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Bill· SS. 638 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1999
Safe School Security Act of 1999 - Directs the Attorney General, the Secretary of Education (Secretary), and the Secretary of Energy to enter into an agreement for the establishment of a School Security Technology Center, at the Sandia National Laboratories in partnership with the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center--Southeast. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary to award grants on a competitive basis to local educational agencies to enable such agencies to acquire security technology, or carry out activities related to improving security at the middle and high schools served by the agencies, including obtaining school security assessments, and technical assistance for the development of a comprehensive school security plan from the School Security Technology Center. Directs the Secretary to give priority to agencies showing the highest security needs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 4) Directs the Attorney General to develop and submit to Congress a proposal to further improve school security.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 68 (106th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1999
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the President should instruct the U.S. representative to the United Nations (UN) to use all appropriate means to prevent the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan from obtaining the seat in the UN General Assembly reserved for Afghanistan as long as gross violations of internationally recognized human rights against women and girls persist; and (2) the United States should refuse to recognize any such government which is not taking actions to achieve specified goals in Afghanistan, including the effective participation of women in all civil, economic, and social life, the right of women and girls to an education without discrimination, and equal access of women and girls to health facilities.
Law· HRH.R. 1167 (106th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1999
Tribal Self-Governance Amendments of 1999 - Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Tribal Self-Governance Program within the Indian Health Service of HHS to provide for further self-governance by Indian tribes. Sets forth program requirements and related provisions. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study to determine the feasibility of a Tribal Self-Governance Demonstration Project for appropriate programs, services, functions, and activities of HHS, other than the Indian Health Service; (2) consult with Indian tribes to determine a study protocol for consultation prior to consultation with other specified entities; and (3) publish the proposed protocol and allow a comment period for interested individuals. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary, at the request of an Indian tribe, to enter into an agreement for the acquisition of any goods, services, or supplies available to the Secretary from other Federal agencies that are not directly available to the tribe under this Act or any other Federal law, including acquisitions from prime vendors. Deems Indian patient records, at the option of an Indian tribe or tribal organization, to be Federal records for the limited purposes of making such records eligible for storage by Federal Records Centers to the same extent and in the same manner as other HHS patient records. Repeals current provisions of the Act that provide for a Tribal Self-Governance Project and makes funds for such Project available for use under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1152 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1999
Silk Road Strategy Act of 1999 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize specified assistance, including humanitarian, economic, migration and refugee, development, border control, and democracy building assistance, to the South Caucasus and Central Asia countries to: (1) promote sovereignty, independence with democratic government, and respect for human rights; (2) assist in the resolution of regional conflicts and facilitate the removal of impediments to cross-border commerce; (3) promote economic cooperation and market-oriented principles; (4) assist in the development of infrastructure necessary for communications, transportation, education, health, and energy and trade on an East-West axis in order to build strong relations and commerce between those countries and the democratic, market-oriented countries of the Euro-Atlantic community; and (5) support U.S. business interests and investments in the region. Prohibits, with specified exceptions, assistance to the governments of such countries if the President determines and certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that such governments: (1) are engaged in a consistent pattern of gross violations of internationally recognized human rights; (2) have knowingly transferred controlled missiles or missile technology to another country, or any equipment or technology that would contribute to the ability of such country to manufacture weapons of mass destruction (including nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons); (3) have repeatedly supported acts of international terrorism; or (4) are prohibited from receiving such assistance by specified Federal laws. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should use all diplomatic means to press for an equitable, fair, and permanent resolution to the conflicts in the South Caucasus and Central Asia; and (2) the United States should, where appropriate, support the establishment of neutral, multinational peacekeeping forces to implement peace agreements reached between belligerents in the countries of those regions.
Bill· HRH.R. 1150 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendments to Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 Title II: Amendments to the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act Title III: Repeal of Title V Relating to Incentive Grants for Local Delinquency Prevention Programs Title IV: General Provisions Title V: Miscellaneous Amendments Juvenile Crime Control and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1999 - Title I: Amendments to Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to: (1) include a finding that weapons offenses and homicides are two of the fastest growing violent crimes committed by juveniles; (2) include as a purpose to support State and local programs that prevent juvenile involvement in delinquent behavior; and (3) define "violent crime" as murder or non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, or robbery, or aggravated assault committed with the use of a firearm. (Sec. 104) Redesignates the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention as the Office of Juvenile Crime Control and Delinquency Prevention. (Sec. 105) Modifies provisions of the Act regarding: (1) concentration of Federal effort to repeal the requirements that the Administrator of the Office develop for each fiscal year a comprehensive plan of activities and that each Federal agency administering a Federal juvenile delinquency program submit annually a juvenile delinquency development statement; and (2) an annual report to require that such report include an evaluation of programs funded and their effectiveness in reducing the incidence of juvenile delinquency, particularly violent crime committed by juveniles. (Sec. 106) Eliminates: (1) the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; and (2) certain allocations of funds to the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. (Sec. 109) Modifies Act requirements regarding State plans. Provides that the advisory group shall consist of the State attorney general or such other State official who has primary responsibility for overseeing the enforcement of State criminal laws. Requires State plans to: (1) contain plans for providing needed services for the prevention and treatment of juvenile delinquency in rural areas, mental health services to juveniles in the juvenile justice system, and gender-specific services for the prevention and treatment of juvenile delinquency; and (2) provide for the coordination and maximum utilization of existing juvenile delinquency programs, programs operated by private agencies, and other related programs in the State. Requires such plans to provide that not less than 75 percent of the funds available to the State be used for specified purposes, including: (1) programs that assist in holding juveniles accountable for their actions; (2) expanded use of probation officers; (3) boot camps for juvenile offenders; (4) other activities (such as court-appointed special advocates) that the State determines will hold juveniles accountable for their acts and decrease juvenile involvement in delinquent activities; (5) establishing policies and systems to incorporate relevant child protective services records into juvenile justice records for purposes of establishing treatment plans for juvenile offenders; (6) a system of records equivalent to the records that would be kept for adults relating to any adjudication of juveniles under 18 years of age as delinquent for conduct that would constitute a violent crime if committed by an adult; (7) programs that utilize multidisciplinary interagency case management and information sharing that enable the juvenile justice and law enforcement agencies, schools, and social service agencies to make more informed decisions regarding early identification, control, supervision, and treatment of juveniles who repeatedly commit violent or serious delinquent acts; and (8) programs designed to prevent and reduce hate crimes committed by juveniles. Revises State plan requirements regarding limits on the placement of juveniles in secure detention or correctional facilities, juvenile contact with adults incarcerated or awaiting trial on criminal charges, and juvenile detention or confinement in adult jails and lockups. Permits the temporary detention of juveniles accused of nonstatus offenses in adult prisons where specified requirements are met, including that: (1) a parent or other legal guardian consents to such detention but has the right to revoke such consent at any time; (2) the juvenile has counsel and the counsel has an opportunity to present the juvenile's position regarding the detention or confinement involved to the court before the court approves; and (3) the detention of such juvenile is approved in advance by a court with competent jurisdiction as being in the best interest of the juvenile and is for a period preceding sentencing. Modifies State plan requirements to: (1) allow juveniles to be housed in adult facilities for up to 48 (currently, 24) hours before their initial court appearance; and (2) require States to implement systems to ensure that public child welfare records relating to a juvenile before a court in the juvenile justice system that are on file in the geographical area under the court's jurisdiction will be made known to such court. (Sec. 110) Revises the Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Block Grant Program by: (1) repealing provisions governing grants for the National Institute for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, gang-free schools and communities, State challenge activities, treatment for juvenile offenders who are victims of child abuse or neglect, mentoring, boot camps, and the White House Conference on Juvenile Justice; and (2) authorizing the Administrator to make grants under the Juvenile Delinquency Block Grant Program to eligible States for the purpose of providing financial assistance to eligible entities to carry out projects designed to prevent juvenile delinquency. Includes among such projects: (1) projects that assist in holding juveniles accountable for their actions; (2) projects that provide treatment to juvenile offenders who are victims of child abuse or neglect; (3) education projects or supportive services for delinquent or other juveniles; (4) projects which expand the use of probation officers; (5) one-on-one mentoring projects; (6) community-based projects which work with juvenile offenders and their family members; (7) substance abuse programs; (8) postsecondary education and training projects; (9) projects designed to prevent or reduce gang participation; (10) employment and job training referral projects; (11) delinquency prevention activities; and (12) family strengthening activities. Directs that funding be allocated among eligible States as follows: (1) 50 percent based on each State's relative population under 18 years of age; and (2) 50 percent based on each State's three year annual average number of arrests of juveniles for serious crimes. Prohibits the Administrator from approving a grant application for a fiscal year unless: (1) the State submitted a plan, which is approved by the Administrator, for such fiscal year; or (2) the Administrator waives this requirement to such State for such fiscal year after finding good cause. Includes among the eligible entities for which a State receiving a grant shall give special consideration for a local grant those entities that represent communities that have a comprehensive plan designed to identify at-risk juveniles and to prevent or reduce juvenile delinquency and that meet other specified requirements. (Sec. 111) Authorizes the Administrator to undertake specified activities regarding research, evaluation, technical assistance, and training, including making agreements with: (1) the National Institute of Justice or another Federal agency to conduct research and evaluation relating to juvenile delinquency; and (2) the Bureau of Justice Statistics or another Federal agency to undertake statistical work in juvenile justice matters. Permits Federal agencies to carry out such agreements directly or by making grants to or contracts with public and private agencies, institutions, and organizations. (Sec. 112) Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to and contracts with States, local governmental units, Indian tribal governments, public and private agencies, organizations, and individuals to carry out projects for the development, testing, and demonstration of promising initiatives and programs for the prevention, control, or reduction of juvenile delinquency. Authorizes technical assistance for such grants. Sets forth provisions regarding eligibility and reports. (Sec. 113) Authorizes appropriations for specified programs under such Act for FY 2000 through 2003. (Sec. 115) Amends the Act to prohibit the use of funds for: (1) the cost of facility construction, except that up to 15 percent of funds from a State's allocation may be used for replacement or renovation of juvenile facilities; or (2) advocacy or support for the unsecured release of juveniles charged with violent crime. (Sec. 118) Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) receive surplus Federal property and lease such property to States and units of local government for use in or as facilities for juveniles offenders, or for use in or as facilities for delinquency prevention and treatment activities; and (2) issue rules that establish procedures and methods for making grants and contracts, and distributing funds available, to carry out the Act. Title II: Amendments to the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act - Amends the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to: (1) include findings that it is the responsibility of the Federal Government to develop an accurate national reporting system on runaway and homeless youth and that services for such youth are needed in urban, suburban, and rural areas; (2) authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities to establish and operate local centers to provide services for such youth and their families; (3) require a grant applicant, to be eligible for assistance, to include assurances that the applicant shall submit an annual report that includes statistical summaries describing the number and the characteristics of such youth and youth at risk of family separation who participated in the project and the services provided to such youth by the project; and (4) modify the services that applicants must plan to provide in order to use grant money for street-based, home-based, and drug abuse education and prevention services. (Sec. 204) Revises Act provisions regarding: (1) approval of applications to direct the Secretary to consider the geographical distribution in the State of the proposed services and which areas of the State have the greatest need for such services, and to give priority to eligible applicants who have demonstrated experience in providing services to runaway and homeless youth and who request grants of less than $200,000; (2) authority for the transitional living grant program to repeal definitions of "homeless youth" and "transitional living youth project"; (3) eligibility for assistance by stating that the annual report submitted by grant applicants to the Secretary must include statistical summaries describing the number and characteristics of the services provided to the homeless youth; and (4) authority to make grants for research, demonstration, and service projects to repeal references to home-based and street based services from the research and demonstration projects. (Sec. 208) Repeals provisions of the Act: (1) regarding temporary demonstration projects to provide services to youth in rural areas; (2) directing that assistance to potential grantees include information on the need for the establishment of additional runaway and homeless youth centers in the geographical area identified by the potential grantee involved; and (3) barring the disclosure and transfer of records containing the identity of individual youths. Directs the Secretary to evaluate on-site a grantee that receives grants for three consecutive fiscal years. (Sec. 209) Modifies provisions of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 regarding education and prevention grants to reduce sexual abuse of runaway, homeless, and street youth to authorize the Secretary to make grants to nonprofit private agencies for the purpose of providing street-based services to runaway and homeless youth and street youth who have been subjected to, or are at risk of, sexual abuse. Extends the authorization of appropriations through FY 2003. (Sec. 211) Amends the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to require the Secretary, by April 1, 2001, and at two-year intervals thereafter, to submit to specified congressional committees a report on the status, activities, and accomplishments of entities that receive grants under the Act. Lists information that must be included in the report. Requires the Secretary to include summaries of the Secretary's evaluations of grantees and descriptions of the qualifications and training of the individuals administering the evaluations. (Sec. 213) Authorizes appropriations under such Act for FY 2000 through 2003. Sets forth the division of appropriations among the programs. (Sec. 214) Grants the Secretary authority to implement a single consolidated application review process. Title III: Incentive Grants for Local Delinquency Prevention Programs - Repeals Title V of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 regarding incentive grants for local delinquency prevention programs. Title IV: General Provisions - Makes this Act effective on the date of its enactment. Specifies that amendments made by this Act shall apply only to fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1999. Title V: Miscellaneous Amendments - Authorizes appropriations to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for FY 2000 through 2003 to operate a national resource center and clearinghouse designed to: (1) provide to State and local governments, public and private nonprofit agencies, and individuals information regarding services for the benefit of, and Federal programs available to assist, missing children and their families; (2) coordinate public and private programs which locate, recover, or reunite missing children with their legal custodians; (3) disseminate nationally information about innovative and model missing children's programs, services, and legislation; and (4) provide technical assistance and training to law enforcement agencies, State and local governments, elements of the criminal justice system, public and private nonprofit agencies, and individuals in the prevention, investigation, prosecution, and treatment of missing and exploited child cases and in locating and recovering missing children.
Law· HRH.R. 1141 (106th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Title II: Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions Title III: Technical Corrections 1999 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act - Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations - Chapter 1 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for the Department of Agriculture for: (1) salaries and expenses of the Farm Service Agency; and (2) direct and guaranteed farm ownership loans, direct and guaranteed subsidized farm operating loans, and emergency farm loans. Chapter 2 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for the Department of Justice for the Immigration and Naturalization Service for salaries and expenses, enforcement and border affairs. Chapter 3 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for the Department of Defense for: (1) Army reserve personnel and Army and Air Force National Guard personnel; (2) Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force as well as defense-wide O&M; and (3) overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic aid. Chapter 4 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for: (1) international disaster relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction assistance pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) the Economic Support Fund for assistance to Jordan; (3) expenses to address the effects of hurricanes in Central America and the Caribbean and the earthquake in Columbia; (4) the Treasury Department for debt restructuring; and (5) the Foreign Military Financing Program for grants to Jordan pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act. Prohibits the value of articles, services, and military education and training authorized to be drawn down by the President under a specified provision of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 from being counted against the ceiling limitation of that section. Chapter 5 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the U.S. Forest Service for reconstruction and construction in connection with damages from Hurricane Georges and other natural disasters in Puerto Rico. Chapter 6 - Rescinds specified amounts of funds for: (1) the Department of Agriculture for the cost of foreign assistance direct credit agreements; (2) the Department of Energy for atomic energy defense activities; (3) the Trade and Development Agency for export and investment assistance; (4) the Agency for International Development for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs; (5) the Economic Support Fund for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs; (6) assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States; (7) assistance for the new independent States of the former Soviet Union; (8) peacekeeping operations; (9) reconstruction and development of international financial institutions; (10) callable capital stock in certain international financial institutions; (11) international organizations and programs; (12) the Department of Transportation for contract authorization for small community air service; (13) the Federal Highway Administration for State infrastructure banks; and (14) the Federal Transit Administration for contract authorization for transit programs and interstate transfer grants. Amends the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999 to reduce the amount of emergency supplemental appropriations for defense-wide O&M under such Act. Title II: Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions - Chapter 1 - Makes supplemental appropriations for the U.S. Supreme Court for salaries and expenses. Rescinds a specified amount of funds for the United States Information Agency for buying power maintenance. Chapter 2 - Makes supplemental appropriations for expenses for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. Rescinds a specified amount of funds for the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Chapter 3 - Rescinds a specified amount of funds for the Bureau of Land Management for the management of land and resources. Makes supplemental appropriations for the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians for Indian trust programs, including litigation support. Chapter 4 - Reduces the amount of funds available for the Employment and Training Administration for State unemployment insurance and employment service operations. Rescinds a specified amount of funds for: (1) the Department of Health and Human Services for a Federal capital loan program for nursing; and (2) the Department of Education for education research, statistics, and improvement. Makes supplemental appropriations for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for National Public Radio. Chapter 5 - Makes supplemental appropriations for the Architect of the Capitol for: (1) renovation of the House Page dormitory; and (2) life safety renovations to the O'Neill House Office Building. Increases for FY 2000 and thereafter the amount authorized to be appropriated for the Office of the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and the lump-sum allowance for the Office of the Majority Whip of the House. Authorizes the transfer of funds between various accounts under the heading "House Leadership Offices," beginning with FY 1999. Chapter 6 - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Postal Service Fund for revenue forgone reimbursement. Rescinds a specified amount of funds for the Executive Office of the President for unanticipated needs of natural disasters of national significance. Chapter 7 - Earmarks a specified amount of funds made available for the Economic Development Initiative for projects to revitalize and redevelop the Los Angeles Civic Center neighborhood and for development of a child care center in Huntington Park, California. (Sec. 2001) Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture, in making loan deficiency payments under the Agricultural Market Transition Act to producers of club wheat, from assessing a premium adjustment on the amount that would otherwise be computed for club wheat to reflect a premium paid to ensure its availability in creating a specialty product known as western white wheat. Requires a retroactive payment to each such producer that received a discounted loan deficiency payment as a result of a premium adjustment against club wheat. Title III: Technical Corrections - Makes technical, clarifying, and conforming amendments to the: (1) Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999; (2) Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999; and (3) Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1999. (Sec. 3006) Revises fiscal year requirements and funding amounts under specified provisions of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999. Earmarks certain funds appropriated under such Act. (Sec. 3008) Makes certain funds appropriated under the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 for highway traffic safety operations and research available through FY 1999. Amends the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999 to authorize a specified transfer and allocation of funds by the Capitol Police Board. (Sec. 3011) Amends the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to make certain funds transferred under such Act to the Presidential Advisory Commission on Holocaust Assets in the United States available through FY 2000.
