United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Paycheck Protection Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act to make it unlawful, except with the separate, prior, written, voluntary authorization of each individual, for: (1) national banks or corporations to collect or assess its stockholders or employees any dues, initiation fee, or other payment as a condition of employment if any part of such dues, fee, or payment will be used for political activities in which the national bank or corporation is engaged; and (2) labor organizations to collect from or assess its members or nonmembers any dues, fee, or other payment if any part of such dues, fee, or payment will be used for political activities. States that an authorization shall remain in effect until revoked and may be revoked at any time.
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
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 · 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
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 · 25 September 1996
Amends Federal aviation law, with respect to the automatic stay of administrative orders pending appeal, to revise general deadline requirements for the National Transportation Safety Board to make a disposition concerning the issues on appeal that are related to the existence of an emergency, as declared by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, because of which the order must be effective immediately.
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 · 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 · 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 · 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
Treats Somalia as a "hazardous duty area" to entitle U.S. military personnel who performed U.S. peacekeeping services in Somalia between December 2, 1992, and April 1, 1994, to the same tax benefits under the Internal Revenue Code that are provided to U.S. military personnel serving in an area designated by the President as a combat zone.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1996
Medicare Cancer Clinical Trial Coverage Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration project which provides for payment under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act of routine patient care costs for Medicare beneficiaries with cancer who are enrolled in an approved clinical trial program, while still applying the beneficiary cost sharing provisions of such program to project participants. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the impact on Medicare of covering such routine patient care costs if coverage were extended to Medicare beneficiaries with a diagnosis other than cancer.
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
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 · 25 June 1996
Designates the bridge, estimated to be completed in the year 2000, that replaces the bridge on highway 74 spanning from East Cape Girardeau, Illinois, to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, as the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge.
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 · 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 · 13 June 1996
Condemns arson against churches and declares that the investigation and prosecution of those who are responsible, especially for any incidents of arson the purpose of which is to divide communities or to intimidate Americans, should be a high national priority. Commends the President for pledging to devote all Federal resources necessary to bring to justice those responsible. Calls for all investigations of fires at churches which are of suspicious origin to be conducted in a sensitive manner that reflects the special character of churches and the role they play in American communities.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 1996 Title II: Federal Gang Violence Act of 1996 Title III: Federal Youth Violence Control Act of 1996 Title IV: Federal Youth Violence Prevention Act of 1996 Violent and Repeat Juvenile Offender Reform Act of 1996 - Title I: Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 1996 - Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 1996 - Revises Federal criminal code provisions to require that a juvenile age 13 or older who is alleged to have committed an act of juvenile delinquency which, if committed by an adult, would be a felony, be tried as an adult if: (1) the offense charged is a crime of violence or a specified drug offense; (2) the juvenile previously has been found guilty of three prior felonies committed on different occasions under Federal or State law, or other conditions apply; or (3) the appropriate U.S. Attorney finds a substantial Federal interest to warrant the exercise of Federal jurisdiction. Directs that offenses tried in U.S. district court under this Act be open to the public, with exceptions. Grants the U.S. Attorney, in making determinations concerning juvenile prosecution, complete access to prior Federal juvenile records. (Sec. 104) Lowers the minimum age at which a defendant may be sentenced to death from age 18 to 16. Adds aggravating factors for imposition of the death penalty. (Sec. 107) Subjects a juvenile tried as an adult to code provisions regarding detention, speedy trial, and restitution for adults. (Sec. 110) Authorizes: (1) the release of juvenile records to meet inquiries from an educational institution to ensure public safety and security; and (2) the Attorney General to seek injunctions to protect the safe public enjoyment of Federal lands. (Sec. 111) Repeals provisions regarding: (1) foregoing prosecution and surrendering minors to State authorities; and (2) the Advisory Corrections Council. (Sec. 112) Prohibits the exclusion of evidence in Federal court on the ground that: (1) the search or seizure violated the Fourth Amendment if carried out in circumstances justifying an objectively reasonable belief that it was in conformity with such amendment. (Sec. 113) Modifies the Federal: (1) criminal code to increase mandatory minimum sentences for using, carrying, or possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime; and (2) judicial code to direct the United States Sentencing Commission (Commission) to provide for enhanced sentences for defendants guilty of committing an offense against a victim under age 10 or sexual assault involving a controlled substance. (Sec. 115) Makes an act of delinquency that would be a serious drug offense if committed by an adult a predicate offense under the Armed Career Criminal Act. (Sec. 118) Revises the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to