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United States · Official source
4,376 records where Sen. Riegle, Donald W., Jr. [D-MI] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to extend the effective period of ceiling prices established by the President and applicable to any first sale of crude oil produced in the United States. Extends the President's authority under such Act to December 31, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
Recognizes the month of April as Fair Housing Month.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Unemployment Insurance System Revitalization Act of 1979 - Title I: Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Program - Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Act of 1979 - Entitles, under the Social Security Act, any State, whose rates of insured unemployment is at least six percent to partial reimbursement on an ascending sliding scale of unemployment compensation costs incurred above a certain amount. Title II: Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1979 - Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1979 - Replaces the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 with an extended unemployment benefit program which includes both regular extended benefits of up to 13 weeks and supplemental extended benefits of up to 13 additional weeks. Directs that benefits be made available when unemployment exceeds specified trigger levels which are similar to those used under present law. Revises the method for determining unemployment rates for the purpose of such triggers. Provides for 50 percent Federal funding of regular extended benefits and for full Federal funding of supplemental benefits. Title III: Financing Amendments for Unemployment Compensation Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to extend the payback period of a State having an outstanding balance of loans and to permit a State to pay as little as 20 percent of the outstanding balance in a year upon determining that the State is taking sufficient steps to restore the fiscal soundness of its trust fund. Waives any repayment requirement for States in which the insured unemployment rate exceeds a specified level. Restricts the penalty tax in a State which defaults to only insured employers and provides that the rate of such tax shall remain constant even if the outstanding balance owed is not entirely repaid.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Amends the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977 to: (1) eliminate the requirement that States have a program of matching the Federal amounts of veterans' accelerated educational assistance payments in order for a veteran to receive such accelerated payments; (2) revise application filing deadlines for such accelerated payments; and (3) increase from 33 1/3 percent to 66 2/3 percent the maximum rate at which such accelerated payments may be reimbursed by the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Eliminates restrictions and conditions on the appointment of female pages in the Senate that require Senators to be responsible for: (1) the safe transportation of the female page between the Senate and the page's place of local abode; and (2) the safety, well- being, and strict supervision of such page while she is in her place of local abode.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Makes rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate, relating to outside earned income of Senators and specified Senate employees, effective on January 2, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Deauthorization Act of 1979 - Repeals the authorization for the Tennessee- Tombigbee Waterway project, Alabama and Mississippi. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers: (1) to maintain the existing facilities; and (2) to compensate the States for nonrecoverable sums that have been spent on such project.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Agricultural Land Protection Act - Title I: Federal Agency Compliance - Requires the interpretation and administration of the policies, regulations, and public laws of the United States in accordance with a recognition of the rights and responsibilities of private landholders in making land use decisions, and the rights and responsibilities of State and local governments in developing public policies regarding non-Federal land use. Directs Federal agencies to consider the retention of agricultural land for agricultural purposes when they make decisions which impact directly or indirectly on private, and State and local government public land, as well as on Federal land. Requires all such Federal agencies to review their administrative procedures, especially those regarding land acquisition and management, in order to bring them into conformity with the policies and purposes of this title. Title II: Farmland Review Study - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study: (1) agricultural land in the United States; (2) the effects of industrial development, climate, and other factors on the productivity of such land; (3) the acquisition of such land by persons not engaged in agricultural activities; and (4) methods of protecting and improving such land, and of reducing the amount being converted to nonagricultural uses. Requires a final report of findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the President and to Congress within 42 months after the effective date of this Act. Title III: Research Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, during a three-year period, to provide financial and technical assistance to States and local governments for the development, demonstration, and testing of methods of reducing the quantity of agricultural land (including such land in and around urban areas) being converted from agricultural uses to nonagricultural uses. Limits such financial assistance to not more than 25 percent of the cost of preparing, establishing, demonstrating, conducting, and testing three such reduction projects. Title IV: Technical Assistance Program - Directs the Secretary, through the Soil Conservation Service, to provide State and local governments with: (1) technical assistance concerning methods of protecting agricultural land and reducing its conversion to nonagricultural uses; and (2) financial assistance (not to exceed 25 percent of costs) to enable such governments to develop plans to implement such methods. Title V: General Provisions - Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1980 through 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Provides for the arbitration of disputes between the Postmaster General and recognized organizations of Postal Service managerial personnel other than officers, postmasters, and employees engaged in personnel work in Postal Service headquarters. Subjects to arbitration under this Act issues relating to pay policies, fringe benefits, and the determination of whether or not a matter is subject to participation by such organization. Establishes an arbitration board to consider a dispute upon the request of the Postal Service or such recognized organization.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
Export Administration Act of 1979 - Authorizes the President to prohibit or curtail the export of goods and technology to the extent necessary. Stipulates that U.S. policy concerning the administration of export controls for national security purposes shall not be based exclusively on a country's Communist or non-Communist status, but shall take into account various factors. Directs the President to review annually U.S. policy towards individual countries and to report the results to Congress. Authorizes export controls on goods and technology which would make a significant contribution to the military potential of any nation threatening U.S. national security. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, to review such controls annually to insure that export controls are limited to militarily critical goods and technologies. Sets forth the factors to be taken into consideration by the President before imposing export controls. Requires the President to report to Congress concerning the imposition or extension of export controls. Prohibits export controls of goods and technology available outside the United States, unless the absence of such controls would be detrimental to U.S. foreign policy or national security. Directs the President to take steps to negotiate with the appropriate foreign countries to eliminate such availability. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to reorganize the Department of Commerce as necessary. Requires the Secretary to maintain and review a list of goods and technology subject to export controls. Requires the Secretary to establish an Office of Foreign Product and Technology Assessment to gather information on the foreign availability of such goods. Requires the Secretary to keep the public informed of export control policy and procedures. Directs the Secretary to establish validated, qualified general, and general licenses. Sets forth procedures for export license applications. Establishes an Export Administration Board and an Export Administration Review Council composed of the Secretaries of Commerce, Defense, and State and their designated representatives to review export license applications. Provides for review of proposed exports by the appropriate department or agency. