United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
National Missile Defense Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop for deployment a National Missile Defense (NMD) system which shall achieve operational capability by the end of 2003. Includes as system elements: (1) an interceptor system that optimizes defensive coverage of the United States; (2) fixed ground-based radar; (3) space-based sensors; and (4) battle management, command, control, and communications. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct an integrated systems test by the end of FY 1999; (2) use streamlined acquisition procedures; (3) develop a follow-on program that leverages off of, and that could augment, the NMD system to provide for a layered defense; and (4) report to the Congress on the plan for carrying out this Act, the appropriations required for FY 1998 through 2003, and the point at which activity would conflict with terms of the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty. Urges the President, if necessary, to pursue high-level discussions with the Russian Federation to achieve an agreement to amend the ABM Treaty to allow deployment of the NMD system. Requires the President to present any such agreement to the Senate for its advice and consent. Requires the President and the Congress, if such an agreement is not achieved within one year, to consider the option of withdrawing the United States from the ABM Treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Safe and Drug-Free Schools Initiative Subtitle A: Student Opportunity and Safety Subtitle B: Common Sense School Safety Title II: Amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 Title III: Tax Incentives for Higher Education Title IV: Funding for Part B of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Title V: Adult Education and Family Literacy Subtitle A: Adult Education Act Subtitle B: Demonstration Programs and Projects to Promote Literacy Subtitle C: National Commission on Literacy Safe and Affordable Schools Act of 1997 - Title I: Safe and Drug-Free Schools Initiative - Subtitle A: Student Opportunity and Safety - Student Opportunity and Safety Act - Authorizes appropriations for the grants program established under this subtitle and for program evaluation. (Sec. 115) Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to eligible entities for 20 to 30 demonstration projects under which low-income parents receive education certificates for the costs of enrolling their eligible children in a choice school. Gives priority to eligible entities that: (1) are conducting a school choice program, involving public or private schools, on the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) operate a school choice program, involving public and private schools, that is authorized by Federal law. Requires 90 percent of such grants (85 percent the first year) to be used for providing education certificates to low-income parents to pay tuition, fees, allowable transportation costs, and costs of certain special programs, for their eligible children to attend a choice school. Allows the remainder to be used for administration of the demonstration project. Declares that such education certificates shall be considered as: (1) aid to parents, not to the choice school. States that such education certificates shall not be considered income to an eligible child or its parent for Federal, State, or local tax purposes, or for determining eligibility for any other Federal program. Subtitle B: Common Sense School Safety - Common Sense School Safety Act - Chapter I: Pupil Safety and Family Choice - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to allow students, who are program-eligible or who attend a program-eligible school, to switch schools if they have been victims of violent crimes in or on the grounds of their schools. Authorizes the local educational agency (LEA) to use program funds to pay certain supplementary costs for such students to attend any other public or private elementary school or secondary school, including a sectarian school, in that State, that is selected by the student's parent. (Sec. 151) Authorizes States, State educational agencies (SEAs), or LEAs to transfer any non-Federal public funds associated with the education of a student who is a victim of a violent criminal offense while in or on the grounds of a public elementary school or secondary school served by an LEA to another LEA or to a private elementary school or secondary school, including a sectarian school. Chapter II: Victim Assistance Programs - Amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to authorize: (1) use of victim compensation program grant funds for compensation to students who are victims of school violence; and (2) grants for a demonstration project or for training and technical assistance services to a program that assists LEA programs designed to protect victims of and witnesses to incidents of school violence. Chapter III: Innovative Programs to Improve Unsafe Schools - Authorizes appropriations for the grants program established under this chapter. (Sec. 175) Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to States, SEAs, and LEAs for innovative programs to improve unsafe elementary schools or secondary schools. Gives priority to programs that: (1) provide parent and teacher notification of crimes or drug activity occurring at school; (2) provide for the suspension, delay, or restriction of driving privileges of persons under age 18 who have a conviction, an adjudication in a juvenile proceeding, or a finding in a school disciplinary proceeding, involving illegal drugs; (3) link local educational agencies with community-based mentoring programs; (4) include cooperative efforts between the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense to share the training and salary costs of former members of the Armed Forces who are hired as teachers and assigned to teach in public elementary schools and secondary schools, especially in communities adversely affected by the recent closing or substantial downsizing of a military base or facility; and (5) enhance school security measures. Chapter IV: Notification for Juvenile Justice and Law Enforcement Purposes - Directs the Secretary to prepare and distribute to SEAs and LEAs a notice regarding the extent of permissible disclosure of educational records under the General Education Provisions Act and related regulations. Title II: Amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 - State Education Flexibility Act - Amends ESEA to include under targeted uses of LEA innovative education assistance funds: (1) programs using scholarships or vouchers provided to a parent by an LEA that permit the parent to select the public or private, including sectarian, school that the parent's child will attend; (2) education reform projects that provide same gender schools, as long as comparable educational opportunities are offered for students of both sexes; and (3) education reform projects that reward teachers, administrators, and schools with cash bonuses and other incentives for significantly improving the academic performance of their students. Title III: Tax Incentives for Higher Education - Affordable College Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to qualified State tuition programs to provide for Bob Dole Education Investment Accounts. Limits contributions to such an account to $1,000 in cash per calendar year for an account holder under age 18. Exempts such accounts from Federal income taxation, except the tax on the unrelated business income of charitable organizations. (Sec. 301) Prohibits the establishment of such an account for the benefit of more than one individual. Provides that, if at any time during a calendar year, two or more education investment accounts are maintained for the benefit of an individual, only the account first established shall be treated as a Bob Dole education investment account (except where more than one account exists solely by reason of a rollover contribution). (Sec. 302) Extends permanently the tax exclusion for educational assistance programs provided by employers. Allows such programs to include assistance for graduate education. (Sec. 303) Revises the tax treatment of qualified State tuition programs to exclude from gross income any distributions used for qualified higher educational expenses, including room and board. (Sec. 304) Allows a tax deduction for up to $2,500 per year of interest on education loans, with specified reductions for taxpayers whose adjusted gross income exceeds certain amounts. Allows such deduction whether or not the taxpayer itemizes other deductions. Requires specified tax returns from persons (including governmental units) which have received education loan interest in the course of trade or business from individuals. (Sec. 305) Excludes from gross income any payments received under a Federal work study program. Title IV: Funding for Part B of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for Assistance for Education of All Children with Disabilities. Title V: Adult Education and Family Literacy - Subtitle A: Adult Education Act - Amends the Adult Education Act (AEA) to revise and consolidate AEA programs for adult education and family literacy, and to extend the authorization of appropriations for such programs. (Sec. 511) Revises requirements for Grants to Eligible Agencies, National Programs, and the National Institute for Literacy. Renames the National Institute Board the National Institute for Literacy Advisory Board. Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out a program of national leadership activities to enhance the quality of adult education and family literacy programs nationwide, including specified types of assistance, evaluation, and demonstration activities. (Sec. 512) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the functional literacy and life skills program for State and local prisoners. (Sec. 513) Revises specified provisions of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980 and ESEA to conform to the amendments made to AEA. Subtitle B: Demonstration Programs and Projects to Promote Literacy - Amends ESEA title X (Programs of National Significance) to authorize the Secretary of Education to make grants to and contracts and cooperative agreements with SEAs, LEAs,, institutions of higher learning, and other public and private organizations to establish Demonstration Partnerships to Promote Literacy. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: National Commission on Literacy - National Commission on Literacy - Establishes the National Commission on Literacy to review and report to the President and the Congress on the social and economic impact of illiteracy in the United States and any correlation between such impact and welfare costs, juvenile delinquency, special education, adult literacy programs, drug addiction, and underemployment. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Requires a two-thirds vote of each House of the Congress in order to pass any bill levying a new tax or increasing the rate or base of any tax. Allows the Congress to waive that requirement during war or certain military conflict. Requires all votes under this Amendment to be by yeas and nays and the names of persons voting for and against to be entered in the Journal of each House.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