set mandatory minimum prison sentences for persons who use minors in drug trafficking activities or who sell drugs to minors. Repeals Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (VCCLEA) provisions regarding increased penalties for drug-dealing in "drug-free" zones. Increases penalties under CSA regarding drug distribution in or near schools. Title II: Federal Gang Violence Act of 1996 - Federal Gang Violence Act of 1996 - Directs the Commission to amend the Federal sentencing guidelines: (1) so that, except regarding trafficking in cocaine base, if a defendant was a member of a criminal street gang at the time of the offense, the offense level is increased by six levels; and (2) to increase the base offense levels for traveling in interstate or foreign commerce and committing a violent crime in aid of a street gang or other racketeering enterprise and for recruiting a minor to participate in gang activity. (Sec. 203) Modifies Federal criminal code provisions regarding criminal street gangs to: (1) revise the definitions of "conviction" to include a finding that a person committed an act of juvenile delinquency involving a predicate gang crime and "criminal street gang" to cover a group whose members have engaged during the previous five-year period in a pattern of criminal activity; and (2) define "predicate gang crime" to encompass various offenses, including specified drug offenses and Federal or State felony offenses that by their nature involve a substantial risk of physical force against another. (Sec. 204) Revises the Travel Act to: (1) increase penalties for violations; and (2) increase the scope of unlawful activities under such Act. (Sec. 205) Prohibits and set penalties for soliciting or recruiting persons to participate in criminal gang activity. (Sec. 206) Makes: (1) offenses punishable by at least one year's imprisonment involving minors, and certain alien smuggling and firearms offenses, predicate offenses under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act; and (2) certain serious juvenile drug offenses predicate offenses under the Armed Career Criminal Act. (Sec. 207) Sets a mandatory minimum of three years imprisonment, a fine, or both for the transfer of a firearm to a minor. (Sec. 208) Increases penalties for transferring a handgun or handgun ammunition to a juvenile, with exceptions for juveniles under age 13, and makes such penalties applicable to juveniles. Increases from 30 to 70 days the time period during which an alleged delinquent in detention pending trial must be brought to trial. (Sec. 212) Authorizes appropriations to hire additional Assistant U.S. Attorneys to prosecute violent youth gangs. Title III: Federal Youth Violence Control Act of 1996 - Federal Youth Violence Control Act of 1996 - Revises the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (JJDPA) to authorize the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to make grants to eligible States and local governmental units to assist with projects for the development of more effective prosecutions, trials, graduated sanctions, and programs to improve the juvenile justice system. Directs the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to: (1) provide training to representatives of public and private agencies and organizations with specific experience in the prevention, treatment, and control of juvenile delinquency; and (2) collect, prepare, and disseminate useful data regarding the prevention, treatment, and control of juvenile delinquency. (Sec. 203) Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title, subject to specified restrictions. Directs the Administrator to use 70 percent of sums available for grants for the strengthening of prosecution and punishment of youthful offenders, 15 percent for grants for prevention, treatment, and transitional services, ten percent for grants for research, and five percent for salaries and expenses of the BJA related to administrative expenses. 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. 303) Establishes within BJA the Office of Juvenile Accountability. Title IV: Federal Youth Violence Prevention Act of 1996 - Federal Youth Violence Prevention Act of 1996 - Establishes a program of grants to support communities that design strategic plans for youth development. (Sec. 405) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) fund allocation; (2) application requirements; (3) fund distribution through a State office, including limits on the use of funds, eligibility, requests for proposals, grant renewal, the Federal share, and reporting and evaluation requirements; and (4) reallotment and reallocation of funds. Reserves funds for evaluation and research. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 411) Specifies that, of the amounts appropriated under this title, not more than 20 percent shall be used for prevention programs, with the remainder for: (1) the investigation, prosecution, or detention of juvenile offenders; and (2) the collection, distribution, and receipt of records of juvenile offenders that are equivalent to those kept for adult offenders, if specified conditions are met. Requires a State, to receive the full amount authorized, to establish authority to prosecute as adults: (1) as a matter of law, juveniles age 14 and older who commit murder or rape; and (2) as a matter of law or prosecutorial discretion, juveniles age 14 and older who commit armed robbery or aggravated assault, or who distribute controlled substances. (Sec. 413) Directs that a surcharge of 40 percent be added to the principal amount of each civil monetary penalty assessed by the United States, subject to specified limitations. (Sec. 414) Amends the VCCLEA to increase from 15 to 30 percent of the funds allocated in a fiscal year which each State shall reserve for counties and units of local government to construct, develop, expand, modify, or improve jails and other correctional facilities. (Sec. 415) Allows appropriations for activities authorized in this title to be made from the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1996
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to ensure that, in each fiscal year, each State's percentage of the total apportionments to all States from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund is not less than 80 percent of the State's estimated tax payment attributable to highway users in the State paid into that Account in the most recent year for which data are available. Provides an exception for any State whose contribution to such Account in the applicable fiscal year is greater than or equal to $45 million.
