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Bill· HRH.R. 856 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1997
United States-Puerto Rico Political Status Act - Declares it is the policy of the Congress that: (1) English shall be the common language of mutual understanding in the United States, and this policy shall apply in all of the States freely admitted to the Union; and (2) if the referenda under this Act result in approval of sovereignty leading to Statehood for Puerto Rico, it is anticipated that English would become the official language of the Federal Government in Puerto Rico. Declares that Congress has the authority to expand existing English language requirements in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Requires a referendum to be held by December 31, 1998, on Puerto Rico's political status, for either: (1) retention of its present Commonwealth status; (2) full self-government through separate sovereignty leading to independence or free association; or (3) full self-government through U.S. sovereignty leading to statehood. Requires the President to develop and submit to the Congress for approval legislation for: (1) a transition plan of at least ten years which leads to full self-government for Puerto Rico; and (2) a recommendation for the implementation of such self-government consistent with Puerto Rico's approval. Requires the transition plan, if the vote favors statehood, to include proposals and incentives to increase the opportunities of the people of Puerto Rico to learn English, including the teaching of English in public schools, fellowships, and scholarships. Requires another referendum within four years, and every four years thereafter (but not in a general election year), if the referendum conducted under this Act, and any subsequent referendum, does not result in a majority vote for separate sovereignty or statehood. Sets forth specified requirements with respect to the referendum and congressional procedures for consideration of legislation. Makes funds available for the referendum, including those derived from the Federal excise tax on foreign rum. Requires the Government of Puerto Rico to make grants to the State Elections Commission of Puerto Rico for referenda held under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 860 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1997
Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 1997 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2003 for surface transportation research, development, and technology activities, including: (1) motor carrier transportation and highway planning and development activities; and (2) intelligent transportation systems. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2003 to: (1) award competitive grants to universities to operate centers for transportation and development and transportation research and development (R&D) institutes; and (2) carry out the Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program to attract qualified students to the field of transportation research, development, and engineering. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to undertake, on a cost-shared basis, collaborative R&D with non-Federal entities, including State and local governments, foreign governments, colleges and universities, corporations, institutions, partnerships, sole proprietorships, and trade associations. Intends such R&D to encourage innovative solutions to highway problems and stimulate new technology marketing by private industry. Makes 50 percent the maximum Federal share of costs under a cooperative research and development agreement. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2003.
Bill· HRH.R. 891 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the: (1) maximum deduction for individual retirement account contributions; and (2) income amount at which phase-out of that deduction begins. Exempts from the early distribution penalty: (1) distributions from certain types of retirement plans for first-time home buyer, education, or adoption expenses; and (2) for unemployed individuals (currently, for unemployed individuals for health insurance premiums). Modifies requirements regarding penalties for medical care early distributions.
Bill· HRH.R. 877 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1997
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide that any period during which a student was called or ordered to active duty in a reserve component of the armed forces shall not be included in determining the six-month grace period (after the student ceases to carry at least a half-time academic load) before repayment of a student loan must begin.
Bill· HRH.R. 881 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1997
Medical Education Trust Fund Act of 1997 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new title XXI (Medical Education Trust Fund) establishing in the Treasury the Medical Education Trust Fund, consisting of various specified accounts. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make annual payments from the Fund to eligible medical schools and teaching hospitals applying for assistance to: (1) maintain and develop quality educational programs in an increasingly competitive health care system; and (2) meet the indirect and direct costs of graduate medical education. Outlines requirements for Fund investments and determination of payments. Amends SSA titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) to provide for annual transfers to the Fund. Makes specified appropriations to the Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax equal to 1.5 percent of premiums received under accident or health insurance policies (including applicable self-insured plans), and equal to 1.5 percent of the amount received for certain health-related administrative services, payable by the policy issuer and the service provider, respectively. Makes specified appropriations and transfers of such amounts collected to the Fund for allocation among the various specified accounts. Establishes the Medical Education Advisory Commission to study and report on Fund operations and other specified matters, including recommendations for demonstration projects. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to prescribe guidelines for the establishment and operation of such demonstration projects.