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to monitor the export of goods which may contribute to an increase in domestic prices or a domestic shortage. Authorizes the President to impose export license fees in order to protect the domestic economy. Prohibits the exporting of domestically produced crude oil unless specified requirements are met. Prohibits controlling the exports of agricultural commodities without the approval of the Secretary of Agriculture. Directs the President to prohibit compliance with or support of any foreign boycott against a country which is friendly to the United States, with specified exceptions. Requires people receiving a request for compliance with such a boycott to report such request to the Secretary of Commerce. Permits domestic manufacturers or business operators to petition the Secretary of Commerce for an exemption from export controls to alleviate any unique hardship. Sets forth the procedure for such petitions. Directs departments and agencies making determinations as to export controls to consult and cooperate with other departments. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to appoint technical advisory committees to assist in evaluating certain goods and technology which are subject to export controls because of their significance to U.S. national security. Provides criminal and civil penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes the head of any department or agency exercising any function under this Act or the Export Control Act of 1949 to make such investigations as are necessary. Prohibits the disclosure of confidential information. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to review and report to Congress concerning the simplification of rules and regulations issued under this Act. Exempts this Act from specified provisions concerning administrative procedure and judicial review. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report annually to Congress concerning the administration of this Act. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1980. Stipulates that this Act shall become effective on the expiration of the Export Administration Act of 1969. Provides for the continuation of rules and other administrative action under such Act to remain effective.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Interstate Taxation of Depositories Act of 1979 - Title I: Jurisdiction to Tax - Allows States and political subdivisions to impose a doing-business tax only on a depository bank which has a business location in the State or political subdivision during the taxable year. Title II: Maximum Percentage of Income, Receipts, or Capital Attributable to Taxing Jurisdiction - Sets forth an optional formula for apportioning such interstate tax, whereby a State may not impose, for any taxable year on a depository taxable in more than one State, a doing-business tax measured by an amount of net income, gross receipts, or capital in excess of the amount determined by multiplying the depository's base by an apportionment fraction; the numerator of which is the sum of the payroll factor and the receipts factor and the denominator of which is two. Provides that a depository may be taxed in more than one State if the requisite jurisdiction exists. Allows States to require combined reporting, including the combined base and apportionment factors of all corporations affiliated with such depository. Sets forth exceptions to this reporting requirement, including corporations incorporated outside of the United States. Defines the payroll and receipts factors which constitute the apportionment fraction. Excludes from net income and gross receipts: (1) dividends received from a corporation in which such depository owns at least 80 percent of the voting stock; or (2) all income which is considered income from sources outside the United States. Excludes from the capital of a depository investments in, and advancements to, affiliated corporations. Title III: Definitions and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discriminatory imposition of a doing-business tax on specified depositories.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Amends title VII of the Public Health Service Act (Health Research and Teaching Facilities and Training of Professional Health Personnel) to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to schools of medicine and osteopathy for the establishment and operation of educational programs in geriatrics.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Reclamation Lands Family Farm Act - Title I: Findings, Purposes, Definitions - States the purpose of this Act and sets forth definitions. Title II: Acreage Limitations and Equivalency - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, for purposes of administering the reclamation laws, to change the 160 acre limitation to 160 acres of class one land or its equivalent in lands of lesser productivity. Permits each qualified purchaser to purchase 160 additional acres for each dependent. Allows qualified family farmers without dependents and qualified family farmers of a cooperative family farm to purchase or lease up to 320 acres. Entitles an individual who is not a family farmer to purchase 160 acres provided such purchaser lives within 25 miles of the land. Title III: Excess Lands and Irrigation Rights - States that one year after the date of enactment water from any reclamation projects may only be delivered to project lands which comprise a family farm or which fall under specified categories, including, but not limited to, lands owned in projects or divisions authorized by Congress, and for which the owners have agreed to pay the costs of the delivered water. Provides for the disposition of excess reclamation project lands through a lottery or other impartial means. Title IV: Repayment or Project Costs - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to stipulate in any water right contract that all rates and assessments to be paid by the contracting entity or individual landowners shall be renegotiated every five years. Title V: Leasing of Certain Excess Lands - Directs the Secretary to purchase lands to be leased to those family farmers unable to purchase lands in reclamation projects and to lease agricultural excess land owned by the Navy at Lemoore Naval Air Station to family farmers. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Adds miscellaneous provisions including a requirement that explanations of the programs of this Act be freely available to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security to authorize the President to enter into agreements establishing reciprocal arrangements between the health insurance program established by such title and the program of any foreign country under which similar services are provided directly to entitled individuals or under which insurance is provided to meet all or part of the expenses of entitled individuals for health services. Requires that any such agreement specify: (1) the nature and extent of payment to be made to or on behalf of individuals entitled to benefits; (2) limitations on the nature and duration of health services and on entitlement of individuals to benefits on a reciprocal basis under an agreement in the United States and in the foreign country; and (3) the methods by which the cost of providing health services on a reciprocal basis shall be shared by the United States and the foreign country. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make rules and regulations and establish procedures which are reasonable and necessary to implement and administer any agreement which has been entered into in accordance with this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into interim arrangements with any hospital in a foreign country which is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals, or such other hospitals as the Secretary finds meet specified health and safety standards.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Earth Data and Information Service Act of 1979 - Establishes the Earth Data and Information Service within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to collect, interpret, compile, and distribute data obtained by remote sensing satellites and other sources on the quality and quantity of the Earth's resources and environment. Directs the Service to: (1) provide rapid processing of, and ready access to, such data at a reasonable cost to both foreign and domestic users; (2) promote competition among suppliers of equipment and services to the Service; and (3) make available to all users remote sensing data and basis information products. Authorizes the Administrator of the NASA to plan, initiate, construct, acquire, own, manage, and operate an Earth Data and Information System to provide a reliable source of useful data and basic information products to users. Directs the Administrator to include in such system sensing satellites, ground equipment, data reception devices and other equipment designed to contribute to the understanding of the Earth's resources and environment. Authorizes the Administrator to establish communication networks to transmit such data and products to users on a timely basis and to consult with the National Telecommunications Information Agency of the Department of Commerce and the Federal Communications Commission in establishing such networks. Stipulates that the communication services needed for such networks, insofar as practicable, shall be procured from the private sector. Authorizes the Administrator, under the President's supervision, to participate in a program of international activities related to the functions of the Service. Directs the Administrator to establish a schedule of user charges for products and services provided under this Act. Sets forth penalties for unlawful reproduction for sale or distribution of any data or basic information products produced by the Service. Specifies procedures by which the President may transfer to the Service related functions of any other Federal department or agency. Requires the Administrator to present to the President, who shall transmit to Congress in January of each year, a report containing a description of the activities and accomplishments of the Service during the preceding year. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Refugee Act of 1979 - Title I: Purpose - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to provide a permanent and systematic procedure for the admission to this country of refugees of special concern to the United States, and to provide comprehensive and uniform provisions for temporary and transitional assistance to those refugees who are admitted. Title II: Admission of Refugees - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to define "refugee" as any person who is outside his country of nationality (or in the case of a person having no nationality, is outside any country in which he last habitually resided), and who is unable or unwilling to return to such country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Provides for up to 50,000 annual refugee admissions, with allocations to groups of refugees as determined by the President to be of special concern to the United States. Directs the President to report annually to the Judiciary Committees of the House and Senate regarding the forseeable numbers of refugees in need of resettlement during the coming fiscal year, and the anticipated allocation of such refugee admissions. Authorizes the President to exceed such 50,000 admissions level if the President, at the beginning of a fiscal year and after consultation with such Committees, determines it to be in the national interest or for humanitarian purposes. Provides that allocation for such additional refugees shall be made in the same manner as for the first 50,000. Authorizes the Attorney General to admit such refugees as permanent residents without first being admitted conditionally. Exempts such admissions from meeting certain other immigrant requirements (labor certification, public charge, immigrant visa, literacy, and foreign physicians). Provides that up to 5,000 of such 50,000 refugee admission entries may be used to adjust the status of alien refugees present in the United States to permanent resident status provided such person: (1) applies for the adjustment; (2) has been physically present in the United States for at least two years prior to such application; and (3) is a refugee not firmly resettled in any other foreign country. Exempts such persons from meeting other immigrant requirements (labor certification, public charge, immigrant visa, literacy, and foreign physicians). Permits spouses and children of refugees so adjusted to also have their status adjusted to that of permanent resident without the two year U.S. residency requirement. Permits such adjusted status refugees, upon a satisfactory showing to the Attorney General, to have the date of their admission as a permanent resident operate retroactively (up to two years) to the date they become refugees in the United States. Permits such procedure for the spouse and children of such refugees. Authorizes the President, after consultation with the Judiciary Committees of the House and Senate, to admit additional refugees in unforeseen emergency situations. States that such additional emergency refugee admissions will be allocated among groups or classes of refugees of special concern to the United States in accordance with a determination made by the President. Provides that such emergency refugees will be admitted conditionally. Permits the spouse and children of a refugee admitted for permanent residence or admitted conditionally under this Act to qualify for the same admission status as such refugee if not so entitled in their own right. Provides that the spouse or children will be charged against the same refugee admissions limitation as such refugee. Provides permanent resident status for any conditionally admitted refugee: (1) who has been present in the United States at least two years; (2) who has not acquired permanent resident status; and (3) whose conditional entry has not been terminated by the Attorney General. Provides that such permanent resident status shall be conferred without regard to certain other immigrant requirements (labor certification, public charge, immigrant visa, literacy, and foreign physicians), and shall operate retroactively to the date of such alien's arrival in the United States. Provides for the exclusion of such conditionally admitted refugees who are found to be inadmissible as permanent residents. Permits any alien eligible for retroactive resident alien status under this Act who has already been granted such status under other provisions of such Act that do not provide for retroactivity, to have his or her admission for permanent resident status recorded as of the date of entry as a refugee into the United States. Title III: Temporary and Transitional Assistance to Refugees - Amends the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962 to authorize appropriations when necessary for: (1) public or private voluntary agencies to aid in the placement, resettlement, and care of refugees; (2) programs to aid adult refugees in securing employment; (3) State and local agencies for projects to provide special educational services to refugee children in elementary and secondary schools; (4) child welfare services for two years after the arrival of a refugee child, or in the case of a child who enters the United States accompanied by a parent or other close relative, until age 18; and (5) income maintenance and medical assistance during the first two years (except for Cuban refugees who entered the United States before October 1, 1978) following a refugee's arrival in the United States, except that if a refugee is eligible for Aid to Families with Dependent Children or Medicaid assistance, funds under this Act would only be used for the non-Federal share of such assistance. Increases the authorized level of the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund from $25,000,000 to $50,000,000. Title IV: Effective Date - Provides that this Act shall take effect as of October 1, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to remove the $75 limit on the excess shelter expense deduction in the computation of household income for households composed entirely of persons who are age 65 or older, or who receive supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Urges West Germany to abolish or extend the statute of limitations governing the prosecution of war crimes.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should withdraw the standby gasoline rationing plan submitted to Congress on March 1, 1979, and resubmit an amended plan to remedy interstate inequities with regard to gasoline rationing coupon distribution.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1979
Amends title II of the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963 (Community Mental Health Centers) to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting through the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Rape, to provide financial and technical assistance to State and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations for rape prevention and treatment services, including training programs in counseling techniques, direct treatment, community education, transportation costs, self-help programs, telephone systems, emergency shelter programs, and demonstration projects.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1979
Senate Election Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to add a new Title V: Public Financing of Senate General Election Campaigns . Entitles candidates for the United States Senate meeting certain criteria and agreeing to comply with specified spending limits and reporting requirements to campaign payments on a matching basis. Requires such candidates to certify that: (1) their authorized committees will not make campaign expenditures in excess of certain limitations; (2) no contributions will be accepted by such candidates or their authorized committees in violation of this Act; (3) such candidates are seeking election to the United States Senate and have received contributions for that campaign in excess of a certain sum; and (4) at least two candidates have qualified for election to the same seat. Sets forth formulas for the determination of the amount of money to which a candidate is entitled. Stipulates that sums given by one contributor totalling over $100 shall be disregarded for purposes of matching payments. Sets spending limits for candidates receiving payments under this Act. Waives such limits for candidates whose opponents are not receiving matching payments and have spent sums in excess of the limit imposed for candidates receiving payments. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a separate Senate General Election Campaign Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and to deposit certain sums in such account in accordance with specified guidelines. Requires repayment of excess payments and unexpended payments. Penalizes the use of funds for other than campaign purposes. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to institute repayment actions in U.S. district courts. Specifies the administrative authority of the Commission in carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1979
