Rule of law

New Mexico Statehood and Enabling Act Amendments of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1997

New Mexico Statehood and Enabling Act Amendments of 1997 - Amends Federal law to provide for distributions from the permanent trust funds of New Mexico, including all interest, dividends, other income, and appreciation in the market value of assets of the funds to be prudently invested on a total rate of return basis, and to be made as provided in the Constitution of the State of New Mexico. Declares that the Congress consents to the amendments to the Constitution of the State of New Mexico approved by the voters of New Mexico on November 5, 1996.

American Community Renewal Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Designation and Evaluation of Renewal Communities Title II: Tax Provisions Subtitle A: Tax Incentives for Renewal Communities Subtitle B: Charitable Contribution Credit Title III: Low-Income Educational Opportunity Scholarship Program Title IV: Additional Provisions American Community Renewal Act of 1997 - Title I: Designation and Evaluation of Renewal Communities - Renewing American Communities Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create a new subchapter on renewal communities (RCs), authorizing designation of not more than 100 areas (with the first 50 being from areas which are enterprise zones or empowerment communities) 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. Provides for: (1) coordination of RCs with empowerment zones and enterprise communities; and (2) interaction of the provisions of this Act with other Federal programs. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to report to the Congress concerning such designations. Title II: Tax Provisions - Subtitle A: Tax Incentives for Renewal Communities - Excludes from gross income the capital gain from an RC stock, business property, or partnership interest held more than five years. 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 account use for postsecondary education, first home purchase, business capitalization, medical expenses, and qualified rollovers. Excludes such 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 account matching matching demonstration areas. Provides, to the extent provided in appropriations Acts, for matching contributions to accounts. 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. Permits a taxpayer to treat any RC environmental remediation cost as an expense which is not chargeable to capital account. Allows any cost so treated as a deduction. (Sec. 202) Provides a special work opportunity credit rule for RCs. (Sec. 203) Provides for the commercial revitalization credit. Subtitle B: Charitable Contributions Credit - Allows an individual a credit for 75 percent of the contributions (of up to $100 annually for a taxpayer) to an organization described in Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) (charitable, etc., organizations) for which the taxpayer has done more than ten hours of volunteer service and which: (1) is primarily assisting poor individuals; (2) spends all of its resources providing services to the poor; and (3) has limited political activity. Terminates such credit after December 31, 1999. Title III : Low-Income Educational Opportunity Scholarship Program - Low-Income Educational Opportunity Act of 1997 - 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. 309) Requires that children attending: (1) private schools receive assistance for tuition, fees, and transportation; and (2) alternative public schools receive assistance for transportation. (Sec. 310) Sets forth school eligibility requirements. (Sec. 311) Declares that a scholarship under this title is an award of aid to a family, not to a school. Prohibits: (1) a Federal, State, or local agency taking into account Federal funds provided to a renewal community, school, or parent in determining whether to provide any other funds; and (2) deeming scholarships as parental income for Federal income tax purposes or for determining eligibility for other Federal programs. States that nothing in this title shall be construed to supersede any State law prohibiting the expenditure of public funds by sectarian schools, except that no State law may prohibit the expenditure by sectarian schools of Federal funds under this title. (Sec. 316) Requires that any constitutional challenge to the program be tried in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Permits an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. (Sec. 317) Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Additional Provisions - Provides for the transfer of ownership of any qualified Department of Housing and Urban Development property to the unit of local government having jurisdiction, if such unit of local government agrees to dispose such qualified property as specified, including granting to a community development corporation the right of first refusal. (Sec. 402) Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to declare that the provisions of this section 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. 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 Federal funds shall be segregated from State or other public funds. Requires, for personnel working in RO drug treatment programs, 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. (Sec. 403) 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.

New Mexico Statehood and Enabling Act Amendments of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1997

New Mexico Statehood and Enabling Act Amendments of 1997 - Amends Federal law to provide for distributions from the permanent trust funds of New Mexico, including all interest, dividends, other income, and appreciation in the market value of assets of the funds to be prudently invested on a total rate of return basis, and to be made as provided in the Constitution of the State of New Mexico. Declares that the Congress consents to the amendments to the Constitution of the State of New Mexico approved by the voters of New Mexico on November 5, 1996.