Bill· HRH.R. 847 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1997
Eating Disorders Information and Education Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for a program of information and public education concerning the prevention and treatment of eating disorders. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 855 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1997
Access to College Education (ACE) Act of 1997 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a new part F, Administrative Support for State Prepaid Tuition Programs, under title X of such Act. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) make grants to States to support temporarily the establishment and operation of State prepaid tuition programs; and (2) disseminate to States applying for such grants certain studies and information on successful administrative practices for such programs. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 351 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1997
Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide for teacher technology training. Requires schools to give attention to professional development that incorporates technology used to improve teaching and learning. Requires professional development activities to include instruction in the use of technology. Adds technology to the list of core subject areas for the National Teacher Training Project grants program (Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program). Requires local plans for improving teaching and learning to include descriptions of how their core subject area programs will incorporate technologies which meet the educational needs of individuals who are from historically underrepresented groups, or are economically disadvantaged, or have limited English language abilities, or have disabilities. Requires authorized professional development activities to incorporate effective technology for meeting the educational needs of diverse groups of students. Includes technological innovation as a higher education activity to improve teacher education programs.
Bill· HRH.R. 827 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1997
Nuclear Disarmament and Economic Conversion Act - Requires the U.S. Government to: (1) disable and dismantle all its nuclear weapons and refrain from replacing them at any time with weapons of mass destruction; (2) undertake vigorous good faith efforts to eliminate war, armed conflict, and all military operations; (3) actively promote policies to induce all other countries to join in these commitments for peace on earth; and (4) redirect resources that are currently being used for nuclear weapons programs to constructive, ecologically beneficial peacetime activities and to address human needs such as housing, health care, education, agriculture, and environmental protection. Makes this Act effective when the President certifies to the Congress that all foreign countries possessing nuclear weapons have established legal requirements comparable to those set forth in this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 828 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1997
Equal Protection School Finance Act - Provides for a system to help equalize funding for education within States. Makes a State ineligible for Federal funds administered by the Department of Education to support elementary and secondary education unless the coefficient of variation of per pupil expenditures in local educational agencies statewide for elementary and secondary education is greater than ten percent. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to provide such funding to a noncompliant State if that State submits a plan which the Secretary determines will bring the State into compliance within five years. Sets forth procedures for compliance reporting, certification, and challenges. Directs the Secretary to reallocate to compliant States, and States developing or implementing compliance plans, any funds that are not distributed to noncompliant States.
Bill· HRH.R. 832 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1997
Menopause Outreach, Research, and Education Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute on Aging to provide for the expansion of at least five centers for research on: (1) menopause; and (2) conditions arising from the diminishing or cessation of the functioning of the ovaries, whether occurring naturally or otherwise. Outlines research activities to be performed at each center. Requires the Director to establish a program to develop protocols for the prevention and treatment of menopausal health conditions and other conditions regarding women's midlife health. Requires the Director to provide for an equitable geographical distribution of such centers. Requires each center to be supported for at least five years, with possible renewal after review and recommendation by an appropriate technical and scientific peer review group established by the Director.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 75 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1997
Provides amounts for expenses of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce for the 105th Congress.
Bill· HRH.R. 784 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1997
Child Passenger Protection Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to enter into contracts with, and make grants to, State highway offices and other experienced child passenger safety organizations to distribute national, State, and local motor vehicle child restraint education programs and supporting educational materials. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 777 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1997
21st Century Scholars Act of 1997 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to establish a 21st Century Scholars Program, which shall give eligible 21st Century Scholars (eligible Scholars) a legally binding promise, secured by the full faith and credit of the United States, to provide the maximum authorized Pell Grant to cover the costs of attendance for each of up to four years of attendance at an eligible institution. Makes students eligible Scholars if they successfully completed the uppermost grade at a qualifying elementary school and were residents of the such school's attendance area during the school year in which such grade was completed. Makes schools qualifying elementary schools if they serve attendance areas in which the concentration of children from low-income families exceeds 75 percent, as determined under specified provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
Bill· HRH.R. 744 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1997
Affordable Higher Education-Through-Pell Grants Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to increase the maximum Federal Pell Grant award (from $4,500) to $5,000 for academic year 1998-1999 and each of the four succeeding academic years. 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.
Bill· HRH.R. 773 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1997
National African American Museum Act - Establishes within the Smithsonian Institution the National African American Museum, to be operated as a center for scholarship and a location for museum training, public education, exhibits, and collection and study of items and materials relating to the life, art, history, and culture of African Americans. Authorizes the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to plan, design, reconstruct, and renovate the Arts and Industries Building to house the Museum. Establishes a Board of Trustees of the Museum in the Smithsonian Institution. Directs the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution to appoint a Director to manage the Museum. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 55 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the Constitution shall prohibit the inclusion of voluntary prayer in any public school program or activity. Provides that neither the United States nor any State shall prescribe the content of any such prayer.