Increases the benefits presently available under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act for eligible individuals who are receiving shelter support furnished in kind by reducing the one-third reduction in benefits payable to individuals receiving such support, by an amount equal to the amount expended by such individual for shelter.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1979
Small Business Administrative Review Court Act - Establishes the Small Business Administrative Review Court, as an independent agency within the executive branch of the Government. Grants to the Court jurisdiction over small businesses challenging certain administrative orders, citations, and fines having a dollar value of $2,500 or less. Requires, for the Court to have jurisdiction, that a small business file a petition with the Court within 60 days of receiving notice of a fine, citation or order. Allows the Court to rescind or modify any such fine, citation, or order. Stipulates that a determination by the Court or a determination of lack of jurisdiction, may not be reviewed by any agency or court. Prohibits a small business concern that elects to have its case heard by the Court from pursuing agency review of the fine, citation or order until the Court renders a decision, or determines lack of jurisdiction. Permits a small business upon the Court's decision, or determination that it is without jurisdiction, to pursue agency review of the fine, citation, or order as if the petition had not been filed with the Court. Outlines the organization of the Court, its divisions, and its sessions. Describes the administration of the Court and the rules of procedure and service of process of the Court. Requires the chief judge of the Court to submit to the President and the Congress not later than four years after enactment a report including an assessment of the success of the Court in fulfilling its functions. Requires all fees received by the Court to be deposited into the Treasury. Makes this Act effective on January 1 of the year following the date of enactment. Makes the expiration date five years from the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Soft Drink Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that exclusive territorial arrangements made as a part of a licensing agreement for the manufacture, distribution, or sale of a trademarked soft drink product are lawful under the antitrust law provided such product is in substantial and effective competition with other products for the same general class in the relevant market or markets. Prohibits recovery in private actions under the Clayton Act based on territorial provisions in a trademark licensing agreement prior to a final determination that such provisions are unlawful.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1979 - Amends title III of the Public Health Service Act (General Powers and Duties of Public Health Service) to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a system for the licensing of all clinical laboratories subject to national standards provided for under this Act. Prohibits a clinical laboratory subject to such standards from performing any tests or providing any services without a valid license. Sets forth circumstances under which the Secretary may suspend or revoke a laboratory's license. Directs the Secretary to promulgate national standards for clinical laboratories, designed to assure consistent performance of accurate and reliable tests and other procedures and services. Stipulates that such standards shall: (1) require clinical laboratories subject to the standards to maintain appropriate quality control programs; (2) require such laboratories to maintain records, equipment, and facilities necessary for effective operation; (3) include requirements for periodic proficiency testing of laboratories; (4) prescribe qualifications for directors, supervisors, and technical personnel employed in laboratories; and (5) include adequate provisions for the inspection of laboratories and the enforcement of standards. Provides that the standards may vary on the basis of the type of laboratory services provided or the purposes for which the services are performed. Directs the Secretary to develop: (1) job-related proficiency and practical examinations for clinical laboratory personnel; (2) mechanisms to assure the continued competence of such personnel; and (3) standards for the proficiency testing of clinical laboratories. Provides that the standards provisions relating to personnel qualifications shall not apply for a two-year period to certain clinical laboratories located in rural areas. Authorizes the Secretary to exempt from the national standards clinical laboratories which: (1) are operated by a licensed physician, dentist, or podiatrist, or a group of not more than five such practitioners, or in a rural health clinic, and in which only routine tests or procedures are performed, or in which more than routine tests or procedures are performed, if the laboratory successfully participates in an approved proficiency-testing program; (2) perform tests or procedures primarily for biomedical or behavioral research; or (3) perform tests or procedures only to assist insurers with respect to insurance contracts. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with: (1) qualified private nonprofit organizations to administer tests and make inspections as provided for under this Act; and (2) States to administer the licensure program provided in this Act under the Medicare program. Subjects Federal clinical laboratories under the jurisdiction of the Secretary to the national standards, with certain exceptions. Prohibits: (1) the solicitation or acceptance of specimens for laboratory tests or procedures by a clinical laboratory which is required to be licensed and which either does not have such a license or is not permitted under such license to perform the planned test or procedure; (2) misrepresentation with respect to the license application or conversion of an application to an unauthorized use; and (3) the solicitation or receipt, or the offer or payment, of any remuneration (including any kickback, bribe, or rebate) with respect to laboratory services. Authorizes the Secretary to enjoin the continuation of any activity by a clinical laboratory required to be licensed under this Act which constitutes a substantial risk to the public health. Prohibits an employer from taking action against an employee who has assisted or participated in an investigation of such employer pursuant to this Act. Establishes a procedure for investigating and correcting employers' retaliatory actions against employees. Requires the Secretary to designate a Director of Clinical Laboratories who shall be responsible for establishing a uniform regulatory policy with respect to laboratory provisions under this Act, the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and Medicare and Medicaid. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance to: (1) States to assist their laboratory enforcement capability; and (2) laboratories, including a training program for employees where deficiencies have been documented. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with public and nonprofit private entities for projects and studies on laboratory methodology and utilization. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1981 through 1983 for these purposes. Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress with respect to the accuracy and costs of laboratory tests and procedures during the previous fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies of: (1) existing voluntary certification standards and State licensure laws for laboratory personnel; (2) qualifications of entities that certify such personnel; (3) existing and proposed public and private mechanisms to determine the continued competence of such personnel; (4) existing laboratory proficiency testing methods; and (5) the relationship of requirements for such personnel and of clinical laboratory proficiency testing requirements with clinical laboratory performance. Specifies analyses to be included in such studies, and directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the results of the studies. Requires the Secretary to reimburse to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund any amount expended from such funds with respect to the licensing of non-Medicare laboratories. Repeals the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1967. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress with respect to the exemption of laboratories from the standards under this Act. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require all clinical laboratories to be licensed under this Act as a condition for Medicare certification. Sets forth requirements with respect to payment for laboratory tests under Medicare. Stipulates that pathology services shall be considered "physicians' services" to patients for purposes of reimbursement under Medicare only where the physician personally performs or directs such services. Revises the term "medical and other health services" with respect to certain services furnished to inpatients of a provider of services. Disallows charges for physicians' services which are related to a hospital's income or receipts to the extent that they exceed a reasonable salary or fee paid for the service actually performed plus costs. Disallows reimbursement to a hospital for the reasonable costs of services furnished by a physician under an arrangement with the hospital or medical school to the extent that the payment exceeds an amount equal to the salary which would reasonably have been paid for the services if the physician had performed such services in an employment relationship with such hospital.