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 1997 - 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 commercial loss actions. (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 claimant was under the influence of alcohol or a drug and was more than 50 percent responsible. (Sec. 105) Reduces damages by the percentage of harm attributable to misuse or alteration, except for actions involving an employer or co-employee if the employer or co-employee is, under State law, immune from claimant's action. (Sec. 106) Limits the time within which a product liability action must be started, with a separate limit for durable goods other than motor vehicles, vessels, aircraft, or trains used primarily to transport passengers for hire. (Sec. 107) Allows a claimant or defendant in a product liability action to offer to proceed with voluntary, nonbinding alternative dispute resolution. (Sec. 108) Allows punitive damages, as permitted by State law, if the claimant shows by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant's conduct, carried out with a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of others, was the proximate cause of the harm. Regulates punitive damage amounts. (Sec. 110) Permits several and prohibits joint liability for noneconomic loss, allocating liability in direct proportion to the percentage of responsibility. (Sec. 111) 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 the consent of the employer. Requires, if the manufacturer or seller alleges the harm was the fault of the claimant's employer or coemployee, that the issue be submitted to the trier of fact. Reduces 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 1997 - 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. Title III: Limitations on Applicability; Effective Date - Makes any circuit court of appeals decision interpreting this Act a precedent for any Federal or State court within that court's geographic jurisdiction. Declares that U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction under this Act based on provisions of the U.S. Code relating to Federal questions, commerce and antitrust, and amounts in controversy.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) for that fiscal year unless the Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to the Congress. Requires the approval of a majority of each House by roll call vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Authorizes the Congress to waive these provisions when: (1) a declaration of war is in effect; or (2) the United States is engaged in a military conflict which poses a threat to national security as declared by a joint resolution adopted by a majority of each House. Makes this article effective beginning with FY 2002 or with the second fiscal year beginning after its ratification, whichever is later.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Transfer of Alien Prisoners Title II: Exclusionary Rule Reform Subtitle A: Exclusionary Rule Reform Subtitle B: Confession Reform Title III: Violent Crime, Drugs, and Terrorism Subtitle A: Criminal Penalties and Procedures Subtitle B: International Terrorism Subtitle C: Commissions and Studies Title IV: Community Protection Subtitle A: Law Enforcement Assistance Subtitle B: Citizens' Assistance Title V: Criminal Procedure Improvements Subtitle A: Equal Protection for Victims Subtitle B: Firearms Subtitle C: Federal Death Penalty Title VI: Increased Penalties for Trafficking and Manufacture of Methamphetamine and Precursors Title VII: Combating Violence Against Women and Children Subtitle A: General Reforms Subtitle B: Domestic Violence Title VIII: Violent Crime and Terrorism Subtitle A: Violent Crime and Terrorism Subtitle B: Courts and Sentencing Subtitle C: White Collar Crime Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions Title IX: Prison Reform Subtitle A: Prison Litigation Reform Subtitle B: Federal Prisons Title X: Miscellaneous Provisions Title XI: Violent and Repeat Juvenile Offenders Subtitle A: Juvenile Justice Reform Subtitle B: Juvenile Gangs Subtitle C: Juvenile Crime Control and Accountability Omnibus Crime Control Act of 1997 - Title I: Transfer of Alien Prisoners - Transfer of Alien Prisoners Act of 1997 - Directs the Attorney General to begin transferring undocumented aliens who are incarcerated in the United States and whose convictions have become final to the custody of the government of the alien's country of nationality for service of the duration of the alien's sentence in that country, except for aliens who are nationals of a foreign country that the Secretary of State (Secretary) has determined has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary to: (1) renegotiate all treaties requiring the consent of such an alien to such a transfer; and (2) withdraw the United States as a party to any such treaty requiring such consent if the Secretary is unable to negotiate a new treaty that would go into effect by December 31, 1998. Specifies that the consent of an alien covered by this title shall not be required before such alien may be designated for transfer or before such alien may be transferred to the country of nationality of that alien. (Sec. 104) Directs the President, by March 1 of each year, to submit to the Congress: (1) a certification as to whether each foreign country has accepted, and has confined for the duration of their sentences, such persons; and (2) a report describing the operation of the provisions of this title, particularly with regard to the ten countries having the greatest number of their nationals incarcerated in the United States. (Sec. 107) Provides for the withholding of bilateral assistance, opposition to multilateral development assistance, and withholding of visas with respect to countries refusing to accept at least 75 percent of such nationals designated for transfer or to confine such persons for at least 85 percent of their sentences, with exceptions. Sets forth provisions regarding certification procedures, waivers, congressional review, and denial of assistance for countries decertified. (Sec. 108) Directs: (1) the Secretary to begin to negotiate and renegotiate bilateral prisoner transfer treaties; and (2) the President to submit to Congress an annual certification as to whether each such treaty in force is effective. Title II: Exclusionary Rule Reform - Subtitle A: Exclusionary Rule Reform - Exclusionary Rule Reform Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal criminal code (the code) to bar the exclusion of evidence obtained as a result of a search or seizure carried out under circumstances justifying an objectively reasonable belief that the search or seizure was in conformity with the Fourth Amendment. Specifies that the fact that evidence was obtained pursuant to and within the scope of a warrant constitutes prima facie evidence of the existence of such circumstances. Prohibits the exclusion of evidence on the ground that it was obtained in violation of a statute, administrative rule or regulation, or rule of procedure unless the exclusion is expressly authorized by statute or by a rule prescribed by the Supreme Court pursuant to statutory authority. Provides that evidence which is otherwise excludable under such provision shall not be excludable where the search and seizure was carried out in circumstances justifying an objectively reasonable belief that it was in conformity with the pertinent statute, administrative rule or regulation, or rule of procedure. Subtitle B: Confession Reform - Amends the code to direct the Attorney General to require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to enforce, and defend nationally, the legality of confession reform provisions and, specifically, to pursue the admission into evidence of confessions that are voluntarily given. Provides that, in determining the issue of voluntariness: (1) DOJ shall consider all the circumstances surrounding the confession; (2) the presence or absence of any of certain listed factors shall not be conclusive; and (3) the fact that the defendant had not been advised, prior to questioning, of his or her right to silence and to the assistance of counsel shall not be dispositive. Title III: Violent Crime, Drugs, and Terrorism - Drug Investigation Support and Antiterrorism Act of 1997 - Subtitle A: Criminal Penalties and Procedures - Amends the code to: (1) make it a Federal offense to murder a person during and in relation to any international Olympic Games held in the United States; and (2) include among "internationally protected persons" any participant or guest attending any international sporting event sponsored and sanctioned by the International or United States Olympic Committee. (Sec. 312) Directs the Attorney General to supervise other Federal authorities and personnel in the provision of security services (including conducting a comprehensive review of plans for the housing of athletes and other eligible guests) by establishing an Olympic Security Task Force. Sets forth provisions regarding task force composition, requests for assistance, agreements and regulations, and expedited review of housing arrangements. (Sec. 313) Amends: (1) the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (Antiterrorism Act) to include within provisions regarding malicious destruction by fire or explosives specified activities against any institution or organization receiving Federal financial assistance; and (2) related provisions under the code to cover such activities at public places. (Sec. 314) Makes it a Federal offense to knowingly develop, produce, acquire, stockpile, retain, transfer, own or possess any chemical weapon without lawful authority. Sets forth provisions regarding jurisdiction, payment to the United States of incidental expenses incident to seizure or destruction, criminal forfeiture, warrants for seizure, forfeiture orders, execution of such orders, disposition of seized property, authority of the Attorney General, bars on intervention, jurisdiction to enter orders, depositions, third party interests, and substitute assets. Subtitle B: International Terrorism - Urges the President to commence diplomatic efforts to establish a multilateral sanctions regime against each country that the Secretary determines to have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism. Directs the President to include in the annual report on patterns of global terrorism a description of the extent to which such efforts have been carried out, the degree of their success, and a plan of action for inducing each such country to cease support for acts of international terrorism. (Sec. 322) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989 to require the annual country reports on terrorism to include with respect to each foreign country from which the U.S. Government has sought cooperation during the preceding five-year period in the investigation or prosecution of an act of international terrorism against U.S. citizens or interests, information on the extent to which the government of such country is cooperating with the U.S. Government in apprehending, convicting, and punishing each individual responsible and in preventing further acts of terrorism against U.S. citizens in the foreign country. (Sec. 323) Directs the Secretary to submit to specified congressional leaders annual classified and unclassified reports on international terrorism, including a detailed assessment of the efforts of individual countries to take effective action against countries determined to have repeatedly supported acts of international terrorism. (Sec. 324) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to replace the current Department of State rewards program with one under which the Secretary may pay a reward to any individual who furnishes information leading to: (1) the arrest or conviction in any country of any individual for the commission of an act of international terrorism against a person or property, for conspiring or attempting to commit such act, for specified narcotics-related offenses, or for aiding or abetting the commission of such acts; or (2) the prevention, frustration, or favorable resolution of such acts. Sets forth provisions regarding coordination with DOJ. Authorizes appropriations. Sets limitations on rewards. Makes an officer or employee of a governmental entity who, while performing official duties, furnishes such information ineligible for a reward under this section. Sets forth reporting requirements. Excludes from judicial review determinations by the Secretary regarding whether to authorize, or the amount of, a reward. Urges the Secretary to pursue additional means of funding the program. Subtitle C: Commissions and Studies - Establishes the National Commission on Terrorism. Title IV: Community Protection - Community Protection Initiative of 1997 - Subtitle A: Law Enforcement Assistance - Amends the code to exempt qualified current and former law enforcement officers from State laws prohibiting the carrying of concealed firearms. Subtitle B: Citizens' Assistance - Citizens' Assistance Act of 1997 - Grants congressional consent to States to enter into compacts