections) by paying for health insurance or plans whose coverage includes a full range of such therapeutics and primary care. (Sec. 205) Requires care grant applications to contain determinations of the size, demographics, and needs of the population of individuals with HIV disease in the State. Modifies requirements regarding the comprehensive plan. Requires the public health agency that administers care grants for a State to engage in a public advisory planning process. (Sec. 206) Doubles, subject to appropriations, the minimum care grant allotment to each State and U.S. territory. Requires, after fiscal year 2004, that the care grant amount formula use the number of cases of HIV disease in the most recent year rather than the number of cases of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the most recent ten years, but until FY 2007 conditions that change on the Secretary's determination that there is sufficiently accurate and reliable data on HIV disease cases. Provides for increases in the formula amount. Requires, if an appropriations Act provides an amount exclusively for treatment drug grants, that two percent of that exclusive amount be reserved for supplemental grants to States whose HIV population's need is greater than the quantities available under treatment drug grants from the remaining unreserved 98 percent. Adds the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau to the list of U.S. territories. Adds the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to the list of territories for minimum allotment provisions but keeps it in the list of States for other care grant provisions. (Sec. 207) Replaces provisions mandating coordination by specified Federal agencies of Federal HIV programs with provisions directing the Secretary to make grants to States to supplement care grants for comprehensive services for communities that have a severe need for supplemental financial assistance to combat the HIV epidemic. Provides for funding for the supplemental grants. Subtitle B: Provisions Concerning Pregnancy and Perinatal Transmission of HIV - Removes provisions prohibiting (after testing of pregnant women and newborns has become a routine practice in U.S. health care) care grants to a State unless the State meets certain requirements regarding such testing. (Sec. 212) Adds HIV disease treatment services to the uses for which the Secretary may make a grant to a State that is following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding HIV counseling and voluntary testing for pregnant women. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits using care grant appropriations for grants under this section. (Sec. 213) Directs the Secretary to provide for a study and report to appropriate congressional committees regarding: (1) the number of newborns with HIV born in the United States in the most recent year for which the information is available; (2) barriers that prevent or discourage an obstetrician from routinely offering pregnant women an HIV test and routinely testing newborns when the mother's HIV status is unknown; and (3) recommendations for each State for reducing perinatal HIV transmission. Requires States to make reasonable progress toward meeting the recommendations. Subtitle C: Certain Partner Notification Programs - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States for partner counseling and referral services, provided the State meets certain requirements regarding: (1) partner notification and (for the partner and the infected individual) testing, counseling, and referral; (2) health entity reporting of positive test results to the State; (3) reporting to the CDC regarding partner notification; and (4) State cooperation with the CDC national partner notification. Prohibits grants to a State after fiscal year 2003 unless the State's reporting system for HIV cases produces sufficiently accurate and reliable data. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Early Intervention Services - Subtitle A: Formula Grants for States - Repeals provisions mandating formula grants to States for outpatient early intervention services regarding HIV disease. Subtitle B: Categorical Grants - Requires giving preference to rural or underserved areas in making currently-authorized categorical grants for outpatient early intervention services. Allows planning grants to be used, subject to limitation, to assist the recipients to expand their capacity to provide services, including early intervention services, in low income communities and affected subpopulations that are underserved. Subtitle C: General Provisions - Requires that the counseling that categorical grant recipients are required to provide to HIV-infected individuals emphasize that it is the duty of infected individuals to disclose their status to their sexual and needle-sharing partners, provide advice on how to make the disclosures and emphasize that it is the infected individual's continuing duty to avoid behaviors that expose others to HIV. (Sec. 322) Increases the percentage limit on administrative expenses. Requires recipients to establish a quality management program to assess the extent to which medical services are consistent with Public Health Service guidelines for treatment of HIV disease and related opportunistic infections. Title IV: Other Programs and Activities - Subtitle A: Certain Programs for Research, Demonstrations, or Training - Replaces a requirement that, with regard to grants for providing opportunities for women, infants, children, and youth to participate in HIV research and for providing to those groups outpatient health care and additional services, that a significant number of individuals in those groups be participating in research with a requirement that the grant applicant demonstrate linkages to research and how access to research is being offered to patients. Directs the Secretary to examine the distribution and availability of research regarding grantees to enhance and expand HIV-related research, especially in underrepresented communities. Requires grantees to implement a quality management program. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 402) Includes, as a use of currently-authorized grants and contracts for training health personnel: (1) training in prenatal and other gynecological care for women with HIV disease; and (2) developing protocols for the medical care of such women. Directs the Secretary to implement a strategy for the dissemination of HIV treatment information to care providers and patients. Adds accredited dental hygiene programs as possible recipients of currently-authorized grants with respect to oral health care to (sic) patients with HIV disease. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes grants to dental schools, post-doctoral dental education programs, and accredited dental hygiene programs that partner with community-based dentists to provide care to HIV patients in underserved areas. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes appropriations for grants and contracts to assist public and nonprofit private entities and schools and academic health science centers to train health personnel, train faculty, and develop and disseminate curricula and resource materials regarding the care of HIV patients and prevention of HIV infection among at risk individuals. Subtitle B: General Provisions in Title XXVI - Extends the authorization of appropriations for grants and contracts to evaluate programs carried out under title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act (HIV Health Care Services Program). (Sec. 412) Authorizes appropriations for collecting and providing data for program planning and evaluation under title XXVI. (Sec. 413) Adds the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Health Care Financing Administration to the list of agencies (currently, the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) charged with coordinating the planning, funding, and implementation (currently, coordinating the planning of the funding) of Federal HIV programs to enhance continuity of care and prevention services (currently, continuity of care). Requires that State, local, or private entities receiving title XXVI funds enhance continuity of care and prevention services (currently, continuity of care). (Sec. 414) Directs the Secretary to develop and submit to Congress a plan for the medical case management of and the provision of support services to individuals who had HIV disease on their date of release from the Federal or State penal system. (Sec. 415) Authorizes the Secretary to reduce title XXVI grants to a State or political subdivision if the State or subdivision fails to prepare audits. (Sec. 416) Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and submit to Congress a plan for coordinating the disbursement of appropriations for substantial need grants with the disbursement for care grants; (2) within two years after enactment of this Act, implement the disbursement plan, notwithstanding any title XXVI provision inconsistent with the plan; (3) determine whether administration of those grants by the Secretary and grantee compliance efficiency would be improved by requiring biennial rather than annual applications; (4) develop and submit to Congress a plan for simplifying the application process for those grants; and (5) within two years after enactment of this Act, implement the simplified application plan, notwithstanding any title XXVI provision inconsistent with the plan. (Sec. 417) Removes provisions directing the Secretary to develop and implement a method for adjusting the percentages allocated to substantial need grants and care grants to account for substantial need grants to new areas and other relevant factors. Authorizes appropriations for substantial need and care grants. Title V: General Provisions - Directs the Secretary to provide for studies, and report to the appropriate congressional committees, on: (1) whether the surveillance system of each State provides for the reporting of HIV infection cases in a way that provides information on the number and demographic characteristics of the cases that is sufficiently accurate for the formula grants under substantial need and care grant provisions and, if not, recommendations for improvements; and (2) the appropriate epidemiological measures and their relationship to the financing and delivery of primary care and health related support services for low income, uninsured, and underinsured individuals with HIV disease. (Sec. 502) Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate research and other NIH activities regarding development of reliable and affordable HIV tests that can be rapidly administered and whose results can be rapidly obtained (rapid HIV tests). Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary: (1) to report to appropriate congressional committees on the progress made toward, and barriers to, the premarket review and commercial distribution of rapid HIV tests; and (2) promptly after rapid HIV test commercial distribution begins, to establish or update guidelines for States, hospitals, and other entities regarding the availability of those tests for administration to pregnant women in labor or late stage pregnancy and whose HIV status is unknown. (Sec. 503) Directs the Secretary, of the amounts available to the Secretary for program management at the Health Resources and Services Administration, to spend amounts necessary to ensure at least a 20 percent increase in fiscal year 2001 over fiscal year 2000 of full- time-equivalent staff of the Bureau of HIV/AIDS who administer programs under title XXVI. Title VI: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective dates for this Act and its amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2000
National and Community Service Amendments Act of 2000 - Title I: Amendments to National and Community Service Act of 1990 - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NCSA) to reauthorize and revise various programs. (Sec. 103) Revises provisions for school-based and community-based service-learning programs to: (1) include Indian tribes as qualified organizations for program participation; and (2) eliminate a requirement that the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) give priority to grant applications containing specified proposals. (Sec. 104) Revises provisions for the national service trust program to: (1) eliminate provisions authorizing CNCS to transfer funds to another Federal agency to support a national service program; (2) limit the CNCS's share of the aggregate cost of national service positions, through a formula based on a specified amount per participant; (3) eliminate Federal agency positions from eligibility for approval for national service positions or educational awards; (4) establish a State minimum for national service grant awards; (5) provide for grants to increase the participation of individuals with disabilities, and for demonstration programs of outreach to such individuals; (6) reserve certain funds to support programs reducing CNCS costs; and (7) modify provisions relating to participant performance, selection, terms of service, and living allowances. (Sec. 105) Revises provisions for the national service trust to include, as an allowable use of trust funds, national service scholarships (under the program established by this Act). Makes expenditures from the trust available for interest payments during forbearance on loan repayment and for national service scholarship awards. Provides that a prohibition against using the educational award to pay off loans made to parents also applies to loans made to parents under the direct student loan program. Allows educational awards to be used to pay off private or State loans. Permits the trust to be used to support a national service scholarship program to recognize secondary school juniors and seniors engaged in community service activities. (Sec. 106)Authorizes the Director of the Civilian Community Corps (CCC) to select individuals with prior supervisory or service experience to be team leaders. Requires team leaders to be selected without regard to a specified age limitation. Revises authorized benefits for CCC members. (Sec. 107) Repeals the authority of State commissions and any division of CNCS to enter into agreements for coordinating functions. (Sec. 108) Eliminates a provision relating to staggered terms for CNS board members. Allows appointed board members whose terms have expired to continue to serve for a specified limited period. Authorizes the chief executive officer (CEO) of CNCS to enter into agreements with other agencies to carry out activities to implement national service laws. (Sec. 109) Authorizes the CEO of CNCS to serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member of the board of directors of the Points of Light Foundation. (Sec. 110) Extends through FY 2005 the authorization of appropriations for programs under NCSA. Title II: Amendments to the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 - Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (DVSA) to reauthorize and revise: (1) title I National Volunteer Antipoverty Programs, part A Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) including VISTA Literacy Corps, part B University Year for VISTA, part C Special Volunteer Programs including literacy challenge grants; and (2) title II National Senior Service Corps (currently National Senior Volunteer Corps), part A Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), part B Foster Grandparent Program (FGP), and part C Senior Companion Program (SCP). (Sec. 203) Includes as a VISTA objective the encouragement of supportive efforts by local agencies and organizations to achieve long-term sustainability of programs in the absence of Federal assistance. Encourages the VISTA Director to enter into agreements under which public agencies and private organizations pay all or part of the direct cost of supporting volunteers. Authorizes the VISTA Director to provide a stipend of a maximum of $200 per month to individuals designated as volunteer leaders. (Sec. 204) Renames the National Senior Volunteer Corps as the National Senior Service Corps (NSSC). Eliminates the priority for enrolling individuals age 60 and older (but continues to allow individuals age 55 and older to enroll). Allows individuals age 55 (currently 60) or older to enroll in FGP, but gives priority to enrolling individuals age 60 or older. Requires any stipend under FGP to be at least $2.55 per hour and be adjusted for inflation once prior September 30, 2005. Allows individuals age 55 (currently 60) or older to enroll in SCP, but gives priority to enrolling individuals age 60 or older. Requires the SCP Director spend certain amounts each year to promote SCP. Prohibits awarding national significance grants for RSVP, FGP, or SCP unless the appropriated allocation for each program exceeds the appropriated allocations for each of the two preceding years. (Sec. 206) Extends through 2005 the authorization of appropriations for programs under DVSA. Title III: Technical Amendments to Other Laws - Revises references and makes other technical and conforming amendments to various other Federal laws.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2000
