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Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2000

Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 2000 - Title I: Provisions Relating to Part A - Subtitle A: Skilled Nursing Facilities - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with regard to eliminating the reduction in the skilled nursing facility (SNF) market basket update. (Sec. 102) Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999 (BBRA) to revise the BBRA increase for SNFs in FY 2001 and 2002. (Sec. 103) Requires a Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) study and report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Congress on nursing home costs to determine the adequacy of Medicare payment rates for items and services furnished by SNFs. Grants the Secretary the authority to make payment adjustments for covered SNF services if appropriate as a result of the study. Subtitle B: PPS Hospitals - Amends SSA title XVIII to: (1) revise the reduction of indirect graduate medical education payments; (2) eliminate the reduction in the Prospective Payment System (PPS) hospital payment update; (3) eliminate the reduction in disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments; and (4) change the payment formulas for DSH hospitals; and (5) modify the payment rate for Puerto Rico hospitals. (Sec. 115) Increases the DSH allotments under Medicaid for the District of Columbia. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) to provide for the optional eligibility of certain alien pregnant women and children for Medicaid and SCHIP. (Sec. 117) Requires a MedPAC study on hospital area wage indexes for a report to the Secretary and Congress. Subtitle C: PPS Exempt Hospitals - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for the treatment of certain cancer hospitals (Sec. 122) Makes certain changes with regard to the PPS for inpatient rehabilitation services and payment during the transition period under current law. Subtitle D: Hospice Care - Amends SSA title XVIII to revise payments for hospice care. Subtitle E: Other Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII to outline various provisions concerned with: (1) hospital compliance with the Bloodborne Pathogens standard; (2) an Informatics and Data Systems Grant Program; and (3) relief from the Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) late enrollment penalty for a group buy-in for State and local retirees. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle F: Transitional Provisions - Reclassifies certain counties and areas in specified States for purposes of reimbursement under the Medicare program. Title II: Provisions Relating to Part B - Subtitle A: Hospital Outpatient Services - Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for reduction of the effective hospital outpatient department (HOPD) coinsurance rate to 20 percent by 2019. (Sec. 202) Revises the formula for calculating the base payment-to-cost-ratio component of HOPD PPS transitional corridor payments to include in such formula (and so cover) certain hospitals that did not submit cost reports for 1996. (Sec. 203) Provides a permanent guarantee of pre-Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA '97) payment levels for HOPD services furnished by children's hospitals. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Physicians - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to grant medical students a deferment on their student loans for a period not to exceed the length of their full initial residency period. (Sec. 212) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Secretary and Congress on: (1) the post-payment audit process under Medicare as it applies to physicians; and (2) the aggregate effects of regulatory, audit, oversight, and paperwork burdens on physicians and other health care providers participating in Medicare. (Sec. 213) Directs MEDPAC to study and report to the Secretary and Congress on the refinements to the practice expense relative value units during the transition to a resource-based practice expense system for physician payments under Medicare. Subtitle C: Ambulance Services - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to the establishment of a fee schedule for ambulance services to allow a supplier of ambulance services to elect to forego phase-in of such schedule and receive payments based only upon it. (Sec. 222) Establishes a prudent layperson standard for emergency ambulance services. (Sec. 223) Eliminates the reduction in inflation adjustments for ambulance services. (Sec. 224) Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the means by which rural areas with low population densities can be identified for the purpose of designating areas in which the cost of providing ambulance services would be expected to be higher than similar services provided in more heavily populated areas because of low usage. (Sec. 225) Outlines provisions for interim payments for rural ground ambulance services until such time as the established fee schedule is modified by a specified regulation. (Sec. 226) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Secretary and Congress on the costs of providing emergency and medical transportation services across the range of acuity levels of conditions for which such transportation services are provided. Subtitle D: Preventive Services - Amends SSA title XVIII to: (1) prohibit deductibles and coinsurance for various specified preventive benefits; (2) add lancets to the definition of durable medical equipment; and (3) provide coverage of counseling for cessation of tobacco use, glaucoma detection tests, and medical nutrition therapy services for beneficiaries with diabetes, a cardiovascular disease, or a renal disease. (Sec. 235) Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a series of studies, for an annual report to the Congress, designed to identify preventive interventions that can be delivered in the primary care setting that are most valuable to older Americans; and (2) contract with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to study and report periodically to the President on current literature and best practices in the field of health promotion and disease prevention among Medicare beneficiaries. (Sec. 237) Provides for fast-track consideration of preventive benefit legislation resulting from recommendations accompanying such study reports. Subtitle E: Other Services - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to: (1) revision of the moratorium on caps for therapy services; (2) revision of coverage of immunosuppressive drugs; (3) extension of certain secondary payer requirements; (4) State accreditation of diabetes self-management training programs; (5) elimination of the reduction in payment amounts for orthotics and prosthetics, parenteral and enteral nutrients, supplies, and equipment and oxygen and oxygen equipment; (6) standards regarding payment for certain orthotics and prosthetics; (7) revision of the definition of orthotics; (8) new pap smear technologies and other new clinical laboratory test technologies; (9) increase in payments for certified nurse-midwife services; and (10) payment for administration services associated with chemotherapy and for blood clotting drug-related activities. (Sec. 249) Directs MEDPAC to study and report to the Secretary and Congress on the provision of in-home infusion therapy nursing services. Title III: Provisions Relating to Parts A and B - Subtitle