United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1989
Children With Disabilities Temporary Care Reauthorization Act of 1989 - Amends the Temporary Child Care for Handicapped Children and Crisis Nurseries Act of 1986 (the Act) to change references to "handicapped children" to "children with disabilities." Requires State applications to provide documentation of State interagency coordination in carrying out grant-funded programs. Defines "State" to include any of the States, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or Palau. Sets forth additional requirements for State annual evaluation reports. Extends through FY 1990 and 1991 the authorization of appropriations. Changes the short title of the Act to the Temporary Child Care for Children With Disabilities and Crisis Nurseries Act of 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1989
Congressional Council on Education and Space Act of 1989 - Establishes the Congressional Council on Education and Space. Directs the Council to develop and administer a Congressional Space Education Achievement Award Program for elementary and secondary school students of mathematics, science, and related fields. Requires the Council to report annually to specified congressional committees on programs to encourage study of science, mathematics, engineering, and other space-related fields. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 and subsequent fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1989
Former Presidents Act of 1989 - Title I: Former Presidents - Changes the amount of the annual allowance to which the surviving spouse of a deceased former President is entitled from $20,000 to two-thirds of the allowance to which a former President is entitled. Repeals the requirement that a widow of a former President must waive the right to any other Government annuity or pension to qualify for such allowance. Authorizes the Administrator of the General Services Administration to provide to each former President upon request: (1) one office, not exceeding a certain area in size, in a public building and appropriate equipment for such office; (2) compensation for office staff members, without an aggregate ceiling, who shall be subject to certain provisions of civil service laws; (3) payment for the travel and subsistence allowances for certain employees; (4) transportation on aircraft owned or chartered by the Government solely to enable the President to conclude his or her official duties and otherwise as required incidentally to protect such former President; (5) communication services; (6) printing and binding expenses; and (7) moving the former President and the presidential family and their possessions from the White House to a location in the United States. Allows any Federal employee to be detailed to the office staff of a former President with the consent of the employee's agency head. Declares that the costs of providing transportation to a former President on aircraft owned or chartered by the Government shall be paid from appropriations for such purpose. Authorizes the Administrator to provide a former Vice President with necessary services and facilities for concluding his or her office affairs which are similar to the services and facilities provided to a former President under this title. Prohibits the use of funds provided for necessary services and facilities of a former President or Vice President for partisan political activities or income generating activities. Prohibits the expenditure of such funds for a former President or Vice President any time beyond 90 days after the former President dies. Requires each former President to report annually to the Congress concerning activities carried out with such funds. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this title concerning the services and facilities to be provided for former Presidents and Vice Presidents. Revises provisions authorizing appropriations to the Administrator with respect to presidential transitions to provide that not more than $2,000,000 may be appropriated for providing services and facilities to the President-elect and the Vice President-elect. Title II: Protection of Former Presidents and Former Vice Presidents - Prohibits the United States Secret Service from protecting a former President or the spouse or child of a former President, except as authorized under this title. Authorizes the Secret Service to protect: (1) a former President for five years after the individual becomes a former President; (2) the spouse and child of a former President for two years after the individual becomes a former President and after two years to the extent that such protection is incidental to the protection of the former President; (3) the spouse and child of a deceased former President for whichever is the greater period of six months after the former President dies or the time remaining in the two-year period, if the President died before the expiration of the two-year period; and (4) the spouse and child of a deceased former President for six months after the former President dies, if such death occurs after the expiration of the two-year period. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to extend or reinstate Secret Service protection of a former President for one or more one-year periods and of a spouse or child for one or more six-month periods after the original protection has been terminated upon finding that a threat warranting such protection exists. Declares that no extension or reinstatement of Secret Service protection shall become effective unless the Secretary submits a notice to the Congress specifying such finding and 60 days of continuous session have expired after the date of such notice. Allows a former President or the spouse or a child of a former President to request the Secretary to extend or reinstate such protection. Requires the Secretary to notify the Congress of a denial of such a request. Authorizes the President to direct the Secret Service to protect a former President or the spouse or child of a former President if a threat warrants emergency action. Requires the President to notify the Congress of any such action. Permits the Secretary to authorize Secret Service protection for a former Vice President for a period beginning on the last day of the individual's term and ending on the last day of the fiscal year in which the term expires, and upon finding that a threat exists which warrants such protection.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1989
Title I - Product Liability Reform Act - Declares that this Act governs any product liability action brought against a manufacturer or product seller, on any theory, for harm caused by a product. States that a civil action brought against a manufacturer or product seller for loss or damage to a product itself or commercial loss shall be governed by applicable commercial or contract law. Supersedes any inconsistent State law regarding recovery in such actions. Lists specific laws not superseded, including: (1) defense of sovereign immunity asserted by any State or by the United States; (2) any Federal law (except the Federal Employees Compensation Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act); (3) the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976; (4) State choice-of-law rules; (5) the right of any court to transfer venue or to apply the law of a foreign nation or to dismiss a claim of a foreign nation or citizen on the ground of inconvenient forum; and (6) any statutory or common law cause of action, including an action to abate a nuisance, that authorizes a State or person to institue an action for civil damages or civil penalties, clean up costs, injunctions, restitution, cost recovery, punitive damages, or any other form of relief from contamination or pollution of the environment or the threat of it. Declares that U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction over any civil action under this Act, based on specified provisions of Federal law relating to district court jurisdiction. Declares that, if any provision of this Act would shorten the period during which a manufacturer or seller would otherwise be exposed to liability, the claimant may, notwithstanding that period, bring any civil action under this Act within one year after the effective date of this Act. Title II - Allows any claimant to bring a civil action for damages against a person for harm caused by a product under applicable State law, except to the extent such law is superseded by this title. Sets forth expedited settlement measures, including: (1) an option to include an offer of settlement, for a specific