Bill· HRH.R. 715 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1997
Accuracy in Campus Crime Reporting Act of 1997 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise campus security policy reporting and crime statistics disclosure requirements. Includes other campus officials (as well as campus security or law enforcement, or local law enforcement) among those officials that must report, for statistical disclosure purposes, if specified types of criminal offenses are reported to them. Specifies additions to the list of such offenses. Makes annual submission of campus crime statistics mandatory for all institutions participating in any student aid program under HEA title IV (participating institutions). (Currently such submissions are only required upon the request of the Secretary of Education). Directs the Secretary to report each set of such statistics, clearly identifying each institution and campus, not only to specified congressional committees but also to each participating institution and to the public via printed and electronic means. Requires each official charged with compiling such statistics to certify their accuracy. Repeals a disclaimer that nothing in certain provisions relating to institutional policy on prevention of sexual assaults and procedures after such an assault may be construed to confer a private right of action upon any person to enforce such provisions. Requires any participating institution which maintains a police or security department to keep a daily log of specified crime information open to public inspection. Requires any participating institution to develop and distribute a statement of its disciplinary practices and procedures with respect to crimes, including specified information and policies. Amends the General Education Provisions Act to exclude allegations of criminal activities from the education records subject to family access. Sets forth methods of enforcement of HEA campus security provisions. Directs the Secretary to terminate all assistance to an institution under an applicable program, or issue other specified orders the Secretary deems appropriate to achieve compliance, if any participating institution fails or refuses to comply with requirements for disclosure of campus security policy and campus crime statistics. Prohibits institutional retaliation against individuals for exercising rights or participating in proceedings under such campus security provisions. Requires, under student aid program agreements, that the campus security policies and crime statistics disclosed be comprehensive and accurate.
Bill· HRH.R. 725 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1997
Precision Agriculture Research, Education, and Information Dissemination Act of 1997 - Amends the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act to emphasize competitive grants that promote precision agriculture (as defined by this Act) research projects and to promote dissemination of such projects' results. Provides for the establishment of multistate and national agriculture partnerships, including existing partnerships between national laboratories (Secretary of Energy) and the Department of Agriculture. Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to include precision agriculture within the research categories of the Fund for Rural America.
Bill· HRH.R. 717 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1997
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend through FY 2003 the exemption of certain institutions of higher education serving minorities, including historically Black colleges and universities, from default-based ineligibility for student loan programs.
Bill· HRH.R. 719 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1997
Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to allow children who attend a school that does not receive targeted assistance school funds under part A of title I of such Act, but who meet certain criteria for disadvantaged students, to attend a school that receives such funds.
Bill· HRH.R. 739 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1997
Primary Health Care Education Act of 1997 - Amends title VII (Health Professions Education) of the Public Health Service Act to require giving preference, in making grants and contracts under the title, to: (1) schools of medicine or osteopathic medicine that emphasize primary health care training and encourage selection of primary care as a career choice; and (2) entities that operate medical residency training programs that include instruction from primary care faculty and have rotations providing primary care training.
Bill· HRH.R. 724 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1997
Student Loan Affordability Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction for the interest paid on qualified higher education loans. Allows such deduction in computing adjusted gross income.
Bill· HRH.R. 720 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1997
Terminates the international military education and training program under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for Indonesia.
Bill· HRH.R. 689 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1997
Primary Care Promotion Act of 1997 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to direct graduate medical education for residents enrolled in combined approved primary care medical residency training programs. Provides for full-time-equivalent resident reimbursement for an additional year beyond the minimum number of years of formal training required to satisfy the requirements for initial board eligibility in the longest of the individual programs. Declares that a resident enrolled in a combined medical residency training program that includes an obstetrics and gynecology program qualifies for the period of board eligibility under this Act if the other programs such resident combines with such obstetrics and gynecology program are for training a primary care resident.
Bill· HRH.R. 675 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1997
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education, in prescribing regulations with respect to eligibility standards for short-term educational programs, to exclude from the calculation of placement rates graduates who are: (1) aliens not authorized to accept employment in the United States; (2) individuals with medical conditions precluding employment; and (3) individuals who transfer credits from the program to the program of an accredited degree-granting institution or who otherwise immediately enroll in such a program.