A: Home Health Services - Amends SSA title XVIII to eliminate a specified 15 percent reduction in cost and per beneficiary limits with respect to payment rates for home health services under the Medicare PPS. (Sec. 302) Excludes from such PPS certain nonroutine medical supplies furnished by a home health agency. Details certain study and reporting requirements with regard to such exclusion. (Sec. 303) Permits home health patients with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia to participate in adult-day care programs. (Sec. 304) Directs the Secretary to establish standards for the operation of a branch office, a service site for home health services controlled and supervised by a home health agency. (Sec. 305) Provides for the treatment of home health services provided in certain counties in the State of New York. Subtitle B: Direct Graduate Medical Education - Provides that, for cost reporting periods between October 1, 2000, and October 1, 2005, in applying the limitations regarding the total number of full-time equivalent interns and residents in the field of allopathic or osteopathic medicine under Medicare for a hospital, the Secretary shall not take into account a maximum of three interns or residents in the field of geriatric medicine to the extent the hospital increases the number of geriatric interns or residents above the number of such interns or residents for the hospital's most recent cost reporting period ending before October 1, 2000. (Sec. 312) Amends SSA title XI part A (General Provisions) to establish a program of payments to children's hospitals that operate graduate medical education programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 313) Provides that, effective for cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1999, for purposes of Medicare payments to hospitals for costs of approved educational activities, such activities shall include the clinical portion of professional educational training programs recognized by the Secretary for clinical psychologists. (Sec. 314) Amends SSA title XVIII to provide for the treatment of certain newly established residency programs in computing Medicare payments for the costs of medical education. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous - Amends SSA title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) to provide for a waiver of the 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage of individuals disabled with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Title IV: Rural Provider Provisions - Subtitle A: Critical Access Hospitals - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to payments to critical access hospitals for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests. (Sec. 402) Amends SSA title XVIII, as amended by BBRA, to revise the payment for professional services provided by a critical access hospital. (Sec. 403) Amends SSA title XVIII to permit critical access hospitals to operate PPS-exempt distinct part psychiatric and rehabilitation units. Subtitle B: Medicare Dependent, Small Rural Hospital Program - Amends SSA title XVIII to: (1) make the Medicare-dependent, small rural hospital program permanent; and (2) give any hospital under such program the option of basing eligibility for payment on discharges during any of the three most recent audited cost reporting periods in lieu of the current basing of eligibility for payment on discharges during the cost reporting period beginning in FY 1987. Subtitle C: Sole Community Hospitals - Amends SSA title XVIII to extend the option to use rebased target amounts to all sole community hospitals. (Sec. 422) States that, for purposes of discharges occurring on or after October 1, 2000, the Greensville Memorial Hospital located in Emporia, Virginia, shall be deemed to have satisfied the travel time criteria under applicable Medicare provisions for classification as a sole community hospital. Subtitle D: Other Rural Hospital Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII to exempt Medicare swing bed hospitals from the PPS for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). (Sec. 431) Amends BBRA to make January 1, 2001, the effective date of the elimination of certain restrictions with respect to the hospital swing bed program. (Sec. 432) Amends SSA title XVIII to mandate pre-BBA '97 payment levels for outpatient services furnished by rural hospitals. (Sec. 433) Provides for the treatment of certain physician pathology services under Medicare. Subtitle E: Other Rural Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII with regard to bonus payments in the case of physicians' services furnished to an individual who is covered under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) and who incurs expenses for such services in a health professional shortage area. Extends such bonus payments to physician assistant and nurse practitioner services. Eliminates the requirement to make such payments on a monthly or a quarterly basis. (Sec. 442) Modifies: (1) the exemption to the limits established on payment for provider-based rural health clinic services in the case of such clinics in rural hospitals with less than 50 beds; and (2) payment for certain physician assistant services. (Sec. 444) Directs the Secretary to provide for bonus payments for rural home health agencies in the case of home health services furnished in a rural area in 2001 and 2002. (Sec. 445) Excludes clinical social worker services and worker services performed under a contract with a rural health clinic or a Federally-qualified health center from the PPS for SNFs. (Sec. 446) Covers marriage and family therapist services provided in rural health clinics under Medicare. (Sec. 447) Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to: (1) create a capital infrastructure revolving loan program for rural entities for projects for capital improvements; (2) provide for grants to assist eligible small rural hospitals in offsetting the costs of establishing data systems to implement PPSs under Medicare, and to comply with administrative simplification requirements under Medicare part C (Medicare+Choice), or to reduce medication errors; (3) provide for grants to eligible small rural hospitals to provide relief for financial distress that has a negative impact on access to care for Medicare beneficiaries who reside in a rural area. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 450) Amends BBA '97 to revise provisions for Medicare reimbursement for telehealth services with respect to: (1) the methodology for determining the amount of payments; (2) reimbursement for Medicare beneficiaries who do not reside in a health professional shortage area; (3) telehealth coverage for direct patient care; (4) eligibility for telehealth reimbursement for all physicians and practitioners; and (5) telehealth services provided using store-and-forward technologies. (Sec. 451) Directs MEDPAC to study and report to the Secretary and Congress on the effect of low patient and procedure volume on the financial status of low-volume, isolated rural health care providers participating in Medicare. Title V: Provisions Relating to Part C (Medicare+Choice Program) and Other Medicare Managed Care Provisions - Amends SSA title XVIII part C (Medicare+Choice) with regard to eligibility, election, and enrollment to provide for restoring the effective date of elections and changes of elections of Medicare+Choice plans. (Sec. 502) Amends SSA title XVIII part D (Miscellaneous) with regard