United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Senate Election Spending Limits and Benefits Title II: Reduction of Special Interest Influence Subtitle A: Political Action Committees Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Soft Money of Political Party Committees Subtitle C: Soft Money of Persons Other Than Political Parties Subtitle D: Contributions Subtitle E: Independent Expenditures Title III: Enforcement Title IV: Miscellaneous Title V: Constitutionality; Effective Date; Regulations Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 1997 - Title I: Senate Election Spending Limits and Benefits - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to set forth Senate election spending limits and benefits. Entitles complying candidates to specified: (1) broadcast discounts and free time; and (2) postage reductions. Directs the Federal Election Commission (Commission) to certify a candidate who has met the requirements of this title as eligible for benefits (under such title). (Sec. 106) Sets forth Senate candidate reporting requirements, including: (1) specification of in-State residents' contributions; and (2) expenditure of (candidate) personal funds. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to: (1) provide for preemption only in situations beyond a station's control; and (2) extend the license revocation provision for failure to provide cable access. Title II: Reduction of Special Interest Influence - Subtitle A: Political Action Committees - Amends FECA to prohibit Federal election contributions by political action committees (as defined by this Act). States that if such ban is not in effect: (1) a committee's contributions to a candidate shall not exceed limits applicable to an individual; and (2) a candidate may not accept more than 20 percent of contributions from committee sources. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Soft Money of Political Party Committees - Amends FECA with respect to "soft money" to: (1) prohibit a national committee of a political party (including specified related entities) from soliciting or receiving contributions or making expenditures not subject to such Act; (2) require a State, district, or local committee of a political party to make Federal election year expenditures (with exceptions) from funds subject to such Act; (3) prohibit a national, State, district, or local committee from soliciting or donating funds to a tax-exempt organization; and (4) prohibit an incumbent or candidate for Federal office from soliciting or receiving funds not subject to such Act, or to solicit or receive funds for a non-Federal election in excess of certain limits or from prohibited sources (with exceptions for State or local candidates in compliance with State law). (Sec. 212) Establishes aggregate and separate individual contribution limits to State Party Grassroots Funds and all committees established by a State committee of a political party. Increases annual individual contribution limits. Sets forth State Party Grassroots Fund and reporting provisions. Subtitle C: Soft Money of Persons Other Than Political Parties - Amends FECA to require certain persons other than a political party that make aggregate election activity disbursements exceeding $10,000 to file with the Commission. Subtitle D: Contributions - Amends FECA to treat contributions: (1) made through an intermediary or conduit as having been made by the original contributor; and (2) delivered through a bundler as having been made by the bundler to the candidate as well as from the original contributor. Subtitle E: Independent Expenditures - Amends FECA regarding independent expenditure reporting requirements. Title III: Enforcement - Amends FECA to authorize the Commission to: (1) prescribe regulations for computer and facsimile reporting; (2) conduct random post election audits to ensure voluntary FECA compliance; and (3) seek injunctions. (Sec. 304) Reduces the aggregate annual contribution reporting requirement. (Sec. 305) Increases the penalty for knowing and willful violations of such Act. (Sec. 306) Prohibits: (1) contributions by individuals not qualified to vote; and (2) false representations to solicit contributions. (Sec. 309) Sets forth expedited Commission procedures regarding violations of such Act. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Amends FECA to prohibit the personal use of campaign funds. (Sec. 402) Sets forth political advertising provisions for print and broadcast or cablecast communications. (Sec. 403) Prohibits franked mass mailings by a Member in his or her election year, unless such Member will not be a candidate for any Federal office. (Sec. 404) Requires a committee of a political party, before making coordinated expenditures (as defined in this Act) in excess of $5000 for a Federal election, to certify to the Commission that it has not and will not make any independent expenditures (as defined in this Act) in connection with such campaign. (Sec. 406) Defines "express advocacy." Title V: Constitutionality; Effective Date; Regulations - Sets forth provisions regarding severability, review of constitutional issues, effective date, and Commission regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Health Insurance Coverage for Eligible Children Title II: Health Insurance Coverage for Pregnant Women Title III: Children's Health Coverage Subsidy Credits Children's Health Coverage Act - Title I: Health Insurance Coverage for Eligible Children - Mandates establishment of a program of subsidies to children and their families for a portion of the child's health plan premium. Sets forth State responsibilities, including certification of plans and income verification. Requires each health insurance issuer that provides health coverage under contract with any Federal program and that offers family coverage to apply to the State insurance commissioner for certification. Makes a noncomplying issuer ineligible to provide benefits under a Federal contract. (Sec. 102) Sets forth procedures for obtaining coverage under certified plans. Requires payment of premiums to the State and from the State to the plans of enrollment. (Sec. 103) Regulates the subsidy percentage, basing it on family income as related to the poverty line. (Sec. 104) Prohibits, with regard to subsidy eligible children: (1) preexisting condition exclusions; (2) insurance issuer discrimination on the basis of health status (including medical condition, claims experience, genetic information, and disability); and (3) employment discrimination. (Sec. 105) Prohibits States from modifying eligibility under the State Medicaid program (title XIX of the Social Security Act) in any way that would reduce the eligibility of children for Medicaid coverage. (Sec. 106) Provides for Federal action if a State fails to carry out this title. Title II: Health Insurance Coverage for Pregnant Women - Mandates programs of: (1) grants to States to assist pregnant women in obtaining prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal care; and (2) categorical grants to States to assist children and pregnant women in obtaining health care services and coverage. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Children's Health Coverage Subsidy Credits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit for the premium subsidies provided by an insurance issuer under this Act. Mandates transfer from the general fund to the Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance Trust Funds and the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund of amounts sufficient to cover the decreased tax revenues resulting from the credit. (Sec. 302) Allows a credit for the premium subsidy determined under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Crime Control Subtitle A: More Police Officers on the Beat Subtitle B: Violent Offender Incarceration and Truth in-Sentencing Grants Subtitle C: Domestic Violence Subtitle D: Assistance to Local Law Enforcement Title II: Youth Violence Control Subtitle A: Federal Juvenile Prosecutions Subtitle B: Assistance to States for Prosecuting and Punishing Youth Offenders Subtitle C: Juvenile Gun Courts Subtitle D: Gang Violence Reduction Subtitle E: Rights of Victims in State Juvenile Courts Title III: Prevention and Treatment of Youth Drug Abuse and Addiction Subtitle A: Protecting Youth From Dangerous Drugs Subtitle B: Development of Medicines for the Treatment of Drug Addiction Subtitle C: Prevention and Treatment Programs Subtitle D: National Drug Control Policy Subtitle E: Penalty Enhancements Title IV: Protecting Youth From Violent Crime Subtitle A: Grants for Youth Organizations Subtitle B: "Say No to Drugs" Community Centers Act of 1997 Subtitle C: Missing Children Title V: Improving Youth Crime and Drug Prevention Subtitle A: Comprehensive Study of Federal Prevention Efforts Subtitle B: Evaluation Mandate for Authorized Programs Subtitle C: Elimination of Ineffective Programs Title VI: Extension of Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund Youth Violence, Crime, and Drug Abuse Control Act of 1997 - Title I: Crime Control - Subtitle A: More Police Officers on the Beat - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to: (1) extend through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for public safety and community policing grants; and (2) limit to 20 percent of grant funds available in any fiscal year the amount authorized for grants for equipment, technology, and support systems. (Sec. 103) Authorizes the Attorney General (AG) to make grants to States, local governmental units, Indian tribes, other public and private entities, and multijurisdictional or regional consortia to encourage the use of, and to implement, 311 (as opposed to 911) nonemergency telecommunication systems for public safety. Authorizes appropriations from the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund (Fund) through FY 2002. Subtitle B: Violent Offender Incarceration and Truth-in- Sentencing Grants - Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to revise the formula allocation between States and U.S. territories and possessions for technical assistance and training to entities receiving grants under either the Violent Offender Incarceration or Truth-in-Sentencing grant programs. Extends the authorization of appropriations under each such grant program through FY 2002. Subtitle C: Domestic Violence - Extends through FY 2002: (1) grants to combat violent crimes against women; (2) education and prevention grants to reduce sexual assaults against women; (3) the grant for a national domestic violence hotline; (4) grants for battered women's shelters; and (5) programs for victims of child abuse. Subtitle D: Assistance to Local Law Enforcement - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 and the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to extend through FY 2002 the funding for: (1) law enforcement family support; (2) rural drug enforcement and training; (3) DNA identification grants; (4) Byrne grants (law enforcement training and education); (5) technical automation grants; and (6) grants for State court prosecutors. Requires no less than 20 percent of the funds made available during FY 2001 and 2002 for the latter grant program to be used to provide increased resources to State juvenile courts, including its prosecutors, public defenders, and other juvenile court system participants. Title II: Youth Violence Control - Subtitle A: Federal Juvenile Prosecutions - Amends provisions concerning Federal juvenile prosecutions to require a predisposition report, which includes victim impact information, to be prepared by the probation officer and provided to the juvenile, his or her attorney, and the attorney for the government. Directs the juvenile court, after a dispositional hearing, to enter an order of restitution for the victim. Authorizes such court to suspend the findings of juvenile delinquency, place the juvenile on probation, commit the juvenile to official detention (including supervised release), and impose any fine that would be authorized if the juvenile had been tried and convicted as an adult. Provides the terms of probation, official detention, or supervised release for such juveniles. Excludes time spent in the custody of the AG for observation and study from time served for a juvenile offense. Authorizes the court, with respect to any juvenile prosecuted and convicted as an adult, to treat the conviction as an adjudication of delinquency and impose any disposition authorized for an adult offender. Requires: (1) a juvenile adjudicated for an act that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony to be fingerprinted and photographed; (2) such records to be sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and (3) the court to transmit to the FBI information concerning the adjudication and sentence. (Sec. 203) Directs a juvenile court, in determining whether an information should be dismissed with or without prejudice, to consider the seriousness of the offense, the facts and circumstances leading to the dismissal, and the impact of a reprosecution on the administration of justice. Subtitle B: Assistance to States for Prosecuting and Punishing Youth Offenders - Authorizes the AG to make grants to assist States and local governments in planning, establishing, and operating secure facilities, staff-secure facilities, detention centers, and other correctional programs for violent juvenile offenders. Requires each facility or program funded under this subtitle to contain an evaluation component, developed under guidelines established by the AG, which includes outcome measures that may be used to determine the effectiveness of the funded programs. Requires periodic reviews and reports. Reserves a specified percentage of program funds for FY 1998 through 2002 for grants to Indian tribes for constructing correctional facilities and establishing correctional programs for the incarceration of tribal juvenile offenders. Requires a report from the AG to the Congress regarding the possible use of performance-based criteria in evaluating and improving the effectiveness of juvenile corrections facilities and programs. (Sec. 215) Authorizes the AG to make grants to States, State courts, local courts, local governments, and Indian tribes for: (1) providing juvenile courts with a range of sentencing options such that first time juvenile offenders face at least some level of punishment as a result of their initial contact with the juvenile justice system; and (2) increasing the sentencing options available to juvenile court judges so that juvenile offenders receive increasingly severe sanctions as the seriousness of their conduct increases and for each additional offense. Requires each applicant to submit a comprehensive implementation plan as part of such application. Provides for grant award uses and limitations, with a Federal share limit of 90 percent of the total program costs. Requires reports and evaluations: (1) from grant recipients to the AG; and (2) from the AG to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1998 through 2001. Subtitle C: Juvenile Gun Courts - Authorizes the AG to make grants to States, State courts, local courts, local governments, and Indian tribes for court-based juvenile justice programs that target juvenile firearm offenders through the establishment of juvenile gun courts. Requires each applicant to submit a comprehensive implementation plan. Provides for grant award uses and limitations, with a Federal share limit of 90 percent of total program costs. Requires reports and evaluations as above. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1998 through 2002. Subtitle D: Gang Violence Reduction - Part 1: Enhanced Penalties for Gang-Related Activities - Sets forth criminal penalties for anyone who travels in interstate or foreign commerce to recruit, solicit, induce, command, or cause to create, or attempt to create, a franchise of a criminal street gang. (Sec. 242) Includes franchising a criminal street gang as a "racketeering activity" for purposes of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. (Sec. 243) Directs the United States Sentencing Commission (USSC) to provide an appropriate enhancement with respect to any offense committed in connection with, or in furtherance of the activities of, a criminal street gang if the defendant is a member of the gang at the time of the offense. (Sec. 244) Increases the penalties for using physical force to tamper with witnesses, victims, or informants. (Sec. 245) Sets forth criminal penalties for using or carrying a firearm during and in close proximity to (currently, in relation to) any crime of violence or drug trafficking. Directs the USSC to provide an appropriate sentence enhancement with respect to a defendant who discharges a firearm during or in close proximity to a crime of violence or drug trafficking. (Sec. 246) Increases the penalties for transferring a firearm to a minor for use in a crime. (Sec. 247) Eliminates any statute of limitations with respect to any offense punishable by death or for a Class A felony involving murder. (Sec. 248) Extends to ten years after the commission of the offense the statute of limitations with respect to a Class A felony that is a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime. Part 2: Gang Paraphernalia - Authorizes the appropriate court to enter an order authorizing the installation and use by law enforcement personnel of a pen register or a trap and trace device within the jurisdiction of the court, or of a clone pager whose service provider is within the court's jurisdiction, if the court finds that the information likely to be obtained by such installation and use is relevant to an ongoing criminal investigation. Authorizes a Federal court to order a provider of a paging service or other person to furnish to appropriate law enforcement personnel all information, facilities, and technical assistance necessary to accomplish the operation and use of a clone pager unobtrusively and with a minimum of interference with normal service. (Sec. 252) Directs the USSC to provide an appropriate sentencing enhancement for any offense in which the defendant: (1) used body armor; (2) possessed a firearm equipped with a laser sighting device; or (3) possessed a firearm while another defendant possessed a firearm so equipped. Subtitle E: Rights of Victims in State Juvenile Courts - Directs the AG to establish guidelines for State programs to require: (1) prior to the disposition of adjudicated juvenile delinquents, that victims or their representatives are provided the opportunity to make a statement or present any relevant information; (2) that such victims be given notice of the disposition; and (3) that restitution to victims may be ordered as part of such a disposition. Requires State compliance with such requirements within three years, with an additional two-year extension authorized to be granted by the AG when a State is determined to be making a good faith effort to implement such requirements. Title III: Prevention and Treatment of Youth Drug Abuse and Addiction - Subtitle A: Protecting Youth from Dangerous Drugs - Directs the AG to add ketamine hydrochloride to schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. Subtitle B: Development of Medicines for the Treatment of Drug Addiction - Part 1: Pharmacotherapy Research - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations from the Fund for FY 2001 and 2002 for the medication development program (a program providing research into medicines used to treat drug addiction). Part 2: Patent Protections for Pharmacotherapies - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) authorize the sponsor of a drug for the treatment of an addiction to illegal drugs to request the Secretary of Agriculture for written recommendations for the investigation necessary for the approval or licensing of such drug; (2) authorize such a sponsor to request the Secretary to designate such drug as a drug for the treatment of addiction to illegal drugs; (3) provide exclusive approval or licensing of such drug as an unpatented drug for such purpose; and (4) provide open protocols for the clinical investigation of such drugs. Part 3: Encouraging Private Sector Development of Pharmacotherapies - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary to establish criteria for an acceptable drug for the treatment of an addiction to heroin and one for the treatment of an addiction to cocaine. Requires such criteria to be reviewed by specified congressional committees and published in the Federal Register. Authorizes the patent owner of a drug used for either such treatment to submit to the Secretary an application: (1) to contract to sell to the Secretary such patent rights; or (2) to enter into an exclusive licensing agreement with the Secretary for the manufacture and distribution of such drug. Provides for purchase amount limitations and the transfer of rights from the patent owner to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary, within 90 days after purchasing patent rights or entering into such an agreement, to develop a plan for the manufacture and distribution of such drug. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2000. Subtitle C: Prevention and Treatment Programs - Part 1: Comprehensive Drug Education - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to extend through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations from the Fund for the safe and drug-free schools and communities program. Part 2: Drug Courts - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for the drug courts program (a program providing continuing judicial supervision over non-violent offenders with substance abuse problems). (Sec. 362) Authorizes the AG to make grants to States, State courts, local courts and governments, and Indian tribes to establish programs that: (1) involve continuous early judicial supervision over juvenile offenders, other than violent juvenile offenders, with substance abuse or related problems; and (2) integrate administration of other sanctions and services, including testing, treatment, and diversion, probation, or other forms of supervised release. Requires the AG to issue regulations to ensure that such programs do not permit participation by violent offenders. Prohibits the Federal share of such programs from exceeding 75 percent of total program costs, with an authorized limit waiver by the AG. Requires the AG to ensure an equitable geographic distribution of grant awards, with a required specified allocation to Indian tribes. Requires annual reports to the AG from grant recipients. Authorizes the AG to provide technical assistance and training in furtherance of program goals and to carry out program evaluations. Provides for the reallocation of unawarded grant funds. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1998 through 2002. Part 3: Drug Treatment - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (Center) to award grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements with, public and nonprofit private entities to provide treatment to juveniles for substance abuse through programs in which the juveniles reside in facilities made available under the programs. Requires the inclusion by grant recipients of an individualized plan for the provision of services to the juvenile or young adult. Includes as eligible supplemental services under such programs hospital referrals, HIV and AIDS counseling, domestic violence and sexual abuse counseling, and preparation for reentry into society. Requires the appropriate State agency or Indian tribe to certify that the applicant has the capacity to carry out the program and meets certain other requirements. Outlines provisions with respect to: (1) applicants who are also Medicaid providers; (2) the provision of treatment for mental diseases; (3) matching fund requirements; (4) program outreach and accessibility; (5) continuing education for individuals providing such services; (6) the imposition of appropriate charges for such services; (7) applicant reports to the Center Director; and (8) required equitable geographic allocation of grant awards. Limits to five years the period during which payments may be made to any entity under a program. Requires annual Director approval of program payments. Requires the Director to conduct program evaluations and disseminate findings. Requires an initial and periodic reports from the Director to specified congressional committees describing the programs carried out under this Part. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2002, including an authorization of appropriations from the Fund for the last two fiscal years. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to established projects for the outpatient treatment of substance abuse among juveniles. Requires entities receiving such grants to engage in activities to prevent such abuse. Requires such Secretary to evaluate the projects and disseminate evaluation results. Subtitle D: National Drug Control Policy - Amends the National Narcotics Leadership Act of 1988 to extend through FY 2002 the authority for the Office of National Drug Control Policy (Office), as well as the authorization of appropriations for the Office. (Sec. 382) Requires the Office Director to conduct a study on the effect of the 1996 voter referenda in California and Arizona concerning the medicinal use of marijuana and other controlled substances on the general use of such substances in those States. Requires a Director report to specified congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 and 1999. Subtitle E: Penalty Enhancements - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to increase the penalties for using Federal property to grow or manufacture controlled substances. Directs the USSC to provide an appropriate sentencing enhancement to ensure that such violations are punished substantially more severely than violations that do not occur on Federal property. Title IV: Protecting Youth from Violent Crime - Subtitle A: Grants for Youth Organizations - Authorizes the AG to make grants to States, Indian tribes and national nonprofit organizations in crime-prone areas (such as Boys and Girls Clubs and the 4-H) to: (1) provide constructive activities to youth during nonschool hours to prevent their criminal victimization; (2) provide supervised activities in safe environments to youth in crime-prone areas; (3) provide antidrug education to prevent youth drug abuse; (4) support police officer training and salaries and educational materials; or (5) provide constructive activities to youth in a safe environment through the use of parks and other public recreation areas. Requires annual reports from: (1) grant recipients to the AG; and (2) the AG to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund for FY 1998 through 2002. Subtitle B: "Say No to Drugs" Community Centers Act of 1997 - Say No to Drugs Community Centers Act of 1997 - Authorizes the AG to make grants to certain AG-approved recipients to provide the following services to youth during after-school hours or summer vacations: (1) rigorous drug prevention education; (2) drug counseling and treatment; (3) academic tutoring and mentoring; (4) activities promoting interaction between youth and law enforcement officials; (5) vaccinations and other preventive health care; (6) sexual abstinence education; and (7) other activities and instruction to reduce youth violence and substance abuse. Specifies the Federal and non-Federal share of costs under the grant program, as well as grant allocation and reallocation requirements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 and 2002 from the Fund. Subtitle C: Missing Children - Amends the Missing Children's Assistance Act to direct the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to contract with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in order to provide a national 24-hour toll-free hotline and national resource center for use by missing children. (Currently, the hotline and resource center are required to be established and operated by such Administrator.) Title V: Improving Youth Crime and Drug Prevention - Subtitle A: Comprehensive Study of Federal Prevention Efforts - Directs the AG to enter into a contract with the National Academy of Science or, if the Academy declines, another public or nonprofit private entity to conduct a study to evaluate the effectiveness of federally funded programs for preventing youth violence, youth substance abuse, and the criminal victimization of juveniles. Outlines reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Evaluation Mandate for Authorized Programs - Directs the AG to provide for the comprehensive and thorough evaluation of the effectiveness of each program under titles II through IV of this Act, using independent evaluation and research criteria. Authorizes the AG to require grant recipients to comply with any information requirements under the mandate. Reserves a specified amount of the funds authorized for such programs to carry out the required evaluation and research. Subtitle C: Elimination of Ineffective Programs - Expresses the sense of the Senate that programs found ineffective under the study required under Subtitle A, above, in addressing juvenile crime and substance abuse should not receive Federal funding in any fiscal year following the issuance of such study. Title VI: Extension of Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund - Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 and the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to extend through FY 2002 the authorization of appropriations for the Fund. Reduces by specified amounts in FY 2001 and 2002 the discretionary spending limits set forth under the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) for that fiscal year unless the Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to the Congress. Requires the approval of a majority of each House by roll call vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Authorizes the Congress to waive these provisions when: (1) a declaration of war is in effect; or (2) the United States is engaged in a military conflict which poses a threat to national security as declared by a joint resolution adopted by a majority of each House. Makes this article effective beginning with FY 2002 or with the second fiscal year beginning after its ratification, whichever is later.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Job Training Vouchers Title II: Consolidation of Federal Job Training Programs Title III: Employment-Related Information and Services Through One-Stop Career Centers Title IV: Reports and Plans Title V: General Provisions Working Americans Opportunity Act - Title I: Job Training Vouchers - Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a job training system that provides vouchers to individuals for job training. (Sec. 102) Allows an individual to: (1) receive such a voucher for two years beginning on the date of application approval; and (2) use such voucher to purchase authorized job training. (Sec. 103) Makes individuals eligible for such vouchers if they are dislocated workers or economically disadvantaged adults. (Sec. 104) Requires one-stop career centers (established under title III of this Act) to provide: (1) applications for vouchers, as well as assistance in completing them and collection of them for eligibility determinations; (2) performance-based information on service providers; and (3) information on local economy, employment, industries, and labor market demand. Requires conflict of interest standards for centers operated by entities that are concurrently eligible job training providers. (Sec. 105) Requires the Secretary to issue oversight and accountability regulations relating to such vouchers. (Sec. 106) Sets forth eligibility requirements for providers of job training, including requirements for submission of performance-based information. (Sec. 107) Directs the Secretary to monitor and evaluate the voucher system annually, and report to the appropriate congressional committees. (Sec. 108) Provides for apportionment of system funds to States based on relative numbers of individuals in service delivery areas (SDAs) who are: (1) unemployed individuals; (2) excess unemployed individuals; (3) individuals who have been unemployed for 15 weeks or more; and (4) economically disadvantaged adults. Requires at least 75 percent of such funds to be made available as vouchers. Title II: Consolidation of Federal Job Training Programs - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the consolidation and streamlining of Federal job training programs should not reduce Federal commitment and effort to improve education, employment, and earnings of all workers and jobseekers, particularly those in hard-to-serve communities. Repeals specified employment training program provisions under the Job Training Partnership Act, Food Stamp Act of 1977, Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, and Displaced Homemakers Self-Sufficiency Assistance Act, as well as under a specified Federal law relating to certain workers affected by an expansion of Redwood National Park in California. Title III: Employment-Related Information and Services Through One-Stop Career Centers - Requires each service delivery area receiving funds under this Act to develop and implement a network of one-stop career centers to provide access for jobseekers, workers, and businesses to a comprehensive array of high quality job training and employment-related services (including provision of information). Requires each workforce development entity for an SDA to negotiate with the State a method for establishing such centers (including designating one-stop career center operators), consistent with criteria the Secretary prescribes. Makes each entity within the service delivery area that provides specified job training or employment-related services eligible to be designated a center operator for a two-year period (renewable after evaluation). Directs the Secretary to establish a performance standard system for assessing the performance of each center operator. Lists employment related services such centers may offer to individuals and to employers. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the Secretary to make arrangements with public or private entities to develop and provide relevant regional labor market information to interested individuals. (Sec. 303) Directs the Department of Education to try to make known the value and availability of direct loans through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan Program under the Higher Education Act of 1965, through cooperative arrangements with one-stop career centers, training and educational training programs, State agencies, and other Federal agencies. Title IV: Reports and Plans - Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on how additional Federal job training programs not covered by this Act can be consolidated into a more integrated and accountable workforce development system. Directs the Secretary to develop a plan that, wherever practicable, requires the Federal job training programs to use common definitions, outcome measures, eligibility standards, and funding cycles. (Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the need for income support, and options for providing it, to enable dislocated workers and economically disadvantaged adults to participate in long-term job training. Title V: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Federal Commitment to Urban Economic Development Title II: Tax Incentives to Stimulate Urban Economic Development Title III: Community-Based Housing Development Title IV: Response to Urban Environmental Challenges New Urban Agenda Act of 1997 - Title I: Federal Commitment to Urban Economic Development - Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to require executive agencies to expend not less than 15 percent in each fiscal year for the purchase of goods from businesses located in empowerment zones, enterprise communities, or enterprise zones. Requires agencies, to the maximum extent practicable, to purchase recycled products from businesses located in such zones. (Sec. 102) Requires not less than 15 percent of foreign assistance provided in a fiscal year to be in the form of credits for the purchase of U.S. goods produced, manufactured, or assembled in such zones. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in designating and providing financial assistance to Manufacturing Technology Outreach Centers, to give preference to centers located in such zones. (Sec. 104) Establishes a preference for the construction, improvement, or relocation of Federal facilities in distressed urban areas. Title II: Tax Incentives to Stimulate Urban Economic Development - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the offset for rental real estate activities under passive activity rules to increase the rehabilitation credit under such rules. (Sec. 202) Allows the rehabilitation investment credit to offset a portion of tentative minimum tax. (Sec. 203) Allows the issuance of tax-exempt facility bonds for sports facilities, convention or trade show facilities, freestanding parking facilities, air or water pollution control facilities, or industrial parks. Makes termination dates on such tax-exempt bonds inapplicable to bonds issued to finance manufacturing facilities. (Sec. 204) Increases the permitted amount of qualified small issue bonds for facilities to be used by related persons. (Sec. 205) Provides an exception to arbitrage interest rebate provisions if 100 percent of available construction proceeds are spent for governmental purposes within three years of the issuance of the tax-exempt bonds. (Sec. 206) Makes 75 percent of a qualified residential project bond exempt from State agency volume caps for the issuance of tax-exempt private activity bonds. (Sec. 207) Increases the amount and duration of the targeted jobs tax credit to 50 (currently 40) percent of the qualifying wages earned for the first three years (currently, only for the first year) of the employment. (Sec. 208) Excludes from gross income any qualified capital gain recognized on the sale or exchange of a qualified zone asset (stock, property, or partnership interest that was part of an enterprise zone business) held more than three years. Provides for the tax treatment of pass-thru entities and sales and exchanges of interests in partnerships and S corporations which are qualified zone businesses. Title III: Community-Based Housing Development - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to study and report to the Comptroller General on the feasibility of consolidating existing public and low-income housing programs into a comprehensive block grant system of Federal aid and on the possibility of administering future programs through such a system. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the Congress with an analysis of such report and recommendations. (Sec. 302) Provides, subject to the approval of both the unit of general local government and the local public housing agency, for the reconstruction of public housing dwelling units on the same property on which such units were demolished or disposed, and for the relocation of displaced tenants to such new units. Title IV: Response to Urban Environmental Challenges -Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to prohibit the President or any other person from bringing an enforcement action under such Act, with respect to a facility located in an urban area that is not listed on the National Priorities List, against a person that has fulfilled all requirements under State and local law to conduct environmental response actions at such facility. (Sec. 402) Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to maintain the brownfield program (a program for the expansion or redevelopment of abandoned or underused commercial or industrial property at which a hazardous substance may be present) established by the Administrator before the enactment of this section. Limits to $200,000 the maximum grant to any single brownfield facility. Authorizes appropriations for such program for FY 1998 through 2000 out of the Hazardous Substance Superfund.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Control of Congressional Campaign Spending Subtitle A: Senate Election Campaign Spending Limits and Benefits Subtitle B: General Provisions Title II: Independent Expenditures Title III: Expenditures Subtitle A: Personal Funds; Credit Subtitle B: Soft Money of Political Parties Subtitle C: Soft Money of Persons Other Than Political Parties Title IV: Contributions Title V: Authorities and Duties of the Federal Election Commission Title VI: Miscellaneous Title VII: Effective Dates; Authorizations Congressional Election Campaign Spending Limit and Reform Act of 1997 - Title I: Control of Congressional Campaign Spending - Subtitle A: Senate Election Campaign Spending Limits and Benefits - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to make a Senate candidate eligible for FECA benefits if the candidate: (1) files a primary election eligibility declaration; (2) files a general election eligibility certification and declaration; and (3) meets certain contribution and expenditure limits. Limits Senate primary expenditures for a candidate (or his or her authorized committees) to the lesser of: (1) 67 percent of the general election expenditure limit; or (2) $2.75 million. Limits runoff expenditures. Sets a threshold contribution amount which triggers application of such primary and runoff limits. Limits the use by a Senate candidate (or authorized committees), during an entire election cycle, of the candidate's personal (or family) funds (including debt). Limits aggregate general election expenditures by an eligible Senate candidate (or authorized committees) to the lesser of: (1) $5.5 million; or (2) the greater of $1.2 million, or $400,000 plus 30 cents times the voting age population up to 4 million and 25 cents times the voting age population over 4 million. Exempts from the general election expenditure limit qualified accounting or legal expenditures. Entitles eligible Senate candidates to certain broadcast media rates, and in certain circumstances, payments compensating for independent expenditures and excess expenditures on behalf of the candidate's opponent. Requires the Federal Election Commission (Commission) to certify an eligible Senate candidate within 48 hours after his or her application to the Secretary of the Senate. Requires the Commission to examine and audit, for FECA compliance, the campaign accounts of all candidates in five percent of the elections to the Senate in which there was an eligible Senate candidate on the ballot. Requires candidates to refund to the Commission any excess payments or expenditures. Sets civil penalties for excess expenditures and contributions. Provides for judicial review of Commission actions and requires Commission reports to the Senate after each general election. Requires closed captioning for eligible Senate candidates' television broadcasts. Authorizes reduced payments to an eligible Senate candidate under circumstances of insufficient funds. (Sec. 102) Prohibits Senate election activities by political action committees (PACs). (Sec. 103) Sets forth reporting requirements for Senate candidates not eligible for FECA benefits. Requires reports to the Secretary within two days after aggregate contributions have been received and aggregate expenditures have been made or obligated to be made in excess of FECA limits. Requires any candidate for the Senate who, during the election cycle, expends more than the personal funds expenditure limit to report to the Secretary of the Senate within two days after expenditures have been made or loans incurred in excess of the personal funds expenditure limit. Requires certain expenditure reports from any Senate candidate who held Federal, State, or local office during the same election cycle, and made any expenditures, before becoming a Senate candidate, that would have been treated as Senate candidate expenditures. (Sec. 104) Requires Senate candidates ineligible for FECA benefits to place on every paid or authorized political commercial or communication the declaration: "This candidate has not agreed to voluntary campaign spending limits." (Sec. 105) Sets forth provisions governing excess campaign funds of Senate candidates. (Sec. 106) Sets forth a contribution limit for an eligible Senate candidate (and the candidate's authorized political committees) whose opponent fails to comply with the expenditure limits and has received contributions in excess of ten percent of the general election limits or has expended personal funds in excess of ten percent of the general election limits. Subtitle B: General Provisions - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a broadcast station to make broadcast time available to all House and Senate candidates in the last 30 (currently 45) days before a primary at the lowest unit charge of the station for the same amount of time (currently, the same class and amount of time) for the same period on the same date. Allows Senate candidates to purchase broadcast time at 50 percent of the lowest unit rate for the 30 days before a primary or runoff election and 60 days before a general election. Prohibits broadcasters from preempting advertisements sold to political candidates at the lowest unit rate, unless the preemption is beyond the broadcaster's control. (Sec. 112) Amends FECA to set forth reporting requirements for certain independent expenditures. (Sec. 113) Makes certain amendments with regard to campaign advertising that include certain requirements for printed as well as broadcast and cablecast communications. (Sec. 114) Adds various defintions to FECA for such specified terms as "general election," "general election period," and "primary election period." (Sec. 115) Amends Federal postal law to prohibit a Senator who is a candidate for election to any public office from making a mass mailing under the frank during the calendar year of any primary or general election for such office. Title II: Independent Expenditures - Amends FECA to define "independent expenditure" as an expenditure by a person other than a candidate or candidate's authorized committee: (1) that is made for a communication that contains express advocacy; and (2) is made without the participation or cooperation of and without coordination with a candidate. Defines the following terms: (1)"express advocacy"; and (2) "without the participation or cooperation of and without coordination with a candidate." (Sec. 202) Defines "coordinated expenditure" to mean an expenditure that is made by a person other than the candidate and that is not an independent expenditure. Prohibits political party committees from making both a coordinated expenditure and an independent expenditure to the same candidate during a single election cycle. Requires political party committees to file with the Commission a certification signed by the treasurer stating whether the committee will make coordinated expenditures or independent expenditures to the candidate. Prohibits a party committee that certifies that it will make coordinated expenditures to a candidate from, in the same election cycle, making a transfer of funds to, or receiving a transfer of funds from, any other party committee that has certified that it will make independent expenditures to the candidate. (Sec. 203) Permits qualified nonprofit corporations to make independent expenditures. (Sec. 204) Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for equal broadcast time, including notification and opportunity to purchase equal time on an independent expenditure basis. Title III: Expenditures - Subtitle A: Personal Funds; Credit - Amends FECA to prohibit the use of contributions after the date of a general election to repay loans to a candidate (or authorized committee) by the candidate or by members of the candidate's family. (Sec. 302) Treats as a contribution any extension of credit for goods or services relating to general political advertising of more than $1,000 for more than 60 days to candidates for Federal office (or authorized committees). Subtitle B: Soft Money of Political Parties - Amends FECA to exclude from the definition of "contribution" the preparation and distribution, by volunteers, of materials in connection with State and local party voter registration and get-out-the-vote activities. (Sec. 312) Permits maximum contributions to a State Party Grassroots Fund of: (1) $20,000 by an individual; and (2) $15,000 from a multicandidate