Calls for the immediate release of Edmond Pope from prison in Russia on humanitarian reasons. Declares that no funds should be provided for: (1) assisting the Government of the Russian Federation to prepare for or adjoin or accede to the World Trade Organization; or (2) Overseas Private Investment Corporation programs for activities within Russia. Urges the President to oppose further loans to the Russian Government by any international funding institution of which the United States is a member.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2000
Veterans Travel Fairness Act - Makes the rate of reimbursement for private vehicle travel under the beneficiary travel program of the Department of Veterans Affairs equal to the rate for private vehicle reimbursement for Federal employees.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2000
Community Economic Adjustment Act of 2000 - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish in the Economic Development Administration (EDA) an Office of Community Economic Adjustment to coordinate the Federal Government's response to communities experiencing sudden economic distress caused by a loss of jobs due to plant closures, significant layoffs, or significant relocation of jobs to other communities for any reason, including shifting patterns in international trade, natural disasters, or other problems, by: (1) identifying relevant programs and resources to ensure that communities are aware of all available Federal resources that complement or support state and local resources and programs; (2) working with specified departments and agencies to ensure that communities receive Federal assistance in a targeted, integrated manner; and (3) assigning a project manager to work with an affected community. Directs such Office to: (1) provide technical assistance, planning grants, and other assistance to help communities organize themselves, develop, and carry out economic adjustment strategies for replacing industry and jobs that have been lost or are threatened by the economic downturn; and (2) help eligible applicants in completing applications for other assistance that may be useful in alleviating the economic distress in such communities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 through 2005 for community adjustment assistance under the economic adjustment program of the EDA, including specified amounts for such Office and for communities successfully completing planning grants to implement their approved plans.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
Provides for: (1) the identification and discipline (which may include civil money penalties and loss of annuity or retirement pay in addition to current removal authority) of members and employees of county and area agricultural committees who discriminate against other persons in administering agricultural programs; and (2) due process requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
USDA Accountability and Equity Act of 2000 - Title I: Improved Accountability of County and Area Committees and Their Employees - Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to increase the size of the county committees by two members who shall be: (1) appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture; and (2) demographically representative of local producers. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary to prescribe uniform guidelines for conducting county and area committee elections. (Sec. 103) Provides for the conversion of permanent and temporary county committee employees to Federal civil service status. Title II: Improved Program Equity - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 respecting the environmental quality incentives program to: (1) increase program funding; (2) reduce the livestock set-aside; and (3) give priority to, establish set-asides, and waive cost-share requirements for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. (Sec. 202) Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to make permanent appropriations for 1890 land grant college grants. (Sec. 203) Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to make permanent appropriations for: (1) outreach and technical assistance programs for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; and (2) Indian reservation extension education programs. (Sec. 205) Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to make permanent appropriations for farm operating and ownership loans.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Secretary of State, in cooperation with the Secretary of Defense, should work with the Government of the Philippines and with appropriate nongovernmental organizations in the United States and the Philippines to fully identify and share all relevant information concerning environmental contamination and health effects emanating from former U.S. military facilities in the Philippines following the departure of U.S. military forces; and (2) the United States should work with the Philippine Government to help ameliorate such environmental contamination and health effects.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2000
DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to eligible States to carry out, for inclusion in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analyses of samples: (1) taken from individuals convicted of a qualifying violent or sexual offense under State law; and (2) from crime scenes or crime victims. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) State eligibility criteria for grants, including assurances of State implementation of a comprehensive plan for the expeditious DNA analysis of samples; and (2) grant preference to States that propose the use of allocated amounts to conduct DNA analyses of those samples that relate to crimes for which there are no suspects. Directs that: (1) the comprehensive plan require the DNA analysis of each sample specified above which was collected but not analyzed before the this Act's enactment; (2) in the case of a crime scene sample, if the statute of limitations has expired for each crime with respect to which the sample might reasonably be used as evidence in a court of law, the plan may (but need not) require the DNA analysis of that sample; and (3) the plan require that each DNA analysis be carried out in a laboratory that satisfies quality assurance standards and is operated by the State, or by a private entity pursuant to a contract with the State. Requires the Director of the FBI to maintain and make available to States a description of quality assurance protocols and practices that such Director considers adequate to assure the quality of a forensic laboratory. States that a laboratory satisfies quality assurance standards if it satisfies specified protocols and practices, or is accredited by a nonprofit professional association of persons actively involved in forensic science that is nationally recognized within the forensic science community. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) restrictions on the use of funds (including limiting the Federal cost share to 75 percent); (2) reporting requirements (to the Attorney General and to Congress); and (3) expenditure records. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3) Requires that: (1) the Director of the Bureau of Prisons collect a DNA sample from each individual in the Bureau's custody who is, or has been, convicted of a qualifying Federal offense (including murder, sexual abuse, kidnaping, and attempting or conspiring to commit any such offense); and (2) the probation office responsible for the supervision under Federal law of an individual on parole or supervised release collect a DNA sample from each such individual convicted of a qualifying Federal offense. Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Prisons or the probation office responsible: (1) for each such individual, if CODIS contains a DNA analysis with respect to that individual, to collect a DNA sample from that individual; and (2) to use or authorize the use of such means as are reasonably necessary to detain, restrain, and collect a DNA sample from an individual who refuses to cooperate in the collection of the sample. Sets penalties with respect to the failure of an individual from whom the collection of a DNA sample is authorized to cooperate in the collection of that sample. Requires the Director of: (1) the Bureau of Prisons or the probation office responsible to furnish each DNA sample collected to the Director of the FBI, who shall carry out a DNA analysis and include the results in CODIS; and (2) the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to make available model procedures for such activities of probation officers. (Sec. 4) Directs: (1) the Government of the District of Columbia (DC) to collect a DNA sample from each individual in its custody who is, or has been, convicted of a qualifying DC offense; (2) the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to collect a DNA sample from each individual in the Bureau's custody who is or has been convicted of such offense; and (3) the Director of the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for DC, or the Trustee appointed under the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, to collect a DNA sample from each individual under the supervision of the Agency or Trustee who is on supervised release, parole, or probation and who is or has been convicted of such offense. Sets forth analogous provisions regarding: (1) individuals already in CODIS; (2) collection procedures; (3) criminal penalties; (4) analysis and use of samples; (5) what constitutes a qualifying DC offense; and (6) commencement of collection. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5) Directs that the Secretary concerned collect a DNA sample from each member of the armed forces under the Secretary's jurisdiction who is or has been convicted of a qualifying military offense. Authorizes the Secretary concerned, for each member, if the CODIS contains a DNA analysis with respect to that member, to collect a DNA sample from that member. Directs: (1) the Secretary to furnish each DNA sample collected to the Secretary of Defense; (2) the Secretary of Defense to furnish each DNA sample to the Director of the FBI; and (3) such Director to carry out a DNA analysis on each such DNA sample and include the results in CODIS. (Sec. 6) Amends the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 to require the Director of the FBI to expand CODIS to include analyses of DNA samples collected from individuals convicted of a qualifying Federal offense, a qualifying DC offense, or a qualifying military offense. Modifies provisions of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (VCCLEA) regarding the index to facilitate law enforcement exchange of DNA identification information (Index) to authorize the FBI Director to include an index of analyses of DNA samples: (1) recovered from victims of crime; and (2) collected from individuals convicted of a qualifying offense. Directs that the index include information on DNA identification records and DNA analyses that are prepared by laboratories and DNA analysts that undergo semiannual (currently, at regular intervals of not to exceed 180 days) external proficiency testing. Requires the Director to promptly expunge from the index the DNA analysis of a person if the Director receives, for each conviction of the person of a qualifying offense, a certified copy of a final court order evidencing that such conviction has been overturned. (Sec. 7) Amends the Federal criminal code to require the court to: (1) provide, as an explicit condition of a sentence of probation, that the defendant cooperate in the authorized collection of a DNA sample; and (2) order, as an explicit condition of supervised release, that the defendant cooperate in the authorized collection of a DNA sample. Requires the United States Parole Commission to impose, as a condition of parole, that the parolee cooperate in the authorized collection of a DNA sample. Makes cooperation by the individual in the authorized collection of a DNA sample a condition of probation, parole, or supervised release. (Sec. 8) Amends the Omnibus Drug Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (regarding drug control and system improvement (Byrne) grants and DNA identification grants) and the VCCLEA to provide for proficiency testing of personnel who perform DNA analyses semiannually (currently, at regular intervals not exceeding 180 days). Directs that the Index include only information on DNA identification records and analyses that are prepared by laboratories: (1) satisfying the quality assurance protocols and practices that the Director of the FBI considers adequate to assure the quality of a forensic laboratory; or (2) accredited by a nonprofit professional association of persons actively involved in forensic science that is nationally recognized within the forensic science community.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2000
National Employment Dispute Resolution Act of 2000 (NEDRA) - Amends title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to require the pertinent agency or entity to: (1) provide counseling services regarding, and endeavor to address and resolve, claims of unlawful discrimination using certified contract mediators; and (2) disseminate information regarding such services to employees and members. Mandates that any Federal agency or court (or business enterprise receiving $20,000 or more in Federal funds, or having 20 or more employees): (1) establish an internal dispute resolution mechanism that provides, as a voluntary option, employee-disputant access to external third-party certified mediators; and (2) participate in mediation in specified circumstances. Prescribes mediation guidelines. States that attorneys and consultants are legally obligated to advise their clients of the mediation alternative and their obligations to participate in "good faith".