to certification of Medicare supplemental health insurance (Medigap) policies. Sets forth a special Medigap enrollment anti-discrimination provision for certain beneficiaries. (Sec. 503) Amends SSA title XVIII part C with regard to payments to Medicare+Choice organizations to: (1) increase the national per capita Medicare+Choice growth percentage in 2001 and 2002; and (2) modify area-specific and national percentages provisions with respect to calculation of annual Medicare+Choice capitation rates. (Sec. 505) Delays from July 1, 2000, to November 1, 2000, the deadline for a Medicare+Choice organization to withdraw the offering of a Medicare+Choice plan under part C (or otherwise to submit information required for the offering of such a plan) for 2001. (Sec. 506) Amends SSA title XVIII to make certain amounts in the Medicare trust funds available for the Secretary's share of Medicare+Choice education and enrollment-related costs. (Sec. 507) Amends BBRA to revise terms and conditions for extension of Medicare community nursing organization demonstration projects. (Sec. 508) Amends SSA title XVIII part C with regard to payments to Medicare+Choice organizations to modify payment rules for certain frail elderly Medicare beneficiaries. Title VI: Provisions Relating to Individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease - Amends SSA title XVIII part D with respect to Medicare coverage for end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients to change the methodology for determining the update in the renal dialysis composite rate for end state renal dialysis services furnished after January 1, 2001. (Sec. 602) Amends SSA title XVIII part C with regard to payments to Medicare+Choice organizations to provide for revision of payment rates for ESRD patients enrolled in Medicare+Choice plans. (Sec. 603) Permits ESRD beneficiaries to enroll in another Medicare+Choice plan if the plan in which they are enrolled is terminated. (Sec. 604) Amends SSA title XVIII part B to provide for the coverage of certain vascular access services for ESRD beneficiaries provided by ambulatory surgical centers. (Sec. 605) Directs the Secretary to: (1) collect information on the satisfaction of each ESRD Medicare beneficiary with the quality of health care under the original fee-for-service Medicare program and the Medicare+Choice program, and the access of each beneficiary to that care; (2) analyze such information to determine, among other things, the kinds of health care that each nondialysis health care provider provides to each ESRD Medicare beneficiary for the treatment of ESRD and each comorbidity and the quality of health care provided to each such beneficiary enrolled under the Medicare+Choice program compared to each beneficiary enrolled under the original fee-for-service Medicare program; and (3) make such information collected and analysis conducted available to the public each year. Title VII: Access to Care Improvements Through Medicaid and SCHIP - Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to create a new PPS for federally-qualified health centers and rural health clinics. (Sec. 702) Amends SSA title XIX to make permanent the extension of eligibility for medical assistance, and give States the option of electing a 12-month initial eligibility period in lieu of the current six month initial eligibility period. (Sec. 703) Amends SSA title XIX with regard to State Medicaid plans to provide for coordination with Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) under SSA title XXI of the application of resource and income eligibility standards for certain Medicaid-eligible individuals under certain conditions, as well as providing for the automatic reassessment of eligibility for Medicaid and SCHIP benefits for children losing Medicaid- or SCHIP-eligibility. (Sec. 704) Amends SSA titles XIX and XXI to qualify additional entities to determine presumptive eligibility for low-income children under Medicaid and SCHIP. (Sec. 705) Amends SSA title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) to: (1) increase the authorization of appropriations; and (2) provide for coordination with Medicaid and SCHIP. (Sec. 706) Amends SSA title XIX to provide for increased access to Medicare cost-sharing assistance for low-income beneficiaries. (Sec. 707) Provides for: (1) optional State Medicaid coverage of breast and cervical cancer prevention and treatment coverage for certain breast and cervical cancer patients; (2) optional State Medicaid presumptive eligibility for certain breast or cervical cancer patients; and (3) an enhanced Federal match to be used under SCHIP with respect to medical assistance provided to such breast and cervical cancer patients receiving such optional State Medicaid coverage. Title VIII: Other Provisions - Amends the Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund Act of 1998 to make appropriations to the Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund for FY 2001. (Sec. 802) Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to increase appropriations for special diabetes programs for children with type 1 diabetes and for Indians. (Sec. 803) Directs the Secretary to award demonstration grants to up to seven States to conduct innovative programs designed to improve outreach to homeless individuals and families under specified Social Security programs with respect to enrollment and the provision of services under such programs. Makes appropriations. (Sec. 804) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and PHSA to prohibit health insurance provided through a managed care organization under a group health plan, or through a health insurance issuer providing coverage in connection with a group health plan, (and, for the PHSA, health insurance in the individual market) from denying coverage of services provided by a continuing care retirement community or other qualified facility if they are: (1) post-hospitalization services in the same community or facility as in pre-hospitalization; (2) skilled nursing services, without a preceding hospitalization, which are necessary to prevent hospitalization; or (3) furnished in the same facility the participant's or beneficiary's spouse already resides in. Makes the prohibition: (1) depend on whether such services are otherwise covered; and (2) regardless of whether the organization is under contract with the community or facility. Prohibits related denial of enrollment or renewal, incentives to enrollees, and penalties or incentives to physicians. Declares that State laws are not preempted which meet certain requirements, including any more protective of participants or beneficiaries than those of this Act. Provides for enforcement. (Sec. 805) Directs the Secretary to award grants to eligible States to support real choice systems change initiatives that establish specific action steps and specific timetables to: (1) achieve enduring system improvements; and (2) provide consumer-responsive long-term services and supports to eligible individuals in the most integrated setting appropriate based on the unique strengths and needs of the individual, the priorities and concerns of the individual (or, as appropriate, the individual's representative), and the individual's desires with regard to participation in community life. Requires each State, in order to receive such a grant, to establish a Consumer Task Force to assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of real choice systems change initiatives. Provides funding.