dollar amount, by the plaintiff in the complaint and by the defendant in a responsive pleading; and (2) awarding attorney's fees and costs, in certain circumstances, to the prevailing party if the other party does not accept the settlement offer. Sets forth alternative dispute resolution procedures, including: (1) an option, in lieu of or in addition to a settlement offer, for a claimant or a defendant to offer to proceed under any voluntary alternative dispute resolution procedure established or recognized under the law of the State in which the action is brought or maintained; and (2) awarding of attorney's fees and costs to the offering party if the court determines that a refusal to so proceed was unreasonable or not in good faith. Creates a rebuttable presumption that a refusal to so proceed was unreasonable, or not in good faith, if a verdict is rendered in favor of the offeror. Title III - Allows a person seeking to recover for harm caused by a product to bring a civil action against the manufacturer or seller under applicable State or Federal law, except to the extent such law is superseded by this Act. Establishes a standard of product seller liability for proximate causes of harm, established by a preponderance of the evidence, which fall under the categories of negligence or express warranty. Allows the trier of facts, in a negligence action, to consider the conduct of the seller with respect to: (1) the construction, inspection, or condition of the product; and (2) failure to pass on warnings or instructions from the manufacturer. Deems the seller not liable for failure to provide warnings or instructions unless the claimant establishes that the seller failed to: (1) provide warnings or instructions received while the product was in the seller's possession and control; or (2) make reasonable efforts to provide users with warnings and instructions which it received after the product left its possession and control. Deems a seller not liable except for breach of warranty where there was no opportunity to inspect the product in a manner which would or should, in the exercise of reasonable care, have revealed the aspect which allegedly caused the harm. Declares that the seller shall be treated as the manufacturer and be liable for harm caused by a product as if it were the manufacturer if: (1) the manufacturer is not subject to service of process in any State in which the action might have been brought; or (2) the court determines that the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment against the manufacturer. Allows punitive damages, if otherwise permitted by applicable law, to be awarded in any civil action under this title to any claimant who establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the result of conduct manifesting a manufacturer's or product seller's conscious, flagrant indifference to the safety of those persons who might be harmed by a product. Declares that a failure to exercise reasonable care in choosing among alternative product designs, formulations, instructions, or warnings is not of itself such conduct. Prohibits awarding punitive damages in the absence of a compensatory award, subject to exception. Prohibits punitive damages against a manufacturer or seller of a drug or medical device where: (1) the drug or device was subject to pre-market approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or (2) the drug is generally recognized as safe and effective under conditions established by the FDA. Prohibits punitive damages against a manufacturer of an aircraft where: (1) the aircraft was subject to pre-market certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); and (2) the manufacturer complied, after delivery, with FAA requirements and obligations with respect to continuing airworthiness. Provides for separate proceedings, if requested by the manufacturer or seller, with regard to punitive damages. Lists factors the trier of fact is allowed to consider in determining the amount of punitive damages. Bars any civil action under this title: (1) unless filed within two years after the claimant discovered or should have discovered the harm and its cause, subject to exception; and (2) if the product involved is a capital good that is alleged to have caused harm which is not a toxic harm unless filed within twenty-five years after delivery of the product, provided the claimant has received or would be eligible for State or Federal workers' compensation. Excludes a motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or railroad used primarily to transport passengers for hire from these time limitations. States that nothing in these provisions affects the right of any person who is subject to liability under this Act to obtain contribution or indemnity from any other person who is responsible for the harm. Requires reduction in the damages awarded by the sum of all State or Federal workers' compensation benefits to which the employee is or would be entitled. Requires an action to be stayed, at the sole discretion of the claimant, until a final determination is made on the amount payable as workers' compensation benefits. Declares that, unless the manufacturer or seller has expressly agreed to indemnify or hold an employer harmless, neither the employer nor the workers' compensation insurance carrier shall have a right of subrogation, contribution, or implied indemnity against the manufacturer or seller or a lien against the claimant's recovery. Prohibits a third party tortfeasor, where workers' compensation is involved, from maintaining any action for implied indemnity or contribution against the employer, any coemployee, or the exclusive representative of the injured person. Prohibits, for a person who is or would have been entitled to receive workers' compensation, any other action, unless a State or Federal workers' compensation law permits recovery based on a claim of an intentional tort. Makes these provisions inapplicable and declares that applicable State law shall control if the employer or the workers' compensation insurer asserts a right of subrogation, contribution, or implied indemnity against the manufacturer or seller or a lien against the claimant's recovery. Declares that, in any product liability action, the liability of each defendant for noneconomic damages shall be several and not joint. Requires the trier of fact to determine the proportion of responsibility of each party for the claimant's harm. Establishes a complete defense, in any civil action under this Act in which all defendants are manufacturers or sellers, that the claimant was under the influence of alcohol or any drug and that, as a result, the claimant was more than 50 percent responsible for the event which resulted in the harm. Defines "drug" to mean any non-over-the-counter drug which has not been prescribed by a physician.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1989
Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Leavenworth, Kansas, as the Dwight D. Eisenhower Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1989
Displaced Homemakers and Single Parents Homeownership Assistance Act - States that displaced homemakers and single parents shall not be deemed ineligible for Federal assistance for first-time homebuyers on the basis of previous home ownership or residence while married or a homemaker.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1989
Declares it is U.S. policy to provide a national air transportation system which: (1) enhances the general welfare and security of the United States; and (2) is free of regulations which unreasonably burden or restrict the right of citizens to travel by air. Requires the President to submit to the Congress a plan for a new comprehensive national aviation policy.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1989