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2000
Authorizes the Homeward Bound Foundation to establish a Middle Passage National Monument on Federal land in the District of Columbia or environs to honor the millions of Africans who died in the Middle Passage en route to the Americas and at the hands of transatlantic slave traders between the 15th and 19th centuries. Makes the Foundation solely responsible for accepting contributions for, and paying the expenses of, the establishment of the monument. Prohibits the use of Federal funds for such monument.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2000
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions concerning designated settlement funds to exempt from tax any designated settlement fund established for the principal purpose of resolving and satisfying present and future claims relating to asbestos. Sets forth special rules concerning asbestos liability losses.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2000
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that ancestors and lineal descendants of past or present members of the Armed Forces shall be taken into account in determining whether a veterans' organization is exempt from tax.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2000
Medicaid Community Attendant Services and Supports Act of 2000 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicaid coverage of community attendant services and supports for eligible individuals with disabilities. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible States which have established a Consumer Task Force to assist the State in its development of real choice systems change initiatives with regard to consumer-responsive long-term services to eligible individuals. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the National Council on Disability to review and report to Congress on: (1) certain Medicaid regulations on home health and personal care services; and (2) how excessive use of medical services can be reduced by using community attendant services and supports. Directs the Secretary to establish a task force to examine appropriate methods for financing long-term services and supports.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2000
Farmers for Africa Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the Farmers for Africa Program to provide grants for exchange programs with African-American farmers and other agricultural specialists and (sub-Saharan) African farmers. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2000
Authorizes the President to present on behalf of Congress: (1) a gold medal to the family of Andrew Jackson Higgins in recognition of his contributions to the Nation and to the Allied victory in World War II; (2) an identical medal to the D-Day Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, for public display; and (3) a gold medal to the Museum in honor of the World War II employees of Higgins Industries and in recognition of their contributions to the Nation and to the Allied victory in World War II. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2000
Safe and Successful Schools Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to reauthorize through FY 2005, and revise or establish requirements for, assistance for various programs, including: (1) reading and literacy; (2) technology for education; (3) safe and drug-free schools and communities; (4) class size reduction through hiring more teachers; (5) higher standards and higher pay for teachers and principals in public schools of low-income local educational agencies (LEAs); (6) the Fund for the Improvement of Education; (7) public charter schools; (8) arts in education; (9) civic education; (10) Ellender fellowships; (11) early learning; (12) Holocaust education; (13) 21st Century Learning Centers for after-school programs; (14) parental information and resource centers; (15) urban educational assistance; (16) coordinated services, including child opportunity zone family centers; (17) public school repair and renovation; and (18) support and assistance programs to improve education and establish America's educational goals. (Sec. 1) Prohibits any services under ESEA from being provided through voucher or certificate. (Sec. 2) Revises ESEA title I (Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards) part A (Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies) (IA) to require State plans to describe: (1) specific steps the State educational agency (SEA) will take to assist schools and local educational agencies (LEAs) that receive IA funds (IA LEAs) to ensure that all their students reach a minimum proficient level of performance; (2) actions the State will take to ensure that critical education services and resources are available in IA LEAs to the extent that they are available in non-IA LEAs; and (3) annual measures and reports comparing IA LEAs and non-IA LEAs in terms of services, teachers, curricula, and instructional materials and resources. Requires each IA LEA to obtain SEA approval of a comprehensive plan to ensure comparability in use of State and local funds and educational services among its IA schools and its other schools with respect to: (1) teacher experience and qualifications; (2) curriculum range and opportunity to take rigorous courses, including advanced placement; and (3) quality and availability of instructional materials and resources including technology. Requires IA LEAs to update annually records relating to compliance with such comparability requirements. (Sec. 3) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Reading and Literacy Grants program (part C of ESEA title II Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program). (Sec. 4) Revises, redesignates, and reauthorizes certain programs under ESEA title III (Technology for Education). Revises and renames part A as National Long-Range Technology Plans and Activities. Eliminates programs of: (1) national challenge grants for technology in education (but establishes a similar program, the Next-Generation Technology Innovation Awards program, as the new subpart 2 of part B); and (2) regional technical support and development (but establishes a similar program, Regional Technology in Education Consortium, as the new subpart 1 of part F). Redesignates as part B State and Local Programs for School Technology Resources (currently subpart 2 of part A). Eliminates the current part B Star Schools Program. Establishes the Technology Literacy Challenge Fund as a new subpart 1 of part B. Provides for grants to support State and local activities relating to education technology to improve student achievement, particularly in high-poverty, low-performing schools, and teachers' ability to integrate technology into the curriculum. Establishes the Next-Generation Technology Innovation Awards program as a new subpart 2 of part B. Authorizes the Secretary, through OET, to award competitive grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements for up to 50 percent of costs to eligible applicants, which are consortia that include: (1) at least one SEA or LEA; and (2) at least one institution of higher education (IHE), for-profit entity, museum, library, other public or private entity with appropriate expertise. Establishes a new part C, Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology. Authorizes the Secretary, through OET, to award competitive grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to develop or redesign teacher preparation programs to enable prospective teachers to use technology effectively in their classrooms. Requires applicants to be consortia that include at least one IHE that offers a baccalaureate degree and prepares teachers for their initial entry into teaching, at least one SEA or LEA, and at least one other of specified types of entities with the capacity to contribute to the technology-related reform of teacher preparation programs. Establishes a new part D, Getting Our Girls Ready for the 21st Century Act (Go Girl). Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and contracts and cooperative agreements with, LEAs to provide subgrants to elementary and secondary schools for services that: (1) encourage the ongoing interest of girls in science, mathematics, and technology; and (2) prepare girls to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees and careers in those fields. Establishes a new part E, Library Resources. Eliminates the current part E Elementary Mathematics and Science Equipment program. Directs the Secretary, under a part E subpart 1 Library Media Resources program, to make allotments to States for library media resources and discretionary grants for school library access during non-school hours. Requires SEAs to make allocations to applicant LEAs that have: (1) the greatest need for school library media improvement; and (2) the highest percentages of poverty. Authorizes the Secretary, under a part E subpart 2 School Library Access Program, to make grants to applicant LEAs to provide students with access to libraries in elementary schools and secondary schools during non-school hours, including the hours before and after school, weekends, and summer vacation periods. Requires that priority be given to LEAs that: (1) seek to provide activities that will increase reading skills and student achievement; (2) have effectively coordinated services and funding with entities involved in other Federal, State, and local efforts to provide programs and activities for students during non-school hours; and (3) have a high level of community support. Sets forth a new part F, Special Projects of National Significance, with a subpart 1 Regional Technology in Education Consortium which revises and replaces a similar regional technical support and development program currently under subpart 3 of part A. Establishes a program for Community Technology Centers, as subpart 2 of part F. Authorizes the Secretary, through OET, to award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible applicants to create or expand community technology centers that expand access to information technology and related training for disadvantaged residents of distressed urban or rural communities or to provide technical assistance and support to such centers. Redesignates and renames as subpart 3 of part F, Ready-to-Learn-Digital-Television (currently part C, Ready-To-Learn Television), including provisions for Special Projects of National Significance. Redesignates and renames as subpart 4 part F, Telecommunications Project for Mathematics (currently part D, Telecommunications Demonstration Project for Mathematics). Establishes a program for Future Math and Science Teacher Recruitment, as subpart 5 of part F. Makes available 500 scholarship grants and stipends to outstanding students enrolled in nationally accredited teacher training graduate programs who are committed to pursuing teaching careers in secondary school mathematics and science teaching. Authorizes the Secretary to award funds for such National Math and Science Teacher Scholarships on a competitive basis to qualifying IHEs with graduate programs in teacher training. Makes an institution eligible for such funds only if it is ranked by the Secretary in the top 25 percent of schools in its State with the highest percentage of graduates passing the State teacher qualification assessment for new teachers. Directs the Secretary to give priority to eligible IHEs that have one or more of these: (1) a year-long internship program in a professional development school; (2) mentoring programs for novice teachers in their first three years; (3) a history of placing graduates in rural and urban schools; and (4) a high retention rate of teachers that the institution places in teaching positions. Requires scholarship recipients to agree to teach in an urban or rural public secondary school for at least three full academic years, or (with specified exceptions) repay the pro rata amount of awards received, plus interest, for any failure to fulfill such obligation. (Sec. 5) Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act - Revises ESEA title IV to change the short title (currently, Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1994). Extends the authorization of appropriations for title IV Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities (SDFSC) programs. Eliminates provisions relating to a National Trust for Drug-Free Youth. Sets forth title IV part A subpart 1 provisions for State grants for drug and violence prevention programs. Establishes principles of effectiveness to be applied to title IV programs. Sets forth title IV part A subpart 2 provisions for National Programs. Directs the Secretary to carry out national programs to promote: (1) drug-free, safe, and orderly learning environments for students at all educational levels, from preschool through postsecondary; and (2) lifelong physical activity for such students. Requires the Secretary to reserve a specified amount of national program funds to make competitive grants to LEAS and community organizations for hate crime prevention activities. Establishes a title IV part B Technical Assistance program of comprehensive prevention technical assistance grants. Authorizes the Secretary to provide such grants to SEAs that meet specified requirements to implement prevention programs that meet a high scientific standard of program effectiveness. Establishes a title IV part C Alternative Education program to assist SEAs and LEAs in providing: (1) sound and equitable policies that ensure a safe, orderly, and drug-free learning environment for all children, while reducing the need to suspend or expel students and the number of such suspensions and expulsions; and (2) educational supports, services, and programs, using trained and qualified staff, for children aged five through 21 who have been suspended or expelled, so such children make continuing progress toward meeting the State's challenging academic standards. Establishes a title IV part D Resource Staff for Students program of establish a grants program to assist States and local educational agencies (LEAs) to recruit, train, and hire 100,000 school-based resource staff to work with students to: (1) reduce the student-to-counselor ratios nationally, in grades six through 12, to an average of one such staff for every 250 students; (2) help address the mental, emotional, and developmental needs of public school students; and (3) support other school staff and teachers in reaching students early before problems arise, conducting behavioral interventions to improve school discipline, and developing the awareness and skills to identify early warning signs of violence and the need for mental health services. Directs the Secretary to make such grants, for up to three years for each grant, to establish or expand the number of resource staff available for students' needs. Provides that resource staff means an individual with a specified kind of licensure, certification, or educational qualifications who has documented competence and training in mental health to be able to provide services to children and adolescents in a school setting. Establishes a title IV part E program, Project SERV (School Emergency Response to Violence) under which the Secretary to carry out Project SERV directly, or through contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements shall provide education-related services to LEAs in which the learning environment has been disrupted due to a violent or traumatic crisis, such as a shooting or major accident. Requires the establishment of a Federal Coordinating Committee on school crises, to coordinate Federal responses to crises that occur in schools or directly affect the learning environment in schools. Gun-Free Schools Act - Revises and transfers to title IV part F the provisions of the Gun-Free Schools Act (currently under title XIV part F). Requires each State receiving Federal funds under ESEA to have in effect a State law that: (1) requires LEAs to expel from school, for at least one year, any student determined to have possessed a firearm at school under the jurisdiction of the LEA in that State; and (2) allows the chief administering officer of that LEA to modify the expulsion requirement for a student on a case-by-case basis. Prohibits awarding ESEA funds to any LEA unless it has a policy ensuring that: (1) any student who possesses a firearm at a school served by such agency is referred to the criminal justice or juvenile delinquency system; (2) students who possess a firearm at school are referred to mental health professionals for assessment as to whether they pose an imminent threat of harm to themselves or others; and (2) any student determined to pose such a threat receives appropriate mental health services, in addition to other services, before being permitted to return to school. Requires each SEA and LEA that receives title IV funds to have a policy that prohibits cigarette vending machines, and the illegal possession or use of drugs and alcohol, in any form, at any time, and by any person, in school buildings, on school grounds, or at any school-sponsored event. (Sec. 6) Revises and reauthorizes ESEA title VI, Innovative Educational Strategies. Extends the authorization of appropriations for: (1) title VI programs; and (2) additional allotments to States of funds for LEAs demonstrating adequate yearly progress. Establishes, as a new part E under title VI, a Class Size Reduction program. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes, as a new part F of title VI, a Higher Standards, Higher Pay program. Authorizes the Secretary to make competitive grants to high-poverty LEAs to attract and retain fully qualified teachers and high-quality principals through better pay and benefits. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 7) Revises ESEA title X Programs of National Significance. Revises and reauthorizes title X part A (Fund for the Improvement of Education) (FIE). Includes among authorized uses of assistance: (1) senior mentoring of at-risk students; (2) student community service programs; (3) assisting all students to meet challenging State standards; (4) cultural education centers; (5) museum-operated Indian education programs in public schools; (6) improving academic achievement through innovative partnerships between LEAs and teachers unions; and (7) hiring and supporting school nurses. Extends the authorization of appropriations for FIE. Revises part A provisions for character education. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out programs of: (1) grants for State and local character education; and (2) grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements for character education research, dissemination, and evaluation. Authorizes appropriations. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Smaller Learning Communities grants program under part A. Includes among authorized uses of such funds design and construction of improvements to the learning environment, including daylighting, energy conservation technologies, and renewable energy. Eliminates part A provisions for: (1) elementary school counseling demonstration programs; (2) Promoting Scholar Athlete Competitions; (3) National Student and Parent Mock Election; and (4) Model Projects. (Sec. 8) Extends the authorization of appropriations for title X part C, Public Charter Schools. (Sec. 9) Extends the authorization of appropriations for title X part D, Arts in Education, including: (1) Arts Education; and (2) Cultural Partnerships for At- Risk Children and Youth. Includes, among authorized uses of Arts Education funds, supporting model programs and projects in the performing arts for children and youth through arrangements with the Division of Cultural History of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. (Sec. 9 (sic)) Education for Democracy Act - Revises ESEA title X, part F, Civic Education to provide for grants or contracts for the Center for Civic Education (CCE) to carry out civic education activities under: (1) (as under current law) (the We the People...) The Citizen and the Constitution program; and (2) (the We the People...) The Project Citizen program. Includes among program requirements: (1) civic education materials and services to address specific problems such as prevention of school violence and drug and alcohol abuse; and (2) optional simulated hearings of Congress (Citizen and Constitution) and State legislatures (Project Citizen). Extends the authorization of appropriations. (Sec. 10) Reauthorizes ESEA title X part G, the Allen J. Ellender Fellowship Program (which is administered by the Close Up Foundation, provides financial aid to enable economically disadvantaged middle and secondary students, their teachers, economically disadvantaged older Americans, recent immigrants, and students of migrant parents to come to Washington, D.C., to study the operations of the Federal Government). Extends the authorization of appropriations. (Sec. 11) Establishes a new ESEA title X part H, Early Learning Program to improve educational opportunities for young children, from birth through age five. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth allowable program activities under categories of promoting: (1) children's learning at home, through parenting education; (2) quality teaching in child care settings; and (3) quality child care. (Sec. 12) Holocaust Education Assistance Act - Establishes a new ESEA title X part L, Holocaust Education. Authorizes the Secretary to make competitive grants to LEAs to carry out educational programs about the Holocaust. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 13) Revises ESEA title X part H, 21st Century Learning Centers program (known as the 21st Century Learning Centers Act) for program grants to SEAs for after-school center projects addressing educational, health, social service, cultural, and recreational needs of inner and small cities and rural and disadvantaged suburban communities. Extends the authorization of appropriations. (Sec. 14) Establishes a new ESEA title X part M for grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements for Parental Information and Resource Centers. Authorizes appropriations. Eliminating Educational Disparities and Promoting Learning for Urban Students Act of 1999 (sic) - Establishes a new ESEA title X part N, Urban Education Assistance, for urban school grants to eligible LEAs serving urban areas (or to SEAs which are LEAs) for activities to assist schools with high concentrations of students from racial and language minority groups to improve schoolwide academic achievement. Requires particular attention to be given to narrowing or overcoming disparities in achievement scores and school completion: (1) between minority and nonminority group students; and (2) between urban and nonurban public school students. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 15) Revises ESEA title XI, Coordinated Services, to: (1) continue certain coordinated services provisions; and (2) provide for coordinated services through child opportunity zone family centers (school-based or school-linked community service centers that provide and link children and their families with comprehensive information, support, services, and activities to improve the children's and families' education, health, mental health, safety, and economic well-being). Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive grants to eligible partnerships for the Federal share of costs of establishing and expanding such child opportunity zone family centers. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 15 (sic)) Establishes a new ESEA title XII, Public School Repair and Renovation, which authorizes Federal financial assistance for the urgent repair and renovation of public elementary and secondary schools in high-need areas. (Replaces the current title XII, School Facilities Infrastructure Improvement, which is also known as the Education Infrastructure Act of 1994.) Requires high-need LEAs to use the title XII grants or loans they receive for repairs and renovations to reduce health and safety problems, and to improve the learning environment. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 16) Revises and renames ESEA title XIII as Support and Assistance Programs to Improve Education and Establish America's Educational Goals (currently Support and Assistance Programs to Improve Education). Extends the authorization of appropriations for: (1) part A, Comprehensive Regional Assistance Centers; and (2) part B (currently part C), Eisenhower Regional Mathematics and Science Education Consortia. Eliminates the current part B, National Diffusion Network, and part D, Technology-Based Technical Assistance. Establishes a new part C, America's Educational Goals Panel and America's Educational Goals. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 17) Revises ESEA title XIV, General Provisions, to revise part E, Uniform Provisions, to prohibit any services under ESEA from being provided through voucher or certificate. Requires all SEAs that receive ESEA funds to have plans in place to have all teachers fully qualified by September 30, 2003. Prohibits any funds authorized under ESEA from being used to allow a third party to monitor, receive, gather, or obtain information intended for commercial purposes from any student under age 18 without prior, written, informed consent of the student's parent. Requires a school, LEA, or SEA, before entering into a contract with a third party, to inquire as to: (1) whether the third party intends to gather, collect, or store information on students; (2) the nature of the information to be gathered; (3) how the information will be used; (4) whether the information will be sold, distributed, or transferred to other parties; and (5) the amount of class time that will be consumed by such activity. Authorizes one-time grants to ESEA funds recipients to develop their data systems to help them make continuous program improvement. Authorizes the Secretary: (1) establish performance measures for each program under ESEA and subtitle B of title VII of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act; and (2) require applicants for funds under such Acts to include information on how they will use such measures, and report data relating to such measures. Requires collaboration with SEAs, LEAs, and other ESEA funds recipients in establishing such measures. Revises part G, Sense of Congress, to eliminate provisions expressing the sense of Congress with respect to increasing the total share of Federal spending on education.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Establishes certain requirements relating to the use of standardized tests by State and local educational agencies (SEAs and LEAs) that receive funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). Prohibits standardized test performance from being the sole determinant of any decision about an individual student's retention, graduation, tracking, or within-class ability grouping. Allows test performance to be considered in making such decision only if specified criteria are met. Requires such tests to: (1) meet professional standards of validity and reliability for the purpose for which its results are being used; (2) allow users to make score interpretations related to a functional performance level, and be based on State or local content or performance standards, and be aligned with curriculum and classroom instruction; (3) be administered in accordance with written guidance from the test developer or publisher; and (4) not be used to decide promotion or placement in special education for a child below age eight or grade three. Requires that: (1) multiple measures of student achievement be used, including grades and evaluations by teachers, so that scores from large-scale assessments are never the only source of information used nor assigned determinative weight in making a high-stakes decision about an individual student; and (2) multiple opportunities to demonstrate proficiency in the subject matter covered by the test be provided to students tested. Requires SEAs and LEAs to: (1) have evidence that the test is of adequate technical quality for each purpose for which it is used; (2) provide appropriate accommodations and alternate assessments for students with disabilities that provide such students with a valid opportunity to show what they know and can do; and (3) provide appropriate accommodations for students with limited English proficiency, including specified arrangements. Requires evaluations of the impact of standardized tests use in high stakes decisions on students' education and educational outcomes, particularly on individuals and subgroups disaggregated by socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, limited English proficiency, disability, and gender, to be carried out by: (1) SEAs receiving ESEA funds; (2) LEAs receiving ESEA funds located in States that do not do such evaluations; and (3) the Secretary of Education.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for student loan forgiveness for public defenders under the Federal Perkins Loan program. Requires a reduction in the amount of Federal capital contributions to Federal student loan funds to offset the amount expended under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2000
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, to former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter a gold medal in recognition of their service to the Nation. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2000
National Museum of the American Indian Commemorative Coin Act of 2000, or American Buffalo Coin Commemorative Coin Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue a maximum of 500,000 $1 dollar coins in commemoration of the opening of the National Museum of the American Indian of the Smithsonian Institution. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Mint Facility in Denver, Colorado, should strike such coins unless the Secretary determines that it would be technically or cost-prohibitive. Mandates that the proceeds from sales surcharges be paid promptly to the National Museum of the American Indian of the Smithsonian Institution to: (1) commemorate the opening of the Museum; and (2)supplement the Museum's endowment and educational outreach funds. Subjects the Museum to certain Federal audit requirements. Instructs the Secretary to take actions to ensure that coin minting and issuance will not result in any net cost to the Government.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2000
Commends the African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Native American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, Native Alaskan, and other minority veterans of the armed forces who served during World War II, especially those who gave their lives in such service. Expresses support for the goals and ideas of Day of Honor 2000 to celebrate and recognize such service. Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to honor such veterans with appropriate programs and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2000
