United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1999
Manufactured Housing Improvement Act - Amends the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 to revise Federal construction and safety provisions for manufactured homes based upon a consensus standards development process. Eliminates the National Manufactured Home Advisory Council. Revises related fee provisions to: (1) apply such fees to manufactured home manufacturers (currently fees apply to manufacturers, distributors, and dealers); and (2) establish in the Treasury the Manufactured Housing Fees Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1999
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce from 24 to 12 months the holding period used to determine whether horses are section 1231 (property used in the trade or business and involuntary conversions) assets.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that the 30th Anniversary of the first lunar landing should be a day of celebration and reflection on the Apollo-11 mission to the moon and the accomplishments of the Apollo program throughout the 1960's and 1970's.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that the 30th Anniversary of the first lunar landing should be a day of celebration and reflection on the Apollo-11 mission to the moon and the accomplishments of the Apollo program throughout the 1960's and 1970's.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1999
Calls upon the Senate, when it adjourns on July 19, 1999, to do so as a further mark of respect for the grieving families of John F. Kennedy, Jr., Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and Lauren Bessette.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1999
Natural Disaster Protection and Insurance Act of 1999 - Amends the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 (the Act) to provide for an expanded Federal program of hazard mitigation, relief, and natural disaster insurance. (Sec. 6) Requires each State to either: (1) develop a statewide strategic mitigation plan (plan) to reduce hazards of future natural disasters; or (2) designate a plan in effect at the time as the applicable plan. Outlines required plan elements, including: (1) ensuring that structures in hazard-prone areas are built with hazard mitigation techniques; and (2) improving the capabilities of emergency response teams to natural disasters. Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to review and approve a plan if it contains the required elements. Requires such plans to be submitted to the Director within two years after enactment of this Act. Outlines procedures regarding plan implementation, plan updates, and noncompliance with plan requirements (including an opportunity to cure). Denies hazard mitigation funds for any State which is still non-compliant 180 days after receiving from the Director notification of noncompliance. Authorizes the Director to allocate funds to States from the Natural Disaster Protection Fund, according to a pro rata formula based on reinsurance coverage premiums. Requires States to use allocated funds to support specified natural disaster hazard mitigation activities. Requires the Director, at least once every three years, to evaluate each State's progress in implementing its plan, and to base future allotments on such evaluation. Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) conduct a study to identify all Federal programs that provide assistance for public facilities and lifelines; and (2) report to Congress on study results. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to grant loans to a private, non-governmental, and nonprofit membership corporation to be known as the Natural Disaster Insurance Corporation. Requires the Corporation to provide reinsurance coverage for hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, windstorms, and wildfires. Requires Corporation members to own shares in the Corporation and to consist of private insurers and State insurance pools that purchase the reinsurance coverage provided by the Corporation. Outlines Corporation administrative procedures, including: (1) the naming of a Corporation administrator; (2) loans for start-up costs; and (3) the election of a Board of Directors. Requires the Corporation to develop a plan of operation describing Corporation administration and the provision of insurance coverages. Directs the Natural Disaster Insurance Board of Actuaries to review and approve such plan and any amendments thereto. Requires the Board of Directors to report annually to Corporation members and the Independent Board of Actuaries on Corporation operations. Directs the Corporation to carry out a program to make reinsurance coverage available through contracts for such coverage for purchase only: (1) by eligible State programs; and (2) through auctions. Requires each contract to provide insurance coverage against residential property losses to homes and the contents of apartment buildings and to cover all the natural disasters named above. Makes a program eligible to purchase an insurance or reinsurance contract under this section only if such program is a State-operated program that meets specified requirements, including: (1) the offering of residential property and apartment content coverage; and (2) mitigation provisions that require not less than ten percent of the net investment income of the State insurance or reinsurance program to be used to mitigate losses from natural disasters for which the State program was established. Outlines coverage requirements and contract terms and conditions. Directs the Corporation to carry out a program to auction on a regional basis contracts for reinsurance coverage to private insurers and reinsurers, State insurance and reinsurance programs, and other interested entities. Requires the Corporation, in such auction, to set a reserve price as the lowest price for that contract, to be determined based upon specified factors such as risk and administrative costs. Provides auction contract terms and conditions. Requires the Corporation, in making reinsurance coverage available, to provide a conditional minimum level of retained losses (similar to a deductible) and a maximum level of Federal liability for losses from a single covered event. Establishes the Independent Natural Disaster Board of Actuaries to review and approve the Corporation plan of