United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1977
Optional Educational Simplification Act - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to provide an optional program of consolidation and simplification of certain Federal assistance programs to State and local educational agencies, and to provide such agencies with greater flexibility in the use of such assistance. Title I: Special Needs Programs - Directs States desiring to participate in such a program to design their programs to; (1) meet the special educational needs of children from low income families; (2) provide health, nutritional, and educational services of such children, including preschool children and those previously enrolled in Headstart or Follow Through programs; (3) meet the educational needs of migratory children, including preschool children; (4) meet the educational needs of handicapped children, and establish standards for such programs; and (5) provide bilingual instruction for children with limited English speaking ability, and such instruction and bilingual vocational training programs for adults. Specifies how a State shall allocate funds to local educational agencies for each of such programs under this Title. Title II: Vocational, Adult, and Continuing Education and Employment Training - Authorizes Federal grants to assist States to; (1) extend programs of vocational, homemaking, and consumer education; (2) develop new programs of vocational education; (3) develop and carry out programs to overcome sex discrimination and sex stereotyping in vocational education programs; and (4) provide part-time employment for youths in order for them to continue vocational training. Sets forth the programs for which funds provided under this Title may be used. Requires a State desiring to participate in such consolidation program authorized by such Act to develop programs for adult basic education and for children in adult correctional institutions. Requires a participating State to show how its education training programs relate to manpower programs established under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year ending prior to October 1, 1982, funds for such programs. Provides for the distribution of Federal funds to local educational agencies by the States for programs under this Title, and defines how they are to be allocated. Title III: Special Emphasis Projects - Requires a participating State to provide funds to local educational agencies for: (1) school library resources; (2) instructional equipment; (3) model elementary and secondary school programs; (4) counseling, testing, and guidance services; (5) nutrition and health services in low income area elementary and secondary schools; (6) programs aimed at lowering the dropout rate in secondary schools with high dropout rates; (7) strengthening the leadership resources of State and local educational agencies; (8) encouraging the use of the metric system; (9) education of gifted children; (10) career education; (11) educational equity for women; (12) drug and alcohol abuse projects; (13) curriculum materials on American ethnic groups and their contributions; (14) the Teacher Corps; (15) programs aimed at children with reading deficiencies; and (16) environmental activities. Directs that local educational agencies establish the needs and priorities of such programs. Provides for the allocation of State funds under this Title to local agencies. Title IV: General Provisions - Provides for the reserving of certain funds from the amounts appropriated to carry out programs consolidated by such Act, and the allocation of such reserved funds among those States participating in the consolidation program. Directs the United States Commissioner of Education to pay to each participating State an amount equal to the amount expended in that State for carrying out the State plan adopted pursuant to this Title. Provides for a participating State to receive a planning grant for use in preparing the comprehensive plan required by such Act. Authorizes appropriations for each fiscal year ending prior to October 1, 1981, to make these planning grants. Requires a State desiring to receive a grant for such consolidation program to; (1) designate a State agency to administer the financial assistance made available under this Act; (2) develop a four-year plan with an annual update; and (3) submit such plan or update to the Commissioner for his approval. Authorizes grants to States for the costs of administering the consolidation program. Requires a participating State to establish certain procedures for use in developing its comprehensive plan designed to assure: (1) the identification of children and adults with special educational and vocational needs; (2) determination of priorities by local education agencies; (3) participation of interested citizens, local government units, appropriate State agencies in the development of the plan; (4) coordination of consolidation funds with State, local, and other Federal funds extended for similar purposes; and (5) publication of the final plan or annual update. Deems a State plan to meet the necessary requirements if it includes; (1) the goals and program objectives; (2) the assessments of needs determined above; (3) the types of individuals to be served and the estimated enrollment of each program; (4) procedures to assure the proper distribution of funds as authorized by such Act; (5) a description of the program's administrative structure; (6) procedures for monitoring the local educational agencies; (7) procedures that the State will use to insure that any local educational agency receiving funds under such Act will annually develop or update a comprehensive plan for the use of such funds; (8) procedures for auditing local educational agency expenditures under such Act; (9) Minimum expenditures of funds from non-Federal sources; (10) procedures to assure that funds made available under such Act supplement and not supplant State and local funds; (11) due process procedures, including withholding of funds, available to a State against a local educational agency which has failed to implement