United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Brownfield Remediation and Environmental Cleanup Title II: Prospective Purchasers Title III: Innocent Landowners Title IV: Contiguous Properties Brownfields and Environmental Cleanup Act of 1999 - Title I: Brownfield Remediation and Environmental Cleanup - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to provide grants to States or local governments to inventory and conduct site assessments of brownfield sites. Defines a "brownfield site" as a facility that has or is suspected of having environmental contamination that: (1) could prevent the timely use, development, reuse, or redevelopment of the facility; and (2) is relatively limited in scope or severity and can be comprehensively characterized and readily analyzed. (Sec. 103) Directs the Administrator to establish a program to provide grants to State and local governments for capitalization of loan programs for brownfield site cleanup by either the State or locality or by an owner or prospective purchaser. (Sec. 104) Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to authorize the Administrator to award grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts or provide technical assistance to States, Indian tribes, political subdivisions, and other entities for training, technology transfer, and information dissemination programs to strengthen environmental response activities. (Sec. 105) Requires the Administrator to carry out a program to provide financial assistance for brownfield training programs. (Sec. 106) Makes amounts in the Hazardous Substance Superfund available to carry out the grant and assistance programs of this Act. (Sec. 107) Requires reports to specified congressional committees regarding the programs established under this title. (Sec. 108) Imposes funding limitations, including a restriction on use of funds to meet Federal cost-sharing requirements and a prohibition on the use of grants to pay fines or penalties. (Sec. 111) Authorizes appropriations to carry out the programs established under this title. Title II: Prospective Purchasers - Amends CERCLA to absolve from liability for response actions bona fide prospective purchasers to the extent liability at a facility for a release or threat thereof is based solely on ownership or operation of a facility. Gives a lien upon a facility to the United States for unrecovered response costs in any case in which there are such unrecovered costs for which the owner is not liable by reason of this Act and the facility's fair market value has increased above that which existed 180 days before the action was taken. Title III: Innocent Landowners - Amends CERCLA, with respect to defenses to liability of an owner of after-acquired property, to deem a person to have made (under current law, "undertaken") appropriate inquiry into the property's previous ownership and uses if the person establishes that an environmental site assessment was conducted which meets specified requirements (compliance with an American Society for Testing and Materials standard or with standards issued by the President) and the person fulfills certain responsibilities concerning information compilation, exercise of appropriate care with respect to hazardous substances at the facility, cooperation with those conducting response actions, and compliance with land use or activity restrictions. Deems the appropriate inquiry requirements to be satisfied by a site inspection and title search that reveal no basis for further investigation in the case of property for residential or similar use purchased by a nongovernmental or noncommercial entity. Title IV: Contiguous Properties - Exempts from liability under CERCLA certain owners or operators of real property contiguous to property on which there has been a release or threatened release. Authorizes the President to issue an assurance that no enforcement action will be initiated against such individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Health Care Coverage Choices for 55 to 65 Year Olds Subtitle A: Access to Medicare Benefits for Individuals 62-to-65 Years of Age Subtitle B: Access to Medicare Benefits for Displaced Workers 55-to-62 Years of Age Subtitle C: COBRA Protection for Early Retirees Title II: Expansion of Long-Term Care Protection Title III: Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act of 1965 Health Protection and Assistance for Older Americans Act of 1999 - Title I: Health Care Coverage Choices for 55-to-65 Year Olds - Subtitle A: Access to Medicare Benefits for Individuals 62-to-65 Years of Age - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (Purchase of Medicare Benefits by Certain Individuals Age 62-to-65 Years of Age). Makes eligible to enroll in Medicare during a specified period individuals between the ages of 62 and 65 who: (1) are not eligible for coverage under group health plans or Federal health insurance; but (2) would be Medicare-eligible if age 65. Requires prior notification of each individual seeking to enroll of the deferred monthly premium amount for which the individual will be liable upon attaining age 65. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine rates for: (1) the base monthly premium; (2) the base annual premium for individuals age 62 or older, reduced appropriately for a premium area that has costs below the national average, in order to assure participation in all areas of the country; and (3) the deferred premium for such individuals. Directs the Secretary to provide for payment and collection of the base monthly premium. Makes the enrollee liable for the deferred monthly premium payment. Requires collection of both premiums in the same manner as for the payment of monthly premiums under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Creates in the Treasury the Medicare Early Access Trust Fund (Trust Fund) to hold collected premiums. Directs: (1) the Trust Fund's Board of Trustees to report annually to the Congress on the need for adjustments in the new program in order to maintain its financial solvency; and (2) the Comptroller General to report periodically to the Congress on the adequacy of program financing along with appropriate recommendations to accomplish such end. Requires: (1) individuals enrolled under the new part D program to be treated for Medicare purposes as though they were entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and enrolled under Medicare part B; and (2) new part D program benefits to be payable under Medicare to such individuals in the same manner as if they were so entitled and enrolled. Provides that the new part D program shall not be treated as Medicare for purposes of the Medicaid program (SSA title XIX), including the provision of Medicare cost-sharing assistance, nor for purposes of COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) continuation requirements of the Public Health Service Act. Subtitle B: Access to Medicare Benefits for Displaced Workers 55-to-62 Years of Age - Amends SSA title XVIII part D to rename the newly established part D program the Purchase of Medicare Benefits by Certain Individuals Age 55-to-65 Years of Age. Provides for part D coverage for certain displaced workers and spouses between the ages of 55 and 62 under arrangements similar to those in title I. Directs the Secretary to provide for continued enrollment of displaced workers who attain 62 years of age. Subtitle C: COBRA Protection for Early Retirees - Chapter 1: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to extend specified group health plan insurance continuation coverage under COBRA to qualified retirees and their dependents, in cases of substantial reduction or termination of a retiree group health plan. Sets forth a special rule for certain dependents in case of termination or substantial reduction of retiree health coverage. Permits an increased level of premiums in the case of an individual provided continuation coverage by reason of the qualifying event. Chapter 2: Amendments to the Public Health Service Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend specified group health plan insurance continuation coverage under COBRA to qualified retirees and their dependents, in cases of substantial reduction or termination of a retiree group health plan. Sets forth a special rule for certain dependents in case of termination or substantial reduction of retiree health coverage. Permits an increased level of premiums in the case of an individual provided continuation coverage by reason of the qualifying event. Subtitle C: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend specified group health plan insurance continuation coverage under COBRA to qualified retirees and their dependents, in cases of substantial reduction or termination of a retiree group health plan. Sets forth a special rule for certain dependents in case of termination or substantial reduction of retiree health coverage. Permits an increased level of premiums in the case of an individual provided continuation coverage by reason of the qualifying event. Title II: Expansion of Long-Term Care Protection - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an annual long-term care credit of $1000 per applicable person for whom a taxpayer is an eligible caregiver. (Sec. 202) Amends Federal law to set forth provisions for the establishment of a program under which long-term care insurance is made available to Federal employees and annuitants. Authorizes the Office of Personnel Management to purchase group long-term care insurance policies from, and design benefits packages and negotiate final offerings with, qualified carriers. Provides that policy coverage and benefits shall be guaranteed to be renewable and may not be canceled except for nonpayment of premiums. Requires provided benefits to be compliant with standards recommended by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Requires premium payments to be withheld from the pay or annuities of enrollees. Sets forth provisions governing the filing of claims, the administrative resolution of claims disputes, and the jurisdiction of U.S. district courts over related suits. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to extend through FY 2002 authorization of appropriations for: (1) the Federal Council on the Aging; (2) administration; (3) grants for State and community programs on aging; (4) the national family caregiver program; (5) availability of surplus commodities; (6) training, research, and discretionary projects and programs; (7) community service employment for older Americans; (8) grants for Native Americans; (9) allotments for vulnerable elder rights protection activities; and (10) the Native American program. (Sec. 302) Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to replace the program for in-home services for frail older individuals with a national family caregiver support program consisting of: (1) a State grant program of support for families and other informal providers of in-home and community care to older individuals; (2) a grant program to foster development of innovative approaches to caregiving, including minority and distant caregivers; and (3) grants or contracts for related activities of national significance. (Sec. 304) Makes funds under part D of title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965 available for reallotment.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1999
Biomedical Revitalization Resolution of 1998 - Expresses the sense of the Senate that funding for the National Institutes of Health should be increased by $2 billion in FY 2000.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1998
Keeping the Internet Decent and Safe Act - Authorizes an elementary or secondary school to use funds received: (1) under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 for school technology resource grants and national challenge grants for technology in education; and (2) under the Museum and Library Services Act to purchase software designed to permit a person to limit access to material on the Internet that is harmful to minors. (Sec. 3) Provides for criminal and civil forfeiture for: (1) offenses relating to child pornography; (2) knowingly enticing or coercing a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity; (3) transporting a minor in interstate or foreign commerce with intent that such individual engage in criminal sexual activity; or (4) travelling in interstate or foreign commerce with intent to engage in a criminal sexual act with a juvenile. Includes within the definition of "crime of violence" (thus, providing for detention for): (1) knowingly enticing or coercing a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity; and (2) transporting for criminal sexual activity, or travelling with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity with, a juvenile.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1998
Commends the members of the crews of the U.S. Navy destroyers of DesRon 61 who participated in the July 22, 1945, surface naval engagement in Tokyo Bay for their heroism, intrepidity, and skill in battle that contributed to the defeat of Japanese forces in World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1998
Amends the Clean Air Act to require emissions standards of performance for new or modified fossil fuel-fired electric utility units to apply to grandfathered units (units that were not subject to standards set forth in Federal regulations pertaining to fossil fuel-fired steam generators for which construction is commenced after August 17, 1971, and certain other steam generating units or to subsequent standards for such units) that: (1) have the capacity to generate more than 25 megawatts of electrical output per hour; and (2) generate electricity that flows through transmission or connected facilities that cross State lines (including electricity in a transaction that for regulatory purposes is treated as an intrastate rather than an interstate transaction). Requires grandfathered units to comply with standards established before this Act's enactment within five years of this Act's enactment and within three years of enactment of any standard established after this Act's enactment. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to provide an alternative means of complying with such standards, to: (1) establish national annual limitations for calendar year 2003 and subsequent years for each pollutant subject to standards at a level equal to the aggregate emissions of each pollutant that would result from application of the standards to all affected electric utility units; (2) allocate transferable allowances for such pollutants to such units in an annual quantity not to exceed such limitations based on each unit's share of the total electric generation from such units in each year; and (3) require grandfathered units to meet standards by emitting no more of each regulated pollutant than the quantity of allowances held by such units for the year.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1998
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of State should: (1) take measures to ensure that U.S. assistance and exports of equipment to Mexican security forces are used primarily for counter-narcotics purposes and do not contribute to human rights violations; (2) encourage the Government of Mexico to reduce political tension and violence in Chiapas by disarming paramilitary groups and decreasing its military presence there; (3) commend such Government for inviting the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit to discuss the Chiapas conflict; (4) encourage such Government and the Zapatista National Liberation Army to create conditions for good faith negotiations that address the social, economic, and political causes of the conflict; (5) support efforts to provide and monitor relief assistance to displaced persons in Chiapas; and (6) seek a commitment from such Government to respect the rights of U.S. citizens and human rights monitors in Mexico in accordance with Mexican and international law.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1998
Establishes the National Museum of Women's History Advisory Committee. Directs the Advisory Committee to study matters relating to: (1) a site for the Museum in Washington, D.C.; (2) a business plan for the Museum's creation and maintenance, to be funded solely through private contributions; and (3) assisting the Museum's collection and programs. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide administrative services, facilities, support, and funds for the performance of the Advisory Committee's duties.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1998
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the definition of "qualified foster care payment" to include a payment received by a licensed placement agency. (Current law requires an agency which is not a State or local agency to be a tax-exempt agency.)
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1998
Medicare HMO Beneficiary Emergency Relief Act of 1998 - Provides that, if an eligible organization under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act has a risk-sharing contract in effect on December 31, 1998, and does not convert it to a contract to offer a Medicare+Choice plan under Medicare part C effective January 1, 1999, then such risk-sharing contract shall be deemed to be extended through June 30, 1999, under its existing terms and conditions. Excludes from the application of this Act any eligible organization that, for reasons of financial hardship, cannot convert a risk-sharing contract to a contract to offer a Medicare+Choice plan. Requires a Medicare+Choice organization offering a Medicare+Choice plan in an area affected by such a contract extension to accept, between November 1, 1998, and June 30, 1999, elections to enroll in such plan by individuals currently enrolled under the contract being extended. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the eligible organization whose contract is being extended to negotiate for a new contract which may enable the organization to convert its contract to a contract to offer a Medicare+Choice plan.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1998
Medicare HMO Protection Act of 1998 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to delay the effectiveness of a Medicare+Choice organization's termination of its plan with respect to all individuals in an area, if: (1) the termination would cause an imminent and serious health risk to enrollees; (2) the termination would result in a significant reduction in the Medicare+Choice plans available in the area affected; or (3) the organization terminating coverage is offering Medicare+Choice plans in contract areas close to the area affected without suffering considerable financial losses. Amends Medicare part C with regard to contracts with Medicare+Choice organizations to provide for extension of the initial Medicare+Choice contract period from one year to three years and to revise certain requirements for notification of enrollees at the time of contract termination.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1998
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 Action Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions Fairness in Asbestos Compensation Act of 1998 - 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.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1998
Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit a person from holding a gun show unless such person is licensed to hold a gun show and not less than 30 days have elapsed since the person has notified the Secretary of the Treasury and the chief law enforcement officer of the appropriate jurisdiction of the postal address and the dates and times at which the show is to be held. Sets forth provisions regarding license application requirements, fees, and application approval or denial procedures. Requires that before any unlicensed person may transfer any firearm at a gun show, such person shall provide to the holder of the show written notice of: (1) the name, age, and address of such person and of the transferee; (2) the serial number, make, and model of the firearm; and (3) the date and location of the transfer. Requires the holder of the show to: (1) comply with requirements imposed on firearms dealers with respect to firearm transfers; and (2) deliver show records to the Secretary within 30 days after the show. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1998
Excludes from gross income for Federal income and gift tax purposes any portions of amounts paid to David R. Kaczynski of Schenectady, New York, and his wife, Linda E. Patrik, for information leading to the arrest of Theodore J. Kaczynski in the "Unabomber" case which are used to: (1) pay attorney's fees in connection with the "Unabomber case;" or (2) benefit "Unabomber" victims and their families or any irrevocable trust established for them.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1998
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to: (1) repeal a provision which prohibits a State or local government from regulating the placement, construction, or modification of personal wireless service facilities (communications towers) on the basis of the environmental effects of frequency emissions from such facilities when such facilities comply with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations; (2) allow any person adversely affected by any final action or failure to act by a State or local government with respect to such facilities to commence an action in any court of competent jurisdiction within 30 days after exhaustion of any administrative remedies; (3) require that, in any action in which a person seeking to place, construct, or modify such a facility is a party, such person bear the burden of proof of its necessity; and (4) prohibit the FCC from adopting as a final rule a certain proposed rule which would preempt State and local zoning and land use restrictions on the siting, placement, and construction of broadcast station transmission facilities. Prohibits any provision of such Act from being interpreted to: (1) authorize any person to place, construct, or modify a broadcast or telecommunications tower in a manner that is inconsistent with State or local law or contrary to an official State decision if alternate technology is capable of delivering the broadcast or telecommunications signals without the use of such a tower; or (2) prohibit a State or local government from requiring a person seeking authority to locate such facilities within a local jurisdiction to produce appropriate documentation of compliance with FCC radio frequency exposure limits and aviation safety standards. Authorizes such State or local government to refuse to grant such location authority to any person who fails to produce such documentation.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1998