operation and to advise the Corporation regarding the estimated loss costs associated with the contracts for reinsurance coverage and carrying out Corporation functions. Requires the Corporation, within 15 months after enactment of this Act, to submit to the Independent Board a draft plan of operation. Provides for plan approval (with an opportunity to cure if disapproved) and plan amendments. Requires the Independent Board to prepare and submit to the Secretary a report on its findings regarding such plan. Requires the Corporation Board of Directors to submit to the Independent Board for approval proposed prices and reserve prices for reinsurance contracts issued by the Corporation. Provides for Independent Board approval of such prices (with an opportunity to cure if not immediately approved). Directs the Corporation to establish and maintain a Reinsurance Coverage Trust Account to: (1) hold funds collected from insurance payments and investments; and (2) pay claims to entities that have purchased reinsurance coverage. Directs the Secretary to provide direct loans to such Account to the extent that accumulated assets are insufficient to pay reinsurance claims and expenses. Requires recoupment from the Corporation of such direct loans and interest. Prohibits any Federal funds from being authorized or appropriated to fund any Corporation activity. Directs the Comptroller General, every three years, to conduct audits of activities of the Corporation and the Independent Board. Requires audit results to be submitted to Congress. (Sec. 8) Establishes in the Treasury the Natural Disaster Protection Fund and establishes in such Fund a Private Loss Account and a Mitigation Account. Requires the Private Loss Account to be used to provide direct Federal loans to cover shortfalls in the Corporation's reinsurance account. Requires the Mitigation Account to support natural disaster hazard mitigation activities. Authorizes appropriations to the Mitigation Account for FY 2000 and annually thereafter for prenatural disaster mitigation activities conducted under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Removing Barriers to Housing Affordability Title II: Removing Barriers to Use of FHA Single Family Housing Mortgage Insurance Program Title III: Home Investment Partnerships Program Title IV: Community Development Block Grants Promoting Housing Affordability for Working Families Act of 1999 - Title I: Removing Barriers to Housing Affordability - Requires proposed and final agency rules to include analyses of their impact upon affordable housing availability. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to develop model housing impact analyses. (Sec. 102) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to authorize direct appropriations for State and local grants for regulatory barrier removal. (Consolidates State and local grant provisions.) Authorizes a State or local government to use grants to establish a Barriers to Housing Affordability Council. (Sec. 103) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to make affordable housing barrier removal eligible for community development block grant assistance. (Sec. 104) States that the regulatory barriers clearinghouse shall be established within the Office of Policy Development of the Department of Housing and Urban Development under the direction of the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research. Title II: Removing Barriers to Use of FHA Single Family Housing Mortgage Insurance Program - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) authorize the Secretary to enlarge areas and median prices for purposes of single family housing mortgage insurance eligibility; and (2) extend the manufactured home lot loan term. Title III: Home Investment Partnerships Program - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to make uniformed employees or teachers who are employees of a participating jurisdiction eligible for the home investment partnerships program. Title IV: Community Development Block Grants - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to make uniformed employees and teachers who are employees of a participating metropolitan city or urban county eligible for community development block grant home ownership assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1999
TVA Customer Protection Act of 1999- Amends the Federal Power Act to treat the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) as a public utility subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Exempts TVA facilities from the requirement of prior FERC approval for any disposition of property if proper disclosure has been made, and all disposition proceeds are applied towards TVA debt reduction. Prohibits FERC from permitting TVA to impose any rate or charge, or any rule or regulation pertaining to a rate or charge, for costs incurred in the conduct of TVA activities or operations outside the United States. Deems any such rate, charge, rule, or regulation to be unjust, unreasonable, and unlawful. Mandates an annual TVA report to FERC detailing its activities outside the United States. Prohibits TVA electric power sales to a retail customer within a distributor service area assigned by law, unless: (1) the customer was purchasing electric power directly from TVA on the date of enactment of this Act; (2) the distributor purchases firm power from TVA that is no more than 50 percent of its total retail sales; or (3) the distributor agrees that TVA may sell power to the customer. Subjects TVA retail electric power sales to applicable State law. Makes a FERC certificate of public convenience and necessity, according to prescribed criteria, a prerequisite for TVA construction, acquisition, or sales of electric generation capacity. Prescribes procedural guidelines under which FERC shall commence a hearing on the record to determine the value of TVA property. Authorizes FERC to issue an order awarding recovery for TVA stranded costs. Subjects TVA to the same filing and disclosure requirements as pertain to other public utilities. Amends the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933 to subject TVA to the antitrust laws. Denies TVA any power to rent, sell, or otherwise provide construction equipment or services to, or perform contract construction work for, any public or private entity, except for certain electrical contractors, customers, distributors, and governmental entities engaged in electrical utility work on a TVA electrical utility project. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1999