committee. Establishes an overall $60,000 annual limit on individual contributions, including specified limits for: (1) candidates and their political committees; and (2) State committees. (Sec. 313) Provides for the treatment of: (1) any amount solicited, received, or expended directly or indirectly by a national, State, district, or local committee of a political party (including any subordinate committee) with respect to an activity (such as voter registration and get-out-the vote activities among others) which is in connection with an election to Federal office as a contribution subject to certain limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements; (2) any amount to raise funds that are used, in whole or in part, in connection with such activities as an expenditure subject to certain limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements; and (3) any get-out-the-vote activity for a State and local candidate, or for a ballot measure conducted by a State, district, or local committee of a political party as an expenditure subject to certain limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements. Limits the expenditures for which a State committee may use its State Party Grassroots Fund. (Sec. 314) Prohibits Federal candidates and officeholders from soliciting contributions: (1) not subject to FECA; and (2) on behalf of tax-exempt organizations, if a significant portion of the activities of the organization include voter registration or get-out-the-vote activities. (Sec. 315) Requires: (1) a national committee and a congressional campaign committee to report all receipts and disbursements whether or not in connection with a Federal election; and (2) other specified political committees to report all receipts and disbursements in connection with a Federal election. Subtitle C: Soft Money of Persons Other Than Political Parties - Requires that persons other than political parties who make (or obligate to make) aggregate disbursements totaling over $2,000 for specified election activities shall file a statement with the Commission within 48 hours after the disbursements or obligations are made, or in the case of disbursements or obligations that are made within 14 days of an election, on or before the 14th day before the election. Title IV: Contributions - Prohibits certain lobbyist contributions. (Sec. 402) Treats contributions by a dependent not of voting age as having been made by the individual on whom that dependent is a dependent. (Sec. 403) Prohibits a candidate for Federal office from accepting, with respect to any election, any contribution from a State or local political party committee (or subordinate committee) if such contribution, when added to the total of contributions previously accepted from all such committees of that political party, would cause the total amount of contributions to exceed the relevant contribution limitation. (Sec. 404) Makes it unlawful to use physical threat, intimidation, or taking or threatening to take other adverse action to: (1) coerce contributions or expenditures from another person; or (2) deter or prevent any person from filing a complaint, providing testimony, or otherwise cooperating with enforcement efforts under FECA; or (3) retaliate against any person who has filed a complaint, provided testimony, or otherwise cooperated with enforcement efforts under FECA. (Sec. 405) Prohibits acceptance by a candidate of cash contributions from any one person aggregating more than $100. Title V: Authorities and Duties of the Federal Election Commission - Authorizes the Commission to issue a regulation to require the filing of designations, statements, and reports using computers if the person has, or has reason to expect to have, aggregate contributions or expenditures in excess of a threshold amount determined by the Commission. Requires the Commission to prescribe a regulation allowing persons to file designations, statements, and reports using facsimile machines. (Sec. 502) Increases the threshold amount to $50 with respect to reporting the identification of certain contributors and disbursements. (Sec. 503) Authorizes the Commission to conduct random audits and investigations to ensure voluntary compliance. Extends the period during which a campaign audit of a candidate's authorized committee may be begun. (Sec. 504) Grants authority to the Commission, to seek at any time in a proceeding, a temporary restraining order or a temporary injunction if the Commission believes there is a substantial likelihood that a violation is occurring or is about to occur. (Sec. 505) Revises specified enforcement requirements to provide for: (1) increased monetary penalties; and (2) equitable remedies if authorized by a conciliation agreement with the Commission. Directs the Commission to establish a schedule of automatic monetary penalties for the late filing of reports. (Sec. 506) Repeals requirements authorizing the Commission to appear in and defend against any action initiated under FECA. Replaces them with requirements authorizing the Commission to appear on its own behalf in any action related to the exercise of its statutory duties or powers in any court as a party or amicus curiae. Revises a requirement respecting the powers of the Commission to initiate civil actions to permit the Commission to petition the Supreme Court for certiorari to review judgements or decrees entered with respect to actions in which the Commission appears. (Sec. 507) Revises requirements concerning the referral of suspected violations to the Attorney General. (Sec. 508) Revises certain powers of the Commission. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Prohibits Federal candidates and officeholders from establishing, maintaining, or controlling any political committee (such as a "leadership committee") other than a principal campaign committee of the candidate, authorized committee, party committee, or other political committee designated as an authorized committee. (Sec. 602) Directs the Commission to study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of developing a system by which persons with disabilities could vote by telephone. (Sec. 603) Exempts certain tax-exempt organizations from specified corporate expenditure limits. (Sec. 604) Provides that with respect to any provision of FECA that places a requirement or prohibition on any person acting in a particular capacity, any person who knowingly aids or abets the person in that capacity in violating that provision may be proceeded against as a principal in the violation. (Sec. 605) Requires exact copies of campaign advertising that refers to a candidate's opponent to be filed with the Commission and the Secretary of State of the candidate's State. (Sec. 606) Amends Federal postal law to prohibit a Member of Congress, during an election year, from using the franking privilege for a mass mailing from January 1 until the general election date. (Sec. 607) Amends FECA to make it unlawful for: (1) foreign nationals to make or promise to make contributions and expenditures in connection with an election to any political office or in connection with any primary election, convention, or caucus held to select candidates for any political office; or (2) any person to solicit, receive, or accept contributions from a foreign national. Makes it unlawful for foreign nationals or individuals lawfully admitted for permanent residence to participate in the decisionmaking process of any other person with regard to the person's election-related activities. Prohibits a candidate or the candidate's authorized committee from accepting a contribution over $500 unless the contribution is accompanied by a statement, signed by the person making the contribution, affirming that the person is not a person prohibited from making the contribution. (Sec. 608) Requires that reports shall include a certification under penalty of perjury that the political committee has complied with foreign contribution and solicitation limitations. Title VII: Effective Dates; Authorizations - Sets forth the general effective date of this Act. Provides for direct, expedited appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court from any court rulings on the constitutionality of any provision of this Act or amendment made by it.
United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1997
Enhancement of Trade, Security, and Human Rights through Sanctions Reform Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to establish an effective framework for consideration by the legislative and executive branches of unilateral economic sanctions. (Sec. 3) Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) pursue U.S. interests through vigorous and effective diplomatic, political, commercial, charitable, educational, cultural, and strategic engagement with other countries, while recognizing that U.S. national security interests may sometimes require the imposition of economic sanctions on other countries; (2) foster multilateral cooperation on vital matters of U.S. foreign policy, including promoting human rights and democracy, combating international terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and international narcotics trafficking, and ensuring adequate environmental protection; (3) promote U.S. economic growth and job creation by expanding exports of goods, services, and agricultural commodities, and by encouraging investment that supports the sale abroad of U.S. products and services; (4) maintain the reputation of U.S. businesses and farmers as reliable suppliers to international customers of quality products and services; (5) avoid the use of restrictions on exports of agricultural commodities as a foreign policy weapon; and (6) oppose policies of other countries designed to discourage economic interaction with countries friendly to the United States or with any U.S. national, and to avoid use of such measures as instruments of U.S. foreign policy. States that when economic sanctions are necessary, it is U.S. policy to: (1) target them as narrowly as possible on those foreign governments, entities, and officials that are responsible for the conduct being targeted, thereby minimizing unnecessary or disproportionate harm to individuals who are not responsible for such conduct; and (2) to the extent feasible, avoid any adverse impact of economic sanctions on the humanitarian activities of the United States and foreign nongovernmental organizations in a country against which sanctions are imposed. (Sec. 5) Provides that any bill or joint resolution imposing or authorizing the imposition of a unilateral economic sanction by the executive branch, and considered by the House of Representatives or the Senate, should: (1) state the U.S. foreign policy or national security objective; (2) terminate after two years unless specifically reauthorized; (3) provide for contract sanctity; (4) provide presidential authority to adjust or waive the sanction in the national interest; (5) target the sanction as narrowly as possible against the parties responsible for the conduct being targeted; and (6) provide for expanded export promotion programs if sanctions are likely to target an export market for American farmers. (Sec. 6) Sets forth a procedure for congressional consideration of any bill or joint resolution that imposes, or authorizes the imposition of, any unilateral economic sanction by the executive branch. Requires the committee of primary jurisdiction reporting such a bill or joint resolution to timely request specified reports: (1) from the President assessing the likelihood that the proposed unilateral economic sanction will achieve its stated objective within a reasonable period of time, as well as the impact of the proposed unilateral economic sanction on U.S. foreign policy, national security, and humanitarian activities; and (2) from the Secretary of Agriculture assessing the extent to which any country or countries proposed or likely to be sanctioned are markets that accounted for more than three percent of all U.S. agricultural export sales in the preceding calendar year, as well as the likelihood that U.S. agricultural exports will be affected by the proposed sanction or by retaliation by any country proposed or likely to be sanctioned, and specific commodities which are most likely to be affected. Considers any bill or joint resolution that imposes any unilateral economic sanction to include a Federal private sector mandate for purposes of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. Requires the Congressional Budget Office, in its report pursuant to such Act, to assess the likely short- and long-term costs of the proposed sanction to the U.S. economy. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the President to implement a unilateral economic sanction under any provision of law not less than 60 days after announcing his intention to do so. Requires any executive sanction to include a clear finding that the sanction is likely to achieve a specific U.S. foreign policy or national security objective within a reasonable and specified period of time. Requires, before imposition of a unilateral economic sanction, that the President and the Secretary of Agriculture report to appropriate congressional committees the same assessments required in connection with any bill or joint resolution imposing or authorizing the imposition of a unilateral economic sanction by the executive branch. Requires the President to request a report by the U.S. International Trade Commission on the likely short- and long-term costs of the proposed sanction to the U.S. economy, including the potential impact on U.S. competitiveness. Provides, in the case of a national emergency, for allowing the President temporarily to waive most of the requirements for executive action in order to act immediately, generally requiring the waived requirements to be met within 60 days after imposition of the sanction (which shall terminate after 90 days if such requirements are not met). Directs the President to establish an interagency Sanctions Review Committee to coordinate U.S. policy regarding unilateral economic sanctions and provide appropriate recommendations to the President.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1996
Jackie Robinson Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) mint and issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of Jackie Robinson in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the breaking of the color barrier in major league baseball; and (2) distribute surcharge proceeds to the Jackie Robinson Foundation to enhance its education and youth leadership programs, and increase the availability of scholarships for economically disadvantaged youths. Prescribes conditions for payment of such surcharges, including a proscription against Foundation compensation to any agent or attorney for services rendered to support or influence legislative action of the Congress relating to the coins minted and issued under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Pension Reform Title II: Protection of Rights of Former Spouses to Pension Benefits Under Certain Government and Government- Sponsored Retirement Programs Title III: Reforms Related to 401(k) Plans Title IV: Modifications of Joint and Survivor Annuity Requirements Title V: Spousal Consent Required for Distributions from Section 401(k) Plans Title VI: Women's Pension Toll-Free Phone Number Title VII: Annual Pension Benefits Statements Comprehensive Women's Pension Protection Act of 1996 - Title I: Pension Reform - Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to apply specified integrated plan nondiscrimination rules to all accrued benefits. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (Code) to repeal the permitted disparity provision with respect to simplified employee pension contributions. (Sec. 102) Applies minimum coverage requirements to a separate line of business employer plan for qualified trust purposes. Establishes a single line of business special rule. (Sec. 103) Sets forth divorce division of pension benefits provisions, including minimum accrued benefits rights for the divorced (nonparticipant) spouse. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to set forth similar provisions. (Sec. 104) Provides for the continued availability of certain remedies with respect to pre-1985 domestic relations orders. (Sec. 105) Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to eliminate specified employee-annuitant requirements with respect to a divorced wife's annuity. Title II: Protection of Rights of Former Spouses to Pension Benefits Under Certain Government-Sponsored Retirement Programs - Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 and Federal law to provide for protection of former spouses to railroad and civil service pension benefits. Title III: Reforms Related to 401(k) Plans - Amends the Code to treat 401(k) plan investments in collectibles as distributions. (Sec. 303) Applies a specified limitation on acquisition and holding of employer securities and real property to 401(k) plans. Title IV: Modifications of Joint and Survivor Annuity Requirements - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Code to permit, with respect to specified plans, a qualified joint and two-thirds survivor annuity. Defines such an annuity. Title V: Spousal Consent Required for Distributions from Section 401(k) Plans - Amends the Code to require spousal consent for 401(k) plan distributions. Title VI: Women's Pension Toll-Free Phone Number - Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide for a women's pension toll-free telephone number. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Annual Pension Benefits Statements - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to require annual pension benefits statements.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1996
