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Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 65 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Grants victims of crimes of violence and other crimes that the Congress and the States may define by law the right: (1) to notice of, and to not be excluded from, all public proceedings relating to the crime; (2) to be heard, if present, and to submit a statement at a public pre-trial or trial proceeding to determine a release from custody, an acceptance of a negotiated plea, or a sentence (grants such rights at a parole proceeding to the extent they are afforded to the convicted offender); (3) to notice of a release pursuant to a public or parole proceeding or an escape; (4) to a final disposition free from unreasonable delay; (5) to an order of restitution from the convicted offender; (6) to have the victim's safety considered in determining a release from custody; and (7) to notice of the rights established by this amendment. Grants the victim standing to assert such rights. Provides that nothing in this amendment shall provide grounds for: (1) the victim to challenge a charging decision or a conviction, to obtain a stay of trial, to compel a new trial, or to give rise to a claim for damages against the United States, a State, a political subdivision, or a public official; or (2) the accused or convicted offender to obtain any form of relief. Grants power to the Congress and the States to enforce this amendment within their respective jurisdictions by appropriate legislation, including the power to enact exceptions when required for compelling reasons of public safety.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 554 (104th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1996
Returns to the Senate H.R. 400 (Gates of the Artic National Park and Preserve land exchange) because in the opinion of the House of Representatives it contravenes the U.S. Constitution and infringes on the privileges of the House.
Bill· SS. 2140 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1996
Safer Schools Act of 1996 - Amends the Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994 to require States, as a condition for receipt of Federal funds, to have in effect a State law or regulation providing that evidence that a student brought a weapon to a school under the jurisdiction of the local educational agencies in that State, obtained as a result of a search or seizure conducted on school premises, shall not be excluded in a school disciplinary proceeding on the ground that the search or seizure was in violation of the fourth amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 545 (104th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1996
Returns to the Senate S. 1311 (establishing the National Physical Fitness and Sports Foundation) because in the opinion of the House of Representatives it contravenes the U.S. Constitution and infringes on the privileges of the House.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 542 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1996
Declares that the United States is committed to the goals enunciated in the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia, Herzegovina, and associated annexes. Urges: (1) the United States and the international community to oppose efforts to advocate secession and to support the work of the parties to the Agreement to establish democratic institutions and the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina; (2) the signatories to such Agreement and those nations and organizations participating in its implementation to make it an urgent priority to bring to justice persons indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia; and (3) the latter entities to ensure implementation of the arms control and confidence building agreements reached as part of the Agreement, including the Agreement on Sub-Regional Arms Control, and to undertake the destruction of those weapons above agreed ceilings. Commends the members of the NATO-led Peace Implementation Forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina for their work in carrying out their mandate and in ensuring a calm and orderly election process.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 190 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Limits U.S. citizenship by birth to persons born in the United States both of whose parents were either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent resident aliens at the time of birth.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 188 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that Senators and Representatives may be held liable for false statements or other false communications made in carrying out their official duties.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 58 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that: (1) whenever two-thirds of the States propose an amendment, in identical terms, to the Constitution, such proposal shall be submitted to the Congress for consideration; (2) if two-thirds of the Members of each House of Congress do not disapprove the proposal during the session in which the proposal is submitted, the proposal shall be submitted to all of the States for consideration; and (3) such amendment shall be valid as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the States.
Bill· SS. 1997 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1996
Presidential Succession Clarification Act - Declares that for purposes of the 20th Amendment of the Constitution (with respect to presidential and vice presidential succession) a candidate for whom a majority of electors have cast their votes for President or Vice President shall be deemed to be "President-elect" or "Vice President-elect" from the time that the votes are cast, whether or not the candidate is living at the time the votes are counted in the Congress. Provides that if: (1) a major party candidate for the office of the President dies 14 or fewer days prior to the date specified for the appointment of electors of the President and Vice President, the electors shall be appointed in each State 14 days after the candidate's death; or (2) a leading candidate for the office of President dies 14 or fewer days prior to the date specified for the meeting of electors, the electors shall meet and give their votes 14 days after such candidate's death. Authorizes the House of Representatives, in the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the House may choose a President after the right of choice has devolved upon them, to consider the designated running mate of the deceased candidate as the candidate's replacement for purposes of choosing a President. Permits the Senate, in the case of the death of any candidate from whom the Senate may choose the Vice President, to consider a candidate designated by the deceased candidate's political party as the candidate's replacement for purposes of choosing a Vice President.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 187 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Grants authority to the: (1) Congress to set limits on expenditures in any election for Federal office; and (2) States to set limits on expenditures in any election for State and local office.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 186 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the Constitution shall be construed to prohibit voluntary individual or group prayer in public schools or other public institutions or to prohibit prayer at public school baccalaureate services, athletic events, or other extracurricular activities. Prohibits the United States and the States from: (1) requiring any person to participate in prayer or to be present during any prayer; and (2) composing the words of any prayer to be said in (or at events sponsored by) public schools or other public institutions.
Bill· HRH.R. 3862 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1996
Citizen's Fair Hearing Act of 1996 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to provide that any person who satisfies the requirements of the Constitution and demonstrates having suffered or being threatened with economic or other injury resulting from a violation of such Act or a failure of the Secretary of Commerce to act in accordance with it shall be deemed to be within the zone of protected interests of such Act and shall have standing to commence a civil suit on his or her own behalf.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 184 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits the United States and the States from denying any person equal access to a benefit, or otherwise discriminating against any person, on account of religious belief, expression, or exercise. Declares that this amendment does not authorize government to coerce or inhibit religious belief, expression, or exercise.