or agreements for cooperative effort in enabling individuals to carry concealed firearms. (Sec. 423) Amends: (1) the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Safe Streets Act) to authorize State and local use of drug control and system improvement grant funds to train members of the public in the safe possession, ownership, handling, carrying, and use of firearms, subject to specified restrictions on the collection and use of data about any program participant; and (2) the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to allow the sale, delivery, or transfer of a handgun to a person protected under a court order regarding harassment, stalking, threatening, or related conduct with respect to an intimate partner or such partner's child. Title V: Criminal Procedure Improvements - Subtitle A: Equal Protection for Victims - Amends: (1) rule 24 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure (FRCP) to provide for six peremptory challenges by each side and rule 23 to allow six-member juries under specified circumstances; and (2) rule 404 of the Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE) to permit rebuttal of attacks on the victim's character. (Sec. 504) Amends the code to repeal a requirement that notice of release of prisoners be used only for law enforcement purposes. (Sec. 505) Amends the Federal judicial code regarding the balance in the composition of rules committees. Subtitle B: Firearms - Imposes the following minimum penalties: (1) five years for using or carrying a firearm during the commission of a Federal crime of violence or drug trafficking crime; (2) ten years if the firearm is discharged; and (3) life imprisonment or punishment by death if the death of a person results. (Sec. 522) Provides mandatory penalties of ten or twenty years' imprisonment, respectively, for firearms possession by persons with one or two prior convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses. (Sec. 523) Makes specified mandatory penalties applicable when firearms are used in connection with counterfeiting or forgery offenses. (Sec. 524) Prohibits possession of an explosive during the commission of a felony. (Sec. 525) Doubles the penalty for a second offense of using an explosive to commit a felony. (Sec. 526) Amends: (1) the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (CSIEA) to require the court to sentence a person convicted of specified acts of international drug trafficking (importation offense) consisting of bringing into the United States a mixture or substance equal to 100 usual dosage amounts of such mixture or substance, to life imprisonment without possibility of release (or death, for repeat violations); and (2) the code to make a second or subsequent importation offense consisting of bringing a controlled substance into the United States an aggravating factor in determining whether a death sentence is justified. Subtitle C: Federal Death Penalty - Revises Federal death penalty standards and procedures, including by requiring the jury (or the court, as applicable) in determining whether a death sentence is justified, to consider and determine (as an aggravating factor) whether the defendant: (1) used or possessed a firearm during and in relation to the commission of the offense or in escaping or attempting to escape apprehension; or (2) has previously been convicted of a Federal or State offense punishable by a term of imprisonment of more than one year involving the use of a firearm against another person. Requires the defendant to give notice of mitigating factors that will be relied upon in a capital sentencing hearing. Permits the information presented by the Government in support of factors concerning the effect of the offense on the victim and the victim's family to include oral testimony, a victim impact statement, and any other relevant information. Directs the jury to recommend a sentence of death if it unanimously finds at least one aggravating factor and no mitigating factor, or if it finds one or more aggravating factors that outweigh any mitigating factors. Repeals Controlled Substances Act (CSA) provisions establishing death penalty procedures specifically for persons convicted of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise where the Government seeks the death penalty. Amends the code to include death during commission of another crime as an aggravating factor for homicide. Adds many other such aggravating factors, such as that the victim of a capital offense was pregnant, handicapped, or a custodial parent of a child under age 18. (Sec. 542) Includes murder of a witness as an aggravating factor to be considered in determining whether a death sentence is justified. (Sec. 543) Provides for imposition of the death penalty for murders committed in the District of Columbia. Title VI: Increased Penalties for Trafficking and Manufacture of Methamphetamine and Precursors - Amends the CSA and CSIEA to decrease the quantities of methamphetamine necessary to trigger specified trafficking penalties. (Sec. 602) Amends the code, the Federal judicial code, and FRCP 35 to authorize a reduction of sentence for providing substantial assistance in an investigation of any offense. (Sec. 603) Revises death penalty provisions under the code pursuant to regulations to be promulgated by the Attorney General. Directs a U.S. marshal charged with supervising the implementation of a death sentence to use appropriate Federal facilities for that purpose. (Sec. 604) Limits the term of office of the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Agency to a single ten-year period, with an exception. (Sec. 605) Makes serious juvenile drug offenses predicate offenses under the Armed Career Criminal Act. (Sec. 606) Amends the CSA to set mandatory minimum prison sentences for persons who use minors in drug trafficking activities or who sell drugs to minors. Increases penalties for committing drug offenses in drug-free zones. (Sec. 607) Amends the CSA and CSIEA to increases penalties for trafficking in listed chemicals. Title VII: Combating Violence Against Women and Children - Subtitle A: General Reforms - Makes religious organizations eligible to participate in any grant program authorized pursuant to the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA) which allow for the participation of nongovernmental entities, programs, or agencies, or private organizations. Prohibits Federal or State governmental agencies receiving funds under any such program from discriminating against an organization on the basis that such organization has a religious character. (Sec. 702) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 under: (1) the Safe Streets Act for domestic violence arrest grants; (2) the VAWA for rural domestic violence and child abuse enforcement assistance; and (3) the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act for runaway, homeless, and street youth assistance grants. Subtitle B: Domestic Violence - Amends the code to authorize the death penalty for fatal interstate domestic violence offenses and fatal interstate violations of protective orders. (Sec. 713) Amends FRE 404 to allow the admission of evidence of the defendant's disposition toward the victim in domestic violence and other cases. (Sec. 714) Amends the code to provide for testing for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in sexual assault cases. Directs the United States Sentencing Commission (the Commission) to amend the Federal sentencing guidelines to enhance the sentence in such cases where the offender knew he or she was infected, except if the offender did not engage or attempt to engage in conduct creating a risk of transmission of the virus to the victim. Amends Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (VCCLEA) provisions regarding payment of the cost of testing for sexually transmitted diseases to authorize the Government to obtain an order requiring that the defendant be tested for the presence of the etiologic agent for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Title VIII: Violent Crime and Terrorism - Subtitle A: Violent Crime and Terrorism - Amends the Antiterrorism Act to apply enhanced penalties for the use of explosives or arson crimes to damage or destroy the property of any institution or organization receiving Federal financial assistance. Redefines: (1) "biological agent" to include bacteria, fungi, rickettsiae, protozoa, or any synthesized component of any microorganism or infectious substance; and (2) "toxin" to include the toxic product of plants, animals, microorganisms, or a synthesized molecule. (Sec. 802) Includes within the scope of the kidnapping offense abductions when an individual travels in interstate or foreign commerce, or when the mail or a facility in interstate or foreign commerce is used, in furtherance of the offense. (Sec. 803) Expands provisions regarding violent crimes in aid of racketeering activity to cover all violent crimes in aid of racketeering activity and to increase penalties for specified attempt and conspiracy offenses. (Sec. 804) Amends: (1) the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to provide that a person who conspires to commit an offense under the Act shall be subject to the same penalties (including the death penalty) as prescribed for the offense; and (2) the Antiterrorism Act to provide for the death penalty for conspiracies involving explosives. (Sec. 805) Includes as a "serious drug offense" (and a predicate offense under the Armed Career Criminal Act) an offense under State law which would have been punishable by a maximum term of at least ten years' imprisonment; (1) if it had been prosecuted as a CSA violation at the time of the offense; and (2) because of the type and quantity of the controlled substance involved. (Sec. 806) Increases penalties for violence in the course of a riot. (Sec. 807) Eliminates as a requirement for carjacking that the offense be committed with intent to cause death or serious bodily harm. (Sec. 808) Sets penalties for: (1) criminal offenses committed by persons formerly serving with, presently employed by, or accompanying the armed forces outside the United States; (2) the use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of felony crimes of violence for hire; and (3) specified felony offenses directed at buildings or property in Indian country. (Sec. 810) Enhances penalties for offenses resulting in death involving assault on mail delivery people, robberies and burglaries involving controlled substances, interstate domestic violence, animal enterprise terrorism, and racketeering. Subtitle B: Courts and Sentencing - Amends the code, the Federal judicial code, and FRCP 35 to authorize a reduction of sentence for providing useful investigative information although not regarding a particular individual. (Sec. 822) Amends the code to: (1) allow appeals by the United States in a criminal case to lie to a court of appeals under specified circumstances as to any part of any count; and (2) repeal a requirement that the U.S. attorney certify to the district court that the appeal is not taken for purpose of delay and that the evidence is substantial proof of a fact material in the proceeding. (Sec. 824) Amends: (1) 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; and (2) the code to authorize the court to impose a sentence of probation or supervised release with or without conditions when reducing a sentence of imprisonment in certain cases. Subtitle C: White Collar Crime - Sets penalties for larceny involving post office boxes and postal stamp vending machines. (Sec. 843) Makes provisions regarding transportation of stolen vehicles, and sale or receipt of stolen vehicles, applicable to vessels (certain watercraft). (Sec. 844) Defines "subpoena for records," for purposes of provisions regarding obstruction of criminal investigations, to include a Federal grand jury subpoena for customer records that has been served relating to a violation of, or a conspiracy to violate, the CSA, CSIEA, or certain Internal Revenue Code (IRC) provisions. (Sec. 845) Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action in Federal court to enjoin counterfeiting and forgery violations. Directs that a permanent or temporary injunction or restraining order be granted without bond. Requires the court to proceed as soon as practicable to the hearing and determination of such an action and authorizes the court, at any time before final determination, to enter such a restraining order or prohibition or to take such other action as is warranted. Specifies that a proceeding under this section is governed by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, except that, if an indictment has been returned against the respondent, discovery is governed by the FRCP. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions - Increases penalties for violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). (Sec. 862) Makes the prohibition on the use as evidence of intercepted wire or oral communications inapplicable to the disclosure by the United States, a State, or political subdivision in a criminal trial or hearing or before a grand jury of the contents of a wire or oral communication, or evidence derived therefrom, the interception of which was in violation of provisions relating to certain interceptions not involving governmental misconduct. (Sec. 863) Amends provisions concerning violations of, or crimes committed while on, probation or parole to violations of, or crimes committed while on, supervised release. (Sec. 864) Includes providing material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations as a predicate offense under money laundering provisions. (Sec. 866) Defines "financial institution" to cover foreign bank branches in a commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States. Title IX: Prison Reform - Subtitle A: Prison Litigation Reform - Renames the Prison Litigation Reform Act (PLRA) of 1995 (title VIII of the Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996 (OCRAA)) as the PLRA of 1996. (Sec. 902) Amends OCRAA provisions with respect to prison conditions to prohibit the court from ordering any prospective relief that requires or permits a government official to exceed his or her authority under State or local law or that otherwise violates State or local law, unless Federal law requires (currently, permits) such relief to be ordered in violation of State or local law and other specified conditions are met. Sets forth provisions regarding orders refusing to impose a stay and court intervention. (Sec. 903) Amends the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act to provide that no civil action shall be brought regarding prison conditions until the plaintiff has exhausted administrative remedies. Limits recovery of attorney's fees except to the extent that such fees were directly and reasonably incurred in: (1) proving an actual violation of the plaintiff's Federal rights; (2) successfully obtaining contempt sanctions for a violation of previously ordered prospective relief that meets specified standards, if the plaintiff made a good faith effort to resolve the matter without court action; or (3) successfully obtained court ordered enforcement of previously ordered prospective relief that meets such standards, if the enforcement order was necessary to prevent an imminent risk of serious bodily injury to the plaintiff and the plaintiff made a good faith attempt to resolve the matter without court action. Requires the amount of the fee to be proportionately related to the court ordered relief for the violation. Specifies that: (1) if a monetary judgment is the sole or principal relief awarded, the award of attorney's fees shall not exceed 100 percent of the judgment; and (2) no award of attorney's fees shall be based on an hourly rate greater than 150 percent of the hourly rate established for payment of court-appointed counsel or $100 per hour, whichever is less. Authorizes a defendant to waive the right to respond to any complaint in any civil action arising under Federal law brought by a prisoner. Specifies that such waiver shall not waive any affirmative defense available to the defendant and that no relief shall be granted to the plaintiff unless a response has been filed. Authorizes the court to direct any defendant to file a response. (Sec. 904) Amends Federal judicial code provisions regarding proceedings in forma pauperis to require the court to assess and, when funds exist, collect, as a partial payment of any court fees required by law, an initial partial filing fee of 20 percent of the greater of the average monthly deposits to the prisoner's account or the average of the highest monthly balance recorded for the prisoner's account for each of the six months immediately preceding the filing of the complaint or notice of appeal. Directs the agency having custody of the prisoner to forward certain deducted payments to clerk of the court either upon deduction or on a monthly basis, accompanied by appropriate documentation. Authorizes the agency, if the judgment for costs is held by the agency or the agency's employees having custody of the prisoner, to withdraw 20 percent of each deposit to the prisoner's account and apply that amount to payment of the judgment until the judgment is paid in full. (Sec. 905) Authorizes the court, in any civil action brought in Federal court by a prisoner other than a prisoner confined in a Federal correctional facility, to make a finding whether: (1) the claim was filed for a malicious purpose or to harass the party against which it was filed; or (2) the claimant testified falsely or otherwise knowingly presented false evidence or information to the court. Permits the court, upon making such affirmative finding, to: (1) revoke good time credit or the institutional equivalent accrued to the prisoner; or (2) consider such finding in release determinations. (Sec. 906) Amends the PLRA to provide that any damages (currently, any compensatory damages) awarded to a prisoner in connection with a civil action brought against any Federal, State, or local jail, prison, or correctional facility shall be paid directly to satisfy any outstanding restitution orders pending against the prisoner. Repeals a requirement that the remainder of any such award be forwarded to the prisoner. (Sec. 907) Amends the PLRA to authorize the court, in any civil action brought by a person convicted of a crime and confined in a Federal correctional facility, to make a finding whether: (1) the claim was filed for a malicious purpose or to harass the party against which it was filed; or (2) the claimant testified falsely or otherwise knowingly presented false evidence or information to the court. Directs the Bureau, if the court makes such affirmative finding, to revoke unvested good time credit or the institutional equivalent accrued to the prisoner. (Sec. 908) Specifies that: (1) credit that has not been earned may not later be granted and credit that has been revoked (under section 907) may not later be reinstated; and (2) credit awarded may be revoked by the Bureau for noncompliance with institutional disciplinary regulations at any time before vesting. Subtitle B: Federal Prisons - Creates an exemption from wiretapping provisions for: (1) interception by a law enforcement officer of any wire, oral, or electronic communication if at least one of the parties to the communication is an inmate or detainee in the custody of the Attorney General of the United States or is in the custody of a State or political subdivision thereof; or (2) the use of a pen register, trap and trace device, or clone pager if the facility is regularly used by such an inmate or detainee. Directs the Attorney General to promulgate regulations governing such interceptions to protect communications protected by the attorney-client privilege and the right to counsel guaranteed by the sixth amendment. (Sec. 912) Requires the Bureau (with exceptions) to ensure that no prisoner or detainee under its jurisdiction: (1) engages in any physical activity designed to increase or enhance fighting ability or to increase physical strength; and (2) is permitted access to certain television or movie viewing, sexually explicit printed material, or bodybuilding or weightlifting equipment; (3) is permitted possession of any in-cell coffee pot, hot plate, or other heating element; or (4) is permitted use or possession of electric or electronic musical equipment. Requires the Director to ensure that each convicted inmate in the custody of the Attorney General and confined in a Federal prison, correctional facility, jail, or other facility shall be engaged in work. Sets forth provisions regarding determination of type of work, excuse from such requirement, and lack of compensation. (Sec. 913) Directs the Bureau to make available appropriate substance abuse treatment for each prison the Bureau determines has a treatable drug abuse problem, with priority to younger offenders and those who would benefit most from the treatment. Repeals provisions regarding requirements for a phase-in of substance abuse treatment and regarding incentives for prisoners' successful completion of treatment. Title X: Miscellaneous Provisions - Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the Office of National Drug Control Policy should be reauthorized for an additional five years; and (2) prior to any such reauthorization, the Senate Judiciary Committee should conduct an extensive review of the National Drug Control Strategy for 1997 submitted by President Clinton. (Sec. 1002) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to require hospitals or health care service providers that receive Federal Medicare or Medicaid payments, as an additional certification requirement, to certify that none of their physicians or other health care professionals prescribes or recommends a schedule I substance to any person. Sets forth reporting requirements. Directs the Attorney General to revoke the DEA registration of any physician or provider who recommends or prescribes such a substance. (Sec. 1003) Directs the Federal Communications Commission to: (1) coordinate with the President's Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention to develop a comprehensive education and public service program targeting youth drug abuse; (2) encourage the priority use of public service resources dedicated to promoting youth drug abuse prevention and education; (3) contact and encourage the donation of greater public resources dedicated to youth drug abuse programs from specified organizations and industries, such as television, movies, the recording and advertising industries, business, and professional sports; and (4) encourage each of such organizations and industries to assist the implementation of new programs and national strategies for dissemination of information intended to prevent youth drug abuse. (Sec. 1004) Directs the Secretary to review all extradition treaties in force and, if necessary, to renegotiate all such treaties, to ensure that certain offenses involving the sexual exploitation and abuse of children are extraditable offenses. Sets forth provisions regarding tolling of the statute of limitations. (Sec. 1005) Amends the Economic Espionage Act of 1996 to require the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, for FY 1997 through 2001, to make grants to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to establish clubs facilities where needed, with particular emphasis on establishing clubs in public housing projects and distressed areas. Directs the Attorney General to accept and approve an application for such a grant submitted by BGCA if the application: (1) includes a long-term strategy to establish 1,000 additional clubs and a detailed summary of those areas in which new facilities will be established during the next fiscal year and a plan to insure that there are a total of not less than 2,000 BGCA facilities in operation before January 1, 2000; (2) certifies that there will be appropriate coordination with those communities where clubs will be located; and (3) explains the manner in which new facilities will operate without additional, direct Federal financial assistance. Earmarks specified funds to provide a grant to BGCA for administrative, travel, and other costs associated with a national role-model speaking tour program. (Sec. 1006) Increases penalties for cellular telephone interceptions. Title XI: Violent and Repeat Juvenile Offenders - Violent and Repeat Juvenile Offender Act of 1997 - Subtitle