Health Care Access and Equity Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow for the deduction of 100 percent of the health insurance costs of individuals not covered by an employer-subsidized plan; (2) expand the availability of medical savings accounts; (3) permit the carryover of unused benefits from cafeteria plans, flexible spending arrangements, and health flexible spending accounts; and (4) permit contributions towards a Medical Savings Account through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1999
Pain Relief Promotion Act of 1999 - Title I: Use of Controlled Substances Consistent With the Controlled Substances Act - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to provide that for purposes of such Act, alleviating pain or discomfort in the usual course of professional practice is a legitimate medical purpose for the dispensing, distributing, or administering of a controlled substance consistent with public health and safety even if the use of such a substance may increase the risk of death. Declares that nothing in this Act authorizes intentionally dispensing or administering a controlled substance for purposes of causing death or assisting another person in causing death. Prohibits the Attorney General, in determining whether a controlled substance manufacturer, distributor, or dispenser registration is consistent with the public interest under the Act, from giving force and effect to State law permitting assisted suicide or euthanasia. Authorizes certain educational and research programs carried out by the Attorney General under the Act to include educational and training programs for local, State, and Federal personnel on the necessary and legitimate use of controlled substances in pain management and palliative care and means by which investigation and enforcement actions by law enforcement personnel may accommodate such use. Title II: Promoting Palliative Care - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Administrator of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to carry out a program to: (1) develop and advance scientific understanding of palliative care; and (2) collect and disseminate protocols and evidence-based practices regarding such care, with priority given to pain management for terminally ill patients, and make such information publicly available. Defines "palliative care" as the active total care of patients whose prognosis is limited due to progressive, far-advanced disease. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts to health professions schools, hospices, and other entities for programs to provide education and training to health care professionals in palliative care. Sets forth requirements for grant applicants. Provides for the evaluation of such programs to determine their effect on knowledge and practice regarding palliative care. Makes funds available for such grants and contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1999
Litigation Fairness Act of 1999 - Subjects the Federal Government or any State, in any civil action to recover directly from any defendant any benefits or services the United States or such State has provided or paid for, to the same procedural rules and substantive law (including notification requirements, limitations, and affirmative defenses) that would apply to the person on whose behalf the action is brought.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1999
Academic Achievement for All Act (Straight A's Act) - Allows States flexibility in combining and using use specified Federal elementary and secondary education formula program funds for State education priorities and programs, in exchange for being held accountable for meeting, in a five- year period, certain performance goals which they propose. (Sec. 3) Allows a State to opt to enter into such a performance agreement with the Secretary of Education, under which provisions of law relating to specified eligible programs shall not apply to the State, with certain exceptions. Includes under the terms of such agreements requirements relating to: (1) use of such funds to improve student achievement; (2) an accountability system; (3) performance goals and measures, and student achievement data; (4) fiscal responsibilities; (5) civil rights; (6) private school student and staff participation; (7) State financial participation; and (8) annual reports. (Sec. 4) Lists such eligible programs, under various provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), the Department of Education Appropriations Act of 1999, the Goals 2000: Educate America Act, the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998, and the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. (Sec. 5) Sets forth requirements relating to: (1) within-State distribution of funds; (2) local participation; and (3) a set-aside for State administrative expenditures. (Sec. 8) Requires performance reviews at the end of the five-year period. Requires reductions of State administrative funds for States that have made little or no progress. Allows States that have met at least 80 percent of their performance goals to apply for renewal of performance agreements for an additional five-year period. (Sec. 10) Directs the Secretary annually to set aside sufficient funds from the Fund for the Improvement of Education under ESEA to grant achievement gap reduction rewards to States. Requires a performance reward to equal at least five percent of funds allocated to the State during the first year of the performance agreement for programs included in the agreement. Makes a State eligible to receive a reward if, over the five-year term of the performance agreement, it reduces by at least 25 percent the difference between the percentage of highest and lowest performing groups of students that meet the State's definition of proficient, with such reduction occurring in at least: (1) two content areas, one of which must be mathematics or reading; and (2) one grade level.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1999