Bill· SS. 625 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Needs-Based Bankruptcy Title II: Enhanced Consumer Protection Subtitle A: Penalties for Abusive Creditor Practices Subtitle B: Priority Child Support Subtitle C: Other Consumer Protections Title III: Discouraging Bankruptcy Abuse Title IV: General and Small Business Bankruptcy Provisions Subtitle A: General Business Bankruptcy Provisions Subtitle B: Small Business Bankruptcy Provisions Title V: Municipal Bankruptcy Provisions Title VI: Improved Bankruptcy Statistics and Data Title VII: Bankruptcy Tax Provisions Title VIII: Ancillary and Other Cross-Border Cases Title IX: Financial Contract Provisions Title X: Protection of Family Farmers Title XI: Health Care and Employee Benefits Title XII: Technical Amendments Title XIII: General Effective Date; Application of Amendments Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1999- Title I: Needs Based Bankruptcy - Amends Federal bankruptcy law to revamp guidelines governing dismissal or conversion of a Chapter 7 liquidation petition (complete relief in bankruptcy), to one under Chapter 13 (Adjustment of Debts of an Individual with Regular Income). Allows a bankruptcy panel trustee and any party in interest to move for such dismissal or conversion (current law prohibits such party in interest from such motions). Lowers the "substantial abuse" standard for dismissal or conversion to one of simple abuse. Replaces the presumption in favor of granting the relief sought by the debtor with a presumption that abuse exists if the debtor's current monthly income exceeds specified formulae. Provides that the presumption of abuse may be rebutted only with detailed documentation of special circumstances requiring additional expenses or adjustment of currently monthly total income. Requires the debtor's counsel to: (1) reimburse the bankruptcy trustee for legal fees in prosecuting a dismissal or conversion motion if the court finds that counsel's filing under chapter 7 was not substantially justified; and (2) pay a civil penalty for the violation of certain bankruptcy rules. (Sec. 103) Revises procedural guidelines to mandate written notice to the individual consumer debtor before commencement of a case that credit counseling services approved by the United States Trustee are available. (Sec. 104) Instructs the Director of the Executive Office for U.S. Trustees to: (1) develop a financial management training curriculum and materials to educate individual debtors on how to better manage their finances; and (2) evaluate and report to the Congress on the curriculum's efficacy. (Sec. 105) Precludes an individual debtor from filing under Federal bankruptcy law unless the individual has received a briefing from an approved nonprofit credit counseling service prior to filing a bankruptcy petition. Predicates a chapter 7 or chapter 13 discharge in bankruptcy upon the debtor's completion of an approved instructional course concerning personal financial management. Title II: Enhanced Consumer Protection - Subtitle A: Penalties for Abusive Creditor Practices - Cites circumstances under which the court may reduce by up to 20 percent a claim based upon unsecured consumer debts if the debtor can show by clear and convincing evidence that the claim was filed by a creditor who unreasonably refused to negotiate a reasonable alternative repayment schedule proposed by an approved credit counseling agency acting on the debtor's behalf. (Sec. 202) Modifies guidelines governing the discharge of a debtor's liability, as well as the automatic stay, to entitle an individual who is injured by the willful failure of a creditor to credit payments received to bring an action for actual damages and legal fees. (Sec. 203) Includes as a violation of automatic stay proscriptions any communication threatening a debtor for the purpose of coercing an agreement for a debt reaffirmation. (Sec. 204) Modifies debt reaffirmation guidelines governing wholly unsecured consumer debts to mandate additional disclosures for dischargable debt agreements. Instructs the Attorney General to designate United States attorneys and agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to implement enforcement activities in addressing abusive reaffirmations of debt. Subtitle B: Priority Child Support - Revises chapter 7 priority payment guidelines to place within the first priority claim category certain claims for domestic support obligations, on the condition that funds received by a governmental unit be applied in a prescribed order. (Sec. 212) Conditions court confirmation of a chapter 11 or chapter 13 plan (and its consequent discharge of debts) upon certification of debtor's payment of domestic support obligations that are due after the petition filing date. (Sec. 213) Excepts from an automatic stay specified choses-in-action pertaining to domestic support obligations, including: (1) establishment of paternity; (2) suspension of drivers' licenses and professional licenses; (3) interception of tax refunds; and (4) enforcement of medical obligations under title IV, part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of the Social Security Act. (Sec. 215) Modifies guidelines governing property exempt from the bankruptcy estate to declare such property liable for domestic support obligations. (Sec. 216) Precludes the bankruptcy trustee from avoiding a transfer that is a bona fide payment of a debt for a domestic support obligation. (Sec. 217) Sets forth the duties of the bankruptcy trustee under chapters 7 and 13 regarding a claim against an individual debtor for the collection of child support, including notifying the claim holder and the appropriate State child support agency of the debtor's location. Subtitle C: Other Consumer Protections - Mandates specified notices and disclosures to a debtor by a debt relief counseling agency. (Sec. 223) Sets forth a debtor's bill of rights which such agency must observe. (Sec. 224) Declares invalid any waiver of debtor protections by the assisted person. Prescribes enforcement guidelines. (Sec. 225) Expresses the sense of the Congress that States should develop curricula relating to the subject of personal finance, designed for use in elementary and secondary schools. (Sec. 226) Places in the tenth order of prioritized claims against the bankrupt estate any death or personal injury claims resulting from the unlawful operation of a motor vehicle or vessel because the debtor was drug or alcohol-impaired. Title III: Discouraging Bankruptcy Abuse - Modifies exceptions to a discharge in bankruptcy to prohibit discharge of a filing fee imposed by any court upon a prisoner. (Sec. 302) Terminates the automatic stay 30 days after filing of a petition if a chapter 7, 11, or 13 petition was pending and dismissed the previous year, unless the subsequent filing is in good faith. Delineates conditions under which a history of previous petitions in bankruptcy give rise to a rebuttable presumption that the case is not filed in good faith. (Sec. 303) Directs the court to grant relief from the automatic stay upon request of a party in interest with respect to certain real property actions if the court finds that filing the bankruptcy petition was part of a scheme to delay, hinder, and defraud creditors. Denies automatic stay protections regarding certain creditors' enforcement actions against real property for a specified period following a prior order in bankruptcy which forbade the debtor from being a debtor in another bankruptcy case. (Sec. 304) Modifies debtor's duties to mandate specified affirmative actions to be taken by a chapter 7 debtor, including reaffirmation of the debt, or redemption of the property within 45 days, in order to retain possession of personal property. Allows a creditor to take action with respect to such property under nonbankruptcy law if the debtor fails to act within 45 days, unless the court determines upon trustee motion that such property is consequential value or benefit to the estate. (Sec. 305) Declares that the automatic stay is terminated regarding property of the debtor's estate securing a claim or subject to an unexpired lease, if the debtor fails to complete an intended surrender of consumer debt collateral within a revised, accelerated time frame (unless the court determines upon trustee motion that such property is of consequential value or benefit to the estate). (Sec. 306) Instructs the bankruptcy court to confirm a chapter 13 plan if it provides that the holder of a secured allowed claim shall retain the attendant lien until payment or discharge of all debts. Provides that if a chapter 13 proceeding is dismissed or converted without completion of the plan, the holder shall retain such lien to the extent recognized by applicable nonbankruptcy law. Provides that statutory guidelines to determine the secured status of a creditor's claim do not apply if the underlying debt was incurred within the five-year period preceding the filing of the bankruptcy petition and the collateral for that debt consists of a motor vehicle acquired for the debtor's personal use (or if the collateral consists of any other thing of value if the debt was incurred during the six- month period preceding such filing). (Sec. 307)Increases from 180 to 730 days the length of a debtor's location of domicile for purposes of determining which State law governs the debtor's selection of property exempt from the bankrupt estate. (Sec. 308) Reduces the value of homestead exemption and debtor's burial plot to the extent it is attributable to any portion of any property that is disposed by the debtor within the 730-day period ending on the bankruptcy petition filing date with the intent to obstruct or defraud a creditor, and that the debtor could not exempt. (Sec. 309) Revamps prescriptions governing the effects of conversion from chapter 13 to another chapter. Declares that: (1) valuations of property and of allowed secured claims in a chapter 13 case shall not apply in a case converted to chapter 7; and (2) with respect to cases converted from chapter 13, the claim of any creditor holding security as of the date of the petition shall continue to be secured by that security unless the full amount of that claim, as determined under applicable nonbankruptcy law, has been paid in full as of the date of conversion. States that a prebankruptcy default shall have the effect given under applicable nonbankruptcy law unless it has been fully cured pursuant to the plan at the time of conversion. Provides for a chapter 7 debtor's assumption of executory contracts and unexpired leases of personal property. Declares that in a chapter 11 case in which the debtor is an individual, and in a chapter 13 case, if the lease is not assumed in the plan, it is rejected (and no longer subject to an automatic stay) as of the plan's confirmation date. Delineates a cash payment plan for chapter 13 debtors for payments to any lessor of personal property and to any creditor holding a claim secured by personal property to the extent such claim is attributable to the debtor's purchase of such property. (Sec. 310) Reduces from the threshold amounts of luxury goods and consumer credit cash advances presumed nondischargeable in bankruptcy, if acquired within 90 days and 70 days, respectively (currently 60 days) before an order for relief is issued. (Sec. 311) Precludes an automatic stay of any eviction, unlawful detainer action, or similar proceeding by a lessor against a debtor involving residential real property in which: (1) the debtor resides and has not paid rent after the commencement and during the course of the case; (2) the rental agreement has terminated; (3) the debtor has previously filed within the last year and failed to pay post-petition rent during the course of that case; or (4) eviction actions are based upon endangerment to property or person or the use of illegal drugs. (Sec. 312) Extends the period between chapter 7 discharges to eight years, and between chapter 13 discharges to five years. (Sec. 314) Declares nondischargeable in bankruptcy: (1) debts intentionally incurred to pay a nondischargeable debt with the intent to discharge the newly-created debt; and (2) all debts incurred to pay nondischargeable debts, without regard to intent, if incurred within 70 days of the filing of the petition. Treats a debt incurred to pay child or spousal support as a dischargable debt (in order to preclude such support from having to compete with the nondischargeable debt). Revamps Chapter 13 debt discharge guidelines. Prohibits discharge from a debt for restitution or damages awarded in a civil action against the debtor for willful or malicious injury that caused personal injury or death of an individual. (Sec. 315) Prescribes notice procedures for chapter 7 and chapter 13 creditors. Expands debtor's duties to require filing with the bankruptcy court: (1) all tax returns; (2) evidence of payments received; (3) monthly net income projections; and (4) anticipated debt or expenditure increases. Permits a chapter 7 or chapter 13 creditor to request the debtor's petition, schedules and statement of affairs, including the debt adjustment plan filed by the debtor. Mandates debtor compliance within five days of such request. Mandates that, at the time of filing with the taxing authority, a chapter 7 or 13 debtor file with the bankruptcy court specified tax documentation pertaining to the period from case commencement until case termination. Requires a chapter 13 debtor to file with the court a statement of income and expenditures in the preceding tax year, and monthly net income, showing how calculated. Makes debtor's mandatory documentation available for inspection and copying to certain bankruptcy officers and any party in interest. Requires debtors to furnish driver's license, passport or other photograph-containing documentation establishing debtor identification. (Sec. 316) Provides for automatic dismissal if a chapter 7 debtor fails to furnish all mandatory information, or fails to timely file the requisite schedules. Requires the court to order dismissal within five days of a request by a party in interest for the debtor's failure to timely submit requisite documentation. (Sec. 317) Requires a Chapter 13 confirmation hearing to be held not later than 45 days after the first meeting of creditors. Mandates filing of a Chapter 13 debt readjustment plan within 90 days of the order for relief. Prohibits such plan (with certain exceptions) from providing for payments over a period that is longer than three years. (Sec. 319) Expresses the sense of the Congress that rule 9011 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure should include a requirement that all debtors' documents be submitted to the court only after debtors have made reasonable inquiry to verify that all information therein is well grounded in fact, and warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for extension, modification or reversal of existing law. (Sec. 320) Revises automatic stay guidelines to provide that in the case of an individual filing under chapters 7, 11, or 13, the automatic stay shall terminate 60 days after a request for its release by a party in interest, unless the court orders or the parties agree to a longer time. Title IV: General and Small Business Bankruptcy Provisions - Subtitle A: General Business Bankruptcy Provisions - Revises circumstances under which enforcement of rights and remedies of a secured party in either rolling stock equipment, or aircraft equipment and vessels, is subject to the automatic stay. (Sec. 402) Denies a debtor an automatic stay of the commencement of an investigation or action by a securities self-regulatory organization to enforce compliance with its regulations, or of the enforcement of any order or decision obtained by such an organization, other than for monetary sanctions. (Sec. 403) Authorizes the bankruptcy court, upon request of a party in interest, to order that the U.S. trustee not convene a meeting of creditors or equity security holders if the debtor has filed a plan for which acceptances have been solicited before commencement of the case. (Sec. 405) Amends guidelines for rejection and surrender of executory contracts and unexpired leases. (Sec. 407) Prohibits the bankruptcy trustee from avoiding a warehouseman's lien for costs incidental to the storage and handling of certain goods. (Sec. 409) Directs the bankruptcy court to treat the compensation awarded a trustee as a commission based on the results achieved. (Sec. 410) States that acceptance or rejection of a chapter 11 plan may be solicited from a holder of a claim or interest if: (1) the solicitation complies with applicable nonbankruptcy law; and (2) it was made before commencement of the case in a manner complying with applicable nonbankruptcy law. (Sec. 411) Prohibits the bankruptcy trustee from avoiding a transfer if, in a case filed by a debtor whose debts are not primarily consumer debts, the aggregate value of all property that constitutes or is affected by such transfer is less than $5,000. (Sec. 413) Limits the extensions of time permitted for filing a chapter 11 reorganization plan. (Sec. 414) Denies a discharge in bankruptcy for a debt for a fee or assessment arising from a debtor's interest in a lot in a homeowners association for as long as the debtor retains specified interests in such lot. (Sec. 415) Authorizes a creditor holding a consumer debt to participate in a meeting of creditors in a chapter 7 or 13 case, either alone or in conjunction with an attorney. (Sec. 416) Amends the Federal judicial code to revise the requirement that a chapter 11 debtor pay quarterly fees to the U.S. Trustee for disbursements made during a quarter. Requires debtors with disbursements of less than $300,000 to pay such fee only until the case is converted or plan confirmation is obtained, whichever occurs first. (Sec. 417) Removes investment bankers from the definition of "disinterested person." Subtitle B: Small Business Bankruptcy Provisions - Sets forth mandatory factors for court consideration in determining whether the disclosure statement regarding a small business reorganization plan provides adequate information. (Sec. 422) Defines a small business debtor, generally, as a person (including a debtor affiliate) with not more than $4 million in aggregate non-contingent, liquidated secured and unsecured debts as of the date of the petition or the order for relief (excluding debts owed to one or more affiliates or insiders). (Sec. 423) Directs the Advisory Committee on Bankruptcy Rules of the Judicial Conference (Advisory Committee) to propose for adoption standardized disclosure statements and plans of reorganization for small business debtors. (Sec. 424) Sets forth uniform national reporting requirements for small business debtors. (Sec. 425) Directs the Advisory Committee to propose for adoption revisions to the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and Official Bankruptcy Forms enabling small business debtors to comply with such uniform national reporting requirements. (Sec. 426) Sets forth duties and administrative procedures in small business reorganization cases, including serial filer provisions and expanded grounds for dismissal or conversion and appointment of a trustee. (Sec. 434) Directs the Small Business Administration to study and report to the Congress on: (1) the factors that cause small businesses to become debtors in bankruptcy; and (2) how Federal bankruptcy laws can be made more efficient in assisting small businesses to retain their viability. (Sec. 435) Revises the circumstance where a debtor has commenced monthly payments to each secured interest creditor to allow the debtor, in the debtor's sole discretion, to make such payments from rents or other income generated before or after the commencement of the case by or from the property. Requires such payments in an amount equal to the interest on the value of the creditor's interest in the real estate, determined at the then-applicable contract rate of interest (currently, at the fair market rate). Title V: Municipal Bankruptcy Provisions - Makes technical amendments to requirements for a municipal bankruptcy petition. Title VI: Improved Bankruptcy Statistics and Data - Requires each U.S. trustee to report to the Attorney General on audit results. Requires the Attorney General to establish random audits of individual cases. (Sec. 601) Amends the Federal judicial code to require the clerk of each district to compile bankruptcy statistics for individual debtors with primarily consumer debts seeking relief under chapters 7, 11, and 13. Directs the Administrative Office of the United States Courts (Administrative Office) to make such statistics public and to report them annually to the Congress. (Sec. 603) Instructs the Attorney General to promulgate requirements for uniform forms for: (1) final reports by trustees in cases under chapters 7, 12, and 13; and (2) periodic reports by chapter 11 debtors or trustees in possession. Prescribes report contents. (Sec. 604) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the national policy should be that: (1) all public record data held in electronic form by bankruptcy clerks should be released in electronic form in bulk to the public subject to appropriate privacy concerns and safeguards as the Judicial Conference of the United States may determine; and (2) a bankruptcy data system should be established in which a single set of data definitions are used to collect data nationwide, and in which all data for any particular bankruptcy case are aggregated in the same