A: Juvenile Justice Reform - Repeals code provisions regarding surrender of juveniles to State authorities by Federal authorities. (Sec. 1112) Requires that a juvenile age 14 or older who is alleged to have committed an act that, if committed by an adult, would be a criminal offense, be tried as an adult at the discretion of the U.S. Attorney in the appropriate jurisdiction upon a finding, which shall not be subject to court review, that there is a substantial Federal interest in the case or the offense to warrant the exercise of Federal jurisdiction, if the juvenile is charged with a Federal offense that is a crime of violence or that involves a controlled substance for which the penalty is at least five years' imprisonment. Permits the U.S. Attorney, upon declining prosecution of the charged person as a juvenile, to refer the matter to the appropriate legal authorities of the State or Indian tribe. Directs that offenses tried in U.S. district court under this Act be open to the public, with exceptions (but makes the defendant's status as a juvenile, absent other factors, insufficient to close the proceeding). Grants the U.S. Attorney, in making determinations concerning juvenile prosecution, complete access to prior Federal juvenile records and, to the extent permitted by State law, prior State juvenile records. (Sec. 1113) Lowers the minimum age at which a defendant may be sentenced to death from age 18 to 16. (Sec. 1115) Subjects a juvenile tried as an adult to code provisions regarding detention, speedy trial, and restitution for adults. Specifies that no juvenile sentenced to a term of imprisonment shall be released from custody simply because the juvenile reaches age 18. (Sec. 1119) Authorizes the release of juvenile records to meet inquiries from any school or other educational institution to ensure public safety and security. (Sec. 1120) Requires the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to ensure that juveniles who are alleged or determined to be delinquent are not confined in any institution in which the juvenile has regular sustained physical contact with adult persons who are detained or confined. (Sec. 1121) Applies to juvenile defendants tried as adults provisions directing the Commission, under specified circumstances, to assure that the Federal sentencing guidelines specify a sentence to a term of imprisonment at or near the maximum term authorized. Subtitle B: Juvenile Gangs - Federal Gang Violence Act - Directs the Commission to amend the sentencing guidelines to provide an appropriate enhancement, increasing the offense level by not less than six levels, for any offense committed in connection with, or in furtherance of, the activities of a criminal street gang where the defendant was a member of such gang at the time of the offense. (Sec. 1143) Amends code provisions regarding criminal street gangs to: (1) delete the definition of "conviction"; (2) redefine "criminal street gang" to cover a group whose members have engaged during the previous five-year period in a pattern of criminal gang activity; and (3) define "pattern of criminal gang activity" to mean the commission of two or more predicate gang crimes in connection with the activities of a criminal street gang, on separate occasions, at least one of which crimes was committed after the date of this subtitle's enactment and the first of which was committed not more than five years before the commission of another predicate gang crime. Defines "predicate gang crime" as an offense, including an act of juvenile delinquency that, if committed by an adult, would be: (1) a Federal offense that is a crime of violence, that involves a controlled substance for which the penalty is at least five years' imprisonment, or that is a violation of other specified prohibitions under the code or under the Immigration and Nationality Act; (2) a State offense involving conduct that would constitute such an offense if Federal jurisdiction existed or had been exercised; or (3) a conspiracy, attempt, or solicitation to commit such offenses. Sets penalties for engaging in a pattern of criminal gang activity. (Sec. 1144) Amends the Travel Act to increase: (1) penalties for violations; and (2) the scope of unlawful activities under such Act. (Sec. 1145) Prohibits and sets penalties for soliciting or recruiting persons to participate in criminal street gang activity. (Sec. 1146) Makes: (1) crimes involving the recruitment of persons to participate in criminal street gangs, and acts or conspiracies to violate firearms laws, predicate offenses under RICO; and (2) serious juvenile drug offenses predicate offenses under the Armed Career Criminal Act. Increases penalties for firearms prohibitions, including by setting a three-year minimum term of imprisonment for transferring firearms to minors for use in crime. (Sec. 1148) Directs the Commission to amend the sentencing guidelines to provide an appropriate sentencing enhancement, increasing the offense level not less than two levels, for any crime in which the defendant used body armor. (Sec. 1149) Authorizes appropriations to hire Assistant U.S. Attorneys and attorneys in DOJ's criminal division to prosecute juvenile criminal street gangs. Subtitle C: Juvenile Crime Control and Accountability - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (JJDPA) to direct the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Crime Control and Accountability (replacing the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention) to develop objectives, priorities, and short- and long-term plans, and implement overall policy and a strategy to carry out such plan, for all Federal juvenile crime control and juvenile offender accountability programs and activities relating to improving juvenile crime control and enhancing accountability by offenders within the juvenile justice system. Sets forth provisions regarding plan contents, annual reviews of plans, duties of the Administrator, budget proposal development and submission, reporting, reprogramming, and recordkeeping requirements, utilization of information, services, and facilities of other agencies, coordination of functions, and annual juvenile delinquency development statements. Directs the Administrator to make grants to States to assist them in planning, establishing, operating, coordinating, and evaluating: (1) projects for the development of more effective investigation, prosecution, and punishment of crimes or acts of delinquency committed by juveniles; (2) programs to improve the administration of justice for and ensure accountability by juvenile offenders; and (3) programs to reduce the risk factors associated with juvenile crime or delinquency. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) use of grant funds, eligibility requirements, distribution of sums by State offices to eligible applicants, applications to State offices, funding period, grant renewal, and special grants; and (2) allocation of grant amounts. Prohibits reallocation of sums due to the ineligibility or nonparticipation of any State. Limits the use of grant funds, including a prohibition against the use of such funds for: (1) biomedical or behavior control experimentation on individuals or research involving such experimentation; (2) construction, with exceptions; (3) job training; (4) specified lobbying activities; (5) and specified legal actions. Prohibits the Federal Government and States receiving funds from discriminating against religious organizations under specified circumstances. Sets penalties for violating prohibitions under this subtitle. Authorizes appropriations. Allocates funds. Requires States, to receive formula grants, to submit plans which meet specified requirements, such as designation of a State agency as the sole agency for supervising the preparation and administration of the plan, and providing for an analysis of juvenile crime problems and juvenile justice and delinquency prevention needs within the relevant jurisdiction. Sets forth provisions regarding approval of State plans by the State agency and by the Administrator, and reduction of allocations if a State fails to comply with requirements of this subtitle. (Sec. 1163) Amends the JJDPA to: (1) reauthorize appropriations for runaway and homeless youth and missing children programs; and (2) repeal provisions regarding incentive grants for local delinquency prevention programs. (Sec. 1167) Repeals: (1) specified provisions of titles III (Crime Prevention), V (Drug Courts), and XXVII (Presidential Summit on Violence and National Commission on Crime Prevention and Control) of VCCLEA; (2) the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1994; (3) the School Dropout Assistance Act; (4) specified provisions of the Public Health Service Act providing for grants to public and nonprofit private entities for projects to demonstrate effective models for the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of drug abuse and alcohol abuse among high risk youth; (5) specified programs under the Human Services Reauthorization Act and the Community Services Block Grants Act; and (6) specified provisions of Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 concerning the drug abuse education and prevention program relating to youth gangs and the program for runaway and homeless youth. (Sec. 1168) Requires each State to reserve not more than 30 (currently, 15) percent of the amount of funds allocated in a fiscal year for counties and units of local government to construct, develop, expand, modify, or improve jails and other correctional facilities. (Sec. 1169) Requires that a surcharge of 40 percent of the principal amount of a civil monetary penalty be added to each monetary penalty assessed by the United States or any agency thereof at the time the penalty is assessed, except for penalties assessed under the IRC, to be used for Federal programs to combat youth violence.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Amends the Federal criminal code to set a five-year mandatory minimum sentence for possessing (currently, for using or carrying) a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime, to set a ten-year mandatory sentence if the firearm is discharged, to impose a sentence of life imprisonment or death if the death of any person results, and to require a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 (currently, 20) years for second or subsequent convictions of such an offense.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Expresses the sense of the Senate that any comprehensive legislation that balances the budget by a certain date and is agreed to by the Congress and the President shall also contain a strategy for reducing the U.S. national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1996