Condemns violations of human rights by President Alyaksandr Lukashenka's regime in the Republic of Belarus, especially the conviction and sentencing of Andrei Klimov, Vasiliy Leonov, and Vladimir Koudinov on politically motivated charges. Urges their release. Expresses grave concern about the disappearances of Viktor Gonchar, Anatoly Krasovsky, and Yuri Zakharenka. Calls on the Lukashenka regime to ensure a full and timely investigation of these cases. Calls for immediate dialogue between the Lukashenka regime and the opposition and the restoration of a democratically elected government in Belarus. Urges the Lukashenka regime to: (1) respect and ensure the human rights of all Belarusian citizens, including members of the opposition currently being illegally detained in violation of their constitutional rights; (2) respect the rule of law and an independent judiciary; and (3) hold legitimate, free and fair parliamentary elections. Supports the appeal by the Consultative Council of Belarusian opposition parties to the Government of the Russian Federation, the State Duma, and the Federation Council calling for a cessation of support for the Lukashenka regime. Calls on the international community to support the opposition in Belarus by continuing to meet with the legitimately elected parliament. Supports Belarus's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as its market democratic transformation and integration among the broader trans-Atlantic community of nations. Calls on the President of the United States to: (1) ensure assistance to and cooperation with Belarusian opposition figures; (2) ensure that adequate resources are made available on an urgent basis to support those programs aimed at strengthening independent media, human rights, civil society, independent trade unions, and the democratic opposition in Belarus; (3) support the free flow of information into Belarus; (4) raise the issue of financial support provided by the Russian Federation to the Lukashenka regime at the highest levels of the Russian Federation Government; and (5) urge the Government of the Russian Federation, in accordance with its international commitments, to fully respect the sovereignty of Belarus, particularly in light of the illegitimate nature of the Lukashenka regime. Calls on the President to report to Congress on: (1) the human rights situation, democratic process, elections, independence of the media, and the Lukashenka regime's control of the economy in Belarus; (2) steps undertaken to persuade the Russian Federation Government to end support to the Lukashenka regime; and (3) the status of Russian Federation-Belarus military integration.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2000
Armed Forces Educational Relief Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income certain payments on student loans of members of the Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2000
Kids 2000 Act - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America for the purpose of funding effective after-school technology programs, such as PowerUp, in order to provide: (1) constructive technology-focused activities that are part of a comprehensive program to provide access to technology and technology training to youth during after-school hours, weekends, and school vacations; (2) supervised activities in safe environments for youth; and (3) full-time staffing with teachers, tutors, and other qualified personnel. Directs the Boys and Girls Clubs of America to make sub-awards to local boys and girls clubs authorizing expenditures associated with providing technology programs, including the hiring of teachers and other personnel and the procurement of goods and services, including computer equipment. Sets forth provisions regarding grant eligibility, application requirements, and criteria for making grant awards. Authorizes appropriations. Allows funds to carry out this Act to be derived from the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2000
Innocence Protection Act of 2000 - Title I: Exonerating the Innocent through DNA Testing - Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize a person in custody pursuant to the judgment of a court established by an Act of Congress, at any time after conviction, to apply to the court that entered the judgment for forensic DNA testing of any biological material that: (1) is related to the investigation or prosecution that resulted in the judgment; (2) is in the actual or constructive possession of the Government; and (3) was not previously subjected to DNA testing, or can be subjected to retesting with new DNA techniques that provide a reasonable likelihood of more accurate and probative results. Sets forth procedures regarding notice to the Government and preservation of remaining biological material. Directs the court to order DNA testing pursuant to such application upon a determination that testing may produce non-cumulative, exculpatory evidence relevant to an applicant's claim that the applicant was wrongfully convicted or sentenced. Specifies that the cost of DNA testing shall be borne by the Government or the applicant, as the court may order in the interests of justice, if it is shown that the applicant is not indigent and possesses the means to pay. Authorizes the court at any time to appoint counsel for an indigent applicant. Establishes post-testing procedures, including ordering a hearing and entering any order that serves the interests of justice, including an order setting aside the judgment or granting a new trial or re-sentencing if the results of the DNA testing are favorable to the applicant. Requires the Government to preserve any biological material secured in connection with a criminal case for such period as any person remains incarcerated in connection with that case, with exceptions. (Sec. 103) Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Safe Streets Act) to include among the requirements for DNA identification grants, and for drug control and system improvement (Byrne) grants, that the State will: (1) preserve all biological material secured in connection with a State criminal case for not less than the period of time that biological material is required to be preserved under this Act in the case of a person incarcerated in connection with a Federal criminal case (biological material preservation requirements); and (2) make DNA testing available to any person convicted in State court to the same extent, and under the same conditions, that DNA testing is available under this Act to any person convicted in a court established by an Act of Congress. Makes DNA samples obtained by, and DNA analyses performed at, a forensic laboratory accessible for criminal defense purposes to a defendant, who shall have access to samples and analyses performed in connection with the case in which such defendant was charged or convicted. Requires applications for public safety and community policing grants, if any part of funds received from such a grant is to be used to develop or improve a DNA analysis capability in a forensic laboratory, or to obtain or analyze DNA samples for inclusion in the Combined DNA Index System, to make specified certifications including that: (1) DNA analyses performed at such laboratory will satisfy or exceed the current standards for a quality assurance program for DNA analysis issued by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation under the DNA Identification Act of 1994; (2) DNA samples and analyses obtained and performed by such laboratory will be accessible only consistent with specified requirements; (3) the laboratory and each analyst performing DNA analyses at the laboratory will undergo, at regular intervals not exceeding 180 days, external proficiency testing by a DNA proficiency testing program that meets certain standards; and (4) the State will meet biological material preservation requirements. (Sec. 104) Prohibits a State from denying a request, made by a person in custody resulting from a State court judgment, for DNA testing of biological material that: (1) is related to the investigation or prosecution that resulted in the conviction of the person or the sentence imposed on the person; (2) is in the actual or constructive possession of the State; and (3) was not previously subjected to DNA testing, or can be subjected to retesting with new DNA techniques that provide a reasonable likelihood of more accurate and probative results. Makes an exception upon a judicial determination that testing could not produce non-cumulative evidence establishing a reasonable probability that the person was wrongfully convicted or sentenced. Bars a State from relying upon a time limit or procedural default rule to deny a person an opportunity to present non-cumulative, exculpatory DNA results in court, or in an executive or administrative forum in which a decision is made in accordance with procedural due process. Authorizes a person to enforce this section in a civil action for declaratory or injunctive relief, filed either in a State court of general jurisdiction or in U.S. district court. Specifies that no State or State executive or judicial officer shall have immunity from such actions. Title II: Ensuring Competent Legal Services in Capital Cases - Amends the Safe Streets Act (regarding Byrne grant programs) to require that State applications include, if the State prescribes, authorizes, or permits the death penalty for any offense, a certification that the State has established and maintains an effective system for providing competent legal services to indigents at every phase of a State criminal prosecution in which a death sentence is sought or has been imposed, up to and including direct appellate review and post-conviction review in State court. Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to promulgate regulations specifying the elements of an "effective system" including: (1) a centralized and independent appointing authority which shall have authority and responsibility to undertake specified activities, such as to recruit attorneys who are qualified to represent indigents in capital proceedings, draft and annually publish a roster of such attorneys, draft and annually publish qualifications and performance standards for such attorneys, and periodically review the roster, monitor attorney performance, provide a mechanism by which members of the Bar may comment on the performance of their peers, and delete the name of any attorney who fails to meet specified requirements; and (2) specified compensation and reimbursement requirements of private attorneys and public defender organizations. Requires applications for discretionary (justice system improvement) grants to include satisfying such certification requirement. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Justice to include in a report to Congress on such grants to each State a description and a comparative analysis of the systems established by each State in order to satisfy the certification requirement, including qualifications and performance standards, rates of compensation, and rates of reimbursement. (Sec. 202) Amends the judicial code to direct the court, in a proceeding instituted by an indigent applicant under sentence of death, to neither presume a finding of fact made by a State court to be correct nor decline to consider a claim on the ground that the applicant failed to raise such claim in State court at the time and in the manner prescribed by State law, unless: (1) the State provided the applicant with legal services at the stage of the State proceedings at which the State court made the finding of fact or the applicant failed to raise the claim; and (2) the legal services the State provided satisfied the regulations promulgated by the Director of the Administrative Office pursuant to the Safe Streets Act. (Sec. 203) Amends the Federal criminal code to require the Director of the Administrative Office to: (1) award grants to, or enter into contracts with, public or private nonprofit organizations for the purpose of providing defense services in capital cases; and (2) develop guidelines to ensure that defense services provided by recipients of such grants and contracts are consistent with applicable legal and ethical proscriptions governing the duties of counsel in capital cases. Title III: Compensating the Unjustly Condemned - Rewrites judicial code provisions regarding compensation for unjust imprisonment. Limits the amount of damages awarded to $50,000 for each 12-month period of incarceration, except that a plaintiff who was unjustly sentenced to death may be awarded not more than $100,000 for each 12-month period of incarceration. Directs the court, in assessing damages, to consider: (1) the circumstances surrounding the unjust conviction, including any misconduct by Federal officers or employees; (2) the length and conditions of the unjust incarceration; and (3) family circumstances, loss of wages, and pain and suffering of the plaintiff. (Sec. 302) Amends the Safe Streets Act to require applicants for criminal justice facility construction grants to provide reasonable assurance that the applicant, or the State in which it is located, does not prescribe, authorize, or permit the death penalty for any offense, or: (1) has established and maintains an effective procedure by which any person unjustly convicted of an offense against the State and sentenced to death may be awarded reasonable damages upon substantial proof that the person did not commit any of the acts with which the person was charged; and (2) the conviction of that person was reversed or set aside on the ground that the person was not guilty of the offense or offenses of which the person was convicted, the person was found not guilty of such offenses on new trial or rehearing, or the person was pardoned upon the stated ground of innocence and unjust conviction. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the criminal code to prohibit the Government from seeking the death penalty in any case initially brought before a U.S. district court that sits in a State that does not prescribe, authorize, or permit the imposition of such penalty for the alleged conduct, except upon written certification of the Attorney General (or designee) that: (1) the State does not have jurisdiction or refuses to assume jurisdiction over the defendant with respect to the alleged conduct; (2) the State has requested that the Government assume jurisdiction; or (3) the offense charged is one of certain listed offenses, including destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities, assassination, kidnapping, and assault of specified Government officials. (Sec. 402) Rewrites Controlled Substances Act provisions regarding continuing criminal enterprises to direct the court, upon a recommendation that the defendant should be sentenced to death or life imprisonment without possibility of release, to sentence the defendant accordingly (otherwise, the court shall impose any lesser sentence that is authorized by law). (Sec. 403) Rewrites provisions of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 regarding Violent Offender Incarceration and Truth-In-Sentencing Incentive Grants to require State applicants to provide assurances to the Attorney General that: (1) the State has implemented policies that provide for the recognition of the rights and needs of crime victims; and (2) in any capital case in which the jury has a role in determining the sentence imposed on the defendant, the court, at the defendant's request, shall inform the jury of all statutorily authorized sentencing options in the particular case, including applicable parole eligibility rules and terms. (Sec. 404) Requires the Attorney General, within two years and annually thereafter, to prepare and transmit to Congress a report concerning the administration of capital punishment laws by the Government and the States. Directs the Attorney General or the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, as appropriate, to ensure that the reports are: (1) distributed to national print and broadcast media; and (2) posted on an Internet website maintained by the Department of Justice. (Sec. 405) Amends the judicial code to provide that, regarding exhaustion of remedies available in State courts, if the highest court of a State has discretion to decline appellate review of a case or a claim, a petition asking that court to entertain a case or a claim is not an available State court procedure. (Sec. 406) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the death penalty is disproportionate and offends contemporary standards of decency when applied to a person who is mentally retarded or who had not attained age 18 at the time of the offense.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2000