electronic record. Title VII: Bankruptcy Tax Provisions - Amends the bankruptcy code to modify the treatment of certain tax liens. (Sec. 702) Requires a debtor indebted to a governmental unit to furnish specified information concerning such debt, including the underlying basis for the governmental unit's claim. Requires the Advisory Committee on Bankruptcy Rules of the Judicial Conference to propose for adoption enhanced rules for providing notice to Federal, State, and local government units that have regulatory authority over the debtor or which may be creditors in the debtor's case. (Sec. 704) Prescribes the rate of interest to be paid on mandatory interest payments on tax claims. (Sec. 705) Revises the specifications for income tax claims receiving eighth priority (allowed unsecured claims of governmental units). Provides for tolling of the time periods covering such tax claims for stays of proceedings in a prior bankruptcy case, and the pendency or effect of offers in compromise or installment agreements. (Sec. 708) States that confirmation of a bankruptcy plan does not discharge a corporate debtor from any debt for a tax or customs duty with respect to which the debtor made a fraudulent return or willfully attempted to evade or defeat such tax. (Sec. 709) Amends the automatic stay of U.S. Tax Court proceedings concerning the debtor to restrict such stay to tax liability for a taxable period ending before the order for relief. States that the filing of a bankruptcy petition does not operate as a stay of an appeal from a judicial or administrative determination of the debtor's tax liability without regard to whether such determination was made prepetition or postpetition. (Sec. 710) Includes among the requirements for court confirmation of a chapter 11 bankruptcy plan which includes tax claims, that the debtor, at the minimum, make regular cash installment payments, but in no case with a balloon provision, and no more than three months apart, beginning no later than the effective date of the plan and ending on the earlier of five years after the petition date or the last date payments are to be made under the plan to unsecured creditors. (Sec. 711) Prohibits the avoidance of statutory tax liens by certain purchasers. (Sec. 712) Amends the Federal judicial code to require officers and agents conducting any business under court authority to pay all Federal, State and local taxes when due in the course of the business, unless it is a property tax secured by a lien against estate property which is abandoned by the bankruptcy trustee, or payment of the tax is excused under a specific bankruptcy law. Cites circumstances in which payment of such taxes may be deferred in a case pending under chapter 7 until final distribution is made. Entitles to administrative expense priority payment certain secured and postpetition unsecured taxes incurred by the bankruptcy estate, including ad valorem property taxes. Declares that a governmental unit shall not be required to file a request for the payment of administrative expenses relating to a tax liability or tax penalty. Allows a trustee to recover from property securing a claim for the payment of all ad valorem property taxes relating to such property. (Sec. 713) Requires as a condition for payment of tardily filed priority tax claims that they be filed either before the trustee commences distribution or ten days following the mailing to creditors of the summary of the trustee's final report, whichever is earlier (currently, before the trustee commences distribution of the estate). (Sec. 714) Makes nondischargeable any obligations based on income tax returns prepared by tax authorities. (Sec. 715) Declares that an estate's liability for unpaid tax is discharged upon payment of such tax according to certain requirements. (Sec. 716) Conditions court confirmation of a chapter 13 bankruptcy plan upon filing by the debtor: (1) of all prepetition tax returns; and (2) before the day on which the first meeting of thecreditors is convened, of all tax returns for taxable periods endingin the three-year period that ends on the date of the filing of thepetition. Authorizes the court to dismiss a plan, if a chapter 13debtor fails to comply with such time frame. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Advisory Committee onBankruptcy Rules of the Judicial Conference should propose foradoption amended Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure pertaining toobjections to tax claims and to plan confirmation. (Sec. 717) Redefines "adequate disclosure," for postpetition disclosure and solicitation purposes, to include full discussion ofthe potential material Federal and State tax consequences of the plan to the debtor and to a hypothetical investor domiciled in the State in which the debtor resides or has its principal place of business typical of the holders of claims or interests in the case. (Sec. 718) Denies an automatic stay, unless specified conditions are met, to the setoff of an income tax refund for a taxable periodwhich ended before the order for relief against an income tax liability for a taxable period which also ended before the order forrelief. Title VIII: Ancillary and Other Cross-Border Cases - Expands thescope of bankruptcy law to incorporate the Model Law on Cross-BorderInsolvency, and to establish a statutory mechanism for: (1) dealingwith cases of cross-border insolvency; and (2) cooperation betweenU.S. courts, trustees, and debtors and their foreign counterparts. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) access by foreign representatives and creditors to Federal and Statecourts; (2) recognition of a foreign proceeding and relief; (3) cooperation and direct communication with foreign courts and representatives; and (4) concurrent proceedings and the coordination of foreign and domestic proceedings. Title IX: Financial Contract Provisions - Amends Federal bankruptcy provisions to: (1) deny an automatic stay to set-offs under certain swap agreements and netting agreements; and (2) restrict the avoidance power of the bankruptcy trustee regarding certain master netting agreement transfers to those transfers that are fraudulent in nature. Sets forth statutory guidelines for: (1) the termination or acceleration of designated contracts and agreements; and (2) commodity broker and stockbroker liquidation with respect to the priority of unsecured claims, or customer property or distributions. (Sec. 902) Specifies the date for the measure of damages in connection with: (1) rejection by the bankruptcy trustee of designated contracts and agreements relating to executory contracts and unexpired leases; or (2) the liquidation, acceleration, or termination of such contracts and agreements. (Sec. 903) Declares that property of the bankrupt estate does not include any eligible asset (or its proceeds) to the extent that it was transferred by the debtor before commencement of the case to an eligible entity in connection with an asset-backed securitization (except to the extent that such asset, or its proceeds or value, may be recovered through avoidance by the bankruptcy trustee). Title X: Protection of Family Farmers - Amends the Federal bankruptcy provisions to: (1) reenact Chapter 12, Adjustment of Debts of a Family Farmer with Regular Annual Income, (thereby reinstating family farmer bankruptcy relief); (2) define a family farmer as one whose gross income of more than 50 percent from a farming operation was received during at least one of the three taxable years preceding the taxable year in which the bankruptcy petition was filed (thus relaxing eligibility criteria from one year to three years); and (3) cite circumstances under which the claim of a governmental unit that arises as a result of the disposition of a farm asset used in thedebtor's farming operation shall be treated as an unsecured claim that is not entitled to priority. Title XI: Health Care and Employee Benefits - Amends bankruptcy provisions to prescribe guidelines for disposal of the patient records of a health care business (including a hospital, a health maintenance organization, or a nursing home) that commences a proceeding for debtor relief. Provides for disposal with a State or Federal agency, the patient or an insurance provider, or by destruction. (Sec. 1103) Allows an administrative expense claim for the costs of closing a health care business, including disposal of patient records and transfer of patients to another health care business. (Sec. 1104) Requires the bankruptcy court to appoint an ombudsman to represent the interests of the patients of a health care business within 30 days after commencement of a case under chapter 7 (Liquidation), 9 (Adjustment of Debts of a Municipality), or 11 (Reorganization). (Sec. 1105) Requires the bankruptcy trustee to use all reasonable and best efforts to transfer patients from the health care business in the process of being closed to an appropriate substitute. Title XII: Technical Amendments - Makes technical corrections to Federal bankruptcy, judicial, and criminal law. Redefines single asset real estate to exclude family farms and to repeal the $4 million ceiling on the amount of noncontingent, liquidated secured debts on such property. Defines the term "transfer" to include: (1) creation of a lien; (2) retention of title as a security interest; (3) foreclosure of the debtor's equity of redemption; and (4) every mode of disposing of property or parting with an interest in property. (Sec. 1202) Requires triennial adjustment of: (1) the $5,000 value of certain implements, professional books, tools of the trade, farm animals, and crops which a debtor may exempt from the property of the estate (protecting them from creditors' liens); and (2) the national median household income calculated monthly. (Sec. 1206) Provides that a trustee or a creditors' and equity security holders' committee may pay a professional person they employ on a fixed or percentage fee basis, as well as on other bases already permitted. (Sec. 1211) Excludes from compensable professional services any expenses incurred by an individual member of a creditors' and equity security holders' committee. (Sec. 1213) Revises the prohibition against debtor avoidance of certain judicial liens in connection with a liability designated as, and actually in the nature of, alimony, maintenance, or support. (Sec. 1214) Declares nondischargeable in bankruptcy a debt for death or personal injury caused by the debtor's operation of a watercraft or aircraft while intoxicated from alcohol, a drug, or other substance. Limits the nondischargeability of fees imposed by a court to fees so imposed on a prisoner. (Sec. 1219) Revises guidelines governing preferences to provide that, if the trustee avoids a security interest given between 90 days and one year before the date of the filing of the petition, by the debtor to a non-insider for the benefit of a creditor that is an insider, then such security interest shall be considered to be avoided only with respect to the insider creditor. (Sec. 1225) Permits the bankruptcy trustee to sell, use, or lease property in accordance with nonbankruptcy law governing the transfer of property by nonprofit charitable corporations, if doing so is not inconsistent with certain relief granted under the automatic stay. (Sec. 1226) Extends from 20 to 30 days the length of time after a debtor receives possession of property for perfection of a security interest in such property created by a transfer which the trustee may not avoid. (Sec. 1228) Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal judicial code to mandate appointments for additional temporary bankruptcy judgeships in California, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia. Provides that the first vacancy occurring in such agdistrict five years or more after a judge is appointed under this Act shall not be filled. Extends temporary bankruptcy judgeship positions authorized for the northern district of Alabama, the eastern district of Tennessee, and the districts of Delaware, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina. Directs each chief bankruptcy judge to report annually to the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts on the travel expenses of each bankruptcy judge assigned to the applicable district. Title XIII: General Effective Date; Application of Amendments - Sets forth the effective date of this Act and the application of its amendments.
Bill· HRH.R. 1139 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Funding for Child Care Title II: Dependent Care Tax Credit Reform Title III: Grants to Business Consortia Subtitle A: Grant Program Subtitle B: General Provisions Title IV: After School Program Subtitle A: 21st Century Community Learning Centers Subtitle B: After School Snacks Title V: Model States Early Learning Program Title VI: Child Care Worker Incentives Title VII: Research and Demonstration Program Title VIII: Miscellaneous Subtitle A: Child and Adult Food Program Subtitle B: Mortgage Insurance for Child Care and Development Facilities Subtitle C: Sense of the Congress Affordable Child Care, Education, Security, and Safety Act - Title I: Funding for Child Care - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to make appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004 for child care subsidy funding under the title IV part A program of Block Grants to States for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). (Sec. 101) Reserves specified portions of such funds for payments to Indian tribes and for quality assurance and quality improvement activities relating to programs under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (CCDBGA). Provides for allotment of funds among the States and territories according to a specified formula, or for matching payments based on certain portions of their expenditures for specified purposes authorized under CCDBGA. Requires targeting of at least 70 percent of such subsidy for child care assistance funds to working non-welfare families, who are not TANF recipients under a State or territory program. Title II: Dependent Care Tax Credit Reform - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the dependent care tax credit and to provide an equivalent benefit where one parent stays at home to provide child care for child under age one. (Sec. 202) Allows a business-related tax credit for employer expenses for employer-provided child care assistance. (Sec. 203) Allows the dependent care credit against the alternative minimum tax. Title III: Grants to Business Consortia - Subtitle A: Grant Program - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to States to provide grants to eligible entities to improve access to affordable, local, quality child care services. (Sec. 301) Makes eligible for such a grant a consortium that: (1) has not received a grant under this title; and (2) consists of representatives from at least five businesses (or a nonprofit organization that represents at least five businesses), each of which, to the maximum extent practicable, is located in the same geographic region. Requires States to give priority, in providing such grants, to eligible entities that consist of a majority of representatives from small businesses. Sets a maximum limit on the amount of any such grant provided to an eligible entity for any fiscal year. (Sec. 302) Sets forth requirements for grant applications, use of funds, and matching funds. Subtitle B: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for such child care services grants to business consortia. Title IV: After School Program - Subtitle A: 21st Century Community Learning Centers - Amends the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Act to require that discretionary grants be awarded to local educational agencies (LEAs) for supporting certain programs of public elementary schools or secondary schools, including middle schools, that serve communities with substantial needs for expanded learning opportunities for children and youth. (Sec. 401) Increases the maximum duration of such a grant from three to five years. (Sec. 402) Requires the LEA to demonstrate that it will provide specified portions of the annual costs of project activities from sources other than such grant funds. (Sec. 403) Requires the use of grant funds to establish or expand community learning centers that provide activities that offer expanded learning opportunities for children and youth in the community (such as activities conducted before or after school), and which may include any of the currently authorized activities. (Sec. 405) Extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for such Act. Authorizes continuation awards of FY 1998 grants. Subtitle B: After School Snacks - Amends the National School Lunch Act to provide for participation by certain additional institutions under the child and adult care food program. Allows such institutions to claim reimbursements for meal supplements which they serve without charge to children in afterschool care. (Sec. 411) Revises eligibility requirements for meal supplements for children in afterschool care. Title V: Model States Early Learning Program - Amends SSA title IV part A (TANF) to make appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004 for model States early learning programs. Provides for allotment of funds among the States, territories, and Indian tribes according to a specified formula, or for matching payments based on portions of their expenditures for an early learning program under CCDBGA. (Sec. 501) Amends CCDBGA to establish the Model States Early Learning Program. Sets forth program requirements for State participation and plans, allowable activities, and annual reports. Title VI: Child Care Worker Incentives - Child Care Worker Incentive Act of 1999 - Amends CCDBGA to establish a national child care provider scholarship program. (Sec. 602) Sets forth eligibility criteria for scholarship applicants, including: (1) demonstrated commitment to a child care career; (2) cost sharing by the applicant and employer; and (3) the employer's agreement to provide increased financial incentives to the employee upon completion of the education or training. Includes such program under requirements for State plans, allotments, payments, and annual reports. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Research and Demonstration Program - Amends CCDBGA to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), directly or through grants, contracts, or other arrangements, to carry out research, demonstration projects, and other activities relating to child care, including activities designed to improve the quality and increase the availability of child care. (Sec. 701) Includes among allowable activities under such research and demonstrations program: (1) research on child care needs of low-income families, on good policies and practices, and on retention of child care provider staff; (2) demonstrations of technology-based education and training; (3) demonstration projects for new methods; (4) a National Center on Child Care Statistics; and (5) a hotline to locate local child care resources, and child care consumer education activities. Authorizes appropriations. Title VIII: Miscellaneous - Subtitle A: Child and Adult Food Program - Amends the National School Lunch Act to increase reimbursement rates for family or group day care homes under the child and adult care food program. Subtitle B: Mortgage Insurance for Child Care and Development Facilities - Children's Development Commission Act - Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure mortgages for: (1) new or rehabilitated child care and development facilities, including mortgage insurance for fire safety equipment loans; and (2) purchase or refinance of existing child care and development facilities. (Sec. 855) Establishes the Children's Development Commission which shall: (1) issue facility standards and compliance certifications; and (2) make loans not in excess of $50,000 for facility rehabilitation or renovation. Directs the Commission to report to the Congress on: (1) a plan for establishing an independent foundation to support research on child care and development facilities, fund pilot programs to test innovative methods for improving child care, and assist persons interested in mortgage insurance and other Commission assistance; and (2) a study of capital needs of center-based child care in low-income communities. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 856) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study the availability of child care facility secondary mortgage markets. Subtitle C: Sense of the Congress - Expresses the sense of the Congress that funds should be appropriated under the amendments made by this Act to the maximum extent authorized and consistently with achieving a balanced Federal budget.
Bill· HRH.R. 1123 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1999
Amends the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997, specified Federal law relating to Department of Defense funds, and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 to exclude grants for student financial assistance from the prohibition on certain Federal departments and agencies making grants to institutions of higher education that prevent ROTC access to campus or military recruiting on campus.
Bill· HRH.R. 1129 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1999
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the 60-month limitation period on the allowance of the interest deduction on loans for higher education expenses.