Recognizes that the creation of a better United States requires the active involvement of fathers in the rearing and development of their children. Urges: (1) each father in the United States to accept his full share of responsibility for the lives of his children, to be actively involved in rearing them, and to encourage their emotional, academic, moral, and spiritual development; (2) the States to hold fathers who ignore their legal responsibilities accountable for their actions and to pursue more aggressive enforcement of child support obligations; and (3) governments and institutions at every level to remove barriers to father involvement and enact public policies that encourage and support the efforts of fathers who do want to become more engaged in the lives of their children. Encourages each father to devote time, energy, and resources to his children, recognizing that children need not only material support, but also, more importantly, a secure, affectionate, family environment. Designates June 20, 1999, as National Father's Return Day. Calls on fathers around the country to use the day to reconnect and rededicate themselves to their children's lives, to spend National Father's Return Day with their children, and to express their love and support for them.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1999
Family Friendly Workplace Act - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide for: (1) time-and-a-half compensatory time off; and (2) biweekly work programs (allowing more than 40 hours of work in one week and correspondingly less in the other). (Thus provides private sector employees opportunities under such programs similar to those enjoyed by Federal employees). Requires, with respect to such compensatory time and biweekly work programs, that employee participation be voluntary, and that collective bargaining agreements be honored. Sets forth: (1) procedures for employer discontinuance of, or employee withdrawal from, certain of such programs; and (2) prohibitions against coercion. Amends the exemption from minimum wage and maximum hour requirements for certain executive, administrative, and professional employees and outside salesmen. Prohibits from consideration in determining whether an employee is exempt: (1) the fact that the employee is subject to deductions in compensation for absences from employment of less than a full workday or less than a full workweek; or (2) the payment of overtime compensation or other additions to the compensation of an employee employed on a salary based on hours worked. Allows consideration, in such a determination, of an actual reduction in compensation, with a specified exception. Amends the Federal bankruptcy code to grant third priority (allowed unsecured claims for wages, salaries, or commissions) in bankruptcy proceedings to claims relating to compensatory time off.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1999
Open Competition Act of 1999 - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to prohibit discrimination against any bidder on a prime contract for a federally funded project on the basis of a requirement that such person enter into or adhere to a collective bargaining agreement or any similar agreement as a condition of performing work on such contract.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
National Uniformity for Food Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to prohibit any State or political subdivision from establishing or continuing in effect as to any food in interstate commerce any requirement for food labeling or food that is not identical to specified FDCA provisions. Prohibits any State or political subdivision from establishing or continuing in effect any notification requirement for a food that provides for a warning concerning the food's safety that is not identical to FDCA provisions. Allows a State to petition for an exemption and for a national standard regarding any requirement under the FDCA, as amended by this Act, or the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act relating to food regulation. Allows a State to establish a requirement that would otherwise violate FDCA provisions relating to national uniform nutrition labeling or this paragraph if the requirement is needed to address an imminent hazard to health that is likely to result in serious adverse health consequences and if other requirements are met.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Fair Access to Indemnity and Reimbursement Act - Amends the National Labor Relations Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act to allow the recovery of attorney's fees and costs by certain employers and labor organizations who are prevailing parties in administrative proceedings brought against them by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) or before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC) or in court proceedings brought by or against the NLRB or OSHRC. Requires that such employers or labor organizations have not more than 100 employees and a net worth of not more than $7 million at the time of such proceedings. Provides for such recovery without regard to whether the position of the NLRB, the Secretary of Labor, or a court was substantially justified or special circumstances make an award unjust.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Small Business Lawsuit Abuse Protection Title II: Product Seller Fair Treatment Small Business Liability Reform Act of 1999 - Title I: Small Business Lawsuit Abuse Protection - Allows punitive damages to be awarded against a small business only if the claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that conduct carried out by the defendant through willful misconduct or with a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of others was the proximate cause of the harm that is the subject of the action. Limits such punitive damages to the lesser of two times the amount awarded for economic and noneconomic losses, or $250,000. (Sec. 104) States that, in any civil action against a small business: (1) each defendant shall be liable only for the amount of noneconomic loss allocated to that defendant in direct proportion to the percentage of responsibility of that defendant for the harm caused to the plaintiff; and (2) the court shall render a separate judgment against each defendant describing such percentage of responsibility. (Sec. 105) Excepts from such liability limitations any misconduct of a defendant: (1) that constitutes a crime of violence, international terrorism, or