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 · 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.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1996
Amends provisions of Federal law relating to the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees Retirement System to provide that a Member of Congress after he or she has completed 12 years of service in the Congress shall not: (1) have retirement deductions made from any pay or service performed as a Member; (2) have Government contributions made on his or her behalf; or (3) have any service performed as a Member taken into account for purposes of computing retirement pay (except in the case of a disability annuity). Provides that only service performed after the 104th Congress shall be taken into account with respect to the 12-year service requirement of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1996
Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act to make assistance available under the noninsured crop assistance program for native pasture for livestock.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1996
Temporary Emergency Livestock Feed Assistance Act of 1996 - Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act to provide temporary assistance for certain livestock producers. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to obligate specified funds for 1996 livestock feed emergencies. Requires a report on the use of certain commodity reserves for livestock assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1996
United States Tourism Organization Act - Establishes: (1) the National Tourism Board to develop a national travel and tourism strategy for increasing U.S. tourism; and (2) the United States Tourism Organization as a non-Federal nonprofit organization to implement the national travel and tourism strategy developed by the Board. Requires the Secretary of State to cooperate with the Organization and place a high priority on implementing its recommendations. Amends the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 to require the Federal trade promotion plan of the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC) to reflect Board recommendations. Makes the Chairman of the Organization a member of the TPCC. Terminates the Organization and the Board if a plan for the long-term financing of the Organization has not been implemented two years after its incorporation.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 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 · 7 May 1996
National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1996 - Amends the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 to establish a national cooperative geologic mapping program between the U.S. Geological Survey and State geological surveys. Establishes a geologic mapping advisory committee to advise the Director of the U.S. Geological Survey on planning and implementation of the geological mapping program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Grants victims of violent crimes the following rights: (1) to be informed of, and present at, every proceeding in which the rights to liberty, justice, and due process are extended to the accused or convicted offender; (2) to be heard at any proceeding involving sentencing and to object to a previously negotiated plea or a release from custody; (3) to be informed of any release or escape; (4) to a speedy trial, a final conclusion free from unreasonable delay, full restitution from the convicted offender, reasonable measures of protection from violence or intimidation by the accused or convicted offender; and (5) to notice of such rights. Grants the several States and the Congress the power to implement further this amendment by appropriate legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1996
Provides for observation of a moment of silence at 9:02 a.m. central daylight time on April 19, 1996, in remembrance of the victims of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Commends the people of Oklahoma and the aid provided by rescuers, Federal agencies, countless volunteers, and Federal employees. Reaffirms trust in our system of justice to ensure that the perpetrators are convicted and punished.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1996
Pays tribute to the remarkable life and career of Ronald H. Brown (the late Secretary of Commerce) and to the contributions of all those who perished in the airplane accident on April 3, 1996, while in service to their country on a mission to Bosnia. Extends condolences to the victims' families.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1996
Authorizes each State that issues licenses to commercial motor vehicle operators to waive any requirement to obtain such a license for operators of custom harvesting farm machinery or employees of farm-related service industries (or both) that would otherwise apply.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1996
Amends Federal provisions concerning the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to direct the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) under which covered CHAMPUS beneficiaries who are also entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act will be permitted to enroll in a health benefits plan offered through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program in lieu of receiving care under CHAMPUS or the TRICARE program. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) required contributions for such coverage; and (2) the management of participants in the plan. Requires: (1) the Secretary to begin to offer such health benefits option no later than January 1, 1997; and (2) the Secretary and the OPM Director to report annually to the Congress describing the provision of health care services to covered beneficiaries under the plan during the preceding fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1996
Propane Education and Research Act of 1996 - Authorizes the qualified industry organizations (the National Propane Gas Association, the Gas Processors Association, or successor organizations, or a group of retail marketers or producers who collectively represent at least 25 percent of the volume of propane sold or produced in the United States) to conduct, at their own expense, a referendum among producers and retail marketers for the creation of a Propane Education and Research Council. Directs the Council, if established, to develop programs (including programs to enhance consumer and employee safety and training) and enter into contracts for: (1) propane research and development; (2) consumer education; and (3) payment for program costs with funds collected under this Act. Requires the Council to reimburse the Secretary of Energy annually for any costs incurred by the United States. Authorizes the Council to levy annual assessments on odorized propane, according to prescribed guidelines, to cover program costs. Directs the Council to establish a program to coordinate its operations with any State propane education and research council. Prohibits Council funds from being used for lobbying activities. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to prepare and make available to the Council, the Secretary of Energy (Secretary), and the public, annual analyses of changes in propane prices relative to other energy resources. Requires the Council to restrict its activities to research and development, training, and safety whenever in any year the five-year average rolling price index of consumer grade propane exceeds by more than 10.1 percent the five-year rolling average price composite index of residential electricity, residential natural gas, and refiner price to end users of Number 2 fuel oil. Requires the price of propane to be determined by market forces in all cases. Prohibits the Council from taking action to pass the cost of the annual assessments to consumers. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report biennially to the Congress and the Secretary on whether: (1) operation of the Council, in conjunction with the cumulative effects of market changes and Federal programs, has had an effect on propane consumers, including residential, agriculture, process, and nonfuel users; and (2) there have been long-term and short-term effects on propane prices as a result of Council activities and Federal programs.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1996
Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to provide that a forest management activity (timber sale or grazing) and land use plan under such Act or a land or resource management plan under the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 shall be subject to initial judicial review only in the U.S. district court for the district in which the affected land is located.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1996
Defend America Act of 1996 - Expresses U.S. policy to deploy by the end of 2003 a National Missile Defense (NMD) system that: (1) is capable of providing a highly effective defense of U.S. territory against limited, unauthorized, or accidental ballistic missile attack; (2) will be augmented over time to provide a layered defense against larger and more sophisticated ballistic missile threats; and (3) does not feature an offensive-only form of deterrence. Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop for deployment an affordable and operationally effective NMD system which shall achieve an initial operational capability by the end of 2003. Outlines system elements, including the use of missile interceptors on the ground, at sea, and in space. Directs the Secretary to take specified actions to implement the NMD system development upon enactment of this Act, including the conduct of an integrated systems test by the end of 1998. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress the Secretary's plans for the development and deployment of the NMD system. Urges the President to pursue high-level discussions with the Russian Federation to achieve an agreement to amend the Anti-Ballistic Missile (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 after enactment of this Act, to consider exercising the option of withdrawing the United States from the ABM Treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1996
Tenth Amendment Enforcement Act of 1996 - Requires that, on or after January 1, 1997, any statute enacted by the Congress must include specified findings and declarations about the Constitutional authority of the Congress in enacting such statute to preempt State and local laws. Makes it out of order for the Senate or House of Representatives to consider any legislation that does not include such declarations, unless a supermajority in either House vote otherwise. Amends Federal law to prohibit any executive department or agency (Federal agency) from construing any statutory authorization to issue regulations as authorizing preemption of State law or local ordinance by rule-making or other agency action, unless the statute expressly authorizes issuance of preemptive regulations and the agency concludes that the exercise of State power directly conflicts with the exercise of Federal power under the Federal statute, such that the State statutes and the Federal rule promulgated under the Federal statute cannot be reconciled or consistently stand together. Provides for notice and opportunity for State comment when a Federal agency proposes preemptive rule making or other agency action. Requires each Federal agency to publish in the Federal Register a plan for periodic review of rules and regulations preempting State or local government powers.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1996
Exempts from copyright infringement the communication within a commercial establishment of the transmission of a performance or display of a work by the reception of a broadcast, cable, satellite, or other transmission, if no direct charge is made to see or hear the transmission, its reception is authorized, and such transmission is not retransmitted to the public beyond such premises, and if communicated: (1) in an area where a transmission is intended to be received by the general public that is smaller than 5,000 square feet; (2) within an establishment whose gross annual income does not exceed 20 percent of the gross annual income of a small business as defined by the Small Business Administration; (3) by means of ten or fewer loudspeakers; or (4) by means of speakers in audiovisual devices only. (Sec. 2) Requires any controversy or dispute arising out of the appropriate fee to be paid for the user's past or future performance of nondramatic musical works in the repertoire of a performing rights society (PRS) to be settled by arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association. Outlines provisions: (1) requiring the confidentiality of arbitration findings; (2) limiting the length of time that the finding of an appropriate fee shall apply; (3) requiring a PRS to make available to all interested persons access to copyright and licensing information for each nondramatic musical work in its repertoire; and (4) requiring a PRS to make available a printed directory of each title in its repertoire. Provides restrictions for PRSs not in compliance with such requirements. (Sec. 3) Requires each PRS to offer to any radio broadcaster that so requests a per programming period license (license) to perform nondramatic musical works in the repertoire of the PRS. Outlines provisions: (1) determining the price of each such license; (2) providing for the determination of the performance of nondramatic musical works by a broadcaster under any such license; and (3) enforcing a broadcaster's right to apply for and receive such a license. (Sec. 4) Exempts from copyright infringement the transmission of religious services, or the recording of a program embodying such services in their entirety, if there is no commercial advertisement or commercial sponsor within such program. (Sec. 5) Defines "performing rights society," "general music user," and "loudspeaker" for purposes of the copyright laws.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1996
Expresses appreciation to Jean Schrag Lauver for 21 years of service on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works as a majority and minority professional staff person.
![Official portrait of Sen. Inhofe, James M. [R-OK]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/i000024_200.jpg)