Library of Congress Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the Library of Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to mint and issue $10 bimetallic coins of gold and platinum in lieu of the gold coins. Requires payment of coin sale surcharges to the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board to support Library activities.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Combating Violence in Schools and Punishing Juvenile Crime Subtitle A: Assistance to Schools Subtitle B: Federal Prosecution of Serious and Violent Juvenile Offenders Subtitle C: Assistance to States for Prosecuting and Punishing Juvenile Offenders, and Reducing Juvenile Crime Subtitle D: Protecting Children From Gun Violence Title II: Combating Gang Violence Subtitle A: Enhanced Penalties for Gang-Related Activities Subtitle B: Targeting Gang-Related Gun Offenses Subtitle C: Using and Protecting Witnesses to Help Prosecute Gangs and Other Violent Criminals Subtitle D: Gang Paraphernalia Subtitle E: Grants to Target Gang Crime and Violent Juveniles Title III: Combating Violence on the Streets Subtitle A: More Police Officers on the Beat Subtitle B: Violent Offender Incarceration and Truth- in-Sentencing Grants Subtitle C: Domestic Violence Subtitle D: Assistance to Local Law Enforcement Subtitle E: Protecting Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Officers and the Judiciary Subtitle F: Extension of Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund Subtitle G: Punishing Hate Crimes and Protecting Civil Rights Subtitle H: Deterring Cargo Theft Subtitle I: Improvements to Federal Criminal Law Title IV: Preventing Juvenile Crime Subtitle A: Grants to Youth Organizations Subtitle B: "Say No to Drugs" Community Centers Act of 1997 Subtitle C: Missing and Exploited Children Subtitle D: Reauthorization of Incentive Grants for Local Delinquency Prevention Programs Subtitle E: Reauthorization of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act Subtitle F: Authorization of Anti-Drug Abuse Programs Subtitle G: Jump Ahead Act of 1998 Subtitle H: Truancy Prevention Subtitle I: Juvenile Crime Control and Delinquency Prevention Act Title V: Drug Testing and Intervention Subtitle A: Combating Drugs in Prisons Subtitle B: Protecting Children From Dangerous Drugs Subtitle C: Drug Courts Subtitle D: Development of Medicines for the Treatment of Drug Addiction Subtitle E: National Drug Control Policy Subtitle F: Improving Effectiveness of Youth Crime and Drug Prevention Efforts Title VI: Criminal History Records Subtitle A: National Criminal History Access Subtitle B: State Grant Program for Criminal Justice Identification, Information, and Communication Title VII: Enhancement of Rights and Protections for Victims of Crime Subtitle A: Crime Victims Assistance Subtitle B: Crime Victims With Disabilities Awareness Act Subtitle C: Victims of Juvenile Crimes Title VIII: Combating Money Laundering Title IX: Combating International Crime Subtitle A: Investigating and Punishing Violent Crimes Against United States Nationals Abroad Subtitle B: Denying Safe Havens to International Criminals Subtitle C: Seizing and Forfeiting the Assets of International Criminals Subtitle D: Responding to Emerging International Crime Threats Subtitle E: Promoting Global Cooperation in the Fight Against International Crime Subtitle F: Streamlining the Investigation and Prosecution of International Crimes in United States Courts Title X: Strengthening the Air, Land, and Sea Borders of the United States Subtitle A: Violence Committed Along United States Borders Subtitle B: Strengthening Maritime Law Enforcement Along United States Borders Subtitle C: Smuggling of Contraband and Other Illegal Products Subtitle D: Strengthening Immigration Laws to Exclude International Criminals From the United States Subtitle E: Alien Smuggling Subtitle F: Trafficking in Chemicals Used to Produce Drugs Subtitle G: Arms Trafficking Safe Schools, Safe Streets, and Secure Borders Act of 1998 - Title I: Combating Violence in Schools and Punishing Juvenile Crime - Subtitle A: Assistance to Schools - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Safe Streets Act) to authorize the use of grants under the public safety and community policing program to establish school-based partnerships between local law enforcement agencies and local school systems by using school resource officers who operate in and around elementary and secondary schools to combat school-related crime and disorder problems, gangs, and drug activities. (Sec. 1002) Directs the Attorney General, the Secretary of Education (Secretary), and the Secretary of Energy to enter into an agreement for the establishment at the Sandia National Laboratories in partnership with the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center--Southeast of a School Security Technology Center. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1003) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary to award grants on a competitive basis to local educational agencies to enable such agencies to acquire security technology, or carry out activities related to improving security at the middle and high schools served by the agencies, including obtaining school security assessments, and technical assistance for the development of a comprehensive school security plan from the School Security Technology Center. Directs the Secretary to give priority to agencies showing the highest security needs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1004) Directs the Attorney General to develop and submit to the Congress a proposal to further improve school security. Subtitle B: Federal Prosecution of Serious and Violent Juvenile Offenders - Part 1: Reform of Federal Juvenile System - Revises Federal criminal code (code) provisions regarding delinquency proceedings and criminal prosecutions in district courts to authorize a juvenile alleged to have committed an act on or after the day the juvenile attains age 16 to be prosecuted as an adult if specified conditions are met, such as if: (1) the juvenile has requested in writing upon advice of counsel to be prosecuted as an adult; and (2) the act, if committed by an adult, would be a felony crime of violence or a specified serious drug or other offense. Requires the approval of the Attorney General or the Attorney General's designee to prosecute a juvenile between the ages of 13 and 16. (Under current law, the decision to charge a juvenile as an adult for specified crimes is a result of a motion by the United States to transfer the juvenile for criminal prosecution, and the offenses subject to this transfer authority are limited.) Makes a determination regarding approval or institution of prosecution under this title non-reviewable in court, with exceptions. Allows a juvenile to be prosecuted and convicted as an adult for any other offense which is properly joined under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and convicted of a lesser included offense. (Sec. 1211) Limits the applicability of statutory minimum sentences in certain prosecutions of persons under age 16. (Sec. 1213) Requires: (1) an arresting officer to promptly take reasonable steps to notify the parents, guardian, or custodian of a juvenile taken into custody (current law requires immediate notification of such parties and the Attorney General); and (2) the juvenile to be taken before a judicial officer without unreasonable delay (current law prohibits a juvenile from being detained for longer than a reasonable period before being brought before a magistrate). (Sec. 1215) Requires juvenile delinquency proceedings for a juvenile in detention to begin within 45 (currently, 30) days after the beginning of such detention. Directs the court, in determining whether an information should be dismissed with or without prejudice, to consider the seriousness of the offense, the facts and circumstances of the case that led to the dismissal, and the impact of a reprosecution on the administration of justice. (Sec. 1216) Modifies sentencing options under the code to make available increased detention, fines, and supervised release for adjudicated delinquents. Makes mandatory restitution applicable to adjudicated delinquents. Increases, for an adjudicated delinquent, the maximum period of: (1) probation to the same period applicable to an adult; and (2) official detention to the lesser of the maximum term of imprisonment authorized if the juvenile had been tried and convicted as an adult, ten years, or the date on which the juvenile attains age 26. Authorizes the court, pursuant to guidelines promulgated by the United States Sentencing Commission, to treat the conviction as adult of juveniles aged 13, 14, and 15 as an adjudication of delinquency. Directs the Commission to promulgate such guidelines within one year of this Act's enactment. (Sec. 1217) Modifies code provisions regarding the use of juvenile records to direct that the court records of the original proceeding be safeguarded from unauthorized disclosure. Allows release of such records as necessary to meet inquiries from the official representative of the victim of such juvenile delinquency in appropriate cases, and in other specified circumstances, to: (1) apprise such victim or representative of the status or disposition of the proceeding; (2) effectuate any other legal provision; or (3) assist in a victim's, or the victim's official representative's, allocution at disposition. Directs that, if a juvenile has been adjudicated delinquent for an act that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony or for a violation of the prohibition under the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act against selling, delivering, or otherwise transferring a handgun or ammunition suitable for use only in a handgun to a person known or reasonably believed to be a juvenile: (1) the juvenile shall be fingerprinted and photographed, and the fingerprints and photograph sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (2) the court shall transmit to the FBI the information concerning the adjudication; and (3) access to the fingerprints, photograph, and other records and information relating to the juvenile shall be restricted. Part 2: Incarceration of Juveniles in the Federal System - Amends code provisions regarding juvenile detention to require that juveniles being prosecuted as adults be detained prior to sentencing: (1) in such suitable place as the Attorney General may designate, with preference given to a place located within, or a reasonable distance of, the district in which the juvenile is being prosecuted, if the juvenile is 16 years of age or older; and (2) in such an available, suitable juvenile facility, in any other such facility, or if no such facility is available, in any other suitable place as the Attorney General may designate if the juvenile is under age 16. Directs that, to the extent practicable, violent juveniles be kept separate from nonviolent juveniles. Expands current protections for juveniles detained prior to disposition to cover detention prior to disposition or sentencing, and to provide for reasonable safety and security. (Sec. 1221) Amends code provisions regarding commitment to: (1) prohibit the Attorney General from causing any person under age 18 adjudicated delinquent, or under age 16 convicted of an offense, to be placed or retained in an adult jail or correctional facility in which the person has prohibited physical contact or sustained oral communication with adults incarcerated because they have been convicted of a crime or are awaiting trial on criminal charges; and (2) provide for reasonable safety and security for every juvenile adjudicated delinquent. Subtitle C: Assistance to States for Prosecuting and Punishing Juvenile Offenders, and Reducing Juvenile Crime - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States, local governments, or any combination thereof, to assist them in planning, establishing, and operating secure facilities, staff-secure facilities, detention centers, and other correctional programs for violent juvenile offenders, to be used: (1) for collocated facilities for adult prisoners and violent juvenile offenders; and (2) only for the construction or operation of facilities in which violent juvenile offenders are substantially segregated from nonviolent juvenile offenders. Sets forth provisions regarding application requirements, minimum allocations, performance evaluation, technical assistance, juvenile facilities on tribal lands, and a report on the possible use of performance-based criteria in evaluating and improving the effectiveness of juvenile corrections facilities and programs. (Sec. 1301) Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States, State and local courts, local governments, and Indian tribes, for the purposes of: (1) providing juvenile courts with a range of sentencing options such that first time juvenile offenders face at least some level of punishment as a result of their initial contact with the juvenile justice system; and (2) increasing the sentencing options available to juvenile court judges so that juvenile offenders receive increasingly severe sanctions as the seriousness of their unlawful conduct increases and for each additional offense. Sets forth provisions regarding application requirements, considerations in awarding grants, allocation of grant funds, use of grant amounts, grant limitations, the Federal share, and reporting and evaluation requirements. Authorizes appropriations from the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund (Fund). (Sec. 1302) Directs the Attorney General to establish a pilot program to encourage and support communities who adopt a comprehensive approach to suppressing and preventing violent juvenile crime patterned after successful State juvenile crime reduction strategies. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1303) Amends: (1) the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 to provide for the reimbursement of States for the costs of incarcerating juvenile alien offenders; and (2) the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to require that the annual report on criminal aliens include details of the number of illegal juvenile aliens that are committed to State or local juvenile correctional facilities, including the type of offense committed by each juvenile. Subtitle D: Protecting Children From Violence - Part 1: Gun Offenses - Amends the Brady Act to: (1) define the term "act of juvenile delinquency" to mean an adjudication of delinquency based on a finding of the commission of an act by a person prior to his or her eighteenth birthday that, if committed by an adult, would be a serious drug offense or violent felony, on or after the date of this subtitle's enactment; and (2) cover adjudications of juvenile delinquency. (Sec. 1411) Requires an applicant for a license to deal in firearms to certify that secure gun storage or safety devices will be available at any place in which firearms are sold under the license to persons who are not licensees, with an exception. Provides for the revocation of a dealer's license for failure to have available secure gun storage or safety devices. (Sec. 1412) Enhances penalties for discharging or possessing a firearm during a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime, with exceptions. (Sec. 1413) Increases penalties for selling, delivering, or otherwise transferring a handgun or ammunition suitable for use only in a handgun to a person known or reasonably believed to be a juvenile. Subjects a person (currently, a person other than a juvenile) who knowingly violates such prohibition to such penalties. (Sec. 1414) Makes serious juvenile drug offenses predicates to violations of the Armed Career Criminal statute. (Sec. 1415) Increases penalties for: (1) transferring a firearm to a minor for use in a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime; and (2) firearms conspiracy. Part 2: Local Gun Violence Prevention Programs - Authorizes the Secretary or the State educational agency to award grants to eligible local educational agencies for the purposes of educating children about preventing gun violence. Sets forth provisions regarding State and local application requirements, including assurances that 90 percent of allotted funds be distributed to local educational agencies, priorities in grant awards, peer review of grant applications, eligible grant recipients, eligible grant recipients, reporting requirements, and authorized activities. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1422) Directs the Secretary to: (1) include on the Internet site of the Department of Education a description of programs that receive grants; and (2) publicize the competitive grant program through its Internet site, publications, and public service announcements. (Sec. 1423) Amends the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1994 to include within a comprehensive drug and violence prevention program carried out by a local educational agency: (1) timely counseling; (2) evaluations of any student who possesses a weapon, or who threatens to bring or use a weapon, on school grounds; and (3) advice to public school students, staff, and administrators after an incident of violence on school grounds. (Sec. 1424) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) expand the number of cities and counties directly participating in the Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative (YCGII) to 75 by October 1, 2000, 150 by October 1, 2002, and 250 by October 1, 2003; (2) facilitate the identification and prosecution of individuals illegally trafficking firearms to prohibited individuals, utilizing information provided by YCGII, and award grants to States, cities, and counties to assist in the tracing of firearms and participation in YCGII. (Sec. 1425) Amends the Safe Streets Act to require the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, in awarding discretionary grants to public agencies to undertake law enforcement gang-related initiatives, to give priority to a public agency that includes in its application a description of strategies or programs of that agency providing cooperation between Federal, State, and local law enforcement authorities, through the use of firearms and ballistics identification systems, to disrupt illegal sale or transfer of firearms to or between juveniles through tracing the sources of guns used in crime that were provided to juveniles. Part 3: Juvenile Gun Courts - Authorizes the Attorney General to provide grants to States, State and local courts, local governments, and Indian tribes for court-based juvenile justice programs that target juvenile firearm offenders through the establishment of juvenile gun courts. Requires each applicant to submit a comprehensive implementation plan. Provides for grant award uses and limitations, with a Federal share limit of 90 percent of total program costs. Sets forth reporting and evaluation requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Part 4: Youth Violence Courts - Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (VCCLEA) to authorize the Attorney General to award grants and enter into cooperative agreements with States, State, local, and tribal courts, local governments, and Indian tribes to plan, develop, implement, and administer programs to adjudicate and better manage juvenile and youthful violent offenders within State, tribal, and local court systems. Sets forth provisions regarding application requirements, the Federal share, geographic distribution, and training and technical assistance. Title II: Combating Gang Violence - Subtitle A: Enhanced Penalties for Gang-Related Activities - Amends the code to: (1) set forth criminal penalties for anyone who travels in interstate or foreign commerce to recruit, solicit, induce, command, or cause to create, or attempt to create, a franchise of a criminal street gang; and (2) direct the Commission to amend the Federal sentencing guidelines to provide an appropriate enhancement for the use of minors in a criminal street gang and the recruitment of minors in furtherance of the creation of a criminal street gang franchise. (Sec. 2102) Includes franchising a criminal street gang as a "racketeering activity" for purposes of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). (Sec. 2103) Directs the Commission to provide an appropriate enhancement with respect to any: (1) offense committed in connection with, or in furtherance of the activities of, a criminal street gang if the defendant is a member of the gang at the time of the offense; and (2) defendant who discharges a firearm during or in relation to any crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. (Sec. 2105) Sets penalties for arson or bombings at facilities of any institution or organization receiving Federal financial assistance. (Sec. 2106) Eliminates any statute of limitations with respect to any offense punishable by death or for a Class A felony involving murder. (Sec. 2107) Extends to ten years after the commission of the offense the statute of limitations with respect to a Class A felony that is a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime. (Sec. 2108) Increases penalties under RICO for gang and violent crimes. Increases the penalty and broadens the scope of the statute against violent crimes in aid of racketeering. (Sec. 2110) Removes from the carjacking prohibition the requirement of intent to cause death or serious bodily harm. Amends RICO to provide that it is not necessary to establish that the defendant personally committed an act of racketeering activity to be guilty of conspiracy to violate the Act. (Sec. 2112) Provides for civil and criminal forfeiture for crimes of violence, racketeering, and obstruction of justice. (Sec. 2113) Expands the definition of "racketeering activity" under RICO to cover acts or threats occurring solely in Indian country. (Sec. 2114) Authorizes the Attorney General and the FBI to investigate serial killings in violation of the laws of a State or political subdivision, when requested by the head of a law enforcement agency with investigative or prosecutive jurisdiction over the offense. (Sec. 2115) Increases penalties for violence in the course of riot offenses. (Sec. 2116) Defines "prison" to include privately owned facilities housing Federal prisoners or prisoners who are serving a term of imprisonment under a commitment order from a State other than that in which the penal facility is located. Subtitle B: Targeting Gang-Related Gun Offenses - Amends the Brady Act to prohibit and set penalties for transferring a firearm having reasonable cause to believe that such firearm will be used to commit a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. (Sec. 2201) Increases the penalty for knowingly receiving a firearm with an obliterated serial number. (Sec. 2202) Directs the Commission to amend the sentencing guidelines to increase the base offense level for certain offenses regarding transfers of firearms to prohibited persons. (Sec. 2203) Amends the code to provide for the forfeiture of firearms used to commit or facilitate the commission of any crime of violence or Federal felony. Sets forth provisions regarding disposal of forfeited property, the Secretary of the Treasury's authority to seize such property, and a 120-day rule for administrative forfeiture. Subtitle C: Using and Protecting Witnesses To Help Prosecute Gangs and Other Violent Criminals - Amends the code to prohibit, and set penalties for, traveling in interstate or foreign commerce with intent to engage in witness intimidation or obstruction of justice. (Sec. 2301) Includes within the definition of: (1) "convicted" a finding that a person has committed an act of juvenile delinquency; and (2) "crime of violence" offenses relating to the possession of explosives or firearms by convicted felons. Directs the judicial officer, in determining whether conditions of release will reasonably assure the appearance of the person as required and the safety of any other person and the community, to take into account available information including whether the person was a member of or participated in a criminal street gang or racketeering enterprise. (Sec. 2302) Subjects those who conspire to commit obstruction of justice offenses involving victims, witnesses, and informants to the same penalties as those prescribed for the offense the commission of which was the object of the conspiracy. (Sec. 2303) Specifies that a code provision regarding bribery of public officials and witnesses (giving or offering anything of value to testify) shall not be construed to apply to an officer or employee of the United States, a State or local government, or any agency thereof, acting in accordance with official duties to investigate or prosecute any criminal or civil law violation, nor shall it be construed to apply to a potential witness who demands, seeks, receives, accepts, or agrees to accept anything of value that may be given, offered, or promised consistent with such provision. (Sec. 2304) Amends the code and Rule 35 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to allow a reduction of sentence for providing substantial assistance in the investigation of any offense. (Sec. 2305) Prohibits, and sets penalties for, using physical force or the threat of physical force, or attempts to do so, with intent to withhold testimony, evade legal process, or hinder the communication to a law enforcement officer or judge of information relating to the commission or possible commission of a Federal offense or of conditions of probation, parole, or release pending judicial proceedings. (Sec. 2306) Expands the Federal kidnapping offense to cover circumstances where the victim's death occurs before crossing a State line and where the mail or a facility in interstate or foreign commerce is used in furtherance of the offense. (Sec. 2307) Prohibits, and sets penalties for, travel in interstate or foreign commerce to commit any felony crime of violence. (Sec. 2308) Amends Federal law regarding certain interstate communications (regarding kidnapping and extortion), mailing threatening communications (from within and outside of the United States) to specify that such law covers threats to kill. (Sec. 2309) Amends a code provision regarding obstruction of criminal investigations to define the term "subpoena for records" to mean a Federal grand jury subpoena or a Department of Justice (DOJ) subpoena for customer records that have been served relating to a violation of, or a conspiracy to violate, the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act, provisions of the Internal Revenue Code regarding returns relating to cash received in trade or business (including cash receipts of more than $10,000), and provisions relating to a Federal health care offense. (Sec. 2310) Eliminates the proof of value requirement for felony theft or conversion of grand jury material. Subtitle D: Gang Paraphernalia - Directs a provider of a paging or electronic communication service, upon the request of an attorney for the Government or an officer of a law enforcement agency authorized to use a clone pager, to furnish such investigative or law enforcement officer all information, facilities, and technical assistance necessary to accomplish the use of the pager unobtrusively and with a minimum of interference with the services that the person so ordered by the court provides to the subscriber, if such assistance is directed by a court order. Sets forth requirements regarding applications for orders for the use of a clone pager and issuance of such orders. (Sec. 2401) Directs the Commission to amend the sentencing guidelines to provide an appropriate sentencing enhancement for any: (1) offense in which the defendant used body armor; and (2) serious violent felony or serious drug offense in which the defendant possessed a firearm equipped with a laser-sighting device, or possessed a firearm and possessed such a device (capable of being readily attached to the firearm). (Sec. 2403) Amends the code to require a provider of mobile electronic communication service to provide to a governmental entity information generated by and disclosing, on a real time basis, the physical location of a subscriber's equipment only if such entity obtains a court order issued upon a finding that there is probable cause to believe that an individual using or possessing the subscriber equipment is committing, has committed, or is about to commit a felony. (Sec. 2404) Revises provisions regarding issuance of an order for a pen register or a trap and trace device to authorize the court, upon application for such order, to enter an ex parte order: (1) authorizing the installation and use of a pen register or a trap and trace device within the jurisdiction of the court if the court finds, based on the certification by the attorney for the Government or the State law enforcement or investigative officer, that the information likely to be obtained by such installation and use is relevant to an ongoing criminal investigation; and (2) directing that the use of the pen register or trap and trace device be conducted in such a way as to minimize the recording or decoding of any electronic or other impulses that are not related to the dialing and signaling information utilized in call processing. Subtitle E: Grants to Target Gang Crime and Violent Juveniles - Part 1: Grants to Prosecutors' Offices - Amends the VCCLEA to direct the Attorney General to include among uses of community-based justice grants for prosecutors: (1) the hiring of additional prosecutors; (2) funding to enable prosecutors to address drug, gang, and youth violence problems more effectively; (3) funding to assist prosecutors with funding for technology, equipment, and training to assist them in reducing the incidence of and increase the successful identification and speed of prosecution of young violent offenders; and (4) funding to assist prosecutors in their efforts to engage in community prosecution, problem solving, and conflict resolution techniques through collaborative efforts with police, school officials, probation officers, social service agencies, and community organizations. (Sec. 2511) Authorizes such grants to be made to combinations of State, Indian, and local prosecutors. (Sec. 2512) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 2513) Earmarks appropriated funds for: (1) training and technical assistance (two percent); and (2) research, statistics, and evaluation (ten percent). Part 2: High Intensity Interstate Gang Activity Areas - Authorizes the Attorney General: (1) to designate as a high intensity interstate gang activity area a specified area that is located within a State or in more than one State; and (2) in order to provide Federal assistance to a high intensity interstate gang activity area, to facilitate the establishment of a regional task force and to direct the detailing from a Federal department or agency of personnel to such area. Sets forth criteria for area designation. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Combating Violence on the Streets - Subtitle A: More Police Officers on the Beat - Amends the Safe Streets Act to: (1) extend through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for public safety and community policing grants; and (2) limit to 20 percent of grant funds available in any fiscal year the amount authorized for grants for equipment, technology, and support systems. (Sec. 3102) Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States, local governmental units, Indian tribes, other public and private entities, and multijurisdictional or regional consortia to encourage the use of, and to implement, 311 nonemergency telecommunication systems for public safety. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund through FY 2002. Subtitle B: Violent Offender Incarceration and Truth-in-Sentencing Grants - Amends the VCCLEA to revise the formula allocation between States and U.S. territories and possessions for technical assistance and training to entities receiving grants under such grant program through FY 2002. Subtitle C: Domestic Violence - Extends through FY 2002: (1) grants to combat violent crimes against women; (2) education and prevention grants to reduce sexual assaults against women; (3) the grant for a national domestic violence hotline; (4) grants for battered women's shelters; and (5) programs for victims of child abuse. (Sec. 3301) Amends the Safe Streets Act to redefine "rural State" for purposes of rural domestic and child abuse enforcement assistance to include a State that has a population density of more than 60 persons per square mile. (Sec. 3302) Amends the interstate domestic violence statute to cover attempts to commit interstate domestic violence and intimidation. (Sec. 3304) Punishes interstate travel with intent to kill a spouse. Subtitle D: Assistance to Local Law Enforcement - Amends the Safe Streets Act and the VCCLEA to extend through FY 2002 the funding for: (1) law enforcement family support; (2) rural drug enforcement and training; (3) DNA identification grants; (4) Byrne grants (law enforcement training and education); (5) technical automation grants; and (6) grants for State court prosecutors. Requires no less than 20 percent of the funds made available during FY 2001 and 2002 for the latter grant program to be used to provide increased resources to State juvenile courts, including its prosecutors, public defenders, and other juvenile court system participants. Subtitle E: Protecting Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Officers and the Judiciary - Amends the code to expand coverage of a provision regarding the protection of U.S. officers and employees to cover killings or attempted killings of: (1) U.S. officers and employees because of the status of the victim as such an officer or employee; and (2) persons assisting who are officers or employees of a State or local government, because of the status of the victim as such an officer or employee. (Sec. 3501) Increases terms of imprisonment for: (1) assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees; and (2) influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a Federal official by threatening a family member. (Sec. 3503) Sets penalties for mailing threatening communications to a U.S. judge, a Federal law enforcement officer, and specified officers and employees. (Sec. 3504) Directs the Commission to review and amend the Federal sentencing guidelines and the Commissions policy state, if appropriate, to provide an appropriate sentencing enhancement for offenses involving influencing, assaulting, resisting, impeding, retaliating against, or threatening a Federal judge, magistrate judge, or other specified officials. (Sec. 3505) Extends the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998 through FY 2003. (Sec. 3506) Expands the scope of code provisions regarding the killing of persons aiding Federal investigations or State correctional officers to cover specified persons killed in furtherance of State and joint Federal-State criminal investigations. (Sec. 3507) Includes within such a provision for a mandatory minimum of 20 years imprisonment, life imprisonment, or death, a circumstance where the incarcerated person is incarcerated pending an initial appearance, arraignment, trial, or appeal for an offense against the United States. (Sec. 3508) Federal Law Enforcement Officers' Good Samaritan Act of 1998 - Provides that a law enforcement officer shall be construed to be acting within the scope of his or her office or employment if the officer takes reasonable action, including the use of force, that is determined by such officer to be necessary to: (1) protect an individual in the officer's presence from a crime of violence; (2) provide immediate assistance to an individual who has suffered or who is threatened with bodily injury; or (3) prevent the escape of any individual whom the officer reasonably believes to have committed, in his or her presence, a crime of violence. (Sec. 3509) Amends the code to provide that testimony by Secret Service or former Secret Service personnel regarding information affecting a protectee (defined to include the President, Vice President, President-elect, Vice President-elect, and certain visiting heads of foreign states) that was acquired during the performance of a protective function in physical proximity to the protectee shall not be disclosed in any proceeding, with exceptions. Subtitle F: Extension of Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund - Amends the VCCLEA to reauthorize appropriations through FY 2002 for the Fund and to provide for a reduction in discretionary spending limits for FY 2001-2002. Subtitle G: Punishing Hate Crimes and Protecting Civil Rights - Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 1998 - Amends the code to set penalties for persons who, whether or not acting under color of law, willfully cause bodily injury to any person or, through the use of fire, firearm, or explosive device, attempt to cause such injury, because of the actual or perceived: (1) race, color, religion, or national origin of any person; and (2) religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability of any person, where in connection with the offense, the defendant or the victim travels in interstate or foreign commerce, uses a facility or instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce, or engages in any activity affecting interstate or foreign commerce, or where the offense is in or affects interstate or foreign commerce. Directs the Commission to study the issue of adult recruitment of juveniles to commit hate crimes and, if appropriate, amend the Federal sentencing guidelines to provide sentencing enhancements for adult defendants who recruit juveniles to assist in the commission of hate crimes. Requires the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of DOJ to make grants to State and local programs designed to combat hate crimes committed by juveniles. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of the Treasury and to DOJ to increase the number of personnel to prevent and respond to alleged violations of provisions regarding interference with specified federally protected activities, such as voting. (Sec. 3701) Amends the code to punish attempted deprivations of civil rights under color of law. (Sec. 3702) Amends the Hate Crimes Statistics Act to direct the Attorney General, beginning for calendar year 1998, to include data regarding the age of offenders. (Sec. 3703) Amends the VCCLEA to direct the Commission to promulgate, or amend existing, guidelines to provide sentencing enhancements of not less than three offense levels for offenses that the court at sentencing (currently, the finder of fact at trial) determines beyond a reasonable doubt are hate crimes. Subtitle H: Deterring Cargo Theft - Amends the code regarding thefts pertaining to interstate or foreign shipments by carrier to include thefts of trailers and air cargo containers and thefts from freight consolidation facilities. Increases the maximum penalty from one year to three years imprisonment. Specifies that goods and chattel shall be construed to be moving as an interstate or foreign shipment at all points between the point of origin and the final destination. Makes it an affirmative defense that the defendant bought, received, or possessed the goods at issue with the sole intent to report the matter to an appropriate law enforcement officer or to the owner. Directs: (1) the Commission to amend the Federal sentencing guidelines to promulgate amendments and to provide an appropriate enhancement; and (2) the Attorney General to annually submit to the Congress a report including an evaluation of law enforcement activities relating to the investigation and prosecution of such offenses. Establishes the Advisory Committee on Cargo Theft to study, and develop recommendations regarding, the establishment of: (1) a national computer database for the collection and dissemination of information relating to violations of cargo theft provisions; and (2) an office within the Federal Government to promote, and to increase coordination between the Government and the private sector regarding, cargo security. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3803) Amends the code to add attempts to various theft and embezzlement-related prohibitions. (Sec. 3805) Expands a provision regarding breaking into a post office (including attempts) to include breaking into any post office box or postal stamp vending machine. (Sec. 3806) Makes provisions regarding transportation, and sale or receipt, of stolen vehicles applicable to vessels. Subtitle I: Improvements to Federal Criminal Law - Part 1: Sentencing Improvements - Amends the Federal judicial code to direct the Commission to promulgate and distribute to the courts sentencing guidelines and policy statements that are consistent with all pertinent provisions of any Federal statute. (Sec. 3911) Doubles the maximum penalty for voluntary manslaughter. (Sec. 3912) Authorizes imposition of both a fine and imprisonment rather than only either penalty for contempt and for destruction of letter boxes or mail. (Sec. 3913) Adds a supervised release violation as a predicate for specified offenses. (Sec. 3914) Authorizes the court to impose a sentence of probation or supervised release when reducing a sentence of imprisonment in certain cases where it finds extraordinary and compelling reasons warrant a reduction or the defendant is at least age 70, has served at least 30 years imprisonment, and meets other specified criteria. (Sec. 3915) Doubles the penalty for attempting or conspiring to commit murder or kidnapping in aid of racketeering activity. Part 2: Additional Improvements to Federal Criminal Law - Prohibits, and sets penalties for, false advertising or misuse of name to indicate the United States Marshals Service. (Sec. 3921) Includes among offenses committed within Indian country a felony involving willful and malicious destruction of, or attempts to destroy, buildings or property within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. (Sec. 3922) Revises the Amber Hagerman Child Protection Act of 1996 to prohibit and set penalties for (currently, crossing a State line with intent to engage in a sexual act with a person under age 12), in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States or in a Federal prison, knowingly engaging in a sexual act with another person who has attained age 12 but not age 16 and is at least four years younger than the person so engaging. (Sec. 3923) Eliminates the "with intent to do bodily harm" element in the assault with a dangerous weapon offense. (Sec. 3924) Provides that in a criminal case an appeal by the United States shall lie to a court of appeals from a decision, judgment, or order of a district court dismissing an indictment or information or granting a new trial after verdict or judgment as to any one or more counts (as under current law) or any part thereof, with a double jeopardy exception. (Sec. 3925) Authorizes injunctive relief against disposal of gains from violations of fraud statutes. (Sec. 3926) Expands the interstate travel fraud statute to cover interstate travel by the perpetrator. (Sec. 3928) Provides that if the value of property embezzled, stolen, or otherwise converted or misapplied in connection with a health care benefit program does not exceed $1,000 (currently, $100) the defendant shall be fined, imprisoned for up to one year, or both. (Sec. 3929) Expands jurisdiction over child buying and selling offenses. (Sec. 3930) Includes assault as a predicate offense under RICO. (Sec. 3931) Limits the application of wiretap order disclosure provisions to an aggrieved party. (Sec. 3932) Makes technical corrections to the code and the Economic Espionage Act of 1996. Changes fine amounts under various provisions of the code and CSA. Title IV: Preventing Juvenile Crime - Subtitle A: Grants to Youth Organizations - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States, Indian tribes, and national or statewide nonprofit organizations in crime prone areas to: (1) provide constructive activities to youth during nonschool hours; (2) provide supervised activities in safe environments to youth in crime-prone areas; (3) provide antidrug education; (4) support police officer training, salaries, and educational materials to expand D.A.R.E. America's middle school campaign; or (5) provide constructive activities to youth in a safe environment through parks and other public recreation areas. (Sec. 4002) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) application requirements by national organizations and States; (2) allocations and grant limitations; and (3) report and evaluation. (Sec. 4006) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: "Say No to Drugs" Community Centers Act of 1998 - Say No to Drugs Community Centers Act of 1998 - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to certain approved recipients to provide the following services to youth during after-school hours or summer vacations: (1) rigorous drug prevention education; (2) drug counseling and treatment; (3) academic tutoring and mentoring; (4) activities promoting interaction between youth and law enforcement officials; (5) vaccinations and other preventive health care; (5) sexual abstinence education; and (7) other activities and instruction to reduce youth violence and substance abuse. Specifies the Federal and non-Federal share of costs, as well as grant allocation and reallocation requirements. (Sec. 4203) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Missing and Exploited Children - Amends the Missing Children's Assistance Act to direct that: (1) the national resource center and clearinghouse provide to foreign (currently, limited to State and local) governments information regarding programs and services to benefit or assist missing children and their families; and (2) the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention periodically conduct national incidence studies (as under current law) either by making grants to or entering into contracts with public or nonprofit private agencies. Subtitle D: Reauthorization of Incentive Grants for Local Delinquency Prevention Programs - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (JJDPA) to: (1) reauthorize appropriations through FY 2003 for incentive grants for local delinquency prevention programs; and (2) direct that, of amounts made available by appropriations for such programs, two percent be used for training and technical assistance, and ten percent for research, statistics, and evaluation. Subtitle E: Reauthorization of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act - Reauthorizes appropriations for the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act through FY 2003. Subtitle F: Authorization of Anti-Drug Abuse Programs - Amends the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 to reauthorize appropriations through FY 2003 for drug education and prevention relating to youth gangs, and for runaway and homeless youth. Subtitle G: Jump Ahead Act of 1998 - JUMP Ahead Act of 1998 - Amends the JJDPA with respect to juvenile mentoring grants. Specifies goals for the grant program and limits the amount and duration of grants. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 4704) Authorizes the Administrator to make youth mentoring program implementation and evaluation grants to national organizations or agencies serving youth. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 4705) Directs the Attorney General to: (1) contract with an evaluating organization for an ongoing evaluation of the programs and activities assisted under this Act or under JJDPA; (2) establish minimum criteria for evaluating such programs and activities; and (3) annually designate a program or activity assisted under this Act as the Juvenile Mentoring Program of the Year. Requires: (1) each grant recipient under this Act or under JJDPA to report annually to the evaluating organization on any program or activity so assisted; and (2) a report to the Congress evaluating such grants. Subtitle H: Truancy Prevention - Truancy Prevention and Juvenile Crime Reduction Act of 1998 - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to eligible partnerships of local governmental units and local educational agencies to reduce truancy and the incidence of daytime juvenile crime. Sets forth provisions regarding maximum grant awards, allocation of such awards, and grant renewal. Authorizes the use of grant amounts to comprehensively address truancy through: (1) parental involvement in prevention activities; (2) sanctions; (3) parental accountability; (4) in-school truancy prevention programs; (5) involvement of local law enforcement, social services, judicial, business, and religious communities, and nonprofit organizations; (6) technology; or (7) elimination of 40-day count and other unintended incentives to allow students to be truant after a certain time of school year. Authorizes the Attorney General to give priority to funding programs that attempt to replicate specified model programs. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle I: Juvenile Crime Control and Delinquency Prevention Act - Juvenile Crime Control and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1998 Amends the JJDPA to: (1) find that the juvenile crime problem should be addressed through a two-track approach by promoting quality prevention programs and programs that assist in holding juveniles accountable for their actions; (2) include as a purpose to support State and local programs that prevent juvenile involvement in delinquent behavior; and (3) define "violent crime" as murder or non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, or robbery, or aggravated assault committed with the use of a firearm. (Sec. 4905) Redesignates the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention as the Office of Juvenile Crime Control and Delinquency Prevention. (Sec. 4906) Modifies provisions of the Act regarding concentration of Federal effort to repeal the requirements that the Administrator of the Office develop for each fiscal year a comprehensive plan of activities and that each Federal agency administering a Federal juvenile delinquency program submit annually a juvenile delinquency development statement. (Sec. 4907) Eliminates certain allocations of funds to the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. (Sec. 4908) Modifies Act requirements regarding State plans. Provides that the advisory group shall consist of the State attorney general or such other State official who has primary responsibility for overseeing the enforcement of State criminal laws. Requires State plans to: (1) contain plans for providing needed services for the prevention and treatment of juvenile delinquency in rural areas, mental health services to juveniles in the juvenile justice system, and gender-specific services for the prevention and treatment of juvenile delinquency; and (2) provide for the coordination and maximum utilization of existing juvenile delinquency programs, programs operated by private agencies, and other related programs in the State. Requires such plans to provide that not less than 75 percent of the funds available to the State be used for specified purposes, including: (1) programs that assist in holding juveniles accountable for their actions; (2) expanded use of probation officers; (3) boot camps for juvenile offenders; (4) other activities (such as court-appointed special advocates) that the State determines will hold juveniles accountable for their acts and decrease juvenile involvement in delinquent activities; (5) programs that utilize multidisciplinary interagency case management and information sharing that enable the juvenile justice and law enforcement agencies, schools, and social service agencies to make more informed decisions regarding early identification, control, supervision, and treatment of juveniles who repeatedly commit violent or serious delinquent acts; and (6) programs designed to prevent and reduce hate crimes committed by juveniles. Revises State plan requirements regarding limits on the placement of juveniles in secure detention or correctional facilities, juvenile contact with adults incarcerated or awaiting trial on criminal charges, and juvenile detention or confinement in adult jails and lockups. Modifies State plan requirements to allow juveniles to be housed in adult facilities for up to 48 (currently, 24) hours before their initial court appearance. (Sec. 4909) Revises the Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Block Grant Program by: (1) repealing provisions governing grants for the National Institute for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, gang-free schools and communities, State challenge activities, treatment for juvenile offenders who are victims of child abuse or neglect, mentoring, boot camps, and the White House Conference on Juvenile Justice; and (2) authorizing the Administrator to make grants under the Juvenile Delinquency Block Grant Program to eligible States for the purpose of providing financial assistance to eligible entities to carry out projects designed to prevent juvenile delinquency. Includes among such projects: (1) projects that assist in holding juveniles accountable for their actions; (2) projects that provide treatment to juvenile offenders who are victims of child abuse or neglect; (3) education projects or supportive services for delinquent or other juveniles; (4) projects which expand the use of probation officers; (5) one-on-one mentoring projects; (6) community-based projects which work with juvenile offenders and their family members; (7) substance abuse programs; (8) postsecondary education and training projects; (9) projects designed to prevent or reduce gang participation; (10) employment and job training referral projects; (11) delinquency prevention activities; and (12) family strengthening activities. Directs that funding be allocated among eligible States so that .75 percent shall be allocated to each State, with the remainder allocated as follows: (1) 50 percent based on each State's relative population under 18 years of age; and (2) 50 percent based on each State's three year annual average number of arrests of juveniles for serious crimes. Prohibits the Administrator from approving a grant application for a fiscal year unless: (1) the State submitted a plan, which is approved by the Administrator, for such fiscal year; or (2) the Administrator waives this requirement to such State for such fiscal year after finding good cause. Includes among the eligible entities for