Bill· SS. 607 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1999
National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1999 - Amends the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 to revise requirements for the responsibilities of the U.S. Geological Survey with respect to the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, including to require the: (1) development of national priorities (currently, priorities) and standards; (2) development of a five-year strategic plan (currently, an implementation plan); (3) appointment of a new geologic mapping advisory committee; and (4) biennial submission of the report on the development and implementation of the program. Revises requirements for program components, including by: (1) including among the objectives of each component determining the geologic framework of areas determined to be vital to environmental welfare; (2) deleting provisions governing a geologic mapping support component and including interdisciplinary studies that add value to geologic mapping under the Federal geologic mapping component's responsibilities; (3) basing mapping priorities for the State geologic mapping component on State requirements for geologic map information in areas of multiple-issue need or of compelling single-issue need and in areas where mapping is required to solve critical earth science problems; (4) prohibiting the Survey and recipients of grants under the State or education component from using more than a specified percentage of the Federal funds made available under such component for any fiscal year to pay indirect, servicing, or program management charges; and (5) limiting to 50 percent the Federal share of the cost of activities under such components for any fiscal year. (Sec. 5) Revises provisions regarding the geologic mapping advisory committee, including by requiring such committee to update the five-year strategic plan. (Sec. 6) Sets forth requirements for the five- year strategic plan (similar to those for the implementation plan). (Sec. 7) Revises the provisions establishing the National geologic-map database, including by requiring that such database serve as a national catalog and archive (currently, archive), distributed through links to Federal and State geologic map holdings; and (2) provide for such database to include all maps developed under the Federal and education components (currently all maps developed pursuant to the Act). (Sec. 9) Authorizes appropriations. Allocates 48 percent of any amounts appropriated in excess of the amount appropriated for FY 2000 for the State component and two percent for the education component.
Bill· SS. 608 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1999
Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1999 - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to revise and rename it the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1999. Instructs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to: (1) develop and operate a repository for the permanent geologic disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste; (2) accept spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste by no later than June 30, 2003; (3) provide for the transportation of such wastes; (4) pursue expeditiously the development of each component of the integrated management system; and (5) engage private sector participation to the greatest extent possible in the implementation of this Act. Shields the United States from any financial liability for the Secretary's failure to meet acceptance or emplacement deadlines under this Act. Instructs the Secretary to utilize truck transport to move spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste from the mainline rail line at Caliente, Nevada, to the interim storage facility site. Authorizes the Secretary to use rail transportation to meet the requirements of this Act if direct rail access becomes available to the interim storage facility site. Sets a deadline for the Secretary to develop the capability to commence rail to truck intermodal transfer at Caliente, Nevada. Provides for heavy-haul transportation route and truck transportation. Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Caliente and Lincoln County, Nevada, to provide advice to the Commission regarding intermodal transfer and to facilitate on-site representation. Provides that reasonable expenses of such representation shall be paid by the Secretary. Prescribes procedural guidelines for the availability of safe transportation for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste from Department of Energy sites and sites designated by the contract holders to mainline transportation facilities and from mainline transportation facilities to the interim storage facility or repository, using routes that minimize transportation through populated areas. Mandates development of a comprehensive management plan that ensures safe transportation of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste from Department of Energy sites and sites designated by the contract holders to the interim storage facility site. Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary shall: (1) develop a transportation plan for the implementation of each shipping campaign from each site at which high-level nuclear waste is stored; and (2) evaluate the relative safety of proposed shipping routes and modes from each shipping origin to the interim storage facility or repository compared with the safety of alternative modes and routes. Prescribes general transportation requirements, including technical assistance and funds for: (1) States, Indian tribes, and nonprofit employee and joint labor-management organizations for worker health and safety training and education programs; and (2) emergency response situations. Prohibits shipments of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste through any grant-eligible jurisdiction: (1) until the Secretary has determined that personnel in all State, local, and tribal jurisdictions on primary and alternative shipping routes have met acceptable standards of training for emergency responses to accidents involving spent nuclear fuel and high-level nuclear waste; and (2) unless technical assistance and funds to implement safe transportation procedures and emergency response situations have been available for at least three years prior to shipment. Directs the Secretary to award grants to States and Indian tribes for development and implementation of plans to prepare for such shipments. Requires a transporter of nuclear waste under contract with the Secretary to comply with all governmental and Indian tribal transportation regulations. Instructs the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate employee protection training standards for workers directly involved in nuclear waste transportation, storage, and disposal. Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary of Energy is instructed to design, construct, and operate an interim storage facility for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste in accordance with Federal licensing regulations governing independent spent fuel storage installations. Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary is instructed to implement site characterization activities at the Yucca Mountain site in accordance with the Secretary's program approach to site characterization (Civilian Radioactive Waste Management Program Plan). Prescribes authorization guidelines for an interim storage facility, and for a permanent repository, including: (1) licensing standards; (2) compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act; and (3) land withdrawal. Instructs the Secretary to offer Nye County, Nevada, an opportunity to designate an on-site oversight representative to conduct on-site oversight activities at the Yucca Mountain site. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make grants to enable affected Indian tribes or local governmental units to monitor and review the impact of the integrated management system upon residents at the Yucca Mountain site; and (2) offer financial and technical assistance, as well as payments in lieu of taxes, to help a tribe or local governmental unit to mitigate such impact. Instructs the Secretary to offer to enter into separate benefits agreements with Lincoln and Nye Counties concerning the integrated management system. Provides that acceptance of benefits under this Act by any affected Indian tribe or local government shall not be deemed an expression of consent to the siting of an interim storage facility or repository in Nevada. Sets a deadline by which the Secretary of the Interior shall convey all Federal interest in specified property to Nye County, Lincoln County, or to the city of Caliente, Nevada. Authorizes the Secretary to grant payments in lieu of taxes to any affected Indian or local jurisdiction until the termination of the integrated management system activities. Prescribes contract guidelines for the Secretary to accept title to, and transport, store, and dispose of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste. Prescribes a schedule of annual fees payable to the Secretary of Energy for electricity generated and sold by civilian nuclear power reactors, and of a one-time fee for spent nuclear fuel used in such generation. Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to suspend the license of any licensee who fails or refuses to pay such fee. States that payment of the fee relieves the payer of further financial obligation to the Federal Government for its long-term storage or permanent disposal of spent fuel or waste derived from spent nuclear fuel used to generate electricity in a civilian power reactor before January 7, 1983. Continues the Nuclear Waste Fund. Prohibits the Secretary from expending certain funds to design or construct packages for the transportation, storage, or disposal of spent nuclear fuel from civilian nuclear power reactors. Establishes the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management within the Department of Energy, whose Director shall be directly responsible to the Secretary for executing the Secretary's functions under this Act. Mandates audits of Office operations, including its contractors and subcontractors at all tiers, and audits of management practices and performances every five years. Directs the Secretary to issue a final rule establishing the appropriate portion of the costs of managing high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel allocable to the interim storage or permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste from atomic energy defense activities and spent nuclear fuel from foreign research reactors. Authorizes appropriations. Preempts State and local law in favor of this Act. Precludes this Act from being construed as: (1) constituting either an express or implied Federal reservation of water rights for any purpose arising under it; (2) authorizing the Federal use of eminent domain to acquire water rights; or (3) limiting the exercise of water rights as provided under Nevada State laws. Grants U.S. courts of appeals original and exclusive jurisdiction over civil actions under this Act. Prescribes guidelines for NRC licensing hearings regarding facility expansions and transshipments. Prohibits the Secretary from conducting site-specific activities for a second repository unless the Congress has specifically authorized and appropriated funds for them. Requires the NRC to promulgate regulatory guidelines for: (1) financial arrangements for low-level radioactive waste site closures; and (2) training and qualification of civilian nuclear powerplant personnel. Delineates an emplacement schedule for contract holders' spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. Prohibits: (1) subseabed or ocean water disposal of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste; and (2) any obligation of funds for any such related activity. States that the Secretary's acceptance of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste constitutes a transfer of title to the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) accept all spent nuclear fuel withdrawn from Dairyland Power Cooperative's La Crosse Reactor; and (2) pay for the on-site storage of such fuel until DOE removes it from the site. Expresses the sense of the Congress that to the greatest extent practicable all equipment and products purchased with funds made available under this Act should be American-made. Requires each Federal agency to give notice of this policy to any entity to which it provides financial assistance or contracts. Prohibits contracts with persons falsely labeling products as "Made in America." Continues the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to take necessary action to improve the management of the civilian radioactive waste management program to ensure to the maximum extent its operation like a private business. Directs the Secretary to employ, on an on-going basis, integrated performance modeling regarding site characterization. Instructs the Secretary to report to the Congress on actions planned to implement this Act, (including the development of the Integrated Waste Management System) and to provide annual status updates. Provides for continuation of specified contracts executed under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982.
Bill· SS. 609 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1999
Amends the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1994 to include prevention of the abuse of inhalants under such Act's programs.
Bill· SS. 616 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Child Care and Development Block Grant Title II: Supporting Family Choices in Child Care Title III: Quality Child Care Loan Forgiveness Title IV: Offsets Child Development Act - Title I: Child Care and Development Block Grant - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (CCDBGA) to increase and extend through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for direct child care and quality improvement activities. (Sec. 102) Authorizes and makes appropriations for specified additional activities, including: (1) child care programs in general; (2) out-of-school care for school-age children; (3) improving availability of quality child care services; (4) challenge grants to increase the availability and quality of child care; (5) professional development activities and compensation; and (6) child care capital financing programs. (Sec. 103) Requires establishment of State and local child care coordinating boards to carry out specified duties, including ones currently given to designated State and local agencies. (Sec. 104) Requires State plans to provide for: (1) State use of allotments for the appropriate additional activities; (2) market rate payments for child care services, with exceptions for certain kinds of care; (3) use of the Federal share (80 percent) for the appropriate additional activities; and (4) a report, plan, and proposal for a child care capital financing program. (Sec. 105) Sets forth requirements for State use of specified additional activity allotments for: (1) child care programs in general; and (2) local grants for out-of-school care programs for school-age children. (Sec. 106) Sets forth requirements for State use of specified additional activity allotments for the following child care quality improvement activities: (1) improved availability of quality child care services; (2) challenge grants to increase the availability and quality of child care; and (3) professional development activities and compensation. (Sec. 107) Sets forth requirements for State use of specified additional activity allotments for child care capital financing programs. Sets forth required uses of aid for child care capital projects. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a child care Federal guarantee program to guarantee notes and other obligations issued by States to assist certain entities in obtaining financing for such projects. (Sec. 110) Requires States that receive CCDBGA allotments to conduct periodic surveys to collect certain wage and rate information relating to child care providers, and to report survey results to the Secretary. (Sec. 111) Revises requirements for payments for the benefit of Indian children. Sets forth the relationship between appropriated funds, certain reservations of funds for specified activities, and allotments under CCDBGA. Title II: Supporting Family Choices in Child Care - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) revise the formula to increase the dependent care income tax credit for certain taxpayers, indexed for inflation, with an even greater credit for employment-related dependent care expenses; (2) allow a minimum dependent care income tax credit for stay-at-home parents; and (3) provide for advance payment by the employer of an employee's dependent care income tax credit. Title III: Quality Child Care Loan Forgiveness - Quality Child Care Loan Forgiveness Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to increase from $10 million to $200 million the amount authorized to be appropriated for FY 1999 for the program of student loan forgiveness for child care providers. (Sec. 305) Requires cancellation of certain percentages of their student loans for full-time child care providers or educators who work in qualified child care facilities and who have degrees in early childhood education. Title IV: Offsets - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal: (1) the oil and gas percentage depletion allowance; (2) the enhanced oil recovery credit; (3) the exemption from alternative minimum tax for small corporations; and (4) the exclusion from gross income of an individual's foreign earned income. (Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary of Defense to terminate the F-22 aircraft program. Directs the President to reduce the U.S. inventory of strategic nuclear delivery systems to the levels applicable to the United States, within the time provided, in the START II Treaty. (Sec. 403) Reduces by five percent the amount available for U.S. intelligence and intelligence-related activities for FY 2000 through 2004. (Sec. 404) Amends the Arms Export Control Act to provide for recoupment of certain foreign military sales costs and expenses. (Sec. 405) Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to terminate U.S. participation in the International Space Station program.
Bill· SS. 601 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1999
Foreign Language Education Improvement Amendments Act of 1999 - Amends the Foreign Language Assistance Act of 1994 to require that foreign language assistance program grants be awarded for at least three years and not more than five years (currently grant duration is three years). Directs the Secretary of Education to use 50 percent of such program funds to award grants for foreign language programs serving students in certain heavily-impacted elementary or secondary schools. Sets the Federal share of such grants to such schools at 100 percent (currently 50 percent at schools that do not receive waivers). Includes among grant applications to be given special consideration those for programs that: (1) make effective use of technology such as computer assisted instruction, language laboratories, or distance learning; (2) promote innovative activities such as immersion, partial immersion, or content-based instruction; or (3) involve consortia with elementary schools or secondary schools. Revises elementary school incentive payment provisions to base such payments on the school's initiating a program designed to lead to communicative competency in a foreign language. Extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for the foreign language assistance program. Increases the amount of such program funds which may be used for elementary school incentive payments.
Bill· SS. 592 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1999
Healthy Kids 2000 Act - Title I: Health Care Accessibility and Accountability for Mothers and Newborns - Subtitle A: Accessibility of Mothers and Newborns to Health Insurance - Mothers and Newborns Health Insurance Act of 1999 - Amends title XXI (Children's Health Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to authorize a State child health plan, under the State Children's Health Insurance Program, to provide for optional coverage of pregnancy-related assistance for targeted low-income, uninsured pregnant women. (Sec. 103) Makes a child born to a woman receiving such pregnancy-related assistance automatically eligible for child health assistance. (Sec. 104) Provides for the expanded availability of funding for administrative costs related to certain outreach and eligibility determinations under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program with regard to children and pregnant women. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a procedure with regard to the participation of local and community-based public or nonprofit organizations in outreach and enrollment activities if States do not otherwise obligate the amounts made available for such activities. Subtitle B: Patient Rights With Respect to Care - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to require group health plans (other than fully insured plans) that provide coverage for gynecological or obstetric care and provide for designation of a participating primary care provider to: (1) allow a participant to designate a non-specialist without authorization or referral by the primary care provider; and (2) treat the ordering of other routine care related to obstetrical or gynecological care by the participating physician as the authorization of the primary care provider with respect to such care. Requires a group health plan that provides for a participant to designate a participating pediatric primary care provider for a child of such participant to: (1) permit the participant to designate a provider who specializes in pediatrics as the child's primary care provider; and (2) consider appropriate pediatric expertise in mandatorily assigning a participant to a pediatric primary care provider if a participant has not designated such a provider. Requires such plans, in the case of a covered child with a mental or physical condition, disability, or disease of sufficient seriousness to require diagnosis or treatment by a specialist, to provide for referral to a specialist who has extensive experience or training and is available and accessible to provide treatment, including referrals to nonparticipating providers in cases where the plan does not have an appropriate specialist. Provides that services pursuant to referrals to nonparticipating providers shall be provided at no additional cost beyond what the participant would pay to a participating provider. Directs such plans, with respect to the coverage of children, to make certain information regarding structures, processes, and outcomes regarding each offered health insurance product publicly available. (Sec. 112) Amends ERISA to require group health plans or health insurance issuers, in connection with the provisions of coverage, to establish, with respect to the coverage of children, a system to provide for the resolution of complaints and appeals regarding such coverage. Sets forth requirements for an independent external review process in connection with such coverage. (Sec. 113) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to incorporate ERISA requirements for patients' rights described by this Act. Title II: Payments to Children's Hospitals That Operate GME Programs - Pediatric Medical Education, Training, and Research Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of HHS to make payment as specified to each children's hospital for each hospital cost reporting period under Medicare (title XVIII of the SSA) beginning after FY 1999 and before FY 2004 for the direct and indirect expenses associated with operating approved medical residency training programs. Makes appropriations for such payments. Provides that such payments are in lieu of certain Medicare payments to hospitals for medical education, but shall not affect the amounts otherwise payable to such hospitals under a State Medicaid (SSA title XIX) plan. Title III: Pediatric Public Health Promotion - Subtitle A: National Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a National Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Transfers to the Center all activities, budgets, and personnel of the National Center for Environmental Health that relate to birth defects, folic acid, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, child development, newborn screening, autism, fragile X syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, pediatric genetics, and disability prevention. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Pregnant Mothers and Infants Health Promotion - Pregnant Mothers and Infants Health Protection Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to carry out programs to: (1) collect, analyze, and make available data on prenatal smoking and alcohol and illegal drug usage; (2) conduct applied epidemiological research on the prevention of prenatal and postnatal smoking and alcohol and illegal drug usage; (3) support, conduct, and evaluate the effectiveness of educational and cessation programs; and (4) provide information and education to the public on the prevention and implications of prenatal and postnatal smoking and alcohol and illegal drug usage. Authorizes grants to, and contracts with, public and nonprofit entities as well as technical assistance for carrying out this subtitle. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Safe Motherhood Monitoring and Prevention Research - Safe Motherhood Monitoring and Prevention Research Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to: (1) establish a national monitoring and surveillance program to identify and promote the investigation of deaths and severe complications that occur during pregnancy; (2) expand the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System to provide surveillance and collect data in each State; and (3) expand the Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology Program to provide technical support, financial assistance, or the time-limited assignment of senior epidemiologists to maternal and child health programs in each State. Authorizes appropriations. Permits the Secretary, acting through the Centers, to: (1) expand research relating to specified maternal health topics; and (2) carry out activities to promote safe motherhood. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Poison Control Center Enhancement - Poison Control Center Enhancement and Awareness Act - Directs the Secretary of HHS to provide coordination and assistance to regional poison control centers for the establishment of a nationwide toll-free phone number to be used to access such centers. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 335) Mandates a national media campaign to educate the public about poison prevention and the availability of local poison control resources and to conduct advertising campaigns concerning the nationwide toll-free number. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 336) Mandates grants for certified regional poison control centers to achieve financial stability and to prevent, and provide treatment recommendations for, poisoning. Mandates other grant uses. Sets forth center certification requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Pediatric Research - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a Pediatric Research Initiative within the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary, acting through the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, to provide support for extramural activities relating to the training and career development of pediatric researchers. Permits the Secretary to establish a pediatric research loan repayment program. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1071 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1999
Montgomery GI Bill Improvements Act of 1999 - Amends Federal basic educational assistance provisions (the Montgomery GI Bill) to authorize enhanced educational assistance to a member of the armed forces who, after September 30, 1999: (1) first enters on active duty; (2) reenlists or continues to serve on active duty; (3) serves a continuous period of active duty of four years; or (4) serves and is discharged or released for a service-connected disability, at the convenience of the Government (after serving at least 42 months of such duty), or due to a reduction in force. Limits to 36 months the period for such enhanced assistance, with a special rule for certain early separations. Requires the payment of educational expenses under such program, including tuition and fees, books, and other supplies. Provides: (1) a monthly stipend for approved programs of education, with different rates for programs pursued on a full-time, three quarter-time, or half-time basis; and (2) tutorial assistance. (Sec. 3) Increases the monthly rates of basic educational assistance. (Sec. 4) Repeals, with respect to such assistance: (1) a required monthly reduction in pay for individuals who do not elect to participate in such assistance program; (2) a provision authorizing individuals to elect not to receive such assistance; (3) the requirement that participants complete the requirements of a high school diploma or equivalency certificate prior to the end of their initial obligated period of service in order to be eligible to receive such assistance; and (4) provisions limiting an individual's opportunity to withdraw an election not to enroll in such assistance program. (Sec. 5) Authorizes an individual entitled to basic educational assistance to receive an accelerated payment of such allowance, beginning on March 1, 2000, under certain conditions. (Sec. 6) Authorizes the use of basic educational assistance for: (1) the payment of vocational or professional licensing or certification tests required under Federal, State, or local law; (2) preparatory courses for college and graduate school entrance exams; and (3) training for technological occupations offered by entities other than educational institutions. (Sec. 9) Authorizes enrollment in the basic educational assistance program for individuals who: (1) before October 10, 1996, were enrolled in the veterans' educational assistance program (VEAP); (2) had continuously served on active duty since October 9, 1996; and (3) if discharged or released from active duty after the date on which the individual elects to participate in the basic educational assistance program, were discharged or released with an honorable discharge. Discontinues, after the enactment of this Act, the required reduction in basic pay for VEAP participants.