Biomedical Research Act of 1989 - Title I: Biomedical and Behavioral Research Facilities - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the Director of Research Resources (Director), to award grants to public or nonprofit private institutions, under provisions relating to biomedical and behavioral research facilities, to expand, remodel, renovate, or alter existing research facilities or construct new research facilities. Establishes in the Division of Research Resources of the NIH a Technical Review Board on Biomedical and Behavioral Research Facilities to: (1) advise the Director and the Advisory Council (established under existing law) on matters concerning the construction of facilities; and (2) conduct the peer review of applications under this title. Sets forth requirements for application and selection of grants. Limits the amount of any grant to 50 percent of the cost of construction or, in the case of a multipurpose facility, 50 percent of the cost of construction proportionate to the contemplated use. Allows the Director to waive these limitations for institutions of emerging excellence in biomedical or behavioral research. Provides for recapture of payments in certain circumstances for 20 years after completion of construction. Requires the Director to prescribe regulations with respect to the grants. Requires the Director to mandate peer review of applications for grants under these provisions in accordance with existing peer review provisions. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992. Title II: National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research - Amends the Public Health Service Act to declare that the purpose of the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (Center) is to conduct biomedical research and research training, the dissemination of information, and other programs with respect to the rehabilitation of individuals with physical disabilities resulting from diseases or disorders of the neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or other physiologic systems (medical rehabilitation). Requires the NIH Director to develop a comprehensive plan for the conduct and support of medical rehabilitation research. Requires the Director to establish the Medical Rehabilitation Coordinating Committee to make recommendations with regard to the plan. Requires establishment of the Medical Rehabilitation Advisory Council to assist and make recommendations to the NIH Director and the Center Director. Title III: Scientific Personnel Demonstration Program - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a Senior Biomedical Scientific Service. Requires that: (1) members of the Service be appointed by the Secretary without regard to provisions of Federal law relating to Government organization and employees; (2) the Service be limited to 800 individuals; and (3) members of the Service be outstanding in the field of biomedical research, behavioral research, or clinical research evaluation. Declares that provisions of Federal law relating to retention preference, performance appraisal and performance-based actions, classification, General Schedule pay rates, and adverse actions shall not apply to any member of the Service. Requires that members of the Service be assigned by the Secretary to duties directly involving biomedical research, behavioral research, or clinical research evaluation, or to supervision of such activities. Authorizes the Secretary to determine the basic and supplemental pay of Service members. Sets forth limits on supplemental pay. Provides for retirement of individuals who enter the Service directly from a position as a commissioned officer in the Public Health Service Corps. Requires that the Service be administered in such a manner that, in FY 1990, it does not result in additional appropriations for the Department of Health and Human Services. Terminates the Service five years after it attains full membership. Amends provisions of Federal law relating to physicians comparability allowances to include physicians and dentists in the Senior Biomedical Scientific Service in the definition of "Government physician" for purposes of such provisions. Title IV: NIH Director's Discretionary Fund - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to retain a specified percentage of the amount appropriated for extramural grants, up to a specified amount in each fiscal year, in an account for the hiring of staff and the purchasing or renting of equipment and space for research that cannot otherwise be supported adequately because of funding cycle constraints or because the research does not fit clearly into the research assignment of any existing Institute.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1989
Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that: (1) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the crew of Apollo 11, and all associated with the first lunar landing should be congratulated on the 20th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission; (2) the most appropriate celebration of that landing is renewed support of the Senate and the American people for our space program, especially the International Space Station Freedom program (Space Station program); (3) the additional elements of Earth sensing satellites needed to achieve the goals of the "Mission to Planet Earth" should be vigorously pursued in a cooperative global effort involving all nations; and (4) the President, the Vice President in his capacity as the Chairman of the National Space Council, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Administrator of NASA, and the appropriate committees of the Congress should together explore actions to provide NASA's FY 1990 budget request for the Space Station program to insure the continued development of the Space Station program and the expeditious development of the global environmental program envisioned as the "Mission to Planet Earth."
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1989
Biden-Roth-Cohen Flag Protection Act of 1989 - Amends the Federal criminal code to apply criminal penalties for desecration of the U.S. flag to maintaining the flag on the floor or ground. Eliminates knowingly casting contempt on the flag as an element of desecration.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1989
Farm Animal Facilities Protection Act of 1989 - Makes it unlawful to disrupt a farm animal facility (as defined by this Act) by removing animals, vandalizing, trespassing, or entering with intent to commit a prohibited act. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to investigate such actions upon request. Grants U.S. district courts jurisdiction in such cases. Provides for a private right of action.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1989
Amends the International Air Transportation Competition Act of 1979 to repeal the provisions relating to the regulation of air carrier flights from Love Field, Texas, to destinations outside the State of Texas.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1989
Designates October 29, 1989, as Fire Safety at Home--Change Your Clock, and Change Your Battery Day. Directs the President to issue a proclamation to urge people to change the batteries in their smoke detectors when they reset their clocks from daylight savings time.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1989
Comprehensive Illiteracy Elimination Act of 1989 - Title I: Literacy Coordination - Literacy Coordination, Research, and Dissemination Act of 1989 - Establishes the Cabinet Council for Literacy Coordination. Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to establish in the Department of Education an Office on Literacy, to be administered by a Director. Requires the Director to: (1) coordinate the administration of literacy programs within the Department; and (2) work with the Cabinet Council for Literacy to coordinate the related programs of other Federal agencies. Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary), through the Office on Literacy, to make a grant to establish and operate a nonprofit National Center for Literacy, with a Director of the Center. Requires such grant to be awarded on a competitive basis, and to be limited to not more than five years (renewable). Allows the Center to use such grant funds for: (1) basic and applied research; (2) technical assistance; (3) an information clearinghouse; (4) policy analysis and program evaluation; and (5) a model demonstrative program of remedial training and placement. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to advise the Secretary and the Director of the Center on policy issues and on Center selection and operation of major research and demonstration projects. Requires the Director of the Center to report annually to the Congress and the Cabinet Council. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995 for the Center, limiting the amount which may be used for its model demonstration program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to pay the Federal share of costs of establishing and operating State literacy resource centers. Limits the amount and duration of such grants. Allows each State to contract on a competitive basis with a volunteer or community-based or other nonprofit organization to operate such a State center. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995 for such purpose. Title II: Workforce Literacy - Workforce Literacy Act of 1989 - Amends the Adult Education Act (AEA) to authorize appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995. Earmarks funds to train professional teachers, volunteers, and administrators, emphasizing minority teacher training and training of teachers to recognize and better serve illiterate individuals with learning disabilities and low-level reading abilities. Provides that, if a majority of the illiterate population assisted under basic program provisions of AEA has been served, the authorization of appropriations for each of the succeeding fiscal years during FY 1991 through 1995 shall be equal to that for the fiscal year in which such determination is made. Provides that adult education programs for which AEA grants have been made to States shall be carried out by public or private nonprofit entities only if the applicable local educational agency has been consulted and has had an opportunity to comment on the application. Requires State educational agencies receiving such basic State grants to assure direct and equitable access to Federal funds to local educational agencies, public or private nonprofit agencies, community-based organizations, and institutions which serve educationally disadvantaged adults. Grants preference to those organizations which will serve adults with a reading ability below the fifth grade level. Raises from 20 percent to 25 percent the limit on the portion of a State's grant allotment earmarked for high school equivalency certificate programs. Requires that at least ten percent of funds received under provisions for business, industry, labor, and education partnerships for workplace literacy be used for research, teacher training (including learning disabled identification and teaching), and technical assistance. Extends the authorization of appropriations for such provisions through FY 1995. Directs the Comptroller General to update, within 18 months, a 1975 study of the adult basic education program. Title III: Families for Literacy - Families for Literacy Act of 1989 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to extend through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for Even Start programs operated by local educational agencies. Establishes a Families for Literacy program under which the Secretary may make ten demonstration grants to nonprofit entities (or consortia of businesses, nonprofit entities, and local educational agencies) to pay 80 percent of the cost of establishing intergenerational learning programs (emphasizing literacy skills) for children aged three and under and their parents. Directs the Secretary to give priority to applicants whose programs serve hard-to-serve populations. Sets forth program requirements for staff teams and community advisory councils. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a contract with the Corporation for Public broadcasting to produce and disseminate a family literacy program to assist parents in improving their knowledge and skills regarding early childhood education, language development, and literacy. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) FY 1991 through 1995 for the Family Literacy Program demonstration grants; and (2) FY 1991 for the family literacy program public broadcasting contract. Title IV: Books for Families - Books for Families Literacy Act of 1989 - Amends ESEA provisions for the inexpensive book distribution program for reading motivation to require the contractor (the Reading Is Fundamental organization), beginning in FY 1990 and thereafter, to: (1) give priority to programs which target rural and urban areas with large concentrations of economically disadvantaged children and students; and (2) report annually to the Department of Education on the number and description of such individuals. Amends the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) to extend through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for making specified grants under title VI (Library Literacy Programs) of LSCA. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995 to make grants for model library literacy centers and for the inexpensive book distribution program. Authorizes the Secretary, under LSCA, to make grants to State and local public libraries to establish model library literacy centers. Requires the Secretary to establish a peer review panel to assist in establishing criteria for awarding such grants. Authorizes the Secretary, under LSCA, to contract with the Reading Is Fundamental organization to promote the establishment of reading motivation programs which include the distribution of inexpensive books. Requires such contract to provide for: (1) giving priority to programs which target rural and urban areas with large concentrations of economically disadvantaged children and students; (2) increasing access to children's books for parents of newborns through children aged five; and (3) developing motivational materials to reach parents most disconnected from the education community, by making children's books available in specified types of places. Title V: Students for Literacy - Students for Literacy Act of 1986 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the Student Literacy Corps; and (2) College Work-Study (CWS) programs. Exempts literacy training programs and the creation and placement of literacy jobs for students from specified caps on CWS funds. Sets the Federal share of the compensation of students employed in literacy work-study training programs at 100 percent. Title VI: Volunteers for Literacy - Volunteers for Literacy Act of 1989 - Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to provide that, whenever they do not exceed a specified amount the funds for the VISTA Literacy Corps shall supplement and not supplant specified VISTA services provided in FY 1989 to address the problem of illiteracy. Establishes service-learning literacy programs. Authorizes the Director of the ACTION Agency (the Director) to make grants to and contracts with public and private nonprofit entities to enable students in secondary schools, secondary vocational schools, and postsecondary schools to serve as volunteers in projects addressing illiteracy. Gives priority to projects using peer tutoring and involving partnerships to meet a wide range of needs. Requires the Director to make grants and contracts for a program of full-time volunteer service to be known as University Year for Literacy, which establishes and supports innovative ways to use full-time students enrolled in higher education institutions as volunteers: (1) in addressing the problems facing illiterate and functionally illiterate individuals; and (2) in assisting organizations which combat illiteracy and those problems. Gives priority to individuals pursuing a course of study related to a career in a field addressing the problem of illiteracy. Authorizes the Director to make grants and contracts to provide training and technical assistance to increase the effective use of full-time and part-time student volunteers to combat illiteracy. Authorizes the Director to provide technical and financial assistance to nonprofit organizations conducting operations in several areas or States that are engaged in, or wish to become involved in, activities to solve the problems of illiteracy. Authorizes the Director to provide technical assistance in obtaining, training, and integrating volunteers to employers who have established or wish to establish worksite literacy programs. Establishes a program of literacy challenge grants. Authorizes the Director to award such grants to eligible public agencies and private organizations for a portion of the costs of community or employee literacy programs that include use of volunteers. Establishes a Retired Senior Volunteer Literacy Program (which may be jointly administered with other Retired Senior Volunteer Programs). Authorizes the Director to make grants to establish such program to enhance the role of senior volunteers in addressing the problem of illiteracy. Extends through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for the VISTA Literacy Corps. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995 for specified programs established under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1989