which a State receiving a grant shall give special consideration for a local grant those entities that represent communities that have a comprehensive plan designed to identify at-risk juveniles and to prevent or reduce juvenile delinquency and that meet other specified requirements. (Sec. 4910) Authorizes the Administrator to undertake specified activities regarding research, evaluation, technical assistance, and training, including making agreements with: (1) the National Institute of Justice or another Federal agency to conduct research and evaluation relating to juvenile delinquency; and (2) the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) or another Federal agency to undertake statistical work in juvenile justice matters. Permits Federal agencies to carry out such agreements directly or by making grants to or contracts with public and private agencies, institutions, and organizations. (Sec. 4911) Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to and contracts with States, local governmental units, Indian tribal governments, public and private agencies, organizations, and individuals to carry out projects for the development, testing, and demonstration of promising initiatives and programs for the prevention, control, or reduction of juvenile delinquency. Authorizes technical assistance for such grants. Sets forth provisions regarding eligibility and reports. (Sec. 4912) Authorizes appropriations for specified programs under such Act for FY 1998 through 2001. (Sec. 4914) Amends the Act to prohibit the use of funds for: (1) the cost of facility construction, except that up to 15 percent of funds from a State's allocation may be used for replacement or renovation of juvenile facilities; or (2) advocacy or support for the unsecured release of juveniles charged with violent crime. (Sec. 4917) Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) receive surplus Federal property and lease such property to States and units of local government for use in or as facilities for juveniles offenders, or for use in or as facilities for delinquency prevention and treatment activities; and (2) issue rules that establish procedures and methods for making grants and contracts, and distributing funds available, to carry out the Act. Title V: Drug Testing and Intervention - Subtitle A: Combating Drugs in Prisons - Combating Drugs in Prisons Act of 1998 - Amends the VCCLEA to require that States, by September 1, 1999, to be eligible for the use of funds under the violent offender incarceration and truth-in-sentencing incentive grant programs, have established and implemented a program of drug testing and intervention for appropriate categories of convicted offenders during periods of incarceration and criminal justice supervision, with sanctions for positive drug tests. (Sec. 5003) Amends the Safe Streets Act to authorize each State that demonstrates that it has established one or more residential substance abuse treatment programs that meet specified requirements to use residential substance abuse treatment grant funds for drug treatment and to impose appropriate sanctions for positive drug tests, both during incarceration and after release. Subtitle B: Protecting Children From Dangerous Drugs - Part 1: Targeting Serious Drug Crimes - Amends the CSA to increase penalties for: (1) using minors to distribute drugs; (2) distributing drugs to minors; (3) drug trafficking in or near a school or other protected location; and (4) using Federal property to grow or manufacture controlled substances. (Sec. 5106) Amends the CSA to require a specified period of supervised release after a conviction for engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise. Part 2: Comprehensive Drug Education - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to extend through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations from the Fund for the safe and drug-free schools and communities program. Part 3: Drug Treatment for Juveniles - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (Center) to award grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements with, public and nonprofit private entities to provide treatment to juveniles for substance abuse through programs in which the juveniles reside in facilities made available under the programs. Requires the inclusion by grant recipients of an individualized plan for the provision of services to the juvenile or young adult. Includes as eligible supplemental services under such programs hospital referrals, HIV and AIDS counseling, domestic violence and sexual abuse counseling, and preparation for reentry into society. Requires the appropriate State agency or Indian tribe to certify that the applicant has the capacity to carry out the program and meets certain other requirements. Outlines provisions with respect to: (1) applicants who are also Medicaid providers; (2) the provision of treatment for mental diseases; (3) matching fund requirements; (4) program outreach and accessibility; (5) continuing education for individuals providing such services; (6) the imposition of appropriate charges for such services; (7) applicant reports to the Center Director; and (8) required equitable geographic allocation of grant awards. Limits to five years the period during which payments may be made to any entity under a program. Requires annual Director approval of program payments. Requires the Director to conduct program evaluations and disseminate findings. Requires an initial and periodic reports from the Director to specified congressional committees describing the programs carried out under this Part. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2002, including an authorization of appropriations from the Fund for the last two fiscal years. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to established projects for the outpatient treatment of substance abuse among juveniles. Requires entities receiving such grants to engage in activities to prevent such abuse. Requires such Secretary to evaluate the projects and disseminate evaluation results. Part 4: Rescheduling Dangerous Drugs - Directs the Attorney General to add ketamine hydrochloride to schedule III of the CSA. (Sec. 5113) Grants the Attorney General authority to temporarily reschedule a previously scheduled substance to avoid an imminent public safety hazard. Subtitle C: Drug Courts - Repeals provisions of the Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996, which repealed drug court provisions of the Safe Streets Act. Amends the Safe Streets Act, as amended by the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998, to extend through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for the drug courts program (a program providing continuing judicial supervision over non-violent offenders with substance abuse problems). Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to States, State courts, local courts and governments, and Indian tribes to establish programs that: (1) involve continuous early judicial supervision over juvenile offenders, other than violent juvenile offenders, with substance abuse or related problems; and (2) integrate administration of other sanctions and services, including testing, treatment, and diversion, probation, or other forms of supervised release. Requires the Attorney General to issue regulations to ensure that such programs do not permit participation by violent offenders. Prohibits the Federal share of such programs from exceeding 75 percent of total program costs, with an authorized limit waiver by the Attorney General. Requires the Attorney General to ensure an equitable geographic distribution of grant awards, with a required specified allocation to Indian tribes. Requires annual reports to the Attorney General from grant recipients. Authorizes the Attorney General to provide technical assistance and training in furtherance of program goals and to carry out program evaluations. Provides for the reallocation of unawarded grant funds. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund through FY 2002. Subtitle D: Development of Medicines for the Treatment of Drug Addiction - Part 1: Pharmacotherapy Research - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations from the Fund for FY 2001 and 2002 for the medication development program (a program providing research into medicines used to treat drug addiction). Part 2: Patent Protections for Pharmacotherapies - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) authorize the sponsor of a drug for the treatment of an addiction to illegal drugs to request the Secretary of Agriculture for written recommendations for the investigation necessary for the approval or licensing of such drug; (2) authorize such a sponsor to request the Secretary to designate such drug as a drug for the treatment of addiction to illegal drugs; (3) provide exclusive approval or licensing of such drug as an unpatented drug for such purpose; and (4) provide open protocols for the clinical investigation of such drugs. Part 3: Encouraging Private Sector Development of Pharmacotherapies - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary to establish criteria for an acceptable drug for the treatment of an addiction to heroin and one for the treatment of an addiction to cocaine. Requires such criteria to be reviewed by specified congressional committees and published in the Federal Register. Authorizes the patent owner of a drug used for either such treatment to submit to the Secretary an application: (1) to contract to sell to the Secretary such patent rights; or (2) to enter into an exclusive licensing agreement with the Secretary for the manufacture and distribution of such drug. Provides for purchase amount limitations and the transfer of rights from the patent owner to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary, within 90 days after purchasing patent rights or entering into such an agreement, to develop a plan for the manufacture and distribution of such drug. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2000. Subtitle E: National Drug Control Policy - Part 1: Reauthorization of Office of National Drug Control Policy - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President an Office of National Drug Control Policy, headed by a Director. Establishes in the Treasury a fund for the receipt of gifts to aid or facilitate the Office's work. (Sec. 5403) Sets forth provisions regarding the appointment and duties of the Director and Deputy Directors, and regarding coordination with National Drug Control Program agencies in demand and supply reduction, and State and local affairs. (Sec. 5405) Directs the President to submit to the Congress, by: (1) February 1, 1998, a National Drug Control Strategy, setting forth a comprehensive plan covering a period of up to ten years, for reducing drug abuse and its consequences in the United States by limiting the availability of, and reducing the demand for, illegal drugs; and (2) February 1, 1999, and February 1 of each year thereafter, a report of the progress in implementing the Strategy. Requires the Director to submit to the Congress, by: (1) February 1, 1998, a description of a national drug control performance measurement system; and (2) February 1, 1999, a modified performance measurement system. (Sec. 5406) Establishes within the Office: (1) the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program; and (2) the Counter-Drug Technology Assessment Center. (Sec. 5408) Establishes: (1) the President's Council on Counter-Narcotics; and (2) the Parents Advisory Council on Youth Drug Abuse. Authorizes appropriations for the latter. (Sec. 5410) Requires the Director to submit to the Congress and to each Federal drug control program agency a report on drug interdiction. (Sec. 5411) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should discuss with the democratically elected governments of the Western Hemisphere the prospect of forming a multilateral alliance to address problems relating to international drug trafficking in the Western Hemisphere. Directs the President to seek the in put of such governments on the possibility of forming structures within the alliance to: (1) develop a regional, multilateral strategy to address the threat posed to nations in the Western Hemisphere by drug trafficking; and (2) establish a new mechanism for improving multilateral coordination of drug interdiction and drug-related law enforcement activities in the Western Hemisphere. Requires the President to report to the Congress on the proposal discussed. (Sec. 5414) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5415) Terminates the Office on September 30, 2002, with an exception. Part 2: State Initiatives - Requires the Director to conduct a study on the effect of the 1996 voter referenda in California and Arizona concerning the medicinal use of marijuana and other controlled substances, and to report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle F: Improving Effectiveness of Youth Crime and Drug Prevention Efforts - Directs the Attorney General to enter into a contract with a public or nonprofit private entity to conduct a study or studies to: (1) evaluate the effectiveness of federally funded programs for preventing youth violence and substance abuse, and for preventing criminal victimization of juveniles; (2) identify specific Federal programs and programs that receive Federal funds that contribute to reductions in youth violence and substance abuse, and risk factors among youth that lead to such behavior and abuse, and specific programs that have not achieved their intended results; and (3) make recommendations. Directs the Attorney General to request the National Academy of Sciences to contract to conduct such study or studies. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5502) Directs the Attorney General to provide for comprehensive and thorough evaluation of crime prevention programs. (Sec. 5503) Requires evaluations and research studies to be independent, and employ rigorous and scientifically recognized standards and methodologies. (Sec. 5504) Authorizes the Attorney General to require the recipients of Federal assistance to collect, maintain, and report information relevant to such evaluations, and to conduct and participate in specified evaluation and assessment activities. (Sec. 5505) Directs the Attorney General to reserve specified sums for evaluation and research. (Sec. 5506) Expresses the sense of the Senate that programs identified in the study as being ineffective should not received Federal funding. Title VI: Criminal History Records - Subtitle A: National Criminal History Access - National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact Act of 1998 - Enacts into law, and grants congressional consent to States to enter into, the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact as set forth in this Act. (Sec. 6006) Directs: (1) all departments, agencies, officers, and employees of the United States to enforce the Compact and cooperate with one another and with all party States (i.e., States that have ratified the Compact) in enforcing the Compact and effectuating its purposes; and (2) the Attorney General to make such rules and take other necessary actions to carry out the Compact and this title. (Sec. 6007) Sets forth the Compact, which organizes an electronic information sharing system among the Federal Government and the States to exchange criminal history records for noncriminal justice purposes authorized by Federal or State law, such as background checks for governmental licensing and employment. Specifies that the FBI and the contracting parties agree to maintain detailed databases of their respective criminal history records and to make them available to the Federal Government and to party States for authorized purposes. Provides that the FBI shall manage the Federal data facilities that provide a significant part of the infrastructure for the system. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the purposes of the Compact; (2) the responsibilities of Compact parties; (3) compliance with Interstate Identification Index System (III System) standards (i.e., the cooperative Federal-State system for the exchange of criminal history records); and (4) maintenance of record services. Requires, to the extent authorized by the Privacy Act of 1974: (1) the FBI to provide upon request criminal history records (excluding sealed records) to State criminal history record repositories for noncriminal justice purposes allowed by Federal statute, Federal executive order, or a State statute that has been approved by the Attorney General and that authorizes national indices checks; and (2) the FBI and State criminal history record repositories to provide such records to criminal justice agencies and other governmental or nongovernmental agencies for noncriminal justice purposes allowed by Federal statute, Federal executive order, or a State statute that has been approved by the Attorney General, that authorizes such checks. Specifies that any record obtained under the Compact may be used only for the official purposes for which the record was requested. Directs that each Compact officer establish procedures to protect the accuracy and privacy of the records. Requires that: (1) subject fingerprints or other approved forms of positive identification be submitted with all requests for criminal history record checks for noncriminal justice purposes; and (2) each request for a criminal history record check utilizing the national indices made under any approved State statute be submitted through that State's criminal history record repository which shall process an interstate request for noncriminal justice purposes through the national indices only if such request is transmitted through another State criminal history record repository or the FBI. Sets forth provisions regarding procedures for the submission of Federal requests, fees, and additional searches. Establishes the Compact Council, which shall have the authority to promulgate rules and procedures governing the use of the III System for noncriminal justice purposes, not to conflict with FBI administration of the System for criminal justice purposes. Sets forth provisions regarding Compact ratification, renunciation, severability, and dispute adjudication. Subtitle B: State Grant Program for Criminal Justice Identification, Information, and Communication - Crime Identification Technology Act of 1998 - Directs the Attorney General, through the BJS, to make a grant to each State to be used in conjunction with local governments, State and local courts, and other States to establish or upgrade an integrated approach to develop information and identification technologies and systems to: (1) upgrade criminal history and criminal justice record systems; (2) improve criminal justice identification; (3) promote compatibility and integration of national, State, and local systems for criminal justice purposes, firearms eligibility determinations, identification of sexual offenders and domestic violence offenders, and background checks for other authorized purposes; and (4) capture information for statistical and research purposes to improve criminal justice administration. Sets forth permissible grant uses, such as for programs to establish, develop, update, or upgrade: (1) State centralized, automated, adult and juvenile criminal history record information systems; (2) automated fingerprint identification systems that are compatible with standards established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and interoperable with the FBI's Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System; (3) ballistics identification and information programs that are compatible and integrated with the National Integrated Ballistics Network; and (4) DNA programs for forensic and identification purposes. Requires a State, to be eligible to receive such a grant, to provide assurances to the Attorney General that the State has the capability to contribute pertinent information to the national instant criminal background check system established under the Brady Act. Authorizes appropriations. Limits the percentage of funds that may be used for salaries and administrative expenses and for technical assistance, training and evaluations, and BJS-commissioned studies. Requires the Attorney General to ensure the amounts are distributed on an equitable geographic basis. Authorizes the Attorney General to use amounts made available under this Act to make grants to Indian tribes for use in accordance with the Act. Title VII: Enhancement of Rights and Protections for Victims of Crime - Subtitle A: Crime Victims Assistance - Part 1: Protection of Crime Victims' Rights - Subpart A: Amendments to Title 18, United States Code - Amends the code to require that, in any case involving a defendant who is arrested for an offense involving death or bodily injury to any person, a threat of death or bodily injury, or a sexual assault or attempted sexual assault (listed offenses) in which a detention hearing is scheduled: (1) the Government make a reasonable effort to notify the victim of the hearing and of the victim's right to be heard on the issue of detention; and (2) the court, at such hearing, inquire of the Government as to whether notification efforts were successful and whether the victim wishes to be heard and, if so, afford the victim such opportunity. (Sec. 7112) Includes among the factors which a judge shall consider in determining whether to grant a continuance the interests of the victim (or the family of a victim who is deceased or incapacitated) in the prompt and appropriate disposition of the case, free from unreasonable delay. (Sec. 7113) Requires the probation officer, prior to submitting the presentence report, to provide notice to all identified victims of their right to attend the sentencing hearing and to make a statement to the court at the sentencing hearing. (Sec. 7114) Amends the Victims' Rights and Restitution Act of 1990 to require, after trial, a responsible official to provide a victim the earliest possible notice of the escape, work release, furlough, or any other form of release of an offender from a psychiatric institution or other facility that provides mental health services to offenders. Subpart B: Amendments to Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure - Amends rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure (FRCrP) to require that, in any case involving a defendant who is charged with a listed offense: (1) the Government, prior to a hearing at which a plea of guilty or nolo contendere is entered, make a reasonable effort to notify the victim of the date and time of the hearing and of the victim's right to attend the hearing and to address the court; and (2) if the victim attends, the court, before accepting a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, afford the victim an opportunity to be heard on the proposed plea agreement. Authorizes the court, in cases involving more than 15 victims and after consultation with the Government and the victims, to appoint a number of victims to serve as representatives of the victims' interests. (Sec. 7122) Amends FRCrP 32 and 32.1 to provide for enhanced rights of notification and allocution at sentencing and at a probation revocation hearing. Subpart C: Amendment to Federal Rules of Evidence - Amends rule 615 of the Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE) to provide that such rule does not authorize exclusion of a person who is a victim of a listed offense for which a defendant is being tried in a criminal trial unless the court concludes that: (1) the testimony of the person will be materially affected by hearing the testimony of other witnesses, and the material effect of hearing the testimony of other witnesses on the testimony of that person will result in unfair prejudice to any party; or (2) due to the large number of victims or family members of victims who may be called as witnesses, permitting attendance in the courtroom itself when testimony is being heard is not feasible. Directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to submit to the Congress reports containing recommendations for amending: (1) the FRCrP to provide enhanced opportunities for victims of listed offenses to be heard on the issue of whether or not the court should accept a plea of guilty or nolo contendere and to participate during the presentencing phase of the criminal process, and to ensure that reasonable efforts are made to notify victims of such offenses of revocation hearings; and (2) the FRE to provide enhanced opportunities for victims of listed offenses to attend judicial proceedings, even if they may testify as a witness at the proceeding. Sets forth provisions regarding congressional action on such reports. Subpart D: Exceptions - Makes the rights promulgated by subparts A, B, and C inapplicable to any case in which the court reasonably believes that: (1) the defendant has cooperated with the Government in other proceedings against the victim or persons acting in concert with the victim; or (2) available evidence raises a significant expectation of physical violence or other retaliation by the victim against the defendant. Subpart E: Remedies for Noncompliance - Specifies that any failure to comply with any amendment made by this Act shall not give rise to a claim for damages, or any other action against the United States, any employee of the United States, any court official or officer of the court, or an entity contracting with the United States, or any action seeking a rehearing or other reconsideration of action taken in connection with a defendant. Directs the Attorney General and the Chairman of the United States Parole Commission to promulgate regulations to carry out this title. Subpart F: Victims of Fraud - Directs the Attorney General to promulgate regulations to implement and enforce this