United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Medical and Legal Professional Liability Insurance Tax Equity Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer an income tax deduction for cash amounts paid to a medical or legal malpractice liability trust or to a captive insurer (wholly or partially-owned or controlled by the taxpayer) of the taxpayer for malpractice insurance. Limits the amount of such deduction to the smaller of: (1) five percent of the taxpayer's gross income from the date of medical or legal services; (2) the amount which, when added to the sum of the balance of the taxpayer's malpractice liability trust and the net contributions of the taxpayer to his captive insurer, equals 15 percent of the taxpayer's yearly gross receipts from the sale of medical or legal services; or (3) $100,000. Disallows deductions for any malpractice liability loss except to the extent that such loss exceeds amounts in the malpractice liability trust. Provides that amounts in a malpractice liability trust which are used for purposes other than to satisfy malpractice claims shall be included in the taxpayer's gross income for the taxable year, and the income tax of the taxpayer shall be increased by ten percent of the amount improperly used. Defines a "malpractice liability trust" as any trust: (1) which is established in writing by the taxpayer under the laws of any State; (2) the trustee of which is a bank or a competent individual; (3) the exclusive purposes of which are to satisfy malpractice claims and to pay the administrative cost of operating a trust; and (4) the assets of which will not be commingled with any other property and may not be borrowed or used as security for a loan. Limits investment of trust assets to: (1) public debt securities of the United States; (2) State or local obligations which are not in default; or (3) time or demand deposits in certain financial institutions. Treats product liability loss reserves as amounts accumulated for the reasonably anticipated needs of a business, for purposes of the accumulated earnings tax.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Exempts from the jurisdiction of the Interstate Commerce Commission transportation by motor vehicle by or for maritime carriers in terminal areas where such maritime carriers are engaged in foreign commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the requirement that officers of an organization which sponsored a business convention in a foreign country for which a taxpayer is claiming an income tax deduction with respect to expenses incurred in attending such convention submit a written statement verifying the schedule of business activities conducted at the convention and the attendance of the taxpayer at such activities.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Unfair Foreign Competition Act of 1979 - Prohibits any person who imports any article into the United States from knowingly and purposely importing or selling such article at a price lower than the price for such article in the principal markets of the country of their production if: (1) sale at such price would necessarily and directly injure an industry, prevent, wholly or partially, the establishment of an industry in the United States, or restrain or monopolize trade and commerce in such article in the United States; and (2) such damage actually results from such sale. Establishes the maximum fine for violation of such prohibition at $50,000. Empowers a United States district court before which a proceeding is pending to enjoin the further importation or distribution of the alleged article (or similar articles) by a defendant who fails to comply with the orders or decrees of such court.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Designates the year 1979 as the "Food for Peace Year" to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the enactment of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Authorizes the United States Memorial Foundation to erect a monument on public grounds in the District of Columbia honoring the men and women of the United States Navy who served their country in war and peace.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979
Requests the President to award the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously to Private First Class William James Tsakanikas for his service during World War II during the Battle of the Bulge.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
Export Trade Association Act of 1979 - Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt certified export trade associations from the antitrust laws. Authorizes Federal agencies to enforce only the provisions regarding such associations. Permits third parties to file petitions requesting enforcement action with the Secretary of Commerce. Limits the prohibition against unfair methods of competition to domestic competitors engaged in export trade. Sets forth the procedure for obtaining certification as an organization engaged solely in export trade. Provides for appeal of the Secretary's denial of certification. Requires the Secretary, the Attorney General, and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission to publish guidelines for determining whether an association will meet the certification requirements. Requires certified associations to submit annual reports to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Commerce an office to promote export trade associations. Provides for automatic certification of existing associations. Stipulates that all applications for certification be kept confidential with specified exceptions. Authorizes the Secretary to require an association to modify its operation to be consistent with international obligations of the United States. Directs the President to appoint, with the Senate's advice and consent, a task force seven years after enactment to examine the effect of this Act and to make recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Amends the National Capital Transportation Act of 1969 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to make additional financial contributions to the Washington Area Metropolitan Transit Authority to partially finance the cost of construction of the Adopted Regional System. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1985 for such assistance. Directs the Transit Authority to establish a sinking fund for the accumulation of assets for payment of the principal on bonds issued by the Authority. Sets forth the percentage of contributions to be made by the Secretary and the local participating governments to such fund. Authorizes appropriations for the Federal share of the operating expenses of the rapid rail system of the Authority for fiscal years 1980 through 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Amtrak Cost Allocation Act of 1979 - Amends the Rail Service Passenger Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a uniform cost allocation for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation including: (1) the avoidable cost by route; (2) the revenue by route; (3) the fully allocated cost by route; (4) the number of passengers carried by route; (5) the avoidable profit or loss by route; (6) the fully allocated profit or loss by route; (7) the profit or loss per passenger by route; and (8) the profit or loss by revenue passenger mile. Requires the Corporation to submit quarterly reports of such cost accounting to specified congressional committees. Requires the Corporation to submit annual reports to specified congressional committees containing: (1) a profit and loss table by route for the upcoming fiscal year, assuming a 50 percent Government reimbursement of the fully allocated losses experienced by each such route; and (2) the average ticket subsidy required to show a systemwide social profit (above and beyond such Government reimbursement) for the upcoming fiscal year. Requires the Corporation to include in such reports five year financial plans for such routes. Directs the Secretary to pay a subsidy to the Corporation for each eligible ticket for passenger transportation sold by the Corporation during each fiscal year. Stipulates that the amount of such subsidy shall be determined by the Secretary for each fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts to the Secretary for the benefit of the Corporation for operating assistance for fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Provides for the arbitration of disputes between the Postmaster General and recognized organizations of Postal Service managerial personnel other than officers, postmasters, and employees engaged in personnel work in Postal Service headquarters. Subjects to arbitration under this Act issues relating to pay policies, fringe benefits, and the determination of whether or not a matter is subject to participation by such organization. Establishes an arbitration board to consider a dispute upon the request of the Postal Service or such recognized organization.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to reimburse the city of Frederick, Maryland, for funds paid to the Confederate Army on July 9, 1864, in return for which such Army did not destroy Federal military and hospital supplies, plus interest incurred by the city in financing the repayment of such sums to the banks which provided the cash for such payment.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Expresses the gratitude of the Senate upon the retirement of the Honorable Clarence M. Mitchell, Junior, as chief legislative spokesman for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and for his contributions to the establishment of justice and equality in America.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Product Liability Partial Self-Insurance Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction to any business enterprise engaged in the manufacture, importation, distribution, lease, or sale of any product for contributions to its product liability trust account and for amounts paid to a captive insurer (wholly or partially-owned by the taxpayer) for product liability insurance. Specifies the amount a taxpayer may deduct, based upon the ability of such taxpayer to obtain insurance through conventional channels. Disallows any deductions for product liability losses which do not exceed the sum of the total trust funds in the taxpayer's account at the beginning of the taxable year plus the amount of deductible payments made by the taxpayer to the account during such year. Imposes penalties for the improper use of product liability reserve funds. Treats amounts accumulated in the taxpayer's product liability trust account as amounts accumulated for reasonably anticipated business needs, for purposes of avoiding the accumulated earnings tax.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1979
Amends title II of the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963 (Community Mental Health Centers) to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting through the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Rape, to provide financial and technical assistance to State and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations for rape prevention and treatment services, including training programs in counseling techniques, direct treatment, community education, transportation costs, self-help programs, telephone systems, emergency shelter programs, and demonstration projects.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1979
Senate Election Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to add a new Title V: Public Financing of Senate General Election Campaigns . Entitles candidates for the United States Senate meeting certain criteria and agreeing to comply with specified spending limits and reporting requirements to campaign payments on a matching basis. Requires such candidates to certify that: (1) their authorized committees will not make campaign expenditures in excess of certain limitations; (2) no contributions will be accepted by such candidates or their authorized committees in violation of this Act; (3) such candidates are seeking election to the United States Senate and have received contributions for that campaign in excess of a certain sum; and (4) at least two candidates have qualified for election to the same seat. Sets forth formulas for the determination of the amount of money to which a candidate is entitled. Stipulates that sums given by one contributor totalling over $100 shall be disregarded for purposes of matching payments. Sets spending limits for candidates receiving payments under this Act. Waives such limits for candidates whose opponents are not receiving matching payments and have spent sums in excess of the limit imposed for candidates receiving payments. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a separate Senate General Election Campaign Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and to deposit certain sums in such account in accordance with specified guidelines. Requires repayment of excess payments and unexpended payments. Penalizes the use of funds for other than campaign purposes. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to institute repayment actions in U.S. district courts. Specifies the administrative authority of the Commission in carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1979