Bill· HRH.R. 3671 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1996
United Houma Nation Recognition and Land Claims Settlement Act of 1996 - Grants Federal recognition to the United Houma Nation and establishes a trust relationship with the Tribe. Ratifies prior transfers of real property (and improvements thereon) or natural resources located anywhere within the United States from, by, or on behalf of the Tribe. Extinguishes aboriginal title, rights, interest, and claims by the Tribe and other Indians. Bars the United States from asserting any future claim arising by or on behalf of the Tribe from the transfer or conveyance of any real property (and improvements thereon) or natural resources before the enactment of this Act. Requires the Tribe to submit to the Secretary of the Interior its base membership roll. Allows the Tribe to elect to organize a tribal government under the Indian Reorganization Act and adopt any new constitution or other organic law in accordance with such Act.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 180 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the direct election of the President and the Vice-President of the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 3467 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Designation and Treatment of Renewal Communities Title II: Additional Tax Provisions Title IV (sic): Low-Income Educational Opportunity Scholarship Program Title III (sic): Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse Title V (sic): CRA Credit for Investments in Community Development Organizations Located in Renewal Communities Saving Our Children: The American Community Renewal Act of 1996 - Title I: Designation and Treatment of Renewal Communities - Renewing American Communities Act of 1996 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create a new subchapter on renewal communities (RCs), authorizing designation of not more than 100 areas as RCs if: (1) the areas have pervasive poverty, unemployment, and general distress and meet other requirements; and (2) State and local governments agree to take actions such as tax reduction, crime reduction strategies, and reducing, repealing, or not enforcing within the area certain governmental requirements such as licensing, zoning, and permits. Sets forth special rules for empowerment zones and enterprise communities designated as RCs. Excludes from gross income the capital gain from an RC stock, business property, or partnership interest held more than five years. Allows a deduction for the purchase of RC stock. Allows a deduction to any qualified individual or other person for amounts paid in cash to a family development account for the individual's benefit. Allows family development account use for postsecondary education, first home purchase, business capitalization, medical expenses, and qualified rollovers. Excludes family development accounts from taxation. Requires that the individual resided in an RC and was allowed an earned income credit for the preceding taxable year. Authorizes designation of not more than 25 RCs as FDA matching demonstration areas. Mandates, to the extent provided in appropriations Acts, depositing into each individual's account the amount deposited into that individual's family development account during the year. Sets the commercial revitalization credit (established below) at 20 to 50 percent of the revitalization expenditures regarding a revitalization building. Increases, for an RC business, the dollar limit on expensing certain depreciable business assets. (Sec. 105) Requires that any: (1) reduction in taxes regarding any RC be disregarded in determining the eligibility of a State or local government for, or the amount of, any assistance or benefits under any U.S. law other than the subchapter created by this title; and (2) RC be treated for all Federal law purposes as a labor surplus area. (Sec. 106) Allows a deduction for deposits to family development accounts and a credit for commercial revitalization expenditures. Title II: Additional Tax Provisions - Decreases the targeted jobs credit percentage and revises the list of targeted groups and related definitions. Renames the credit as the work opportunity credit. (Sec. 202) Allows an individual a credit for 75 percent of the contributions to an organization: (1) described in Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) (charitable, etc., organizations); (2) primarily assisting poor individuals; and (3) meeting other requirements, including limitations on political activity. (Sec. 203) Allows a charitable contribution deduction to an individual who does not itemize deductions. Title IV (sic): Low-Income Educational Opportunity Scholarship Program - Low-Income Educational Opportunity Act of 1996 - Requires an RC to establish and operate a Low-Income Educational Opportunity Scholarship program to: (1) provide RC families a choice of schools; and (2) provide assistance for attending public and private elementary and secondary schools, including religious schools. (Sec. 408) Requires that children attending: (1) private schools receive assistance for tuition, fees, and transportation; and (2) alternative public schools receive assistance for transportation. (Sec. 409) Sets forth school eligibility requirements. (Sec. 410) Declares that a scholarship under this title is an award of aid to a family, not to a school or institution. Prohibits deeming scholarships as parental income for Federal income tax purposes or for determining eligibility for other Federal programs. Requires, if a State law or constitution does not allow the expenditure of State or local funds by religious organizations, that the RC segregate Federal funds from State or other public funds. (Sec. 415) Requires that any constitutional challenge to the program be tried immediately in U.S. District Court and provides for a right of immediate appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. (Sec. 417) Authorizes appropriations. Title III (sic): Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to declare that these provisions apply to each program under the PHSA that makes Federal awards to prevent or treat substance abuse. Allows, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a religious organization (RO) to be an award recipient, make subawards, provide services through vouchers, or accept vouchers for providing services. Makes ROs eligible on the same basis as any other nonprofit private organization so long as activities are implemented consistent with the establishment clause of the First Amendment of the Constitution. Prohibits Federal or State: (1) discrimination against an organization on the basis that the organization has a religious character; and (2) requirements that an RO, in order to be a program participant, remove religious art, icons, scripture, or other symbols. Requires an RO to arrange for services through an alternative entity if an individual objects to the RO. Allows an RO to require a beneficiary who has elected to receive services from the organization to actively participate in religious practice, worship, and instruction. Prohibits using funds for sectarian worship or instruction, unless the beneficiary may choose where the assistance is redeemed or allocated. Declares that assistance to or on behalf of a beneficiary is aid to the beneficiary and not to the organization. Requires, if a State law or constitution would prevent the expenditure of State or local funds by ROs, that the RC segregate Federal funds from State or other public funds. Requires giving credit for religious education and training equivalent to credit given for secular course work. Mandates waiver of educational requirements if the RO has a record of successful drug treatment and the State or local government fails to demonstrate empirically that the educational qualifications are necessary. Title V (sic): CRA Credit for Investments in Community Development Organizations Located in Renewal Communities - Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to allow the appropriate Federal financial supervisory agency, in assessing the record of a financial institution, to consider the institution's ventures with any community development organization in an RC. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to waive certain human drug application or supplement fees for drugs developed in an RC.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 55 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Terminates the terms of office of the President and Vice President at noon on December 10, and of Senators and Representatives at noon on December 1, of the year preceding the year in which their terms would have ended if this Amendment had not been ratified.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 431 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1996
Recognizes the limitations on powers, and the duties of the Congress, under the Constitution.
Bill· SS. 1718 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Intelligence Activities Title II: Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Title III: General Provisions Title IV: Federal Bureau of Investigation Title V: Economic Espionage Title VI: Combatting Proliferation Subtitle A: Assessment of Organization and Structure of Government for Combatting Proliferation Subtitle B: Other Matters Title VII: Renewal and Reform of Intelligence Activities Title VIII: National Imagery and Mapping Agency Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 - Title I: Intelligence Activities - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 for the conduct of the intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (2) Department of Defense (DOD); (3) Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); (4) National Security Agency (NSA); (5) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (6) Departments of State, the Treasury, and Energy; (7) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (8) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); (9) National Reconnaissance Office (NRO); and (10) Central Imagery Office. (Sec. 102) Specifies that the amounts authorized to be appropriated and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 1997, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations which shall be made available to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees and the President. (Sec. 103) Allows the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI), with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY 1997 when necessary to the performance of important intelligence functions. Requires notification to the Senate and House Intelligence Committees (intelligence committees). (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for the Community Management Account of the DCI for FY 1997. Title II: Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System - Authorizes appropriations for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund for FY 1997. Title III: General Provisions - Permits appropriations authorized by this Act for salary, pay, retirement, and other benefits for Federal employees to be increased by such additional amounts as may be necessary for increases in such compensation or benefits authorized by law. (Sec. 302) Specifies that the authorization of appropriations by this Act shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity which is not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States. (Sec. 303) Amends the National Security Act of 1947 (the Act) to extend for an additional two years the authority of the President to stay the imposition of an economic, cultural, diplomatic, or other sanction or related action when the President determines and reports to the Congress that to proceed without delay would seriously risk the compromise of an intelligence source or method or an ongoing criminal investigation. (Sec. 304) Requires the DCI to prescribe regulations requiring each new and current CIA employee to sign a written agreement restricting the activities of that employee upon ceasing employment with the CIA. (Sec. 305) Directs the President to report to the congressional intelligence committees on actions that have been taken to ensure adequate oversight by the executive branch of the budgets of NRO and other elements of the intelligence community within DOD. Title IV: Federal Bureau of Investigation - Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize the FBI Director to request local and long distance toll billing records for counterintelligence purposes, subject to specified requirements. Revises provisions regarding civil actions for violations regarding stored wire and electronic communications and transactional records access to authorize any individual aggrieved by such a violation to bring suit. Authorizes the court to assess: (1) punitive damages if the violation is willful or intentional; and (2) costs of the action, together with reasonable attorney's fees, in the case of a successful action. Provides for disciplinary actions for violations. Title V: Economic Espionage - Economic Espionage Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit theft of proprietary economic information undertaken on behalf of, or with intent to benefit, a foreign government or its agent, with exceptions. Specifies a separate maximum punishment for an organization found guilty of such offense. Provides for criminal forfeiture of property constituting or derived from any proceeds of such violation and any property used to commit or facilitate such violation. Authorizes the President, consistent with international obligations, to prohibit for up to five years the importation or exportation of any merchandise produced, made, assembled, or manufactured by a person or organization convicted of an offense under this title. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to impose civil penalties of up to $100,000. Sets forth provisions regarding seizure and forfeiture and applicability of customs laws. Sets forth provisions regarding the scope of extraterritorial jurisdiction, the preservation of the confidentiality of proprietary economic information, and the non-impairment of lawful intelligence and law enforcement activities. Title VI: Combatting Proliferation - Combatting Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 1996 - Subtitle A: Assessment of Organization and Structure of Government for Combatting Proliferation - Establishes the Commission to Assess the Organization of the Federal Government to Combat the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. Directs the Commission to study the organization of the Government, including the elements of the intelligence community, and to report to the Congress on recommendations for improving the effectiveness of the organization of Federal departments and agencies in meeting U.S. national security interests with respect to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Other Matters - Requires the DCI to report on: (1) the acquisition by foreign countries of dual-use and other technology useful for the development or production of weapons of mass destruction and advanced conventional munitions; and (2) trends in the acquisition of such technology by such countries. Title VII: Renewal and Reform of Intelligence Activities - Intelligence Activities Renewal and Reform Act of 1996 - Establishes within the National Security Council the Committee on Foreign Intelligence. Directs the Committee to: (1) conduct an annual review of U.S. national security interests; (2) identify on an annual basis the intelligence required to meet such interests and establish an order of priority for the collection and analysis of such intelligence; (3) conduct an annual review of the intelligence community to determine its success in collecting, analyzing, and disseminating such intelligence; and (4) submit each year to the Council and the DCI a comprehensive report on its activities. (Sec. 703) Amends the Act to: (1) direct the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees on U.S. intelligence requirements and the activities of the intelligence community; and (2) provide for the establishment within the National Security Council of a Committee on Transnational Threats. (Sec. 705) Revises provisions of the Act regarding the duties, composition, and staffing of the Office of the DCI. (Sec. 706) Revises provisions regarding the National Intelligence Council. Requires the DCI to prescribe appropriate security requirements for persons appointed from the private sector as contractors of the Council or employees of such contractors. Authorizes the Center (sic) to carry out its responsibilities by contract, including contracts for substantive experts necessary to assist with particular assessments. Directs that the Center be readily accessible to policy making officials and other appropriate individuals not otherwise associated with the intelligence community. (Sec. 707) Revises the Act to require the DCI to facilitate the development of an annual budget for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States by: (1) developing and presenting to the President an annual budget for the National Foreign Intelligence Program (NFIP); (2) concurring in the development by the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) of the annual budget for the Joint Military Intelligence Program; and (3) consulting with the Secretary in the development of the annual budget for the Tactical Intelligence and Related Activities Program. Requires the DCI to manage the national collection activities of the intelligence community to ensure that such activities, and the intelligence collected thereby, meet national security requirements. Modifies Act provisions to require: (1) the DCI's prior approval of any reprogramming of funds made available under the NFIP or Joint Military Intelligence Program; and (2) consultation of the Secretary or head of the department which contains the affected elements of the intelligence community by the DCI before any transfer of funds or personnel. Requires the DCI, with the approval of the OMB Director, to direct and oversee the allocation, allotment, obligation, and expenditure of funds for the national intelligence programs, projects, and activities that are managed by the Directors of the CIA, NSA, NRO, and National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA). Requires the DCI to rotate personnel among intelligence community elements and to consolidate personnel, administrative, training, and security programs and management activities after consultation (currently, coordination) with affected department and agency heads. (Sec. 708) Revises Act provisions to require the Secretary to consult, and share responsibility, with the DCI regarding general responsibilities and the performance of certain NFIP functions. (Sec. 709) Amends the Act to establish Assistant Directors of Central Intelligence for: (1) Collection; (2) Analysis and Production; and (3) Administration. Provides for the transfer from the Secretary to the DCI of responsibilities and authorities for the collection of clandestine intelligence from human sources currently conducted by DOD's Defense Human Intelligence Service. (Sec. 712) Sets the pay level of the three new Assistant Directors of Central Intelligence. (Sec. 713) Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to establish a General Counsel of the CIA. (Sec. 714) Amends the Act to: (1) establish the Office of Congressional Affairs of the Intelligence Community; and (2) authorize intelligence agencies to collect information outside the United States about non-U.S. persons at the request of a law enforcement agency. (Sec. 716) Revises Act provisions to require the Secretary to obtain the concurrence of the DCI before appointing an individual to fill a vacancy for Director of NSA or Director of NRO. Directs the department head having jurisdiction over the position to consult with the DCI before appointing or recommending to the President an individual to fill a vacancy for: Director of DIA, Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research, Director of the Office of Non-proliferation and National Security of the Department of Energy, and Assistant Director, National Security Division of the FBI. Requires the DCI to provide annually to the Secretary an evaluation of the performance of the Directors of the NSA, NRO, and NIMA. (Sec. 717) Amends the Act to require the DCI to establish a personnel system to be known as the Intelligence Community Senior Executive Service. (Sec. 718) Requires the President to include in his annual budget submission in unclassified form the aggregate amounts appropriated during the current fiscal year and requested for the next fiscal year for all intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the U.S. Government. (Sec. 719) Repeals a provision that prohibits members of the Senate Intelligence Committee from serving continuously for more than eight years. Bars any Member from serving continuously as chairman or vice chairman of the select committee for more than six years. (Sec. 720) Requires the DCI to report to the Congress on the results of a review of the threats to the United States on protecting the national information infrastructure against information warfare and other non-traditional attacks and on the counterintelligence response of the DCI. Title VIII: National Imagery and Mapping Agency - Establishes the NIMA to: (1) provide timely, relevant, and accurate imagery, imagery intelligence, and imagery-related products and geospatial information in support of U.S. national security objectives; (2) support the imagery requirements of the Department of State and other non-DOD agencies; and (3) support the combat and other operational requirements of DOD. Provides for: (1) CIA support for NIMA; and (2) funds for foreign imagery intelligence and geospatial information support and for civil applications.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 177 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the Congress and the States shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the U.S. flag.
Bill· HRH.R. 3317 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1996
Yellowstone River Valley Heritage Area Act of 1996 - Designates the Yellowstone River Valley Heritage Area in Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming. Conditions such designation on the Secretary of the Interior's approval of a compact (which shall relate to the objectives and management of the proposed Heritage Area) and a management plan (which shall present comprehensive recommendations for the conservation, funding, management, and development of such Area). Authorizes the management entity named in the approved compact for the Area to receive Federal funds in support of cooperative partnerships to prepare and implement the management plan regarding the Area. Conditions eligibility for Federal funds on submission of such plan and limits the duration of eligibility to ten years after the Area is designated (with a five-year extension authorized). Directs the management entity to publish procedures to ensure that the rights of owners of private property are protected, including a process to provide information to such owners with respect to obtaining just compensation due as a result of taking of private property under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) advise State and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and other appropriate entities as to suitable methods of recognizing and preserving thematically and geographically linked natural, historic, and cultural resources and recreational opportunities; and (2) consider the Area for nomination to the World Heritage List if it meets the nomination qualifications. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) Federal matching grants and technical assistance to governmental units and private nonprofit organizations regarding compacts and management plans; (2) specified criteria for such assistance; (3) spending Federal funds on non-federally owned property; (4) reporting requirements; (5) duties of Federal entities conducting Area activities; and (6) the lack of effect of this Act on other land use regulation. Authorizes appropriations. Specifies funding limitations.