Bill· HRH.R. 1085 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1999
Healthy Kids 2000 Act - Title I: Health Care Accessibility and Accountability for Mothers and Newborns - Subtitle A: Accessibility of Mothers and Newborns to Health Insurance - Mothers and Newborns Health Insurance Act of 1999 - Amends title XXI (Children's Health Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to authorize a State child health plan, under the State Children's Health Insurance Program, to provide for optional coverage of pregnancy-related assistance for targeted low-income, uninsured pregnant women. (Sec. 103) Makes a child born to a woman receiving such pregnancy-related assistance automatically eligible for child health assistance. (Sec. 104) Provides for the expanded availability of funding for administrative costs related to certain outreach and eligibility determinations under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program with regard to children and pregnant women. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a procedure with regard to the participation of local and community-based public or nonprofit organizations in outreach and enrollment activities if States do not otherwise obligate the amounts made available for such activities. Subtitle B: Patient Rights With Respect to Care - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to require group health plans (other than fully insured plans) that provide coverage for gynecological or obstetric care and provide for designation of a participating primary care provider to: (1) allow a participant to designate a non-specialist without authorization or referral by the primary care provider; and (2) treat the ordering of other routine care related to obstetrical or gynecological care by the participating physician as the authorization of the primary care provider with respect to such care. Requires a group health plan that provides for a participant to designate a participating pediatric primary care provider for a child of such participant to: (1) permit the participant to designate a provider who specializes in pediatrics as the child's primary care provider; and (2) consider appropriate pediatric expertise in mandatorily assigning a participant to a pediatric primary care provider if a participant has not designated such a provider. Requires such plans, in the case of a covered child with a mental or physical condition, disability, or disease of sufficient seriousness to require diagnosis or treatment by a specialist, to provide for referral to a specialist who has extensive experience or training and is available and accessible to provide treatment, including referrals to nonparticipating providers in cases where the plan does not have an appropriate specialist. Provides that services pursuant to referrals to nonparticipating providers shall be provided at no additional cost beyond what the participant would pay to a participating provider. Directs such plans, with respect to the coverage of children, to make certain information regarding structures, processes, and outcomes regarding each offered health insurance product publicly available. (Sec. 112) Amends ERISA to require group health plans or health insurance issuers, in connection with the provisions of coverage, to establish, with respect to the coverage of children, a system to provide for the resolution of complaints and appeals regarding such coverage. Sets forth requirements for an independent external review process in connection with such coverage. (Sec. 113) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to incorporate ERISA requirements for patients' rights described by this Act. Title II: Payments to Children's Hospitals That Operate GME Programs - Pediatric Medical Education, Training, and Research Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary of HHS to make payment as specified to each children's hospital for each hospital cost reporting period under Medicare (title XVIII of the SSA) for FY 2000 and 2001 beginning after FY 1999 and before FY 2004 for the direct and indirect expenses associated with operating approved medical residency training programs. Makes appropriations for such payments. Provides that such payments are in lieu of certain Medicare payments to hospitals for medical education, but shall not affect the amounts otherwise payable to such hospitals under a State Medicaid (SSA title XIX) plan. Title III: Pediatric Public Health Promotion - Subtitle A: National Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a National Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Transfers to the Center all activities, budgets, and personnel of the National Center for Environmental Health that relate to birth defects, folic acid, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, child development, newborn screening, autism, fragile X syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, pediatric genetics, and disability prevention. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Pregnant Mothers and Infants Health Promotion - Pregnant Mothers and Infants Health Protection Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to carry out programs to: (1) collect, analyze, and make available data on prenatal smoking and alcohol and illegal drug usage; (2) conduct applied epidemiological research on the prevention of prenatal and postnatal smoking and alcohol and illegal drug usage; (3) support, conduct, and evaluate the effectiveness of educational and cessation programs; and (4) provide information and education to the public on the prevention and implications of prenatal and postnatal smoking and alcohol and illegal drug usage. Authorizes grants to, and contracts with, public and nonprofit entities as well as technical assistance for carrying out this subtitle. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Safe Motherhood Monitoring and Prevention Research - Safe Motherhood Monitoring and Prevention Research Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to: (1) establish a national monitoring and surveillance program to identify and promote the investigation of deaths and severe complications that occur during pregnancy; (2) expand the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System to provide surveillance and collect data in each State; and (3) expand the Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology Program to provide technical support, financial assistance, or the time-limited assignment of senior epidemiologists to maternal and child health programs in each State. Authorizes appropriations. Permits the Secretary, acting through the Centers, to: (1) expand research relating to specified maternal health topics; and (2) carry out activities to promote safe motherhood. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Poison Control Center Enhancement - Poison Control Center Enhancement and Awareness Act - Directs the Secretary of HHS to provide coordination and assistance to regional poison control centers for the establishment of a nationwide toll-free phone number to be used to access such centers. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 335) Mandates a national media campaign to educate the public about poison prevention and the availability of local poison control resources and to conduct advertising campaigns concerning the nationwide toll-free number. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 336) Mandates grants for certified regional poison control centers to achieve financial stability and to prevent, and provide treatment recommendations for, poisoning. Mandates other grant uses. Sets forth center certification requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Pediatric Research Center - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a Pediatric Research Initiative within the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary, acting through the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, to provide support for extramural activities relating to the training and career development of pediatric researchers. Permits the Secretary to establish a pediatric research loan repayment program. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1084 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Family Relief Subtitle A: Tax Relief Subtitle B: Relief from Social Security Earning Test Title II: Business Relief Title III: Savings and Investment Title IV: Education Lifetime Tax Relief Act of 1999 - Title I: Family Relief - Subtitle A: Tax Relief - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to: (1) set the basic standard deduction for married individuals at twice the deduction for unmarried individuals; (2) increase the personal exemption from $2,000 to $3,500; (3) reduce individual income taxes by increasing the amounts of income subject to tax at the 15 percent rate; and (4) fully allow nonrefundable personal credits against regular tax liability during 1999 and 2000 (currently, 1998). Subtitle B: Relief From Social Security Earning Test - Eliminates the earnings test for individuals of retirement age. Title II: Business Relief - Provides for the phaseout of subtitle B (Estate and Gift Taxes) of the IRC with the total repeal of such subtitle being effective January 1, 2010. Makes permanent the: (1) research credit; (2) work opportunity credit; and (3) subpart F (relating to special rule for income derived in the active conduct of banking, financing, or similar businesses) exemption for active financing income. Provides for the deduction of 100 percent of the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals. Increases from 50 to 100 percent the amount of gain excluded from the sale certain small business stock. Reduces from five to three years the holding period applicable to such a sale. Makes such exclusion available to corporations. Makes the stock of larger businesses eligible. Doubles the annual limitation on incentive stock options. Title III: Savings and Investment - Excludes from the gross income of an individual up to $1,000 of net capital gain. Increases the maximum amount of the IRA deduction to $3,000. Doubles the elective deferral limit if an employee's spouse is not participating in elective deferral plans. Title IV: Education - Set forth provisions concerning: (1) financing school construction; (2) the exclusion from income of education distributions from qualified tuition programs; and (3) coverage of private tuition programs.
Bill· SS. 573 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1999
Medical Information Privacy and Security Act - Title I: Individuals' Rights - Subtitle A: Access to Protected Health Information by Subjects of the Information - Requires specified parties to permit an individual who is the subject of protected health information to inspect and copy the information. (The list of specified parties varies throughout this Act and includes such individuals and entities as health care providers, health plans, health oversight agencies, public health authorities, employers, health researchers, law enforcement officials, health or life insurers, schools, universities, emergency medical personnel, and their agents.) Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) supplements to protected information; and (2) the provision of notice of privacy practices. Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards - Requires specified parties to establish safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, security, accuracy, and integrity of protected health information. Mandates development of model safeguard guidelines. Requires specified parties to establish a record of disclosures not related to payment or treatment. Title II: Restrictions on Use and Disclosure - Prohibits specified parties from disclosing protected health information, except as authorized under this title. Allows disclosure if authorized by the information subject. Mandates model written authorizations and model limitations. Provides for segregation of files on request, authorization revocation, and records of authorizations and revocations. (Sec. 203) Sets forth rules governing authorizations for disclosure of protected information for purposes other than for treatment or payment. Mandates model authorizations. (Sec. 204) Allows any person to disclose protected health information: (1) in order to allay or remedy a threat of imminent physical or mental harm to an information subject; and (2) if there is an identifiable threat of serious injury or death to an identifiable individual or group and other requirements are met. (Sec. 205) Authorizes disclosure to: (1) a public health authority; (2) certain protection and advocacy agencies if an individual is vulnerable to abuse or neglect by an agency providing health or social services; (3) a health oversight agency, under specified circumstances; and (4) on court order, a law enforcement authority. (Sec. 209) Regulates disclosure: (1) to next of kin; and (2) in directories of individuals admitted to a facility. (Sec. 210) Applies the requirements and protections of specified parts of the Code of Federal Regulations to research conducted by all research facilities using personally identifiable health information. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the Congress whether written informed consent should be required and, if so, under what circumstances, before personally identifiable data can be used for medical research. (Sec. 211) Allows specified parties to disclose for certain judicial and administrative purposes. (Sec. 212) Sets forth a sequence regulating who may exercise an individual's rights under this Act when the individual cannot knowingly or effectively do so, designating first a person named in a health care power of attorney, then an individual authorized by law or by an instrument recognized under law to act as the individual's representative, then next of kin, and last the health care provider, in each case moving to the next level if the person cannot be contacted after a reasonable effort. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) the rights of minors; and (2) deceased individuals. (Sec. 213) Prohibits retaliation for the exercise of rights under this Act or disclosure of information regarding a possible violation of this Act. Title III: Office of Health Information Privacy of the Department of Health and Human Services - Subtitle A: Designation - Establishes the Office of Health Information Privacy, including in its duties receiving and investigating violation complaints and providing for the conduct of audits. Subtitle B: Enforcement - Chapter 1: Criminal Provisions - Amends the Federal criminal code to impose criminal penalties for knowingly and intentionally obtaining or disclosing protected health information in violation of title II of this Act. (Sec. 312) Mandates regulations and procedures to permit the debarment of specified parties from receiving benefits under any Federal health programs if the managers or officers are found guilty of such obtaining or disclosing. Authorizes the Attorney General to provide advice, technical assistance, and guidance to reduce improper disclosure. Chapter 2: Civil Sanctions - Imposes civil monetary penalties on specified parties if the Office determines a party has substantially and materially failed to comply with this Act. (Sec. 323) Allows any individual whose rights under this Act have been knowingly or negligently violated to bring a civil action to recover preliminary and equitable relief, compensatory (or specified liquidated) damages, punitive damages (for knowing violations), and attorney's fees. Sets a time limit for the commencement of actions. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to require an agency that receives protected health information to promulgate rules to exempt a system of records within the agency from all but specified provisions of that Act.
Law· SS. 580 (106th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1999
Healthcare Research and Quality Act of 1999 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the Public Health Service (PHS) an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to replace the current Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. Directs the Agency to identify and disseminate methods or systems used to assess healthcare research results, particularly to rate the strength of the scientific evidence behind healthcare practice and technology recommendations in the research. Requires the Agency to employ research strategies and mechanisms that will link research directly with clinical practice in geographically diverse locations throughout the United States, including: (1) Healthcare Improvement Research Centers that combine demonstrated multidisciplinary expertise in outcomes or quality improvement research with linkages to relevant sites of care; (2) Provider-based Research Networks, including plan, facility, or delivery system sites of care (especially primary care), that can evaluate and promote quality improvement; and (3) other innovative mechanisms or strategies. Directs the Agency to: (1) award grants to enable eligible entities at geographically diverse locations throughout the United States to carry out research training programs dedicated to health services research training at the doctoral, post-doctoral, and junior faculty levels; and (2) provide specified scientific and technical support for private and public efforts to improve healthcare quality, including accrediting organizations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Agency Director, to establish a program of grants for one or more centers to conduct: (1) state-of-the-art clinical research on drugs, biological products, and devices; (2) research on the comparative effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and safety of drugs, biological products, and devices; and (3) other appropriate activities (excluding the review of new drugs). Requires the Agency Director to: (1) collect certain data on the cost and quality of healthcare; (2) support research on and initiatives to advance the use of information systems for the study of healthcare quality; and (3) provide ongoing administrative, research, and technical support for the Preventive Services Task Force, which shall review scientific evidence on the effectiveness, appropriateness, and cost-effectiveness of clinical preventive services regarding their usefulness in daily clinical practice. Establishes within the Agency a Center for Primary Care Research to serve as the principal funding source for Department of Health and Human Services primary care delivery research and demonstrations with respect to the first contact when illness or health concerns arise, the diagnosis, treatment or referral to specialty care, preventive care, and the relationship between the clinician and the patient in the context of the family and community. Requires the Agency Director by specified activities to promote innovation in evidence-based clinical practice and healthcare technologies. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to coordinate all research, evaluations, and demonstrations related to health services research and quality measurement and improvement activities undertaken and supported by the Federal Government. Establishes an Advisory Council for Healthcare Research and Quality to replace the current Advisory Council for Health Care Policy, Research, and Evaluation. Requires the Agency Director to establish technical and scientific peer review groups to review each application for a grant, cooperative agreement, or contract under this title. Repeals the mandates for: (1) a demonstration program regarding centers for education and research on therapeutics; and (2) the Office of the Forum for Quality and Effectiveness in Health Care. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 579 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1999
Silk Road Strategy Act of 1999 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize specified assistance, including humanitarian, economic, migration and refugee, development, border control, and democracy building assistance to the South Caucasus and Central Asia countries to: (1) promote sovereignty, independence with democratic government, and respect for human rights; (2) assist in the resolution of regional conflicts and facilitate the removal of impediments to cross-border commerce; (3) promote economic cooperation and market-oriented principles; (4) assist in the development of infrastructure necessary for communications, transportation, education, health, and energy and trade on an East-West axis in order to build strong relations and commerce between those countries and the democratic, market-oriented countries of the Euro-Atlantic community; and (5) support U.S. business interests and investments in the region. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should use all diplomatic means to press for an equitable, fair, and permanent resolution to the conflicts in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Prohibits, with specified exceptions, assistance to the governments of the South Caucasus and Central Asia if the President determines and certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that they: (1) are engaged in a consistent pattern of gross violations of internationally recognized human rights; (2) have knowingly transferred controlled missiles or missile technology to another country, or any equipment or technology that would contribute to the ability of such country to manufacture weapons of mass destruction (including nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons); (3) have repeatedly supported acts of international terrorism; or (4) are prohibited from receiving such assistance by specified Acts. Amends the Freedom Support Act to waive the restriction on assistance to Azerbaijan if the President certifies to Congress that such restriction would not be in the national interest of the United States.