Generated Electricity Tax Equity Act of 1979 - Amends present Federal law to prohibit the taxation by a State with respect to the generation or transmission of electricity within that State which is transmitted to, and consumed in, another State.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1979
Small Business Administrative Review Court Act - Establishes the Small Business Administrative Review Court, as an independent agency within the executive branch of the Government. Grants to the Court jurisdiction over small businesses challenging certain administrative orders, citations, and fines having a dollar value of $2,500 or less. Requires, for the Court to have jurisdiction, that a small business file a petition with the Court within 60 days of receiving notice of a fine, citation or order. Allows the Court to rescind or modify any such fine, citation, or order. Stipulates that a determination by the Court or a determination of lack of jurisdiction, may not be reviewed by any agency or court. Prohibits a small business concern that elects to have its case heard by the Court from pursuing agency review of the fine, citation or order until the Court renders a decision, or determines lack of jurisdiction. Permits a small business upon the Court's decision, or determination that it is without jurisdiction, to pursue agency review of the fine, citation, or order as if the petition had not been filed with the Court. Outlines the organization of the Court, its divisions, and its sessions. Describes the administration of the Court and the rules of procedure and service of process of the Court. Requires the chief judge of the Court to submit to the President and the Congress not later than four years after enactment a report including an assessment of the success of the Court in fulfilling its functions. Requires all fees received by the Court to be deposited into the Treasury. Makes this Act effective on January 1 of the year following the date of enactment. Makes the expiration date five years from the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow income, estate, and gift tax deductions for charitable contributions for the construction or maintenance of buildings to house tax-exempt fraternal organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Soft Drink Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that exclusive territorial arrangements made as a part of a licensing agreement for the manufacture, distribution, or sale of a trademarked soft drink product are lawful under the antitrust law provided such product is in substantial and effective competition with other products for the same general class in the relevant market or markets. Prohibits recovery in private actions under the Clayton Act based on territorial provisions in a trademark licensing agreement prior to a final determination that such provisions are unlawful.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that taxpayers who incur expenses for the care of a dependent child who is mentally or physically handicapped shall be eligible for the child care expenses credit whether or not the taxpayer incurred such expenses to enable him to seek gainful employment or such expenses were incurred outside his household. Increases the amount of expenses which may be considered in determining the amount of the credit. Provides that the earned income limitation shall not apply to taxpayers who provide care for handicapped children. Grants tax-exempt status to a trust established for the care of a physically or mentally handicapped child of the taxpayer. Allows an income tax deduction for contributions to a child care trust. Limits the amount of such deduction to the lesser of 15 percent of the taxpayer's compensation includable in gross income for the taxable year, or $1,500. Provides that distributions from such a trust shall not be taken into consideration in determining the eligibility of such child for Federal or State assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979
Repeat Offenders Prosecution Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA) to provide financial and technical assistance to eligible units of general local government for establishing and operating programs to identify and expedite the prosecution and conviction of career criminal offenders. Establishes the Office of Repeat Offenders Prosecution Projects within LEAA to administer such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979
Independent Local Newspaper Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the establishment of independent local newspaper advance estate tax trusts to facilitate payment of the estate tax imposed upon the estate of a decedent who owned an interest in an independent local newspaper. Sets forth requirements for the establishment of such trusts, including requirements that such trusts: (1) be created pursuant to a plan adopted by the newspaper; (2) be governed by a written instrument which requires that contributions to and income of the trust be invested solely in obligations of the United States; (3) name as trustee a bank or another individual who is capable of administering such trust in compliance with the requirements of this Act; (4) maintain trust assets separately from other property; (5) accept contributions exclusively from independent local newspapers; (6) devote assets of the trust solely to the payment of the estate tax; and (7) distribute any excess funding of the trust to its beneficiaries or their estates. Limits an individual who owns interests in several independent local newspapers to participation in not more than one estate tax payment trust. Defines an "independent local newspaper" as a newspaper publication which is not a member of a chain and which maintains all its offices in a single city, community or metropolitan area, or, on January 1, 1979, within one State. Defines "excess funding" as the excess of the face value of the assets of a qualified trust over: (1) 70 percent of the value of a decedent's interest in an independent local newspaper which is includable in his