Library Services and Construction Act Amendments of 1989 - Amends the Library Services and Construction Act (the Act) to revise its programs and extend the authorization of appropriations. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994 for grants (or activities) relating to: (1) library services; (2) public library and construction technology enhancement; (3) interlibrary cooperation and resource sharing; (4) library services for Indian tribes; (5) foreign language materials acquisition; (6) library literacy programs; and (7) evaluation and assessment. Revises allocations to Indian tribes and to Alaskan native villages, regional corporations, and village corporations. Provides for interlibrary cooperation and resource sharing under long-range State programs. Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to: (1) coordinate specified programs; and (2) give the head of the State library administrative agency opportunity for comment on applications for foreign language and for library literacy grants before the award, to assure that the purposes of such grants are consistent with the long-range State program. Permits each State library agency, in FY 1990 and every fifth year thereafter, to review its expenditures under the programs from State and local sources and file with the Secretary a statement to establish a current, revised expenditure level to be used for measuring maintenance of effort. Requires library service programs to provide for assistance to libraries: (1) in developing intergenerational library programs matching older volunteers with libraries interested in developing after school literacy and reading skills programs for unsupervised school children; (2) in extending for mobile library services and programs to licensed or certified child-care providers or centers; (3) in establishing model library literacy centers to reduce the number of functionally illiterate individuals and help them reach full employment; and (4) in making effective use of technology to improve services. Authorizes a State, in carrying out its library services program, to make subgrants to library systems or networks which include libraries other than public libraries, if the purpose of the subgrant is to improve services for public library patrons. Allows States to ratably reduce payments to major urban resource libraries only under specified conditions. Revises services for institutionalized individuals under certain maintenance of effort requirements to make them services to handicapped individuals generally. Requires State library services programs to provide assistance to public libraries for technology enhancement to improve services. Provides for grants to develop the technological capacity of libraries for interlibrary cooperation and resource sharing. Requires that public library construction projects follow policies and procedures that will promote the preservation of library and information resources in such facilities. Requires that a statewide resource sharing plan be directed toward attaining compliance with specified provisions. Authorizes the State long-range interlibrary cooperation and resource sharing program to: (1) include a statewide preservation cooperation plan; and (2) identify the preservation objectives to be achieved during the period covered by the long-range plans. Authorizes: (1) the use of funds to carry out such preservation cooperation plan; and (2) part or all of such preservation program to be contracted to other agencies or institutions. Raises the maximum limit on the amount of a single Library Literacy Program grant from $25,000 to $35,000. Authorizes the Secretary, directly or by grants or contracts, to evaluate and assess programs under the Act. Retitles title I of the Act as Public Library Services.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1989
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit any person from acquiring a controlling interest in an air carrier unless the Secretary of Transportation has determined that the acquisition will not adversely and materially affect such air carrier's ability to conduct air transportation in a manner consistent with the highest degree of safety.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow farmers' cooperatives to elect to treat as ordinary income or loss certain capital gains and losses from the disposition of assets used in conducting business with or for patrons.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1989
Urges the Government of Iran to extend to the Bahai community the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other human rights accords. Calls upon the President to: (1) emphasize the need for improvements in Iran's treatment of the Bahais and other religious minorities as an important factor in the development of U.S.-Iranian relations; (2) encourage other governments to appeal to Iran concerning the situation of the Bahais; (3) cooperate with other governments and international organizations in appealing for the protection of the religious rights of the Bahais; and (4) provide, and urge others to provide, refugee and humanitarian assistance for the those Bahais fleeing their homelands because of religious repression.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1989
Comprehensive Violent Crime Control Act of 1989 - Title I: Firearms and Related Amendments - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the transfer of firearms to non-residents of the State in which the transferor resides. Provides for the disposition of forfeited firearms. Classifies as serious drug offenses for purposes of the Armed Career Criminal Act of 1984 serious drug offenses committed by juveniles. Specifies that if a conviction was for a violent felony involving the threatened or actual use of a firearm or explosives, or was for a serious drug offense, such person shall be considered convicted for purposes of this Act irrespective of any pardon, setting aside, expunction, or restoration of civil rights. Permits the judicial officer to consider pretrial detention with respect to certain firearms and explosives offenses. Provides for enhanced penalties for: (1) the use of a semiautomatic firearm during a crime of violence or drug trafficking offense, with exceptions; and (2) possession of a firearm or explosive during the commission of such offenses. Sets forth penalties for smuggling firearms in aid of drug trafficking and for theft of firearms and explosives. Bars the sale or possession of firearms and explosives to or by persons convicted of violent or serious misdemeanor drug or narcotic offenses. Provides for the mandatory revocation of the supervised release of an individual for possession of a firearm. Increases penalties for: (1) making knowingly false, material statements in connection with the acquisition of a firearm from a licensed dealer; and (2) a second offense of using an explosive to commit a Federal felony. Prohibits the assembly of semiautomatic rifles or shotguns which are prohibited from being imported into the United States, with exceptions. Title II: Capital Punishment - Capital Punishment Procedures Act of 1989 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish criteria for the imposition of the death penalty for Federal crimes. Requires the Government, for any offense punishable by death, to serve notice upon the defendant a reasonable time before trial or acceptance of a plea, that it intends to seek the death penalty and the aggravating factors upon which it will rely. Requires a separate sentencing hearing before a jury, or the court upon motion by the defendant, when the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty to an offense punishable by death. Allows the defendant and the Government to present any information relevant to sentencing, without regard to the rules of evidence, but permits evidence to be excluded where its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of creating unfair prejudice, confusing the issues, or misleading the jury. Specifies mitigating factors which the defendant must establish by a preponderance of the information and aggravating factors which the Government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Sets forth special aggravating factors for espionage, treason, homicide, and the attempted murder of the President. Directs the court, or the jury by unanimous vote, to impose the death penalty upon a finding that such sentence is justified based on consideration of both the aggravating and mitigating factors. States that no person who was under 18 years of age at the time of the offense may be sentenced to death. Requires the court to instruct the jury not to consider the race, color, national origin, creed, or sex of the defendant or victim in its consideration of the sentence. Establishes procedures for appeal from a death sentence. Requires the court of appeals, upon consideration of the record and the information and procedures of the sentencing hearing, to affirm the decision if: (1) the sentence was not imposed under the influence of passion, prejudice, or any other arbitrary factor; and (2) the information supports