Bill· SS. 578 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Individual's Rights Subtitle A: Review of Protected Health Information by Subjects of the Information Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards Title II: Restrictions on Use and Disclosure Title III: Sanctions Subtitle A: Criminal Provisions Subtitle B: Civil Sanctions Title IV: Miscellaneous Health Care Personal Information Nondisclosure Act of 1999 - Health Care PIN Act - Title I: Individual's Rights - Subtitle A: Review of Protected Health Information by Subjects of the Information - Requires specified parties to permit an individual who is the subject of protected health information to inspect, copy, and request amendment of the information (or, if amendment is refused, to append the individual's disagreement statement). (The list of specified parties varies from provision to provision throughout this Act. The list includes, in various provisions, such individuals and entities as health care providers, health plans, health researchers, health oversight agencies, public health authorities, employers, law enforcement officials, health or life insurers, schools, universities, and their agents.) Requires specified parties to post or provide notice of confidentiality practices. Mandates development of model notices. Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards - Requires specified parties to maintain safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, security, accuracy, and integrity of protected health information. Requires specified parties to maintain a disclosure record. Title II: Restrictions on Use and Disclosure - Prohibits specified parties from disclosing protected health information except as authorized under this title. Allows disclosure within such a party. (Sec. 202) Requires: (1) a single authorization form for each individual for disclosure in connection with treatment, payment, and health care operations; and (2) a separate authorization for other purposes, including for disclosure with intent to sell, transfer, or use protected health information for commercial advantage. States that records of an individual's authorizations and revocations shall not be protected health information under this Act. Mandates disclosure to coroners and medical examiners. Requires development of model authorizations for circumstances other than treatment, payment and health care operations. (Sec. 204) Allows and regulates disclosure: (1) to next of kin (or another person identified by the information subject); (2) of directory information; (3) regarding a deceased individual; (4) in emergencies; (5) for oversight, public health, or health research; (6) in civil, judicial, and administrative procedures; and (7) for law enforcement. Sets forth the rights of minors. (Sec. 211) Mandates reporting, by code number rather than patient name, of adverse experiences regarding human drugs and licensed biological products. (Sec. 212) Allows disclosure, if an individual pays for health care using a debit or credit card or other electronic means, of only such information as is necessary for the processing of the payment transaction or the billing or collection of amounts. (Sec. 213) Mandates standards for disclosing, authorizing, and authenticating protected health information in electronic form. (Sec. 214) Regulates the exercise of an information subject's rights by that individual's representatives, including after death. (Sec. 215) Declares that: (1) Federal and State law enforcement officers shall not be personally liable for violations of this Act absent intentional conduct for commercial advantage, personal gain, or malicious harm; and (2) specified parties who make a disclosure permitted by this Act shall not be liable under common law. Title III: Sanctions - Subtitle A: Criminal Provisions - Amends the Federal criminal code to impose criminal penalties for knowingly and intentionally obtaining, using, or disclosing protected health information in violation of title II of this Act. Mandates regulations and procedures to permit the debarment of specified parties from receiving benefits under any Federal health programs if the managers or officers of such parties are found guilty of criminal acts under this Act, have civil penalties imposed under subtitle B, or make false statements or obstruct justice regarding illegal disclosure. Authorizes the Attorney General to provide advice, technical assistance, and guidance to reduce improper disclosure. Subtitle B: Civil Sanctions - Imposes civil monetary penalties on specified parties if the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines a party has substantially and materially failed to comply with this Act. (Sec. 314) Allows any individual whose rights under this Act have been knowingly or negligently violated to bring a civil action to recover preliminary and equitable relief, compensatory (or specified liquidated) damages, punitive damages (for knowing violations), and attorney's fees. Sets a time limit for the commencement of actions. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Preempts, with exceptions, any State law enacted after the effective date of this Act relating to the privacy of protected health information. Amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to require an agency that receives protected health information to promulgate rules to exempt a system of records within the agency from all but specified provisions of that Act. Provides for the application of this Act to the Departments of Defense, Transportation (regarding the Coast Guard), and Veterans Affairs.
Bill· SS. 576 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1999
Financial Regulatory Relief and Economic Efficiency Act of 1999 - Title I: Improving Monetary Policy and Financial Institution Management Practices - Amends the Federal Reserve Act (FRA) to permit interest payments on reserves maintained at a Federal reserve bank. (Sec. 102) Authorizes any depository institution, before January 1, 2001, to permit the owner of any interest- or dividend-bearing deposit or account to make up to 24 transfers per month, for any purpose, to another account of the owner in the same institution. Repeals the limitation on the authority of a depository institution to permit the owner of any deposit or account to make withdrawals by negotiable or transferable instruments for transfers to third parties. (Currently, the latter authority may be applied only with respect to the accounts of charitable, religious, and other nonprofit organizations, as well as to Federal, State, and local governments.) Amends the FRA, the Home Owners' Loan Act (HOLA), and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to repeal the prohibition against interest or dividend payments on demand deposits. (Sec. 103) Amends HOLA to: (1) repeal savings association liquid asset and dividend notice requirements; (2) repeal certain restrictions on interstate acquisitions that result in the formation of a multiple savings and loan holding company which controls savings and loan associations in more than one State; and (3) permit a savings and loan holding company, with the prior approval by the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, to acquire more than five percent of the voting shares of a non-subsidiary savings association or non-subsidiary savings and loan holding company. (Sec. 108) Amends the FDIA to repeal deposit broker notification and recordkeeping requirements. (Sec. 109) Amends the FRA to reserve to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Board) (currently, the appropriate Federal banking agency) the authority to promulgate regulations on extensions of credit to executive officers of member banks. (Sec. 110) Amends the National Bank Consolidation and Merger Act to prescribe expedited procedures permitting a national banking association to: (1) reorganize as either a bank holding company, or as a bank holding company subsidiary; or (2) merge with subsidiaries or nonbank affiliates. (Sec. 111) Amends Federal banking law to increase from one year to three years the term of the national bank director. Amends the Banking Act of 1933 to authorize the Comptroller of the Currency to exempt a national banking association from the 25-member limit on the number of members of an association's governing body. (Sec. 113) Amends Federal banking law and the FDIA to: (1) repeal the mandate that the purchase or acquisition by a national banking association or depository institution of its own capital stock to prevent loss upon a previously contracted debt be disposed of within six months from the time of purchase; and (2) provide that if an institution acquires its own stock to prevent loss upon a debt previously contracted for in good faith, such transaction shall not be deemed to be a loan or discount on the security of its own capital stock. Exempts from the prohibition against depository institution affiliation with a Government-sponsored enterprise any investments in such an enterprise lawfully made before April 11, 1996. (Sec. 115) Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 to increase from 90 percent to 100 percent of fair market value the permissible valuation of readily marketable purchased mortgage servicing rights that may be included in calculating an insured depository institution's tangible capital, risk-based capital, or leverage limit, if the Federal regulatory agencies jointly find that such an increase will not adversely affect the deposit insurance funds or the safety and soundness of insured depository institutions. (Sec. 116) Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (BHCA) to: (1) repeal certain cross-marketing restrictions placed upon banks controlled by certain companies that are not treated as bank holding companies; (2) preserve the exemption from bank holding company treatment of certain companies whose limited purpose bank subsidiary may have permitted overdrafts resulting from an inadvertent computer or accounting error beyond the control of both the bank and the affiliate (daylight overdrafts); (3) repeal the prohibition against activities of limited purpose banks in which they were not engaged before March 5, 1987 (but continuing the prohibition against their both accepting demand deposits and engaging in the business of commercial lending); and (4) authorize actions which limited purpose banks may take to avoid divestiture following loss of exemption from treatment as bank holding companies. Title II: Streamlining Activities of Institutions - Amends the HOLA to permit community development investments for the primary purpose of promoting the public welfare, including housing, services, and jobs for low- and moderate-income communities. (Sec. 202) Amends the FRA to terminate the power of the Board to set lending limitations upon member banks' extension of loans that are collateralized by stocks and bonds (thus eliminating the Board's duty to prevent undue use of bank loans for the speculative carrying of securities). (Sec. 203) Amends the BHCA to permit certain banks and bank holding companies to extend credit card accounts for business purposes, including the issuance of such accounts to small businesses. (Sec. 204) Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to exempt from its prohibition against kickbacks and unearned fees the transfer to an affinity group of any thing of value in connection with its written endorsement to a consumer of the products or services of a settlement service provider (other than as to a federally related mortgage loan), the proceeds of which are used to acquire the property securing the loan, if: (1) the consumer receives a direct financial benefit from such endorsement; and (2) such payment is clearly disclosed to the consumer at the time of the first written communication with the consumer. (Sec. 205) Amends the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to permit: (1) debt collection in connection with certain bad-check penalties not exceeding $25; (2) continuation of collection activities and legal proceedings during the thirty-day initial notice period in which the debtor may dispute a debt and ask for its verification; and (3) a debt collector to engage in third-party communications without the consumer's consent if a prejudgment administrative wage garnishment has been obtained pursuant to the Higher Education Act of 1965. (Sec. 206) Amends BHCA to exempt from treatment as a bank holding company any company that acquires control from the Resolution Trust Corporation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision of more than five percent of the shares of an undercapitalized bank, savings association, or other insured institution. (Sec. 207) Revises HOLA guidelines governing reorganization by a mutual savings association into a holding company. (Sec. 208) Mandates that the Federal banking agencies work jointly to develop: (1) electronic filing and public dissemination of depository institution status reports (call reports); and (2) uniform formats and simplified filing instructions for such reports. Title III: Streamlining Agency Actions - Amends the FDIA to: (1) repeal the mandate that Federal banking agencies develop jointly a method for supplemental disclosures in required Federal filings of the estimated fair market value of depository institution assets and liabilities; (2) authorize the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to establish the interest rate for or make post- insolvency interest payments to creditors' claims against the receivership estates of insured Federal or State depository institutions following satisfaction by the receiver of the principal amount of all creditor claims; and (3) mandate that Federal banking agencies jointly submit an annual report to certain congressional banking committees regarding differences in accounting and capital standards used by such agencies (currently such reports must be filed by the agencies individually). (Sec. 304) Requires the agency responsible for review of the competitive factors in bank merger filings, to request a report solely from the Attorney General (currently, from the Attorney General and the other Federal banking agencies). Amends the BHCA and the FDIA to require the Board and the responsible agency, respectively, to consider specified criteria concerning competitive effects before disapproving a bank merger transaction on the grounds of disproportionate anticompetitive effects. (Sec. 305) Amends the FDIA and the Deposit Insurance Funds Act of 1996 to eliminate the Special Reserve of the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF), and the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF), respectively (established to provide emergency funds if the reserve ratio of either fund remains below 50 percent of its designated ratio for one year). Title IV: Miscellaneous - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to set forth requirements for alternative compliance methods for advertising credit terms. (Sec. 402) Revises the positions of Board members on the Executive Schedule (increasing their salary levels). (Sec. 403) Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act (FHLBA) to eliminate the position of consumer representative from mandatory membership on the board of directors of the Federal Housing Finance Board. (Sec.404) Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to exclude from the definition of "bank" an institution which engages only in credit card operations and making and purchasing specified aggregate loan amounts to help meet the credit needs of low-and moderate-income persons and neighborhoods or to promote economic development by financing small businesses or farms. Title V: Technical Corrections - Makes technical corrections to related Acts. (Sec. 503) Amends Federal banking law to: (1) authorize the Comptroller of the Currency to waive the citizenship requirement for a minority of the total number of directors sitting on the board of a national bank; (2) declare it is unlawful for the Comptroller to hold an interest in any national bank; and (3) repeal specified capital and surplus requirements for national banking associations. (Sec. 504) Amends the International Bank Act of 1978 to modify examination requirements pertaining to establishment and operation by a foreign bank of Federal branches and agencies.
Bill· HRH.R. 1064 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1999
Serbia and Montenegro Democracy Act of 1999 - Declares it is U.S. policy to promote the development of democracy in Serbia and Montenegro and to support those who are committed to the building of democratic institutions, defending human rights, promoting rule of law, and fostering tolerance in society. Directs the President to use assistance provided under the SEED program to support democratic efforts in Serbia and Montenegro (excluding Kosovo), including assistance to: (1) the media; (2) nongovernmental organizations; (3) independent labor unions; (4) education; (5) the judiciary; (6) political parties and coalitions; (7) local governments; (8) election administration; and (9) youth organizations. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth certain eligibility requirements with respect to such assistance. Expresses the sense of Congress that political contacts between U.S. officials and those who represent a genuine desire for democratic governance in Serbia and Montenegro should be developed through regular and well publicized meetings. Authorizes appropriations for a voluntary contribution to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.
Bill· HRH.R. 1057 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Individuals' Rights Subtitle A: Access to Protected Health Information by Subjects of the Information Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards Title II: Restrictions on Use and Disclosure Title III: Office of Health Information Privacy of the Department of Health and Human Services Subtitle A: Designation Subtitle B: Enforcement Title IV: Miscellaneous Medical Information Privacy and Security Act - Title I: Individuals' Rights - Subtitle A: Access to Protected Health Information by Subjects of the Information - Requires specified parties to permit an individual who is the subject of protected health information to inspect and copy the information. (The list of specified parties varies throughout this Act and includes such individuals and entities as health care providers, health plans, health oversight agencies, public health authorities, employers, health researchers, law enforcement officials, health or life insurers, schools, universities, emergency medical personnel, and their agents.) Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) supplements to protected information; and (2) the provision of notice of privacy practices. Subtitle B: Establishment of Safeguards - Requires specified parties to establish safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, security, accuracy, and integrity of protected health information. Mandates development of model safeguard guidelines. Requires specified parties to establish a record of disclosures not related to payment or treatment. Title II: Restrictions on Use and Disclosure - Prohibits specified parties from disclosing protected health information, except as authorized under this title. Allows disclosure if authorized by the information subject. Mandates model written authorizations and model limitations. Provides for segregation of files on request, authorization revocation, and records of authorizations and revocations. (Sec. 203) Sets forth rules governing authorizations for disclosure of protected information for purposes other than for treatment or payment. Mandates model authorizations. (Sec. 204) Allows any person to disclose protected health information: (1) in order to allay or remedy a threat of imminent physical or mental harm to an information subject; and (2) if there is an identifiable threat of serious injury or death to an identifiable individual or group and other requirements are met. (Sec. 205) Authorizes disclosure to: (1) a public health authority; (2) certain protection and advocacy agencies if an individual is vulnerable to abuse or neglect by an agency providing health or social services; (3) a health oversight agency, under specified circumstances; and (4) on court order, a law enforcement authority. (Sec. 209) Regulates disclosure: (1) to next of kin; and (2) in directories of individuals admitted to a facility. (Sec. 210) Applies the requirements and protections of specified parts of the Code of Federal Regulations to research conducted by all research facilities using personally identifiable health information. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the Congress whether written informed consent should be required and, if so, under what circumstances, before personally identifiable data can be used for medical research. (Sec. 211) Allows specified parties to disclose for certain judicial and administrative purposes. (Sec. 212) Sets forth a sequence regulating who may exercise an individual's rights under this Act when the individual cannot knowingly or effectively do so, designating first a person named in a health care power of attorney, then an individual authorized by law or by an instrument recognized under law to act as the individual's representative, then next of kin, and last the health care provider, in each case moving to the next level if the person cannot be contacted after a reasonable effort. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) the rights of minors; and (2) deceased individuals. (Sec. 213) Prohibits retaliation for the exercise of rights under this Act or disclosure of information regarding a possible violation of this Act. Title III: Office of Health Information Privacy of the Department of Health and Human Services - Subtitle A: Designation - Establishes the Office of Health Information Privacy, including in its duties receiving and investigating violation complaints and providing for the conduct of audits. Subtitle B: Enforcement - Chapter 1: Criminal Provisions - Amends the Federal criminal code to impose criminal penalties for knowingly and intentionally obtaining or disclosing protected health information in violation of title II of this Act. (Sec. 312) Mandates regulations and procedures to permit the debarment of specified parties from receiving benefits under any Federal health programs if the managers or officers are found guilty of such obtaining or disclosing. Authorizes the Attorney General to provide advice, technical assistance, and guidance to reduce improper disclosure. Chapter 2: Civil Sanctions - Imposes civil monetary penalties on specified parties if the Office determines a party has substantially and materially failed to comply with this Act. (Sec. 323) Allows any individual whose rights under this Act have been knowingly or negligently violated to bring a civil action to recover preliminary and equitable relief, compensatory (or specified liquidated) damages, punitive damages (for knowing violations), and attorney's fees. Sets a time limit for the commencement of actions. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to require an agency that receives protected health information to promulgate rules to exempt a system of records within the agency from all but specified provisions of that Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1058 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1999
Census in the Schools Promotion Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to ensure that under the "Census in Schools Project": (1) a written invitation to participate shall be afforded to the heads of elementary and secondary schools, elementary school teachers, and certain secondary school teachers; and (2) upon timely acceptance of such an invitation, the individual involved shall be provided, without charge, with a set of such grade-appropriate teaching guides, student materials, or other information or materials as the Secretary may determine.