part and the amendments made by this part with respect to natural persons against whom a defendant has been charged with committing fraud. Part 2: Assistance to Victims of Federal, State, and Local Crime - Authorizes appropriations to enable the Attorney General to: (1) hire 50 full-time or full-time equivalent employees to serve victim-witness advocates to provide assistance to victims of any criminal offense investigated by any department or agency of the Federal Government; and (2) provide grants through the Office of Victims of Crime (the Office) to qualified private entities to fund 50 victim-witness advocate positions within those organizations. (Sec. 7202) Authorizes the use of sums collected under the False Claims Act to be used by the Office to make grants to States, units of local government, and qualified private entities, to provide training and information to prosecutors, judges, law enforcement officers, probation officers, and other officers and employees of Federal and State courts to assist them in responding effectively to the needs of crime victims. (Sec. 7203) Amends the VCCLEA to authorize to the Office such sums as necessary for grants to State and local prosecutors' offices, State courts, county jails, State correctional institutions, and qualified private entities, to develop and implement state-of-the-art systems for notifying victims of crime of important dates and developments relating to the criminal proceedings at issue. Allows sums collected under the False Claims Act to be used for such grants. Authorizes the use of sums from the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund for such grants. (Sec. 7204) Directs the Attorney General, acting through the Director of the Office, to establish and carry out a program to provide for pilot programs to establish and operate Victim Ombudsman Information Centers in Massachusetts, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin. (Sec. 7205) Amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to: (1) provide for the deposit into the Crime Victims Fund of any gifts, bequests, and donations from private entities or individuals; (2) direct that certain unobligated balances transferred to the judicial branch for administrative costs be returned to the Fund and be used by the Director of the Office to improve services for crime victims in the Federal criminal justice system; (3) require States that receive supplemental funding to respond to incidents of terrorism or mass violence to return to the Fund for deposit in the reserve fund, amounts subrogated to the State as a result of third-party payments to victims; (4) increase the percentage of amounts awarded by the Director to an eligible crime victim compensation program; (5) require the Director to make grants for training and technical assistance that address the significance of and effective delivery strategies for providing long-term psychological care; and (6) make funds available to the Director for fellowships and clinical internships, and to carry out programs of training and special workshops for the presentation and dissemination of information resulting from demonstrations, surveys, and special projects. (Sec. 7206) Directs that a specified statute not be construed to prohibit a recipient from using funds derived from a source other than the Legal Services Corporation to provide related legal assistance to any person with whom an alien has a relationship covered by the domestic violence laws of the State in which the alien resides or in which an incidence of violence occurred. (Sec. 7207) Authorizes the use of funds collected under the False Claims Act by the Office to make grants to States, units of local government, and qualified private entities for the establishment of pilot programs that implement balanced and restorative justice models. Subtitle B: Crime Victims With Disabilities Awareness Act - Crime Victims With Disabilities Awareness Act - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) conduct a study to increase knowledge and information about crimes against individuals with developmental disabilities that will be useful in developing new strategies to reduce the incidence of such crimes; (2) consider contracting with the Committee on Law and Justice of the National Academy of Sciences' National Research Council to provide research for such study; (3) report study results to specified congressional committees; and (4) include, as part of each National Crime Victim's Survey, statistics relating to the nature of crimes against individuals with developmental disabilities and the specific characteristics of the victims of those crimes. Subtitle C: Victims of Juvenile Crimes - Directs the Attorney General to establish guidelines for States' programs receiving grants for the establishment of juvenile gun courts to require, as appropriate under applicable State or local laws or rules, that: (1) prior to disposition of adjudicated juvenile delinquents, victims (or in appropriate cases, their official representatives) be provided the opportunity to make a statement to the court in person or to present any information in relation to the disposition; (2) victims of the juvenile adjudicated delinquent be given notice of the disposition; and (3) restitution to victims may be ordered as part of the disposition of adjudicated juvenile delinquents. Title VIII: Combating Money Laundering - Money Laundering Enforcement Act of 1998 - Amends the code to provide for civil forfeiture for engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity and for conducting or certain other involvement in an illegal money transmitting business. Specifies that, regarding the prohibition of an illegal money transmitting business, it shall be sufficient for the Government to prove that the defendant knew that the business lacked a license required by State law, but it shall not be necessary to show that the defendant knew that the operation of such business without a license was an offense punishable as a felony or misdemeanor under State law. (Sec. 8003) Authorizes the Attorney General, if any person is arrested or charged in a foreign country in connection with an offense that would give rise to the forfeiture of property in the United States under the code or under the CSA, to apply to any Federal judge or magistrate judge in the district where the property is located for an ex parte order restraining the property subject to forfeiture for not more than 30 days, with extensions for good cause. (Sec. 8004) Directs that a claimant's refusal to provide financial records located in a foreign country in response to a discovery request or to take action necessary to make the records available in a civil forfeiture case, or in certain ancillary proceedings in a criminal forfeiture case under the CSA, shall result in the dismissal of the claim with prejudice if: (1) the financial records may be material to any claim or the ability of the Government to respond to such claim or, in a civil forfeiture case, to the Government's ability to establish the forfeitability of the property; and (2) it is within the claimant's capacity to waive his or her rights under such secrecy laws or to obtain the financial records himself or herself so that the records may be made available. (Sec. 8005) Grants the U.S. district courts jurisdiction over any foreign person, including any financial institution authorized under the laws of a foreign country, that commits an offense under civil money laundering provisions involving a financial transaction that occurs in the United States, subject to specified requirements. Authorizes the court to issue a pretrial restraining order or take any other action necessary to ensure that any bank account or other property held by the defendant in the United States is available to satisfy a judgment under such provisions. (Sec. 8006) Includes a foreign bank within the definition of "financial institution." (Sec. 8007) Expands the definition of "specified unlawful activity" to cover specified offenses, including, with respect to a financial transaction occurring in the United States, an offense against a foreign nation involving: (1) any act or acts constituting a crime of violence; (2) fraud committed against a foreign government; (3) bribery of a public official; (4) smuggling or export control violations involving munitions listed in the United States Munitions List or technologies with military applications; and (5) an offense under which the United States would be obligated by a multilateral treaty either to extradite the alleged offender or to submit the case for prosecution if the offender were found within U.S. territory. Includes within such activity an offense relating to goods falsely classified, unlawful importation of firearms, firearms trafficking, computer fraud and abuse, any felony violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, and Clean Air Act violations. (Sec. 8008) Amends the criminal code to: (1) provide for criminal forfeiture for money laundering conspiracies; and (2) authorize a party to request the Clerk of the Court in the district in which a proceeding for civil or criminal forfeiture is pending to issue a subpoena to a financial institution to produce documents. (Sec. 8011) Amends the Federal judicial code to: (1) prohibit any person who purposely evades the jurisdiction of a U.S. court in which a criminal case is pending against such person from using the resources of the U.S. courts to further a claim in any related civil forfeiture action or in any third-party proceeding in any related criminal forfeiture action; and (2) provide for the admissibility of foreign business records. (Sec. 8013) Amends the criminal code to permit: (1) a person who commits multiple violations of money laundering provisions that are part of the same scheme or continuing course of conduct to be charged in a single count; (2) a prosecution for a money laundering offense to be brought in any district in which the financial or monetary transaction is conducted, or in which a prosecution for the underlying specified unlawful activity could be brought, with an exception; and (3) the interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications where there is a violation of provisions dealing with the reporting and illegal structuring of currency transactions. (Sec. 8016) Provides criminal penalties for violations of anti-money laundering orders. (Sec. 8017) Amends the code to authorize the disclosure of the contents of a communication by a person or entity providing electronic communication, or remote computing, service to the public, to a supervisory (currently limited to a law enforcement) agency, if such contents appear to pertain to the commission of the crime, or to reveal a suspicious transaction relevant to a possible violation of law or regulation. (Sec. 8018) Defines "State," as used in the International Banking Act of 1978, to include a U.S. commonwealth, territory, or possession. (Sec. 8020) Extends U.S. jurisdiction over certain financial crimes committed abroad. Title IX: Combating International Crime - Subtitle A: Investigating and Punishing Violent Crimes Against United States Nationals Abroad - Amends the code to prohibit, and set penalties for: (1) extortion committed against U.S. nationals abroad in furtherance of organized crime; and (2) murder or serious assault of a State or local official abroad. Subtitle B: Denying Safe Havens to International Criminals - Establishes procedures for extradition for specified serious offenses not covered by treaty. (Sec. 9104) Grants the Attorney General authority, with respect to a person being held in custody in a foreign country based upon a violation of the law in that country, where the person is found extraditable to the United States by competent authorities of that country, to: (1) request the temporary transfer of that person to the United States to proceed with their prosecution in a Federal or State criminal proceeding; (2) maintain the custody of that person while in the United States; and (3) return that person to the foreign country at the conclusion of the criminal prosecution, including any imposition of sentence. (Sec. 9106) Authorizes the Attorney General to permit the temporary transit through the United States of a person wanted for prosecution or imposition of sentence in a foreign country. Subtitle C: Seizing and Forfeiting the Assets of International Criminals - Amends the code to provide for the forfeiture of: (1) proceeds of foreign crimes; (2) property used to commit drug crimes abroad; and (3) property used to violate Federal explosives laws. (Sec. 9202) Amends the CSA to grant the court authority to order convicted criminals to return property located abroad. (Sec. 9203) Amends the Federal judicial code to establish procedures for U.S. enforcement of foreign forfeiture judgments. (Sec. 9204) Increases civil and criminal penalties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. (Sec. 9205) Amends the Trading with the Enemy Act to cover attempted violations. Subtitle D: Responding to Emerging International Crime Threats - Part 1: Computer and High-Tech Crime - Amends the code to authorize the interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications, when such interception may provide or has provided evidence of a felony violation of provisions relating to computer fraud and attacks on computer systems. (Sec. 9311) Allows a governmental entity to require the disclosure by a provider of a remote computing service of the contents of an electronic record in networked electronic storage if the person who created the record is accorded the same protections that would be available if the record had remained in that person's possession, subject to specified requirements. Part 2: Enhancing Antiterrorism Laws - Amends the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 to extend the effective date of provisions regarding compensation of victims of terrorism through October 1, 1999. (Sec. 9321) Amends the code to revise the definition of: (1) "biological agent" to mean any microorganism (including, but not limited to, bacteria, viruses, fungi, rickettsiae or protozoa), or infectious substance, or any naturally occurring, bioengineered or synthesized component of any such microorganism or infectious substance; (2) "toxin" to mean the toxic material or product of plants, animals, microorganisms, or infectious substances, or a recombinant or synthesized molecule, whatever their origin and method of production; and (3) "vector" to mean a living organism or molecule, including a recombinant or synthesized molecule capable of carrying a biological agent or toxin to a host. (Sec. 9322) Includes threats to use chemical weapons within the prohibition against the use of such weapons. Subtitle E: Promoting Global Cooperation in the Fight Against International Crime - Expands a code provision authorizing the sharing of proceeds of joint forfeiture operations with cooperating foreign agencies to cover situations where property is civilly or criminally forfeited under any provision of Federal law. (Sec. 9402) Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize the Attorney General to present a request made by a foreign government for assistance with respect to a foreign investigation, prosecution, or proceeding regarding a criminal matter pursuant to a treaty, convention, or executive agreement for mutual legal assistance between the United States and that government, the execution of which requires or appears to require the use of compulsory measures in more than one judicial district, to a judge or judge magistrate of: (1) any of the districts in which persons who may be required to appear to testify or produce evidence or information reside or are found, or in which evidence or information to be produced is located; or (2) the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Grants such judge or judge magistrate authority to issue those orders necessary to execute the request. (Sec. 9403) Modifies provisions regarding custody and return of foreign witnesses to grant the Attorney General authority, if the testimony of a person who is serving a sentence, in pretrial detention, or otherwise being held in custody in the United States, is needed in a foreign criminal proceeding, to: (1) temporarily transfer that person to the foreign country for the purpose of giving testimony; (2) transport that person from the United States in custody; (3) make appropriate arrangements for custody for that person while outside the United States; and (4) return that person in custody to the United States from the foreign country. Sets forth provisions regarding the return of persons transferred, the applicability of international agreements, and rights of persons transferred. (Sec. 9404) Amends the judicial code to grant the Attorney General discretionary authority to make payments from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund to return forfeited property repatriated to the United States by a foreign government under specified circumstances. Subtitle F: Streamlining the Investigation and Prosecution of International Crimes in United States Courts - Authorizes the Attorney General to obligate, as necessary expenses, from any appropriate appropriation account available to DOJ in FY 1999 or any fiscal year thereafter, the cost of reimbursement to State or local law enforcement agencies for translation services and related expenses, including transportation expenses, in cases involving extradition or requests for mutual legal assistance from foreign governments. (Sec. 9502) Expands a code provision regarding war crimes to make such provision applicable if the perpetrator is found in the United States after the crime is committed, or the crime occurs within the United States. (Sec. 9503) Authorizes the Attorney General to determine that, if a person located outside the United States is requested by a magistrate judge or Federal law enforcement officer to appear and provide testimony or answer questions in the United States in connection with any Federal or State criminal matter, the person shall not be subject to service of process, or be detained or subjected to any restriction of personal liberty, by reason of any acts or convictions that preceded the departure of that person from the foreign jurisdiction. (Sec. 9504) Prohibits fugitives from benefiting from time served abroad. (Sec. 9505) Suspends the statute of limitations for the collection of evidence located abroad. (Sec. 9507) Provides that whoever, while serving with, employed by, or accompanying the armed forces outside the United States, engages in conduct which would constitute an offense punishable by imprisonment for more than one year if engaged in within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, shall be guilty of a like offense and subject to a like punishment. Authorizes the Secretaries of Defense and Transportation to designate and authorize any person serving in a law enforcement position in the Department of Defense and the Department of Transportation when the Coast Guard is not operating as part of the Navy to arrest outside the United States any such person who there is probable cause to believe engaged in conduct which constitutes a criminal offense under this section. Provides for the delivery of such individual to the appropriate authorities of the foreign country. Title X: Strengthening the Air, Land, and Sea Borders of the United States - Subtitle A: Violence Committed Along United States Borders - Amends the code to provide felony punishment for violence while eluding inspection or during violation of arrival, reporting, entry, or clearance requirements, including conspiracy and reckless endangerment. Subtitle B: Strengthening Maritime Law Enforcement Along United States Borders - Provides sanctions for failure to heave to, obstructing a lawful boarding, and providing false information to a Federal law enforcement officer during a boarding of a vessel. Authorizes the seizure and forfeiture of a vessel used in violation of this subtitle. (Sec. 11002) Sets a $25,000 civil penalty for failure to comply with a lawful boarding, obstruction of boarding, or providing false information. (Sec. 11003) Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to include within the definition of "authorized place," with respect to a vessel or vehicle, a location in a foreign country at which U.S. customs officers are permitted to conduct inspections, examinations, or searches. Subtitle C: Smuggling of Contraband and Other Illegal Products - Amends the code to prohibit, and set penalties for: (1) fraudulently or knowingly exporting or sending from the United States (or attempting to do so) any merchandise, article, or object (merchandise) contrary to any U.S. law; and (2) receiving, concealing, buying, selling, or otherwise facilitating the transportation, concealment, or sale of that merchandise, prior to exportation, knowing that merchandise to be intended for exportation contrary to any U.S. law. Amends the money laundering statute to define "specified unlawful activity to include an offense of smuggling goods from the United States. Amends the Tariff Act to provide for forfeiture to the United States of merchandise exported from the United States (or attempted to be exported), or the value thereof, and property used to facilitate the receipt, purchase, transportation, concealment, or sale of that merchandise prior to exportation. (Sec. 12002) Expands code provisions regarding smuggling goods into foreign countries to cover situations where such goods are smuggled (or attempted to be smuggled) by vehicle, aircraft, conveyance, or other mode of transportation. Prohibits, and sets penalties for, the transport (including attempts) of more than 360 liters of distilled spirits from one State into another State or foreign country, or the receipt or possession of more than 360 liters that have been transported in interstate or foreign commerce in violation of Federal or State law. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to seize and forfeit any conveyance, liquor, or monetary instrument involved in, or property that constitutes or is derived from proceeds traceable to, a violation of this section, with a limitation. (Sec. 12003) Expands the scope of the statute punishing entry of goods by means of false statements to cover theft, embezzlement, and misapplication of duties. Increases penalties for violations. (Sec. 12004) Prohibits, and sets penalties for, false certifications relating to exports. Subtitle D: Strengthening Immigration Laws to Exclude International Criminals From the United States - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to: (1) make inadmissible any alien coming to the United States to avoid lawful prosecution in a foreign country for a crime involving moral turpitude; and (2) direct the Attorney General to remove such alien to the country seeking prosecution unless, in the Attorney General's discretion, the removal is deemed to be impracticable, inadvisable, or impossible. (Sec. 13002) Amends the INA to provide for the inadmissibility of persons: (1) involved in racketeering and arms trafficking; (2) who have benefited from illicit activities of drug traffickers; and (3) involved in international alien smuggling. Subtitle E: Alien Smuggling - Amends the INA to provide for the civil and criminal forfeiture of any conveyance used in the commission of an alien smuggling offense. Subtitle F: Trafficking in Chemicals Used to Produce Drugs - Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to require a person who proposes to engage in a transaction involving the importation or exportation of a listed chemical that requires advance notification pursuant to the regulations of the Attorney General or the importation or exportation of a tableting or encapsulating machine to notify the Attorney General at least 15 days before the transaction is to take place. Authorizes the Attorney General to require that the 15-day notification requirement apply to all imports of a listed chemical upon finding that such notification is necessary to support effective chemical diversion control programs or is required by international agreement to which the United States is a party. Sets forth additional restrictions regarding the transshipment and in-transit shipment of controlled substances. Authorizes injunctions barring persons convicted of a felony violation relating to the receipt, distribution, manufacture, importation, or exportation of a listed chemical from engaging in any transaction involving a listed chemical for up to ten years. Subtitle G: Arms Trafficking - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to create an exemption from Act requirements transactions arising out of an investigation by a Federal law enforcement agency concerning possible criminal violations of U.S. law.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1998