Reclamation Recycling and Water Conservation Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2000

Reclamation Recycling and Water Conservation Act of 2000 - Amends the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the design, planning, and construction of a Santa Fe, New Mexico, regional water management and river restoration project to: (1) divert and fully reuse imported water to meet future demands; (2) convert irrigation uses from potable water to reclaimed water; and (3) use reclaimed water to restore Santa Fe River flows, recharge groundwater resources, and enhance regional surface water supplies. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) participate in the feasibility study, design, planning, and construction of a water resources and infrastructure development plan for the San Ildefonso Pueblo; and (2) conduct a feasibility for a regional backbone pipeline to convey potable water to the pueblos of San Ildefonso, Pojoaque, Nambe, and Tesuque.

International Food Relief Partnership Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2000

International Food Relief Partnership Act of 2000 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to authorize the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to provide grants to: (1) U.S. nonprofit organizations and eligible organizations for the preparation of shelf stable prepackaged foods and the establishment and maintenance of stockpiles of such foods in the United States; and (2) private voluntary organizations for the rapid transportation, delivery, and distribution of such foods to needy individuals in foreign countries. Authorizes funds made available under this Act to be used by the Administrator to procure, transport, and store agricultural commodities for prepositioning within the United States and in foreign countries for needy individuals in foreign countries.

Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Equipment Defect Notification Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2000

Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Equipment Defect Notification Improvement Act - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) cooperate with transportation authorities of foreign countries to enhance motor vehicle and traffic safety by exchanging information about motor vehicle and motor vehicle equipment safety defects, noncompliance with motor vehicle safety, and motor vehicle equipment standards and regulations; and (2) negotiate for an international agreement governing the recall by manufacturers of motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment with safety-related defects. (Sec. 4) Prohibits a person from affixing a label to a motor vehicle or an item of motor vehicle equipment that certifies that it complies with applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards unless that person has established, through testing or engineering analyses, that such vehicle or equipment complies with such standards. (Sec. 5) Requires a manufacturer of a motor vehicle, original equipment, or replacement equipment to review and consider information regarding accidents involving motor vehicles or equipment manufactured by such manufacturer (or related party) that resulted in fatalities, serious injuries, or fires (including information about such accidents outside the United States) and notify the Secretary if the manufacturer has reason to believe that the vehicle or equipment has a safety-related defect or fails to comply with Federal motor vehicle safety standards. (Sec. 6) Extends the period of time for no-charge remedies with respect to defective motor vehicles, replacement equipment, or tires. (Sec. 7) Prohibits: (1) a dealer from selling a used motor vehicle (except for purposes other than resale), or leasing a used motor vehicle to another, unless such dealer informs the purchaser or lessee of any notification of a defect or noncompliance with respect to such vehicle that has not been remedied; and (2) a person who owns or leases a school bus or a motor vehicle used to transport passengers, and who receives a notice of a defect or noncompliance for that bus or vehicle, from operating it unless such defect or noncompliance is remedied. (Sec. 10) Sets forth civil penalties for violations of the requirements of this Act. Makes it unlawful for a manufacturer to introduce a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment into interstate commerce with a safety-related defect that causes grievous bodily harm or death to an individual if the manufacturer knows of the defect at the time the vehicle or equipment is introduced into interstate commerce. Sets forth both civil and criminal penalties for violations of such requirements. (Sec. 11) Sets forth certain reporting and recordkeeping requirements for manufacturers of motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment with respect to: (1) accidents that result in fatalities, injuries, or fires involving such vehicles or equipment; and (2) certain warranty information, consumer complaints, personal injury claims, and other safety-related information as they relate to actual or potential defects. (Sec. 12) Increases civil penalties for tampering with motor vehicle odometers. (Sec. 13) Directs the Secretary to initiate rulemaking proceedings to: (1) review and revise motor vehicle safety standards for pneumatic tires; and (2) improve the labeling of tires in order to improve public understanding of load limits and appropriate tire inflation levels.