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Children and Youth Camp Safety Act - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Youth Camp Safety to be headed by a Director of Youth Camp Safety. Confers upon the Director the primary responsibility for the promulgation and enforcement of Federal and State youth camp safety regulations. Requires any State which desires to assume responsibility for the development and modification of youth camp safety standards to submit a State plan to the Director for approval. Allows a State whose plan has been rejected to obtain review of the decision in the United States court of appeals. Authorizes the Director to make grants to States for the development of youth camp safety plans, such grants not to exceed 80 percent of the cost of carrying out the State plan. Authorizes the Director to enter and inspect youth camps and their records. Charges the Director with establishing within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Federal Advisory Council on Youth Camp Safety and to submit to Congress at least once a year a report on his administration under this Act. Establishes judicial procedures to restrain any condition or practice which poses an imminent danger of serious injury at such camps. Prescribes penalties for violations by youth camp operators of the standards promulgated pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to direct the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to notify the Governor and other State officials, or the Tribal Council of any affected Indian tribe, of its intent to explore a site for a radioactive waste storage and disposal facility to be selected within such State or tribal lands. Directs the Chairman to establish a Federal and State Radioactive Materials Management Commission upon the request of such Governor or Tribal Council, to allow for State or Tribal participation and to obtain concurrence with the Department of Energy regarding site selection and construction of such facilities. Prohibits any Federal agency from proceeding with any such project without resolution of any objections of a State or Tribal Council.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Farm Entry Assistance Act - Title I: States the findings of Congress, and the purposes of this Act. Title II: Establishment of Farm Entry Assistance Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program to provide financial assistance to individuals who are seeking to establish and operate full-time family farms. Prescribes the general criteria for State programs. Title III: Application for the Program - Limits qualification for such assistance to applicants who: (1) are seeking to operate a family farm; (2) are entering farming on a full-time basis for the first time during the ten years prior to the date of application; (3) have been denied credit on reasonable terms from a commercial source and the Farmers Home Administration, and could not obtain credit without the program's assistance; (4) demonstrate they are qualified to operate a family farm on a full-time basis; and (5) have net worths of less than $75,000 in 1979 dollars. Title IV: Federal Assistance to Applicants through State Agencies - Directs the Secretary to make available to qualified applicants guarantees of not more than 90 percent of the principal and interest of certain loans, not more than 90 percent of payments due under certain leases or contracts. Subjects to the specified guidelines of this program: (1) loans for the purchase of farmland, for operating purposes, or for both; (2) payments on a land purchase contract with a ten-year repayment period; and (3) payments on leases of not more than ten years. Requires the availability of guarantees for other State programs consistent with specified requirements. Prescribes the general procedures the Secretary is to follow in the event of defaults by any beneficiary on such guaranteed loans, contract obligations, or leases. Title V: Funding - Directs the Secretary to make available not more than $400,000,000 in guarantees for each of the four fiscal years following the first fiscal year commencing at least one year after enactment. Prescribes a general allocation formula for distribution of such guarantees among participating States. Creates a Farm Entry Assistance Fund for the discharge of the obligations of the Secretary under contracts guaranteeing loans or leases under this Act. Title VI: Reports - Requires the Secretary to report annually on the operation of the program to the appropriate committees of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979
Independent Local Newspaper Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the establishment of independent local newspaper advance estate tax trusts to facilitate payment of the estate tax imposed upon the estate of a decedent who owned an interest in an independent local newspaper. Sets forth requirements for the establishment of such trusts, including requirements that such trusts: (1) be created pursuant to a plan adopted by the newspaper; (2) be governed by a written instrument which requires that contributions to and income of the trust be invested solely in obligations of the United States; (3) name as trustee a bank or another individual who is capable of administering such trust in compliance with the requirements of this Act; (4) maintain trust assets separately from other property; (5) accept contributions exclusively from independent local newspapers; (6) devote assets of the trust solely to the payment of the estate tax; and (7) distribute any excess funding of the trust to its beneficiaries or their estates. Limits an individual who owns interests in several independent local newspapers to participation in not more than one estate tax payment trust. Defines an "independent local newspaper" as a newspaper publication which is not a member of a chain and which maintains all its offices in a single city, community or metropolitan area, or, on January 1, 1979, within one State. Defines "excess funding" as the excess of the face value of the assets of a qualified trust over: (1) 70 percent of the value of a decedent's interest in an independent local newspaper which is includable in his gross estate; or (2) a decedent's estate tax which is attributable to his interest in an independent local newspaper included in his gross estate. Exempts independent local newspaper advance estate tax trusts and the individuals for whom such trusts are established from income taxation with respect to income earned by such trust. Terminates such tax-exempt status if the taxpayer's interest in the newspaper is sold, the newspaper itself is sold or ceases to qualify as an independent newspaper, or there is an excess funding of the trust. Provides that the amount of any excess funding shall be distributed to the individual for whom the trust was created and included in his gross income or gross estate. Allows an income tax deduction to local independent newspapers for contributions made to estate tax payment trusts. Limits the amount of such deduction to 50 percent of the taxable income derived from such newspaper for the taxable year. Requires the redetermination of the estate tax of an individual for whom an independent local newspaper advance estate tax trust is established and the inclusion in the gross estate of such individual of an amount equal to the estate tax payment made by such trust which is attributable to the individual's interest in the newspaper, if the trust or any heir of the individual sells, within 15 years of the death of such individual, any part of the interest in the newspaper with respect to which the trust was created. Provides for the gradual phaseout of any additional estate tax which is imposed due to the premature sale of a newspaper, if the sale does not occur prior to the ten to 15 year period following the death of the individual for whom the estate tax trust is established. Permits the shareholders of an independent local newspaper who receive the stock of a corporation which the newspaper controls to exclude from their gross income any gain realized as a result of such distribution if: (1) the shareholders do not sell such stock within five years after the date of its distribution; (2) the shareholders retain control of the newspaper for five years after the date of the distribution; and (3) the newspaper and the controlled corporation each continue to be engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business through the five year period beginning on the date of the distribution. Excludes from the gross estate of a decedent the value of any interest in an independent local newspaper which he holds at the time of his death and any estate tax payment made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust. Permits the executor of an estate which includes an interest in an independent local newspaper to pay the estate tax in two or more (but not exceeding ten) equal installments. Limits the maximum amount of estate tax that may be paid in installments to the excess of the amount of estate tax over the tax that would have been imposed if the interest in the newspaper had not been included in the gross estate, reduced by all payments of the estate tax made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979