Bill· HRH.R. 657 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1997
Rural Law Enforcement Act of 1997 - Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to establish: (1) at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock the National Center for Rural Law Enforcement; and (2) an Advisory Board to formulate, adopt, and publish guidelines governing the operation of the Center. Sets forth provisions regarding the Center's: (1) functions (including the promotion, development, and adoption of a voluntary national system of education and training standards and certification); (2) authority (such as hiring experts and consultants); and (3) methods (including consensus building). Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 656 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions concerning distributions from State tuition programs to: (1) provide for the exclusion from income of distributions used exclusively for qualified higher education expenses; and (2) include the expenses of room and board in the definition of qualified higher education expenses.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 51 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1997
Commends the organizers, coordinators, and volunteers of NetDay throughout the United States. Supports NetDay's commitment to have classrooms of K-12 schools fitted with the needed technological infrastructure for the 21st century.
Bill· SS. 285 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1997
Tuition Tax Elimination Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) include in gross income any distribution from a qualified State tuition program not used to exclusively to pay qualified higher education expenses of the designated beneficiary; and (2) not provide earned income credit inflation adjustments to individuals with no qualifying children.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 15 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the Constitution shall be construed to prohibit or require voluntary prayer in public schools or at public school extracurricular activities.
Bill· SS. 280 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Time for Schools Act of 1997 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to allow employees covered by such Act to take up to 24 hours, during any 12-month period, of school involvement leave to participate in: (1) an activity of their child's school; or (2) literacy training under a family literacy program. Amends Federal civil service law to apply the same school involvement leave allowance to Federal employees.
Bill· HRH.R. 622 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Declaration of Official Language Act of 1997 - Declares English to be the official language of the U.S. Government. States that English is the preferred language of communication among U.S. citizens. Requires the U.S. Government to promote and support the use of English for communications among U.S. citizens. Requires communications by officers and employees of the U.S. Government with U.S. citizens to be in English. Directs the Immigration and Naturalization Service to: (1) enforce the established English language proficiency standard for all applicants for U.S. citizenship; and (2) conduct all naturalization ceremonies entirely in English. Allows anyone injured by a violation of such provisions to obtain appropriate relief in a civil action. Authorizes the court in any such action to allow a prevailing party, other than the U.S. Government, a reasonable attorney's fee as part of costs. Repeals the Bilingual Education Act (title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965). Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to repeal bilingual voting requirements.
Bill· HRH.R. 611 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Directs the Secretary of the Army to close the military education and training facility known as the United States Army School of the Americas at Fort Benning, Georgia. Repeals current statutory authority for the School.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 38 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997
Commends the organizers, sponsors, coordinators, and volunteers of NetDay. Supports NetDay's commitment to providing the Nation's elementary and secondary schools with the technological infrastructure needed to help the Nation's children succeed.
Bill· HRH.R. 553 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Education Affordability Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exclude qualified scholarships and fellowships from income; (2) allow the deduction of interest on qualified educational loans; and (3) permit distributions from individual retirement accounts to be used for qualified educational expenses.
Bill· HRH.R. 556 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Eating Disorders Information and Education Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for a program of information and public education concerning the prevention and treatment of eating disorders. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 529 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to exempt from certain annual compliance audit requirements of the guaranteed student loan program those lenders with guaranteed student loan portfolios that do not exceed $10 million.
Bill· HRH.R. 503 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Amends the General Education Provisions Act to declare that nothing in such Act shall be construed to require State and county prosecutors to obtain a court order to receive student information, before or after adjudication, if the information sought pertains to a criminal investigation or prosecution of the student.