the finding of aggravating factors. Requires the court to provide a written explanation of its determination. Sets forth procedures for the implementation of the sentence of death. Limits the circumstances under which the offense of delivering defense information to aid foreign governments is punishable by death. Provides for the imposition of the death penalty for: (1) murder committed by prisoners in Federal prisons; (2) kidnappings which result in the death of any person; (3) hostage takings which result in the death of any person; (4) attempting to kill the President of the United States (if such attempt results in bodily injury or comes dangerously close to causing the President's death); (5) "murder for hire"; (6) murder in the aid of a racketeering activity; (7) international terrorism (where the killing is a first-degree murder); and (8) engaging in a criminal enterprise activity which results in death. Increases the minimum sentence to life imprisonment for the crime of bank robbery which results in death. Provides for appointment of counsel where a defendant is charged with a crime with respect to which a sentence of death is sought and is or becomes financially unable to obtain adequate representation. Title III: Prohibited Gun Clips and Magazines - Includes ammunition feeding devices (AFDs) within the definition of firearms for purposes of Federal firearms laws. Defines an AFD to include any detachable magazine, feed strip, or similar device which has a capacity of, or which can be readily converted to accept, more than 15 rounds of ammunition, with exceptions. Prohibits the importation, manufacture, transfer, receipt, or possession of AFDs, with exceptions. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain a central registry of all such devices transferred after the effective date of this Act which, after such transfer, are not under the control of the United States or any State or political subdivision. Specifies that such registry shall include: (1) identification of the device; (2) date of registration; (3) identification and address of the person entitled to possess the device; and (4) such other information as may be required by regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Establishes additional registration procedures. Requires all AFDs to be identified by a serial number and such other identification as the Secretary may prescribe. Provides for criminal penalties for violation of provisions of this Act relative to AFDs. Authorizes specified individuals engaged in the manufacture or importation of AFDs requiring a license to continue to engage in such business pending final action on the application. Title IV: Drug Testing of Defendants on Post-Conviction Release - Requires: (1) the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to establish a program of drug testing of criminal defendants on post-conviction release; and (2) the chief probation officer in each district to arrange for the drug testing of such defendants. Requires, as an explicit condition of probation, parole, or supervised release of a defendant involving a felony or a specified violent or drug offense, that the defendant refrain from any unlawful use of a controlled substance and submit to periodic drug tests. Sets limitations on the authority to require such tests and to take action against a defendant based on test results. Title V: Exclusionary Rule - Exclusionary Rule Reform Act of 1989 - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide that evidence obtained by a search or seizure undertaken in an objectively reasonable belief that it was in conformity with the fourth amendment to the U.S. Constitution is admissible. States that evidence obtained pursuant to and within the scope of a warrant constitutes prima facie evidence of such a reasonable belief. States that, except as provided by statute or a rule of procedure prescribed by the Supreme Court pursuant to statutory authority, evidence which is otherwise admissible shall not be excluded on the ground that the evidence was obtained in violation of a law, rule, or regulation. Title VI: Habeas Corpus Reform - Reform of Federal Intervention in State Proceedings Act of 1989 - Amends the Federal judicial code to condition consideration of a habeas corpus claim by a prisoner on a showing of actual prejudice resulting from the Federal right violated and that: (1) State or Federal Government action precluded assertion of that right; (2) the Federal right did not previously exist; (3) the factual basis of the claim could not have been discovered by reasonable diligence; or (4) the violation asserted probably resulted in an erroneous conviction, a sentence predicated on an erroneous conviction, or a sentence predicated on an erroneous factual determination. Establishes a one-year statute of limitations for habeas corpus actions brought by State prisoners and a two-year statute of limitations for similar motions made by Federal prisoners. Vests authority to issue certificates for probable cause for appeal of habeas corpus orders exclusively in the courts of appeals. Permits denial on the merits of habeas corpus writs notwithstanding the failure to exhaust State remedies. Prohibits the granting of a habeas corpus writ with respect to any claim which has been fully and fairly adjudicated in State proceedings. Provides for appointment of counsel for a petitioner who is or becomes financially unable to afford counsel at the court's discretion, with exceptions. Title VII: 1990 Fiscal Year Authorization - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 to the Department of Justice for: (1) general administration; (2) the Office of Inspector General; (3) the United States Parole Commission; (4) general legal activities; (5) the Antitrust Division; (6) the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission; (7) United States Attorneys; (8) the United States Marshals Service; (9) the support of United States prisoners in non-Federal institutions; (10) fees and expenses of witnesses; (11) the Community Relations Service; (12) the United States Trustees System Fund; (13) the Assets Forfeiture Fund; (14) organized crime drug enforcement; (15) the Federal Bureau of Investigation; (16) the Drug Enforcement Administration; (17) the Immigration and Naturalization Service; (18) the Federal Prison System; and (19) Office of Justice Programs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1989
Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act - Makes it unlawful for any licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer a handgun to an unlicensed individual unless: (1) the transferor has notified, by registered or certified mail, the chief law enforcement officer for the individual's place of residence about the proposed transfer and either has received a response indicating that such transfer is not prohibited by law or has not received a response indicating otherwise within seven days; (2) the individual has presented to the transferor a statement from the officer indicating that the individual requires a handgun because of a threat to him or his family; or (3) the individual has a State handgun permit that is less than a year old which satisfies the same requirements. Requires any transferor who subsequently receives a report from such officer that receipt or possession of the handgun by the individual violates the law to: (1) furnish information about the transfer and the individual to the chief law enforcement officer of the transferor's place of business and the individual's place of residence; and (2) keep confidential any information received which is not otherwise available to the public, with exceptions. Requires a transferor to retain a copy of the individual's sworn statement for at least a year. Requires the law enforcement officer to destroy any copy of the individual's sworn statement and any record containing information derived from such statement within 30 days, unless such officer determines that the transaction would violate Federal, State, or local law. Provides that this Act shall not apply in any State that: (1) requires a seven-day waiting period for the transfer of a handgun to an unlicensed individual; (2) requires a State law enforcement officer to verify an unlicensed individual's eligibility to receive a handgun; or (3) establishes and operates, or participates in, a qualified verification system which meets specified requirements. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1989
Tiananmen Square Park Authorization Act - Designates the park located in front of the Chinese Embassy in the District of Columbia as Tiananmen Square Park.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1989