Hospital Cost Containment Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate annually, beginning January, 1980: (1) a national voluntary percentage limit on hospital expenses; and (2) a voluntary percentage limit on hospital expenses for each State. Specifies the formulas for calculating such limits. Includes as factors for determining the national limit: (1) the average wage increase paid to employees (excluding supervisors and doctors of medicine or osteopathy) of hospitals in the United States; (2) the average price increase in the U.S. paid in appropriate classes of goods and services (to be determined by the Secretary); (3) the percent of hospital expenses attributable to such wage and price increases; (4) the annual increase in the national population; and (5) a one percent allowance for the net increase in hospital service intensity. Includes these factors in the formula for determining the State limits, except bases the average wage increase on employees of hospitals in each State and utilizes the population increase in each State. Directs the Secretary to promulgate annually, beginning January 1980, a voluntary percentage limit for each hospital for the hospital's accounting period ending in 1979. Specifies the formula for calculating such limit. Directs the Secretary to promulgate annually, beginning January, 1981, a voluntary percentage limit for each hospital not subject to a mandatory limit under this Act for the hospital's accounting period ending in the preceding year. Specifies the formula for calculating such limit. Directs the Secretary to determine or estimate before July 1, 1980, and before July 1 of each succeeding year: (1) the difference in dollars between (A) the percentage increase in the expenses of each hospital not subject to a mandatory limit under this Act in the preceding year, and (B) the voluntary percentage limit for the hospital for the accounting period; and (2) the sum of such differences. Provides that: (1) if such sum is zero or less, no hospital shall be subject to a mandatory limit under this Act for its accounting period ending the year; or (2) if such sum is greater than zero, then the Secretary shall determine the sum of the differences in each relevant State. Defines "relevant State" for such purposes. Provides that: (1) if this sum is zero or less in a particular State, no hospital in that State shall be subject to a mandatory limit under this Act for its accounting period ending in the year; or (2) every hospital, for each accounting period beginning after January 1, 1979, and for each succeeding accounting period, shall be subject to a mandatory limit as prescribed by this Act, unless such hospital is otherwise exempted by this Act. Requires the Secretary to exclude the hospitals in a particular State from such mandatory limits at the request of the chief executive of any State, under specified conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to exempt a hospital from such mandatory limit upon a determination that such exemption is necessary to facilitate certain experiments or demonstrations entered into under specified laws. Specifies: (1) the formula for calculating mandatory limits; and (2) the circumstances under which the average reimbursement payable to a hospital by a cost payer per admission, and the average inpatient charges per admission of a hospital, for any accounting period of the hospital subject to a mandatory limit, exceed such limit. Directs the Secretary, in calculating such mandatory limits, to develop: (1) a system of grouping hospitals by appropriate characteristics, such as patient case mix and metropolitan or nonmetropolitan setting; and (2) a method of measuring efficiency within each group that provides for setting a group norm defined in terms of all or certain hospital expenses. Requires the Secretary to assign to each hospital in a group a percentage bonus or penalty related to the extent to which a hospital's expenses differ from the group norm, according to a specified formula. Allows the Secretary to make further adjustments to such percentage bonus or penalty in order to allow for changes in admissions or other factors warranting special consideration. Sets for procedures by which a hospital may request the Secretary to exercise such discretion. Prohibits the reimbursement for inpatient hospital services provided under Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) to the extent that it exceeds the applicable mandatory limits established under this Act or under a State mandatory hospital cost containment program of a State whose hospitals have been excluded under this Act. Provides that: (1) payment shall not be made to any State; and (2) payment shall not be required to be made by any State under title V (Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services) or title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act with respect to any amount paid for inpatient hospital services in excess of the applicable mandatory limits established under this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose on a hospital an excise tax equal to 150 percent of the amount of excess reimbursement which such hospital has with respect to a cost payer for an accounting period subject to a mandatory limit. Imposes such tax on a private cost payer, if a hospital has such excess reimbursement with respect to such payer. Imposes on a hospital which has excess inpatient charges for an accounting period subject to a mandatory limit, an excise tax equal to the product of 150 percent of the amount of excess inpatient charges of the hospital for the accounting period, and the fraction of such charges not attributable to cost payers. Sets forth procedures for the payment of such taxes, or for the deferral and abatement of such taxes, if a hospital has an escrow account approved by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude from participation in Medicare, Medicaid, or the Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services program a hospital which changes its admission practices in a manner that tends to reduce the proportion of inpatients for whom reimbursement is less than the anticipated inpatient charges applicable to them. Establishes a 15-member, part-time National Commission on Hospital Cost Containment to advise the Secretary with respect to the implementation of this Act, and other matters affecting hospital expenses or revenues.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979
Product Liability Partial Self-Insurance Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction to any business enterprise engaged in the manufacture, importation, distribution, lease, or sale of any product for contributions to its product liability trust account and for amounts paid to a captive insurer (wholly or partially-owned by the taxpayer) for product liability insurance. Specifies the amount a taxpayer may deduct, based upon the ability of such taxpayer to obtain insurance through conventional channels. Disallows any deductions for product liability losses which do not exceed the sum of the total trust funds in the taxpayer's account at the beginning of the taxable year plus the amount of deductible payments made by the taxpayer to the account during such year. Imposes penalties for the improper use of product liability reserve funds. Treats amounts accumulated in the taxpayer's product liability trust account as amounts accumulated for reasonably anticipated business needs, for purposes of avoiding the accumulated earnings tax.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1979 - Amends the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 to abolish the Office of Drug Abuse Policy and to direct the President, acting through the Domestic Council or through such other mechanism as may be set forth by Executive order, to establish a system for making recommendations with respect to policies for Federal drug abuse functions, and to coordinate the performance of such functions by Federal departments and agencies. Requires the President to designate a single officer or employee of the Domestic Council to be his representative on drug abuse functions and to direct the activities of drug abuse policy coordination. Requires State drug abuse plans to take into account changes in emphasis in its programs resulting from shifts in demographic and drug abuse patterns within the State, and to design such programs to reach the general population and members of particularly vulnerable groups such as minority and poverty groups, women, youth, and the aged. Requires coordination of each State and local drug abuse prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation needs with its alcohol abuse and alcoholism survey. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting through the National Institute on Drug Abuse, to develop a variety of model programs suitable for replication on a cost-effective basis in different types of business concerns and State and local governmental entities. Prohibits discrimination in admission or care against drug abusers suffering from personal, emotional, or social conditions, solely because of their drug abuse or drug dependence, by any private or public social service, mental health, intermediate care, rehabilitation, or other service-related facility which receives Federal financial support. Directs the Secretary, upon a State's request, to furnish technical assistance for developing and improving various program systems. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that appointed members of the National Advisory Council on Drug Abuse be selected from a range of professionals and paraprofessionals that includes officers or employees of State and local drug abuse agencies. Extends the authorization of necessary appropriations for formula grants and other specified drug abuse prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation functions and activities through fiscal year 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Designates March 21, 1980, as "National Energy Education Day."