Bill· HRH.R. 536 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Quiet Communities Act of 1997- Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to reestablish an Office of Noise Abatement and Control, which shall be responsible for coordinating Federal noise abatement activities, updating or developing noise standards, providing technical assistance to local communities, and promoting research and education. Requires the Administrator, with funds provided for the Office, to conduct a study of airport noise, examining the Federal Aviation Administration's selection of noise measurement methodologies, health impact thresholds, and abatement program effectiveness. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 557 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Postreproductive Health Care Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants for: (1) prevention and outpatient treatment of, and counseling for, health conditions unique to, more serious, or more prevalent for, women of menopausal age or older, or for which, in the case of women, the medical risk factors or types of medical intervention are different; and (2) related education and training of health professionals. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 516 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Youth Smoking Prevention Act of 1997 - Declares that the Secretary of Health and Human Services does not have any authority under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, or the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986 to regulate the manufacture, labeling, sale, distribution, and advertising and promotion of tobacco and other tobacco products containing nicotine. Establishes the Federal authority to regulate the sale, distribution, and advertising and promotion of tobacco and tobacco products containing nicotine as a condition to the receipt by a State of the Federal preventive health and health services block grant. Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit or reduce the amount of block grants for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse based on whether a State has a law prohibiting: (1) sale of tobacco or tobacco products to individuals under the age of 18; (2) purchase of those materials by such individuals; (3) use of false identification for the purchase of those materials; (4) sale of individual cigarettes and packages of fewer than 20 cigarettes; (5) operation of a vending machine dispensing such materials unless specified requirements are met; (6) use of unsupervised self-service displays; (7) distribution of free samples to such individuals; and (8) distribution through the mail to such individuals. Sets forth general requirements regarding the sale of such materials and related notice by the owner to the employees of a retail establishment. Prohibits engaging in the retail sale of cigarettes without a license issued by the State. Sets forth State responsibilities. Regulates billboard advertising. Prohibits the placement of a tobacco manufacturer's brand name or logo on any item marketed specifically to minors, including toys and video games. Allows use of amounts available under such block grants to enforce the laws described in this Act.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 12 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress that a model curriculum should be developed which is designed to educate elementary and secondary school-aged children about the famine in Ireland in the mid-19th century and its effects.
Bill· SS. 232 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1997
Fair Pay Act of 1997 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit discrimination in the payment of wages on account of sex, race, or national origin. (Allows payment of different wages under seniority systems, merit systems, or systems that measure earnings by quantity or quality of production.) Directs the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to issue guidelines specifying criteria for determining whether a job is dominated by employees of a particular sex, race, or national origin. Prohibits such regulations from including a list of such jobs. Directs courts, in any action brought under this Act for violation of such prohibition, to allow expert fees as part of the costs awarded to prevailing plaintiffs. Allows any such action to be maintained as a class action. Requires employers subject to such prohibition to: (1) preserve records which document and support the method, system, calculations, and other bases used by the employer in establishing, adjusting, and determining the wages paid to their employees, for periods of time prescribed by the EEOC; and (2) make reports to the EEOC. Sets forth certain exemptions for small businesses and provisions for protection of confidentiality with respect to such records. Directs the EEOC to: (1) undertake studies and provide information and technical assistance to employers, labor organizations, and the general public concerning effective means available to implement this Act; (2) carry on a continuing program of research, education, and technical assistance with specified components related to the purposes of this Act; and (3) include a separate evaluation and appraisal regarding the implementation of this Act in its annual report to the Congress. Makes conforming amendments to the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 and specified Federal law relating to congressional and executive branch employees.
Bill· SS. 210 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1997
Amends the Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 to: (1) extend, upon request of the Government of the Marshall Islands, certain agricultural and food assistance programs for the Bikini and Enewetak people, for another five years; and (2) ensure that the commodities provided reflect the population changes that have occurred since the effective date of the Compact. (Sec. 2) Repeals the mandate that the Secretary of the Interior transfer administration of the American Memorial Park (in Saipan) to the government of the Northern Mariana Islands. (Sec. 3) Makes technical changes to the Education Amendments of 1972 with respect to Territorial Land Grant Colleges (thus providing separate land grant status to the College of Micronesis-FSM, the College of the Marshall Islands, and the Palau Community College). Requires that the land grant trust fund amount attributable to a specified appropriation authorized for Micronesia be divided equally among the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau for the benefit of the College of the Marshall Islands, the College of Micronesia-FSM, and the Palau Community College. (Sec. 4) Amends the Organic Act of Guam