American Community Renewal Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Designation and Evaluation of Renewal Communities Title II: Tax Provisions Subtitle A: Tax Incentives for Renewal Communities Subtitle B: Charitable Contribution Credit Title III: Low-Income Educational Opportunity Scholarship Program Title IV: Additional Provisions American Community Renewal Act of 1997 - Title I: Designation and Evaluation of Renewal Communities - Renewing American Communities Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create a new subchapter on renewal communities (RCs), authorizing designation of not more than 100 areas (with the first 50 being from areas which are enterprise zones or empowerment communities) 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. Provides for: (1) coordination of RCs with empowerment zones and enterprise communities; and (2) interaction of the provisions of this Act with other Federal programs. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to report to the Congress concerning such designations. Title II: Tax Provisions - Subtitle A: Tax Incentives for Renewal Communities - Excludes from gross income the capital gain from an RC stock, business property, or partnership interest held more than five years. 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 account use for postsecondary education, first home purchase, business capitalization, medical expenses, and qualified rollovers. Excludes such 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 account matching demonstration areas. Provides, to the extent provided in appropriations Acts, for matching contributions to accounts. 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. Permits a taxpayer to treat any RC environmental remediation cost as an expense which is not chargeable to capital account. Allows any cost so treated as a deduction. (Sec. 202) Provides a special work opportunity credit rule for RCs. (Sec. 203) Provides for the commercial revitalization credit. Subtitle B: Charitable Contributions Credit - Allows an individual a credit for 75 percent of the contributions (of up to $100 annually for a taxpayer) to an organization described in Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) (charitable, etc., organizations) for which the taxpayer has done more than ten hours of volunteer service and which: (1) is primarily assisting poor individuals; (2) spends all of its resources providing services to the poor; and (3) has limited political activity. Terminates such credit after December 31, 1999. Title III : Low-Income Educational Opportunity Scholarship Program - Low-Income Educational Opportunity Act of 1997 - 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. 309) Requires that children attending: (1) private schools receive assistance for tuition, fees, and transportation; and (2) alternative public schools receive assistance for transportation. (Sec. 310) Sets forth school eligibility requirements. (Sec. 311) Declares that a scholarship under this title is an award of aid to a family, not to a school. Prohibits: (1) a Federal, State, or local agency taking into account Federal funds provided to a renewal community, school, or parent in determining whether to provide any other funds; and (2) deeming scholarships as parental income for Federal income tax purposes or for determining eligibility for other Federal programs. States that nothing in this title shall be construed to supersede any State law prohibiting the expenditure of public funds by sectarian schools, except that no State law may prohibit the expenditure by sectarian schools of Federal funds under this title. (Sec. 316) Requires that any constitutional challenge to the program be tried in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Permits an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. (Sec. 317) Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Additional Provisions - Provides for the transfer of ownership of any qualified Department of Housing and Urban Development property to the unit of local government having jurisdiction, if such unit of local government agrees to dispose such qualified property as specified, including granting to a community development corporation the right of first refusal. (Sec. 402) Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to declare that the provisions of this section 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. 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 Federal funds shall be segregated from State or other public funds. Requires, for personnel working in RO drug treatment programs, 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. (Sec. 403) 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.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States with respect to tax limitations.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Requires that a bill to increase the internal revenue shall laws shall require for final adoption in each House the concurrence of two-thirds of the whole of the number of that House, unless the bill does not increase the internal revenue by more than a de minimis amount. Permits the waiver of such requirement, for up to two years, if there is a declaration of war or if the United States is engaged in a military conflict which causes an imminent and serious threat to national security and is so declared by a joint resolution which becomes law.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide that Federal judges be reconfirmed by the Senate every 12 years.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Requires that federal judges be reconfirmed by the Senate every 12 years.

Schiffahrtsgesetz

Austria · National Council · 7 March 1997

Bericht des Verkehrsausschusses über die Regierungsvorlage (564 d.B.): Schiffahrtsgesetz

Tucker Act Shuffle Relief Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1997

Tucker Act Shuffle Relief Act of 1997 - Authorizes a property owner to file a civil action to challenge the validity of any Federal agency action that adversely affects the owner's interest in private property in either the U.S. District Court or the United States Court of Federal Claims (Claims Court). Waives the sovereign immunity of the United States. Grants: (1) each court concurrent jurisdiction over both claims for monetary relief and claims seeking invalidation of any Act of Congress or any agency regulation affecting private property rights; (2) the plaintiff the election of the court in which to file a claim for relief; and (3) persons adversely affected by an agency action taken under this Act standing to challenge and seek judicial review of that action. Amends the Federal judicial code to modify the jurisdiction of the Claims Court, including to grant jurisdiction for invalidation of any Act of Congress or any regulation of an executive department that adversely affects private property rights in violation of the fifth amendment to the Constitution. Grants such Court, in cases within its jurisdiction: (1) the power to grant injunctive and declaratory relief when appropriate; and (2) ancillary jurisdiction to render judgment upon any related tort claim. Specifies provisions that apply in proceedings within such Court's jurisdiction which constitute judicial review of agency action. Repeals provisions regarding pendency of claims in other courts.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide that no person born in the United States will be a United States citizen on account of birth in the United States unless a parent is a United States citizen at the time of the birth.

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Limits citizenship at birth to persons born in the United States who have either a mother or father who is a U.S. citizen at the time of birth.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to clarify the meaning of the Second Amendment.

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the right enumerated in the second amendment to the Constitution (to keep and bear arms) shall be construed as a right of States and not of individuals.