ISTEA Integrity Restoration Act - Makes specified unobligated balances of funds apportioned to a State under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 before October 1, 1997, available for obligation in that State under the law, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to the obligation and expenditure of those funds in effect on September 30, 1997. (Sec. 5) Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1998 through 2002 for: (1) the National Highway System (NHS); (2) the Surface Transportation Program (STP); and (3) the Federal Lands Highway Program (FLHP), including Indian reservation roads, public lands highways, and parkways and park highways. (Sec. 6) Modifies the definition of: (1) "Federal-aid system" to mean the NHS; and (2) NHS to mean the Federal-aid highway system established pursuant to Federal highway provisions. Defines "highway funds," beginning on October 1, 1997, to mean the funds apportioned and allocations authorized by such provisions to a State for a fiscal year and the funds administratively allocated to a State for the preceding fiscal year (if any) for Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction (other than funds made available for the FLHP and for emergency relief). Modifies provisions regarding Federal-aid systems and the formula for apportionments of NHS funds. (Sec. 7) Repeals provisions regarding: (1) apportionments for resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, and reconstructing the Interstate System (IS); and (2) the transfer of interstate construction apportionments, the transfer of funds for STP projects, and limits on new capacity. (Sec. 8) Modifies STP provisions regarding the location of projects and allocations of apportioned funds. Authorizes a State, in nonattainment areas for ozone or carbon monoxide, or for PM-10 resulting from transportation activities, or any combination thereof, to obligate STP funds for any congestion mitigation and air quality improvement project or program without regard to any Department of Transportation limitation relating to the type of ambient air quality standard such project or program addresses. (Sec. 9) Directs that, for purposes of STP and IS provisions, population shall be determined based on the most recent estimates prepared by the Secretary of Commerce. (Sec. 10) Repeals provisions regarding: (1) the highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program; and (2) the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program. (Sec. 12) Replaces provisions regarding minimum allocations to States with an apportionment adjustment program to provide that the Secretary shall apportion among the States additional amounts sufficient to ensure that the ratio of the highway funds of the State to those of all States for the fiscal year is not less than certain listed percentages for the State. Repeals existing apportionment adjustment programs. (Sec. 13) Repeals set-asides for: (1) railway-highway crossing hazard elimination in high speed rail corridors; and (2) interstate discretionary programs. (Sec. 14) Modifies Federal highway provisions to require the Secretary, whenever an apportionment is made of the sums authorized to be appropriated for expenditure on the STP and NHS, to deduct a sum not to exceed two percent of all sums so authorized as the Secretary may deem necessary for administering the legal provisions to be financed from appropriations for the Federal-aid systems and for carrying on specified research authorized by such provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1996
Foreign Bank Enforcement Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act with respect to the penalty for unauthorized participation in an insured depository institution by an individual with a criminal conviction involving dishonesty. Revises the exception for individuals who have received the prior written consent of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to allow the prior written consent of any appropriate Federal banking authority. Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to: (1) cite circumstances under which certain Federal bank regulatory agencies shall not be compelled to disclose information obtained from a foreign supervisor; and (2) authorize an order to terminate foreign bank offices in the United States issued by either the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Comptroller of the Currency to contain appropriate terms and conditions. Amends Federal criminal procedure to authorize a court to: (1) direct disclosure of matters occurring before a grand jury during an investigation of a banking law violation to identified personnel of a State as well as a Federal financial institution regulatory agency; and (2) issue such an order at any time during or after completion of the investigation of the grand jury upon a finding of substantial need.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1996
Jackie Robinson Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) mint and issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of Jackie Robinson in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the breaking of the color barrier in major league baseball; and (2) distribute surcharge proceeds to the Jackie Robinson Foundation to enhance its education and youth leadership programs, and increase the availability of scholarships for economically disadvantaged youths. Prescribes conditions for payment of such surcharges, including a proscription against Foundation compensation to any agent or attorney for services rendered to support or influence legislative action of the Congress relating to the coins minted and issued under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1996
Urges the President to categorically disavow any intention of issuing a presidential pardon to James or Susan McDougal or Jim Guy Tucker, and thereby affirm the principle that, in the U.S. justice system, no person is above the law.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1996
Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1996 - Prohibits the use of appropriated funds to provide, procure, furnish, fund, or support, or to compel any individual, institution, or government entity to provide, procure, furnish, fund, or support, any item, good, benefit, program, or service, the purpose of which is to cause, or to assist in causing, the suicide, euthanasia, or mercy killing of any individual. Amends the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act of 1986, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to incorporate a modified version of this prohibition. Adds a further prohibition, with regard to protection and advocacy systems, against certain assistance provided under such Federal laws for asserting or advocating a legal right to cause, or to assist in causing, or to receive assistance in causing, suicide, euthanasia, or mercy killing. Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the use or availability of appropriations under such Act to provide any item, or service, for the purposes of causing or assisting in suicide, euthanasia, or mercy killing. Prohibits Federal financial participation under title XIX (Medicaid), or Federal reimbursement under title XVIII (Medicare), of the Social Security Act for assisted suicide or related services. Provides for the treatment of advance directives under both Medicare and Medicaid. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for assisted suicide and related services under the Older Americans Act of 1965, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, and under title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services Program) of the Social Security Act. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for assisted suicide and related services under the military and Federal employees health care systems, and as health care for Peace Corps volunteers and Federal prisoners. Amends the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act to ban the use of Federal funds for assisted suicide and related services. Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to prohibit the use of legal assistance for assisted suicide and related services, and for asserting or advocating a legal right to such services.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1996
Amends Federal civil service law to prohibit the use of Federal funds for certain Federal employee labor organization activities, including facilities or support services.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1996
Boat Protection Act of 1996 - Sets forth copyright provisions regarding the protection of vessel hull designs. Defines: (1) "plug" as a device or model used to make a mold for the purpose of exact duplication, regardless of whether the device or model has an intrinsic utilitarian function that is not only to portray the appearance of the product or to convey information; (2) "mold" as a matrix or form in which a substance for material is used, regardless of whether the matrix or form has an intrinsic utilitarian function that is not only to portray the appearance of the product or to convey information; and (3) "commercially exploit" for purposes of this Act as the sale or offer for sale of a plug or mold after it is fixed in a vessel hull or otherwise distributed to the public for profit vessel hulls. Extends protection to an original plug or mold fixed in a vessel hull, if: (1) the owner of the plug or mold is a national or domiciliary of the United States or of a foreign nation which is party to a protection treaty to which the United States is also a party on the date on which the plug or mold is registered or first commercially exploited, whichever occurs first; (2) the plug or mold is first commercially exploited in the United States; or (3) the plug or mold comes within the scope of a presidential proclamation extending reciprocal protection to the works of foreign nationals, domiciliaries, or sovereign authorities. Vests exclusive rights in such plugs or molds in the owner who may transfer (in whole or in part) or bequeath such interest. Recognizes the first registered transfer in case of a conflict. Sets the protection term for plugs or molds at ten years from date of registration or first commercial exploitation, whichever comes first. Grants the owner of a plug or mold the exclusive rights to: (1) reproduce the plug or mold; (2) import or distribute a vessel hull in which it is embodied; and (3) cause another to perform such acts. Provides that it is not an infringement of the owner's exclusive rights: (1) to reproduce a plug or mold for purposes of teaching, analyzing, or evaluating concepts, techniques, design, or organization of components in it; or (2) to sell or otherwise dispose of a vessel hull lawfully made under this Act (without the authority of the owner of the plug or mold). Limits the liability of an innocent purchaser of an infringing vessel hull. Terminates protection of plugs or molds for which an application for registration of a claim of protection is not made within two years of first commercial exploitation. Sets forth administrative responsibilities of the Register of Copyrights. Permits the owner of a plug or mold to place on it a specified notice of protection, which is not a condition of protection but shall constitute prima facie evidence of notice of protection. Entitles the owner of a plug or mold whose protection has been infringed or whose registration of such plug or mold has been refused to institute a civil action. Authorizes the award of attorney's fees to a prevailing party. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury and the U.S. Postal Service to issue regulations for the enforcement of the right to import a vessel hull in which the plug or mold is embodied. Permits the impoundment and seizure of vessel hulls imported in violation of the owner's exclusive rights. Sets forth remedies for infringement, including temporary and permanent injunctive relief, actual damages, the award of an infringer's profits to the owner, impoundment orders, and the award of statutory damages instead of actual damages or profits in an amount not to exceed $250,000, under specified conditions. Makes copyright protection available to any plug or mold fixed in a vessel hull that was first commercially exploited between January 1, 1996, and January 1, 1997, if such claim is registered before January 1, 1998.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1996
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to rescind approval of the demonstration project entitled the "Project on Work, Employment, Responsibility (POWER)" described in the welfare reform demonstration special application form submitted by the District of Columbia to the Secretary in August 1996 under specified provisions of the Social Security Act and approved by the Secretary on August 19, 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1996
Interstate Compact - States that the Congress consents to the Emergency Mangement Assistance Compact entered into by Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1996
Urges the major broadcast television networks to renew their commitment to voluntarily reserving the first hour of prime time for programming suitable for American family members of all ages.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1996
Makes permanent the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to guarantee veterans' housing loans in a manner similar to that in which adjustable rate mortgages are insured by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under the National Housing Act. (Currently, the authority of the Secretary to carry out a demonstration project guaranteeing such loans in such manner terminated at the end of FY 1995.)