to provide for transfer of Federal excess real property by the Administrator of General Services to the Government of Guam. (Sec. 5) Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend State treatment with respect to certain drug enforcement programs to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. (Sec. 6) Amends the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to provide that: (1) an absence of the Governor or Lieutenant Governor from the territory while on official business shall not be a "temporary absence" involving a surrender of authority and power; and (2) Virgin Islands revenue bonds, instead of the current priority for payment, shall have a parity lien with every other subsequently issued obligation. (Sec. 7) Establishes the Commission on the Economic Future of the Virgin Islands to make recommendations to the President and the Congress on policies and actions for a secure and self-sustaining future for the local economy of the Virgin Islands through 2020, as well as the Federal role in providing for that future. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 8) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide, on a nonreimbursable basis, assistance to the Government of the Marshall Islands to carry out direct radiation related medical surveillance and treatment programs under the Compact. (Sec. 9) Amends the Housing Community Development Act of 1980 to make a lawful resident alien of the United States and its territories and possessions (including the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau) eligible for certain housing assistance. (Sec. 11) American Samoa Development Act of 1997 - Establishes the Commission on the Economic Future of American Samoa to make recommendations to the President and the Congress on policies and actions for a secure and self-sustaining future for the local economy of American Samoa through 2020, as well as the Federal role in providing for that future. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 216 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Provisions Title II: Assistance for Education of All Children with Disabilities Title III: Systems Change Title IV: Research and Personnel Preparation Title V: Technical Assistance, Support, and Dissemination of Information Title VI: Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 - Revises the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and extends its authorization of appropriations through FY 2002. Title I: General Provisions - Revises IDEA to declare that the right to equal educational opportunities for all children with disabilities is guaranteed by the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment to the Constitution. (Sec. 103) Allows the office of Special Education Programs to accept voluntary and uncompensated services. (Sec. 104) Revises requirements for: (1) prescribing regulations; (2) eligibility for financial assistance; and (3) discretionary grant programs. Requires the Secretary of Education to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for activities under titles IV and V of this Act. Provides for specified enhanced services to children with disabilities. Lists entities eligible for awards. Authorizes the Secretary to limit, without rulemaking, competitions to projects that give priority to one or more targeted areas, if each project addresses the needs of children with disabilities and their families. Provides for application management, including a peer review process. Authorizes the Secretary to use certain funds for: (1) payments to non-Federal entities for administrative support; (2) Federal employees to monitor projects; and (3) evaluation of program activities carried out under these programs. (Sec. 107) Repeals IDEA provisions for: (1) acquisition of equipment and construction of necessary facilities; and (2) grants for the removal of architectural barriers. Title II: Assistance for Education of All Children with Disabilities - Revises entitlements and allocations for assistance for education of all children with disabilities. (See. 201) Authorizes States to determine whether to make subgrants smaller than a specified minimum amount to some local education agencies (LEAs). (See. 202) Revises and consolidates State eligibility and planning provisions. Provides that, if a child with a disability qualifies for special education, that child does not have to be classified by a specific impairment or condition. Requires the State educational agency (SEA) to: (1) examine data to determine if significant racial disproportionality is occurring in the identification or placement of children under IDEA; and (2) review and revise policies accordingly. Provides that, if a hearing officer agrees with the parents' unilateral placement of a child with a disability in a private school, the LEA may be required to reimburse the parents. Requires a non-educational agency, if it is responsible for services necessary to ensure a free appropriate public education for children with disabilities, to pay for or provide such services directly or by contract or other arrangements. Requires States to: (1) ensure that interagency agreements or other mechanisms are in effect between educational agencies and non-educational agencies for defining respective financial responsibilities, resolving interagency disputes, and interagency coordination; and (2) establish a mechanism by which LEAs may seek reimbursement from agencies for the costs of providing related services. Revises requirements for a comprehensive system of personnel development. Allows LEAs to use appropriately trained and supervised paraprofessionals. Requires States to: (1) establish performance goals and indicators for children with disabilities; (2) ensure that these children participate in general State and district-wide assessments, with appropriate accommodations, where necessary; and (3) develop guidelines for participation in alternative assessments for those children who cannot participate in such general State and district-wide assessments. Consolidates funding and public participation requirements. Revises requirements for State advisory panels and their duties. Repeals requirements for three-year State plans. (Sec. 203) Revises LEA and SEA eligibility and maintenance of effort requirements, with specified exceptions. Allows specified activities, regardless of certain excess cost and noncommingling of funds requirements, including: (1) incidental benefits to non-disabled students; (2) simultaneous services on a space-available basis to non-IDEA-eligible children with disabilities protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act; (3) a coordinated services system that links education, health, and social welfare services, systems, and