projet de loi relatif à la date du renouvellement des conseillers généraux

France · Senate · 5 March 1997

To amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to provide authority for States to limit the interstate transportation of municipal solid waste, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Interstate Waste Title II: Flow Control Title III: Ground Water Monitoring Title IV: State or Regional Solid Waste Plans Title V: General Provisions Title I: Interstate Waste - Interstate Transportation of Municipal Solid Waste Act of 1997 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize State Governors, if requested by an affected local government, to prohibit the disposal of out-of-State municipal solid waste in landfills or incinerators subject to their jurisdiction. Permits Governors to limit the quantity of out-of-State waste received at landfills and incinerators excepted from such prohibition to an annual amount equal to or greater than the quantity received during 1993. Authorizes States that imported more than 750,000 tons of out-of-State municipal solid waste in 1993 to limit the amount of such waste received for disposal at landfills and incinerators in the importing State as follows: (1) in 1998, 95 percent of the amount exported to the State in 1993; (2) in 1999 through 2004, 95 percent of the amount exported to the State in the previous year; and (3) in 2005 and each succeeding year, 65 percent of the amount exported in 1993. Establishes limitations on waste exports to landfills or incinerators not covered by host community agreements or permits authorizing receipt of out-of-State municipal solid waste. Prohibits Governors from exercising authorities under this Act: (1) if such action would result in the violation of a host community agreement or a permit issued from the State to receive out-of-State municipal solid waste; or (2) except as otherwise provided, in a manner that would require landfills or incinerators covered by the exception to reduce the amount of out-of-State municipal solid waste received from any State to an annual quantity less than that received during 1993. Makes the authority to prohibit the disposal of out-of-State municipal solid waste inapplicable to landfills and incinerators that: (1) received documented shipments of such waste during 1993; (2) in the case of landfills, are in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations relating to operation, design and location, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring, and financial assurance for closure and corrective action; or (3) in the case of incinerators, are in compliance with applicable requirements of the Clean Air Act and State laws and regulations relating to facility design and operations. Permits disposal of such waste at facilities that are not in compliance with applicable Federal and State laws and regulations unless disposal of waste that is generated within the State is also prohibited. Lists conditions under which host community agreements are prohibited. Authorizes States that imposed a special fee on the processing or disposal of out-of-State municipal waste on or before April 3, 1994, to continue to impose cost recovery surcharges for such activities subject to certain conditions. States conditions relating to demonstration of local or regional need under which a Governor may accept, deny, or modify an application for a municipal solid waste management facility permit. Title II: Flow Control - Municipal Solid Waste Flow Control Act of 1997 - Authorizes States and political subdivisions to exercise flow control authority for municipal solid waste and recyclable materials voluntarily relinquished by the owner or generator (recyclables), directing such waste and materials to particular waste management or recyclables facilities designated as of May 16, 1994, if: (1) the waste and recyclables are generated within the jurisdictional boundaries of the State or subdivision, determined as of May 16, 1994; (2) such authority is imposed through the adoption or execution of a law, regulation, or other legally binding provision or official act that was in effect on May 16, 1994, or was in effect prior to the issuance of an injunction or other court order based on a ruling that the law or provision violated the Commerce Clause of the Constitution, or was in effect immediately prior to suspension of the law by legislative or administrative action expressly because of such a court order; and (3) the State or political subdivision has for one or more such designated facilities, on or before May 16, 1994, presented eligible bonds for sale or executed a legally binding contract or agreement for delivery of, and payment for, a minimum quantity of waste or recyclables. Imposes identification and volume restrictions on the exercise of flow control authority to the classes or categories of materials to which such authority was applicable on May 16, 1994, or immediately before the effective date of an order described in (2), above. Sets dates for expiration of such authority. Prohibits a State or political subdivision from requiring any generator or transporter to transport, or deliver for transportation, such waste or materials to any site listed on the National Priorities List established under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, unless the generator or transporter has been indemnified by the government or the owner-operator against all liability under that Act with respect to such materials. Disqualifies facilities for exercise of flow control authority pursuant to an ordinance on the basis of specified declarations of unconstitutionality, location characteristics, and environmental regulation compliance. Imposes limitations on the use of revenues derived by a State or political subdivision from the exercise of flow control authority. Provides for the enforceability under State law of certain legally binding interim contracts. Allows a State to exercise flow control authority over solid waste if, on or before January 1, 1984, the State: (1) adopted regulations under a State law that required or directed the transportation, management, or disposal of such waste from residential, commercial, institutional, or industrial sources to specifically identified waste management facilities and applied those regulations to every political subdivision; and (2) subjected the facilities to the jurisdiction of a State public utilities commission. Allows a State or political subdivision of the State meeting the requirements of the above paragraph to exercise flow control authority over all classes and categories of solid waste that were subject to flow control by the State or subdivision on May 16, 1994, by directing it from any existing waste management facility that was designated as of such date, or any proposed facility to any other such facility, existing or proposed. Sets dates for expiration of such authority. Requires application of flow control authority to the public sector as well as the private sector. Urges that anyone engaged in recycling activities should strive to meet standards for reuse of recyclable materials. Title III: Ground Water Monitoring - Makes certain groundwater monitoring requirements inapplicable to new or existing municipal solid waste landfill units or lateral expansions of such units that dispose of fewer than 20 tons of municipal solid waste daily, based on an annual average, if: (1) there is no evidence of groundwater contamination from such units or expansions; and (2) the units or expansions serve a community that experiences an annual interruption of at least three consecutive months of surface transportation that prevents access to a regional waste management facility or that has no practicable waste management alternative and such units are located in an area that annually receives 25 inches of precipitation or less. Permits States to require monitoring of units that would otherwise be exempt if necessary to protect groundwater resources and ensure compliance with a State groundwater protection plan. Allows the State of Alaska to exempt units of Alaska Native villages or in or near small, remote Alaska villages from some or all of such requirements if such requirements would be infeasible, would not be cost-effective, or would be inappropriate because of the unit's remote location. Applies this exemption only to landfills that dispose of less than 20 tons of municipal solid waste daily. Allows the suspension of groundwater monitoring requirements if a landfill operator demonstrates that there is no potential for migration of hazardous constituents from the unit to the uppermost aquifer during the active life of the unit and the post-closure care period. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate revisions allowing States to promulgate alternate design, operating, landfill gas monitor, financial assurance, and closure requirements for landfills which receive no more than 20 tons of municipal solid waste daily, provided such requirements are sufficient to protect human health and the environment. Declares that it is the intent of this title to reinstate Environmental Protection Agency rules promulgated on October 9, 1991, regarding groundwater monitoring at municipal solid waste landfill units. Title IV: State or Regional Solid Waste Plans - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to state the finding that the Nation's improved standard of living has resulted in an increase in the amount of solid waste generated per capita, and the Nation has not given adequate consideration to solid waste reduction strategies. States as an objective of the Act (and the State and regional solid waste planning provisions in particular) the promotion of local and regional planning for effective solid waste collection and disposal and reduction of the amount generated per capita through the use of waste reduction strategies. Includes expeditious reduction and elimination of solid waste generation as a national policy. Allows a State to include in its plan provisions for establishment of a State per capita solid waste reduction goal and a program that ensures that local and regional plans are consistent with State plans developed for landfills, dumps, and regional solid waste management. Title V: General Provisions - Authorizes the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on: (1) solid waste management issues associated with increased border use resulting from implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement; and (2) the effect on the U.S.-Canada border region of solid waste border traffic resulting from implementation of the United States-Canada Free Trade Agreement. Directs the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on the quantities of hazardous waste and sludge (including sewage sludge) being transported across State lines and the ultimate disposition of such waste and sludge.