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Medicare Home Health Amendments of 1979 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove the 100 visit limitation presently applicable to home health services under such title. Includes occupational therapy as a home health service. Permits a physician's assistant or nurse practitioner, who is supervised by a physician, to establish a plan of care for a home health patient living in a rural area. Eliminates prior hospitalization as a condition for receiving home health services. Requires home health aides to complete a training program developed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires each home health agency to submit a bimonthly bill which lists all services provided each individual receiving services from such agency. Directs the Secretary to: (1) designate regional agencies to monitor home health agency costs; (2) establish guidelines to be used in determining the reasonable cost of home health services; (3) monitor the costs of home health services; (4) report to Congress on the frequency of use of home health services by individuals eligible for Medicare benefits; and (5) establish demonstration projects to test the effectiveness of agency or multiagency utilization review committees in ensuring the medical necessity, cost efficiency, and appropriate use of home health services.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to a named individual in satisfaction of a claim against the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1979
Equal Employment Opportunity for the Handicapped Act of 1979 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include discrimination of the handicapped as an unlawful employment practice. Permits such discrimination pursuant to a bona fide seniority or merit system or as a bona fide occupational qualification. Authorizes courts to order the hiring or reinstatement or paying of back pay to anyone discriminated against on the basis of their handicap. Prohibits discrimination in Federal employment of the handicapped. Authorizes civil actions for such discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1979
Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevent, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 to provide that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall consult with the Executive Director of the Domestic Council before appointing the Director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Allows the Director of the NIAAA, when authorized by the National Advisory Council on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, to obtain the services of up to 100 experts or consultants who have scientific or professional qualifications. Redesignates the Interagency Committee on Federal Activities for Alcohol Abuse as the Interdepartmental Committee on Federal Activities for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Directs such Committee, in addition to the functions required by current law, to monitor, in cooperation with the Institute, the establishment and operation of occupational alcoholism and alcohol abuse prevention and treatment programs among Federal contractors. Stipulates that the Committee membership of specified Federal departments, as provided by current law, shall include representation with policy level authority. Directs the Committee to report biennially on Federal activities relating to the problems of alcohol and the prevalence of occupational programs among Federal contractors. Directs the Secretary to establish an Intradepartmental Committee on Departmental Activities on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to evaluate departmental policies, programs, and activities related to alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Makes Federal civilian employees' families eligible for alcoholism programs and services developed by the Office of Personnel Management. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Institute, to develop a variety of model occupational programs for replication in different types of business concerns and State and local government entities. Extends the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for Federal assistance for State and local programs dealing with alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Directs the Secretary, on the request of any State, to provide technical assistance for specified purposes, including systems of data collection, program management, accountability, and evaluation, and accreditation of treatment facilities and personnel. Makes certain revisions with respect to the State Plans which are required for participation in the Federal assistance program, including that such a Plan provides assurance that the State agency will develop occupational programs, and that the State evaluate other programs within the State which deal with alcohol-related problems. Extends the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for Federal assistance to States under the Uniform Alcoholism and Intoxication Treatment Act. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct demonstration and evaluation projects, with a high priority on prevention and early intervention projects in occupational and educational settings and on modified community living and workcare arrangements. Extends the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for project grants and contracts, but stipulates that at least eight percent of such sums must go to preventive programs. Establishes a new grant program for demonstration and implementation of insurance regulations to treat alcoholism and alcohol abuse equivalently with other chronic health conditions. Prohibits discrimination against alcoholic abusers and alcoholics, solely because of their alcohol abuse or alcoholism, by any service-related facility which receives Federal funds. Includes within the program of research which the Secretary is directed to carry out under current law, the social causes of alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Stipulates that grants for research projects are to be made with particular emphasis on the relationship between alcohol abuse and domestic violence, the effects of alcohol during pregnancy, and the relationship between the abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Extends the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for research related to the problems of alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Makes certain revisions with respect to the National Alcohol Research Centers, including: (1) the extension of research to biomedical, behavioral, and social issues related to alcoholism; (2) the requirement that Centers have the capacity to conduct courses for nursing, social work, and other specialized graduate students, and programs of continuing education; and (3) the stipulation that the Secretary not designate new Centers if such designation will dilute the funding of existing Centers. Extends the authorization of appropriations for such Centers through fiscal year 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1979
Regulatory Reform Act - Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan recommending reforms with respect to the regulation of: (1) energy, the environment, housing, and occupational health and safety by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1981; (2) transportation and communications by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1983; (3) banking and finance, international trade, and Government procurement by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1985; and (4) food, consumer health and safety, economic trade practices, and labor-management concerns by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1987. States that each such plan shall include recommendations for reform of such specified agencies and shall report on the cumulative impact of all Government regulatory activity reviewed, up to that date, on specific industry groupings. States that if the President fails to submit such plans by the specified dates, the House Committee on Government Operations or the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs in cooperation with the committees of Congress which have legislative jurisdiction over such areas, shall draft their own plans to be submitted to Congress for action. Requires the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office, contemporaneously with the development of the President's plan, to submit a report assessing the purpose, effects, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of each agency included in the plans submitted by the President. States that if no comprehensive regulatory reform legislation is enacted by August 1 of the year following the year in which a comprehensive plan has been submitted by the President, then all agencies affected thereby shall have no authority to issue any new rules not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if such reform is not enacted by October 1 of such year, such agency shall have no authority to enforce any rule not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if no such reform is enacted by December 31 of such year, such agency shall be terminated on such date. States that all rules of such terminated agency essential for preserving the public health and safety shall remain effective and shall be enforced by the Department of Justice. Requires the President to submit subsequent plans in the manner and in the order and frequency set forth by this Act every ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1979
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to a named individual in satisfaction of a claim against the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1979