a hate crime; (2) that results in liability for damages under specified provisions of the Oil Pollution Control Act of 1990 or the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980; (3) that involves a sexual offense or violation of a Federal or State civil rights law; or (4) caused by being under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or a drug. (Sec. 106) Preempts inconsistent State law. Title II: Product Seller Fair Treatment - States that this title governs any product liability action brought in any Federal or State court. Excludes from this title actions for commercial loss, negligent entrustment, negligence per se concerning firearms and ammunition, and actions brought under a dram-shop or third-party liability arising out of the sale or provision of alcohol to an intoxicated person or a minor. (Sec. 204) Mandates that, in any product liability action covered by this Act, a product seller other than a manufacturer shall be liable to a claimant only if such claimant establishes that: (1) the product that caused the harm was sold, rented, or leased by the seller, the seller failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to the product, and such failure was the proximate cause of harm to the plaintiff; (2) the seller made an express warranty applicable to such product, the product failed to conform to the warranty, and such failure caused the harm to the plaintiff; or (3) the product seller engaged in intentional wrongdoing (as determined under applicable State law), and such wrongdoing caused the harm to the plaintiff. States that a seller shall not be considered to have failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to a product based upon a failure to inspect if: (1) there was no reasonable opportunity to inspect; or (2) such inspection would not have revealed the aspect of the product that allegedly caused the claimant's harm. Allows a seller to be liable as a manufacturer if: (1) the manufacturer is not subject to appropriate service of process; or (2) the court determines that the claimant is or would be unable to enforce a judgment against the manufacturer. Provides limited liability for persons engaged in the business of renting or leasing a product.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1999
Defense Jobs and Trade Promotion Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the limitation on the amount of receipts attributable to military property which may be treated as exempt foreign trade income.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1999
Estate Tax Elimination Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate Federal estate, gift, and transfer taxes. Eliminates the step-up in basis with respect to property acquired from a decedent. Establishes the basis for qualifying property acquired from a decedent (carryover basis property) as the property's initial basis increased by its allowable share of the decedent's allowance, as provided for in this Act. Describes noncarryover basis property. Authorizes a limited tangible personal property exclusion. Provides an additional exclusion for family-owned businesses and farms. Makes a nonresident who is not a U.S. citizen ineligible for basis adjustment based upon a decedent's exclusion allowance. Establishes a binding procedure for determining the initial basis of carryover basis property. Requires an executor to provide the Secretary of the Treasury and each beneficiary with specified carryover basis property information. Sets forth related noncompliance penalties.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1999
Bear Protection Act of 1999 - Prohibits any person from: (1) importing bear viscera into, or exporting it from, the United States; or (2) selling bear viscera, bartering, offering it for sale or barter, or purchasing, possessing, transporting, delivering, or receiving it in interstate or foreign commerce. Subjects persons who violate such prohibitions to specified penalties. Waives such prohibition for wildlife law enforcement purposes where a valid permit has been issued. Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of State to discuss issues involving such trade with the appropriate representatives of countries that are the leading importers, exporters, or consumers of such products. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress on the progress of efforts to end illegal trade in bear viscera.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1999
Sensible Ergonomics Needs Scientific Evidence Act - SENSE Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Labor from promulgating, through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, any standard, regulation, or guideline on ergonomics until 30 days after the National Academy of Sciences reports to Congress on a completed, peer-reviewed scientific study of the available evidence examining a cause and effect relationship between repetitive tasks in the workplace and musculoskeletal disorders or repetitive stress injuries.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1999
Expresses sympathy to the families of those killed as a result of their participation in the democracy protests of 1989 in the People's Republic of China, as well as to the families of those killed and to those who have suffered for their efforts to keep that struggle alive. Commends all Chinese citizens who are peacefully advocating for democracy and human rights. Condemns the ongoing and egregious human rights abuses by the Chinese Government and calls on that Government to: (1) reevaluate the official verdict on the June 4, 1989, Tiananmen prodemocracy activities and open formal investigations to bring those responsible to justice; (2) establish a June Fourth Investigation Committee, the proceedings and findings of which should be accessible to the public, to make a just and independent inquiry into all matters related to June 4, 1989; (3) release all prisoners of conscience, provide just compensation to the families of those killed in those protests, and allow those exiled for their activities in 1989 to return and live in freedom in China; (4) put an immediate end to harassment, detention, and imprisonment of Chinese citizens exercising their legitimate rights to the freedom of expression, association, and religion; and (5) proceed quickly to ratify and implement the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1999