Opinion of the Commission pursuant to Article 251(2) (c) of the EC Treaty, on the European Parliament's amendments to the Council's common position regarding the proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the allocation of railway infrastructure capacity and the levying of charges for the use of railway infrastructure and safety certification, amending the proposal of the Commission pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty

European Union · European Commission · 15 September 2000

Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2000

Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2000- Title I: Needs Based Bankruptcy - Amends Federal bankruptcy law to revamp guidelines governing dismissal or conversion of a Chapter 7 liquidation petition (complete relief in bankruptcy) to one under Chapter 13 (Adjustment of Debts of an Individual with Regular Income). Allows a bankruptcy panel trustee and any party in interest to move for such dismissal or conversion (current law prohibits a party in interest from such motions). Lowers the "substantial abuse" standard for dismissal or conversion to one of simple abuse. Replaces the presumption in favor of granting the relief sought by the debtor with a presumption that abuse exists if the debtor's current monthly income exceeds specified formulae. (Sec. 102) Provides that the presumption of abuse may be rebutted only with detailed documentation of special circumstances requiring additional expenses or adjustment of current monthly total income. Includes within the calculation of debtor's monthly expenses: (1) those expenses incurred to maintain the safety of the debtor and the debtor's family from family violence as identified under the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act or other applicable Federal law; and (2) continuation of actual expenses paid by the debtor for the care and support of an elderly, chronically ill, or disabled household or non-dependent immediate family member. Requires the debtor's counsel to: (1) reimburse the bankruptcy trustee for legal fees in prosecuting a dismissal or conversion motion if the court finds that counsel's filing under Chapter 7 was either not substantially justified, or frivolous; and (2) pay a civil penalty for the violation of certain bankruptcy rules. Requires the court, upon motion by the victim of a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime (or at the request of a party in interest), to dismiss a voluntary case filed by an individual debtor convicted of that crime (unless the debtor establishes that filing of the case is necessary to satisfy a claim for a domestic support obligation). (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report to certain congressional committees regarding the utilization of Internal Revenue standards for determining specified monthly expenses of a debtor and the impact of such standards upon debtors and the bankruptcy courts. (Sec. 104) Revises procedural guidelines to mandate written notice to the individual consumer debtor before commencement of a case that credit counseling services approved by the United States Trustee are available. (Sec. 105) Instructs the Director of the Executive Office for U.S. Trustees to: (1) develop a financial management training curriculum and materials to educate individual debtors on how to better manage their finances; and (2) test, evaluate, and report to the Congress on the curriculum's effectiveness. (Sec. 106) Precludes an individual debtor from filing under Federal bankruptcy law unless the individual has received a briefing from an approved nonprofit credit counseling service prior to filing a bankruptcy petition, unless the U.S. trustee or bankruptcy administrator determines that the service for the district in which the debtor lives is not reasonably able to provide adequate services to the additional individuals who would otherwise seek credit counseling because of such requirement. Conditions a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 discharge in bankruptcy upon the debtor's completion of an approved instructional course concerning personal financial management. Prohibits such counseling service from informing a credit reporting agency whether an individual debtor has received or sought personal financial management instruction. Establishes civil penalties for noncompliance. Title II: Enhanced Consumer Protection - Subtitle A: Penalties for Abusive Creditor Practices - Cites circumstances under which the court may reduce by up to 20 percent a claim based in whole upon unsecured consumer debts if the debtor can show by clear and convincing evidence that the claim was filed by a creditor who unreasonably refused to negotiate a reasonable alternative repayment schedule proposed by an approved credit counseling agency acting on the debtor's behalf. (Sec. 202) Modifies guidelines governing the discharge of a debtor's liability, as well as the automatic stay, to entitle an individual who is injured by the willful failure of a creditor to credit payments received to bring an action for actual damages and legal fees. (Sec. 203) Modifies debt reaffirmation guidelines governing wholly unsecured consumer debts to mandate specified detailed disclosures and explanations to the debtor for dischargeable debt agreements. Amends Federal criminal law to instruct the Attorney General to designate U.S. attorneys and agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to implement enforcement activities in addressing: (1) abusive reaffirmations of debt; and (2) materially fraudulent statements in bankruptcy schedules that are intentionally false or misleading. Directs the bankruptcy court to establish procedures for referring those cases to such U.S. attorneys and agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Subtitle B: Priority Child Support - Revises Chapter 7 priority payment guidelines to place within the first priority claim category certain claims for domestic support obligations, on the condition that funds received by a governmental unit be applied in a prescribed order. (Sec. 213) Conditions court confirmation of a debt repayment plan under Chapters 12 (Debts of a Family Farmer) and 13 (and the subsequent discharge of debts) upon certification of debtor's full payment of all adjudicated domestic support obligations