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996
Long Island Sound Preservation and Protection Act of 1996 - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to prohibit the dumping in Long Island Sound or Block Island Sound of dredged material from any Federal or non-Federal project containing constituents prohibited as other than trace contaminants, subject to exception. Requires any dumping of dredged material in Long Island Sound from a Federal project (or pursuant to Federal authorization) by a non-Federal applicant exceeding 25,000 cubic yards to comply with specified criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996
National Motor Vehicle Safety, Antitheft, Title Reform, and Consumer Protection Act of 1996 - Amends Federal transportation law to require States, in licensing a passenger motor vehicle whose ownership has been transferred, to disclose on the certificate of title whenever records indicate that such vehicle was previously issued a title that contained a term or symbol signifying that it was "salvage," "unrebuildable," "parts only," "scrap," "junk," "nonrepairable," "reconstructed," "rebuilt," or that it has been damaged by flood. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring each State in licensing such vehicles to apply specified uniform standards, procedures, and methods for the issuance and control of motor vehicle titles and for information to be contained on such titles. Makes it unlawful for any person knowingly and willfully to: (1) make false statements on an application for a motor vehicle title; (2) fail to apply for a salvage title when such application is required; (3) alter, forge, or counterfeit a certificate of title, a nonrepairable vehicle certificate, a certificate verifying an anti-theft inspection or an anti-theft and safety inspection, or a required decal affixed to a passenger motor vehicle; (4) falsify the results of an inspection; (5) offer to sell any salvage vehicle or nonrepairable vehicle as a rebuilt salvage vehicle; or (6) conspire to commit any of these acts. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to apply an overtime exemption to employees of any establishment (currently, any retail or service establishment) whose regular rate of pay exceeds one and one-half times the minimum wage and more than half of whose compensation represents commissions on goods or services.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996
Surface Transportation Equity Act of 1996 - Amends Federal-aid highway program provisions to direct the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) provide reimbursement to each State the highway users of which paid into the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) an amount in excess of the amount received by the State from the HTF since 1957; and (2) allocate among the States amounts sufficient to ensure that a State's share of fiscal year apportionments and prior fiscal year allocations from the HTF is not less than the estimated tax payments into the HTF attributable to highway users in the State for the fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1996
Community Protection Initiative of 1996 - Amends the Federal criminal code to exempt qualified current and former law enforcement officers carrying appropriate written identification from State and local laws prohibiting the carrying of a concealed firearm.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1996
White House Accountability Act - Amends Federal law to provide for application of the following Federal laws to each component of the Executive Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President (the employing offices): (1) the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; (2) title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; (3) the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; (4) the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; (5) the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; (6) the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970; (7) Federal law relating to Federal service labor-management relations; (8) the Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988; (9) the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act; (10) the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and (11) Federal law relating to veterans' employment and reemployment. Outlines various specified remedies for violations under such laws as well as administrative and judicial dispute-resolution procedures for considering alleged violations. Establishes the White House Compliance Board as an independent establishment within the executive branch. (Sec. 3) Provides that each Federal law governing employment in the private sector that is enacted later than 12 months after this Act is enacted shall be deemed to apply to employing offices and covered employees unless such law specifically provides otherwise and expressly cites this Act. (Sec. 4) Amends the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991, as redesignated by the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, to repeal rights, protections, and remedies with respect to employment of presidential appointees.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1996
Defense of Marriage Act - Amends the Federal judicial code to provide that no State, territory, or possession of the United States or Indian tribe shall be required to give effect to any marriage between persons of the same sex under the laws of any other such jurisdiction or to any right or claim arising from such relationship. Establishes a Federal definition of: (1) "marriage" as only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife; and (2) "spouse" as only a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or wife.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1996
Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the use of OASDI and Medicare trust funds for certain expenditures relating to labor union representatives at the Social Security Administration and Department of Health and Human Services.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1996
Emergency Safeguard Act of 1996 - Declares that: (1) no more than 50 percent of the total square meter equivalents of wool apparel assembled in Canada and eligible for preferential duty treatment under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption during any year shall be tailored wool; and (2) no more than 50 percent of such sublimit shall be men's and boys' wool suits, wool sport coats, or wool slacks. Grants nondiscriminatory (most-favored-nation) treatment of Canadian tailored wool apparel that is eligible for preferential duty treatment under NAFTA.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1996
Transportation Empowerment Act - Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to authorize appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for the interstate maintenance program, the bridge program, the Federal lands highways program, public lands highways, and parkways and park roads through FY 2001. Repeals all funding for the surface transportation program, the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program, and Federal Highway Administration highway safety (including research and development) programs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to: (1) extend until October 1, 2001, the availability of HTF funds for authorized expenditures ; (2) set a core programs financing rate for gasoline, special motor fuels, and diesel fuel; (3) establish in HTF an Infrastructure Special Assistance Fund; and (4) provide for the return of excess tax receipts to States for transportation purposes. Terminates transfers to the HTF's Mass Transit Account on and after October 1, 1997. (Sec. 6) Grants congressional consent to States to enter into interstate compacts to: (1) promote the continuity, quality, and safety of the Interstate System; (2) develop programs to promote and fund safety initiatives and establish safety standards; (3) conduct long-term planning for transportation infrastructure in, and develop transportation infrastructure design and construction standards to be used by, participating States; and (4) establish transportation infrastructure banks. Sets forth provisions regarding financing and establishment of infrastructure banks. (Sec. 7) Requires the head of each executive agency to: (1) assist State and local governments in efforts to privatize the transportation infrastructure assets of the State and local governments; and (2) approve requests from State and local governments to privatize transportation infrastructure assets and waive or modify any grant condition, subject to specified requirements. Sets forth provisions regarding criteria for approval of requests, lack of obligation to repay Federal grant funds, use of proceeds from the privatization of a transportation infrastructure asset, and cost recovery. (Sec. 8) Amends the IRC to reduce taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, and special fuels funding HTF. (Sec. 9) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress describing technical and conforming amendments and other laws that are appropriate in light of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1996
Foreign Aid Reform Act of 1996 - Prohibits U.S. assistance to a foreign country that did not cast its vote in agreement with the United States for at least 50 percent of the recorded votes taken in the General Assembly and Security Council of the United Nations during the preceding calendar year. Prohibits domestic Federal agencies from furnishing, directly or indirectly, assistance to a foreign country or international organization. Declares it shall not be in order in either the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report providing new budget authority for a fiscal year with respect to foreign operations, export financing, or other related U.S. activities until that House of the Congress has passed all other appropriations measures for that year.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1996
National Center for Pain Research Act of 1996 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish, in the National Institutes of Health, the National Center for Pain Research. Makes the National Pain Research Center Advisory Board the advisory council for the Center. Mandates establishment of not less than six regional pain research centers. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Findings and Purposes Title II: Property Rights Litigation Relief Title III: Alternative Dispute Resolution Title IV: Private Property Taking Impact Analysis Title V: Private Property Owners Administrative Bill of Rights Title VI: Miscellaneous Omnibus Property Rights Act of 1996 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Sets forth findings and purposes for this Act. Title II: Property Rights Litigation Relief - Prohibits Federal and State agencies from taking private property except for public use and with just compensation to the owner. Sets forth the circumstances in which compensation is required. Prohibits filing claims against a State agency for carrying out a regulatory program mandated by Federal law, delegated under a Federal program, or funded by Federal funds in connection with a State regulatory program. Title III: Alternative Dispute Resolution - Provides for settlement or arbitration, on consent of both parties, of property rights disputes. Declares that title 9 of the U.S. Code (relating to arbitration) shall apply to enforcement of awards rendered under this title. Title IV: Private Property Taking Impact Analysis - Requires that Federal agency actions likely to result in the taking of private property be preceded by a written impact analysis available to the public. Title V: Private Property Owners Administrative Bill of Rights - Directs Federal agency heads enforcing the Endangered Species Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to: (1) comply with State and tribal laws; (2) act in the manner least intrusive to private property rights; (3) implement rules and regulations to ensure the protection of those rights; (4) refrain from entering private property to acquire information without the written consent of and notice to the owner; and (5) refrain from using data collected on privately owned property to implement or enforce such Acts without providing the property owner with access to and the opportunity to dispute the data. (Sec. 506) Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to establish property owner appeal rights. (Sec. 508) Requires agency heads to provide owners of private property adversely affected by agency action with the option to: (1) sell the property to the agency for fair market value without use restrictions; (2) receive compensation for any resulting decrease in the property's fair market value; or (3) enter into arbitration. Requires that payment under this title, at the property owner's election, be provided for in accordance with the standard specified under title II of this Act, or in the amount equal to the fair market value of the property before the date of the final agency action with respect to which the property or interest is acquired. (Sec. 509) Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require notice to all private property owners or lessees of property subject to the Act of any new management agreement with a non-Federal person that establishes restrictions on property use, providing each of them the opportunity to participate in the agreement. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Sets forth severability provisions and the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1996