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe and implement regulations that require certain jewelry that enters the U.S. customs territory to have the English name of the country of origin indelibly marked in a conspicuous place by cutting, die-sinking, engraving, stamping, or some other permanent method.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: State Grant Programs Title II: National Activities Subtitle A: Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Subtitle B: Other National Activities Title III: Alternative Financing Mechanisms Title IV: Repeal and Conforming Amendments Assistive Technology Act of 1998 - Title I: State Grant Programs - Directs the Secretary of Education to provide continuity grants, for assistive technology (AT) for individuals with disabilities, to States that have received less than ten years of funding under the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988. (Sec. 101) Sets forth the following mandatory activities for any State receiving such a continuity grant: (1) a public awareness program to provide information on availability and benefits of AT devices and services, with an electronic link to the National Public Internet Site; (2) interagency coordination to improve access to AT devices and services; (3) technical assistance and training to promote access to AT devices and services; and (4) outreach activities that support statewide and community-based organizations to assist individuals with disabilities, especially the elderly and rural populations, use AT devices and services. Sets forth the following discretionary activities that such States may undertake with such continuity grants: (1) alternative State-financed systems that increase access to, and funding for, AT; (2) demonstrations of AT devices; (3) assistance to individuals with disabilities related to securing AT devices and services; (4) a system for public access to information concerning any such discretionary activity; (5) partnerships and cooperative initiatives between public and private sectors to promote greater participation by business and industry in development, demonstration, and dissemination of AT devices and ongoing provision of information about new products to assist individuals with disabilities; and (7) advocacy services. Authorizes States to enter cooperative agreements with other States to expand their capacity to assist individuals with disabilities of all ages to learn about, acquire, use, maintain, adapt, and upgrade AT devices and services. Authorizes States to operate or participate in a computer system through which the State may communicate electronically with other States to gain timely technical assistance and avoid duplication of efforts. Authorizes a State to pay for expenses (including travel expenses) and services (including services of qualified interpreters, readers, and personal care assistants) necessary for access to the comprehensive statewide program of technology-related assistance by individuals with disabilities in financial need who are ineligible for such services through another public agency or private entity. Provides for such payments to States according to a formula based on the number of years or portions of amounts that would have been provided by extension grants under the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act. Provides for payments to additional States under specified conditions. Limits the annual amount of any continuation grant to an outlying area. Sets forth continuation grant requirements for: (1) State designation of a lead agency; (2) State application supplements, including State goals, performance measures, involvement of individuals with disabilities and their families, and continuing obligations; and (3) options relating to funding for FY 1999 through 2004, under which a State may choose whether to receive a continuation grant or a challenge grant, but not both. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary to provide challenge grants to States for five years to maintain and improve consumer-responsive comprehensive statewide programs of technology-related assistance for individuals with disabilities. Sets forth the following mandatory activities for States receiving such challenge grants: (1) interagency coordination; (2) continuation and enhancement of a statewide information and referral system, including an accessible Website with links to other appropriate sites, such as the National Public Internet Site, for individuals with disabilities and service providers; (3) a public awareness program; (4) capacity building and advocacy activities, and technical assistance and training; and (5) outreach activities. Allows States to use challenge grants for additional activities authorized under the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act, or other activities identified by the State or the Secretary, with the Secretary's approval. Limits the amount of such a grant to an outlying area. Provides for a minimum allotment to all States. Determines any additional amount of such grants to States through a formula based on relative population and population density. Sets forth challenge grant requirements for: (1) State technology plans, including designation of a lead agency, goals, performance measures, involvement of individuals with disabilities and their families, personnel training, and coordination with State councils; and (2) progress reports. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary to make competitive five-year supplementary millennium grants to States for State and local capacity building. Authorizes the Secretary to provide such grants to States that submit successful supplements to challenge grants, for one or more of the following State capacity-building activities: (1) obtaining compliance of all public agencies with specified AT-related requirements of the Rehabilitation Act; (2) developing, implementing, documenting, and reviewing a plan for enhancing the participation of all individuals with disabilities of the State in education, employment, transportation, communication, and general access in ways that complement and exceed what is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA); (3) developing and implementing activities for incorporating the principles of universal design in the construction and renovation of facilities, information technology and telecommunications, and other products and services, such as transportation; (4) planning and adopting State personnel standards or professional certification procedures that apply to individuals or entities that provide AT services; (5) evaluating AT devices and AT; or (6) engaging in another activity, pursuant to a priority announced by the Secretary. Allows States to make competitive subgrants for local capacity building activities, including: (1) micro-loans and alternative financing programs; (2) equipment demonstrations; (3) long- and short-term equipment loan programs; (4) equipment recycling programs; (5) outreach and training, especially empowerment training; or (6) meeting unmet local AT-related needs. Provides for such grant payments to States and outlying areas. Requires matching funds when a grant exceeds a specified amount. Sets forth requirements for supplementary grant applications, including: (1) grant partners; (2) involvement of targeted individuals, especially individuals with disabilities who use AT, in grant development and activities; (3) data affecting selection grant focus; (4) State and other resources; (5) goals, activities, performance measures, and annual assessments; (6) limits on indirect costs; (7) joint submissions of applications with State technology plans, with distinct activities and separate budgets for challenge grants and supplementary grants; and (8) progress reports. (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary to make a six-year grant to an entity in each State to support protection and advocacy services through systems established under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act to assist in acquiring, utilizing, or maintaining AT or AT services for individuals with disabilities. Requires such grants, in the case of certain States, to be made to a designated lead agency or the State Assistive Technology Office. (Sec. 105) Sets forth administrative requirements, for grant programs under this title, for: (1) review of participating entities; (2) corrective action and sanctions; and (3) annual reports of the Secretary to the President and the Congress. Declares that this title may not be construed as authorizing a Federal or a State agency to reduce medical or other assistance available, or to alter eligibility for a benefit or service, under any other Federal law. (Sec. 106) Authorizes the Secretary to fund a program to provide AT technical assistance to entities, principally those funded under any grant program under this title. Requires, in designing such program, consideration of input from the directors of comprehensive statewide programs of technology-related assistance and other appropriate individuals, especially: (1) individuals with disabilities who use AT and understand the barriers to the acquisition of AT and AT services; (2) family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized representatives of such individuals; and (3) individuals employed by protection and advocacy systems funded by grants under this title. Directs the Secretary, as part of such technical assistance program, to fund the establishment and maintenance of a National Public Internet Site to provide individuals with disabilities and the general public technical assistance and information on increased access to AT devices and services and to other disability-related resources. Requires that an entity eligible to maintain such Internet site be an institution of higher education that emphasizes research and engineering, has a multidisciplinary research center, and has demonstrated expertise in specified matters. Sets forth required features and minimum library components of such Internet site. Sets forth eligibility, application, and program requirements for entities to receive grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements under the technical assistance program. (Sec. 107) Authorizes appropriations for grants and other programs under this title. Title II: National Activities - Subtitle A: Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (RA, as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1988) to require increased coordination on disability, AT, and universal design research among Federal departments and agencies that are members of the Interagency Committee on Disability Research and other Federal departments and agencies. Authorizes the Committee to recommend funding for research projects that are jointly undertaken or administered by at least two departments or agencies with representatives on the Committee. (Sec. 202) Directs the National Council on Disability to report to specified congressional committees on the barriers in Federal AT policy to increasing availability of and access to AT devices and services for individuals with disabilities. Requires the Council to obtain input for such report from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, the Association of Tech Act Projects, and targeted individuals. (Sec. 203) Directs the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (the Access Board) to provide training to Federal and State employees concerning their responsibilities under RA to make their electronic and information technology accessible. Subtitle B: Other National Activities - Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into contracts with small businesses to assist them with design, development, and marketing of AT devices and services, giving preference to such businesses owned or operated by individuals with disabilities; and (2) make grants to small businesses to work with entities funded by the Secretary to evaluate and disseminate information on the effects of technology transfer on the lives of individuals with disabilities, and to utilize such technology transfer and market research services to bring new AT devices and services to commerce. (Sec. 212) Authorizes the Director of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) to collaborate in specified ways with the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer (the Consortium) to promote technology transfer that will further development of AT and products that incorporate universal design principles. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to or contracts or cooperative agreements with commercial, nonprofit, or other organizations, including institutions of higher education, to facilitate interaction with the Consortium to promote such technology transfer related to AT and universal design. Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to require the Consortium to work with the NIDRR Director to compile a compendium of current and projected Federal Laboratory technologies and projects that have or will have an intended or recognized impact on the available range of AT for individuals with disabilities, including technologies and projects that incorporate universal design principles. (Sec. 213) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to commercial or other enterprises and institutions of higher education for research and development of universal design concepts for products (including information technology) and the built environment. Requires preference to be given to enterprises and institutions owned or operated by individuals with disabilities. (Sec. 214) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, enter into cooperative agreements, or provide financial assistance through other mechanisms, for specified AT outreach activities: (1) in rural or impoverished urban areas; and (2) for children and older individuals. (Sec. 215) Directs the Secretary to make grants, or enter into contracts, with public and private agencies and organizations, including institutions of higher education, for specified types of training of rehabilitation engineers and technicians in careers related to providing AT devices and services. (Sec. 216) Authorizes the Secretary to study and report with recommendations to specified congressional committees on the benefits of, and obstacles to implementing throughout the Federal Government, a single assistive technology taxonomy developed by the Secretary. (Sec. 217) Authorizes the President's Committee on Employment of People With Disabilities to design, develop, and implement programs to increase the voluntary participation of the private sector in making information technology accessible to individuals with disabilities, including increasing the involvement of such individuals in the design, development, and manufacturing of information technology. Includes a task force, outreach, and technical assistance among program activities. Requires the Committee to coordinate program activities with those of NIDRR and the Department of Labor. (Sec. 218) Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Alternative Financing Mechanisms - Directs the Secretary to make grants to States for the Federal share of alternative financing programs to allow individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized representatives to purchase AT devices and services. Requires such program to feature one or more alternative financing mechanisms, which may include: (1) a low-interest loan fund; (2) an interest buy-down program; (3) a revolving loan fund; (4) a loan guarantee or insurance program; (5) a program operated by a partnership among private entities for purchase, lease, or other acquisition of AT devices or services; or (6) another mechanism that meets the requirements of this title and is approved by the Secretary. (Sec. 301) Allows such a grant to be awarded for a one-year period. Limits each State to not more than one such grant. Limits the Federal share of program costs to not more than 50 percent. (Sec. 302) Limits the amount of such a grant to an outlying area. Sets minimum State grant allotments. Bases remaining State allotments on population and population density. (Sec. 303) Makes States eligible to compete for grants under this title if they are receiving or have received continuity grants or challenge grants under title I and comply with application requirements. Requires State assurances that the alternative financing program will: (1) continue on a permanent basis; (2) emphasize consumer choice and control; (3) have a permanent separate account; (4) only invest funds in low-risk securities in which a regulated insurance company may invest under the State law; and (5) not use more than ten percent of grant funds for indirect costs. Provides that interest and income from the program's investments shall not be taken into account in determining eligibility for any Federal program. (Sec. 304) Requires a State that receives a grant under this title to enter into a contract with a community-based organization (including a group of such organizations) that has individuals with disabilities involved in organizational decision making at all organizational levels, to administer the alternative financing program. Requires the community-based organization to contract with commercial lending institutions or organizations or State financing agencies to expand opportunities under this title and facilitate administration of the alternative financing program. (Sec. 305) Requires States that receive grants, and community-based organizations that contract with States, under this title to submit specified policies and procedures for administration of the alternative financing program, including ones to: (1) review and process in a timely manner requests for financial assistance for immediate and potential technology needs; (2) give program access to consumers regardless of type of disability, age, income level, location of residence in the State, or type of AT device or service requested; and (3) assure consumer-controlled oversight. (Sec. 306) Directs the Secretary to provide information and technical assistance (through grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements with public or private agencies and organizations, including institutions of higher education) to States to develop and implement alternative financing programs under this title. (Sec. 307) Directs the Secretary to report annually to specified congressional committees on the progress of each alternative financing program funded under this title. (Sec. 308) Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Repeal and Conforming Amendments - Repeals the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities Act of 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1998
Businesses Educating Students in Technology (BEST) Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a business taxpayer with a credit for technology-based education and training costs on behalf of employee-students in skills related to the taxpayer's business. Limits such credit to $100,000 annually based upon 40 percent of allowable expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1998
Year 2000 Information Disclosure Act - Provides that, in any covered civil action based on an allegedly false, inaccurate, or misleading statement concerning Year 2000 computer compliance information (Y2K problem), the maker of such statement shall not be liable unless the claimant establishes that the statement: (1) was material; (2) where not a republication, was made with knowledge that it was false, inaccurate, or misleading, with an intent to mislead or deceive, or with a grossly negligent failure to determine or verify its accuracy; and (3) where it was a republication of a statement regarding a third party, was made with knowledge that it was false, inaccurate, or misleading and without disclosure that it was based on information supplied by another and that the maker has not verified the statement. Provides that, in any covered action in which the adequacy of notice about Year 2000 processing is at issue and no clearly more effective method of notice is practicable, the posting of notice by the entity purporting to have provided such notice on that entity's Year 2000 Internet website shall be presumed to be an adequate mechanism for providing such notice. Provides that, in any covered action arising under any Federal or State defamation law or law relating to trade disparagement or a similar claim, to the extent such action is based on an allegedly false Year 2000 statement, the maker shall not be liable unless the claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the statement was made with knowledge that it was false or with reckless disregard of its truth. Prohibits in any covered action a Year 2000 statement from being interpreted or construed as an amendment to or alteration of a written contract or warranty, whether entered into by a public or private party (with exceptions). Authorizes a Federal entity, agency, or authority to expressly designate requests for the voluntary provision of information relating to Year 2000 processing as "Special Year 2000 Data Gathering Requests," thereby protecting information received from such requests from: (1) disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act; and (2) use by any Federal entity, agency, or authority in any civil action arising under any Federal or State law (with an exception). Provides exclusions from this Act. Makes this Act applicable to any Year 2000 statement made on or after July 14, 1998, through July 14, 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1998
Economic Development Administration Reform Act of 1998 - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (the Act) to replace titles I through VI of such Act with the provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to cooperate with States and other entities to ensure that Federal economic development programs are compatible with and further the objectives of State, regional, and local economic development plans and comprehensive economic development strategies. Authorizes the Secretary to provide appropriate technical assistance to such entities in order to alleviate economic distress, encourage partnerships for economic development strategies, and promote investment in infrastructure and technological capacity to keep pace with the changing global economy. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations for intergovernmental review of proposed economic development projects. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into economic development cooperation agreements with two or more adjoining States. Defines an "eligible recipient," for purposes of this Act, as: (1) an area with a per capita income of 80 percent or less of the national average or an unemployment rate at least one percent greater than the national average or one which has experienced or is about to experience actual or threatened severe unemployment or economic adjustment problems; (2) an economic development district; (3) an Indian tribe; (4) a State; (5) a political subdivision; (6) an institution of higher education; or (7) a nonprofit organization acting in cooperation with local officials. Sets forth provisions similar to existing provisions of law authorizing grants to eligible recipients for acquisition or development of public works and development facilities. Retains a limitation that prohibits more than 15 percent of the amounts made available for such assistance from being expended in any one State. Authorizes assistance for public works and economic development to be available for a project to be carried out on a military or Department of Energy installation that is closed or scheduled for closure or realignment without requiring an eligible recipient to have title to the property or a leasehold interest for any specified term. Sets forth provisions similar to those under existing law authorizing grants for economic planning. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for related administrative expenses as well. Provides a Federal cost-share limit of 50 percent of project costs. Authorizes the Secretary to make supplementary grants for a project for which the recipient is eligible but for which the recipient cannot provide the required non-Federal share. Provides supplementary grant conditions and requirements, authorizing the Secretary to reduce or waive the required non-Federal share in certain cases. Sets forth provisions similar to those under existing law that authorize technical assistance useful in alleviating or preventing conditions of excessive unemployment or underemployment. Authorizes grants for training and research for such purposes as well. Permits the Secretary to reduce or waive the non-Federal share of a project so assisted if the project is not feasible without, and merits, such a reduction or waiver. Retains an existing provision of law regarding the prevention of unfair competition. Sets forth provisions similar to those under existing law which authorize grants for economic adjustment to alleviate long-term economic deterioration and sudden economic dislocation. Revises criteria for such assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) approve the use of grant funds for projects the scope or purpose for which has been modified after the grant has been made; and (2) use funds for projects constructed for less than the projected costs to improve such projects. Bars assistance for public works and economic development from being used for attorney's or consultants' fees incurred in connection with obtaining grants and contracts. Requires areas to have per capita incomes of 80 percent or less of the national average or unemployment rates at least one percent greater than the national average or to have experienced or be about to experience actual or threatened severe unemployment or economic adjustment problems in order to be eligible for grants for public works and economic development or economic adjustment. Requires from such applicants: (1) documentation of meeting such criteria; and (2) evidence of a comprehensive economic development strategy which identifies the economic problems to be addressed through such assistance, as well as related information. Revises conditions under which areas may be designated as economic development districts by the Secretary. Retains: (1) existing incentives for increasing grant assistance in districts where participants are actively participating in economic development activities and the project is consistent with the district's comprehensive economic development strategy; and (2) provisions authorizing assistance to parts of districts not in eligible areas. Directs the Secretary to carry out this Act through an Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development who shall serve as the Administrator of the Economic Development Administration. Directs the Secretary to maintain an information clearinghouse on all matters relating to economic development and adjustment, disaster recovery, defense conversion, and trade adjustment programs and activities of Federal and State governments and to assist applicants for such assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to furnish procurement divisions of the Federal Government with a list of business firms located in distressed areas that desire Federal contracts. Requires the Secretary to conduct reviews of university centers that receive grant assistance under this Act to assess their performance and contribution toward retention and creation of employment. Provides for penalty, administrative, and recordkeeping provisions similar to those under existing law. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003. Authorizes additional appropriations for defense conversion activities and disaster economic recovery activities. Repeals provisions of the Act regarding economic recovery for disaster areas, special economic development and adjustment assistance, and the job opportunities program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Service Connection for Gulf War Illnesses Title II: Extension and Enhancement of Gulf War Health Care Authorities Title III: Miscellaneous Persian Gulf War Veterans Act of 1998 - Title I: Service Connection for Gulf War Illnesses - Presumes to be service-connected (and therefore compensable or treatable under Federal veterans' benefits provisions) any illness that: (1) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines to warrant such a presumption based upon a positive association with exposure to a biological, chemical, or toxic agent, an environmental or wartime hazard, or preventive medicine or vaccine associated with service in the southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War; and (2) becomes manifest in a Gulf War veteran within a period to be prescribed by the Secretary. Requires such presumption even though there is no record of evidence of such illness in the veteran during the period of service. Requires the Secretary to make such determinations based on sound medical and scientific evidence and to take into account reports submitted by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) as required under this Act. Requires the Secretary to make determinations regarding presumptions of service connection for covered illnesses within 60 days after receipt of an NAS report. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with NAS under which NAS shall identify: (1) the agents, hazards, or medicines to which Gulf War veterans may have been exposed; and (2) the illnesses that are manifest in such members. Requires NAS, in making such identification, to consider certain pesticides, nerve agents, repellents, compounds, ionizing radiation, particulates, endemic diseases, and vaccines. Requires NAS to submit to the congressional veterans and defense committees (designated committees) a report specifying all agents, hazards, or medicines considered. Directs NAS, after such identification, to determine whether a statistical association exists between exposure to such agent, hazard, or medicine and the illness. Requires NAS to separately review potential treatment models for such illnesses, make recommendations for additional studies, and perform subsequent reviews of available evidence and data. Requires periodic reports from NAS to the Secretary, the Secretary of Defense, and the designated committees concerning NAS activities. Terminates requirements and activities under this Act ten years after NAS submits its first report. Requires the Secretary to enter into an agreement with an alternative scientific organization if agreement cannot be reached with NAS. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a plan for the establishment and operation of a single computerized information database for the collection, storage, and analysis of information on illnesses and health care utilization patterns of Gulf War veterans. Requires such plan to be submitted to the Secretary of Defense, NAS, and the designated committees. Directs NAS to evaluate and report on such plan. Requires a joint annual report by the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense concerning data compiled and the types, incidences, and prevalence of the illnesses identified, with explanations, as well as information analysis and the implementation of appropriate treatment models in the health care systems of their respective departments. (Sec. 104) Requires such Secretaries and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the designated committees on any recommendations received from NAS for additional scientific studies. (Sec. 105) Directs the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs and Defense to carry out an ongoing program to provide Gulf War veterans with information relating to any health risks determined to be associated with such service, together with services or benefits available. Title II: Extension and Enhancement of Gulf War Health Care Authorities - Extends through December 31, 2001, the authority of the Secretary to provide hospital and nursing care and medical services to Persian Gulf War veterans for any disability. (Sec. 202) Amends the Persian Gulf War Veterans' Benefits Act to extend a program for evaluating the health status of spouses and children of Persian Gulf War veterans until either the date on which all funds for the program are expended or December 31, 2001, whichever is earlier. (Currently such program is authorized until December 31, 1998.) Repeals certain testing and evaluation requirements under such program. Provides additional program outreach requirements. Authorizes the Secretary, in order to increase the number of diagnostic tests and medical examinations under such program: (1) to reimburse primary care physicians of such spouses and children for the costs of such tests or examinations; (2) to conduct such tests and examinations in Department medical facilities; and (3) in the event travel is required for the conduct of such tests or examinations by contract entities, to reimburse the spouses and children for the costs of such travel and related lodging. Requires the Secretary to provide for monthly reports to the Department's Central Office on activities conducted under the program. Title III: Miscellaneous - Requires the Secretary to seek to enter into an agreement with NAS or other appropriate independent organization under which NAS assesses the need for and feasibility of establishing an independent entity to: (1) evaluate and monitor the post-deployment health concerns of military personnel; (2) evaluate the health care provided both before and after deployment; and (3) take certain related actions with respect to the monitoring, evaluation, and improvement of post-deployment health care. Requires a report from NAS to the designated committees on assessment results.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1998
Declares that the Congress honors the memory of Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the U.S. Capitol Police for the selfless acts of heroism they displayed on July 24, 1998, in sacrificing their lives in the line of duty so that others might live. Provides that, when the Senate and the House of Representatives adjourn on this date, they shall do so out of respect for the memory of Officers Gibson and Chestnut.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1998
Authorizes the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a memorial service for Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the U.S. Capitol Police. Directs the Architect of the Capitol to place a plaque in honor of the memory of Officers Gibson and Chestnut at an appropriate site in the U.S. Capitol, with the approval of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. Directs the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives to make arrangements for funeral services for Officers Gibson and Chestnut, including payments for travel expenses of immediate family members, and for expenses incurred by Members of the House of Representatives in attending such services. Directs the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives to pay survivor's gratuities to the widows of Officers Gibson and Chestnut. Expresses the sense of the Congress that there should be established under law a U.S. Capitol Police Memorial Fund for the surviving spouses and children of members of the U.S. Capitol Police who are slain in the line of duty.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1998
Expresses the sense of the Senate that October 15, 1998, should be designated as National Inhalant Abuse Awareness Day, to be observed with appropriate activities. Requests the President to issue a proclamation designating such Day.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1998
Brady Waiting Period Extension Act of 1998 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to provide for the establishment of a minimum 72-hour handgun purchase waiting period, unless: (1) a prospective purchaser presents a written statement from the chief law enforcement officer of his or her place of residence during a specified ten-day period, stating that access to a handgun is necessary because of a threat to that person's life or the life of a member of his or her household; or (2) the law of the State in which the proposed transfer will occur requires that an authorized State or local official verify that the information available does not indicate that possession of a handgun by the prospective purchaser would violate the law and that such official has provided such verification in accordance with that law. Requires, when a person applies to buy a handgun, that: (1) the licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer contact the chief law enforcement officer of the prospective purchaser's place of residence; and (2) five (currently, three) business days have elapsed since the licensee contacted the national instant criminal background check system.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1998
Defense Jobs and Trade Promotion Act of 1998 - 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 · 13 July 1998
Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to extend through FY 2001 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the Federal Council on the Aging; (2) administration; (3) grants for State and community programs on aging; (4) the availability of surplus commodities; (5) training, research, and discretionary projects and programs; (6) community service employment for older Americans; (7) grants for Native Americans; (8) allotments for Vulnerable Elder Rights Protection activities; and (9) the Native American program.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1998
Women's Progress Commemoration Act - Establishes the Women's Progress Commemoration Commission to, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior and other appropriate Federal, State, and local public and private entities, prepare and submit to the Secretary a report that: (1) identifies sites of historical significance to the women's movement; and (2) recommends actions, under the National Historic Preservation Act and other law, to rehabilitate and preserve the sites and provide to the public interpretive and educational materials and activities at the sites. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary, after receipt of the Commission's report, to report to the Congress on the actions that have been taken to preserve the sites identified in the Commission's report as being of historical significance.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1998
Continued Dumping or Subsidy Offset Act of 1998 - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to declare that, whenever continued dumping or subsidization is found to exist by the administering authority or by operation of law, any duties assessed shall be distributed as continued dumping or subsidy offsets to the affected domestic producers for qualifying expenditures on an annual basis. Limits qualifying expenditures to expenditures incurred since the issuance of the antidumping duty finding or order or countervailing duty order in any or all of the categories of plant, equipment, research and development (R&D), personnel training, acquisition of technology, employer-paid employee health care and pension benefits, and environmental equipment, training or technology. Directs the Commissioner of the U.S. Customs Service to prescribe offset disbursement procedures. Sets forth general procedures for notification of eligible parties. Requires the Commissioner to establish a special account in the Treasury to receive all antidumping or countervailing duties, including interest, for distribution according to this Act, within 14 days after an antidumping or countervailing duty order takes effect.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1998
Industrial Emergency Notification Act of 1998 - Directs the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to issue a regulation that requires employers to: (1) notify outside emergency responders when conditions and circumstances occur which require outside emergency response, including workplace evacuations and other conditions specified in such regulation; (2) describe in their emergency response plans or emergency action plans additional conditions and circumstances that require outside emergency response; and (3) obtain the written agreement of the outside responders as to such additional conditions and circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
Federal Research Investment Act - Calls for Federal funding levels for fundamental, scientific, and pre-competitive engineering research to be increased to equal approximately 2.6 percent of the total annual Federal budget. Authorizes appropriations for civilian research and development (R&D) within specified agencies for FY 1999 through 2010. Directs the President to include with the annual budget request a report concerning Federal R&D program funding, future R&D strategies and targets, and an analysis of funding levels across Federal agencies by funding methodology. Requires the Director of the Office of Science Technology Policy (OSTP) to enter in an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a comprehensive study to develop methods for evaluating federally-funded R&D programs. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), based on study results, to promulgate one or more alternative forms for Federal R&D performance goals. Permits an agency head to apply such an alternative form without further authorization by OMB. Requires agency heads carrying out R&D activities, upon updating a strategic plan, to describe the current and future use of methods for determining an acceptable level of R&D success as recommended by the study. Authorizes appropriations for the study. Requires: (1) the OMB Director, based upon program performance reports, to identify the civilian R&D program activities or components which do not meet an acceptable level of success; (2) an agency head to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a concise statement of the steps needed to terminate a program activity or component identified as being below the acceptable level of success for two consecutive fiscal years; (3) such a program to be terminated unless the Directors of OSTP and OMB and the agency head determine that it should be continued; and (4) the statement of termination to recommend disposition of unexpended and unobligated funds from terminated programs.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Product Liability Reform Title II: Biomaterials Access Assurance Title III: Limitations on Applicability; Effective Date Product Liability Reform Act of 1998 - Title I: Product Liability Reform - Applies this Act to any product liability action in any State or Federal court on any theory for harm caused by a product, except for: (1) commercial loss actions; (2) civil negligent entrustment actions; (3) negligence per se concerning firearms and ammunition; (4) any dramshop or third-party liability actions arising from the sale or provision of alcohol to intoxicated persons or minors; and (5) actions involving harm caused by either a tobacco product or breast implant. (Sec. 103) Imposes seller liability if the seller failed to exercise reasonable care, made an express warranty, or engaged in intentional wrongdoing. Declares that a failure to inspect is not a failure of reasonable care if there was no reasonable opportunity to inspect or if the inspection would not have revealed the aspect that caused the harm. Makes a seller liable as a manufacturer if the manufacturer is not subject to service or if the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment. Makes certain persons engaged in the business of renting or leasing liable as a seller, but prohibits liability for the tortious act of another solely by reason of ownership. (Sec. 104) Makes it a complete defense if the defendant proves that the claimant was under the influence of alcohol or a drug and was more than 50 percent responsible. (Sec. 105) Requires reduction of damages by the percentage of harm attributable to misuse or alteration, except for actions involving an employer if the employer is immune under State law from claimant's action. (Sec. 106) Limits the time within which a product liability action must be started. (Sec. 107) Sets forth an 18-year statute of repose for durable goods used in a trade or business. (Sec. 108) Sets forth a transitional one-year period after enactment of this Act during which a product liability action may be brought if the time limitations of this Act shorten the period during which such action could otherwise be brought pursuant to another provision of law. (Sec. 109) Allows a claimant or defendant in a product liability action to offer to proceed with voluntary, nonbinding alternative dispute resolution. (Sec. 110) Allows punitive damages, as permitted by State law, if the claimant shows by clear and convincing evidence that the harm that is the subject of the action resulted from defendant's conduct, carried out with a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of others. Limits punitive damage amounts to the lesser of $250,000 or double the amount of compensatory damages. (Sec. 111) Recognizes liability for punitive damages in certain claims relating to death. (Sec. 112) Grants an insurer a right of subrogation whether or not the insurer is a party. Prohibits an employee from making settlements or accepting payments without written notification to the insurer. Requires submission to the trier of fact of any allegation by the manufacturer or seller that the harm was the fault of the claimant's employer. Requires a court to reduce damages if it is found by clear and convincing evidence that the harm was so caused; but requires the manufacturer or seller to reimburse the insurer for attorney's fees and costs if it is not so found. Title II: Biomaterials Access Assurance - Biomaterials Access Assurance Act of 1998 - Excludes from the term "claimant," for this title, anyone who alleges harm caused by a silicone gel breast implant. (Sec. 204) Applies this title, subject to exception, to any civil action in Federal or State court against a manufacturer, seller, or biomaterials supplier, on any legal theory, for harm allegedly caused by an implant. (Sec. 205) Declares that a biomaterials supplier shall not be liable for harm caused by an implant unless the supplier: (1) is a manufacturer; (2) is a seller; and (3) furnishes materials or parts that fail to meet contractual requirements or specifications. Sets forth the circumstances in which a supplier may be considered a manufacturer and the circumstances in which a supplier may be considered a seller. Allows a supplier, to the extent required and permitted by other law, to be liable if the claimant shows, by a preponderance of the evidence, violation of contractual requirements or specifications. (Sec. 206) Sets forth procedures relating to motions by a supplier to dismiss actions that are subject to this title. (Sec. 207) Cites circumstances under which the court, upon motion by a manufacturer or claimant, may implead a biomaterial supplier who has been dismissed from the action. Title III: Limitations on Applicability; Effective Date - Declares that U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction under this Act based on judicial code requirements relating to Federal questions, commerce and antitrust, and amounts in controversy.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1998
Sanctions Rationalization Act of 1998 - Authorizes the President to delay, suspend, or terminate any economic sanction with respect to a foreign country, if the President determines and reports to the Congress that initiating or continuing such sanction does not serve important U.S. national interests. Declares that suspension or termination of a sanction shall take effect 30 days after submission of such report, and delay of a sanction shall take effect immediately following such submission, unless the Congress enacts a joint resolution of disapproval.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1998
Class-Size Reduction and Teacher Quality Act of 1998 - Establishes a grants program to help States and local educational agencies recruit, train, and hire 100,000 additional teachers over a seven-year period in order to: (1) reduce class sizes nationally, in grades one through three, to an average of 18 students per classroom; and (2) improve teaching in the early grades so that all students can learn to read independently and well by the end of the third grade. Makes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2008 for such program. Sets forth program requirements for: (1) allotments to States; (2) grant applications; (3) within-State allocations; (4) State-level activities; (5) local uses of funds; (6) cost-sharing; (7) carryover of funds; (8) accountability; (9) participation of private school teachers; (10) evaluation; and (11) waivers.