Municipal Solid Waste Flow Control Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1997

Municipal Solid Waste Flow Control Act of 1997 - Authorizes States and political subdivisions to exercise flow control authority for municipal solid waste and recyclable materials voluntarily relinquished by the owner or generator (recyclables), directing such waste and materials to particular waste management or recyclables facilities designated as of May 16, 1994, if: (1) the waste and recyclables are generated within the jurisdictional boundaries of the State or subdivision, determined as of May 16, 1994; (2) such authority is imposed through the adoption or execution of a law, regulation, or other legally binding provision or official act that was in effect on May 16, 1994, or was in effect prior to the issuance of an injunction or other court order based on a ruling that the law or provision violated the Commerce Clause of the Constitution, or was in effect immediately prior to suspension of the law by legislative or administrative action expressly because of such a court order; and (3) the State or political subdivision has for one or more such designated facilities, on or before May 16, 1994, presented eligible bonds for sale or executed a legally binding contract or agreement for delivery of, and payment for, a minimum quantity of waste or recyclables. Imposes identification and volume restrictions on the exercise of flow control authority to the classes or categories of materials to which such authority was applicable on May 16, 1994, or immediately before the effective date of an order described in (2), above. Sets dates for expiration of such authority. Prohibits a State or political subdivision from requiring any generator or transporter to transport, or deliver for transportation, such waste or materials to any site listed on the National Priorities List established under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, unless the generator or transporter has been indemnified by the government or the owner- operator against all liability under that Act with respect to such materials. Disqualifies facilities for exercise of flow control authority pursuant to an ordinance on the basis of specified declarations of unconstitutionality, location characteristics, and environmental regulation compliance. Imposes limitations on the use of revenues derived by a State or political subdivision from the exercise of flow control authority. Provides for the enforceability under State law of certain legally binding interim contracts. Allows a State to exercise flow control authority over solid waste if, on or before January 1, 1984, the State: (1) adopted regulations under a State law that required or directed the transportation, management, or disposal of such waste from residential, commercial, institutional, or industrial sources to specifically identified waste management facilities and applied those regulations to every political subdivision; and (2) subjected the facilities to the jurisdiction of a State public utilities commission. Allows a State or political subdivision of the State meeting the requirements of the above paragraph to exercise flow control authority over all classes and categories of solid waste that were subject to flow control by the State or subdivision on May 16, 1994, by directing it from any existing waste management facility that was designated as of such date, or any proposed facility to any other such facility, existing or proposed. Sets dates for expiration of such authority. Requires application of flow control authority to the public sector as well as the private sector. Urges that anyone engaged in recycling activities should strive to meet standards for reuse of recyclable materials.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Grants authority to: (1) the Congress to set reasonable limits on contributions and expenditures made by, in support of, or in opposition to, a candidate for nomination or election to Federal office; (2) a State to set reasonable limits on contributions and expenditures made by, in support of, or in opposition to, a candidate for nomination or election to State or local office; and (3) the Congress to implement and enforce this amendment by legislation.

Expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to the right of all Americans to keep and bear arms in defense of life or liberty and in the pursuit of all other legitimate endeavors.

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1997

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Constitution provides that all citizens have the right to keep and bear arms and that such right supersedes the power and authority of any government.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit retroactive increases in taxes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits any Federal tax from being imposed for the period before the date of enactment of the tax.

Sicherung der Neutralität Österreichs, Vollbeitritt Österreichs zur Westeuropäischen Union (WEU)

Austria · National Council · 19 February 1997

Bericht des Außenpolitischen Ausschusses über das Volksbegehren (172 d.B.) betreffend ein Bundesverfassungsgesetz über die Sicherung der Neutralität Österreichs sowie über den Antrag 110/A(E) der Abgeordneten Hans Helmut Moser und Genossen betreffend Vollbeitritt Österreichs zur Westeuropäischen Union (WEU)

Universitäts-Studiengesetz - UniStG

Austria · National Council · 13 February 1997

Universitäts-Studiengesetz - UniStG

Citizen's Fair Hearing Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1997

Citizen's Fair Hearing Act of 1996 (sic) - 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.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States authorizing the Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the U.S. flag.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to voluntary prayer in public schools.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the Constitution shall prohibit the inclusion of voluntary prayer in any public school program or activity. Provides that neither the United States nor any State shall prescribe the content of any such prayer.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States with respect to tax limitations and the balanced budget.