that are due after the petition filing date. (Sec. 214) Excepts from an automatic stay specified choses-in-action pertaining to domestic support obligations proceedings including: (1) child custody or visitation; (2) dissolution of marriage; (3) domestic violence; (4) withholding of income that is property of the bankrupt estate for payment of domestic support obligations; (5) suspension of drivers' licenses and professional licenses; (6) reporting of overdue support owed by a parent to certain consumer reporting agencies; (7) interception of specified tax refunds; and (8) enforcement of medical obligations under title IV, part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of the Social Security Act. (Sec. 215) Revamps guidelines governing the nondischargeability of certain debts for alimony, maintenance, and support to repeal the exceptions granted the debtor under specified conditions. (Sec. 216) Modifies guidelines governing property exempt from the bankruptcy estate to declare such property liable for fraud or defalcation while acting in a fiduciary capacity, embezzlement, or larceny. Repeals the liability of such property for domestic support obligations. (Sec. 217) Precludes the bankruptcy trustee from avoiding a transfer that is a bona fide payment of a debt for a domestic support obligation. (Sec. 218) Redefines "disposable income" received by certain debtors to include income not reasonably expected to be expended for a child support, foster care, or disability payment for a dependent child made in accordance with nonbankruptcy law. (Sec. 219) Sets forth the duties of the bankruptcy trustee under chapters 7, 11, 12, and 13 regarding a claim against an individual debtor for the collection of child support, including notifying the claim holder and the appropriate State child support agency of the debtor's location. (Sec. 220) Expands the exceptions to nondischargeable debts to include certain qualified educational loans which, if not discharged, would impose an undue hardship upon either the debtor or the debtor's dependent. Subtitle C: Other Consumer Protections - Modifies guidelines governing nonattorney bankruptcy petition preparers to mandate that as a prerequisite to any collection of fees for services: (1) such preparers officially disclose to debtors that they cannot practice law or give legal advice; and (2) such disclosure be signed by the debtor and filed with the requisite court documents. Prescribes enforcement and penalty guidelines for preparer noncompliance. (Sec. 222) Expresses the sense of the Congress that States should develop curricula relating to the subject of personal finance, designed for use in elementary and secondary schools. (Sec. 223) Places in the tenth order of prioritized claims against the bankrupt estate any death or personal injury claims resulting from the unlawful operation of a motor vehicle or vessel because the debtor was drug or alcohol-impaired. (Sec. 224) Permits an individual debtor to exempt from the property of the bankrupt estate certain tax-exempt retirement funds that have not been obligated in connection with any extension of credit. Exempts from either an automatic stay or a discharge in bankruptcy specified income withheld from the debtor pursuant to pension or profit sharing plans sponsored by such debtor's employer to pay certain loans from such plans. (Sec. 225) Sets forth criteria for excluding certain education individual retirement accounts from the property of the bankruptcy estate if the designated beneficiary is a child or grandchild of the debtor. Title III: Discouraging Bankruptcy Abuse - Modifies exceptions to a discharge in bankruptcy to prohibit discharge of a filing fee imposed by any court upon a prisoner. (Sec. 302) Terminates the automatic stay 30 days after filing of a petition if a chapter 7, 11, or 13 petition was pending and dismissed the previous year, unless the subsequent filing is in good faith. Delineates conditions under which a history of previous petitions in bankruptcy give rise to a rebuttable presumption that the case is not filed in good faith. (Sec. 303) Directs the court to grant relief from the automatic stay upon request of a party in interest with respect to certain real property actions if the court finds that filing the bankruptcy petition was part of a scheme to delay, hinder, and defraud creditors. Denies automatic stay protections regarding certain creditors' enforcement actions against real property for a specified period following a prior order in bankruptcy which forbade the debtor from being a debtor in another bankruptcy case. (Sec. 304) Modifies debtor's duties to mandate specified affirmative actions to be taken by a chapter 7 debtor, including reaffirmation of the debt, or redemption of the property within 45 days, in order to retain possession of personal property. Allows a creditor to take action with respect to such property under nonbankruptcy law if the debtor fails to act within 45 days, unless the court determines upon trustee motion that such property is of consequential value or benefit to the estate. (Sec. 305) Declares that the automatic stay is terminated regarding property of the debtor's estate securing a claim or subject to an unexpired lease, if the debtor fails to complete an intended surrender of consumer debt collateral within a revised, accelerated time frame (unless the court determines upon trustee motion that such property is of consequential value or benefit to the estate). (Sec. 306) Instructs the bankruptcy court to confirm a chapter 13 plan if it provides that the holder of a secured allowed claim shall retain the attendant lien until payment or discharge of all debts. Provides that if a chapter 13 proceeding is dismissed or converted without completion of the plan, the holder shall retain such lien to the extent recognized by applicable nonbankruptcy law. Provides that statutory guidelines to determine the secured status of a creditor's claim do not apply if the underlying debt was incurred within the five-year period preceding the filing of the bankruptcy petition and the collateral for that debt consists of a motor vehicle acquired for the debtor's personal use (or if the collateral consists of any other thing of value if the debt was incurred during the six-month period preceding such filing). (Sec. 307) Increases