Underground Campaign Disclosure Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require a political organization to file statements of organization and contributions and disbursements, which shall be available to the public for a three-year period. Establishes penalties for failure to file such statements or to provide public inspection.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2000
Secure Our Schools Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to make grants to States, local governments, and Indian tribes to provide improved security, including the placement and use of metal detectors and other deterrent measures, at schools and on school grounds. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) permissible uses of funds (including for locks, lighting, and security assessments and training), preferential consideration, matching funds, equitable geographical distribution of funds, and limits on administrative costs; and (2) application and reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2000
America's Better Classroom Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a limited credit for qualified public school modernization bonds (qualified school construction bonds and qualified zone academy bonds). Amends the General Education Provisions Act to provide for the application of certain labor standards to projects financed under this Act. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to establish provisions concerning employment and training activities related to the construction or reconstruction of public school facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2000
Deposit Insurance Fairness and Economic Opportunity Act - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to set forth a schedule under which the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation shall transfer annually to the Financing Corporation (FICO), for payment of FICO interest obligations, such amounts as exceed 1.40 percent of the total estimated deposits insured by the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund, respectively, when amounts in both Funds exceed that percentage.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2000
Digital Divide Elimination Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide earned income-eligible taxpayers with a credit (50 percent of expenses up to $500 annually) for the purchase of qualifying Internet-accessible computers and equipment. Extends and expands the deduction for charitable computer contributions to elementary and secondary schools.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2000
Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2000 - Amends the matching grant program for law enforcement armor vests under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to direct that the matching portion equal 50 percent if: (1) such grant is to a unit of local government with fewer than 100,000 residents; (2) the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance determines that the quantity of vests to be purchased with such grant is reasonable; and (3) such portion does not cause such grant to violate certain maximum amount requirements. Directs that: (1) funds available be awarded, without regard to specified "preferential consideration" provisions, to each qualifying unit of local government with fewer than 100,000 residents; and (2) any remaining funds available be awarded to other qualifying applicants. Provides that if an application is submitted in conjunction with a transaction for the purchase of armor vests, grant amounts may not be used to fund any portion of that purchase unless, before the application is submitted, the applicant: (1) receives clear and conspicuous notice that receipt of the grant amounts requested in the application is uncertain; and (2) expressly assumes the obligation to carry out the transaction regardless of whether such amounts are received. Redefines "armor vest" to include body armor which has been tested through a specified voluntary compliance testing program, and found to meet or exceed the requirements of NIJ Standard 0115.00, or any subsequent revision of such standard. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2000
Civil Rights for International Travelers Act - Prohibits U.S. Customs Service inspectors or other officials from subjecting travelers to detentions and searches based on race, religion, gender, national origin, or sexual orientation of the traveler, except when acting upon specific information that a particular traveler suspected of engaging in specific illegal activity is described by one or more of such characteristics. Requires all Customs Service inspectors and other similar officials to undergo periodic training on the procedures for detention and searches of travelers, with particular emphasis on the prohibition against profiling of travelers based on such characteristics. Directs the Commissioner of the Customs Service to study and report annually to Congress on detentions and searches of travelers by the Service during the previous year, including the number of searches of travelers, their race, gender, and national origin, the type of searches conducted (including but not limited to pat down searches and intrusive nonroutine searches), and their results. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2000
Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act of 2000 - Title I: Law Enforcement Accreditation - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) perform an initial analysis of existing accreditation standards and methodology developed by law enforcement accreditation organizations nationwide; (2) recommend additional areas for the development of national standards for the accreditation of law enforcement agencies; (3) recommend, after completion of the initial review and analysis, the adoption of additional standards, including standards relating to early warning programs, civilian review procedures, traffic stop documentation and procedures, administrative due process requirements, and training; and (4) adopt policies and procedures to partner with law enforcement accreditation organizations, professional law enforcement associations, labor organizations, community-based organizations, and professional civilian oversight organizations to continue the development of further accreditation standards and to encourage the pursuit of accreditation of Federal, State, local, and Indian tribal law enforcement agencies by certified law enforcement accreditation organizations. Authorizes the Attorney General to make funds available to State, local, and Indian tribal law enforcement agencies to assist in gaining or maintaining accreditation from certified law enforcement accreditation organizations. Title II: Law Enforcement Development Programs - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States, units of local government, Indian tribal governments, or other public and not-for-profit private entities, or to any multi-jurisdictional or regional consortia of such entities, to study and implement effective management, training, recruiting, hiring, and oversight policies and programs for law enforcement agencies. Directs that such grants be used for the study of management and operations standards for law enforcement agencies, including standards relating to administrative due process, residency requirements, compensation and benefits, use of force, racial profiling, early warning programs, civil review boards or analogous procedures, or research into the effectiveness of existing programs, projects, or other activities designed to address misconduct by law enforcement officers (officers). Directs that such grants be used to develop pilot programs and implement effective programs in the areas of training, hiring, and recruitment, and oversight that are designed to improve management and address misconduct by officers. Lists program characteristics with respect to: (1) training; (2) recruitment, hiring, retention, and promotion; (3) oversight; and (4) victim services. Specifies proportions of funds to be allocated. Authorizes the Attorney General to: (1) provide technical assistance to States, units of local government, Indian tribal governments, and to other public and private entities in furtherance of this Act's purposes; and (2) use any components of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in carrying out this title. Sets forth provisions regarding matching funds, applications, performance evaluation, and revocation or suspension of funding. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to support enhancements to the Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics program of the Bureau of Justice States for the collection of information from grant recipients, and to support the national evaluation. Title III: Administrative Due Process Procedures - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) conduct a nationwide study of the prevalence and effect of any law, rule, or procedure that allows an officer to delay for an unreasonable or arbitrary period of time the answer to questions posed by a local internal affairs officer, prosecutor, or review board on the investigative integrity and prosecution of law enforcement misconduct; (2) perform an initial analysis of New York City's 48-hour rule to determine whether, at a threshold level, the effect of this type of rule or procedure raises material investigatory issues that could impair or hinder a prompt and thorough investigation of possible misconduct, including criminal conduct, that would justify a wider inquiry; (3) gather additional data nationwide on rules similar to the New York rule from a representative and statistically significant sample of jurisdictions, after completion of the initial analysis and considering material investigatory issues, to determine where such rules and procedures raise such material investigatory issues. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Enhanced Funding to Combat Police Misconduct - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 for: (1) additional expenses related to the enforcement of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (VCCLEA) (unlawful conduct, regarding a "pattern or practice by police"), criminal enforcement under the Federal criminal code (the code) (deprivation of rights under color of law, and federally protected activities), and administrative enforcement by DOJ's Office of Civil Rights, and related to conflict resolution by DOJ's Community Relations Service; and (2) such sums as may be necessary to collect data on the use of excessive force by law enforcement in accordance with the VCCLEA. Title V: Enhanced Authority in Pattern and Practice Investigations - Amends the VCCLEA to: (1) expand the scope of "pattern or practice" provisions to cover conduct related to adults and the criminal justice system (currently, limited to "juvenile justice" administration or incarceration issues); and (2) provide for a private cause of action for violation of such provisions. Title VI: Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law - Amends code provisions regarding deprivation of rights under color of law to prohibit, and set penalties for, conduct relating to the use of excessive force or engaging in unwanted sexual contact. Prohibits prosecution of such a case except upon certification in writing by the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights that, in that official's judgment, a prosecution by the United States is in the public interest and necessary to secure substantial justice. (Sec. 602) Provides for payment of expert witness fees in civil actions for deprivation of rights. Title VII: Study of Deaths in Custody - Amends the VCCLEA to require a State, to be eligible for truth-in-sentencing incentive grants, to submit an application to the Attorney General that demonstrates that such State has provided an assurance that it shall follow guidelines that may be established by the Attorney General in reporting, on a quarterly basis, information regarding: (1) the death of any person who is in the process of arrest, has been arrested, has been incarcerated, or is en route to be incarcerated at any municipal or county jail, State prison, or other State or local correctional facility (including any juvenile facility) that at a minimum includes the name, gender, race, ethnicity, immigration status, national origin, and age of the deceased; the date, time, and location of death; and a brief description of the circumstances surrounding the death; and (2) the medical treatment given to or withheld from any person who was injured while in the process of arrest, incarceration, or en route to be incarcerated at any municipal or county jail, State prison, or other State or local correctional facility (including any juvenile facility). Title VIII: National Task Force on Law Enforcement Oversight - Establishes within DOJ the Task Force on Law Enforcement Oversight. Sets forth provisions regarding composition, and powers and duties, of the Task Force. Authorizes appropriations. Title IX: Immigration Enforcement Review Commission - Establishes the Immigration Enforcement Review Commission (the Commission), comprised of a Board of Commissioners (the Board), an Investigations Office, and a Community Outreach Office. Directs the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the Customs Service (the Services) to cooperate fully with the Commission in carrying out its duties, and to provide appropriate records. (Sec. 902) Makes the Commission responsible for investigating civil rights abuse complaints against any of the Services, their employees or divisions, or any facilities where detainees are held in custody of any of the Services. Directs the Commission to make: (1) recommendations to the Services regarding discipline of Services' employees responsible for committing abuses; and (2) policy recommendations. (Sec. 903) Sets forth: (1) administrative provisions regarding the Board, Investigations and Community Outreach Offices, and Commission facilities; and (2) provisions regarding Commission operations, including complaint filing procedures, public outreach, Services employees' duty to inform the Commission, complaint investigation and disposition, hearings, disciplinary recommendations, an early warning program (periodic review of all complaints), and records of complaints and statistical summaries. (Sec. 906) Prohibits "retaliation" (i.e., any action or threat of action because of a complaint, testimony, assistance, or participation in an investigation or hearing related to the complaint procedures), which shall constitute the basis for a complaint to the Commission. (Sec. 907) Prohibits the use of any testimony or other information gathered as part of a complaint, investigation, or hearing under this title in any proceeding under the Immigration and Nationality Act. (Sec. 908) Makes funds authorized to be appropriated for the Offices of the Inspector General of DOJ and the Department of the Treasury available to carry out this title. Title X: Federal Data Collection on Racial Profiling - Directs the Attorney General, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of the Interior to collect data that is sufficiently detailed to permit an analysis of investigatory actions carried out by Federal law enforcement agencies by race, ethnicity, and gender. Sets forth reporting requirements. Provides for the protection of individual identities. Title XI: Whistleblower Protection - Prohibits retaliation or discrimination (including attempts) against any local, State, Indian tribal, or Federal law enforcement officer because the officer acting in good faith: (1) engaged in any disclosure of information relating to the unlawful behavior of any fellow officer in the line of duty; (2) advocated on behalf of a civilian with respect to the treatment received from an officer; or (3) initiated, cooperated, or otherwise participated in any investigation or proceeding of any law enforcement agency relating to a pattern and practice of officer misconduct. Prohibits any person by contract, policy, or procedure from prohibiting or restricting any officer from engaging in any action for which a protection against discrimination or retaliation is provided under this title, subject to a specified limitation. (Sec. 1102) Sets forth provisions regarding confidentiality of complaints to Government agencies, enforcement (private cause of action, and civil and criminal penalties), the burden of proof, notice, and non-preemption of State authority. Title XII: Sexual Abuse in Correctional Facilities - Amends the code to increase penalties and expand jurisdiction for sexual abuse offenses in correctional facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2000
Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act of 2000 - Title I: Law Enforcement Accreditation - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) perform an initial analysis of existing accreditation standards and methodology developed by law enforcement accreditation organizations nationwide; (2) recommend additional areas for the development of national standards for the accreditation of law enforcement agencies; (3) recommend, after completion of the initial review and analysis, the adoption of additional standards, including standards relating to early warning programs, civilian review procedures, traffic stop documentation and procedures, administrative due process requirements, and training; and (4) adopt policies and procedures to partner with law enforcement accreditation organizations, professional law enforcement associations, labor organizations, community-based organizations, and professional civilian oversight organizations to continue the development of further accreditation standards and to encourage the pursuit of accreditation of Federal, State, local, and Indian tribal law enforcement agencies by certified law enforcement accreditation organizations. Authorizes the Attorney General to make funds available to State, local, and Indian tribal law enforcement agencies to assist in gaining or maintaining accreditation from certified law enforcement accreditation organizations. Title II: Law Enforcement Development Programs - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States, units of local government, Indian tribal governments, or other public and private entities, or to any multi-jurisdictional or regional consortia of such entities, to study and implement effective management, training, recruiting, hiring, and oversight policies and programs for law enforcement agencies. Directs that such grants be used for the study of management and operations standards for law enforcement agencies, including standards relating to administrative due process, residency requirements, compensation and benefits, use of force, racial profiling, early warning programs, civil review boards or analogous procedures, or research into the effectiveness of existing programs, projects, or other activities designed to address misconduct by law enforcement officers (officers). Directs that such grants be used to develop pilot programs and implement effective programs in the areas of training, hiring, and recruitment, and oversight that are designed to improve management and address misconduct by officers. Lists program characteristics with respect to: (1) training; (2) recruitment, hiring, retention, and promotion; (3) oversight; and (4) victim services. Specifies proportions of funds to be allocated. Authorizes the Attorney General to: (1) provide technical assistance to States, units of local government, Indian tribal governments, and to other public and private entities in furtherance of this Act's purposes; and (2) use any components of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in carrying out this title. Sets forth provisions regarding matching funds, applications, performance evaluation, and revocation or suspension of funding. Title III: Administrative Due Process Procedures - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) conduct a nationwide study of the prevalence and effect of any law, rule, or procedure that allows an officer to delay for an unreasonable or arbitrary period of time the answer to questions posed by a local internal affairs officer, prosecutor, or review board on the investigative integrity and prosecution of law enforcement misconduct; (2) perform an initial analysis of New York City's 48-hour rule to determine whether, at a threshold level, the effect of this type of rule or procedure raises material investigatory issues that could impair or hinder a prompt and thorough investigation of possible misconduct, including criminal conduct, that would justify a wider inquiry; (3) gather additional data nationwide on rules similar to the New York rule from a representative and statistically significant sample of jurisdictions, after completion of the initial analysis and considering material investigatory issues, to determine where such rules and procedures raise such material investigatory issues. Sets forth reporting requirements. Title IV: Enhanced Funding to Combat Police Misconduct - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 for additional expenses related to the enforcement of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (VCCLEA) (unlawful conduct, regarding a "pattern or practice by police"), criminal enforcement under the Federal criminal code (the code) (deprivation of rights under color of law and federally protected activities), and administrative enforcement by DOJ's Office of Civil Rights, and related to conflict resolution by DOJ's Community Relations Service. Title V: Enhanced Authority in Pattern and Practice Investigations - Amends the VCCLEA to: (1) expand the scope of "pattern or practice" provisions to cover conduct related to adults and the criminal justice system (currently, limited to "juvenile justice" administration or incarceration issues); and (2) provide for a private cause of action for violation of such provisions. Title VI: Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law - Amends code provisions regarding deprivation of rights under color of law to prohibit, and set penalties for, conduct relating to the use of excessive force or engaging in unwanted sexual contact. Prohibits prosecution of such a case except upon notification in writing by the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights that, in that official's judgment, a prosecution by the United States is in the public interest and necessary to secure substantial justice. (Sec. 602) Provides for payment of expert witness fees in civil actions for deprivation of rights. Title VII: Study of Deaths in Custody - Amends the VCCLEA to require a State, to be eligible for truth-in-sentencing incentive grants, to submit an application to the Attorney General that demonstrates that such State has provided an assurance that it shall follow guidelines that may be established by the Attorney General in reporting, on a quarterly basis, information regarding: (1) the death of any person who is in the process of arrest, has been arrested, has been incarcerated, or is en route to be incarcerated at any municipal or county jail, State prison, or other State or local correctional facility (including any juvenile facility) that at a minimum includes the name, gender, race, ethnicity, immigration status, and age of the deceased; the date, time, and location of death; and a brief description of the circumstances surrounding the death; and (2) the medical treatment given to or withheld from any person who was injured while in the process of arrest, incarceration, or en route to be incarcerated at any municipal or county jail, State prison, or other State or local correctional facility (including any juvenile facility). Title VIII: National Task Force on Law Enforcement Oversight - Establishes within DOJ the Task Force on Law Enforcement Oversight. Sets forth provisions regarding composition, and powers and duties, of the Task Force. Authorizes appropriations. Title IX: Immigration Enforcement Review Commission - Establishes the Immigration Enforcement Review Commission (the Commission), comprised of a Board of Commissioners (the Board), an Investigations Office, and a Community Outreach Office. Directs the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the Customs Service (the Services) to cooperate fully with the Commission in carrying out its duties, and to provide appropriate records. (Sec. 902) Makes the Commission responsible for investigating civil rights abuse complaints against any of the Services, their employees or divisions, or any facilities where detainees are held in custody of any of the Services. Directs the Commission to make: (1) recommendations to the Services regarding discipline of any Services' employees responsible for committing abuses; and (2) policy recommendations. (Sec. 903) Sets forth: (1) administrative provisions regarding the Board, Investigations and Community Outreach Offices, and Commission facilities; and (2) provisions regarding Commission operations, including complaint filing procedures, public outreach, Services employees' duty to inform the Commission, complaint investigation and disposition, hearings, disciplinary recommendations, an early warning program (periodic review of all complaints), and records of complaints and statistical summaries. (Sec. 906) Prohibits "retaliation" (i.e., any action or threat of action because of a complaint, testimony, assistance, or participation in an investigation or hearing related to the complaint procedures), which shall constitute the basis for a complaint to the Commission. (Sec. 907) Prohibits the use of any testimony or other information gathered as part of a complaint, investigation, or hearing under this title in any proceeding under the Immigration and Nationality Act. (Sec. 908) Makes funds authorized to be appropriated for the Offices of the Inspector General of DOJ and the Department of the Treasury available to carry out this title. Title X: Federal Data Collection on Racial Profiling - Directs the Attorney General, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of the Interior to collect data that is sufficiently detailed to permit an analysis of investigatory actions carried out by Federal law enforcement agencies by race, ethnicity, and gender. Sets forth reporting requirements. Provides for the protection of individual identities. Title XI: Whistleblower Protection - Prohibits retaliation or discrimination (including attempts) against any local, State, Indian tribal, or Federal law enforcement officer because the officer acting in good faith: (1) engaged in any disclosure of information relating to the unlawful behavior of any fellow officer in the line of duty; (2) advocated on behalf of a civilian with respect to the treatment received from an officer; or (3) initiated, cooperated, or otherwise participated in any investigation or proceeding of any law enforcement agency relating to a pattern and practice of officer misconduct. Prohibits any person by contract, policy, or procedure from prohibiting or restricting any officer from engaging in any action for which a protection against discrimination or retaliation is provided under this title, subject to a specified limitation. (Sec. 1102) Sets forth provisions regarding confidentiality of complaints to Government agencies, enforcement (private cause of action and civil and criminal penalties), the burden of proof, notice, and non-preemption of State authority.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2000
Alternative Education for Safe Schools and Safe Communities Act of 2000 - Title I: Alternative Education Program - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to add to title IV (Safe and Drug-Free Communities) a new part B, Alternative Education Financing and Establishment Grants. (Currently title IV has a part A but no part B.) Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) allocate such part B funds among States on the basis of relative amounts received under the ESEA title I (Helping Disadvantaged Students Meet High Standards) part A (Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies); and (2) reserve specified portions of such funds for outlying areas and for programs for Indian children. Allows reservation of certain amounts for national evaluation and national activities. Requires each State educational agency (SEA) to distribute at least 95 percent of its State allotment to local educational agencies (LEAs). Allows the remainder to be used for State-level activities and evaluation, including a limited amount for administration. Sets forth requirements for SEA applications and their approval, SEA activities, and State performance measures for part B programs. Directs each SEA to distribute part B funds to LEAs on a competitive grant basis if the State allotment is less than a specified amount, and on a formula grant basis if such allotment equals or exceeds such amount. Requires such competitive grant awards to: (1) go to LEAs with approved applications that can demonstrate a significant number of incidents of children age five through 21 who have been suspended or expelled from public school; (2) give priority to LEAs in which more than 30 percent of the children are from low-income families; (3) be of sufficient size and scope so as to be effective; (4) be distributed on an equitable geographic basis; and (5) be by peer review application approval. Requires distribution of such formula grant awards as follows: (1) 80 percent of funds to LEAs based on relative numbers of children, age five through 17, who reside in their school districts from families with incomes below the poverty line; and (2) 20 percent to LEAs based on relative enrollments in public and private nonprofit elementary and secondary schools within their boundaries. Sets the Federal share of part B programs at: (1) 65 percent for LEAs with poverty levels above 30 percent; and (2) 35 percent for those with levels below that. Sets forth requirements for local applications and their approval, and for LEA uses of part B funds. Requires State and national program evaluations and reports. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct research to develop and identify proven alternative education practices; and (2) disseminate such practices to SEAs and LEAs receiving part B funds. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out, directly or through grants or contracts, programs and activities consistent with the purposes of this Act, such as collection of data, dissemination of information, and development of model programs and activities. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or the Gun-Free Schools Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2000