University and Small Business Patent Procedures Act - States that it is the objective of this Act to amend existing patent procedures in order to promote the marketing of inventions developed under federally supported research and development projects by nonprofit organizations and small business firms. Permits any such organization or firm to elect, within a reasonable amount of time, to retain title to such inventions. Permits Federal agencies which have supported such projects to retain title to inventions through their funding agreements in specified circumstances. Requires review of agency determinations that such circumstances exist by the Comptroller General and the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the implementation of this Act by Federal agencies. Enumerates provisions which must be included in funding agreements between a Federal agency and a small business firm or nonprofit organization including provisions: (1) to insure the rights of the Federal Government under this Act; (2) to provide that the agency shall have a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable and paid-up license to use the invention; (3) to prohibit a nonprofit organization from assigning rights to the invention without the approval of the Federal agency; (4) to prohibit such an organization from granting exclusive rights from the earlier of five years from the first commercial use of the invention or eight years from the date of invention; and (5) to require such organizations to use their royalties and earnings to support scientific research or education. Authorizes a Federal agency to transfer or assign its rights, acquired from an agency employee as coinventor, to an inventor electing to acquire title to an invention. Empowers any Federal agency to require inventors or their assigns to grant licenses in order to: (1) achieve practical application of the invention in its field of uses; (2) alleviate health or safety needs; (3) meet requirements for public use specified by Federal regulations; or (4) achieve participation by United States industry in the manufacture of an invention. Entitles the government to collect up to 50 percent of all net income above specified amounts received by a patent holder until government research funds have been repaid. Restricts the assignment and licensing of rights by patent holders to foreign owned or controlled firms unless such persons agree that any products embodying the subject invention or produced through the use of the subject invention will be manufactured substantially in the United States. Authorizes Federal agencies to withhold information on inventions from public disclosure. Specifies the authority of Federal agencies with respect to obtaining patents, promoting licensing of inventions, granting licenses, conducting market surveys, transferring custody of patents, and receiving funds. Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to promulgate regulations specifying the terms upon which any federally-owned invention may be licensed. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to coordinate a program for assisting Federal agencies in protecting and licensing federally-owned inventions. Sets forth the procedure whereby Federal agencies may grant exclusive or partially exclusive licenses in any invention covered by a federally-owned domestic patent or patent application. Prohibits licensing which lessens competition. Directs that small business firms be given preference in exclusive or partially exclusive licensing. Enumerates provisions which must be contained in any grant of a license by a Federal agency. Declares that this Act shall take precedence over any other Act in the disposition of inventions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Authorizes the granting of a visa and admission to the United States for permanent residence to an individual.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Authorizes the granting of a visa and admission to the United States for permanent residence to an individual.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Small Business Employee Ownership Act - Amends the Small Business Act to make employee-owned firms eligible for financial assistance under the business loan program. States that in the case of small business concerns using an employee stock ownership plan, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, all financial assistance shall be made to the trust created for employee ownership of stock (ESOT). Predicates such assistance on: (1) a guarantee by the company seeking assistance that it will repay all obligations incurred by the ESOT; (2) the written assurance of the trustee of the ESOT that all guaranteed loans will be used solely for the purchase of company stock; (3) a distribution arrangement which vests ownership of all stock with the employees no later than the expiration date of any assistance made available to acquire such stock; and (4) a certified plan, meeting specified conditions, for the allocation of company stock among the employees. Authorizes the extension of loan guarantees to employee organizations, including those using an ESOT, to finance the acquisition of the employee's workplace if it is a small business or a subsidiary which, if independently owned, would be a small business. States that such guarantees may be extended only if the small business or subsidiary would otherwise close, liquidate, relocate or sell out to a large business or if the owner agrees to the purchase by the employees. Requires an employee organization to compile a feasibility study and plan containing specified provisions in order to be eligible for such guarantees. Limits the principal amount of any loan guaranteed under this Act to $1,000,000. Authorizes $10,000 loans to conduct feasibility studies which will be considered grants if the loan application is denied. Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to report periodically to the Congress on the programs established by this Act. Authorizes the Small Business Administration to extend loan guarantees directly to an owner of a business who is selling the business to employees under an installment contract provided specified conditions are met in the event of default. Makes a company with 51 percent of its stock allocated through an ESOT to one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals eligible for the minority enterprise contract assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Declares an individual lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence, under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Declares an individual lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence, under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Declares an individual lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence, under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Declares an individual lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence, under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1979
Competition Improvements Act of 1979 - Prohibits Federal agencies from taking action which tends to lessen competition except in specified circumstances. Authorizes the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to advise the agencies on the validity of exceptions to this Act. Requires each independent regulatory agency to devise procedures whereby the Attorney General will receive timely and adequate notice of important agency actions which may have a significant impact on competition. Places the burden of proof upon the agency to establish by substantial evidence that it has complied with the standard asserted in this Act in any proceeding for judicial review of such agency's order. Requires Federal departments and agencies to insure the integration antitrust law and policy in all activities which may have an impact on competition. Requires each Federal department and agency to review its statutory authority, administrative regulations, policies, practices and procedures to determine whether they contain any deficiencies or inconsistencies which may prevent full compliance with the purpose of this Act. Requires the departments and agencies to recommend such measures to the President and to the Congress, as may be necessary, to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to report annually to the President and to Congress on the degree to which Federal agencies have complied with the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1979
Robert A. Taft Institute of Government Trust Fund Act - Establishes in the United States Treasury the Robert A. Taft Institute Trust Fund. Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants from such fund to develop the Robert A. Taft Institute of Government, New York, New York. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to invest portions of the Fund not required to meet current withdrawals. Appropriates $15,000,000 to the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1979
Schools of Education Assistance Act - Directs the Commissioner of Education to make grants to schools of education for fiscal years 1981-1985 for the diversification and redirecting of teacher education programs, including: (1) retraining faculty; (2) establishing new programs to prepare elementary and secondary teachers to work in other settings, such as business, industry, private schools or related social services; and (3) establishing model projects. Directs the Commissioner to reserve a part of the funds appropriated for projects under this Act for related educational research and program evaluation.