from 180 to 730 days the length of a debtor's location of domicile for purposes of determining which State law governs the debtor's selection of property exempt from the bankrupt estate. (Sec. 308) Reduces the value of the homestead exemption and debtor's burial plot to the extent it is attributable to any portion of any property that is disposed by the debtor within the 730-day period ending on the bankruptcy petition filing date with the intent to obstruct or defraud a creditor, and that the debtor could not exempt. (Sec. 309) Revises requirements governing the effects of conversion from chapter 13 to another chapter. Declares that: (1) valuations of property and of allowed secured claims in a chapter 13 case shall not apply in a case converted to chapter 7; and (2) with respect to cases converted from chapter 13, the claim of any creditor holding security as of the date of the petition shall continue to be secured by that security unless the full amount of that claim, as determined under applicable nonbankruptcy law, has been paid in full as of the date of conversion. States that a prebankruptcy default shall have the effect given under applicable nonbankruptcy law unless it has been fully cured pursuant to the plan at the time of conversion. Provides for a chapter 7 debtor's assumption of executory contracts and unexpired leases of personal property. Declares that in a chapter 11 case in which the debtor is an individual, and in a chapter 13 case, if the lease is not assumed in the plan, it is rejected (and no longer subject to an automatic stay) as of the plan's confirmation date. Delineates a cash payment plan for chapter 13 debtors for payments to any lessor of personal property and to any creditor holding a claim secured by personal property to ensure adequate protection to the claim holder during the payment period. (Sec. 310) Reduces from the threshold amounts of luxury goods and consumer credit cash advances presumed nondischargeable in bankruptcy, if acquired within 90 days and 70 days, respectively (currently 60 days) before an order for relief is issued. (Sec. 311) Prohibits an automatic stay of any eviction, unlawful detainer action, or similar proceeding by a lessor against a debtor involving residential real property in which: (1) the debtor resides and has not paid rent after the commencement and during the course of the case; (2) the rental agreement has terminated; (3) the debtor has previously filed within the last year and failed to pay post-petition rent during the course of that case; or (4) eviction actions are based upon endangerment to property or person or the use of illegal drugs. (Sec. 312) Extends the period between chapter 7 discharges to eight years, and between chapter 13 discharges to five years. (Sec. 314) Declares nondischargeable in bankruptcy: (1) debts intentionally incurred to pay a nondischargeable debt with the intent to discharge the newly-created debt; and (2) all debts incurred to pay nondischargeable debts, without regard to intent, if incurred within 70 days of the filing of the petition. Treats a debt incurred to pay child or spousal support as a dischargeable debt (in order to preclude such support from having to compete with the nondischargeable debt). Revamps Chapter 13 debt discharge guidelines. Prohibits discharge from a debt for restitution or damages awarded in a civil action against the debtor for willful or malicious injury that caused personal injury or death of an individual. (Sec. 315) Prescribes notice procedures for chapter 7 and chapter 13 creditors. Expands debtor's duties to require filing with the bankruptcy court of: (1) all tax returns; (2) evidence of payments received; (3) monthly net income projections; and (4) anticipated debt or expenditure increases. Permits a chapter 7 or chapter 13 creditor to request the debtor's petition, schedules, and statement of affairs, including the debt adjustment plan filed by the debtor. Mandates debtor compliance within five days of such request. Mandates that, at the time of filing with the taxing authority, a chapter 7 or 13 debtor file with the bankruptcy court specified tax documentation pertaining to the period from case commencement until case termination. Requires a chapter 13 debtor to file with the court a statement of income and expenditures in the preceding tax year, and monthly net income, showing how calculated. Makes debtor's mandatory documentation available for inspection and copying to certain bankruptcy officers and any party in interest. Requires debtors to furnish driver's license, passport, or other photograph-containing documentation establishing debtor identification. (Sec. 316) Provides for automatic dismissal if a chapter 7 debtor fails to furnish all mandatory information, or fails to timely file the requisite schedules. Requires the court to order dismissal within five days of a request by a party in interest for the debtor's failure to timely submit requisite documentation. (Sec. 317) Requires a Chapter 13 confirmation hearing to be held not later than 45 days after the first meeting of creditors. Mandates filing of a Chapter 13 debt readjustment plan within 90 days of the order for relief. (Sec. 318) Prohibits such plan (with certain exceptions) from providing for payments over a period that is longer than three years. (Sec. 319) Expresses the sense of the Congress that rule 9011 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure should include a requirement that all debtors' documents be submitted to the court only after debtors have made reasonable inquiry to verify that all information therein is well grounded in fact, and warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for extension, modification or reversal of existing law. (Sec. 320) Revises automatic stay guidelines to provide that in the case of an individual filing under chapters 7, 11, or 13, the automatic stay shall terminate 60 days after a request for its release by a party in interest, unless the court orders or the parties agree to a longer time. (Sec. 321) Revamps guidelines governing a Chapter 11 business reorganization case filed by an individual to: (1) identify the property of the estate in bankruptcy; and (2) revise the contents, confirmation, and modification of a reorganization plan. (Sec. 322) Excludes employee benefit plan participant