Bill· HRH.R. 3318 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1996
Southwest Montana Heritage and Recreation Area Act of 1996 - Designates the Southwest Montana Heritage and Recreation Area in Montana. Conditions such designation on the Secretary of the Interior's approval of a compact (which shall relate to the objectives and management of the proposed Heritage Area) and a management plan (which shall present comprehensive recommendations for the conservation, funding, management, and development of such Area). Authorizes the management entity named in the approved compact for the Area to receive Federal funds in support of cooperative partnerships to prepare and implement the management plan regarding the Area. Conditions eligibility for Federal funds on submission of such plan and limits the duration of eligibility to ten years after the Area is designated (with a five-year extension authorized). Directs the management entity to publish procedures to ensure that the rights of owners of private property are protected, including a process to provide information to such owners with respect to obtaining just compensation due as a result of taking of private property under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) advise State and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and other appropriate entities as to suitable methods of recognizing and preserving thematically and geographically linked natural, historic, and cultural resources and recreational opportunities; and (2) consider the Area for nomination to the World Heritage List if it meets the nomination qualifications. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) Federal matching grants and technical assistance to governmental units and private nonprofit organizations regarding compacts and management plans; (2) specified criteria for such assistance; (3) spending Federal funds on non-federally owned property; (4) reporting requirements; (5) duties of Federal entities conducting Area activities; and (6) the lack of effect of this Act on other land use regulation. Authorizes appropriations. Specifies funding limitations.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 176 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that three years after ratification of this amendment: (1) the 16th amendment to the U.S. Constitution is repealed; and (2) the Congress shall have no power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, except in time of war declared by the Congress.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 52 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Grants victims of violent crimes the following rights: (1) to be informed of, and present at, every proceeding in which the rights to liberty, justice, and due process are extended to the accused or convicted offender; (2) to be heard at any proceeding involving sentencing and to object to a previously negotiated plea or a release from custody; (3) to be informed of any release or escape; (4) to a speedy trial, a final conclusion free from unreasonable delay, full restitution from the convicted offender, reasonable measures of protection from violence or intimidation by the accused or convicted offender; and (5) to notice of such rights. Grants the several States and the Congress the power to implement further this amendment by appropriate legislation.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 174 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Grants victims of violent crimes the following rights: (1) to be informed of, and present at, every proceeding in which the rights to liberty, justice, and due process are extended to the accused or convicted offender; (2) to be heard at any proceeding involving sentencing and to object to a previously negotiated plea or a release from custody; (3) to be informed of any release or escape; (4) to a speedy trial, a final conclusion free from unreasonable delay, full restitution from the convicted offender, reasonable measures of protection from violence or intimidation by the accused or convicted offender; and (5) to notice of such rights. Grants the several States and the Congress the power to implement further this amendment by appropriate legislation.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 173 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Grants victims of violent crimes or crimes for which the defendant can be imprisoned for a period longer than one year the following rights: (1) to receive notice of, and to be present at, every stage of the public proceedings, unless the court determines there is good cause for the victim not be present; (2) to comment at any such proceeding involving the possible release of the defendant, the acceptance of any plea agreement, or sentencing; (3) to be informed of the defendant's release or escape; (4) to reasonable protection from physical harm or intimidation relating to the proceeding; (5) to have the proceedings resolved in a prompt and timely manner; and (6) to have the court order restitution from the defendant upon conviction. Makes such rights available to victims upon request to the prosecuting authority and in the manner provided by law under this amendment. Grants power to the legislatures of the States and the Congress to enforce this amendment by appropriate legislation.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 51 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1996
Congratulates Polish people around the world, including Americans of Polish descent, on the 205th anniversary of the adoption of the first Polish constitution on May 3, 1996.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 172 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Grants authority to the Congress and the States to set reasonable expenditure limits for their respective elections.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 165 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1996
Congratulates Polish people around the world, including Americans of Polish descent, on the 205th anniversary of the adoption of the first Polish constitution.
Law· HRH.R. 3259 (104th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Intelligence Activities Title II: Central Intelligence Retirement and Disability System Title III: General Provisions Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 - Title I: Intelligence Activities - Authorizes appropriations for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Central Intelligence Agency; (2) Department of Defense; (3) Defense Intelligence Agency; (4) National Security Agency; (5) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (6) Departments of State, the Treasury, and Energy; (7) Federal Bureau of Investigation; (8) Drug Enforcement Administration; (9) National Reconnaissance Office; and (10) Central Imagery Office. Specifies that the amounts authorized to be appropriated and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 1997, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations, which shall be made available to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees and the President. Allows the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI), with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY 1997 when the DCI determines that such action is necessary to the performance of important intelligence functions, subject to specified limitations. Requires notification of the Senate and House Intelligence Committees whenever such authority is exercised. Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account of the DCI for FY 1997. Authorizes 207 full-time personnel for the Community Management Staff of the DCI as of September 30, 1997. Provides for the reimbursement of any U.S. officer or employee, or member of the armed forces, who is detailed to such Staff. Title II: Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund. Title III: General Provisions - Permits appropriations authorized by this Act for salary, pay, retirement, and other benefits for Federal employees to be increased by such additional amounts as may be necessary for increases in such compensation or benefits authorized by law. Specifies that the authorization of appropriations by this Act shall not be deemed to constitute authority for the conduct of any intelligence activity which is not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 163 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1996
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Belarus declared itself as an Independent Belarusan State on March 25, 1918. Calls for: (1) the United States to press the Government of President Lukashenka to abide by the provisions of the Helsinki Accords and the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus and guarantee freedom of the press, allow for the flowering of Belarusan culture, and enforce the separation of powers; and (2) the Congress to join with Belarusans in defending the statehood and democracy of Belarus and sustaining the country's constitution.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 402 (104th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1996
Returns to the Senate S. 1463 (amending the Trade Act of 1974 to revise the definitions of domestic industry and like articles in certain investigations involving perishable agricultural products) because in the opinion of the House of Representatives it contravenes the U.S. Constitution and infringes on the privileges of the House.
Bill· HRH.R. 3247 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1996
Redesignates the Herbert Clark Hoover Department of Commerce Building located at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C., as the Ronald H. Brown Commerce Building.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 171 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Vests power in the Congress to: (1) set limits on expenditures made by, in support of, or in opposition to the nomination or election of any person to Federal office; (2) set limits on contributions by individuals or entities by, in support of, or in opposition to such nomination or election; and (3) enforce, by appropriate legislation, this amendment.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 395 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1996
Sets forth the modified closed rule for the consideration of H.J. Res. 159 (Constitutional Amendment requiring a two-thirds vote of each House of the Congress to increase taxes).
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 169 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Requires, in either House, the concurrence of two-thirds of the members present for final adoption of any bill, resolution, or other legislative measure changing the internal revenue laws unless that bill, resolution, or measure is determined at the time of adoption, not to increase the internal revenue by more than a de minimis amount. Allows the Congress to waive that requirement during war or certain military conflict. Requires all votes under this Amendment to be by yeas and nays and the names of persons voting for and against to be entered in the Journal of each House.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 167 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits the judicial power of the United States from including the power to require States, the District of Columbia, or any commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States to levy or increase any tax.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 387 (104th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1996
Returns to the Senate S. 1518 (eliminating the Board of Tea Experts) because in the opinion of the House of Representatives it contravenes the U.S. Constitution and infringes on the privileges of the House.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 164 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Limits the term of a judge of a court ordained and established by the Congress to eight years. Counts any time (but not more than six years) served as a judge before the ratification of this amendment towards the first term of that judge.