gross estate; or (2) a decedent's estate tax which is attributable to his interest in an independent local newspaper included in his gross estate. Exempts independent local newspaper advance estate tax trusts and the individuals for whom such trusts are established from income taxation with respect to income earned by such trust. Terminates such tax-exempt status if the taxpayer's interest in the newspaper is sold, the newspaper itself is sold or ceases to qualify as an independent newspaper, or there is an excess funding of the trust. Provides that the amount of any excess funding shall be distributed to the individual for whom the trust was created and included in his gross income or gross estate. Allows an income tax deduction to local independent newspapers for contributions made to estate tax payment trusts. Limits the amount of such deduction to 50 percent of the taxable income derived from such newspaper for the taxable year. Requires the redetermination of the estate tax of an individual for whom an independent local newspaper advance estate tax trust is established and the inclusion in the gross estate of such individual of an amount equal to the estate tax payment made by such trust which is attributable to the individual's interest in the newspaper, if the trust or any heir of the individual sells, within 15 years of the death of such individual, any part of the interest in the newspaper with respect to which the trust was created. Provides for the gradual phaseout of any additional estate tax which is imposed due to the premature sale of a newspaper, if the sale does not occur prior to the ten to 15 year period following the death of the individual for whom the estate tax trust is established. Permits the shareholders of an independent local newspaper who receive the stock of a corporation which the newspaper controls to exclude from their gross income any gain realized as a result of such distribution if: (1) the shareholders do not sell such stock within five years after the date of its distribution; (2) the shareholders retain control of the newspaper for five years after the date of the distribution; and (3) the newspaper and the controlled corporation each continue to be engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business through the five year period beginning on the date of the distribution. Excludes from the gross estate of a decedent the value of any interest in an independent local newspaper which he holds at the time of his death and any estate tax payment made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust. Permits the executor of an estate which includes an interest in an independent local newspaper to pay the estate tax in two or more (but not exceeding ten) equal installments. Limits the maximum amount of estate tax that may be paid in installments to the excess of the amount of estate tax over the tax that would have been imposed if the interest in the newspaper had not been included in the gross estate, reduced by all payments of the estate tax made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979
Requests the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study of the programs administered under the National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. Specifies areas and questions to be studied. Requests a program report to Congress by January 31, 1980, and a final report by March 31, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Privacy Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to require medical service providers to permit individuals to inspect and copy their medical records. Provides for the correction of records at the individual's request. Prohibits disclosure of an individual's name or medical records without such individual's authorization. Permits disclosure of medical records without the individual's authorization in specified circumstances, including employee use, audit and evaluation, statutory requirements, law enforcement functions, parents of minors, health research, and judicial and administrative proceedings. Sets forth limits on disclosures in such circumstances. Authorizes governmental authorities to obtain medical records pursuant to a summons, subpoena, search warrant, or a written request. Requires the individual to be notified of such disclosure. Sets forth the procedure for an individual to challenge such a request. Permits the disclosure of medical records: (1) that are not individually identifiable; (2) in proceedings in which governmental authorities and the individual or medical service provider are parties; (3) in a General Accounting Office investigation of a governmental authority; (4) for intelligence purposes; or (5) in emergency situations. Requires the service provider to notify the individual when medical records are disclosed without such individual's authorization. Requires a warning against unauthorized disclosure to be placed on all written disclosures of medical information. Provides criminal and civil penalties for violations of the disclosure provisions. Stipulates limits on the use of medical information by grand juries. Requires annual reports by the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to the appropriate committees of Congress concerning individual challenges of medical record disclosures.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1979 - Amends Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (the Fair Housing Act) to exempt only the renting of space within a single family dwelling unit by the occupant of such unit to any other person from the prohibitions against discrimination in the sale or rental of housing. Prohibits insurers against hazards from discriminating in housing insurance contracts. Includes the handicapped within the groups that may not be discriminated against in housing. Prohibits discrimination in housing finance because of the national origins of people residing in the vicinity of the dwelling involved. Prohibits discrimination in the buying of debts secured by real property. Includes Federal agencies having regulatory authority over financial institutions within the administrative authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Revises the procedures for enforcing the fair housing antidiscrimination provisions of the Act. Permits the Secretary of enforce the provisions upon receiving a charge filed by an aggrieved party within one year after the alleged discrimination occurred or upon the Secretary's initiative. Permits