Pornography Victims' Compensation Act of 1989 - Creates a cause of action against a producer, distributor, exhibitor, or seller of sexually explicit material by a victim of a rape, sexual assault, or sexual crime, or by the estate, guardian, or survivors of any such victim. Conditions the recovery of damages on proof by a preponderance of the evidence that: (1) the victim was a victim of a rape, sexual assault, or a sexual crime; (2) the material is sexually explicit and was a proximate cause of the offense; and (3) the defendant is a producer or distributor of the material or exhibited or sold it to the sexual offender and should have known that the material was sexually explicit. Sets forth criteria by which the finder of fact may reasonably infer that such material was a proximate cause of the offense, including unusual similarities between the acts depicted and the actual offense, testimony of the offender, and testimony of experts who have examined the offender that such material influenced or incited the commission of the offense. Lists additional factors to be considered by the finder of fact, including: (1) possession by the offender of material produced, distributed, exhibited, or sold by the defendant; (2) whether such material depicts violent behavior or children participating in sexual activity; and (3) whether anything contained in such material would tend to promote violent sexual acts or the sexual abuse of children. Authorizes the award of damages for economic loss, compensation for pain and suffering, reasonable attorney's fees, and costs to prevailing plaintiffs. Sets a statute of limitations of six years from the date the right of action first accrued or, in the case of a legal disability, not later than three years after the termination of such disability. Authorizes injunctive relief to enjoin the production, distribution, exhibition, or sale of any such material found to have influenced or incited the sexual offender to commit the offense. Sets forth additional requirements for the granting of injunctive relief.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1989
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the Congress and the States have the power to prohibit the desecrating, mutilating, defacing, defiling, or burning of the U.S. flag.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1989
Declares that the Senate: (1) expresses its disappointment that the Texas statute prohibiting the desecration of the flag was found to be unconstitutional; (2) expresses its commitment to preserving the honor and integrity of the flag; (3) intends to make a study of the impact of the Supreme Court decision on Federal and State laws and to seek ways to restore sanctions against such conduct; and (4) urges the American people to continue to display proudly the American flag.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1989
Export Finance Expansion Act of 1989 - Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 (the Act) to authorize the Export-Import Bank to make: (1) subsidy payments to commercial lending institutions that make loans, including loans guaranteed by the Bank, for the export of U.S. goods and services; and (2) mixed credit payments, in combination with other payments, loans, or loan guarantees extended by the Bank, when such financing is required to respond to specific mixed credit offers by foreign governments or export credit agencies. Limits the amount of such payments to the amount of funds appropriated to the Bank for FY 1989. Requires the Bank to provide 100 percent coverage of the interest and principal on guaranteed obligations of the Bank to ensure acceptance of such Bank guarantees by U.S. financial institutions for transactions in markets in which the Bank does business. Authorizes the Bank to guarantee the payment of principal and interest on pool certificates representing ownership of part or all of any loan or loans guaranteed by the Bank to encourage the free transfer of such Bank obligations. Authorizes appropriations to cover subsidies associated with direct loans, subsidy payments, or mixed credit payments made by the Bank after October 1, 1989. Repeals a provision of the Act to abolish the Tied Aid Credit Program and the Tied Aid Credit Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1989
Designates June 16, 1989, as Soweto Remembrance Day. Encourages Americans to participate in local activities designed to commemorate the victims of Soweto and to show solidarity with those who are fighting to end apartheid.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1989
Designates June 23, 1989, as United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Day. Authorizes the President to: (1) issue a proclamation commemorating the 50 years of Coast Guard volunteer service to enhance the safety of water-related activities; and (2) call for the observation of such day with appropriate ceremonies, educational activities, and boating safety achievement programs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1989
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax exclusion from the gross income of nonresident aliens for educational and training grants. Exempts certain amounts incident to such grants from withholding taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1989
Vocational Education Excellence Act of 1989 - Amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act (the Act) to reauthorize and revise its programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1994 for: (1) State administration of vocational education programs; (2) State councils on vocational education; (3) basic State grants; and (4) national programs. Revises allotment and allocation formulas for vocational education assistance to the States. Revises Indian vocational education programs and repeals programs for Hawaiian natives. Revises State organizational and planning responsibilities. Requires State plans to describe the performance standards to be used. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to establish minimum requirements for acceptable State performance standards which are consistent with comparable requirements under the Job Training Partnership Act. Changes the Federal share of the costs of specified activities and programs. Revises maintenance of effort provisions. Eliminates certain provisions relating to withholding of payments and judicial review. Revises provisions for Basic State Grants for vocational education, including the opportunities program and policy for general program improvement, innovation, and expansion. Requires States to use specified funds to meet the needs in the State plan for one or more of the following: (1) professional development and improvement of vocational teachers, counselors, and administrators (including exchange programs with industry); (2) acquisition of instructional equipment and materials; and (3) curriculum development, field-testing of new or revised programs (for no more than three years), and dissemination. Allows States to use such funds to support activities jointly undertaken by eligible recipients and community-based organizations of demonstrated effectiveness. Repeals Special Programs provisions for: (1) State assistance for vocational education support programs by community-based organizations; (2) consumer and homemaker education; (3) adult training, retraining, and employment development; (4) comprehensive career guidance and counseling programs; and (5) industry-education partnerships for training in high-technology occupations. Revises national program provisions for: (1) research and evaluation; (2) demonstration programs; (3) the occupational information system; and (4) bilingual vocational training. Changes from mandatory to discretionary the Secretary's authority to conduct research on and evaluations of vocational education programs, activities, and trends. Repeals provisions for: (1) a national assessment of vocational education programs; and (2) the National Center for Research in Vocational Education. Directs the Secretary to establish and support one or more centers for research in vocational education. Repeals provisions for: (1) State equipment pools; (2) demonstration centers for the retraining of dislocated workers; and (3) model centers for vocational education for older individuals. Revises the Act and the General Education Provisions Act regarding a national vocational education data reporting and accounting system. Amends the Job Training Partnership Act, among other things, to rename the National Commission for Employment Policy as the National Commission on Employment and Vocational Education Policy. Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to repeal demonstration programs for education for employment for technological literacy. Amends the Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act to terminate at the end of FY 1989 annual appropriations for grants to States to help pay the costs of: (1) preparation and salaries of teachers, supervisors, and directors of agricultural subjects and teachers of trade, home economics, and industrial subjects; and (2) studies of vocational education. Makes conforming amendments to the Bilingual Education Act, the Education for Economic Security Act, and the Education of the Handicapped Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1989