Medicare Access to Emergency Medical Care Act of 1996 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish requirements for Medicare managed care regarding access to emergency services.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1996
Highway Funding Fairness Act of 1996 - Requires the Secretary of Transportation, for FY 1997, to determine the Federal-aid highway apportionments and allocations to a State without regard to the approximately $1.596 billion credit to the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) of estimated taxes paid by States that was made by the Secretary of the Treasury for FY 1995 in correction of an accounting error made in FY 1994. Requires the Secretary, for each State, to: (1) determine whether the State would have been apportioned and allocated an increased or decreased amount for Federal-aid highways for FY 1996 if such error had not been made; and (2) adjust such amount for FY 1997 by the amount of the increase or decrease and to adjust accordingly the obligation limitation for Federal-aid highways distributed to the State under provisions of the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997. States that nothing in this Act shall affect any apportionment, allocation, or distribution of obligation limitation, or reduction thereof, to a State for Federal-aid highways for FY 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Small Business Title II: Farm Transportation Regulatory Relief Act Small Business and Farm Transportation Regulatory Relief Act - Title I: Small Business - Small Business Regulatory Relief Act of 1996 - Sets forth a deadline for the issuance of a final rule regarding the materials of trade exceptions contained in the proposed rule relating to hazardous materials in intrastate transportation. Requires such rule to take into account any modifications of the proposed rule that are necessary and appropriate to reflect comments received on such rule. Title II: Farm Transportation Regulatory Relief Act - Farm Transportation Regulatory Relief Act - Permits a State to: (1) provide certain exceptions to regulations relating to the transportation of certain agricultural production material as a hazardous material; and (2) maintain existing State exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1996
Provides for a three-year extension of certain Medicare community nursing organization demonstration projects under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996
Drug-Induced Rape Prevention Act of 1996 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to prescribe penalties of 20 years' imprisonment and a fine for distributing a controlled substance to an individual without that person's knowledge with intent to rape such individual. Enhances penalties for certain activities involving flunitrazepam under: (1) the CSA, including manufacturing, distributing, or possessing with intent to distribute specified quantities of flunitrazepam; and (2) the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act, including possessing, manufacturing, and distributing flunitrazepam for purposes of unlawful importation. Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to amend the Sentencing Guidelines so that one dosage unit of flunitrazepam shall be equivalent to one gram of marihuana for determining the offense level under the Drug Quantity Table.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1996
Commends Operation Sail and encourages its continuation into the next millennium. Encourages all individuals to join in the celebration of the 224th birthday of the United States of America and the international camaraderie that Operation Sail and the International Naval Review will foster.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1996
Carjacking Correction Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide that, with respect to the prohibition against taking a motor vehicle that has been transported, shipped, or received in interstate or foreign commerce from another by force and violence or by intimidation with intent to cause death or serious bodily harm, "serious bodily harm" shall include any conduct that, if the conduct occurred in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, would violate prohibitions against aggravated sexual assault or sexual assault.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1996
Agent Orange Benefits Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide needed health care to a child of a Vietnam veteran who is suffering from spina bifida, for any associated disability. Authorizes the Secretary to provide such health care directly or by contract or other arrangement with a health care provider. Includes within such care home, hospital, nursing home, outpatient, preventive, and rehabilitative care, case management, respite care, the training of family members in the provision of necessary home care, and necessary pharmaceuticals, supplies, and equipment. Authorizes the Secretary to provide vocational training to such a child if the Secretary determines that the achievement of a vocational goal by such child is reasonably feasible. Limits such training to 24 months, unless the Secretary determines that an extension is necessary (up to 24 additional months). Requires a child eligible for more than one assistance program through the Department of Veterans Affairs to elect one program for participation. Directs the Secretary to pay a monetary allowance to any such child for any disability resulting from spina bifida based on the degree of disability. Requires an increase in such disability benefit whenever there is an increase in benefits payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Provides veterans' disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation for the additional disability or death of a veteran which: (1) was not the result of the veteran's own willful misconduct; (2) was caused by care, treatment, or examination furnished to the veteran through the Department; and (3) was incurred as a proximate result of such care, treatment, or examination.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1996
Treats Somalia as a "hazardous duty area" to entitle U.S. military personnel who performed U.S. peacekeeping services in Somalia between December 2, 1992, and April 1, 1994, to the same tax benefits under the Internal Revenue Code that are provided to U.S. military personnel serving in an area designated by the President as a combat zone.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1996
Extends the legislative authority for the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Foundation to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia to October 27, 1998.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Historically Black Colleges and Universities Historic Building Restoration and Preservation Title II: Cooper Hall and Science Hall Preservation and Restoration Title I: Historically Black Colleges and Universities Historic Building Restoration and Preservation - Historically Black Colleges and Universities Historic Building Restoration and Preservation Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to make grants, from amounts authorized to be appropriated to carry out the National Historic Preservation Act for FY 1996 through 1999, to historically black colleges and universities for the preservation and restoration of historic buildings and structures on their campuses. Requires a grantee to covenant, for the period of time specified by the Secretary, that: (1) no alteration will be made in the property with respect to which the grant is made without the concurrence of the Secretary; and (2) reasonable public access will be permitted to such property for interpretive and educational purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) obligate funds for a grant with respect to a building or structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places only if the grantee agrees to match the amount of such grant with funds derived from non-Federal sources; and (2) waive this matching requirement if an extreme emergency exists or that such a waiver is in the public interest to ensure the preservation of historically significant resources. Limits amounts made available for this Act for FY 1995 through 1998. Earmarks funds for FY 1995 for grants to: (1) Fisk University; and (2) historically black colleges and universities identified for inclusion in the Department of the Interior Historically Black College and University Historic Preservation Initiative. Title II: Cooper Hall and Science Hall Preservation and Restoration - Directs the Secretary to make grants to preserve and restore Cooper Hall at Sterling College located in Sterling, Kansas, and Science Hall at Simpson College located in Indianola, Iowa, from amounts authorized to be appropriated to carry out the National Historic Preservation Act. Authorizes the Secretary to obligate such funds only if the grantee agrees to match the amount of such grant with funds derived from non-Federal sources. Limits amounts to be made available for such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1996
Breast-Cancer Research Stamp Act - Requires the U.S. Postal Service to establish a special rate of postage for first-class mail that is one cent higher than the regular rate as an alternative that patrons may use voluntarily to contribute to funding for breast-cancer research. Authorizes the Service to design and sell special stamps. Requires the Service to pay amounts attributable (additional revenues minus costs) to the one-cent differential to the National Institutes of Health to be used for such research and related activities.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Additional Empowerment Zones Title II: New Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities Title III: Expensing of Environmental Remediation Costs Title I: Additional Empowerment Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from: (1) 9 to 11 the number of areas which may be designated as empowerment zones; (2) six to eight the number of such zones which may be in urban areas; and (3) 750,000 to 1,000,000 the aggregate population allowable in all urban area zones. Title II: New Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities - Permits, before January 1, 1998, the designation, in the aggregate of an additional: (1) 80 nominated areas as enterprise communities; and (2) 20 nominated areas as empowerment zones, subject to availability of eligible nominated areas. Modifies eligibility criteria. Prohibits: (1) applying the employment credit to the new empowerment zones; and (2) in certain developable sites, application of increased expensing provisions for certain depreciable business assets. Modifies provisions concerning: (1) enterprise facility zone bonds; and (2) the enterprise zone business definition. Title III: Expensing of Environmental Remediation Costs - Permits a taxpayer to expense any defined qualified environmental remediation expenditure which is not chargeable to capital account.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1996
Condemns the attacks of June 25, 1996, and November 13, 1995, in Saudi Arabia. Extends condolences to the families of all U.S. service personnel killed and wounded and to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Honors such personnel for their sacrifice. Expresses gratitude to such Government and people for their heroic rescue efforts at the scene of the attack and their determination to find and punish those responsible. Reaffirms: (1) support for such Government and for continuing good relations; and (2) commitment to provide all necessary support for the men and women of our armed forces. Determines that such terror attacks present a clear threat to U.S. interests in the Persian Gulf. Calls upon the United States to: (1) continue to assist such Government in its efforts to identify those responsible for the attack; and (2) use all reasonable means available to punish the responsible parties.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Collection, Storage, and Analysis of DNA Samples Title II: Disclosure of Genetic information Title III: Discrimination Prohibited Title IV: Exceptions for Identification and Court-Ordered Genetic Analysis Title V: Research Activities Title VI: Minors Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions Title VIII: Enforcement Title IX: Effective Dates; Applicability; and Relationship to Other Laws Genetic Confidentiality and Nondiscrimination Act of 1996 - Title I: Collection, Storage, and Analysis of DNA Samples - Prohibits, except as allowed under title IV, collection or analysis of DNA samples without the consent of the individual. Regulates written consent. Makes a DNA sample the property of the individual and gives the individual the right (subject to title IV provisions) to order sample destruction. Mandates certain notice. Title II: Disclosure of Genetic information - Prohibits disclosure or redisclosure of genetic information except in accordance with a written authorization meeting certain requirements. Provides for information inspection, copying, and amendment. Prohibits compelling disclosure in any judicial, legislative, or administrative proceeding unless: (1) the request for compulsory disclosure is in accordance with title IV; (2) the individual is a party; or (3) the information is for use in a law enforcement matter in which the individual is the subject or party. Title III: Discrimination Prohibited - Prohibits employment and insurance discrimination regarding genetic information, specifying prohibited acts. Applies enforcement provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to violations by employers and provides for insurance enforcement. Title IV: Exceptions for Identification and Court-Ordered Genetic Analysis - Allows use of DNA samples to identify a dead body. Allows sample collection and use for identification of active duty armed forces members. Declares that this Act does not prohibit certain information use in law enforcement and paternity matters. Title V: Research Activities - Prohibits research analysis of DNA samples unless an Institutional Review Board (IRB) has made certain determinations. Prohibits disclosure for research purposes unless an IRB has approved the study and the individual has consented, but allows limited access for statistical use. Title VI: Minors - Prohibits collection, storage, or analysis of samples of individuals under 18 years old to determine the risk that does not produce signs of disease before the age of 18 unless: (1) there is an effective intervention; (2) the intervention is initiated before the individual reaches 18; and (3) the individual's parent or guardian has consented. Provides for sample destruction. Prohibits newborn screening except as authorized by State law or regulation. Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires every person who maintains genetic information to annually notify their employees of responsibilities and penalties under this Act. Provides for the transfer of ownership and the discontinuance of a program, business, enterprise, or services involving DNA samples. Title VIII: Enforcement - Authorizes any person whose rights under this Act have been violated to bring a civil action for damages or equitable relief in Federal or State court. Mandates, for negligent violations: (1) the greater of actual damages or $50,000; (2) treble damages if the violation resulted in monetary gain; and (3) costs and attorney's fees. Mandates, for wilful violations: (1) the greater of actual damages or $100,000; (2) punitive damages; and (3) costs and attorney's fees. Allows the Attorney General to bring an action for a restraining order or injunction, with the court allowed to order a civil monetary penalty, costs, and attorney's fees. Title IX: Effective Dates; Applicability; and Relationship to Other Laws - Prohibits State laws or regulations except as they prohibit or further restrict the DNA sample collection, storage, analysis, or disclosure or provide additional privacy protections to the individual.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1996