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Requires the President to transmit to the Congress, before each fiscal year, a proposed statement of receipts and outlays for such fiscal year in which outlays (except those for repayment of debt principal) are not greater than receipts (except those derived from borrowing)(a proposed balanced budget). Requires the Congress to adopt, by law, a statement of receipts and outlays for such fiscal year in which outlays are not greater than receipts (a balanced budget). Authorizes the Congress to amend, by law, that balanced budget, provided revised outlays are not greater than revised receipts. Authorizes the Congress to provide in balanced budget for a specific excess of outlays over receipts by a vote directed solely to that subject in which two-thirds of the whole number of each House agree to such excess. Requires the Congress and the President to ensure that actual outlays do not exceed the outlays set forth in such balanced budget. Prohibits any increase in the limit on the debt of the United States, unless two-thirds roll call vote of each House provides by law for such an increase. Requires any bill that increases the internal revenue (except by a de minimis amount) to receive for final adoption the concurrence of two-thirds of each House. Permits the Congress to waive the requirements of this article when: (1) a declaration of war is in effect; or (2) the United States is engaged in military conflict which causes an imminent and serious threat to national security and is so declared by a joint resolution, adopted by a majority of each House, which becomes law. Makes any increase in the internal revenue enacted under such a waiver effective for only two years. Makes the internal revenue provisions of this Article effective upon ratification, and the remaining provisions effective on the later of FY 2002 or the second fiscal year beginning after ratification.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to a Federal balanced budget.

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits total outlays from exceeding total receipts, unless a three-fifths vote of both Houses authorizes a specific excess. Declares that total receipts include all receipts of the United States except those derived from borrowing or retirement trust funds. Declares that total outlays include all outlays except those for retirement trust funds or repayment of debt principal. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget. Authorizes the Congress to waive these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect. Requires roll call votes in the House and Senate under this amendment. Makes this amendment effective the second fiscal year beginning after its ratification. Declares that if there is a Federal budget deficit for the first fiscal year beginning after its ratification, then during the next five fiscal years, the annual budget deficit may not exceed specified percentages of that budget deficit for each of those years.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to repeal the twenty-second amendment relating to Presidential term limitations.

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Repeals the 22d amendment to the Constitution (limitation on presidential terms).

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits Government outlays from exceeding receipts for any fiscal year, unless a three-fifths roll call vote of each House of Congress provides by law for a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Prohibits an increase in the limit on the U.S. public debt, unless a three-fifths roll call vote of each House provides by law for such an increase. Directs the President, before each fiscal year, to propose to the Congress a balanced budget for that fiscal year. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by a majority roll call vote of each House. Authorizes the Congress to waive this Article for any fiscal year in which: (1) a declaration of war is in effect; or (2) the United States is engaged in military conflict which causes an imminent and serious military threat to national security and is so declared by a joint resolution, adopted by a majority of each House, which becomes law. Includes in total receipts all Government receipts except those derived from borrowing, and includes in total outlays all Government outlays except those for repayment of debt principal. Prohibits the Federal Government, except as necessary to enforce rights of individuals under the Constitution, from imposing: (1) any obligation upon States without providing the funds necessary for compliance; or (2) conditions on grants to States unless such conditions are necessary to specify the manner in which the funds are to be expended. Requires this Article to take effect beginning with the later of FY 2002 or the second fiscal year beginning after its ratification.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require a balanced budget.

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) for that fiscal year unless the Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to the Congress. Authorizes the Congress to waive these provisions when: (1) a declaration of war is in effect; (2) the United States faces an imminent and serious military threat to national security as declared by a joint resolution which becomes law; or (3) the President certifies and Congress affirms by a joint resolution that the United States is experiencing an economic recession. Excludes from consideration as part of Government total receipts and outlays: (1) receipts derived from borrowing and outlays for repayment of debt principal; and (2) receipts and outlays for benefits and administrative expenses of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund that provide earnings-based old-age and survivor or disability cash benefits for individuals and their dependents. Allows any enforcement or implementation legislation of the Congress to rely on estimates of outlays and receipts. Makes this article effective beginning with FY 2002 or with the second fiscal year beginning after its ratification, whichever is later.

Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 2) proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States with respect to the number of terms of office of Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1997

Sets forth the rule (modified closed) for the consideration of H.J. Res. 2 (congressional term limits).

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits a person from serving for more than three terms in the office of U.S. Representative or more than two terms in the office of U.S. Senator. Limits any person who, upon ratification of this amendment, has held or then holds such office to two additional terms as Representative or one additional term as Senator.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit campaign spending.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Authorizes the Congress, with respect to all Federal, State, and all other elections, to adopt reasonable regulations of campaign funds expended, including contributions, to influence the outcome of elections, provided that such regulations do not impair the right of the public to a full and free discussion of all issues and do not prevent any candidate for elected office from amassing the resources necessary for effective advocacy.

La Nouvelle-Calédonie : vouloir vivre ensemble

France · Senate · 6 February 1997

La mission effectuée en Nouvelle-Calédonie du 2 au 16 septembre 1996

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to clarify the intent of the Constitution to neither prohibit nor require public school prayer.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the Constitution shall be construed to prohibit or require voluntary prayer in public schools or at public school extracurricular activities.

Right to Life Act of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1997

Right to Life Act of 1997 - States that the Congress declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being at fertilization.