Customs Enforcement and Market Access Act of 1996 - Directs the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), whenever the United States negotiates a protocol for accession of a country to the World Trade Organization (WTO), to negotiate for inclusion in that protocol: (1) provisions for effective market access to that country's domestic markets for U.S. textile and apparel products; and (2) provisions allowing the suspension or revocation of paragraph 14 (relating to increasing import levels based on growth rates) of the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, if the country has failed to enforce such market access provisions. Requires negotiation of bilateral agreements containing similar provisions with countries that are not WTO members. (Sec. 3) Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the USTR to identify annually, report to the Congress, and publish in the Federal Register the names of priority foreign countries that deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons producing or selling textile or apparel products. (Sec. 4) Establishes in the Treasury a Textile Global Competitiveness Research Fund, consisting in part of fines levied under this Act, and whose amounts shall be available: (1) for programs aimed at enhancing the international competitiveness of the United States textile and apparel manufacturers; and (2) to the Customs Service for the enforcement of laws governing trade in textile and apparel goods. (Sec. 5) Directs the USTR to take necessary steps to negotiate a quota agreement with any non-WTO country whose exports to the United States exceed $100 million annually, or are creating serious damage or the actual threat of it to the U.S. textile and apparel industry. Specifies: (1) a quota formula for new textile agreements with non-WTO countries which already have a textile agreement with the United States; and (2) provisions for inclusion in the accession protocol of countries acceding to the WTO. (Sec. 6) Requires the USTR to ensure that any protocol under negotiation for accession to the WTO of a non-WTO country with a textile import bilateral agreement with the United States, as well as any subsequent agreement, provides for a reduction in the quantity of that country's textile and apparel goods that may be imported into the United States if the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) determines that the bilateral agreement is being circumvented and that inadequate or no measures are being taken by that country to take action against such circumvention. (Sec. 7) Prescribes specified Customs Service enforcement actions and penalties (including fines, seizure, and forfeiture) for violations of customs laws involving textile and apparel goods. (Sec. 10) Directs the Commissioner of Customs to establish a Division on Textile Enforcement. (Sec. 11) Requires withdrawal of preferential tariff or quota treatment (unilateral trade concessions) from the textile and apparel goods of any country: (1) demonstrating a consistent pattern of circumventing textile agreements with United States; (2) refusing to cooperate in investigations; (3) failing to provide adequate enforcement of intellectual property rights with respect to textile and apparel goods; or (4) failing to provide fair and equitable market access for U.S. textile and apparel goods.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1996
Truth in Employment Act of 1996 - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide that nothing in specified prohibitions against unfair labor practices shall be construed as requiring an employer to employ any person whose primary purpose is to represent a union in an organizational struggle.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1996
Prosthetic Limb Access Act of 1996 - Shields certain nonprofit providers, practitioners (health care professionals associated with such provider), or nonprofit organizations from liability for harm to a claimant caused by a recycled prosthetic device, except in cases of intentional wrongdoing that was the proximate cause of the harm. Makes this Act applicable to any civil action brought by a claimant in a Federal or State court against a nonprofit provider or practitioner for harm allegedly caused by a recycled prosthetic device or against a nonprofit organization that made a referral to a provider or practitioner that involved such a device that allegedly caused harm. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) preemption; and (2) procedures for dismissal of civil actions.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1996
Church Arson Prevention Act of 1996 - Makes Federal criminal code prohibitions against, and penalties for, damaging religious property or obstructing any person's free exercise of religious beliefs applicable where: (1) the property is damaged because of its racial or ethnic character; and (2) the offense is in, or affects, interstate commerce. (Currently such provisions apply only where: (1) the property is damaged because of its religious character; (2) the defendant, in committing the offense, travels in interstate or foreign commerce or uses a facility or instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce in interstate or foreign commerce; and (3) the loss exceeds $10,000.) Prohibits intentionally defacing, damaging, or destroying religious real property (or attempting to do so) because of the race, color, religious, or ethnic characteristics of any individual associated with such property. Increases penalties for violations of such provisions where bodily injury results or where such acts include the use, or attempted or threatened use, of a dangerous weapon, explosives, or fire. Includes within the definition of "religious property" fixtures or religious objects contained within a place of religious worship. Sets a seven-year statute of limitation for the prosecution, trial, or punishment of a person for any noncapital offense under such provisions. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to use up to $5 million of the credit subsidy provided under the General and Special Risk Insurance Fund for guaranteed loans to financial institutions in connection with loans made to assist certain tax exempt religious or other organizations that have been damaged by arson or terrorism. Authorizes appropriations to the Departments of the Treasury and Justice, including the Community Relations Service, to increase personnel to investigate, prevent, and respond to potential violations of this Act and Federal explosives prohibitions. Reauthorizes the Hate Crimes Statistics Act. Commends those individuals and entities that have responded with funds to assist in the rebuilding of places of worship that have been victimized by arson. Encourages the private sector to continue such efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1996
Condemns arson and other acts of desecration against churches and other houses of worship as being totally inconsistent with fundamental American values. Expresses the Senate's belief that investigation and prosecution of those who are responsible for fires at such entities, and especially any incidents of arson whose purpose is to divide communities or to intimidate any Americans, should be a high national priority.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1996
National Environmental Education Amendments Act of 1996 - Amends the National Environmental Education Act to require development of curricula, materials, and training programs supported by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Environmental Education to be balanced and scientifically sound. Requires that implementation of the Act be through EPA. Eliminates requirements for a Director and a minimum number of staff. Allows activities to be carried out through grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts. Reduces the percentage of funds to be obligated for environmental education grants of not more than $5,000. Prohibits use of grants for certain lobbying activities. Eliminates provisions for environmental internships and fellowships. Eliminates environmental education awards provided for under such Act, except the President's Environmental Youth Awards. Revises requirements for membership on the National Environmental Education Advisory Council. Revises requirements for membership on the Federal Task Force on Environmental Education to require that it be open to representatives of any Federal agency actively engaged in environmental education. (Under current law, membership must include specified agency representatives.) Eliminates specific requirements for contents of Advisory Council reports. Changes the name of the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation to the Foundation for Environmental Education. Increases the size of the Board of the Directors. Removes the prohibition on the transmission of logos or other means of identification on materials donated to the Foundation for environmental education and training use. Authorizes appropriations. Revises funding limitations. Limits amounts available for administrative costs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1996
Church Arson Prevention Act of 1996 - Makes Federal criminal code prohibitions against, and penalties for, damaging religious property or obstructing any person's free exercise of religious beliefs applicable where: (1) the offense is in, or affects, interstate commerce; and (2) the loss exceeds $5,000. (Currently such provisions apply only where: (1) the defendant, in committing the offense, travels in interstate or foreign commerce or uses a facility or instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce in interstate or foreign commerce; and (2) the loss exceeds $10,000.)
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1996
First Flight Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue, between certain dates, up to specified numbers of the following coins emblematic of the first flight of Orville and Wilbur Wright in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on December 17, 1903: (1) ten-dollar gold coins; (2) one-dollar silver coins; and (3) half-dollar clad coins. Requires the Secretary to select the coin design after consultation with the Board of Directors of the First Flight Foundation and the Commission of Fine Arts, subject to review by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee. Mandates prompt payment of all coin sales surcharges to the First Flight Foundation for the: (1) Wright Brothers Monument; and (2) facilities at the Wright Brothers National Memorial Park.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1996
Provides that, upon submission by the appropriate State agency of the application for certain waivers to conduct the proposed "Wisconsin Works" (welfare reform) demonstration project (to replace the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program) in Wisconsin, such application shall be deemed approved.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1996
Congressional, Presidential, and Judicial Pension Forfeiture Act - Prohibits an individual or his or her survivor or beneficiary from being paid annuity or retired pay on the basis of the individual's creditable service if the individual is convicted of committing, while a Member of Congress (including the Vice-President), a congressional employee, or a Federal justice or judge one of specified offenses relating to his or her duties of office which is punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, including bribery of public officials, representing others in claims against the Government, making or receiving expenditures to influence voting, and engaging in acts affecting a personal financial interest. Applies the same prohibition to such an individual who: (1) is under indictment after the enactment of this Act for one of the offenses; or (2) willfully remains outside the United States or its territories and possessions for more than one year with knowledge of the indictment or charge. Prohibits interest from being computed on an individual's refund of contributions and deposits paid toward annuity or retired pay if such individual was convicted of such an offense in this Act for the period after the conviction of the violation. Amends Federal law to provide for the forfeiture of the retirement allowance payable to each former President if: (1) such former President is convicted of an offense after the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) such offense was committed during such former President's term of office as President. Makes such offense punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.
![Official portrait of Sen. Faircloth, Lauch [R-NC]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000437_200.jpg)