Church Arson Prevention Act of 1996 - Makes Federal criminal code prohibitions against, and penalties for, damaging religious property or obstructing any person's free exercise of religious beliefs applicable where: (1) the property is damaged because of its racial or ethnic character; and (2) the offense is in, or affects, interstate commerce. (Currently such provisions apply only where: (1) the property is damaged because of its religious character; (2) the defendant, in committing the offense, travels in interstate or foreign commerce or uses a facility or instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce in interstate or foreign commerce; and (3) the loss exceeds $10,000.) Prohibits intentionally defacing, damaging, or destroying religious real property (or attempting to do so) because of the race, color, religious, or ethnic characteristics of any individual associated with such property. Increases penalties for violations of such provisions where bodily injury results or where such acts include the use, or attempted or threatened use, of a dangerous weapon, explosives, or fire. Includes within the definition of "religious property" fixtures or religious objects contained within a place of religious worship. Sets a seven-year statute of limitation for the prosecution, trial, or punishment of a person for any noncapital offense under such provisions. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to use up to $5 million of the credit subsidy provided under the General and Special Risk Insurance Fund for guaranteed loans to financial institutions in connection with loans made to assist certain tax exempt religious or other organizations that have been damaged by arson or terrorism. Authorizes appropriations to the Departments of the Treasury and Justice, including the Community Relations Service, to increase personnel to investigate, prevent, and respond to potential violations of this Act and Federal explosives prohibitions. Reauthorizes the Hate Crimes Statistics Act. Commends those individuals and entities that have responded with funds to assist in the rebuilding of places of worship that have been victimized by arson. Encourages the private sector to continue such efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1996
Condemns arson and other acts of desecration against churches and other houses of worship as being totally inconsistent with fundamental American values. Expresses the Senate's belief that investigation and prosecution of those who are responsible for fires at such entities, and especially any incidents of arson whose purpose is to divide communities or to intimidate any Americans, should be a high national priority.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1996
Condemns arson against churches and declares that the investigation and prosecution of those who are responsible, especially for any incidents of arson the purpose of which is to divide communities or to intimidate Americans, should be a high national priority. Commends the President for pledging to devote all Federal resources necessary to bring to justice those responsible. Calls for all investigations of fires at churches which are of suspicious origin to be conducted in a sensitive manner that reflects the special character of churches and the role they play in American communities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Recognition of the Millennium Society Title II: Commemorative Coins Title III: Commemorative Postage Stamps Millennium Society Act of 1996 - Title I: Recognition of the Millennium Society - Recognizes the Millennium Society (a nonprofit U.S. corporation chartered and organized under the laws of the State of Illinois on November 21, 1983) and any other organization that is organized and operated by the corporation exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. (Sec. 105) Sets forth the goals and purposes of the Society, which include: (1) establishing national goals for commemoration and celebration of the millennium in the United States and U.S. participation in such international events; (2) exercising exclusive jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to U.S. participation in commemorations or celebrations of the millennium; (3) coordinating activities and holding forums and symposiums to promote educational and cross-cultural exchange; and (4) establishing, endowing, and administering the Millennium Scholars Program. (Sec. 114) Grants the Society the sole and exclusive right to the use of specified symbols, emblems, trademarks, and names to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Society to allow contributors and suppliers of goods and services to use the Society's trade name, trademarks, symbols, insignia, emblems, seals, descriptive or designating marks, and slogans in advertising under specified conditions. Subjects to a civil action by the Society for the remedies provided in the Trademark Act of 1946 any person who, without the Society's consent, uses its trademark, symbol, insignia, emblem, seal, descriptive or designating mark, or slogan: (1) for the purposes of trade; (2) to induce the sale of any goods or services; (3) or to promote any theatrical exhibition, performance, or competition. Exempts persons who lawfully used such a symbol or slogan before the enactment of this Act. Allows the individuals to continue such lawful use for the same purpose and for the same goods or services. Title II: Commemorative Coins - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the events of the second millennium and the advent of the third. (Sec. 204) Provides for the issuance of such coins beginning on July 1, 1999, and ending on January 1, 2001. (Sec. 207) Requires all surcharges received from coin sales to be promptly paid to the Society, under specified conditions, to be used only for the purpose of supporting the Millennium Scholars Program. Title III: Commemorative Postage Stamps - Urges the U.S. Postal Service to cooperate with the Secretary and the Society in the: (1) issuance of appropriate first day of issuance postage stamps commemorating the end of the second millennium and the advent of the third; and (2) production of a philatelic numismatic combination as a unique item to be made available to the public for such commemoration.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1996
Fair ATM Fees for Consumers Act - Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to prohibit assessment of an electronic terminal surcharge against a consumer if the transaction: (1) neither relates to nor affects an account held by the consumer with the financial institution that is the owner or operator of such terminal; and (2) is conducted through a national or regional electronic banking network.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Investment Advisers Integrity Act Title II: Facilitating Investment In Mutual Funds Title III: Reducing the Cost of Saving and Investment Securities Investment Promotion Act of 1996 - Title I: Investment Advisers Integrity Act - Investment Advisers Integrity Act - Authorizes appropriations to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for FY 1997 and 1998 to enforce the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. (Sec. 103) Amends the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to exempt from SEC registration requirements investment advisers subject to a State securities regulator, unless they: (1) manage at least $25 million in assets; and (2) serve as advisers to certain federally registered investment companies, or certain business development companies. Exempts from State regulation advisers subject to SEC regulation, or excepted from the SEC definition of investment adviser. Permits States, in such cases, to: (1) require the filing of documents for notice purposes; and (2) investigate fraud or deceit and bring enforcement actions. (Sec. 104) Prohibits the enforcement of any State law or regulation that sets recordkeeping or capital and bond requirements in addition to those of the State in which an adviser maintains its principal place of business and is in compliance with applicable requirements. (Sec. 105) Directs the SEC to restrict the activities of investment advisers who are convicted felons, regardless of the nature of the felony or if the court is foreign, or to suspend or revoke their registration. Title II: Facilitating Investment in Mutual Funds - Investment Company Act Amendments of 1996 - Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to exempt from certain acquisition proscriptions the securities of a registered open-end investment company or a registered unit investment trust acquired by another such company or trust belonging to the same group of investment companies if specified circumstances apply. (Sec. 203) Revises requirements for the amendment of registration statements under the Securities Act of 1933 relating to securities issued by face-amount certificate companies, open-end management companies or unit investment trusts. Repeals provisions for an increase in the number of securities specified in a registration, and deems any such registration to be for an indefinite number of securities. Prescribes formulae for the determination of registration fees, including interest due on late payments. (Sec. 204) Directs the SEC to permit the use of a prospectus containing substantive information not included in the prospectus specified in the Securities Act, but which shall be deemed permitted under such Act. (Sec. 205) Prescribes guidelines for the sale of variable insurance contracts. (Sec. 206) Revises the strictures on deceptive or misleading investment company names to declare unlawful the adoption of a name which is materially deceptive or misleading (the current standard is "deceptive or misleading"). Repeals the SEC's authority to bring an action in a U.S. district court for injunctive relief against a violator of such prohibition. (Sec. 207) Modifies the guidelines that exempt investment companies from the Act. Instructs the SEC to prescribe rules: (1) implementing such modified guidelines; and (2) permitting ownership by knowledgeable employees of an issuer of the securities of that issuer without loss of the issuer's statutory exception from treatment as an investment company. (Sec. 208) Authorizes the SEC to provide exemptions from certain investment advisory performance fee contract restrictions to the extent that the exemption relates to a contract with any person that the SEC determines does not need the statutory protections, or who is not a U.S. resident. Title III: Reducing the Cost of Saving and Investment - Exempts from the purview of the Investment Company Act of 1940 specified companies not engaged in the business of issuing redeemable securities, but whose financial or managerial assistance operations are subject to State regulation, if their activities are limited to the promotion of economic, business, or industrial development through the provision of such assistance to certain enterprises. (Sec. 302) Increases from $100,000 to $10 million the maximum size of closed-end investment companies exempt from the purview of the Act. (Sec. 303) Redefines: (1) "eligible portfolio company" to include maximum total assets of $4 million, and maximum capital and surplus of $2 million; and (2) "business development company" to provide that it need not make available significant managerial assistance to specified companies. (Sec. 305) Revises guidelines governing business development companies, including: (1) acquisitions of assets; (2) capital structure; and (3) filing of written statements. (Sec. 308) Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to exempt from State jurisdiction: (1) certain federally registered securities; and (2) securities transactions with qualified purchasers. (Sec. 309) Amends the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to grant the SEC general exemptive authority regarding registration requirements. (Sec. 310) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 and 1998 to implement the Economic Analysis Program, including funding for the Office of Economic Analysis of the SEC. Directs the Chief Economist of the SEC to prepare a report on each proposed SEC regulation, which must be published in the Federal Register before it may become effective. Prescribes report contents. (Sec. 311) Directs the SEC to report to the Congress on its plan for promoting competition and innovation of the Electronic Data Gathering Analysis and Retrieval (EDGAR) System through privatization. (Sec. 312) Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to mandate that the SEC and certain self-regulatory organizations ("examining authorities") coordinate their examination functions according to prescribed guidelines in order to eliminate duplication in the broker and dealer examination process. (Sec. 313) Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1933 to exclude from the definition of securities sales offer any offshore press conferences and public meetings, or press materials disseminated offshore. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to preclude SEC jurisdiction over certain persons who grant U.S. journalists access to meetings and press materials in connection with offshore tender offers affecting securities of a foreign issuer. (Sec. 314) Requires the SEC to amend a specified registration form to allow its use for primary offerings by certain registrants whose nonaffiliates have an adequate aggregate market value. (Sec. 315) Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to exempt certain church employee pension plans from its definition of investment company (thus removing such plans from its purview). Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to mandate disclosure to church plan participants that: (1) such plans are not subject to Federal or State regulatory oversight; and (2) plan participants and beneficiaries will therefore not be afforded the protections concomitant with such oversight. (Sec. 316) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the SEC should present a status report to the Congress regarding: (1) the development of international accounting standards; and (2) the outlook for completion of such standards for offerings and listings by foreign corporations in U.S. markets.