Amends the Clean Air Act to incorporate specified provisions of transportation conformity regulations (regulations to determine conformity of Federal transportation programs with Federal and State implementation plans) as in effect on March 1, 1999.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1999
Citizens Access to Justice Act of 1999 - Authorizes a property owner to file a civil action to challenge the validity of any Federal agency action as a violation of the Fifth Amendment in a district court or the United States Court of Federal Claims (claims court). (Sec. 5) Grants the district court and the claims court concurrent jurisdiction over both claims for monetary relief and claims seeking invalidation of any Act of Congress or any regulation of a Federal agency affecting private property rights. Authorizes the plaintiff to elect to file an action under this section in a district court or the claims court. Waives sovereign immunity of the United States regarding such an action. Sets a six-year statute of limitation from the date of the taking of private property. Authorizes the court to award costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to any prevailing plaintiff. (Sec. 6) Grants the claims court the power to grant injunctive and declaratory relief when appropriate, as well as supplemental jurisdiction (concurrent with designated courts) to render judgment upon any related tort claim. Specifies that any claim brought herein to redress the deprivation of a right or privilege to use and enjoy real property as secured by the Constitution shall be ripe for adjudication upon a final decision rendered by the United States that causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. Amends the Federal judicial code to grant the district courts original jurisdiction, concurrent with the claims court, of any civil action filed under this Act. Sets forth provisions regarding district court civil rights jurisdiction. (Sec. 7) Authorizes recovery of attorney's fees and costs in a civil action for deprivation of rights where a takings claim is not substantially justified, with exceptions. Requires the district court to decide any motion to dismiss in such an action on an expedited basis. (Sec. 8) Prohibits a party seeking redress in such an action for a taking of real property without the payment of compensation from commencing an action in district court before 60 days after the date on which written notice has been given to any potential defendant. (Sec. 9) Requires a Federal agency that takes an agency action limiting the use of private property that may be affected by this Act to give notice to the owners of that property explaining their rights, and the procedures for obtaining any compensation that may be due to them, under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1999
Motor Vehicle Franchise Contract Arbitration Fairness Act of 1999 - Provides that each party to a motor vehicle franchise contract providing for the use of arbitration to resolve a controversy arising out of or relating to the contract shall have the option, after the controversy arises and before both parties commence an arbitration proceeding, to reject arbitration as the means of settling the controversy. Requires that any such rejection be in writing. Requires the arbitrator, whenever a party elects arbitration, to provide the parties with a written explanation of the factual and legal basis for the award.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1999
Affordable Housing Opportunity Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase, and link to the cost-of-living adjustment, the State low-income housing credit ceiling.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1999
Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit any physician from knowingly performing a partial-birth abortion in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, unless it is necessary to save the life of the mother. Prescribes penalties. Defines a "partial birth abortion" as an abortion in which a person, deliberately and intentionally, partially vaginally delivers a living fetus before killing the fetus and completing the delivery. Authorizes the father, if married to the mother at the time of the abortion, and the maternal grandparents of the fetus, if the mother is under 18 years of age, to obtain specified relief in a civil action, unless the pregnancy resulted from the plaintiff's criminal conduct or the plaintiff consented to the abortion. Authorizes a defendant accused of an offense under this Act to seek a hearing before the State Medical Board on whether the physician's conduct was necessary to save the life of the mother. Prohibits the prosecution of a woman upon whom a partial-birth abortion is performed for conspiracy to violate this Act or under provisions regarding punishment as a principal or an accessory or for concealment of a felony.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1999
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that in the case of a private foundation the distributable amount shall be reduced (but not below zero) by any amount paid or incurred (or set aside) by such private foundation for the investigatory costs and direct costs of removal or taking remedial action with respect to a hazardous substance released at a facility which was owned or operated by such private foundation. Sets forth limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1999
Safe Seniors Assurance Study Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to do the following: (1) study and report to Congress on the mortality and adverse outcome rates of Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) patients related to the provision of anesthesia services; and (2) consider study results in promulgating regulations under Medicare relating to physician supervision of anesthesia services.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1999