2 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Taoiseach if he will reconsider the constitution of the Western Development Commission. [1382/97]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 February 1997

2 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Taoiseach if he will reconsider the constitution of the Western Development Commission. [1382/97]

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require a balanced budget.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits the United States from ever contracting any public debt except in the cases and manners provided in this article. Exempts the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund from any limitation imposed by this Article. Allows the United States to borrow money to repel invasion, suppress insurrection, or defend the United States in time of war, if the money raised is applied exclusively to the object for which the loan was authorized or to the repayment of such debt. Allows the United States to contract public debt to acquire, construct, develop, extend, enlarge, or improve land, waters, property, highways, railways, buildings, equipment, or facilities for public purposes or to make funds available for veterans' housing loans, if the President determines and the Congress concurs by a majority vote that to prevent an unacceptable reduction in economic growth that would raise unemployment or diminish family income, it is essential for the United States to provide for such needed capital investments by contracting public debt. Allows the United States to contract public debt to fund or refund the whole or any part of indebtedness incurred before this Article takes effect. Requires this article to take effect beginning with the later of FY 2002 or the second fiscal year beginning after its ratification.

Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits Federal outlays of operating funds from exceeding receipts to such funds for any fiscal year plus any operating fund balances carried over from previous fiscal years. Waives such prohibition: (1) when a declaration of war is in effect; (2) when the United States by law is engaged in military conflict; or (3) if economic growth has been or will be negative for two consecutive quarters. Requires the President to propose a budget in accordance with this Act. Declares that total receipts exclude those derived from net borrowing. Declares that total outlays shall exclude those for repayment of debt principal and for capital investments in physical infrastructure that provide long-term economic returns, but shall include an annual debt servicing charge. Provides that the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund shall not be counted as receipts or outlays. Requires this article to take effect beginning with the later of FY 2002 or the second fiscal year beginning after its ratification.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of terms a Member of Congress may serve, and to authorize a State to provide longer or shorter term limits for a Member of Congress from that State.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Limits a Representative to three terms and a Senator to two. Deems: (1) a Representative who has served more than one year or a Senator who has served more than three to have served a term; and (2) a Representative or a Senator who has served one or more terms as of the ratification of this Amendment to have served one term. Allows a State, by amendment of its constitution, to provide for term limits for a Representative or Senator that are longer or shorter than the limits provided in this Amendment.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to abolish the Electoral College and to provide for the direct election of the President and Vice President of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the direct election of the President and the Vice-President of the United States.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States with respect to the right to life.

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the word "person," as used in this Amendment and in the fifth and 14th amendments to the Constitution, applies to all human beings regardless of age, health, function, or condition of dependency. Prohibits depriving any unborn person of life. Declares that this Amendment does not prohibit a law permitting only those medical procedures required to prevent the death of the mother.

Proposing a spending limitation amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits total outlays in any fiscal year from increasing by a percentage greater than the percentage increase in nominal gross domestic product in the last calendar year ending prior to the beginning of such fiscal year. Prohibits total outlays in any fiscal year from exceeding the ratio of the outlays in the fiscal year at the time of submission of this proposed amendment to the States to gross domestic product in the last calendar year ending before the fiscal year at the time of submission to the States, times gross domestic product in the last calendar year ending before the fiscal year for which this limitation is being calculated. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States except those derived from borrowing. Declares that total outlays shall include: (1) all outlays of the United States, both on-budget and off-budget, except those for the repayment of debt principal; and (2) the cost to any State or local government of engaging in any activity or service mandated by any Federal law beyond that required by existing law or the Constitution at the time this proposed amendment is submitted to the States, unless an appropriation is made and disbursed to pay that State or local government for such cost. Requires inflation to be measured by the gross domestic product deflator. Requires that for any fiscal year in which total receipts exceed total outlays, the surplus shall be used to reduce the public debt until it is eliminated. Requires the President, before each fiscal year, to transmit to the Congress a proposed statement of receipts and outlays for such fiscal year consistent with this Act. Authorizes the Congress, following a presidential declaration of emergency, and with a two-thirds vote of both Houses, to authorize a specified amount of emergency outlays in excess of the limit. Prohibits, for each of the first four fiscal years after ratification of this amendment, total grants to States and local governments from being a smaller fraction of total outlays than the average of the three fiscal years before ratification. Authorizes a Member of Congress or the President (but no other persons) to enforce this amendment in an action brought in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States establishing English as the official language of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Establishes English as the official language of the United States.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to repeal the twenty-second amendment relating to Presidential term limits.

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Repeals the 22d amendment to the Constitution (limitation on presidential terms).

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States repealing the 22nd article of amendment, thereby removing the restrictions on the number of terms an individual may serve as President.

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Repeals the 22d amendment to the Constitution (limitation on presidential terms).

Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz

Austria · National Council · 29 January 1997

Antrag der Abgeordneten Maria Rauch-Kallat und Genossen betreffend ein Bundesverfassungsgesetz, mit dem das Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz geändert wird <i>(Verbot der Diskriminierung von Behinderten)</i>

Saatgutgesetz 1997 - SaatG 1997; Sortenschutzgesetz, Einführungsgesetz zu den Verwaltungsverfahrensgesetzen u.a., Änderung

Austria · National Council · 28 January 1997

Bundesgesetz über die Saatgutanerkennung, die Saatgutzulassung und das Inverkehrbringen von Saatgut sowie die Sortenzulassung (Saatgutgesetz 1997 - SaatG 1997); Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Sortenschutzgesetz geändert wird, und Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Einführungsgesetz zu den Verwaltungsverfahrensgesetzen 1991 - EGVG geändert wird <br><br>Gesetz geworden als:<br><br>Bundesgesetz über die Saatgutanerkennung, die Saatgutzulassung und das Inverkehrbringen von Saatgut sowie die Sortenzulassung (Saatgutgesetz 1997 - SaatG 1997); Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Sortenschutzgesetz geändert wird; Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Einführungsgesetz zu den Verwaltungsverfahrensgesetzen 1991 - EGVG geändert wird und Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Düngemittelgesetz geändert wird