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Short Title; Table of Contents Title II: Revenue Provisions Subtitle A: Expanded Pension Coverage and Simplification Subtitle B: Expanded Individual Retirement Accounts to Increase Coverage and Portability Subtitle C: Other Expansions of Pension Portability Subtitle D: Conforming Amendments Title I: Short Title; Table of Contents - Retirement Savings and Security Act - Sets forth the table of contents of this Act. Title II: Revenue Provisions - Subtitle A: Expanded Pension Coverage and Simplification - Chapter 1: The NEST and Other Coverage Expansion - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish national employee savings trusts (NESTS) for employees of small employers. (Sec. 1102) Makes tax-exempt organizations and Indian governmental instrumentalities eligible section 401(k) pension plan employers. (Sec. 1103) Sets forth alternative methods for satisfying section 401(k) nondiscrimination tests. (Sec. 1104) Revises "highly compensated employee" provisions. (Sec. 1106) Repeals the limitation in the case of an employee with defined benefit and a defined contribution plans from the same employer. (Sec. 1107) Makes certain defined contribution plan provisions applicable to all permanently disabled employees. (Sec. 1108) Revises deferred payment provisions with respect to: (1) owner-employee contributions; and (2) State and local plan trust requirements. Chapter 2: Simplification and Cost Savings - Sets forth a special compensation limitation rule with respect to governmental and multiemployer deferred payment plans. States that a governmental plan's eligibility shall not be affected by its excess benefit arrangement. (Sec. 1204) Provides special rules for treatment of governmental and tax-exempt organization deferred compensation plans. (Sec. 1206) Establishes a simplified method for annuity distribution taxation for certain employer plans. (Sec. 1207) Eliminates five-year income averaging for lump-sum distributions. (Sec. 1208) Reduces from 59.5 years old to 59 years old the age at which a recipient may receive certain retirement and annuity distributions penalty-free. (Sec. 1209) Provides a special rule for certain rural cooperative plan distributions. (Sec. 1211) Treats the social security retirement age as the uniform retirement age for purposes of pension plan non-discrimination requirements. (Sec. 1214) Eliminates partial termination rules with respect to multiemployer plans. (Sec. 1217) Increases the tax on prohibited transactions. Subtitle B: Expanded Individual Retirement Accounts to Increase Coverage and Portability - Chapter 1: Retirement Savings Incentives - Subchapter A: IRA Deduction - Increases individual retirement account (IRA) income limitations. Provides inflation adjustments for deductible amounts and income limitations. Subchapter B: Nondeductible Tax-Free IRAs - Establishes nondeductible tax-free IRAs. Chapter 2: Distributions and Investments - Authorizes IRA distributions to be used without the additional ten-percent tax for first home purchases, higher education, financially devastating medical costs, and by the unemployed. (Sec. 1323) Sets forth provisions with respect to the use of IRA funds to purchase qualifying State prepaid tuition instruments. Chapter 3: Termination of Certain Provisions - Sets forth IRA-related termination provisions with respect to: (1) inflation adjustments; (2) contributions to special IRA accounts; (3) early withdrawal tax; and (4) increases in specified limitations. Subtitle C: Other Expansions of Pension Portability - Establishes alternative nondiscrimination rules for certain plans that provide for early participation. (Sec. 1402) Establishes special rules for certain veterans' reemployment rights, including provisions regarding: (1) contributions; (2) elective deferrals; (3) retroactive adjustments; (4) loan repayment suspensions; and (5) compensation. (Sec. 1403) Eliminates the special vesting rule for multiemployer plans. Subtitle D: Conforming Amendments - Makes specified conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Short Title; Table of Contents Title II: Conforming Railroad Retirement Benefits with Social Security Title I: Short Title; Table of Contents - Retirement Savings and Security Act - Sets forth this Act's short title and table of contents. Title II: Conforming Railroad Retirement Benefits with Social Security - Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (RRA) with respect to eligibility for and the amount of a child's annuity. Provides for entitlement to spousal annuities despite certain age requirements. Removes the age requirement for divorced spouses, and provides for entitlement of the divorced spouse where the worker's annuity is not payable. Provides for RRA benefits equivalent to those under the Social Security Act with respect to: (1) amounts of continued payment to survivors of waived lump sum benefits; (2) lump sum death benefits; and (3) benefits with respect to service for which certain railroad retirement annuities are not payable.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Short Title; Table of Contents Title II: Additional Retirement Participation and Payment Options for Federal Employees Retirement Savings and Security Act - Title I: Short Title; Table of Contents - Sets forth, for this Act: (1) the short title; and (2) the table of contents. Title II: Additional Retirement Participation and Payment Options for Federal Employees - Requires the Executive Director of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to prescribe regulations to allow Federal employees to be afforded a reasonable opportunity to make an election to make contributions under the Thrift Savings Plan on the date of commencing service or beginning on the earliest date thereafter that such an election becomes administratively feasible. (Sec. 2002) Provides for a deferred annuity for a surviving former spouse of a deceased former Federal employee who separated from the service with title to a deferred annuity if such individuals were married to one another prior to the date of separation. Provides for a surviving spouse to elect to receive a certain deferred annuity if a former employee dies after having separated from the service with title to a deferred annuity but before having established a valid claim for annuity. (Sec. 2003) Revises provisions concerning the payment of a lump sum to a former spouse of a Federal employee.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Research Subtitle A: Breast Cancer Research Extension Act of 1996 Subtitle B: HHS Women Scientists Employment Opportunity Act Subtitle C: Women and AIDS Research Initiative Amendments of 1996 Subtitle D: Women's Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Prevention Act Subtitle E: Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases Research Act of 1996 Subtitle F: Lupus Research Amendments of 1996 Subtitle G: Ovarian Cancer Research and Information Amendments of 1996 Subtitle H: HPV Infection and Cervical Cancer Research Resolution of 1996 Subtitle I: Office for Rare Disease Research Act of 1996 Subtitle J: Federal Risk Assessment in Women's Health Act of 1996 Subtitle K: Women's Health Environmental Factors Act of 1996 Subtitle L: Consumer Involvement in Breast Cancer Research Act Subtitle M: Women and Alcohol Research Equity Act of 1996 Subtitle N: Breast Cancer Screening Title II: Services Subtitle A: Women's Health Office Act of 1996 Subtitle B: Genetic Information Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance Act of 1996 Subtitle C: Improved Patient Access to Clinical Studies Act of 1996 Subtitle D: Equitable Health Care for Neurobiological Disorders Act of 1996 Subtitle E: Victims of Abuse Insurance Protection Act Subtitle F: Insurance Protection for Victims of Domestic Violence Act Subtitle G: Domestic Violence Victims Insurance Protection Act of 1996 Subtitle H: Fairness to Minority Women Health Act Subtitle I: Adolescent Health Demonstration Projects Act Subtitle J: Eating Disorders Information and Education Act of 1996 Subtitle K: Women's Choice and Reproductive Health Protection Act of 1996 Subtitle L: Women's Right to Know Act of 1996 Subtitle M: International Population Stabilization and Reproductive Health Act Subtitle N: Federal Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act of 1996 Subtitle O: Women and HIV Outreach and Prevention Act Subtitle P: Smoking Prevention and Cessation in WIC Clinics Act Subtitle Q: Comprehensive Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention Act Subtitle R: Postreproductive Health Care Act Subtitle S: Family Caregiver Support and Protection Act of 1996 Subtitle T: Medicare Mammography Enhancement Act of 1996 Subtitle U: Medicare Bone Mass Measurement Standardization Act of 1996 Subtitle V: Osteoporosis and Related Bone Disorders Resource Center Act of 1996 Subtitle W: Women Veterans Health Improvement Act of 1996 Subtitle X: Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Subtitle Y: Obstetrician-Gynecologists as Primary Care Providers Women's Health Equity Act of 1996 - Title I: Research - Subtitle A: Breast Cancer Research Extension Act of 1996 - Breast Cancer Research Extension Act of 1996 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for breast cancer research. Subtitle B: HHS Women Scientists Employment Opportunity Act - HHS Women Scientist Employment Opportunity Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish policies for the Department of Health and Human Services on matters relating to the employment of women scientists; and (2) monitor compliance and take appropriate action if policies have been violated. Mandates implementation of the recommendations of the Task Force on the Status of NIH (National Institutes of Health) Intramural Women Scientists. Provides for a study and report on pay equity. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Women and AIDS Research Initiative Amendments of 1996 - Women and AIDS Research Initiative Amendments of 1996 - Mandates a program to conduct biomedical and behavioral research (directly or through grants) on cases of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in women. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Women's Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Prevention Act - Women's Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Prevention Act - Mandates expansion, intensification, and coordination of research and related activities of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute with regard to cardiovascular diseases in women. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E: Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases Research Act of 1996 - Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases Research Act of 1996 - Requires specified institutes of the National Institutes of Health to expand and intensify research on osteoporosis and related bone diseases. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle F: Lupus Research Amendments of 1996 - Lupus Research Amendments of 1996 - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases to expand and intensify research and related activities of the Institute with respect to lupus. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle G: Ovarian Cancer Research and Information Amendments of 1996 - Ovarian Cancer Research and Information Amendments of 1996 - Authorizes appropriations for research on ovarian cancer. Subtitle H: HPV Infection and Cervical Cancer Research Resolution of 1996 - HPV Infection and Cervical Cancer Research Resolution of 1996 - Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that, in conducting cervical cancer research, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases should collaborate in sponsoring basic and clinical research on human papilloma virus diagnosis and prevention as a risk of cervical cancer and, as applicable, develop screening techniques. Subtitle I: Office for Rare Disease Research Act of 1996 - Office for Rare Disease Research Act of 1996 - Establishes, in the National Institutes of Health, the Office for Rare Disease Research. Subtitle J: Federal Risk Assessment in Women's Health Act of 1996 - Federal Risk Assessment in Women's Health Act of 1996 - Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy to conduct a review of all Federal programs that assess or mitigate the risks to women's health from environmental exposures. Provides for a study and report to the Congress. Subtitle K: Women's Health Environmental Factors Act of 1996 - Women's Health Environmental Factors Act of 1996 - Mandates a report to the Congress: (1) summarizing the body of scientific knowledge on environmental effects on women's health; and (2) specifying an agenda for the conduct and support of research. Subtitle L: Consumer Involvement in Breast Cancer Research Act - Consumer Involvement in Breast Cancer Research Act - Requires the National Cancer Institute, to the extent practicable, to increase the involvement of people who are accountable to, represent, and report back to organizations that represent those affected by breast cancer in decision making at the Institute regarding breast cancer. Subtitle M: Women and Alcohol Research Equity Act of 1996 - Women and Alcohol Research Equity Act of 1996 - Requires that $44 million of the first $191 million appropriated to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism be obligated for research on alcohol abuse and alcoholism among women. Authorizes appropriations (in addition to the existing authorization of appropriations for the Institute) for such research regarding women. Subtitle N: Accurate Mammography Guidelines Act of 1996 - Accurate Mammography Guidelines Act of 1996 - Expresses the sense of the Congress regarding mammography screening studies and guidelines. Title II: Services - Subtitle A: Women's Health Office Act of 1996 - Women's Health Office Act of 1996 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish an Office of (or on) Women's Health and a related coordinating committee in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, the Health Care Resources and Services Administration, and the Office of the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Amends the PHSA to establish a related advisory committee. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Genetic Information Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance Act of 1996 - Genetic Information Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance Act of 1996 - Prohibits insurance providers from: (1) denying or canceling health insurance coverage or varying the premiums, terms, or conditions of coverage on the basis of genetic information or on the basis that the individual or family involved has requested or received genetic services; (2) requesting or requiring insured individuals or applicants to disclose genetic information; or (3) disclosing genetic information without prior written authorization. Subtitle C: Improved Patient Access to Clinical Studies Act of 1996 - Improved Patient Access to Clinical Studies Act of 1996 - Prohibits a health plan from denying, limiting, imposing additional conditions on, or discriminating against an enrollee on the basis of the enrollee's participation in an approved clinical study. Subtitle D: Equitable Health Care for Neurobiological Disorders Act of 1996 - Equitable Health Care for Neurobiological Disorders Act of 1996 - States that the standards for the nondiscriminatory and equitable treatment by employer health benefit plans of individuals with neurobiological disorders require that such plans provide for coverage of services essential to the effective treatment of such disorders in a specified manner. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a noncompliance tax of up to 25 percent. Subtitle E: Victims of Abuse Insurance Protection Act - Victims of Abuse Insurance Protection Act - Prohibits insurers and health carriers from denying, terminating, or limiting coverage on the basis that the applicant or insured is, has been, or may be the subject of abuse involving household or family members, current or former spouses, or individuals in or formerly in a sexually intimate relationship. Requires an insurer that takes any adverse action relating to any plan or policy of an abuse subject (whether applicant or insured) to advise such individual of the specific reasons for the action. Subtitle F: Insurance Protection for Victims of Domestic Violence Act - Insurance Protection for Victims of Domestic Violence Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to create a new title prohibiting health insurers from discriminating against an individual or group because the individual or a family member is the subject of abuse. Mandates development of model standards. Provides for application the amendments made by this subtitle to specified provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Subtitle G: Domestic Violence Victims Insurance Protection Act of 1996 - Domestic Violence Victims Insurance Protection Act of 1996 - Prohibits insurers from denying or cancelling insurance coverage for individuals solely on the basis that the individual is or has been the subject of an act of domestic violence. Subtitle H: Fairness to Minority Women Health Act - Fairness to Minority Women Health Act - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act and the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to exempt aliens and their children from provisions attributing to the alien the income and resources of the sponsor and the sponsor's spouse if the alien is battered by, or the subject of extreme cruelty by, the person who executed the affidavit of support or similar agreement regarding the alien. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to prohibit payments to States for obstetrical or gynecological services unless the hospital, clinic, or provider has available at least one individual who is able to communicate in the predominant language used by residents of the area. Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow grants (under existing provisions) for family planning projects only if the service providers under the grant have at least one such individual. Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to prohibit making funds available under the Act unless providers of shelter or related assistance have at least one such individual. Subtitle I: Adolescent Health Demonstration Projects Act - Adolescent Health Demonstration Projects Act - Mandates grants for the establishment or support of adolescent health demonstration projects. Prohibits using grant funds to perform or pay for abortions. Subtitle J: Eating Disorders Information and Education Act of 1996 - Eating Disorders Information and Education Act of 1996 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for a program of information and education to the public concerning the prevention and treatment of eating disorders. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle K: Women's Choice and Reproductive Health Protection Act of 1996 - Women's Choice and Reproductive Health Protection Act of 1996 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to authorize appropriations for population research and family planning programs. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit any government authority from limiting the right of any individual to provide or receive nonfraudulent information about the availability of reproductive health care services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) assure that the Food and Drug Administration evaluates the drug Mifepristone or RU 486; and (2) assess initiatives by which the Department of Health and Human Services can promote the testing, licensing, and manufacturing of the drug Mifepristone or other antiprogestins in the United States. Prohibits Federal law from being construed to prohibit health insurance providers from offering coverage for any reproductive health care services, including abortion services. Amends Federal law to provide that the performance of an abortion in a facility of the uniformed services located outside the 48 contiguous States of the United States is not prohibited, provided specific requirements are met. Subtitle L: Women's Right To Know Act of 1996 - Women's Right To Know Act of 1996 - Amends title XI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit a governmental authority, in or through any program or activity that provides health care services or information, from limiting the right of any person to provide or to receive nonfraudulent information about the availability of reproductive health care services, including family planning, prenatal care, adoption, and abortion services. Subtitle M: International Population Stabilization and Reproductive Health Act - International Population Stabilization and Reproductive Health Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to set forth population assistance authorities and requirements. Authorizes appropriations for voluntary population planning under existing provisions. Makes development assistance available on a priority basis for countries which have agreed to address specific education, literacy, and health issues. Authorizes the President to establish a grant program, to be known as the Safe Motherhood Initiative, to improve the access of girls and women to reproductive health care services. Authorizes appropriations for the Child Survival Fund, the Safe Motherhood Initiative, and for research on, and treatment and control of, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in developing countries. Subtitle N: Federal Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act of 1996 - Federal Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit and set penalties for knowingly circumcising, excising, or infibulating any part of the labia majora, labia minora, or clitoris of another person who has not attained age 18, subject to medical exceptions. Subtitle O: Women and HIV Outreach and Prevention Act - Women and HIV Outreach and Prevention Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants, with regard to women (and their partners) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), for preventive health services, referrals, follow-ups, outreach, and training on the effective provision of such services. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes grants to provide HIV prevention education to women. Sets forth requirements regarding the composition of Planning Councils. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts to provide: (1) substance abuse treatment to women; (2) counseling to women who engage in substance abuse on the prevention of infection with, and the transmission of, the etiologic agent for AIDS; and (3) such counseling to women who are the partners of individuals who abuse substances. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes appropriations for grants under existing provisions to provide early intervention services for women and related technical assistance. Subtitle P: Smoking Prevention and Cessation in WIC Clinics Act - Smoking Prevention and Cessation in WIC Clinics Act - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to require the State agency responsible for nutrition education and drug abuse education to establish a smoking cessation demonstration program for pregnant participants. Subtitle Q: Comprehensive Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention Act - Comprehensive Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish: (1) a program for the conduct and support of research and training, the dissemination of health information, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effects; and (2) the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Subtitle R: Postreproductive Health Care Act - Postreproductive Health Care Act - Mandates grants for: (1) prevention and outpatient treatment of, and counseling for, health conditions unique to, more serious, or more prevalent for women of menopausal age or older, or for which the medical risk or types of medical intervention are different; and (2) related education and training of health professionals. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle S: Family Caregiver Support and Protection Act of 1996 - Family Caregiver Support and Protection Act of 1996 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage for respite care services, defined as companion or homemaker services, personal assistance, community day services, or temporary residential care furnished on a short-term, intermittent, or emergency basis. Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to deductions for medical care to include qualified long-term care services as medical care. Subtitle T: Medicare Mammography Enhancement Act of 1996 - Medicare Mammography Enhancement Act of 1996 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise requirements regarding the coverage of mammograms. Subtitle U: Medicare Bone Mass Measurement Standardization Act of 1996 - Medicare Bone Mass Measurement Standardization Act of 1996 - Provides for Medicare coverage of bone mass measurements. Subtitle V: Osteoporosis and Related Bone Disorders Resource Center Act of 1996 - Osteoporosis and Related Bone Disorders Resource Center Act of 1996 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations, in addition to other authorizations of appropriations, for the establishment and operation of a clearinghouse on osteoporosis and related bone disorders. Subtitle W: Women Veterans Health Improvement Act of 1996 - Women Veterans Health Improvement Act of 1996 - Amends Federal law relating to veterans' benefits to include women's health services in the definition of "medical services." Sets forth requirements concerning studies and reports. Subtitle X: Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection - Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1996 - Requires health plans and employee health benefit plans that provide maternity (including childbirth) benefits to ensure that coverage is provided for: (1) specified minimum periods after delivery; and (2) certain post-delivery care. Subtitle Y: Obstetrician-Gynecologists as Primary Care Providers - Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that: (1) obstetrician-gynecologists should be included as primary care providers for women in Federal health care laws; and (2) legislative proposals that define primary care should include services performed by obstetrician-gynecologists in that definition.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Short Titles; Table of Contents Title II: ERISA Provisions Subtitle A: Expanded Pension Coverage and Simplification Subtitle B: Portability Subtitle C: Enhanced Security Title I: Short Title; Table of Contents - Retirement Savings and Security Act - Sets forth the table of contents. Title II: ERISA Provisions - Subtitle A: Expanded Pension Coverage and Simplification - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to establish reporting and fiduciary requirements relating to NESTs (National Employee Savings Trusts, under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), which are 401(k)-type plans for small business, designed to ensure participation by low- and moderate-wage workers, who will be able to save up to $5,000 per year tax-deferred, plus receive employer contributions toward retirement). (Sec. 2002) Eliminates specified ERISA requirements relating to employee benefit plan descriptions and filing of summary plan descriptions and descriptions of material modifications to a plan. Requires filing of annual plan reports by plan administrators. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to request any documents relating to such plans. (Sec. 2003) Includes under ERISA purchases of qualified State prepaid tuition program instruments to which specified IRC provisions apply. Subtitle B: Portability - Directs the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) to prescribe specified types of payment rules relating to missing participants for terminated multiemployer plans. (Sec. 2011) Allows the administrator of a plan not otherwise subject to ERISA plan termination insurance provisions to elect to transfer a missing participant's benefits to the PBGC upon plan termination. Requires such administrator to provide the PBGC with specified information. Directs the PBGC, if such a missing participant's benefits are transferred to it, to pay the appropriate amount to the participant or beneficiary. (Sec. 2012) Eliminates a special vesting rule for multiemployer plans. (Sec. 2013) Provides for treatment of certain loans during military service. Subtitle C: Enhanced Security - Increases the amounts of guarantees for multiemployer plan benefits. (Sec. 2022) Directs the Secretary of Labor, as chairman of the PBGC board, to transmit to the President and the Congress an annual reversion report providing information on plans from which residual assets were distributed to employers. (Sec. 2023) Sets forth a full funding limitation for multiemployer plans. Requires a valuation every three years in the case of multiemployer plans. (Sec. 2024) Increases the maximum civil penalty for certain prohibited transactions. (Sec. 2025) Revises provisions relating to substantial owner benefits to modify: (1) a phase-in of guarantee; and (2) allocation of assets. Pension Audit Improvement Act of 1996 - Amends ERISA to repeal certain provisions for limited scope audits. (Sec. 2033) Requires certain notifications by plan administrators and accountants regarding: (1) irregularities that may have occurred with respect to plans; and (2) termination of an accountant's engagement for auditing services. Sets forth civil penalties for failures to provide the Secretary of Labor with such notifications. (Sec. 2034) Prescribes additional requirements for qualified public accountants. (Sec. 2035) Revises certain fiduciary penalties. Modifies a prohibition of assignment or alienation. Changes from mandatory to discretionary: (1) the imposition and the amount of civil penalties for breach of fiduciary responsibility; and (2) certain provisions relating to an applicable recovery amount.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1996
Women's Pension Equity Act of 1996 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for the development of a model: (1) spousal consent form when an election is made to waive a qualified joint and survivor annuity or a qualified preretirement survivor annuity; and (2) qualified domestic relations order. Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to extend the payment of any portion of Tier II Railroad Retirement benefits to surviving former spouses pursuant to divorce agreements. Amends Federal law to provide for a survivor annuity to widows, widowers, and certain former spouses of Federal employees who die after having separated from the service with title to a deferred annuity, but before attaining age for such annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System on the same basis as is currently provided to certain survivors of former Members of Congress. Revises provisions concerning Federal retirement benefits subject to a court order.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1996
Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide that certain marking requirements with respect to imported articles and containers shall not apply to certain U.S.-made feather and down filled products.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1996
United States Tourism Organization Act - Establishes: (1) the National Tourism Board to develop a national travel and tourism strategy for increasing U.S. tourism; and (2) the United States Tourism Organization as a non-Federal nonprofit organization to implement the national travel and tourism strategy developed by the Board. Requires the Secretary of State to cooperate with the Organization and place a high priority on implementing its recommendations. Amends the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 to require the Federal trade promotion plan of the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC) to reflect Board recommendations. Makes the Chairman of the Organization a member of the TPCC. Terminates the Organization and the Board if a plan for the long-term financing of the Organization has not been implemented two years after its incorporation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1996
Declares that the Senate: (1) endorses efforts by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to upgrade the currency for security reasons; and (2) strongly encourages the Secretary of the Treasury and the Bureau to incorporate cost-effective, tactile features into the design changes, thereby including the blind and visually impaired in independent currency usage.
![Official portrait of Sen. Moseley-Braun, Carol [D-IL]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001025_200.jpg)