Transportation Tax Equity and Fairness Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the 4.3-cent motor fuel excise taxes on railroads and inland waterway transportation which remain in the general fund of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Asbestos Resolution Corporation Title II: Medical Eligibility Determinations Title III: Alternative Dispute Resolution Title IV: Civil Actions Title V: Rules Applicable to Arbitrations and Civil Actions Title VI: Funding Title VII: Applicability; Pending Civil Actions Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions Fairness in Asbestos Compensation Act of 1999 - Title I: Asbestos Resolution Corporation - Establishes the Asbestos Resolution Corporation which shall: (1) have exclusive authority to adopt rules for cost recovery, physician qualifications, alternative dispute resolution, exceptional medical cases, and disease eligibility; and (2) appoint a Medical Advisory Board. Title II: Medical Eligibility Determinations - Sets forth claimant medical eligibility determination criteria for: (1) nonmalignant conditions; (2) mesothelioma; (3) lung cancer; and (4) other cancer. (Sec. 205) Sets forth procedures for Corporation determination of a claimant's certificate of medical eligibility. (Sec. 206) Directs the Corporation to establish one or more exceptional medical claims panels. Sets forth application and acceptance provisions. (Sec. 207) Provides for: (1) confidentiality; and (2) U.S. district court review of Corporation determinations of eligibility. Title III: Alternative Dispute Resolution - Directs the Board to establish procedural rules for an alternative dispute resolution process. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) motions officers; (2) respondent notification; (3) additional respondents; (4) grace period; (5) mediation and arbitration; and (6) subpoena powers. Title IV: Civil Actions - Prohibits: (1) a civil asbestos action unless the plaintiff has obtained a certificate of medical eligibility and release from mediation; and (2) a class action or other collective action without the consent of each defendant. (Sec. 404) Requires a penalty for a final offer made by a respondent in mediation if such offer is below a certain amount assigned by the jury or fact-finder. Title V: Rules Applicable to Arbitrations and Civil Actions - Sets forth arbitration and civil action rules with respect to: (1) issues to be decided; (2) relief; (3) timeliness defenses; (4) attorney's fees; and (5) nonpreclusion of nonmalignant claims upon subsequent malignancy claims. Title VI : Funding - Directs the Corporation to estimate its annual medical review and administrative and overhead costs and allocate proportionate cost shares among the previous year's respondents. Provides monetary penalties for noncooperation with the Corporation. (Sec. 602) Provides for mediation and arbitration costs to be charged on a per capita basis to participating respondents. (Sec. 603) Directs the Corporation to establish procedures for informal resolution of cost assessment disputes. Provides for U.S. district court review of cost assessment disputes. (Sec. 606) Establishes the Asbestos Resolution Corporation Trust Fund and transfers to it amounts received under this title and other amounts. Authorizes obligation of Fund amounts consistent with this Act, to remain available without fiscal year limitation. Title VII: Applicability; Pending Civil Actions - Makes this Act applicable to any civil asbestos action that has not resulted in a final, nonappealable judgment, with specified conditions applicable to pending civil actions. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines specified terms. (Sec. 803) Makes this Act inapplicable to existing asbestos trusts, with an elective trust exception. (Sec. 804) States that nothing in this Act shall prohibit a claimant from entering into a settlement agreement concerning a claim covered under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1999
Taiwan Security Enhancement Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments should make every effort to reserve additional positions for Taiwan military officers at the National Defense University, the senior war colleges, and the military academies. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should, when considering foreign military sales to Taiwan, take into account Taiwan's special status and make every effort to ensure it has full and timely access to price and availability data for defense articles and defense services. Directs the President, upon the request of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, to use Department of Defense funds for the assignment of additional technical staff to the American Institute in Taiwan. Directs the President to report annually to Congress with respect to Taiwan's defense needs. Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan for the enhancement of programs for operational training and exchanges of personnel between U.S. armed forces and Taiwanese armed forces for work in threat analysis, doctrine, force planning, operational methods, and other areas. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish secure direct communications between the U.S. Pacific military command and the Taiwan military command. Authorizes the President, subject to the Arms Export Control Act, to make available for sale to Taiwan, at reasonable cost, theater missile defense equipment and related items, satellite early warning data, modern air-defense equipment, and naval defense systems.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1999
Expresses support for the U.S. military personnel who are engaged in military operations against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and recognizes their professionalism, dedication, patriotism, and courage.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1999
Internet Gambling Prohibition Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it unlawful for any person engaged in a gambling business to use the Internet or any other interactive computer service (service) to: (1) place, receive, or otherwise make a bet or wager; or (2) send, receive, or invite information assisting in the placing of a bet or wager. Prescribes penalties. Lists exceptions to such prohibition, including certain State and multi-State lotteries and authorized horse racing. Grants the district courts original and exclusive jurisdiction to prevent and restrain violations of this Act. Authorizes the United States or a State attorney general to institute such proceedings. Exempts from liability under this Act any service provider who, after being properly notified by a Federal or State law enforcement agency that a particular online site of such provider is being used to violate this Act, removes or disables access to such site. Authorizes alternative injunctive relief against such a provider, under certain limitations and considerations. Preempts applicable State law. Directs the Attorney General to submit to Congress: (1) an analysis of the problems associated with enforcing this Act; (2) recommendations for the best use of Department of Justice resources for enforcement; and (3) an estimate of the amount of activity and money being used to gamble on the Internet.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1999