Ermächtigungen des Österreichischen Gemeindebundes und Städtebundes, Vereinbarung gem. Art. 15a B-VG über einen Konsultationsmechanismus und einen künftigen Stabilitätspakt

Austria · National Council · 28 January 1997

Bundesverfassungsgesetz über Ermächtigungen des Österreichischen Gemeindebundes und des Österreichischen Städtebundes und die Genehmigung einer Vereinbarung <i>(zwischen dem Bund, den Ländern und den Gemeinden über einen</i> <i>Konsultationsmechanismus und einen künftigen Stabilitätspakt</i> <i>der Gebietskörperschaften)</i>

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Provisions Title II: Assistance for Education of All Children with Disabilities Title III: Systems Change Title IV: Research and Personnel Preparation Title V: Technical Assistance, Support, and Dissemination of Information Title VI: Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 - Revises the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and extends its authorization of appropriations through FY 2002. Title I: General Provisions - Revises IDEA to declare that the right to equal educational opportunities for all children with disabilities is guaranteed by the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment to the Constitution. (Sec. 103) Allows the office of Special Education Programs to accept voluntary and uncompensated services. (Sec. 104) Revises requirements for: (1) prescribing regulations; (2) eligibility for financial assistance; and (3) discretionary grant programs. Requires the Secretary of Education to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for activities under titles IV and V of this Act. Provides for specified enhanced services to children with disabilities. Lists entities eligible for awards. Authorizes the Secretary to limit, without rulemaking, competitions to projects that give priority to one or more targeted areas, if each project addresses the needs of children with disabilities and their families. Provides for application management, including a peer review process. Authorizes the Secretary to use certain funds for: (1) payments to non-Federal entities for administrative support; (2) Federal employees to monitor projects; and (3) evaluation of program activities carried out under these programs. (Sec. 107) Repeals IDEA provisions for: (1) acquisition of equipment and construction of necessary facilities; and (2) grants for the removal of architectural barriers. Title II: Assistance for Education of All Children with Disabilities - Revises entitlements and allocations for assistance for education of all children with disabilities. (See. 201) Authorizes States to determine whether to make subgrants smaller than a specified minimum amount to some local education agencies (LEAs). (See. 202) Revises and consolidates State eligibility and planning provisions. Provides that, if a child with a disability qualifies for special education, that child does not have to be classified by a specific impairment or condition. Requires the State educational agency (SEA) to: (1) examine data to determine if significant racial disproportionality is occurring in the identification or placement of children under IDEA; and (2) review and revise policies accordingly. Provides that, if a hearing officer agrees with the parents' unilateral placement of a child with a disability in a private school, the LEA may be required to reimburse the parents. Requires a non-educational agency, if it is responsible for services necessary to ensure a free appropriate public education for children with disabilities, to pay for or provide such services directly or by contract or other arrangements. Requires States to: (1) ensure that interagency agreements or other mechanisms are in effect between educational agencies and non-educational agencies for defining respective financial responsibilities, resolving interagency disputes, and interagency coordination; and (2) establish a mechanism by which LEAs may seek reimbursement from agencies for the costs of providing related services. Revises requirements for a comprehensive system of personnel development. Allows LEAs to use appropriately trained and supervised paraprofessionals. Requires States to: (1) establish performance goals and indicators for children with disabilities; (2) ensure that these children participate in general State and district-wide assessments, with appropriate accommodations, where necessary; and (3) develop guidelines for participation in alternative assessments for those children who cannot participate in such general State and district-wide assessments. Consolidates funding and public participation requirements. Revises requirements for State advisory panels and their duties. Repeals requirements for three-year State plans. (Sec. 203) Revises LEA and SEA eligibility and maintenance of effort requirements, with specified exceptions. Allows specified activities, regardless of certain excess cost and noncommingling of funds requirements, including: (1) incidental benefits to non-disabled students; (2) simultaneous services on a space-available basis to non-IDEA-eligible children with disabilities protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act; (3) a coordinated services system that links education, health, and social welfare services, systems, and entities to improve educational and transitional results for all children and their families; and (4) a school-based improvement plan. Revises requirements for LEA involvement with a State's Comprehensive System of Personnel Development. (Sec. 204) Revises and consolidates specified requirements for State and local administration of evaluations, reevaluations, individualized education programs (IEPs), and educational placements. Revises IEP content to: (1) focus on measurable annual objectives; and (2) emphasize ensuring that each child, as appropriate, has the opportunity to progress in the general curriculum, and to participate with nondisabled children in various environments. Requires consideration of transition services needs: (1) for all students with disabilities beginning at age 14 (or younger, under specified circumstances); (2) under the applicable components of the IEP; and (3) in light of the student's participation in the general curriculum. Provides for transfer of rights at the age of majority. (Sec. 205) Repeals certain IDEA provisions relating to treatment of State agencies that received certain kinds of funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1964. (Sec. 206) Revises procedural safeguards, including provisions for written notices to parents. Requires States to make mediation available to parents of children with disabilities in disputes with LEAs on any matter regarding the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of a child or the provision of free appropriate public education. Permits the transfer of parental rights to a student with disabilities upon reaching the age of majority under State law. Requires the State to have procedures for appointing the parent or another person to represent the student's interests if, under State law, such a student is determined not to have the ability to provide informed consent. Prescribes alternate procedural safeguards for short-term and long-term disciplinary actions with respect to children with disabilities who violate the LEA's rules or code of conduct, engage in serious disruptive behavior, or engage in any such behavior involving dangerous weapons, drugs, or actions resulting in serious bodily injury. Requires such rules or code of conduct to apply to children without disabilities as well. Provides for due process hearings with respect to disagreements between an agency and parents over determinations by a principal to remove a child with disabilities to an interim alternative educational setting. (Sec. 207) Revises requirements for: (1) withholding of payments from non-compliant States and judicial review of such determinations; (2) rulemaking on compliance and eligibility; (3) evaluation and program information; (4) preschool grants; and (5) payments. (Sec. 209) Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct studies and evaluations to assess the effectiveness of efforts to provide free appropriate public education and early intervention services, including assessing the placement of children with disabilities by disability category; and (2) conduct a longitudinal study that measures the educational and transitional services provided to and results achieved by children with disabilities under IDEA. Title III: Systems Change - Establishes a program to promote systems change to improve educational and transitional services and results for children with disabilities. Authorizes competitive grants to SEAs, in partnership with LEAs and other interested individuals, agencies, and organizations, to improve such services and results on a system-wide basis. Allows grant recipients to collaborate in systems change activities with those in other States, through joint arrangements with institutions of higher education and sharing of staff and consultants. Requires coordination with this program of activities under titles IV and V. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Research and Personnel Preparation - Establishes a new program for improving early intervention, educational, and transitional services and results for children with disabilities through coordinated research and personnel preparation. (Consolidates current personnel preparation and research provisions.) (Sec. 401) Authorizes research and innovation grants and contracts for: (1) new knowledge production in learning styles, instructional approaches, behavior management, assessment tools, assistive technology, program accountability and personnel preparation models; (2) integration of research and practice, through demonstration and dissemination of successful practice; and (3) improvement in the use of professional knowledge by teachers, parents, and others in their classrooms and other learning settings. Authorizes personnel preparation grants and contracts in the areas of: (1) high incidence disabilities, such as learning disabilities, mental retardation, and behavior disordered groups; (2) leadership preparation; (3) low-incidence disabilities, such as sensory impairment, multiple disabilities, and severe disabling conditions; and (4) projects of national significance. (Sec. 402) Makes conforming amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965, the Goals 2000: Educate America Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Title V: Technical Assistance, Support, and Dissemination of information - Establishes (in part by consolidating certain current activities) a new program for improving early intervention, educational, and transitional services and results for children with disabilities through coordinated technical assistance, support, and dissemination of information. (Sec. 501) Authorizes grants and contracts for: (1) parent training and information centers and community programs; (2) coordinated technical assistance, support, and dissemination; and (3) technology and media activities. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 502) Makes conforming amendments to IDEA and the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. Title VI: Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities - Revises the program for infants and toddlers with disabilities with respect to: (1) expanded States opportunities for infants and toddlers with disabilities at risk of having substantial developmental delays if early intervention services are not provided; (2) continuing eligibility; (3) statewide system requirements; (4) the individualized family service plan; (5) allocation and use of funds; (6) procedural safeguards; (7) State interagency Coordinating Council duties; and (8) Federal Interagency Coordinating Council (FICC) membership and duties. (See. 615) Directs the FICC to convene a panel of experts to develop recommendations for a model definition of developmental delay. Allows the use of funds for referring at risk infants and toddlers, in those States not currently serving them, to other IDEA services. Permits planning for transition to preschool services to begin up to six months before the child's third birthday, if parents and agencies agree. (Sec. 616) Authorizes appropriations.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States which requires (except during time of war and subject to suspension by the Congress) that the total amount of money expended by the United States during any fiscal year not exceed the amount of certain revenue received by the United States during such fiscal year and not exceed 20 per centum of the gross national product of the United States during the previous calendar year.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits, except in time of war, Federal fiscal year expenditures from exceeding: (1) Federal revenues for that fiscal year, except revenue received from the issuance of bonds, notes, or other obligations of the United States; and (2) 20 percent of the gross national product for the preceding calendar year. Authorizes the Congress to suspend these prohibitions by concurrent resolution approved by a three-fifths vote of each House of Congress. Makes this amendment effective on the first day of the first fischal year beginning after the date of its adoption.