a comprehensive program plan; and (12) an appeal process within the State for a local educational agency dissatisfied with such State's compliance with such Act. Provides for an annual evaluation of a State's program by the Commissioner. Authorizes the Commissioner to conduct annual monitoring programs of States' programs, and to establish procedures to rectify areas of noncompliance. Directs the Commissioner to provide technical assistance upon request of State and local educational agencies. Directs the Commissioner to issue grants to participating States for interstate programs of educational research and planning, and common administrative problems. Authorizes appropriations of $3,000,000 for each of the fiscal years ending prior to October 1, 1982, to carry out such provision. Directs that the consolidation program authorized by this Act be administered by a separate Federal administrative unit to be established within 60 days after enactment of this Act. Provides the Commissioner with certain enforcement procedures against participating States, and provides such States with judicial recourse against such action. Authorizes the use of funds paid to a State under this Act for construction purposes where such construction funds would have been available under a program consolidated under this Act. Subjects funds made available under this Act to certain civil rights requirements. Provides the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare with certain enforcement procedures against local educational agencies not in compliance with such requirements. Provides for the participation of eligible children in private nonprofit elementary and secondary schools and Indian tribal schools in the programs authorized under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1977
Federal Computer Systems Protection Act - Makes it a Federal crime for a person to directly or indirectly access or cause to be accessed for fraudulent purposes a computer system affecting commerce or having a connection with a Federal agency or financial institution.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1977
Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation Act - Establishes the National Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation. Names the board of directors of the Corporation. Empowers the Corporation to continue the work of the urban reinvestment task force in establishing neighborhood housing services programs, in providing grants and technical assistance to selected neighborhood preservation projects, and in supporting Neighborhood Housing Services of America. Authorizes specified Federal departments and Federal banks to provide services to the Corporation with or without reimbursement. Directs the Corporation to publish an annual report to the President and the Congress. Requires an annual audit of the Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the reduction in disability insurance benefits which is presently required in the case of an individual receiving workmen's compensation benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1977
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 with respect to trade adjustment allowances and assistance. Extends the period for which workers are eligible for such allowances. Directs that such payment be made to an adversely affected worker whose age and years of service with the firm exceed 50 until age 65. Extends the period during which a separated worker shall be eligible for such allowance. Makes eligible for such allowance and assistance workers or firms producing component parts of affected articles or engaged in the distribution thereof. Decreases the time period for approval of adjustment assistance and loans. Revises the method of computation for the interest rates on such loans. Redefines "adversely affected worker" under the Trade Act of 1974. Revises the circumstances under which a worker separated prior to the date of certification of eligibility may receive such allowance. Reduces the number of weeks of unemployment required for eligibility for such allowances. Revises the period of eligibility for job search allowances under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide heads of households with the same zero bracket amount (i.e., standard deduction) previously available to married persons.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1977
Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to eliminate the requirement that States match Federal funds for improvement of nonoperational portions of stations used in intercity rail passenger service and of related facilities and fencing in the Northeast Corridor. Increases the appropriations authorized under such Act for such improvements.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1977
National Center for the Handicapped Act - Establishes a National Center for the Handicapped within the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Places general supervision of the Center in a Board of Trustees and an Administrator and sets forth the terms of their appointment, responsibilities, and compensation. Directs that the Center consist of education, research, and service components. Directs the Center to perform specified functions, including: (1) developing educational programs and teaching employment skills to the handicapped; (2) developing programs and providing training for educational and rehabilitation staff personnel; (3) developing and implementing programs for the severely handicapped; (4) conducting research and evaluating new techniques in education, training, and placement of the handicapped; (5) providing information services; (6) identifying areas of employment available to the handicapped; and (7) operating model educational and rehabilitation centers. Authorizes the Center to (1) hire additional personnel; (2) receive, sell, or use donated or bequeathed money and property; (3) prescribe regulations; (4) hold hearings; (5) appoint task forces and study committees; (6) secure information from any Federal agency, State, or local authority; (7) obtain the services of experts and consultants; (8) utilize noncompensated personnel and reimburse them for travel expenses; (9) enter into contracts and grants; (10) lease land, office space, and other facilities; and (11) make other necessary expenditures. Requires the Center to submit annual reports to the President and to the Congress beginning with fiscal year 1978. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and up to $60,000,000 for each succeeding fiscal year to carry out the provisions of this Act. Deems the Act effective upon date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments - Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to extend the coverage of such Act to individuals 65 or over, and to make unlawful seniority systems and employee benefit plans which require the retirement of individuals 40 or over.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to direct the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Con Rail) to make premium payments in order to maintain insurance policies providing medical or life insurance benefits to employees and retirees under such Act. Entitles the corporation to a loan under such Act to make such payments. Deems such costs to be expenses of the administration of the respective estates of the railroads in reorganization.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1977
Amends the Small Business Act to establish the position of Associate Administrator for Women's Business Enterprise within the Small Business Administration. Lists among the duties of such Administrator: (1) increasing participation of women in Small Business Administration programs; and (2) reporting to the Administrator on proposals for implementing policy objectives.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1977
Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to enter into multiyear contracts for the procurement, maintenance, and operation of automatic data processing equipment (including hardware, software, and related equipment and supplies) financed through the automatic data processing fund, and to incur obligations in amounts which exceed the amount in the fund provided that the amount of unfunded obligation incurred during any fiscal year does not exceed the amount appropriated in such year, sufficient cash is maintained in the fund for needed disbursements, and the term for the performance of any such contract does not exceed ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1977
Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act to authorize any Federal agency head to procure janitorial, protective, trash removal, and similar services for periods not exceeding four years.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Senate Administrative Reorganization Resolution - Establishes within the Senate the Administrative Office of the Senate to be headed by an Administrator of the Senate appointed by the Administrative Council. Establishes an Administrative Council of the Senate to supervise the Administrator and review the plans and recodifications submitted by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to maintain all administrative and support service and facilities delegated to such individual, and to review existing systems and prepare a recodification of the laws, rules, and standing orders of the Senate relating to administrative services and facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1977
Emergency Rail Transportation Improvement and Employment Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to eligible applicants for projects involving the repair, rehabilitation, or improvement of railroad roadbeds and facilities. Stipulates that the purposes of such grant program are to: (1) reduce unemployment in areas of substantial unemployment; (2) improve severely deteriorated roadbeds and facilities which are a risk to public safety or seriously inhibit freight and passenger service; and (3) improve roadbeds and facilities which meet transportation needs and policies. Sets forth the information which must be included in applications for such assistance. Stipulates that the funds provided under this Act shall be used solely to pay the wages and benefits earned by individuals employed in programs funded by this Act and not for administrative expenses. Establishes a priority system for hiring individuals for jobs created pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish rules and procedures for referring eligible individuals for employment to applicants receiving funds under this Act. Sets forth criteria for determining which roadbeds and facilities are eligible for project grants under this Act. Sets forth goals to be achieved with respect to such projects. Stipulates that projects must be structured and administered to achieve such goals in order to be eligible for funding. Sets forth restrictions regarding subcontracts for such work on such projects. Sets forth measures relating to labor protection and wages and benefits for employees. Requires recipients of Federal funds under this Act to keep such records as the Secretary of Transportation may prescribe. Directs the Secretary to submit periodic reports to the President and the Congress regarding actions taken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $750,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Authorizes the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to provide for radio and television coverage of proceedings in the Senate Chamber during the second session of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Directs the Committee to maintain videotapes and recordings of such coverage to be made available to public and commercial broadcasting stations. Directs the Committee to compile a daily written summary of Senate proceedings to be made available to the news media and to Senate Members, officers, and committees.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the amortization over a 60 month period of noise pollution control facilities where such facilities relate to the abatement or control of work place environment noise or product noise levels (excluding transportational product items).