Bill· HRH.R. 1065 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1999
Date Rape Prevention Act of 1999 - Directs the Attorney General to add ketamine hydrochloride and gamma y-hydroxybutyrate to schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Amends CSA and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to add penalties relating to such substances and their analogues. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to: (1) review and amend, as appropriate, the sentencing guidelines for offenses involving such substances and their analogues; (2) report to Congress; and (3) ensure that the sentencing guidelines for such offenses reflect the serious nature of such offenses. Amends CSA to require that any person convicted for possession of such substances or their analogues be sentenced to up to three years' imprisonment, a fine, or both. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) specify gamma butyro-lactone as a list I chemical in the Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act of 1988; and (2) establish programs throughout the United States and disseminate materials to provide young people in high school and college with education about the use of controlled substances in the furtherance of rape and sexual assault and assist law enforcement personnel in the prevention of controlled substances abuse for such purposes.
Bill· HRH.R. 1053 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1999
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to repeal provisions which make persons convicted of drug offenses ineligible to receive student financial assistance for a certain period.
Bill· HRH.R. 1050 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1999
A Living Wage, Jobs for All Act - Declares that the Congress affirms the basic economic rights and responsibilities under the 1944 "Economic Bill of Rights," while updating and extending it to include: (1) certain rights to decent jobs, income security for individuals unable to work for pay, a decent living for farm families, freedom from monopolies, decent housing, adequate health services, social security in old age, sickness, accidental injury, and unemployment, and education and work training; and (2) certain other rights relating to collective bargaining, a safe working environment, information on trends in pollution sources and products and processes that affect the well-being of workers throughout the world, voting and campaigning, and personal security. Recognizes specified personal responsibilities of persons benefitting from such rights. (Sec. 3) Sets forth requirements relating to corporate responsibility. Requires each corporation registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to include in its annual reports to the SEC a full and fair disclosure of the impact of its activities in the United States and other countries on environmental quality and on the rights of other stakeholders, including employees, consumers, and communities. Requires each State, in order to be entitled to receive any Federal grants or enter into any Federal contracts, to have initiated a time-phased program to require that all State-chartered corporations submit annual reports including such disclosures of information. Requires the Secretary of Labor and the Director of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) identify corporations that have gone the furthest in managing their enterprises with responsible action toward environmental quality and the rights of other stakeholders, including employees, consumers, and communities; and (2) recommend to the President a special annual award to those chief executives and boards of directors that have made the greatest progress in this direction. Directs the Attorney General, with the assistance of business leaders and organizations, to establish an ongoing computerized registration program of all corporations found guilty of violating a Federal or State law. Authorizes the President, in the absence of clear and convincing evidence of rehabilitation, to deny Federal contracts, loans, or loan guarantees to non-compliant corporations. Makes it the responsibility of each Federal agency and commission, including the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, to perform so as to help establish and maintain conditions under which all adult Americans may freely exercise the economic rights specified in 1944 and in this Act. Prohibits Federal agencies or commissions from directly or indirectly promoting recession, stagnation, or unemployment as a means of reducing wages and salaries or inflation. (Sec. 4) Directs the President to establish a framework for the annual budget submitted to the Congress that meets specified goals with respect to: (1) quality of life and environment; (2) responsible and sustainable growth; (3) reduction of officially measured unemployment; and (4) support for international human rights declarations. Requires such framework also to include specific legislative proposals, budgets, and executive policies and initiatives such as: (1) conversion from military to civilian economy; (2) truth in budgets; (3) improved indicators of progress and regress; (4) anti-inflation policies; (5) lower real interest rates; (6) public works and services; (7) international economic policy; (8) international conferences on reducing unemployment and underemployment; (9) reductions in work hours; (10) part-time employment with social benefits; (11) insurance protection for pension fund investments; and (12) other specified matters. (Sec. 5) Mandates Joint Economic Committee oversight of actions under this Act. Requires the Joint Economic Committee to submit an annual Concurrent Resolution on Economic Policy setting forth its proposed goals for employment by type of employment, with special attention to hours, wages, and social benefits, and for reducing unemployment, underemployment, and poverty in urban, suburban and rural areas. Requires these goals to serve as the framework for any concurrent resolutions on the Federal budget. (Sec. 6) Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1063 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1999
International Military Training Transparency and Accountability Act - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to prohibit the sale, lease, loan, or grant of defense services or training (including Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET)) to any foreign country that is prohibited or restricted from receiving international military education and training (IMET), or other military assistance or arms transfers. Permits a foreign country that is eligible to receive only expanded IMET, and is not prohibited from receiving any other military assistance or arms transfers, to receive defense services and training if it provides for training of civilian officials and military officers of the armed forces on military justice, international human rights standards, and the proper role of such forces in a democratic society. Permits a foreign country otherwise prohibited or restricted from receiving IMET or any other military assistance or arms transfers to receive defense services and training substantially unrelated to the prohibited military assistance or arms transfers, provided the President makes a specified certification to the Congress. Authorizes the President to waive any prohibition under this Act with respect to a foreign country upon certification to the Congress that it is important to the national security of the United States.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 101 (106th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1999
Makes amounts available for expenses, including expenses of staff salaries, of the following committees of the House of Representatives in the 106th Congress: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) Banking and Financial Services; (4) Budget; (5) Commerce; (6) Education and the Workforce; (7) Government Reform; (8) House Administration; (9) Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; (10) International Relations; (11) Judiciary; (12) Resources; (13) Rules; (14) Science; (15) Small Business; (16) Standards of Official Conduct; (17) Transportation and Infrastructure; (18) Veterans' Affairs; and (19) Ways and Means. Sets forth first and second session limitations on such amounts. Grants the Committee on House Administration the authority to make adjustments in such amounts if necessary to comply with a presidential sequestration order issued under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) or to conform to any reduction in appropriations. Establishes a reserve fund for unanticipated expenses of committees for the 106th Congress to be paid to them pursuant to allocations approved by such Committee.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 100 (106th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1999
Sets forth the rule (modified open) for the consideration of H.R. 800 (education flexibility partnerships).
Bill· SS. 564 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1999
Class Size Reduction and Teacher Quality Act of 1999 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a grants program to help States and local educational agencies recruit, train, and hire 100,000 additional teachers over a seven-year period in order to: (1) reduce class sizes nationally, in grades one through three, to an average of 18 students per classroom; and (2) improve teaching in the early grades so that all students can learn to read independently and well by the end of the third grade. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth program requirements for: (1) allotments to States; (2) within-State allocations; (3) local uses of funds; and (4) cost-sharing.
Bill· SS. 562 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1999
Comprehensive Methamphetamine Abuse Reduction Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act (the Act) to authorize the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention to make grants to, and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with, public and non-profit private entities to carry out: (1) school-based programs concerning the dangers of methamphetamine abuse and addiction, including initiatives that give students the responsibility to create their own anti-drug abuse education programs for their schools; and (2) community based methamphetamine abuse and addiction prevention programs. Requires that: (1) sums made available be used for planning, establishing, or administering methamphetamine prevention programs; and (2) the Director give priority in making grants to rural and urban areas that are experiencing a high rate or rapid increases in methamphetamine abuse and addiction. Sets forth: (1) provisions regarding allotment of specified sums available for analyses and evaluations of effective prevention programs and the development of strategies for disseminating information about, and implementing, such programs; and (2) reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3) Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to promulgate or amend existing Federal sentencing guidelines to increase the base offense levels for offenses relating to the manufacture, attempt to manufacture, or conspiracy to manufacture amphetamine or methamphetamine. Authorizes appropriations to the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to combat the trafficking of methamphetamine in areas designated by the Director of National Drug Control Policy as high intensity drug trafficking areas. Earmarks specified sums to assist drug analysis laboratories in areas with a high rate of methamphetamine abuse or addiction. (Sec. 4) Amends the Act to authorize the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention to make grants to, and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with, public and non-profit private entities for the purpose of expanding activities for the treatment of methamphetamine abuse and addiction, and for the treatment of methamphetamine addicts who also abuse other illegal drugs. Sets forth analogous provisions regarding the use of funds, permissible treatment programs and activities, priority in making grants, analyses and evaluation, reporting requirements, and authorization of appropriations. (Sec. 5) Amends the Act to authorize the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse to make grants to expand interdisciplinary research relating to methamphetamine abuse and addiction and other biomedical, behavioral, and social issues related to methamphetamine abuse and addiction. Requires the Director to promptly disseminate research results to Federal, State, and local entities involved in combating methamphetamine abuse and addiction. Authorizes appropriations. appropriations. (Sec. 6) Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Attorney General to make grants to States, State and local courts, local governments, and Indian tribal governments for programs that involve: (1) continuing judicial supervision over offenders with substance abuse problems who are not violent offenders; and (2) the integrated administration of specified other sanctions and services, including mandatory periodic drug testing during any period of supervised release or probation for each participant, referral to a community-based treatment facility, and aftercare services. Directs the Attorney General to suspend funding for any grant upon finding that violent offenders are participating. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 7) Directs: (1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convene a National Conference on Methamphetamine Abuse and Treatment; and (2) the Attorney General, jointly with the Secretaries of Education and HHS and the Director of ONDCP, to develop a comprehensive strategic plan to combat the methamphetamine problem in the United States.
Bill· SS. 555 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1999
Veterans Education Benefits Equity Act of 1999 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to continue to pay monthly veterans' educational assistance to eligible veterans during periods between school terms if: (1) the interval between such periods does not exceed eight weeks (currently, one month); and (2) both the terms preceding and following the period are not shorter in duration than such period.
Bill· SS. 542 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999
New Millennium Classrooms Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase from two to three years the age of computer equipment that corporations may donate to tax-exempt schools and for which they may receive a tax deduction; and (2) allow a business tax credit of 30 percent of the value of computer equipment donated to tax-exempt schools. Increases the amount of such credit to 50 percent for contributions to schools in empowerment zones, enterprise communities, and Indian reservations.
Bill· SS. 544 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Chapter 1: Department of Agriculture Chapter 2: Funds Appropriated to the President Chapter 3: Department of the Interior Chapter 4: Independent Agency Title II: Supplemental Appropriations Chapter 1: Department of Justice Chapter 2: Department of Defense--Military Chapter 3: Department of the Interior Chapter 4: Related Agency Chapter 5: Department of Defense Chapter 6: Department Of Housing and Urban Development Title III: Rescissions and Offsets Chapter 1: Department of Agriculture Chapter 2: Department of Justice Chapter 3: Department of Defense--Military Chapter 4: Bilateral Economic Assistance Chapter 5: Department of the Interior Chapter 6: Department of Labor Chapter 7: Department of Defense Chapter 8: Department of Housing and Urban Development Title IV: Technical Corrections Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1999 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations and rescissions for recovery from natural disasters and foreign assistance, for FY 1999. Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations - Chapter 1 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of Agriculture for: (1) the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture, for emergency grants to assist low-income migrant and seasonal farm workers; (2) the Farm Service Agency, for salaries and expenses, the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund program account, and the Emergency Conservation Program; (3) the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund, for a livestock indemnity program; (4) the Natural Resources Conservation Service, for Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations; and (5) the Rural Housing Service, for the Rural Housing Insurance Fund program account and for rural housing assistance grants. Chapter 2 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the President for : (1) the Agency for International Development, for the Central America and the Caribbean Emergency Disaster Recovery Fund to provide relief from the effects of the hurricanes in Central America and the Caribbean and the earthquake in Colombia, international disaster assistance, and other bilateral economic assistance; and (2) the Foreign Military Financing Program. Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of the Treasury for debt restructuring, allowing a specified amount to be used for a contribution to the Central America Emergency Trust Fund, administered by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Provides that the value of articles, services, and military education and training authorized as of a specified date to be drawn down by the President under certain provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 shall not be counted against the ceiling limitation. Chapter 3 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to: (1) the Department of the Interior, for construction by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and (2) the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. Chapter 4 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for disaster assistance for unmet needs. Emergency Steel Loan Guarantee Act of 1999 - Establishes the Emergency Steel Guaranteed Loan Program, to be administered by a Loan Guarantee Board, to provide loan guarantees to qualified steel companies. Sets limits on loan duration and on the aggregate amounts of loans and guarantees outstanding at any one time under the program or with respect to a single qualified company. Designates the entire amount made available for the program as an emergency requirement. Title II: Supplemental Appropriations - Chapter 1 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to: (1) the Department of Justice, for the Immigration and Naturalization Service's salaries and expenses for enforcement and border affairs; (2) Department of Commerce, for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's operations, research, and facilities; and (3) the U.S. Supreme Court. Chapter 2 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense: (1) for military personnel of the Army Reserve, Army National Guard, and Air Force National Guard; (2) operation and maintenance, defense-wide and for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Army National Guard; (3) overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic aid; and (4) the New Horizons Exercise transfer fund. (Sec. 201) Allows a specified portion of appropriations for defense-wide operation and maintenance, under the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1999 (Public Law 105-262), to be made available for a grant to a consortium of non-profit, higher education institutions to create a computer network to enhance teaching and learning opportunities in science, technology and communications. (Sec. 202) Revises specified Federal law to raise the ceiling on the number of persons from a foreign country who may enter the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, or Air Force Academy. Chapter 3 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of the Interior for: (1) the Bureau of Indian Affairs operation of Indian programs, for suppression of western spruce budworm (transferring funds from previous appropriations for Forest Service wildland fire management); (2) the Bureau of Land Management, for its management of lands and resources through the Automated Land and Mineral Record System; and (3) the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians, Federal Trust programs activities under the Trust Management Improvement Project High Level Implementation Plan. Requires transfer to the Knudson-Vandenberg fund of specified funds made available for the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service wildland fire management. Chapter 4 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's National Public Radio, for acquisition of satellite capacity for the Public Radio Satellite System. Chapter 5 - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense, for military construction, Army National Guard, for incremental costs due to Hurricane Georges. Chapter 6 - Extends the period of availability for specified funds for management and administration of the Office of Inspector General, Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Sec. 2001) Amends the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999, which is a specified part of the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999 (OCESAA), to provide for direct payment to Auburn University, Alabama, of funds appropriated for Forest Service construction of a new forestry research facility there, in a limited amount prior to October 1, 1999. Requires Auburn University to provide rent-free any additional space within such new facility that the Forest Service may need for collaborative laboratory activities. (Sec. 2002) Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from using funds under this or any other Act to issue and finalize a rule to revise a specified regulation or the Draft Environmental Impact Statement on Surface Management Regulations for Locatable Mineral Operations, unless a minimum 120-day period has been provided for accepting public comment on such proposed rule after a required report of the National Academy of Sciences' Committee on Hardrock Mining on Federal Lands is submitted to the appropriate Federal agencies, the Congress, and the Governors of the affected States. (Sec. 2003) Authorizes the Attorney General to transfer, from any funds available to the Department of Justice, a limited amount of additional funds to the Civil Liberties Public Education Fund to pay restitution to individuals who are : (1) eligible under the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 and have filed timely claims for the restitution; or (2) found eligible under the settlement agreement in the case of Carmen Mochizuki et al. vs.United States and filed timely claims covered by the agreement. (Sec. 2004) Revises a specified part of OCESAA to prohibit charging against a program of honey recourse loans any administrative costs other than those necessary for such program's operation. (Sec. 2005) Prohibits use of funds in this or any other Act to issue a notice of final rulemaking with respect to the valuation of crude oil for royalty purposes, including a rulemaking derived from specified proposed rules, until October 1, 1999, or until there is a negotiated agreement on the rule. (Sec. 2006) Requires a certain amount of funds for sewer infrastructure needs associated with the 2002 Winter Olympic Games to be awarded to Wasatch County, Utah, for both water and sewer. (Sec. 2007) Prohibits the Department of the Interior, for the remainder of FY 1999, from using any funds to implement a Secretarial Order regarding the Reorganization of the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians. Requires that FY 1999 appropriations for reforming trust funds management practices continue to be administered as if such Order had not been issued. (Sec. 2008) Revises specified Federal law, as amended by OCESAA, to extend the authorization of appropriations and the obligational authority for the Airport Improvement Program. Amends the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999, under OCESAA, to provide that a specified maximum amount of funds, which are limited under provisions for liquidation of contract authorization, may be obligated before the enactment of a bill extending contract authorization for the Grants-in-Aid for airports program beyond May 31, 1999. (Sec. 2009) Extends through FY 1999 the period of reenactment, under OCESAA, of specified Federal bankruptcy law relating to family farmers. (Sec. 2010) Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to revise: (1) debt service margin requirements; and (2) a formula used in loan restructuring determinations. (Sec. 2011) Amends the Social Security Act to prohibit treatment of funds recovered or paid from tobacco companies to a State, in a comprehensive or individual State settlement or court judgement, as an overpayment under Medicaid. Allows States to use such funds for any expenditures they deem appropriate, but prohibits certain payments for administrative expenses incurred in pursuing such tobacco litigation. Title III: Rescissions and Offsets - Chapter 1 - Rescinds a specified amount of funds from the Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service food stamp program. Chapter 2 - Rescinds specified amounts of funds from the Department of Justice's: (1) Office of Inspector General; and (2) Immigration and Naturalization Service, for salaries and expenses for enforcement and border affairs, and for citizenship and benefits, immigration support and program direction. Rescinds specified amounts of funds from the Department Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, for operations, research and facilities procurement, acquisition, and construction. Rescinds specified amounts of funds from the Department of State and related agencies, for international organizations and conferences, including contributions to international organizations, contributions for international peacekeeping activities, and international broadcasting operations. Chapter 3 - Rescinds a specified amount of funds from the Department of Defense for military operation and maintenance defense-wide. Chapter 4 - Rescinds specified amounts, from bilateral economic assistance funds appropriated to the President, from: (1) Haiti; (2) Bosnia and Herzegovina; and (3) Russia. Rescinds specified amounts, from multilateral economic assistance funds appropriated to the President, from: (1) the contribution to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development's global environment facility; and (2) international organizations and programs. Chapter 5 - Rescinds a specified amount of funds from the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management's management of lands and resources. Chapter 6 - Reduces the amount of specified funds for the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration's State unemployment insurance and employment service operations. Defers the availability for obligation of specified amounts of funds for the Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families' Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Rescinds a specified amount of funds from the Department of Education for education research, statistics, and improvement. Chapter 7 - Rescinds a specified amount of funds from the Department of Defense's Base Realignment and Closure Account, Part IV. Chapter 8 - Rescinds a specified amount of funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for community development block grants. Rescinds a specified amount from the Environmental Protection Agency for research associated with the Climate Technology Initiative. (Sec. 3001) Repeals OCESAA provisions for FY 1999 emergency supplemental appropriations for the Agricultural Research Service of the Department of Agriculture for counterdrug research and development activities, (Sec. 3002) Rescinds a specified amount of funds appropriated with an emergency designation in OCESAA emergency supplemental provisions, other than those appropriated to the Department of Defense--Military. Requires such reductions to be applied proportionally to each appropriation account and budget activity being reduced. (Sec. 3003) Rescinds a specified amount of FY 1999 funds from the non-defense discretionary category, as a result of revised economic assumptions from inflation adjusted accounts. (Sec. 3004) Directs the Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Comptroller General to audit, and report to the Congress on, HUD's compliance with the Department of Housing and Urban Development Reform Act of 1989 over the last two years. Title IV: Technical Corrections - Revises and makes technical corrections to various Acts contained in OCESAA, including: (1) the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999; (2) the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1999 (and provisions of the International Financial Institutions Act added by such Act); (3) the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999; (4) the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999; (5) the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999; (6) the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 1999; and (7) the Denali Commission Act of 1998. Revises and makes other technical corrections to the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1999, the American Fisheries Act, and the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998.