entities to improve educational and transitional results for all children and their families; and (4) a school-based improvement plan. Revises requirements for LEA involvement with a State's Comprehensive System of Personnel Development. (Sec. 204) Revises and consolidates specified requirements for State and local administration of evaluations, reevaluations, individualized education programs (IEPs), and educational placements. Revises IEP content to: (1) focus on measurable annual objectives; and (2) emphasize ensuring that each child, as appropriate, has the opportunity to progress in the general curriculum, and to participate with nondisabled children in various environments. Requires consideration of transition services needs: (1) for all students with disabilities beginning at age 14 (or younger, under specified circumstances); (2) under the applicable components of the IEP; and (3) in light of the student's participation in the general curriculum. Provides for transfer of rights at the age of majority. (Sec. 205) Repeals certain IDEA provisions relating to treatment of State agencies that received certain kinds of funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1964. (Sec. 206) Revises procedural safeguards, including provisions for written notices to parents. Requires States to make mediation available to parents of children with disabilities in disputes with LEAs on any matter regarding the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of a child or the provision of free appropriate public education. Permits the transfer of parental rights to a student with disabilities upon reaching the age of majority under State law. Requires the State to have procedures for appointing the parent or another person to represent the student's interests if, under State law, such a student is determined not to have the ability to provide informed consent. Prescribes alternate procedural safeguards for short-term and long-term disciplinary actions with respect to children with disabilities who violate the LEA's rules or code of conduct, engage in serious disruptive behavior, or engage in any such behavior involving dangerous weapons, drugs, or actions resulting in serious bodily injury. Requires such rules or code of conduct to apply to children without disabilities as well. Provides for due process hearings with respect to disagreements between an agency and parents over determinations by a principal to remove a child with disabilities to an interim alternative educational setting. (Sec. 207) Revises requirements for: (1) withholding of payments from non-compliant States and judicial review of such determinations; (2) rulemaking on compliance and eligibility; (3) evaluation and program information; (4) preschool grants; and (5) payments. (Sec. 209) Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct studies and evaluations to assess the effectiveness of efforts to provide free appropriate public education and early intervention services, including assessing the placement of children with disabilities by disability category; and (2) conduct a longitudinal study that measures the educational and transitional services provided to and results achieved by children with disabilities under IDEA. Title III: Systems Change - Establishes a program to promote systems change to improve educational and transitional services and results for children with disabilities. Authorizes competitive grants to SEAs, in partnership with LEAs and other interested individuals, agencies, and organizations, to improve such services and results on a system-wide basis. Allows grant recipients to collaborate in systems change activities with those in other States, through joint arrangements with institutions of higher education and sharing of staff and consultants. Requires coordination with this program of activities under titles IV and V. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Research and Personnel Preparation - Establishes a new program for improving early intervention, educational, and transitional services and results for children with disabilities through coordinated research and personnel preparation. (Consolidates current personnel preparation and research provisions.) (Sec. 401) Authorizes research and innovation grants and contracts for: (1) new knowledge production in learning styles, instructional approaches, behavior management, assessment tools, assistive technology, program accountability and personnel preparation models; (2) integration of research and practice, through demonstration and dissemination of successful practice; and (3) improvement in the use of professional knowledge by teachers, parents, and others in their classrooms and other learning settings. Authorizes personnel preparation grants and contracts in the areas of: (1) high incidence disabilities, such as learning disabilities, mental retardation, and behavior disordered groups; (2) leadership preparation; (3) low-incidence disabilities, such as sensory impairment, multiple disabilities, and severe disabling conditions; and (4) projects of national significance. (Sec. 402) Makes conforming amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965, the Goals 2000: Educate America Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Title V: Technical Assistance, Support, and Dissemination of information - Establishes (in part by consolidating certain current activities) a new program for improving early intervention, educational, and transitional services and results for children with disabilities through coordinated technical assistance, support, and dissemination of information. (Sec. 501) Authorizes grants and contracts for: (1) parent training and information centers and community programs; (2) coordinated technical assistance, support, and dissemination; and (3) technology and media activities. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 502) Makes conforming amendments to IDEA and the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. Title VI: Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities - Revises the program for infants and toddlers with disabilities with respect to: (1) expanded States opportunities for infants and toddlers with disabilities at risk of having substantial developmental delays if early intervention services are not provided; (2) continuing eligibility; (3) statewide system requirements; (4) the individualized family service plan; (5) allocation and use of funds; (6) procedural safeguards; (7) State interagency Coordinating Council duties; and (8) Federal Interagency Coordinating Council (FICC) membership and duties. (See. 615) Directs the FICC to convene a panel of experts to develop recommendations for a model definition of developmental delay. Allows the use of funds for referring at risk infants and toddlers, in those States not currently serving them, to other IDEA services. Permits planning for transition to preschool services to begin up to six months before the child's third birthday, if parents and agencies agree. (Sec. 616) Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 218 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Tax Incentives for Higher Education Subtitle A: Tax Relief for Higher Education Costs Subtitle B: Encouraging Savings for Higher Education Costs Title II: Scholarships for Academic Achievement Title III: Deficit Neutrality Growing the Economy for Tomorrow: Assuring Higher Education is Affordable and Dependable Act - Title I: Tax Incentives for Higher Education - Subtitle A: Tax Relief for Higher Education Costs - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide income tax deductions for qualified higher education expenses and student loan interest. (Sec. 102) Excludes from gross income qualified scholarships and fellowships, including Federal tuition grants requiring future Federal service. (Sec. 103) Makes the employer-provided educational assistance income exclusion permanent. Repeals a limitation on graduate-level educational assistance. Subtitle B: Encouraging Savings for Higher Education Costs - Permits the use without penalty of distributions from certain retirement and pension plans to pay higher education expenses. (Sec. 112) Allows a deduction of up to $2,000 per calendar year for contributions to a tax-exempt education savings account for a beneficiary under age 19. Permits non-deductible contributions to such an account as well. Prescribes penalties for the use of distributions for other than qualified educational expenses. (Sec. 113) Increases from $40, 000 ($60,000 for a joint return) to $70,000 ($100,000 for a joint return) the income limits for full exclusion from gross income of any income from U.S. savings bonds used to higher education tuition and fees. Title II: Scholarships for Academic Achievement - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award $1,000 scholarships to secondary school students graduating in the top five percent of their class, subject to family income limits. Allows such students to receive a maximum of two such scholarships for use at any institution of higher education during any four academic years. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Deficit Neutrality - Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) this Act will be deficit neutral; and (2) its costs should be paid by closing corporate loopholes.
Bill· SS. 212 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1997
Affordable Higher Education through Pell Grants Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase the maximum Federal Pell Grant award (from $4,500) to $5,000 for academic year 1998-1999 and each of the four succeeding academic years. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Congress should appropriate funds to provide such increased maximum award permitted under this Act (for academic year 1998-1999 and each of the four succeeding academic years) to all eligible students.
Bill· SS. 201 (105th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1997
Tobacco Products Control Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act (with regard to cigarettes) and the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986 (with regard to smokeless tobacco products) to make unlawful, subject to exceptions: (1) advertising on certain outdoor billboards; (2) advertising in publications having more than 15 percent of their total subscribership under 18 years old; (3) advertising in any arena or stadium where amateur or professional sporting events or activities occur; (4) payments for the use of a trade or brand name of a non- tobacco product as the trade or brand name for a cigarette or a smokeless tobacco product; (5) advertising in public transportation vehicles, terminals, or platforms; (6) product placement (paid for by a manufacturer) as a prop in any general public motion picture; and (7) placement of a brand name or logo in a video, on a video game machine, or in a family amusement center. Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit or reduce, starting in FY 1997, formula grants to States for prevention and treatment of substance abuse unless the State has a law: (1) prohibiting the sale or distribution of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18 and requiring official photographic identification for transactions involving an individual who appears to be under the age of 26; (2) regulating in specified ways cigarette or smokeless tobacco product vending machines; (3) prohibiting the distribution without charge of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products or the distribution of coupons redeemable for cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products; (4) prohibiting the sale or distribution of non-tobacco merchandise related to cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products; (5) prohibiting product displays open to non-employees; and (6) prohibiting retailers from opening packages and selling or distributing quantities smaller than the smallest package. Allows amounts from the formula grants to be used to enforce such State laws. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to declare that nothing in the FDCA or any other Act shall provide the Food and Drug Administration with any authority to regulate in any manner tobacco or tobacco products.
Bill· SS. 197 (105th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Retirement Savings Incentives Subtitle A: Restoration of IRA Deduction Subtitle B: Nondeductible Tax-Free IRAs Title II: Penalty-Free Distributions Savings and Investment Incentive Act of 1997 - Title I: Retirement Savings Incentives - Subtitle A: Restoration of IRA Deduction - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the Individual Retirement Deduction (IRA), to increase the income limits applicable to active participants. Removes limitations on a spouse's participation. (Sec. 102) Provides an inflation adjustment for the deductible amount. (Sec. 103) Revises provisions concerning the allowance of certain coins and bullion as IRA investments. Subtitle B: Nondeductible Tax-Free IRAs - Permits individuals to establish IRA Plus accounts which shall be treated similarly to an IRA plan. Prohibits deductions for contributions to such accounts. Sets forth distribution rules (including excluding qualified distributions from gross income). Title II: Penalty-Free Distributions - Permits distributions without penalty for qualified: (1) first home purchases; (2) higher education expenses; (3) unemployed individuals; and (4) medical expenses of specified relatives.