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the current deductions, rather than the capitalization and rapid amortization, of amounts paid or incurred in connection with the acquisition, construction, or erection of any certified pollution control facility.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Federal Acquisition Act - Title I: Acquisition Methods and Regulatory Guidance -- Requires Federal agencies to procure goods and services utilizing methods prescribed in this Act as directed by rules promulgated by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (Office). Title II: Acquisition by Competitive Sealed Bids -- Sets criteria for use of the competitive sealed bid method of acquisition. Requires the invitation for bids to describe purchases, to the extent practicable, in functional terms in order to permit a variety of distinct products or services to qualify. Requires agency head approval in the event that specific product or service descriptions are to be included in such bids. Provides for instances where the use of functional or performance specifications make it impractical to plan for award primarily on the basis of price. Title III: Acquisition by Competitive Negotiation -- Permits the use of the competitive negotiation method of procurement when the competitive sealed bid method is inappropriate under this Act or rules promulgated by the Office. Requires solicitations for offers to be made to a sufficient number of qualified sources so as to obtain effective competition and, to the extent practicable, to describe the public need in functional terms so as to permit the application of a variety of technological approaches. Permits procurement through negotiation with a single source if there is only one prospective source, or when an emergency situation exists and intent to award such a contract is published in advance of such award. Requires contractors to submit price data for analysis prior to any negotiated award, change, or modification of any contract valued at over $500,000 in order to facilitate determination of the reasonableness of its offers. Requires contractors party to a single-source award or negotiated contract to submit cost information bearing on the reasonableness of the offered price. Gives agencies the power to inspect plants and records of a contractor up to three years after final payment has been made under a contract to ascertain the accuracy of price and cost data submitted under this Act. Title IV: Acquisition by Competitive Small Purchase Procedures Method -- Permits the use of the competitive small purchase procedures method of procurement when contracts valued at not more than $10,000 are involved and if such procedure would be advantageous to the Government. Title V: General Provisions -- Prohibits the use of cost-plus-a-percentage-of-cost contracting under this Act. Prohibits the employment of any agent on a contingent fee basis to solicit or secure a contract made with the Government. Disallows the making of any contract for a period of more than five years unless an exception has been made by the Office under this Act. Sets forth limitations for the making of advance payments. Requires adequate security for partial and progress payments made pursuant to a Government contract. Title VI: Delegation of Authority -- Permits agency heads to delegate specified authority conferred under this Act. Permits one agency to delegate acquisition functions to another agency to facilitate joint acquisitions. Title VII: Protests -- Authorizes the Comptroller General to decide protests of awards under this Act. Permits the Comptroller General to declare a protested award or proposed award illegal. Requires protest proceedings to be as informal as possible. Title VIII: Amendments and Repeals -- Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Social Security Cost-of-Living Improvement Act - Requires an annual cost-of-living increase in Federal old-age, survivors, and disability benefits under the Social Security Act. Defines the base periods from which the need for such increases shall be determined. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, to develop a special Consumer Price Index for the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977
Extends the authorization for appropriations for the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, California from June 30, 1977, through September 30, 1980. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,500,000 for the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina, for a period ending September 30, 1980. Authorizes the appropriation of $11,100,000 for the Tinicum National Environmental Center, Pennsylvania, for a period ending September 30, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals to amortize otherwise nondeductible rehabilitation expenditures for certified historic structures.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Relieves specified privately owned libraries and units of local government in Pennsylvania from any liability for the repayment of contributions erroneously made by the United States for disaster relief activities in connection with Hurricane Agnes.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Rural Housing Act - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to extend the availability of refinancing of indebtedness for rural housing assistance to elderly or handicapped families. Defines elderly or handicapped families for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a system of escrow accounts to enable borrowers to make periodic payments for taxes, insurance, and other necessary expenses. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to conduct specified programs of research, study and analysis of rural housing. Authorizes the Secretary to make expenditures from the Rural Housing Insurance Fund in order to correct construction defects or to pay claims of the owner of property arising from such defects. Empowers the Secretary to foreclose on mortgages only if the borrower has been given prior notice. Makes changes with respect to the Secretary's power to make rules and regulations. Authorizes increases in assistance to specified rural housing programs for fiscal years 1978 and 1979. Extends rural housing loans for elderly and handicapped families to include congregate housing facilities for families who require some supervision and central services. Requires that at least 60 percent of insured rural housing loans benefit persons of low income. Makes changes in the guaranteed housing loan program and the homeownership subsidy for low and moderate income persons. Makes it mandatory for the Secretary to provide rural rental assistance. Creates the position of Assistant Secretary for Equal Opportunity in the Department of Agriculture. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to increase the funds available for grants for water and waste facilities. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to withhold assistance for specified programs from any otherwise eligible borrower who fails to incorporate energy conservation features into any structure commenced by such borrower after January 1, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Legionville National Historic Site in Pennsylvania to be administered by the Secretary acting through the National Park Service.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1977
Amends the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 to authorize the President to make contributions to States or local governments to help repair or replace a public facility damaged or destroyed in any emergency. Limits the amount of any such contribution to 75 percent of the cost of repair or replacement of such facility. Authorizes additional contributions for repairs to Federal-aid highway systems damaged in any emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1977
Food Additive Safety Amendments - States that a food additive shall be deemed safe if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (1) makes a finding, based on recommendations of an advisory committee, that the public benefit from permitting the use of such additive would exceed the public risk which might result from such use; (2) gives notice in the Federal Register of such a finding and invites public comment thereon; and (3) issues a final order within 120 days of publication in the Federal Register of such findings. Specifies factors the Secretary must take into consideration when evaluating a food additive. Deems saccharin a safe food additive unless the Secretary declares it unsafe under the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1977
Child Exploitation Prevention Act - Prohibits the sexual exploitation of children by making it unlawful for any individual to (1) cause or permit a child to be photographed or filmed engaged in a sexual act prohibited under this Act; (2) photograph or film a prohibited sexual act; (3) knowingly transport any film or photograph depicting a prohibited sexual act; or (4) receive for sale or sell any such film or photograph, if such individual knows or should know such film or photograph has or may be transported in such a manner as to affect interstate or foreign commerce. Imposes a fine of up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 20 years for a violation of the sexual exploitation of children provisions of this Act. Imposes a fine of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 15 years for a violation of the transportation of photographs and films of children engaged in sexual acts provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Juvenile Justice Amendments - Amends administrative provisions of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to designate the Assistant Administrator, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, of the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration as such Office's chief executive officer, subject to only the general policy direction of the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration. Sets forth provisions relative to the authority of the Assistant Administrator. Increases to ten the number of individuals authorized to be appointed in positions in the Office at levels above GS-15. Revises deadlines for submission of the annual analysis of and annual plan for delinquency programs. Empowers the Assistant Administrator to delegate authority to make regulations. Designates the Director of the Office of Drug Abuse Policy, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the Commissioner of the Office of Education as members of the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Reduces from six to four the minimum number of times which the Coordinating Council must meet annually. Requires that at least 7 of the 21 members of the National Advisory Committee for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention be under age 22 at time of appointment, a minimum of three of whom shall have been under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system. Sets the quorum of the Committee at 11 members. Makes mandatory the appointment of a subcommittee to advise the Assistant Administrator on particular functions of the Office. Revises provisions regarding other subcommittees. Authorizes the Advisory Committee to delegate its functions by means of grants and contracts. Empowers the committee to conduct programs to assist public or private citizen groups on juvenile delinquency. Requires that at least one percent of the funds appropriated for purposes of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act be used for the Advisory Committee. Stipulates that formula grants to State and local governments' juvenile justice related activities shall cover 90 percent of the approved cost of any assisted programs or activities. Waives the non-Federal matching share requirement for private nonprofit organizations which are conducting activities pursuant to State or local government contracts or grants. Directs that at least 10 percent of the minimum annual allotment of formula grants to a State be used to assist the State juvenile justice advisory group established pursuant to the State juvenile delinquency plan. Revises guidelines for the composition of such advisory groups and delegates to them certain additional functions. Makes specified amendments in the standards which must be included in a State juvenile justice plan. States that failure to comply within two years with the requirement that juveniles committing noncriminal offenses be placed in shelter facilities rather than in correctional