Truthfulness, Responsibility, and Accountability in Contracting Act - Prohibits any Federal agency from making a decision to privatize, outsource, contract out, or contract for the performance of a function currently performed by such agency or to conduct a study to convert a function from Federal to contractor performance. Authorizes any agency to apply to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget for a waiver of such prohibition with respect to a particular function. Authorizes the Director to grant such waiver when: (1) necessary for the preservation of national security; (2) critical for the provision of patient care; or (3) necessary to prevent extraordinary economic harm. Requires waiver requests to be published in the Federal Register. Provides additional exceptions for functions with respect to which a labor organization is accorded exclusive recognition. (Sec. 5) Requires each agency to: (1) establish a centralized reporting system that allows it to generate periodic reports on its contracting efforts during the preceding and current fiscal years; and (2) generate and annually submit to the Director such reports. Requires each agency to report to specified congressional committees on the number of Federal employee positions and positions held by non-Federal employees under a contract between such agency and an individual or entity that has been subject to public-private competition. Requires such reports to be made available through the Internet. (Sec. 6) Requires, after the termination of the contracting prohibition, any decision by an agency to privatize, outsource, or contract out for the performance of a function to be based on the results of a public-private competition process that: (1) formally compares the costs of Federal employee performance of such function with the costs of performance by a contractor; (2) employs the most efficient organizational process; and (3) is conducted in consultation or through bargaining with the exclusive representative of the Federal employees performing the function, if applicable. (Sec. 7) Requires an agency to either conduct a new public-private competition or convert a function to performance by Federal employees if a report indicates that: (1) contracting out costs exceed costs of performance by Federal employees; or (2) contracting out fails to meet quality control standards. (Sec. 8) Directs the Secretary of Labor to conduct a survey of the wages and quantifiable benefits provided by contractors to non-Federal personnel working under contract and to report survey results to specified congressional committees. Requires the Director to review the survey and report findings. (Sec. 9) Requires the Comptroller General to report on compliance by Federal agencies with requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2000
Designates the facility of the U.S. Postal Service located at 3118 Washington Boulevard in Arlington, Virginia, as the Joseph L. Fisher Post Office Building.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2000
Public School Repair and Renovation Act of 2000 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish a new title XII, Public School Repair and Renovation, which authorizes Federal financial assistance for the urgent repair and renovation of public elementary and secondary schools in high-need areas. (Replaces the current title XII, School Facilities Infrastructure Improvement, which is also known as the Education Infrastructure Act of 1994.) Requires high-need local educational agencies (LEAs) to use the title XII grants or loans they receive for repairs and renovations to reduce health and safety problems, and to improve the learning environment, with respect to: (1) roofs, electrical wiring, or plumbing repair or replacement; (2) heating, ventilation, or air conditioning systems' repair, replacement, or installation; (3) asbestos removal or abatement; (4) school compliance with fire safety codes; (5) title XII repairs and renovations compliance with specified accessibility requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and (6) other types of school repairs and renovations that the Secretary of Education may reasonably determine are urgently needed, particularly projects to correct facilities problems that endanger the health and safety of students and staff. Requires title XII grant or loan applicants to demonstrate to the Secretary's satisfaction that they lack sufficient funds from other sources to carry out the repairs or renovations for which they are requesting assistance. Provides for the following types and portions of title XII assistance: (1) a specified amount reserved for allocated grants to LEAs with high concentrations of students living on Indian lands (which may be used for new school construction if renovating an existing school would not be cost-effective); (2) ten percent of the remainder for competitive grants to high-poverty LEAs (with at least a quarter of their students being from families with incomes below the poverty line); and (3) 90 percent of such remainder for competitive grants and loans to high-need LEAs that lack the ability to fund urgent school repairs (with a limitation on the amount of the loan volume). Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits title XII assistance for repair or renovation of athletic stadiums or other structures or facilities intended primarily for athletic events for which admission is charged to the general public.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2000
High-Speed Rail Investment Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit to holders of qualified intercity passenger rail carrier bonds. Sets forth definitions, State matching requirements, and other rules.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000
2002 Winter Olympic Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue five dollar gold coins and one dollar silver coins emblematic of the participation of American athletes in the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Mandates that coin design be selected by the Secretary after consultation with: (1) the Commission of Fine Arts; (2) the United States Olympic Committee; and (3) Olympic Properties of the United States-Salt Lake 2002 (created and owned by the Salt Lake Organizing Committee). States that all surcharges from the coin sales ($35 for a $5 coin and $10 for a $1 coin) shall be distributed by the Secretary to: (1) Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the Olympic Winter Games of 2002; and (2) the United States Olympic Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000
Medicaid DSH Preservation Act of 2000 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, with respect to provisions regarding adjustments in payments for inpatient hospital services furnished by disproportionate share hospitals (DSH), to require allotments for FY 2001 (currently, FY 2003) and succeeding fiscal years to DSH to be equal to the allotment for the State for the preceding fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000
Character Counts for the 21st Century Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide for character education programs and research under title X (Programs of National Significance) part A (Fund for the Improvement of Education). (Replaces current provisions for an elementary school counseling demonstration program and a partnerships in education pilot project.) Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to State educational agencies (SEAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), or consortia of such educational agencies for the design and implementation of character education programs. Limits the duration of such a grant to not more than five years, with not more than one year for planning and program design. Directs the Secretary to make such grant awards to support programs that serve different geographic areas, including urban, suburban, and rural areas. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, SEAs, LEAs, institutions of higher education, tribal organizations, and other public or private agencies or organizations to carry out research, development, dissemination, technical assistance, and evaluation activities that support or inform character education programs assisted under this Act, including a national clearinghouse for information that may be useful to character education program participants and other educators and administrators nationwide.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2000
Authorizes the President, on behalf of Congress, to present a gold medal to Charles M. Schulz, in recognition of his lasting artistic contributions to the Nation and the world. Authorizes a specified amount to be charged against the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund to pay for the costs of such medals. Mandates that sales proceeds from duplicate bronze medals be deposited into such Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2000
Impact Aid Reauthorization Act of 2000 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to reauthorize and revise title VIII Impact Aid programs. (Sec. 2) Adds as program purposes: (1) promotion of local educational agency (LEA) control of the assisted educational services for federally connected children; and (2) special construction assistance to LEAs as a result of their inability to tax Federal property. Eliminates the purpose of providing financial assistance to LEAs that experience sudden or substantial increases or decreases in enrollments because of military realignments. (Sec. 3) Revises the program of payments to LEAs relating to Federal acquisition of real property (which makes that property non-taxable) with respect to: (1) fiscal years in which insufficient funds are appropriated; (2) special payments; (3) additional assistance for certain LEAs; and (4) data requirements for preliminary and final payments. (Sec. 4) Revises the program of payments for eligible federally connected children. Includes under such program's LEA payment formula, as eligible children who resided on Federal property and had a parent on active duty in the uniformed services military personnel, those children who: (1) would have resided in housing on Federal property except that such housing was undergoing renovation or rebuilding for not more than two fiscal years (current law only refers to renovation); or (2) reside in housing initially acquired or constructed under the military Build-to-Lease program housing, if such property is within the fenced security perimeter of a military facility, with appropriate reductions in such payments with respect any such housing which is not federally-owned and which is subject to State or local taxation. (Sec. 5) Establishes a separate (rather than the current additional) program of basic support payments for LEAs heavily impacted by the presence of federally connected children in their schools. Prohibits an LEA from receiving a basic support payment under both the standard and the heavily impacted programs. Sets forth: (1) eligibility requirements for continuing and for new heavily impacted LEAs; and (2) maximum payment amounts for regular and for large heavily impacted LEAs. Sets forth a revised formula for computing each LEA's learning opportunity threshold (LOT), a factor used in determining actual amounts of basic support payments when sufficient funds are not available to pay the maximum amounts, in the case of LEAs with total enrollments of less than one thousand students and per-pupil expenditures less than their State average. (Sec. 6) Provides for basic support payments for certain LEAs affected by removal of Federal property, if such property is transferred to a non-Federal entity so that it is subject to State or local taxation and if such LEAs meet specified additional requirements. (Sec. 7) Repeals provisions for additional payments to LEAs with high concentrations of children with severe disabilities. (Sec. 8) Prohibits the Secretary of Education from accepting or approving any LEA application for Impact Aid filed more than 60 days after the Secretary sends written notice to the LEA. (Sec. 9) Repeals provisions for payments for sudden and substantial increases in attendance of military dependents. (Sec. 10) Revises requirements for eligibility for and allocation of school construction and renovation payments to certain categories of LEAs, including those receiving basic support payments and impacted by military dependent children or children living on Indian lands. Requires that 70 percent of specified funds be used for such construction payments, with the remaining 30 percent to be used for school facility modernization grants for specified types of LEAs. Sets forth award criteria for such grants, including certain emergency grants. (Sec.11) Revises provisions relating to Federal administration. (Sec. 12) Revises certain deadlines with respect to administrative hearings and judicial review. (Sec. 13) Includes under the definition of Federal property, as a basis of eligibility for Impact Aid payments, affordable housing assisted under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self- Determination Act of 1996. (Sec. 14) Extends the authorization of appropriations for Impact Aid programs, including: (1) payments for Federal acquisition of real property; (2) basic support payments for LEAs and for heavily impacted LEAs; (3) payments for children with disabilities; (4) construction; (5) facilities maintenance; and (6) additional assistance for certain LEAs impacted by Federal property acquisition. Repeals the authorization of appropriations for Impact Aid payments for increases in military children.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2000
Saving Women's Lives through International Family Planning Act of 2000 - Authorizes appropriations for U.S. voluntary contributions to international organizations and programs, including the United Nations Environmental Fund for support of international measures to protect and improve the environment. Earmarks amounts for the United Nations Population Fund. Authorizes appropriations for certain population planning activities. Prohibits the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, in determining eligibility of nongovernmental and multilateral organizations for population planning assistance or other population assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, from applying requirements to such organizations more restrictive than requirements applicable to foreign governments for such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2000
Emergency Commodity Distribution Act of 2000 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to revise provisions relating to the level of commodity purchases under the school lunch program. Requires a specified portion of such program assistance to be in the form of commodity assistance. Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from using commodities provided under the authority of any other Act to meet such program requirement for the school year.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2000
Hospital Preservation and Equity Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 with regard to the one year sole community hospital payment increase, to reset the applicable percentage increase for FY 2001 and each subsequent fiscal year to the market basket percentage increase for hospitals in all areas for purposes of updating payments to prospective payment system (PPS) hospitals for inpatient hospital services.
![Official portrait of Rep. Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [D-VA-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000185_200.jpg)