Bill· SS. 551 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999
Expand and Rebuild America's Schools Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited credit to taxpayers holding school construction bonds. Defines such bonds. Sets a national school construction bond limit.
Bill· SS. 541 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999
Graduate Medical Education Technical Amendments of 1999 - Amends part D (Miscellaneous) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA '97), with respect to the ceiling on the total number of full-time equivalent interns and residences in allopathic and osteopathic medicine in either a hospital or nonhospital setting for purposes of indirect and direct graduate medical education (GME) payments. Repeals the current limitation on program residents in a hospital with respect to the hospital's most recent cost reporting period ending on or before December 31, 1996. Replaces such limitation with one based on the number of residents who were appointed by a hospital's approved medical residency training program for such reporting period. Provides that beginning on or after January 1, 1997, in the case of a hospital that sponsors only one allopathic or osteopathic residency program, the new limit determined above for such hospital may, at the hospital's discretion, be increased by one for each calendar year but shall not exceed a total of three more than such limit. Limits to programs established between January 1, 1995, and September 30, 1999, (currently, programs established on or after January 1, 1995) the mandate for special rules applying limitations on interns and residents in any kind of medical residence training program. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in promulgating such rules, to include in the special consideration for facilities meeting the needs of underserved rural areas any facility not located in an underserved rural area which has established a separately accredited rural training track. Makes this Act's amendments effective as if included in the enactment of BBA '97.
Bill· HRH.R. 997 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999
Advancement in Pediatric Autism Research Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate the activities of NIH with respect to autism. Requires the Director, among other things, to make awards of grants and contracts to public or nonprofit entities for centers of excellence regarding research on autism. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program to provide information and education on autism to health professionals and the general public. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to establish an Autism Coordinating Committee to coordinate HHS efforts concerning autism.
Bill· HRH.R. 1005 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999
National Language Act of 1999 - Makes English the official language of the U.S. Government. Requires the Government to conduct its official business in English, including publications, income tax forms, and informational materials. Provides that this Act shall not apply to the use of a language other than English for religious purposes, for training in foreign languages for international communication, to programs in schools designed to encourage students to learn foreign languages, or by persons over age 62. Permits the Government to provide interpreters for persons over age 62. Repeals the Bilingual Education Act. Terminates the Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Languages Affairs in the Department of Education. Sets forth provisions regarding the recapture of unexpended funds and transitional provisions. Repeals provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 regarding bilingual election requirements and regarding congressional findings of voting discrimination against language minorities, prohibition of English-only elections, and other remedial measures. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require that all public ceremonies in which the oath of allegiance is administered pursuant to such Act be conducted solely in English. Specifies that this Act shall not preempt the law of any State.
Bill· HRH.R. 995 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999
Direct Check for Education Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make direct awards to local educational agencies (LEAs) to support programs or activities, that the LEA deems appropriate, for students in kindergarten through grade 12. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to use funds under this Act to continue to make payments to eligible recipients pursuant to, and for the duration of, any multiyear award made prior to enactment of this Act. Repeals the Goals 2000: Educate America Act. Repeals certain provisions of the Department of Education Appropriations Act,1999, which vested in the National Assessment Governing Board exclusive authority for developing voluntary national tests pursuant to a specified contract. Repeals the following programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA): (1) the Technology for Education program, including national programs, State and local programs for school technology resources, Star Schools, Ready-to-Learn Television, telecommunications demonstration project for mathematics, elementary mathematics and science equipment, and elementary and secondary school library media resources; (2) the State programs component of Innovative Education Program Strategies; and (3) the Fund for the Improvement of Education. Repeals the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994. Directs the Secretary to determine a per-child amount to be awarded to each LEA. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct audits of LEA expenditures under this Act, and to enforce certain sanctions and penalties if such funds are not used in accordance with this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 984 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: United States-Caribbean Trade Partnership Title II: Foreign Assistance For Central America and the Caribbean Subtitle A: Microcredit and Agricultural Assistance Subtitle B: Overseas Private Investment Corporation Subtitle C: Economic Support Fund Assistance Title III: Department of Defense Title IV: Immigration and Naturalization Service Title V: Debt Rescheduling and Reduction for Honduras and Nicaragua; Funding for the Central American Emergency Trust Fund of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development Subtitle A: Debt Rescheduling and Reduction for Honduras and Nicaragua Subtitle B: Authorization of Funding for the Central American Emergency Trust Fund of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development Caribbean and Central America Relief and Economic Stabilization Act - Title I: United States-Caribbean Trade Partnership - United States-Caribbean Trade Partnership Act -Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) to accord, for a specified period, the same tariff and quota treatment (duty-free or reduced duty treatment, free of any quantitative limitations) given certain textile and apparel articles (including those imported from North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) countries) to such articles from CBERA partnership countries, or beneficiary countries (other than Central American countries) planning to become parties to NAFTA, or a comparable free trade agreement. Subjects to certain penalties exporters that engage in the transshipment of such articles (preferential treatment claimed on the basis of material false information concerning the country of origin, manufacture, processing, or assembly of the article or any of its components). (Sec. 104) Directs the Commissioner of Customs to analyze and report to Congress on the extent to which partnership countries have cooperated with the United States with respect to the circumvention of existing quotas on imports of textile and apparel goods, and taken appropriate measures against circumvention violators (including exporters and importers involved in false information declarations relating to such goods). (Sec. 105) Directs the President to: (1) monitor the effects, if any, that implementation of NAFTA has on the access of beneficiary countries to the U.S. market for sugars, syrups, and molasses; and (2) in the event such implementation is adversely affecting such countries' access to the U.S. market, to take specified action to ameliorate such adverse effect. (Sec. 106) Grants duty-free treatment to rum liqueurs and spirituous beverages from Canada if certain conditions are met. (Sec. 107) Directs the President to convene a meeting with the trade ministers of the partnership countries in order to reach agreement for initiating negotiations for partnership countries to accede to the NAFTA. (Sec. 108) Directs the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to assess, and report to specified congressional committees on, the economic development efforts and market oriented reforms in each partnership country, and the ability of each country, on the basis of such efforts and reforms, to undertake the obligations of the NAFTA. Title II: Foreign Assistance for Central America and the Caribbean - Subtitle A: Microcredit and Agricultural Assistance - Directs the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID) to use credit and microcredit assistance to provide disaster assistance to rehabilitate agriculture production in the hurricane-affected areas of Central America and the Caribbean. (Sec. 203) Authorizes the Administrator of AID to utilize relevant foreign assistance programs and initiatives for the Central America and Caribbean region to support private producer-owned cooperative marketing associations there, including rural business associations owned and controlled by farmer shareholders. (Sec. 204) Directs the Administrator of AID to develop a comprehensive plan to coordinate and build on the research and extension activities of U.S. land-grant universities, international agricultural research centers, and national agricultural research and extension centers in Central America and the Caribbean. (Sec. 205) Provides assistance through the nonemergency food assistance programs of the Agriculture Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to the hurricane-affected Central American and Caribbean areas. Subtitle B: Overseas Private Investment Corporation - Expresses the sense of Congress that the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) should foster U.S. private investment and enhance the ability of private enterprise to make its full contribution in the hurricane- affected areas of Central America and the Caribbean. Subtitle C: Economic Support Fund Assistance - Authorizes appropriations for reconstruction and disaster mitigation assistance for the areas of Central America and the Caribbean affected by Hurricane Mitch and Hurricane Georges. Earmarks specified amounts for operating expenses of AID. (Sec. 222) Authorizes appropriations to reimburse the international disaster assistance account for expenses incurred with respect to such assistance provided to the affected areas of Central America and the Caribbean. Title III: Department of Defense - Authorizes appropriations for: (1) replenishment of the Department of Defense (DOD) accounts used in providing disaster relief and reconstruction to the hurricane- affected areas of Central America and the Caribbean (earmarking amounts for replenishment of operation and maintenance and military personal accounts, the Overseas Humanitarian Disaster and Civic Aid account, and the Commanders in Chief (CINC) Initiative Fund); and (2) the New Horizons Program (earmarking amounts for expanding National Guard and Reserve exercises in Central American countries and the Dominican Republic). Title IV: Immigration and Naturalization Service - Authorizes appropriations for Enforcement and Border Affairs within the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to: (1) support increased detention requirements for Central American criminal aliens held in detention by the INS; and (2) address the expected influx of illegal immigrants from Central America. Title V: Debt Rescheduling and Reduction for Honduras and Nicaragua; Funding for Central American Emergency trust Fund of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development - Subtitle A: Debt Rescheduling and Reduction for Honduras and Nicaragua - Authorizes the President to reschedule the repayment of interest on, and (subject to specific appropriations) reduce the amount of, the indebtedness owed by the Honduran and Nicaraguan governments to the United States. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Authorization of Funding for the Central American Emergency Trust Fund of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development - Amends the Bretton Woods Agreements Act to authorize the U.S. Governor of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), subject to specific appropriations, to contribute $25 million on behalf of the United States to the Central American Emergency Trust Fund.
Law· HRH.R. 974 (106th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999
District of Columbia College Access Act - Establishes the District of Columbia College Access Scholarship Program and the District of Columbia College Access Fund out of which the Mayor of the District of Columbia shall award such scholarships. Treats any contribution or gift to or for the use of the Fund as deductible from gross income under the Internal Revenue Code. Provides that: (1) any payment from the Fund shall not be subject to any Federal, State, or local income or gift tax; and (2) the Fund shall be treated as a tax-exempt organization. Sets forth administrative procedures for the Program. Requires the Mayor to award a scholarship for attendance at an eligible institution of higher education located outside the District to each applicant who is a qualified high school graduate and has resided in the District for at least the 12 consecutive months preceding the academic year for which the scholarship is sought. Sets the amount of each scholarship at the difference between the institution's non-resident and resident tuition, with a ratable reduction if the amount available from the Fund for any academic year is not sufficient to pay the scholarship. Allows the Mayor to enter into a contract with a nongovernmental agency to administer the Program and the Fund. Authorizes appropriations to: (1) the Fund for FY 2000 and each of the five succeeding fiscal years; and (2) the University of the District of Columbia for the same period.
Bill· HRH.R. 988 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1999
Comprehensive Methamphetamine Abuse Reduction Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act (the Act) to authorize the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention to make grants to, and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with, public and non-profit private entities to carry out: (1) school-based programs concerning the dangers of methamphetamine abuse and addiction, including initiatives that give students the responsibility to create their own anti-drug abuse education programs for their schools; and (2) community based methamphetamine abuse and addiction prevention programs. Requires that: (1) sums made available be used for planning, establishing, or administering methamphetamine prevention programs; and (2) the Director give priority in making grants to rural and urban areas that are experiencing a high rate or rapid increases in methamphetamine abuse and addiction. Sets forth: (1) provisions regarding allotment of specified sums available for analyses and evaluations of effective prevention programs and the development of strategies for disseminating information about, and implementing, such programs; and (2) reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 3) Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to promulgate or amend existing Federal sentencing guidelines to increase the base offense levels for offenses relating to the manufacture, attempt to manufacture, or conspiracy to manufacture amphetamine or methamphetamine. Authorizes appropriations to the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to combat the trafficking of methamphetamine in areas designated by the Director of National Drug Control Policy as high intensity drug trafficking areas. Earmarks specified sums to assist drug analysis laboratories in areas with a high rate of methamphetamine abuse or addiction. (Sec. 4) Amends the Act to authorize the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention to make grants to, and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with, public and non-profit private entities for the purpose of expanding activities for the treatment of methamphetamine abuse and addiction, and for the treatment of methamphetamine addicts who also abuse other illegal drugs. Sets forth analogous provisions regarding the use of funds, permissible treatment programs and activities, priority in making grants, analyses and evaluation, reporting requirements, and authorization of appropriations. (Sec. 5) Amends the Act to authorize the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse to make grants to expand interdisciplinary research relating to methamphetamine abuse and addiction and other biomedical, behavioral, and social issues related to methamphetamine abuse and addiction. Requires the Director to promptly disseminate research results to Federal, State, and local entities involved in combating methamphetamine abuse and addiction. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 6) Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Attorney General to make grants to States, State and local courts, local governments, and Indian tribal governments for programs that involve: (1) continuing judicial supervision over offenders with substance abuse problems who are not violent offenders; and (2) the integrated administration of specified other sanctions and services, including mandatory periodic drug testing during any period of supervised release or probation for each participant, referral to a community-based treatment facility, and aftercare services. Directs the Attorney General to suspend funding for any grant upon finding that violent offenders are participating. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 7) Directs: (1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convene a National Conference on Methamphetamine Abuse and Treatment; and (2) the Attorney General, jointly with the Secretaries of Education and HHS and the Director of ONDCP, to develop a comprehensive strategic plan to combat the methamphetamine problem in the United States.
Bill· SS. 526 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1999
Public School Construction Partnership Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the treatment of qualified public educational facility bonds as exempt facility bonds. Defines a "qualified public educational facility" as any school facility which is: (1) part of a public elementary school or a public secondary school; and (2) owned by a private, for-profit corporation pursuant to a public-private partnership agreement with a State or local educational agency. Provides for an exception from the State volume cap. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) time-related spending requirements for public school construction bonds and doubling the arbitrage rebate exception for governmental bonds used to finance education facilities; and (2) the treatment of public school construction bonds as qualified tax-exempt obligations.
Bill· SS. 514 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1999
Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to reauthorize and revise provisions for the National Writing Project (NWP). Increases the maximum amount for any one contractor under limits on the Federal share of NWP teacher training programs. Repeals the classroom teacher grants program under NWP. Increases and extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for NWP.
Bill· HRH.R. 961 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1999
Ovarian Cancer Research and Information Amendments of 1999 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for ovarian cancer research. Specifies material to be included in ovarian cancer information and education programs. Requires the National Cancer Advisory Board to include at least one member who is at high risk for developing ovarian cancer.
Bill· HRH.R. 959 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1999
Affordable Higher Education-Through-Pell Grants Act of 1999 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to increase the maximum Federal Pell Grant award to $6,500 for academic year 2000-2001. Amends HEA to declare that there shall be available to the Secretary of Education, from funds not otherwise appropriated, sums necessary to provide funds for such grants in the maximum amounts authorized.
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