institutions shall result in termination of formula grants and certain other funds unless the Administrator finds substantial compliance and a commitment to achieve full compliance. Eliminates provisions making available the formula grant allotment of a State whose juvenile justice plan fails to comply with mandatory standards due to neglect to public and private agencies for special emphasis programs. Revises present, and specifies additional, purposes for which assistance may be extended under special emphasis prevention and treatment programs. Eliminates the limit on formula funds which may be used by a State to meet the matching share requirement of certain essential Federal juvenile delinquency programs. Authorizes an increase in the Federal share of the cost of juvenile delinquency programs in the case of Indian tribes which lack sufficient funds to meet the local share. Sets forth provisions for the reallocation of excess formula grant funds for special emphasis treatment and prevention programs. Repeals the responsibility of the Administrator of the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to oversee administration of the National Institute for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Directs the Advisory Committee for the National Institute to assist States, local governments, and private organizations in the adoption at State and local levels of Standards for the administration of juvenile justice. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums for fiscal years 1977-82 to carry out certain provisions and programs of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. Amends the Runaway Youth Act to expand the grant program thereunder to encompass the development of local facilities to meet the needs of all homeless youth. Prohibits a runaway house receiving assistance under such Act from disclosing statistical records profiling the parents and children which it serves to other than specified agencies unless the child involved, as well as his parent, consents. Revises monetary guidelines with respect to which grants and runaway houses are to be given priority. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums for the runaway house grant program for fiscal years 1977-1982.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers maintaining households to elect either a $250 income tax credit or a $1,000 deduction for each dependent aged 65 or over who resides in their homes.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to specifically encompass pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions within the prohibition against sex discrimination in employment, including discrimination with respect to fringe benefit plans.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Department of Education Act - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education to be administered by a Secretary of Education. States that the principal function of such Department is to promote the cause and advancement of education throughout the United States. Transfers to the Secretary specified functions of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Commissioner of Education, and various educational responsibilities of other Federal agencies and instrumentalities. Creates the Federal Interagency Committee on Education and the National Advisory Commission on Education. Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Secretary of such Department, as the Department of Health and Welfare, and the Secretary of Health and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Prohibits the first salary adjustment which would be made under the Federal Salary Act of 1967 after the date of enactment of this Act from taking effect for the Vice President, Members of Congress, judges, commissioners, and referees, and positions in the Executive Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1977
Public Financing of Senate Elections Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to entitle candidates for the United States Senate, who agree to comply with certain recordkeeping requirements and spending limits, to payments in accordance with the terms of this Act. Conditions eligibility for funds with respect to primary and general elections upon receipt of contributions in specified minimum amounts. Sets forth formulas for the determination of the amount of money to which a candidate is entitled. Specifies maximum amounts which a candidate may expend in connection with primary and general elections and remain eligible for funds. Specifies a limit on the amount of personal and family funds a candidate may use. Provides for adjustments in spending limits on the basis of changes in prices. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain a separate Senate Campaign Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and to deposit in such account amounts available in the Fund after a determination that adequate sums are available for payments under the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act. Sets forth guidelines for reducing payments under this Act if available funds are inadequate. Requires repayment of funds paid in excess of entitlement or used for other than campaign purposes. Requires candidates for the Senate who do not receive funds under this Act to report to the Federal Election Commission within 48 hours of spending or incurring obligations to spend a total sum in excess of the limit which would apply if the candidate had been receiving funds.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 to redefine the term "navigable waters" as it applies to regulation of discharges of oil and hazardous substances and to regulation of marine sanitation devices to include the belt of seas extending 197 nautical miles from the outer limit of the territorial seas. Stipulates that such boundary shall be reduced to a line equidistant between the United States and a foreign nation where such line of equidistance between the two countries is less than 200 miles. Authorizes the Attorney General to initiate class actions to recover private claims arising from discharges of oil and hazardous substances. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to act as trustee of the natural resources of the navigable waters in recovering damages caused by oil or hazardous substances in accordance with prescribed criteria in assessing the amount of such damages.