the Secretary to refer charges to certified State or local agencies for action. Directs the Secretary and other Federal agencies to cooperate and avoid duplication of their efforts. Authorizes the Secretary to order preliminary relief in certain circumstances. Sets forth the procedures to be followed when the Secretary has an administrative hearing on a complaint. Permits aggrieved individuals to commence civil actions within three years of the alleged discriminatory practice. Prohibits proceedings by both the Secretary and the aggrieved individual. Authorizes the Attorney General (1) to intervene in an aggrieved individual's civil action and (2) to commence a civil action (A) against a person engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to these provisions or (B) to enforce the Secretary's findings or orders. Permits the aggrieved individual to intervene in an action commenced by the Attorney General. Allows prevailing parties reasonable attorney fees. Grants exclusive jurisdiction to the court of appeals to determine the validity of the Secretary's final orders under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Judicial Council Amendments and Discipline Act of 1979 - Sets forth rules governing the composition and duties of the judicial councils of the circuit courts. Provides that a council shall consist of: (1) the chief judge of the court of appeals for the circuit; (2) up to seven appellate court judges in active service (chosen by seniority by majority vote of all such judges); and (3) an equal number of district court judges of the circuit in active service (chosen by seniority). Authorizes a council to hold hearings, and to compel the appearance of witnesses and the production of documents in the performance of its duties. Allows any person to file with the chief judge of the circuit a complaint alleging that the conduct of a Federal judge impairs the effective, expeditious, and fair administration of the business of the courts or the just determination of litigation within the circuit. Entitles the judge whose conduct is the subject of such a complaint to submit affidavits to the chief judge, who shall: (1) dismiss the complaint; (2) attempt to redress the matter through informal means; or (3) refer the complaint to the full judicial council for a hearing. Allows a complainant to request the council to review a dismissal decision, but stipulates that the council's decision is nonappealable. Sets forth procedures for a hearing by the full council, including due process protections for the judge whose conduct is at issue. Authorizes the judicial council, by majority vote and clear and convincing evidence on the record to: (1) dismiss the complaint; (2) request the judge to retire voluntarily; (3) order the judge to be temporarily relieved of duties respecting pending and future cases; or (4) order the censure of such judge. Authorizes the judge affected to petition for writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court within ten days after notification of such order.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1979
Equal Employment Opportunity for the Handicapped Act of 1979 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include discrimination of the handicapped as an unlawful employment practice. Permits such discrimination pursuant to a bona fide seniority or merit system or as a bona fide occupational qualification. Authorizes courts to order the hiring or reinstatement or paying of back pay to anyone discriminated against on the basis of their handicap. Prohibits discrimination in Federal employment of the handicapped. Authorizes civil actions for such discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should immediately: (1) initiate measures to increase energy supplies and reduce demands, and (2) present plans to Congress for maintaining the balance of supply and demand and for rationing gasoline in the event of protracted energy supply problems.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1979
University and Small Business Patent Procedures Act - States that it is the objective of this Act to amend existing patent procedures in order to promote the marketing of inventions developed under federally supported research and development projects by nonprofit organizations and small business firms. Permits any such organization or firm to elect, within a reasonable amount of time, to retain title to such inventions. Permits Federal agencies which have supported such projects to retain title to inventions through their funding agreements in specified circumstances. Requires review of agency determinations that such circumstances exist by the Comptroller General and the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the implementation of this Act by Federal agencies. Enumerates provisions which must be included in funding agreements between a Federal agency and a small business firm or nonprofit organization including provisions: (1) to insure the rights of the Federal Government under this Act; (2) to provide that the agency shall have a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable and paid-up license to use the invention; (3) to prohibit a nonprofit organization from assigning rights to the invention without the approval of the Federal agency; (4) to prohibit such an organization from granting exclusive rights from the earlier of five years from the first commercial use of the invention or eight years from the date of invention; and (5) to require such organizations to use their royalties and earnings to support scientific research or education. Authorizes a Federal agency to transfer or assign its rights, acquired from an agency employee as coinventor, to an inventor electing to acquire title to an invention. Empowers any Federal agency to require inventors or their assigns to grant licenses in order to: (1) achieve practical application of the invention in its field of uses; (2) alleviate health or safety needs; (3) meet requirements for public use specified by Federal regulations; or (4) achieve participation by United States industry in the manufacture of an invention. Entitles the government to collect up to 50 percent of all net income above specified amounts received by a patent holder until government research funds have been repaid. Restricts the assignment and licensing of rights by patent holders to foreign owned or controlled firms unless such persons agree that any products embodying the subject invention or produced through the use of the subject invention will be manufactured substantially in the United States. Authorizes Federal agencies to withhold information on inventions from public disclosure. Specifies the authority of Federal agencies with respect to obtaining patents, promoting licensing of inventions, granting licenses, conducting market surveys, transferring custody of patents, and receiving funds. Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to promulgate regulations specifying the terms upon which any federally-owned invention may be licensed. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to coordinate a program for assisting Federal agencies in protecting and licensing federally-owned inventions. Sets forth the procedure whereby Federal agencies may grant exclusive or partially exclusive licenses in any invention covered by a federally-owned domestic patent or patent application. Prohibits licensing which lessens competition. Directs that small business firms be given preference in exclusive or partially exclusive licensing. Enumerates provisions which must be contained in any grant of a license by a Federal agency. Declares that this Act shall take precedence over any other Act in the disposition of inventions.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1979
National Digestive Diseases Prevention, Cure, and Control Act - Amends title IV of the Public Health Service Act (National Research Institutes) to establish a National Digestive Diseases Education and Information Clearinghouse to collect and disseminate information respecting digestive diseases and to serve as a national educational resource for patients with digestive diseases. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to medical schools for education and training programs in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of digestive diseases. Establishes a 24-member part-time National Digestive Diseases Advisory Board to advise on the coordination of Federal agencies' efforts in the implementation of the long-range plan of the National Commission on Digestive Diseases, among other specified functions. Terminates such Board on September 30, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1979
Authorizes the establishment of Long Island Sound Heritage in the States of Connecticut and New York to protect the special natural and cultural heritage of the region. Directs the Secretary of Interior in cooperation with State and local officials to determine the lands and waters that have special recreational, ecological, conservational, scenic, historic, or cultural potential for inclusion in the heritage area. Directs the Secretary of Interior to implement the purposes of this Act by formulating detailed plans for the acquisition, development, protection, maintenance, and administration of the applicable lands and structures. Sets forth requirements for such plans. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire lands, waters, and interests enumerated by this Act by purchase or donation. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with the States of Connecticut and New York, and political subdivisions of such States and grant financial and other assistance in carrying out such plans in furtherance of the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1979
Catastrophic Health Insurance Act - Title I: Catastrophic Illness Insurance - Establishes a Catastrophic Health Insurance program under the Social Security Act. Sets forth the eligibility criteria for individuals. Entitles every individual who: (1) is a resident of the United States; and (2) is a citizen of, or a lawfully admitted alien in, the United States to catastrophic health insurance benefits provided by this Act in cases where the individual is not covered by an employer plan. Delimits the scope of benefits, including therein hospital and related insurance benefits (hospital, post-hospital and home health services) and medical and other health services. Provides for a general deductible from: (1) the reasonable costs of inpatient hospital services past 60 days; and (2) inpatient hospital benefits of the higher of the following: (A) $2,000 or (B) $2,000 adjusted by the Consumer Price Index to reflect changes in fees for physician services (in $100 increments). Permits payments for specified mental health care services. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate regulations prescribing standards designed to assure that services consisting of the furnishing of blood or blood products, or the application of procedures or courses of treatment which are experimental or extraordinarily complex, will be provided only when such services are appropriate to the health care needs of the patient. Creates, in the United States Treasury, a Federal Catastrophic Health Insurance Trust Fund to provide a reserve for payment of benefits authorized by this Act. States that individuals covered under approved employer or self-employed plans shall be entitled to those benefits rather than the benefits provided by the catastrophic health insurance plan. Defines the term "employer plan" as meaning an insurance policy, contract, or other arrangement entered into between an employer and a carrier, in consideration of premiums or other periodic payments, undertaken to pay for the costs of health services received by the employer's employees. Requires that the coverage provided under such plans must include a package of benefits which is the same as that provided by the Federal catastrophic health insurance benefits plan established under this Act. Sets forth additional requirements governing employer health plans. Establishes an Actuarial Committee to prepare and recommend annually to the Secretary a Table of Values of Catastrophic Health Insurance Coverage, which shall establish the actuarial value of one year's catastrophic health insurance coverage for employers, carriers, and others involved in the programs. Creates a tax on self-employment income and an excise tax on employers. Allows a tax credit up to the entire amount of such taxes under the Internal Revenue Code for the actuarial value of catastrophic health insurance coverage for the self-employed and for the employees covered under approved employer plans. Title II: Private Basic Health Insurance Certification Program - Establishes a program, under the Social Security Act, under which any insurer may submit any health insurance policy to the Secretary for examination and certification. Sets forth the standards under which the Secretary shall deny certification of any such insurance policy. Requires the Secretary to offer basic Federal health insurance to individuals residing in States in which no private health insurance program has been certified. Title III: Other Amendments - Authorizes payments for immunizations which the Secretary determines are appropriate under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, but only if provided on a scheduled allowance basis, as determined under regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Increases the amount of reimbursement under Medicare for outpatient mental health care. Reduces the monthly premium for optional coverage under the Medicare hospital insurance programs. Extends coverage of the renal disease program authorized under such Act to specified individuals not previously covered. Expresses the policy of Congress to encourage and expand philanthropic support for health care.