B-VG, Volksanwaltschaftsgesetz, Änderung

Austria · National Council · 23 January 1997

Antrag der Abgeordneten Mag. Dr. Heide Schmidt und Genossen betreffend ein Bundesverfassungsgesetz, mit dem das B-VG <i>(Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz)</i> und Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Volksanwaltschaftsgesetz geändert werden

proposition de loi Conseil supérieur des Français de l'étranger - report du renouvellement de 4 membres de la circonscription d'Algérie

France · Senate · 21 January 1997

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to protect the rights of crime victims.

United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1997

Constitutional Amendment - Grants victims of crimes of violence and other crimes that the Congress may define by law the right to: (1) notice of, and to not be excluded from, all public proceedings relating to the crime; (2) 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 public parole proceeding, or at a non-public parole proceeding to the extent they are afforded to the convicted offender); (3) notice of a release pursuant to a public or parole proceeding or an escape; (4) a final disposition of the proceedings relating to the crime free from unreasonable delay; (5) an order of restitution from the convicted offender; (6) consideration for the victim's safety in determining any release from custody; and (7) notice of the rights established by this amendment. Grants the victim standing to assert such rights. Provides that nothing in this amendment shall: (1) provide grounds for the victim to challenge a charging decision or a conviction, to obtain a stay of trial, or to compel a new trial or for the accused or convicted offender to obtain any form of relief; or (2) give rise to a claim for damages against the United States, a State, a political subdivision, or a public official. 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 or for judicial efficiency in mass victim cases.