Bill· HRH.R. 3102 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Corporate Tax and Agricultural Related Provisions Title II: Mineral Exploration and Development Subtitle A: Mineral Exploration and Development Subtitle B: Environmental Considerations of Mineral Exploration and Development Subtitle C: Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund Subtitle D: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions Common Sense Corporate Responsibility Act of 1996 - Title I: Corporate Tax and Agricultural Related Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the election to take the percentage credit under the Puerto Rico and possessions tax credit provisions; (2) eliminate the exclusion of certain income of foreign sales corporations; and (3) repeal alcohol fuel incentives. (Sec. 104) Amends the Reclamation Project Act of 1939 to require the payment of the full cost for the delivery of water used for the production of surplus crops. (Sec. 105) Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to repeal: (1) title III (Export Enhancement Program); and (2) the market promotion program provisions. Title II: Mineral Exploration and Development - Subtitle A: Mineral Exploration and Development - Mineral Exploration and Development Act of 1996 - Sets forth guidelines for mineral exploration on public domain lands. Declares that holders of mining claims located or converted and maintained under this Act have the exclusive right of possession and use of the claimed land for mineral activities. (Sec. 205) Prescribes rules for mining claim location and use of public land surveys. Provides for administrative adjudication of conflicting claims. Mandates a specified location fee for every unpatented mining claim located after the date of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 206) Subjects existing unpatented mining claims, mill sites, and tunnel sites to the provisions of this Act ("converted mining claims"). (Sec. 207) Sets forth certain annual claim maintenance fees. Mandates that all monies received from such fees be deposited into the Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund (established under this Act). (Sec. 208) States that failure to comply with the requirements of this Act shall be deemed conclusively to constitute forfeiture of the mining claim. (Sec. 209) Prescribes procedural guidelines for: (1) contesting a mining claim on the basis of discovery; and (2) demonstrating the continued sufficiency of a mining claim. Subtitle B: Environmental Considerations of Mineral Exploration and Development - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, and for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretaries), to require that mineral activities on Federal lands be conducted in a manner that minimizes adverse impacts to the environment. Prescribes surface management guidelines for the granting of both an exploration and an operations permit. Requires applications for such permits to contain both an operations plan and a reclamation plan, and evidence of financial assurances. Limits an operations permit to a ten-year term (subject to renewal). (Sec. 215) Declares persons in violation of this Act ineligible for permits. Sets as a prerequisite to the issuance of any permit evidence of financial assurance payable to the United States for all lands to be affected by the mineral activities described in the permit application. (Sec. 217) Mandates that lands subject to mineral activities be restored to a condition capable of supporting their prior uses, or to other beneficial uses which conform to applicable land use plans. Sets forth reclamation standards applicable to mineral exploration. (Sec. 218) Declares that State standards for reclamation, bonding, inspection, and water or air quality which either meet or exceed Federal standards shall not be construed as inconsistent with this Act. Permits cooperative agreements between the States and the Secretary. Prohibits the Secretary from delegating authorities or responsibilities conferred under this Act to any State or its political subdivision. (Sec. 219) Requires the Secretaries, in preparing land use plans, to determine those areas deemed unsuitable for certain mineral activities. Requires withdrawal of such areas from mineral exploration and development. Subtitle C: Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund - Establishes the Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund (the Fund), to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior acting through the Director of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past minerals activities on certain public lands. (Sec. 233) Restricts reclamation expenditures to Federal or Indian land and water resources that traverse or are contiguous to Federal or Indian lands where such resources have been affected by past mineral activities. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 236) Subjects the production of locatable minerals (or mineral concentrates or products derived from locatable minerals) from any mining claim under this Act to a royalty scheme of eight percent of the net smelter return. Subtitle D: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 and the National Materials and Minerals Policy Research and Development Act of 1980 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to implement minerals policy and actions to improve availability and analysis of mineral data in Federal land use decision making for National Forest System lands. (Sec. 242) Authorizes the Secretaries to establish and collect user fees to reimburse the United States for expenses incurred in administering this Act. (Sec. 243) Prescribes procedural guidelines for the publication of an application for an operations permit and the public participation requirements. (Sec. 244) Instructs the Secretaries to: (1) inspect mineral activities to ensure compliance with surface management requirements; and (2) require all operators to maintain a monitoring and evaluation system to identify compliance with them. Authorizes citizen suits to enforce compliance. (Sec. 246) Prescribes procedural guidelines for administrative and judicial review of agency actions. (Sec. 247) Sets forth enforcement guidelines and civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Provides transitional rules for: (1) new and preexisting claims; (2) claims that have not been converted; (3) contest proceedings; and (4) oil shale claims. (Sec. 251) Adjusts the dollar amounts established under this Act to a certain inflation formula. (Sec. 255) Prohibits the issuance after January 4, 1995, of patents for vein, lode, placer, and mill site mining claims unless certain administrative requirements are met. (Sec. 256) Declares that the Multiple Minerals Development Act, and certain other Federal law, apply to all mining claims located or converted under this Act. (Sec. 257) Amends Federal law to subject all mineral materials deposits to disposal under the terms of the Materials Act of 1947 (eliminating the concept of uncommon varieties). Renames specified Federal law: (1) the Surface Resource Act of 1955; and (2) the Materials Act of 1947. Repeals the Building Stone Act and the Saline Placer Act. (Sec. 258) Declares this Act applicable to Federal lands that are used for beneficiation or processing activities for any mineral regardless of Federal title to the mineral. (Sec. 259) Requires recipients of funds under this Act to comply with the "Buy American Act." (Sec. 260) Expresses the sense of the Congress that such funds should be used to purchase only American-made equipment and products. (Sec. 261) Declares a person ineligible to receive any contract made with funds provided under this Act if the person has been judicially determined to have intentionally affixed a "Made in America" label to a product that is not U.S.-made. (Sec. 263) Declares that court-awarded compensation for a Federal taking under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution shall be paid from the Fund. (Sec. 264) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to report annually to the Congress on the percentage of each mining claim held by a foreign firm.
Law· HRH.R. 3029 (104th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1996
Designates the United States Courthouse located at 3rd Street and Constitution Avenue Northwest, in Washington, D.C., as the E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse.
Bill· HRH.R. 2992 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Victim Restitution Act of 1996 Title II: Violent Criminal Incarceration Act of 1996 Subtitle A: Truth in Sentencing Subtitle B: Stopping Abusive Prisoner Lawsuits Subtitle C: Stop Turning Out Prisoners Subtitle D: Enhancing Protection Against Incarcerated Criminals Subtitle E: Prison Conditions Subtitle F: Community Service Projects Subtitle G: Prison Commissary Administration Title III: Criminal Alien Deportation Improvements Act of 1996 Title IV: Local Government Law Enforcement Block Grants Act of 1996 Title V: Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 Subtitle A: Habeas Corpus Reform Subtitle B: Federal Death Penalty Procedures Reform Crime Prevention and Family Protection Act of 1996 - Title I: Victim Restitution Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal criminal code to require (current law authorizes) the court to order restitution of the victim when a convicted defendant is being sentenced for specified offenses. Provides that such requirement does not affect the power of the court to impose any other penalty authorized by law. Permits the court, in the case of a misdemeanor, to impose restitution in lieu of any other penalty authorized by law. Authorizes a court to order restitution of any person who, as shown by a preponderance of the evidence, was harmed physically, emotionally, or pecuniarily by unlawful conduct of the defendant during the offense or during the course of a scheme, conspiracy, or pattern of unlawful activity related to the offense. Mandates that a restitution order require the defendant to reimburse the victim for necessary child care, transportation, and other expenses related to participation in the investigation or prosecution of the offense or attendance at proceedings related to the offense. Directs the court: (1) to order restitution in the full amount of the victim's losses without consideration of the economic circumstances of the offender or the fact that a victim is entitled to receive compensation from insurance or any other source; and (2) upon determination of the amount owed to each victim, to specify in the restitution order the manner of, and schedule for, restitution in consideration of the financial resources, other assets, projected earnings, other income, and financial obligations of the offender. Specifies that: (1) a restoration order may direct the offender to make a single, lump-sum payment, partial payments at specified intervals, or such in-kind payments as may be agreeable to the victim and the offender and shall direct the offender to give appropriate notice to multiple victims or other persons who may receive restitution where the identity of such victims and other persons can be reasonably determined; and (2) such in-kind payments may be in the form of the return or replacement of property or the provision of services. Provides that when the court finds that: (1) more than one offender has contributed to the loss of a victim, the court may make each offender liable for payment of the full amount or may apportion liability to reflect the level of contribution and economic circumstances of each offender; and (2) more than one victim has sustained a loss requiring restitution, the court shall order full restitution of each victim but provide for different payment schedules to reflect the economic circumstances of each victim. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) compensation with respect to losses from insurance or other sources; (2) set-offs against amounts later recovered as compensatory damages by the victim in Federal and State civil proceedings; and (3) payment by the offender to an entity designated by the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts for accounting and payment in accordance with this Act. Specifies that a restitution order shall constitute a lien against all property of the offender. Makes compliance with a restitution order a condition of any probation, parole, or other form of release. Specifies actions the court may take, including revocation of probation or supervised release, if a defendant fails to comply. Provides for enforcement of restitution orders. Authorizes: (1) a victim or the offender to petition the court to modify a restitution order in view of a change in the economic circumstances of the offender; and (2) the court to refer any issue arising in connection with a proposed restitution order to a magistrate or special master for proposed findings of fact and recommendations as to disposition, subject to a de novo determination of the issue by the court. Title II: Violent Criminal Incarceration Act of 1996 - Subtitle A: Truth in Sentencing - Revises the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (VCCLEA) to authorize the Attorney General to provide grants to eligible States (and to eligible States organized as a regional compact) to build, expand, and operate: (1) space in correctional facilities in order to increase prison bed capacity for persons convicted of a serious violent felony; and (2) temporary to permanent correctional facilities, including facilities on military bases and boot camp facilities, for the confinement of convicted nonviolent offenders and criminal aliens for the purpose of freeing suitable existing prison space for persons convicted of a serious violent felony. Permits such grants to be used to build, expand, and operate secure youth correctional facilities. Limits eligible States to receiving either a general grant or a truth-in-sentencing incentive grant. Requires a State, to be eligible to receive general grant funds, to submit to the Attorney General an application that provides assurances (general grant requirements) that since 1993 such State has increased: (1) the percentage of convicted violent offenders sentenced to prison; (2) the average prison time actually to be served by such offenders; and (3) the percentage of sentence actually to be served in prison by violent offenders. Requires a State, to be eligible to receive truth-in-sentencing incentive grants, to submit to the Attorney General an application that provides assurances that the State has enacted laws and regulations which include: (1) truth-in-sentencing laws which either currently require or, within three years, will require that persons convicted of a serious violent felony serve not less than 85 percent of the sentence imposed or 85 percent of the court-ordered maximum sentence for States that practice indeterminate sentencing; (2) laws requiring that the sentencing or releasing authorities notify and allow the victims of the defendant or the family of such victims the opportunity to be heard regarding the issue of sentencing and any post-conviction release; and (3) laws requiring that the releasing authority notify the victims of serious violent felons or the family of such victims and the convicting court regarding the release of a defendant. Requires a State, to be eligible to receive general grants or truth-in-sentencing grants under this Act, to provide an assurance to the Attorney General that: (1) inmate labor will be used to build and expand correctional facilities; (2) each State will involve counties and other local governments in the construction, development, expansion, modification, operation, or improvement of correctional facilities designed to ensure the incarceration of offenders and will share funds received under this subtitle with any county or other local government that is housing State prisoners, taking into account the burden placed on such local government in confining prisoners due to overcrowding in State prison facilities in furtherance of the purposes of VCCLEA; (3) the State has implemented or will implement (within 18 months) policies to determine the veteran status of inmates and to ensure that incarcerated veterans receive the veterans benefits to which they are entitled; and (4) the State has adopted procedures for the collection of reliable statistical data which compiles the rates of serious violent felonies before and after the receipt of general grant or truth-in-sentencing grant funds and will report such statistical data to the Attorney General if not already provided. Specifies that beginning in FY 1998, 15 percent of the funds that would otherwise be available to a State as general grants or truth-in-sentencing grants shall be withheld from any State which does not have an eligible system of consequential sanctions for juvenile offenders. Makes a State eligible for grants under this title notwithstanding the general grant requirements if the State practices indeterminant sentencing and the average times served in such State for murder, rape, robbery, and assault exceed the national average of times served for such offenses by ten percent or more. Allows a State to use up to 15 percent of the funds provided under this title for jail construction if the Attorney General determines that the State has enacted legislation that provides for pretrial release requirements at least as restrictive as those found in the Federal criminal code or legislation that prohibits an individual charged with an offense for which a sentence of more than one year may be imposed or involving violence against another person from being released before trial without a financial guarantee to ensure appearance before trial. Provides that the Governor of the State may allow for earlier release of a geriatric prisoner or a prisoner whose medical condition precludes the prisoner from posing a threat to the public after a public hearing in which representatives of the public and the prisoner's victims have an opportunity to be heard. Permits a State that otherwise meets the requirements of this title and that certifies to the Attorney General that exigent circumstances require that it expend funds to confine juvenile offenders, to use funds received under this title to build, expand, and operate juvenile correctional facilities or pretrial detention facilities for such offenders. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the formula for determining the amount of funds that each State may receive; (2) accounting, audit, and reporting requirements (including a requirement that States receiving funds under this title require that the appropriate public authorities report to the Attorney General the death of each individual while in a municipal or county jail, State prison, or other similar place of confinement and that the Attorney General annually publish a report on such deaths); and (3) limitations on funds. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the transfer and use of unallocated funds; and (2) the reservation of funds for payments to States for the incarceration of criminal aliens. Directs the Attorney General to give preference for specified payments under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to States and political subdivisions which are ineligible for payments for incarceration of criminal aliens under this Act. Subtitle B: Stopping Abusive Prisoner Lawsuits - Amends the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act to prohibit any civil action for deprivation of rights from being brought by an adult convicted of a crime and confined in any correctional facility until available plain, speedy, and effective administrative remedies are exhausted. (Sec. 212) Requires the court to dismiss any such action if satisfied that the action: (1) fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted; or (2) is frivolous or malicious. (Sec. 213) Repeals a provision requiring that the minimum standards provide for an advisory role for employees and inmates in the formulation, implementation, and operation of the system. (Sec. 214) Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize the court to request an attorney to represent a person financially unable to employ counsel at any time. Requires (current law authorizes) the court to dismiss a proceeding in forma pauperis if the allegation of poverty is untrue or if satisfied that the action is frivolous or malicious. Requires: (1) a prisoner in a correctional institution who files an affidavit of indigence to include a statement of all assets such prisoner possesses; and (2) the court to make inquiry of the institution for information relating to the extent of the prisoner's assets and to require full or partial payment of filing fees according to the prisoner's ability to pay. Subtitle C: Stop Turning Out Prisoners - Revises provisions of VCCLEA regarding judicial remedies with respect to prison conditions. Specifies that prospective relief in a civil action with respect to prison conditions shall extend no further than necessary to remove the conditions that are causing the deprivation of the Federal rights of individual plaintiffs in that action. Prohibits the court from granting or approving any prospective relief unless it finds that the relief is narrowly drawn and the least intrusive means to remedy the violation of the Federal right. Directs the court, in determining the intrusiveness of the relief, to give substantial weight to any adverse impact on public safety or the operation of a criminal justice system caused by the relief. Prohibits the court, in any such action, from granting or approving any relief to reduce or limit the prison population unless the plaintiff proves that crowding is the primary cause of the deprivation of the Federal right and no other relief will remedy that deprivation. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) termination of relief (including provision for the automatic termination of prospective relief after a two-year period); (2) procedure for motions affecting prospective relief; (3) standing (grants standing to specified Federal, State, or local officials to oppose the imposition or continuation in effect of relief to reduce or limit the prison population and to intervene in any proceeding relating to that relief); (4) special masters; and (5) attorney's fees. Subtitle D: Enhancing Protection Against Incarcerated Criminals - Amends the Federal criminal code to require the Bureau of Prisons to ensure that: (1) prisoners under its jurisdiction do not engage in any physical activities designed to increase their fighting ability; and (2) all equipment designed for increasing the strength or fighting ability of prisoners promptly be removed from Federal correctional facilities and not be introduced into such facilities thereafter except as needed for a medically required program of physical rehabilitation approved by the Director of the Bureau (Director). Subtitle E: Prison Conditions - Directs the Attorney General to establish standards regarding conditions in the Federal prison system that provide prisoners the least amount of amenities and personal comforts consistent with constitutional requirements and good order and discipline in the Federal prison system. (Sec. 242) Requires the Director to report annually to the Congress on the amount spent at each Federal correctional facility under the Bureau's jurisdiction for: (1) the minimal requirements necessary to maintain custody and security of prisoners; (2) basic nutritional needs; (3) essential medical services; and (4) amenities and programs beyond the scope of such items. Subtitle F: Community Service Projects - Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize the Chief Executive Officer of a Federal penal or correctional facility, as part of an inmate work program, to provide services to private, nonprofit organizations or to a component of any State government or political subdivision thereof which shall: (1) be used only for the benefit of the recipient entity; and (2) not displace an employee of the recipient or result in a reduction in hours, wages, or employment benefits of any employee of the recipient. Subtitle G: Prison Commissary Administration - Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize the Director to establish, operate, and maintain commissaries in Federal penal or correctional facilities to provide or make available to inmates articles and services authorized by the Director. Establishes in the Treasury the Prison Commissary Fund. Requires revenues from commissary articles and services to be deposited in the Fund which shall be available for the payment of any expenses incurred by the Bureau in establishing, operating, and maintaining prison commissaries and the Fund. Authorizes the Director to use monies from the Fund for the general welfare of inmates. Title III: Criminal Alien Deportation Improvements Act of 1996 - Amends INA, as amended by the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994, to expand the definition of "aggravated felony" to include various offenses including: (1) commercial bribery, counterfeiting, forgery, or trafficking in vehicles the identification numbers of which have been altered for which a sentence of five or more years' imprisonment may be imposed; (2) perjury or subornation of perjury for which a sentence of five or more years' imprisonment may be imposed; and (3) failure to appear before a court pursuant to a court order to answer or dispose of a charge of a felony for which a sentence of two or more years' imprisonment may be imposed. (Sec. 302) Subjects a conditional permanent resident alien convicted of an aggravated felony to expedited deportation. (Sec. 303) Revises the seven-year residency defense against a deportation or exclusion order to permit deportation or exclusion of a permanent resident alien who has been sentenced (currently, imprisoned) to five or more years for an aggravated felony. (Sec. 304) Limits collateral attacks on deportation orders. (Sec. 305) Amends VCCLEA to: (1) rename the criminal alien tracking center as the criminal alien identification system; (2) specify that the system shall be used to identify and locate deportable aliens who have committed aggravated felonies; and (3) transfer the system from the Attorney General to the Commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. (Sec. 306) Amends Federal criminal law to: (1) bring certain alien smuggling-related crimes under the purview of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations provisions; and (2) authorize wiretaps for alien smuggling investigations. (Sec. 308) Revises criteria under INA for deportation for crimes of moral turpitude to cover certain aliens convicted of a crime for which a sentence of one year or longer may be imposed. (Sec. 309) Makes local governments eligible for specified alien incarceration reimbursement assistance under VCCLEA. (Sec. 310) Amends INA to permit the use of electronic and telephonic media in deportation hearings. (Sec. 312) Directs the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to report on the effectiveness of the Prisoners Transfer Treaty with Mexico. (Sec. 313) Directs the Attorney General to designate a Department of Justice office which shall provide States and local entities with technical and prosecutorial assistance with respect to aliens who flee prosecution for crimes committed in the United States. (Sec. 314) Advises the President to negotiate bilateral prisoner transfer treaties. Requires annual presidential certification that a treaty is effectively returning illegal aliens incarcerated in the United States to finish their prison term in their home country. (Sec. 315) Directs the Attorney General and the Commissioner to develop an interior (home country) repatriation program. (Sec. 316) Amends INA to authorize deportation of nonviolent offenders prior to Federal or State sentence completion. Title IV: Local Government Law Enforcement Block Grants Act of 1996 - Amends VCCLEA to replace provisions of title I setting forth the Public Safety Partnership and Community Policing Act of 1994 with a local law enforcement block grant program. Requires the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to pay to qualifying local governments specified sums for reducing crime and improving public safety, including sums for: (1) hiring, training, and employing on a continuing basis new, additional law enforcement officers and support personnel; (2) paying overtime to increase the number of hours worked by presently employed officers and support personnel; (3) procuring equipment, technology, and other material directly related to basic law enforcement functions; (4) enhancing security measures in and around schools and any other facility or location which is considered by the unit of local government to have a special risk for incidents of crime; (5) establishing crime prevention programs that may involve, though not exclusively, law enforcement officials and that are intended to discourage, disrupt, or interfere with the commission of criminal activity; (6) establishing or supporting drug courts; (7) establishing early intervention and prevention programs for juveniles to reduce or eliminate crime; (8) enhancing the adjudication process of cases involving violent offenders, including the adjudication process of cases involving violent juvenile offenders; (9) enhancing programs under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Omnibus Act) drug control and system improvement grant program; (10) establishing cooperative task forces between adjoining local governments to work cooperatively to prevent and combat criminal activity, particularly criminal activity that is exacerbated by drug- or gang-related involvement; and (11) establishing a multijurisdictional task force, particularly in rural areas, composed of local law enforcement officials, that works with Federal law enforcement officials to prevent and control crime. Prohibits a local government from expending any of the funds provided under this title to purchase, lease, rent, or otherwise acquire tanks or armored personnel carriers, fixed wing aircraft, limousines, real estate, yachts, consultants, or vehicles not primarily used for law enforcement unless the Attorney General certifies that extraordinary and exigent circumstances exist that make the use of funds for such purposes essential to the maintenance of public safety and good order. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the timing of payments; (2) payment adjustments; (3) reservation of sums for adjustments; (4) repayment of unexpended amounts; (5) requirements that such funds not be used to supplant State or local funds; (6) matching funds; (7) oversight accountability and administration; and (8) technology assistance. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits a local government from expending any of the funds provided under this title to purchase, lease, rent, or otherwise acquire tanks or armored personnel carriers, fixed wing aircraft, limousines, real estate, yachts, consultants, or vehicles not primarily used for law enforcement unless the Attorney General certifies that extraordinary and exigent circumstances make the use of funds for such purposes essential to the maintenance of public safety and good order. Requires the Director to: (1) establish procedures under which a local government is required to provide notice to the Director regarding the proposed use of funds made available under this title; and (2) establish a process for the ongoing evaluation of projects developed with such funds. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) general qualification requirements; (2) sanctions for noncompliance; (3) maintenance of effort requirements; (4) the allocation and distribution of funds, including resolution of disparate allocations and unavailability and inaccuracy of information; (5) the use of funds to contract with private, nonprofit entities or community-based organizations; and (6) public participation. (Sec. 402) Repeals VCCLEA provisions regarding: (1) the Ounce of Prevention Council; (2) local crime prevention block grants; (3) model intensive block grants; (4) family and community endeavor schools grants; (5) assistance for delinquent and at-risk youth; (6) police retirement; (7) the Local Partnership Act; (8) the National Community Economic Partnership; (9) urban recreation and at-risk youth; (10) community-based justice grants for prosecutors; (11) the family unity demonstration project; and (12) gang resistance and education training. Title V: Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 - Subtitle A: Habeas Corpus Reform - Chapter 1: Post Conviction Petitions: General Habeas Corpus Reform - Amends the Federal judicial code to establish a one-year statute of limitations for habeas corpus actions brought by State prisoners, running from the latest of the time at which: (1) the judgment became final by the conclusion of direct review or the expiration of the time for seeking such review; (2) the impediment to filing an application created by State action in violation of the Constitution or laws of the United States is removed where the applicant was prevented from filing by such State action; (3) the Federal right asserted was initially recognized by the Supreme Court where the right has been newly recognized by the Court and is retroactively applicable; and (4) the factual predicate of the claim or claims presented could have been discovered through the exercise of reasonable diligence. Specifies that time that passes during the pendency of a properly filed application for State review with respect to the pertinent judgment or claim shall not be counted toward any period of limitation. (Sec. 502) Vests authority to issue certificates of probable cause for appeal of habeas corpus orders exclusively in the courts of appeals. Permits a certificate of probable cause to issue only if the petitioner has made a substantial showing of the denial of a Federal right. Specifies that such certificate must indicate which specific issue or issues satisfy this standard. (Sec. 504) Permits the denial of a habeas corpus petition on the merits, notwithstanding the failure of the applicant to exhaust State court remedies. Specifies that a State shall not be deemed to have waived the exhaustion requirement or estopped from reliance upon the requirement, unless, through its counsel, it expressly waives the requirement. Prohibits an application for a writ of habeas corpus on behalf of a person in custody pursuant to the judgment of a State court from being granted with respect to any claim that was decided on the merits in State proceedings, unless the adjudication of the claim resulted in a decision that was based on an arbitrary or unreasonable: (1) interpretation of clearly established Federal law as articulated in U.S. Supreme Court decisions; (2) application to the facts of clearly established Federal law as articulated in such decisions; or (3) determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the State proceeding. (Sec. 505) Imposes a two-year period of limitation for filing for collateral relief by Federal prisoners, running from the latest of the time at which: (1) the judgment of conviction becomes final; (2) the impediment to making a motion created by governmental action in violation of the Constitution or laws of the United States is removed where the movant was prevented from making a motion by such governmental action; (3) the right asserted was initially recognized by the Supreme Court where the right has been newly recognized by the Court and is retroactively applicable; and (4) the factual predicate of the claim presented could have been discovered through the exercise of reasonable diligence. Chapter 2: Special Procedures for Collateral Proceedings in Capital Cases - Amends the Federal judicial code to set forth special habeas corpus procedures in capital cases, including provisions regarding: (1) the appointment of counsel; (2) stays of execution, limits on stays, and successive petitions; and (3) time requirements and tolling rules. Directs the district court, whenever a State prisoner under capital sentence files a petition for habeas corpus relief to which this subtitle applies, to consider only claims that have been raised and decided on the merits in the State courts, unless the failure to raise the claim properly is: (1) the result of State action in violation of the Constitution or laws of the United States; (2) the result of the Supreme Court recognition of a new Federal right that is retroactively applicable; or (3) based on a factual predicate that could not have been discovered through the exercise of reasonable diligence in time to present the claim for State or Federal post-conviction review. Prohibits an appeal from being taken to the court of appeals from the final order of a district court denying relief in a habeas corpus proceeding that is subject to this subtitle unless a circuit justice or judge issues a certificate of probable cause. Specifies that such a certificate may only be issued if the petitioner has made a substantial showing of the denial of a Federal right and must indicate which specific issue or issues satisfy this standard. Sets forth provisions regarding limitation periods for determining petitions. Requires the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually to the Congress on court compliance with the time limits established by this title. Chapter 3: Funding for Litigation of Federal Habeas Corpus Petitions in Capital Cases - Amends the Omnibus Act to require the Director of BJA to provide grants to the States to support litigation pertaining to Federal habeas corpus petitions in capital cases. Subtitle B: Federal Death Penalty Procedures Reform - Revises VCCLEA provisions regarding the conduct of a special hearing to determine whether a death sentence is justified, to require the jury (or if there is no jury, the court) to consider whether the aggravating factors found to exist outweigh any mitigating factors and to recommend such sentence if it unanimously finds at least one aggravating factor and no mitigating factor, or one or more aggravating factors which outweigh any mitigating factors. Directs that the jury be instructed that: (1) it must avoid any influence of sympathy, sentiment, passion, prejudice, or other arbitrary factors in its decision and should make such a recommendation as the information warrants; and (2) its recommendation is to be based on the aggravating factors and any mitigating factors which have been found, but that the final decision concerning the balance of aggravating and mitigating factors is a matter for the jury's judgment.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 161 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the Constitution prohibits public or private acknowledgement of God, the Creator. Declares that neither the United States nor any State shall make any law, nor any judicial system issue any judgment, that restricts the recognition of the Almighty God and our individual and joint dependence on Him.
Bill· SS. 1578 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1996
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 1996 - 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 nonfederal 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. (Sec. 201) Authorizes States to determine whether to make subgrants smaller than a specified minimum amount to some local education agencies (LEAs). (Sec. 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 (ADA); (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 Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) State agencies. (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. (Sec. 207) Revises requirements for: (1) withholding of payments to 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 measure 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. (Sec. 302) Extends authorities and authorizations of appropriations relating to centers and services to meet special needs of individuals with disabilities, including regional centers for the deaf. Title IV: Research and Personnel Preparation - Establishes a new program (in part by consolidating certain current activities) for improving early intervention, educational, and transitional services and results for children with disabilities through coordinated research and personnel preparation. (Consolidates current part D personnel preparation provisions and current part E 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, Goals 2000: Educate America Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. (Sec. 403) Extends the authorization of appropriations for training personnel for the education of individuals with disabilities. Title V: Technical Assistance, Support, and Dissemination of Information - Establishes a new program (in part by consolidating certain current activities) 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. (Sec. 503) Extends various authorities and authorizations of appropriations. Title VI: Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities - Revises the program for infants and toddlers with disabilities, with respect to: (1) encouraging States to expand opportunities for infants and toddlers with disabilities who are 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. (Sec. 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· SJRESS.J.Res. 49 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Requires a two-thirds vote of each House of the Congress in order to pass any bill levying a new tax or increasing the rate or base of any tax. Allows the Congress to waive that requirement during war or certain military conflict. Requires all votes under this amendment to be by yeas and nays and the names of persons voting for and against to be entered in the Journal of each House.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 160 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1996
Constitional Amendment - Requires that Federal judges be reconfirmed by the Senate every six years.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 159 (104th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Requires a two-thirds vote of each House of the Congress in order to pass any bill levying a new tax or increasing the rate or base of any tax. Allows the Congress to waive that requirement during war or certain military conflict. Requires all votes under this Amendment to be by yeas and nays and the names of persons voting for and against to be entered in the Journal of each House.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 48 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Grants authority to the Congress and the States to set reasonable expenditure limits for their respective elections.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 47 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Vests power in the Congress to: (1) set limits on expenditures made by, in support of, or in opposition to the nomination or election of any person to Federal office; (2) set limits on contributions by individuals or entities by, in support of, or in opposition to such nomination or election; and (3) enforce, by appropriate legislation, this amendment.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 345 (104th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1996
Urges the Secretary of State to make human rights concerns among the primary objectives in bilateral relations with Cambodia, to closely monitor preparations for upcoming Cambodian elections in 1996 and 1998 and attempt to secure Cambodian Government agreement to full and unhindered participation of international observers for such elections, and to support the continuation of human rights monitoring in Cambodia by the United Nations. Calls for the United States to raise human rights concerns at the June 1996 meeting of the Donor's Consultative Meeting for Cambodia and during consideration of projects in Cambodia to be financed by international financial institutions. Supports efforts by the United States to provide assistance to Cambodia to broaden democratic civil society, strengthen the rule of law, and ensure that future elections in Cambodia are free and fair.