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to establish a 200-mile marine pollution control zone to which the provisions of such Act shall apply. Stipulates that such zone shall be reduced to a line equidistant between the United States and a foreign nation where such line of equidistance between the two countries is less than 200 miles. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish standards of performance for all vessels in order to protect the waters of the United States and the marine pollution control zone. Authorizes the Administrator to request the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to review vessel design standards if inadequate to meet such standards of performance. Directs the Secretary to review standards applicable to United States-flag vessels engaged in coastwise trade. Authorizes the imposition of stricter standards by the Secretary and the Administrator with respect to such vessels as compared to those standards applicable to other vessels.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Department of Energy Organization Act - Title I: Declaration of Purposes - Declares it the purpose of this Act to establish a permanent Department of Energy in the executive branch to assist in the development of a coordinated national energy policy. Title II: Establishment of Department - Establishes a Department of Energy in the executive branch. Establishes an Energy Information Administration and an Economic Regulatory Administration within such Department. Title III: Transfers of Functions - Transfers to the Secretary of Energy all functions now vested in the Federal Energy Administration, the Energy Research and Development Administration, and the Federal Power Commission. Transfers energy-related functions from the Department of the Interior to the new Secretary. Transfers specified functions of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of Commerce to the new Secretary. Title IV: Board of Hearings and Appeals - Establishes a three-member Board of Hearings and Appeals within the Department to make agency determinations as required by law. Prohibits persons having interests in energy companies from serving as Board members. Title V: Administrative Procedures and Judicial Review - Stipulates that the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act shall apply to rules and regulations issued by the Secretary or a delegate. Requires that opportunity for oral presentations of viewpoints be afforded where regulations are likely to have a substantial economic impact. Requires hearings on rules which substantially impact a single geographic area to be held in such geographic area. Stipulates that United States district courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction of cases arising under this Act without regard to amount in controversy, except where otherwise provided in authority transferred to the Secretary. Title VI: Administrative Provisions - Establishes a Leasing Liaison Committee to obtain information and make recommendations on Federal leasing activities conducted by the Secretary of the Interior which relate to energy resources. Requires officers and employees of the Department of Energy to disclose known financial interests in energy companies. Imposes criminal penalties for knowing violations of such disclosure requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate authority to other officers, to create regional officers, and to establish advisory committees. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to the President for submission to the Congress. Title VII: Transitional Savings and Conforming Provisions - Stipulates that transfers of personnel authorized by this Act shall not result in reduction in grade or unemployment for one year after enactment of this Act. Stipulates that orders, rules, and proceedings established or commenced under previous authority shall not be affected by the transfers under this Act. Amends the Federal Energy Administration Act, the Energy Reorganization Act, the Federal Power Act, the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, the Energy Conservation Standard for New Buildings Act, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, and other provisions of law to conform with the changes made by this Act. Title VIII: Effective Date and Interim Appointments - Stipulates that the provisions of this Act shall take effect no later than 120 days after the Secretary first takes office. Establishes procedures for interim appointments of officers prior to the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Extends the provisions of the Food Stamp Act of 1964 through fiscal year 1982. Eliminates the requirement that eligible households purchase their coupon allotments, reduces benefits, and substitutes for the current itemized deductions allowed in calculating household income a new standard deduction of $100, plus deductions for earned income and a limited amount of child care costs. Disqualifies from participation all students 18 years old or older who are or can be legally claimed as dependents of an ineligible household, and all able-bodied adults between 18 and 60 who, with specified exceptions, fail to register for work or to accept suitable job offers. Limits participation to U.S. citizens and legally admitted permanent resident aliens. States the general procedure for the certification, within 30 days, and the prompt recertification of applicant households. Establishes civil penalties as an alternative to disqualification for retail and wholesale food concerns violating provisions of the Food Stamp Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make research grants to study how to improve the administration and effectiveness of the food stamp program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Solar and Energy Conservation Commercialization Act - Amends the National Housing Act to specify additional types of solar energy systems eligible for financial assistance under such Act. Stipulates that such systems shall include solar heating and cooling and hot water systems, geothermal and wind energy systems, and other energy conservation measures and equipment such as insulation, heat pumps, and devices to improve furnace efficiency. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants and loans to individuals and families to assist in the purchase of solar, renewable source, and energy conservation measures and equipment. Authorizes grants and loans for similar purposes to neighborhood, community, or nonprofit groups. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to make loans to small businesses to assist in the purchase and installation of solar, renewable source, and energy conservation improvements and equipment. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, and the Federal Energy Administrator to cooperate in carrying out the provisions of this Act and to jointly submit an annual report to the President and the Congress on activities carried out under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1978 through 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to provide that units of general local government receiving grants under the hold-harmless provisions of such Act, shall be entitled, after fiscal year 1977, to continue to receive the amount to which they are presently entitled.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Surplus School Conversion Act - Entitles taxpayers, under the Internal Revenue Code, to elect to take a deduction with respect to the amortization of any qualified school or hospital property based on a period of 180 months. Defines qualified school or hospital property to mean any building or other structure which is acquired by the taxpayer from a tax-exempt organization which used such structure to provide facilities for an educational institution or an institution which provided medical or custodial care.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Requires automatic sprinkler systems in all skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities certified for participation in the Medicare, Medicaid, or Veterans' Administration programs unless a waiver of such requirement is granted in accordance with conditions set forth in this Act. Establishes a program of low-interest Federal loans and grants to assist such facilities in constructing or purchasing and installing automatic sprinkler systems.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act - Allows an income tax credit for 30 percent of the expenditures not exceeding $750 which the taxpayer paid or incurred during the taxable year for the installation of insulation or energy-conserving components which improve heating plant efficiency in his principal residence. Limits the application of this credit to expenditures paid or incurred for installations made between 1976 and 1982 in pre-existing dwellings. Reduces the allowable credit, on a graduated scale, for individuals with adjusted gross incomes greater than $10,000. Allows an income tax credit for 40 percent of the first $1,500, and a secondary credit for 25 percent of the next $7,600 paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year for the installation of qualified solar, wind and geothermal energy equipment in his principal residence. Allows an income tax credit for 20 percent of the first $1,500, and a secondary credit for 12.5 percent of the next $7,600 paid or incurred for the installation of wood stove, heat pump, or burner equipment in connection with new solar, wind or geothermal energy equipment which will be the principal source of space heat in the taxpayer's principal residence. Reduces these limitations in subsequent tax years by subtracting the amounts taken into account for these credits in previous tax years. Limits these credits to equipment installed between 1976 and 1982. Prorates each of the above credits for residential improvements among joint owners and cooperative shareholders according to their proportionate interests in the residential property. Provides for the carryover of any allowable credit which exceeds the taxpayer's current income tax liability. Reduces the allowable credits, on a graduated scale, for persons with adjusted gross incomes greater than $15,000. Allows an investment tax credit for 25 percent of the qualified investment cost of depreciable geothermal, solar or wind energy equipment placed in service. Allows such a credit for 12 percent of the qualified costs of ventilation, heating, water and other components primarily designed to reduce the heat loss or gain of a structure, and originally used by the taxpayer. Prohibits these credits for property originally funded with Federal grants, or located in States which take these energy conserving measures into account for property assessment, or which do not enforce the thermal design requirements of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish energy production and conservation assistance to developing countries, including solar, wind, and water projects. Authorizes consultative visits by the Energy Research and Development Administration to design such projects. Authorizes the President to carry out studies to identify the energy needs, uses, and resources of various countries and regions, with special emphasis on the transfer of energy technology. Requires that $10,000,000 of appropriations for development assistance for fiscal year 1978 be spent only for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Small Business Energy Research Incentives Act - Title I: Small Business Act Amendments - Authorizes the Small Business Administrator to make loans to assist any small business concern in financing plant construction and equipment acquisition for the production, installation, or maintenance of solar energy equipment or other energy conservation equipment. Permits the Administration to make grants to non-profit organizations for the provision of training seminars showing small business concerns methods for design, installation, and maintenance of solar energy equipment. Title II: Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 Amendments - Establishes within the Energy Research and Development Administration an Office of Invention and Innovation to evaluate proposals by any individual or small business concern for the development of an energy- related invention and to provide grants for the development of such invention.
![Official portrait of Sen. Heinz, John [R-PA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000456_200.jpg)