Child Custody Protection Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit transporting an individual under age 18 across a State line to obtain an abortion and thereby abridging the right of a parent under a law in force in the State where the individual resides requiring parental involvement in a minor's abortion decision. Makes an exception if the abortion was necessary to save the life of the minor. Specifies that neither the minor transported nor her parent may be prosecuted or sued for a violation of this Act. Makes it an affirmative defense to a prosecution for, or to a civil action based on, such a violation that the defendant reasonably believed that before the individual obtained the abortion, the parental consent or notification or judicial authorization that would have been required had the abortion been performed in the State where the individual resides, took place. Authorizes any parent who suffers legal harm from a violation to obtain appropriate relief in a civil action. Defines "parent" to include a guardian, legal custodian, or person standing in loco parentis who has care and control of the minor, and with whom the minor regularly resides, who is designated by such law as a person to whom notification, or from whom consent, is required.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1999
Historic Homeownership Assistance Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 20 percent of the qualified rehabilitation expenditures made by a taxpayer with respect to a qualified historic home which has been substantially rehabilitated and which is owned by the taxpayer and used as his or her principal residence. Allows the credit for such expenditures to be taken by a purchaser of the rehabilitated home. Permits, in lieu of the credit, a historic rehabilitation mortgage credit certificate, which may be transferred to a lender in exchange for a reduction in the rate of interest on the loan secured by the building.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1999
Farm and Ranch Risk Management Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual engaged in an eligible farming (or ranching) business a deduction (in computing adjusted gross income) for any taxable year of up to 20 percent of taxable income attributable to the eligible farming business which was paid in cash by the taxpayer to a Farm and Ranch Risk Management Account (FARRM Account). Includes distributions from a FARRM account in the taxpayer's gross income, and subjects to a special ten percent surtax any distributions not made within five years of contribution. Establishes a tax on excess contributions, but exempts the taxpayer from the tax on certain prohibited transactions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1999
Tax Code Termination Act Declares that no tax (except the tax on self-employment income and the taxes relating to the Federal Insurance Contributions Act and the Railroad Retirement Tax Act) shall be imposed by the Internal Revenue Code for any taxable year beginning after, or on any taxable event or for any period after, December 31, 2003. Declares that any new Federal tax system should be: (1) simple and fair; (2) apply a low rate to all Americans; (3) provide tax relief for working Americans; (4) protect the rights of taxpayers and reduce tax collection abuses; (5) eliminate the bias against savings and investment; (6) promote economic growth and job creation; (7) not penalize marriage or families; and (8) receive congressional approval in its final form by July 4, 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1999
Recognizes and honors Joe DiMaggio for his storied baseball career, for his many contributions to the nation, and for transcending baseball and becoming a symbol of talent, commitment, and achievement.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1999
Commends U.S. Senator J. Robert Kerrey of Nebraska, on the 30th anniversary of the events giving rise to his receiving the Medal of Honor, for service to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1999
Social Security for the 21st Century Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part B (Retirement Security Accounts) under which an eligible individual may elect to make retirement security account contributions to a retirement security account (RSA) established by the Commissioner of Social Security for each such elector in his or her name and maintained for his or her benefit. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust fund for crediting by the Commissioner to an elector's RSA of a retirement security account contribution based on an applicable percentage of the elector's FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) or self-employment taxes for investment according to the elector's designated investment options under a system similar to the Thrift Savings Plan for Federal employees, with a Retirement Security Fund (RSF) established in the Treasury that is to be managed by a Retirement Security Fund Investment Board (RSFIB). Provides for the treatment of RSA distributions and the off-budget budgetary treatment of RSF and its RSAs. Requires RSFIB to study and report to the President and the Congress on increased investment options for electors. Amends SSA title II to establish in the Treasury the Protect Social Security Account to save budget surpluses until a reform measure is enacted to ensure the long-term solvency of the social security trust funds. Requires the Secretary to: (1) pay into the Account at the end of each fiscal year in the FY 2000 through 2010 period an amount which in the aggregate, at the end of such period, will equal 70 percent of any such surplus projected by the Secretary for that period; and (2) invest all such amounts in public debt obligations.
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