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979
Omnibus Antiterrorism Act of 1979 - States Congressional findings relative to the purpose of this Act and defines terms. Title I: Reorganization of Executive Office of the President - Establishes a Council to Combat Terrorism in the Executive Office of the President. Includes among the council's functions: (1) assisting the President to implement this Act; (2) assisting in the preparation of lists of countries aiding terrorist enterprises; and (3) coordinating Federal efforts to combat terrorism. Directs the President to report annually to Congress regarding acts of international terrorism and submit lists of countries supporting international terrorism. Specifies the sanctions to be imposed against such countries. Directs the President to report to Congress every two years concerning Federal and International Capabilities to Combat Terrorism. Title II: Reorganization of the Department of Transportation - Establishes an Office for Combating Terrorism in the Department of Transportation. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the Secretary of Transportation to assess the effectiveness of security measures maintained at foreign airports and report such assessments to Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to restrict operations at those foreign airports failing to bring their security measures to the specified level of effectiveness. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical aviation security assistance to foreign governments. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance. Title III: Reorganization of the Department of Justice - Establishes an Office for Combating Terrorism in the Department of Justice. Amends provisions relating to the manufacture of explosive materials to require such manufacturers to add an identification taggant and a detective taggant to the explosive materials. Prohibits the distribution, importation, or sale of explosive materials without such taggants. Specifies penalties for those manufacturers found violating such provisions. Exempts manufacturers of small arms ammunition and small quantities of black powder from such provisions. Requires the President to insure the full implementation of the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation. Amends provisions of title 18 of the U.S. Code that specify prohibited acts regarding the destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities to, among other revisions, set forth penalties for committing violence against a passenger which is likely to endanger an aircraft in service, and for communicating false information which result in endangering the safety of an aircraft in flight. Sets forth penalties for a person found in the United States who has committed against or abroad a foreign aircraft an offense in violation of the Convention for the Supression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation. Authorizes civil penalties for carrying an accessible weapon aboard an aircraft and for imparting or conveying information known to be false regarding specified crimes aboard an aircraft. Specifies criminal penalties for threatening to commit air privacy or any other of certain crimes aboard an aircraft. Title IV: Reorganization of the Department of State - Establishes an office for Combating International Terrorism in the Department of State. Urges the President to seek international agreements to assure cooperation in combating terrorism. Lists provisions which should be given priority in negotiating such agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979
Requires the enactment of separate legislation, in the Senate or House of Representatives, which appropriates funds for any Federal agency for employee salaries.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain married individuals, who do not file a single joint return with their spouses, to elect the same tax rates currently applicable to unmarried individuals (other than surviving spouses and heads of households), without regard to any community property laws. Entitles any married individual making such an election to claim the income tax credit for dependent care services paid for under specified circumstances, even though such individual did not contribute over half of the support of the dependent concerned.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Reform of Federal Regulation Act of 1979 - Title I: The Analysis, Planning and Management of Regulatory Functions - Requires each Federal agency to publish for each proposed major rule, as such rule is defined in this Act, an initial regulatory analysis which describes the need for the rule, at least two available alternative approaches, and a description of the economic and social effects of the proposed rule and alternatives. Requires that each agency publish for each adopted major rule a final regulatory analysis which includes a summary of public comments received on the initial analysis, and a justification of the selection of the final rule. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to review and report to Congress on the agency actions to implement this Title. Directs each agency to: (1) report annually to Congress and the public on its regulatory agenda and priorities for the current fiscal year; and (2) include in the announcement of a rulemaking or adjudication the date by which the agency intends to complete such proceeding. Requires each agency to report annually to the Administrative Conference of the U.S., the Congress, and the public on its regulatory activities of the past fiscal year. Stipulates that such report include: (1) the number of agency proceedings which the agency failed to complete by the established deadline and the reasons for such failure; and (2) any changes the agency made to improve its regulatory actions. Directs each regulatory agency to establish an office to be responsible for regulatory planning and management. Requires any independent regulatory commission to submit any budget information or legislative recommendation to Congress concurrently upon submission to any officer or agency of the executive branch. Title II: Improving the Efficiency of Administrative Proceedings - Establishes a new procedure for administrative rulemaking and adjudication by United States Government agencies. States that such procedure shall apply to: (1) all adjudications; and (2) all rulemaking or licensing proceedings required by statute to be determined on the record after opportunity for an agency hearing except proceedings to withdraw, suspend, revoke, or annul a license. Provides two levels for the conduct of proceedings subject to this Act, a "general hearing process" and a "formal hearing" for the resolution of matters determined during the general hearing to involve general and substantial issues of fact which cannot be resolved at the general hearing and upon which the decision of the agency is likely to depend. Requires, for the general hearing process, the conduct of a hearing to afford parties an opportunity to submit written data, and, at the request of any party, an opportunity for oral argument. Enumerates the powers of the presiding employee at a general hearing. Authorizes such employee to cross-examine witnesses and to request the agency to consider and act on interlocutory appeals when action on such appeals would expedite final agency action. Directs the employee to: (1) oversee the expeditious completion of such hearing; and (2) provide a concise record of the important matters of the proceeding. States that no person who participates in the decision making of any proceeding or in a board or agency review of such decision may: (1) make ex parte communications; or (2) be responsible to or subject to the supervision of an employee or agent performing investigative or litigating functions for the agency. Allows an agency to prohibit an individual from appearing at a proceeding if the individual engages in unethical conduct or deliberate dilatory tactics. Authorizes an agency to subpoena any person or evidence as necessary. Sets forth the judicial procedure and civil penalty for persons who fail to comply with a subpoena. Requires each agency to maintain a public file of significant material concerning the major stages of a proceeding. Authorizes the presiding employee at a formal hearing to: (1) rule on offers of proof and receive relevant evidence; (2) require written testimony and arguments when oral testimony is not required; and (3) upon request, to issue a decision prior to completion of the hearing if there is no substantial dispute of fact. Authorizes each agency to establish employee boards to review the decisions of presiding employees. Directs each agency to specify the conditions under which it will accept an appeal of the decision of such a board, and specifies the conditions which enable an agency to review such a decision. Requires the Office of Personnel Management to test, register, and certify eligible candidates for the position of administrative law judge (hereinafter referred to as "judge"). Authorizes each agency to appoint a judge from the list of certified candidates. Directs the Administrator of the Administrative Conference of the U.S. to: (1) establish a performance appraisal system for evaluating judges at least once every ten years; and (2) establish performance and evaluation review boards to assist in setting up the appraisal system and in evaluating judges. Directs the Administrator to evaluate each judge before the expiration of the judge's ten-year term, and to make a recommendation on the reappointment of the judge. Requires each agency to reappoint a judge if the Administrator so recommends. Directs the Merit Systems Protection Board to remove, downgrade, or suspend a judge whose performance is found to be unacceptable. Provides for the transfer and reassignment of judges by the Administrator. Requires the President to nominate members of independent regulatory commissions by reason of their training and experience, and to appoint the chairman of each commission with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs each agency to issue rules to implement this title within 150 days. Title III: Agency Review of Rules - Direct each agency to review annually one or more of its rules to determine whether continuation or amendment of the rule is in the public interest. Sets forth guidelines the agency should consider in selecting rules to review. Requires each agency to: (1) publish an agenda and the procedure for reviewing one or more rule every five years; (2) provide an opportunity for public comment on such rule; and (3) report the results of each review to Congress and the public. Requires the Director of the CBO to review the agency reports and oversee implementation of this Title. Title IV: Administrative Conference of the United States - Reorganizes the Administrative Conference. Makes the head of the Conference the Administrator who shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate for a four-year term. Grants the Administrator authority to appoint officers and employees and to prescribe their powers and duties as necessary. Sets forth the functions of the Conference which include: (1) studying and making recommendations on the adequacy of administrative procedures used by agencies to carry out regulatory functions; (2) monitoring agency compliance with such laws as the Freedom of Information Act and the Administrative Procedure Act; (3) compensating persons for the cost of participating in agency proceedings in certain cases; and (4) evaluating the performance of administrative law judges. Directs the Conference to submit an analysis of agency reports on regulatory activities to Congress, and to report to Congress on a study of providing incentives to participants to expedite agency proceedings. Establishes an Advisory Commission within the Conference.
![Official portrait of Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000241_200.jpg)