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Head Start Programs Title II: Community Services Block Grant Program Title III: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Title IV: Assets for Independence Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1998 - Title I: Head Start Programs - Head Start Amendments of 1998 - Amends the Head Start Act to reauthorize and revise its programs. (Sec. 103) Revises the statement of purpose to promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of low income children. (Sec. 104) Revises definitions of family literacy services, of full-working-day, and of migrant or seasonal Head Start program. Adds definitions of child with a disability and of reliable and replicable research. (Sec. 105) Provides for financial assistance to Head Start programs that enable children to attain school readiness (as well as to attain their full potential). (Sec. 106) Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for Head Start program activities. Directs the Secretary of Education to make available certain amounts for such program activities, transition activities, impact studies, and other research and evaluation activities. (Sec. 107) Revises requirements for allotment of funds. Allows set-aside funds to be used for: (1) activities related to correcting deficiencies and conducting proceedings to terminate the designation of Head Start agencies; and (2) research and evaluation. Revises funding for Indian and migrant and seasonal Head Start programs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) continue the administrative arrangement for meeting the needs of migrant and Indian children; and (2) assure that appropriate funds are provided to meet the needs of such children. Revises requirements relating to use of quality improvement funds for: (1) children with disabilities; (2) encouraging staff training; and (3) staff training related to promotion of language skills and literacy growth of children and the acquisition of English for children from non-English-speaking backgrounds. Requires that each State initially receive an amount of Head Start funds equal to the amount received in FY 1998. Revises various requirements for collaboration grants. Directs the Secretary to provide supplemental funding to: (1) States that develop unified plans for early childhood education and child care that include participation of Head Start agencies; and (2) States that engage in other innovative collaborations. Requires the Secretary to: (1) review barriers to collaboration; (2) develop initiatives to eliminate such barriers; and (3) develop a mechanism to resolve conflicts between programs. Increases the amount of funds set-aside for Early Head Start. Authorizes the Secretary to reduce these amounts, if necessary to avoid a reduction in Head Start services or quality, subject to certain conditions. Revises requirements relating to enrollment of children with disabilities. Directs the Secretary to consider specified factors concerning applicants in awarding expansion funds. (Sec. 108) Revises requirements relating to designation of Head Start agencies. Allows designation of for-profit organizations. Directs the Secretary, in making such designations, to: (1) consult with the State Governor; (2) give priority to existing Head Start grantees or their successors, unless the agency has failed to meet certain requirements; (3) give priority to Head Start agencies that have met or exceeded performance standards and performance measures; and (4) consider an applicant's plan to seek parent involvement and meet the needs of non-English background children and children with disabilities. Authorizes the Secretary to designate an interim Head Start grantee until a qualified applicant from the community is designated. (Sec. 109) Requires education performance standards to ensure children's school readiness and development of a minimum level of literacy awareness and understanding. Requires performance measures to assess the impact of the services provided to children and their families. Revises monitoring provisions to require: (1) review teams to include individuals knowledgeable about the needs of children with disabilities; and (2) reviews to include a review and assessment of program effectiveness in accordance with outcome-based performance measures and performance standards. Requires Head Start agencies to: (1) immediately correct any identified deficiencies that threaten health or safety or the integrity of Federal funds; (2) correct a deficiency within 90 days of being informed, if the Secretary determines that 90 days is reasonable; and (3) develop and obtain approval for a quality improvement plan, if required by the Secretary. (Sec. 110) Revises powers and functions of Head Start agencies. (Sec. 111) Revises Head Start transition provisions to require each Head Start agency to coordinate with the local education agency and schools in which participating Head Start children will enroll. (Sec. 112) Allows State Governors 45 days in which to disapprove any plan to carry out a Head Start program within the State through contract, agreement, grant, or other assistance. Prohibits the Secretary from overruling a Governor's disapproval in cases in which the disapproval is because of failure to comply with State health, safety and child care laws and regulations applicable to comparable programs within the State. (Sec. 113) Revises requirements for participation in Head Start regarding: (1) continuing eligibility of children who have participated in the Head Start program and whose families have met the low-income criteria; (2) use of a sliding fee scale for extended day services in full-day programs that operate through collaborations with other agencies or entities; and (3) continuous recruitment and acceptance of applications for Head Start throughout the year. (Sec. 114) Revises requirements for Early Head Start programs for families with infants and toddlers. Adds a reference to infants and toddlers with disabilities. Limits eligibility to pregnant women and families with children under age three. Directs the Secretary to use a portion of Early Head Start funds for monitoring, training, technical assistance, and evaluation. (Sec. 115) Directs the Secretary to: (1) ensure provision of technical assistance to Head Start agencies, other entities and States in collaborative efforts to promote full-day, full-year services; and (2) assist Head Start agencies and programs in expediting information sharing about innovative models for providing full-day, full-year services, and in ensuring school readiness of children and meeting education performance standards. (Sec. 116) Requires each Head Start classroom to have a teacher with demonstrated competency to perform certain functions (in addition to certificate and degree requirements already contained in current law). Directs the Secretary to grant a 180-day waiver of degree requirements for Head Start teachers, upon request, if the Head Start agency has unsuccessfully attempted to recruit an individual with the required credential, certificate or degree. (Sec. 117) Requires: (1) comparative studies of children participating in Head Start with eligible children who did not participate; and (2) a national Head Start impact research and a quality improvement study. Title II: Community Services Block Grant Program - Amends the Community Services Block Grant Act to reauthorize and revise its programs. (Sec. 201) Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for community services block grants. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reserve specified portions of annual appropriations for payments to territories, training and technical assistance and other activities, and discretionary activities. Revises or adds provisions relating to: (1) program authorization; (2) apportionment of funds to territories; (3) allotment and payment of funds to States; (4) use of funds by States for grants to eligible entities; (5) State applications and plans; (6) designation and redesignation by States of eligible entities in unserved areas of the State; (7) tripartite boards for eligible entities; (8) direct payment of funds by the Secretary to Indian tribes and tribal organizations; (9) the Secretary's carrying out certain functions of the Act through the Office of Community Services, and through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements; (10) the Secretary's use of set-aside funds for training, technical assistance, planning, evaluation, and data collection activities; (11) State monitoring of eligible entities to determine whether such entities meet performance goals, administrative standards, financial management requirements, and other State requirements; (12) corrective action, termination and reduction of funding, in cases where a State determines that an eligible entity materially fails to comply with the terms of an agreement or the State plan, or to meet appropriate standards, goals, and other State requirements; (13) fiscal controls, audits, and withholding of Federal funds; (14) Federal and State accountability and reporting on the performance of eligible entities; (15) limitations on the use of funds; (16) participation of faith-based organizations in programs under the Act; and (17) the Secretary's use of set-aside funds for discretionary activities involving community economic development, rural community development, and neighborhood innovation projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for: (1) community food and nutrition programs; and (2) national or regional programs designed to provide instructional activities for low-income youth. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 203) Repeals provisions of the Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1986 relating to: (1) interest rates payable on certain rural development loans, and assignment of loan contracts; and (2) demonstration partnership agreements addressing the needs of the poor. Title III: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance - Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to reauthorize and revise its programs. (Sec. 301) Extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) low-income home energy assistance programs (LIHEAP) in general; and (2) the incentive program for leveraging non- Federal resources. (Reduces the authorized amount for the incentive program except in fiscal years when appropriations for the general program reach a specified minimum level.) (Sec. 303) Provides for release of LIHEAP funds in response to emergencies, including a natural disaster, any other event meeting criteria the Secretary determines appropriate, or a significant increase in: (1) home energy supply shortages or disruptions; (2) the cost of home energy; (3) home energy disconnections; (4) participation in a public benefit program such as the food stamp program; or (5) a significant increase in unemployment or layoffs. (Sec. 304) Includes the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the combined Freely Associated States as participants in LIHEAP. (Sec. 306) Prohibits certain transfers out of LIHEAP. (Sec. 307) Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate and report to the Congress on the Residential Energy Assistance Challenge program. (Sec. 308) Increases the amount of funds available for technical assistance, training, and compliance reviews. Authorizes the Secretary to use such funds for: (1) onsite program reviews; and (2) interagency agreements, including agreements with Federal agencies. Title IV: Assets for Independence - Assets for Independence Act - Provides for the establishment of individual development account (IDA) demonstration projects designed to determine: (1) the social, civic, psychological, and economic effects of providing to individuals and families with limited means an incentive to accumulate assets by saving a portion of their earned income in an individual development account; (2) the extent to which an asset-based policy that promotes saving for education, home ownership, and microenterprise development may be used to enable individuals and families with limited means to increase their economic self-sufficiency; and (3) the extent to which an asset-based policy stabilizes and improves families and the community in which they live. (Sec. 404) Limits the use of IDA distributions to specified postsecondary educational, first-home purchase, and business capitalization expenses, as well as transfers to IDAs of family members. (Sec. 405) Allows not-for-profit organizations, State or local government agencies, and tribal governments to apply to the Secretary of HHS for grants for such demonstration projects. Directs the Secretary to publicly announce funding for such projects and make applications widely available to qualified entities. Sets forth criteria for application approval, including project sufficiency, administrative ability, ability to assist participants, commitment of non-Federal funds, and adequacy of information for evaluation. (Sec. 406) Directs the Secretary to make annual grants for four project years for such demonstration projects to entities with approved applications. Limits the amount of such a grant to any qualified entity in a single year to the lesser of $1 million or an amount equal to the amount of non-Federal matching funds. (Sec. 407) Requires each qualified not-for-profit organization receiving a grant to establish a reserve fund for deposit of private and public funds provided for the demonstration project, as well as proceeds from investments. (Sec. 408) Makes an individual eligible for assistance under a demonstration project if the individual is a member of a household that: (1) is eligible for assistance under part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) of title IV of the Social Security Act; or (2) meets certain income and net worth tests. (Sec. 410) Allows IDAs, to which qualified individuals may contribute, to be matched from grant funds by the qualified entity conducting the demonstration project, according to a certain formula, in an amount up to $2,000 per individual ($4,000 per household). (Sec. 411) Provides for local control over such demonstration projects. (Sec. 412) Requires annual progress reports by qualified entities. (Sec. 413) Directs the Secretary to terminate a demonstration project upon determination of noncompliance with requirements and failure to implement corrective recommendations. (Sec. 415) Prohibits considering funds in the IDA of a demonstration project participant as income for purposes of any Federal or federally-assisted program based on need. (Sec. 416) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1998
Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar and half-dollar coins emblematic of the expedition of Lewis and Clark. Allocates surcharges from coin sales between the National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Council and the National Park Service for activities associated with the bicentennial commemoration of the expedition.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: The Children's Firearm Safety Act of 1998 Title II: The Children's Firearms Age Limit Act of 1998 Title III: The Children's Firearm Dealer's Responsibility Act of 1998 Title IV: The Children's Firearm Access Prevention Act of 1998 Title V: The Children's Firearm Injury Surveillance Act of 1998 Title VI: The Children's Firearm Education Act of 1998 Title VII: The Children's Firearm Tracking Act of 1998 Children's Gun Violence Prevention Act of 1998 - Title I: The Children's Firearm Safety Act of 1998 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prohibit the manufacture or importation of an unsafe handgun. Defines "unsafe handgun" as any semiautomatic pistol which does not have a magazine safety disconnect that prevents the pistol from being fired once the magazine or clip is removed from the weapon and any handgun: (1) which the Secretary of the Treasury determines, when new, fires in any of five successive trials in which the handgun is dropped onto a solid slab of concrete from a height of one meter from each of several specified positions; (2) without a child resistant trigger mechanism reasonably designed to prevent a child who has attained age five from operating the weapon when it is ready to fire; and (3) sold without a mechanism reasonably designed, under rules determined by the Secretary, to prevent the discharge of the weapon by unauthorized users. Exempts the manufacture or importation by a licensed manufacturer or importer for use by a department or agency of the United States, a State, or a political subdivision thereof, or for purposes of testing or experimentation authorized by the Secretary. (Sec. 102) Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to study and report to the Congress on how handgun safety can be improved so as to prevent unauthorized use or discharge of firearms by children who have not attained age 18. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999. Title II: The Children's Firearms Age Limit Act of 1998 - Prohibits the sale, delivery, or other transfer of a semiautomatic assault weapon to a person the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe is a juvenile. (Sec. 202) Increases the penalty for transferring a handgun or semiautomatic assault weapon to a juvenile for use in a crime of violence. Title III: The Children's Firearm Dealer's Responsibility Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary, after notice and opportunity for hearing, to revoke the license of a dealer who willfully sells a firearm to a minor. (Sec. 302) Prohibits a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer, 30 days after the Attorney General notifies licensees that the national instant criminal background check system is established, from transferring a firearm to any unlicensed person without verifying the identity of a purchaser known or reasonably believed to be under age 24 by examining two valid photograph identification documents. (Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary to issue final regulations that establish minimum firearm safety and security standards that shall apply to dealers who are issued a license, which shall include minimum standards for: (1) a place of business in which a dealer covered by the regulations conducts business or stores firearms; (2) windows, the front door, storage rooms, containers, alarms, and specified other items of a place of business; and (3) the storage and handling of the firearms contained in such place of business. Authorizes the Secretary to enter the place of business of a licensed dealer: (1) under specified conditions, where there is reasonable cause to believe a violation has occurred, to examine records of the safety and security measures taken by the dealer to ensure compliance with such regulations; and (2) without such reasonable cause or warrant not more than once during any 12-month period to ensure compliance. Sets penalties for licensed dealers who knowingly fail to comply with any applicable regulation issued pursuant to this section. Title IV: The Children's Firearm Access Prevention Act of 1998 - Children's Firearm Access Prevention Act of 1998 - Prohibits and sets penalties for keeping a loaded firearm, or an unloaded firearm and ammunition for it, that has been shipped or transported in or otherwise substantially affects interstate or foreign commerce, on premises under the custody or control of a person who knows or reasonably should know that a juvenile is capable of gaining access to the firearm without the permission of a parent or legal guardian, if a juvenile obtains access to the firearm and thereby causes death or bodily injury or exhibits the firearm in a public place or in a school zone. Makes an exception if: (1) the juvenile obtains, or obtains and discharges, the firearm in a lawful act of self-defense or defense of others; (2) the person uses a secure gun storage or safety device for the firearm; (3) the person is a peace officer, member of the Armed Forces or National Guard, and the juvenile obtains the firearm during or incidental to the performance of official duties in that capacity; or (4) the person has no reasonable expectation that a juvenile is likely to be present on the premises on which the firearm is kept. Requires the Secretary to ensure that a copy of such prohibition and penalties appears on the form required to be obtained by a licensed dealer from a prospective firearm purchaser. Title V: The Children's Firearm Injury Surveillance Act of 1998 - Children's Firearm Injury Surveillance Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) make grants to State and local departments of health and law enforcement agencies for establishing and maintaining children's firearm-related injury surveillance systems; and (2) carry out this title through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who shall carry out this title through the Director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (Director). Requires the Director to: (1) ensure that such grants are used to establish systems for gathering information regarding fatal and nonfatal firearm injuries involving children who have not attained age 21; and (2) give priority to States and communities in which firearm- related injuries for children are a significant public health problem. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2003. Title VI: The Children's Firearm Education Act of 1998 - Children's Firearm Education Act of 1998 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education or State educational agencies (if the amount appropriated to carry out this title exceeds $50 million) to award grants to eligible local educational agencies for purposes of educating children about preventing gun violence. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) a formula for allocating appropriated funds to the States; (2) minimum allotments; (3) required assurances regarding the use of allocated funds; (4) priorities in awarding grants; (6) peer review of grant applications; (7) eligible grant recipients; (8) State and local applications, and reporting requirements; (9) authorized activities; and (10) requirements that funds received supplement, not supplant, funds that would otherwise be available from non-Federal sources and that persons hired by a local educational agency receiving a grant award not displace persons already employed. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001. (Sec. 603) Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) include on the Internet site of the Department of Education a description of programs that receive grants pursuant to this title; and (2) publicize the competitive grant program through its Internet site, publications, and public service announcements. (Sec. 605) Amends the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1994 to provide for timely counseling and: (1) evaluations of any student who possesses, or threatens to bring or use, a weapon on school grounds; and (2) advice to public school students, staff, and administrators after an incident of gun-related violence on school grounds. Title VII: The Children's Firearm Tracking Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) endeavor to expand the number of cities and counties directly participating in the Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative (YCGII) to 75 cities or counties by October 1, 2000, 150 by October 1, 2002, and 250 by October 1, 2003; (2) select cities and counties for participation in YCGII in consultation with Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials; (3) utilize the information provided by YCGII to facilitate the identification and prosecution of individuals illegally trafficking firearms to persons under age 24; (4) share information derived from YCGII with State and local law enforcement agencies through on-line computer access as soon as such capability is available; and (5) award grants to States, cities, and counties for purposes of assisting in the tracing of firearms and participation in YCGII. Authorizes such grants to be used to: (1) hire or assign additional personnel for the gathering, submission, and analysis of tracing data submitted to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms under YCGII; (2) hire additional law enforcement personnel to identify and arrest individuals illegally trafficking firearms; and (3) purchase additional equipment, including automatic data processing equipment and computer software and hardware, for the timely submission and analysis of tracing data.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1998
Superfund Recycling Equity Act of 1998 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to absolve persons (other than owners or operators) who arranged for the recycling of recyclable material from liability for environmental response actions. Deems transactions involving scrap paper, plastic, glass, textiles, or rubber (other than whole tires) to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that the following criteria were met: (1) the recyclable material met a commercial specification grade and a market existed for the material; (2) a substantial portion of the material was made available for use as a feedstock for the manufacture of a new saleable product; (3) the material (or product to be made from the material) could have been a replacement for a virgin raw material; and (4) with respect to transactions occurring 90 days after this Act's enactment, the person exercised reasonable care to determine that the facility where the material would be managed by another was in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations. Deems transactions involving scrap metal to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; (2) he or she complied with applicable standards regarding activities associated with the recycling of scrap metals; and (3) the scrap metal was not melted prior to the transaction. Deems transactions involving spent lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or other batteries to be arranging for recycling if the person involved demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; and (2) he or she complied with applicable Federal environmental regulations or standards regarding such batteries. Makes the exemptions from liability under this Act inapplicable if the person: (1) had an objectively reasonable basis to believe at the time of the recycling transaction that the recyclable material would not be recycled or would be burned as fuel or for energy recovery or incineration or that the consuming facility was not in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations; (2) had reason to believe that hazardous substances had been added to the material for purposes other than processing for recycling; or (3) failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to the management of the material. Makes such exemptions inapplicable if the recyclable material contained polychlorinated biphenyls in excess of 50 parts per million or any new Federal standard or if such material is an item of scrap paper containing, at the time of recycling, a concentration of a hazardous substance determined to present a significant human health or environmental risk.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1998
Amends the Small Business Act to increase for each of FY 1999 through 2001 the authorization of appropriations for women's business center program projects.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1998
Printed Circuit Investment Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify as three-year depreciable property any printed wiring board or printed wiring assembly equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1998
Disapproves the rule submitted by the Health Care Financing Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, on June 1, 1998, relating to surety bond requirements for home health agencies under titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1998
Expresses grave concern regarding the findings of the December 1997 International Commission of Jurists report on Tibet concerning religious and cultural repression in Tibet. Supports report recommendations that call on: (1) the People's Republic of China to enter into discussions with the Dalai Lama on a solution to the question of Tibet, to ensure respect for the fundamental human rights of the Tibetan people, to end practices which threaten to erode the distinct cultural, religious, and national identity of the Tibetan people, and to cease policies which result in the movement of Chinese people to Tibetan territory; (2) the United Nations General Assembly to resume its debate on the question of Tibet and to hold a referendum in Tibet; and (3) the Dalai Lama to enter into discussions with the Chinese Government on a solution to the question of Tibet. Commends the appointment by the Secretary of State of a U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. Calls on: (1) the People's Republic of China to release from detention the nine-year old Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, to his home in Tibet from which he was taken on May 17,1995, and to allow him to pursue his religious studies; and (2) the President, as a central objective of the 1998 presidential summit meeting with Jiang Zemin in Beijing, to secure an agreement to begin substantive negotiations between the People's Republic of China and the Dalai Lama.
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