Representative Payee Abuse Prevention Act of 1989 - Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to require that the Secretary of Health and Human Services conduct criminal background checks of representative payee applicants (excluding parents and spouses) and verify their identification. Prohibits the certification of a representative payee without substantial evidence that such certification is in the interest of the OASDI or SSI beneficiary, giving priority to the immediate needs of such beneficiary. Forbids large lump-sum payments of retroactive benefits to new representative payees, pending completion of the investigation into their background and identification. Requires the Secretary to maintain a centralized, current file, accessible to local offices of the Social Security Administration, identifying all representative payees, beneficiaries utilizing the services of representative payees, and persons who have previously misused Social Security Act benefits. Requires that such file highlight instances where two or more beneficiaries who utilize representative payee services reside at the same address. Directs the Secretary to provide an OASDI or SSI beneficiary with notice of a determination that he or she needs a representative payee, including an explanation of his or her right to appeal such determination and the designation of a particular person as representative payee. Prohibits a beneficiary's creditor from serving as his or her representative payee, unless such creditor: (1) is a relative residing with such beneficiary; (2) is the beneficiary's legal guardian or court appointed agent; (3) is a licensed or certified care facility; or (4) poses no risk to the beneficiary, serves no other beneficiary, and no other suitable representative payee is available. Directs the Secretary to make good faith efforts to locate a suitable representative payee for each beneficiary for whom a suitable representative payee can not be readily established, including the provision of an updated list to local Social Security Administration offices of all local public and nonprofit community-based social service agencies that serve as representative payees. Pays benefits directly to a beneficiary until a representative payee has been chosen and investigated, and beneficiary appeal rights have been exhausted, except in certain situations where the beneficiary's condition makes direct payments potentially harmful or such payments are large lump-sum payments of retroactive benefits. Directs the Secretary to terminate or suspend the services of a representative payee who acts contrary to a beneficiary's best interests and secure a new representative payee for such beneficiary. Covers a beneficiary's loss of benefits resulting from the Secretary's failure to investigate or monitor a representative payee who subsequently misuses such benefits. Requires the Secretary to take steps to recover misused benefits from representative payees and use recovered amounts to repay beneficiaries. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement a more frequent and detailed system of accountability monitoring for certain categories of high-risk representative payees which include all persons unrelated to the beneficiary as well as licensed or certified care facilities and their administrators, owners, and employees. Requires the Secretary to conduct a feasibility study and report to the Congress, within six months after this Act's enactment, on designating the Department of Veterans Affairs as the lead agency for purposes of selecting, appointing, and monitoring representative payees for individuals who receive OASDI or SSI benefits and benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sets forth reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1989
Amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act to extend through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for programs and activities under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1989
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the Constitution shall be construed to prohibit individual or group silent prayer or reflection in public schools. Prohibits the United States or any State from requiring any person to participate in such prayer or encouraging any particular prayer.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1989
Small Business Rural Revitalization Act of 1989 - Title I: Capital Formation - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to set forth: (1) the capital requirements for small business investment companies operating in designated rural areas; and (2) the maximum amount of Small Business Administration-guaranteed debentures that may be issued by a qualified, certified, rural area development company. Requires that funds obtained pursuant to such debentures be used to establish a revolving fund for specified loans to rural small businesses. Requires that at least 50 percent of a development company's paid-in capital shall be from private investors. Sets forth the maximum aggregate amount of debentures that may be guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Title II: Procurement Assistance - Prescribes guidelines under which Federal agencies which allocate funds to States and political subdivisions shall develop mechanisms to facilitate designated rural area participation in Federal procurement activities, Federal research projects, and federally funded construction projects. Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to direct the head of each executive agency to give equal consideration to designated rural areas when determining Federal construction activities. Title III: Business Development - Directs the SBA Administrator to make grants to State-chartered development agencies to acquire property in designated rural areas to be used to headquarter small business incubators. (An incubator is a facility fostering growth of new small businesses in which: (1) more than one business is located; (2) services and equipment are shared; and (3) access to professional, technical, and financial resources is provided.) Conditions such grant upon the: (1) provision of non-Federal matching funds; and (2) use by the small business incubator of SBA management and technical assistance resources. Requires that such grants be used to offset the interest charged in financing obtained to acquire property for use by a small business incubator. Title IV: Regulatory Simplification: Miscellaneous Amendments - Sets forth conditions under which, pursuant to an SBA written request, a regulatory agency may waive or modify its rules pertaining to community development or economic revitalization of a designated rural area. Requires the SBA Administrator to report to the Congress the results of a review of all Federal rural economic development programs and laws whose purpose is the promotion of rural area businesses, community development, and enhanced employment opportunities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1989
Disaster Assistance Act of 1989 - Title I: Emergency Crop Loss Assistance - Amends the Disaster Assistance Act of 1988 to extend disaster assistance to winter wheat and other winter crops planted in 1988 for harvest in 1989. Title II: Emergency Livestock Assistance - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to make funds available for emergency livestock transportation and water assistance in 1989. Title III: Businesses - Amends the Disaster Assistance Act of 1988 to extend Federal principal and interest guarantees on rural business loans based on 1989 winter crop losses. Title IV: Planting of Alternate Crops on Permitted Acreage - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to extend alternate crop authority through 1990. Title V: Implementation - Offsets disaster payments made under this Act by deficiency payment reductions.
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