contributions from the property of the bankruptcy estate. (Sec. 324) Prohibits a debtor from exempting from the estate in bankruptcy any amount of interest that exceeds in the aggregate $100,000 in value in: (1) real or personal property used as a residence; (2) a cooperative that owns property used as a residency by the debtor or debtor's dependent; or (3) a burial plot for the debtor or debtor's dependent. (Sec. 325) Amends the Federal judiciary code to: (1) grant the district court presiding over a title 11 case exclusive jurisdiction over property of the debtor and of the estate, as well as to claims relating to employment or disclosure of bankruptcy professionals; and (2) increase bankruptcy fees and the amounts deposited as offsetting collections to both the United States Trustee Systems Fund, and to a special fund of the Treasury available to offset funds appropriated for court operation and maintenance. (Sec. 328) Amends Federal bankruptcy law to exclude from a discharge in bankruptcy any debt arising from actions: (1) to protect access to reproductive health service facilities; or (2) that result from debtor's intimidation of or interference with a person's obtaining or providing such health services, or from damage or destruction of health care facility property. Title IV: General and Small Business Bankruptcy Provisions - Subtitle A: General Business Bankruptcy Provisions - Revises circumstances under which enforcement of rights and remedies of a secured party in either rolling stock equipment, or aircraft equipment and vessels, is subject to the automatic stay. (Sec. 402) Denies a debtor an automatic stay of the commencement of an investigation or action by a securities self-regulatory organization to enforce compliance with its regulations, or of the enforcement of any order or decision obtained by such an organization, other than for monetary sanctions. (Sec. 403) Authorizes the bankruptcy court, upon request of a party in interest, to order that the U.S. trustee not convene a meeting of creditors or equity security holders if the debtor has filed a plan for which acceptances have been solicited before commencement of the case. (Sec. 405) Amends guidelines for rejection and surrender of executory contracts and unexpired leases. (Sec. 406) Authorizes a chapter 11 court to increase the membership of a committee of creditors and equity security holders to include a creditor that is a small business concern following a determination that such creditor holds claims of the kind represented by the committee, the aggregate amount of which is disproportionately large in comparison to the creditor's annual gross revenue. Requires such committee to provide access to information to certain creditors who are not committee members. (Sec. 407) Prohibits the bankruptcy trustee from avoiding a warehouseman's lien for costs incidental to the storage and handling of certain goods. (Sec. 409) Directs the bankruptcy court to treat the compensation awarded a trustee as a commission based on the results achieved. (Sec. 410) States that acceptance or rejection of a chapter 11 plan may be solicited from a holder of a claim or interest if: (1) the solicitation complies with applicable nonbankruptcy law; and (2) it was made before commencement of the case in a manner complying with applicable nonbankruptcy law. (Sec. 411) Prohibits the bankruptcy trustee from avoiding a transfer if, in a case filed by a debtor whose debts are not primarily consumer debts, the aggregate value of all property that constitutes or is affected by such transfer is less than $5,000. (Sec. 413) Limits the extensions of time permitted for filing a chapter 11 reorganization plan. (Sec. 414) Denies a discharge in bankruptcy for a debt for a fee or assessment arising from a debtor's interest in a lot in a homeowners association for as long as the debtor retains specified interests in such lot. (Sec. 415) Authorizes a creditor holding a consumer debt to participate in a meeting of creditors in a chapter 7 or 13 case, either alone or in conjunction with an attorney. (Sec. 416) Removes investment bankers from the definition of "disinterested person." (Sec. 420) Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize the district court or bankruptcy court to waive the Chapter 7 filing fee and other attendant fees for certain chapter 7 debtors the court has determined to be unable to pay fees in installments. (Sec. 421) Directs the Advisory Committee on Bankruptcy Rules of the Judicial Conference of the United States to propose amended Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and Official Bankruptcy Forms directing chapter 11 debtors to disclose information relating to the value, operations, and profitability of any closely held corporation, partnership, or other entity in which the debtor holds a substantial or controlling interest. Subtitle B: Small Business Bankruptcy Provisions - Sets forth mandatory factors for court consideration in determining whether the disclosure statement regarding a small business reorganization plan provides adequate information. (Sec. 432) Defines a small business debtor, generally, as a person (including a debtor affiliate) with not more than $3 million in aggregate non-contingent, liquidated secured and unsecured debts as of the date of the petition or the order for relief (excluding debts owed to one or more affiliates or insiders). (Sec. 433) Directs the Advisory Committee on Bankruptcy Rules of the Judicial Conference (Advisory Committee) to propose for adoption standardized disclosure statements and plans of reorganization for small business debtors. (Sec. 434) Sets forth uniform national reporting requirements for small business debtors. (Sec. 435) Directs the Advisory Committee to propose for adoption revisions to the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and Official Bankruptcy Forms enabling small business debtors to comply with such uniform national reporting requirements. (Sec. 436) Sets forth duties and administrative procedures in small business reorganization cases, including serial filer provisions and expanded grounds for dismissal or conversion and appointment of a trustee. (Sec. 443) Directs the Small Business Administration to study and report to the Congress on: (1) the factors that cause small businesses to become debtors in bankruptcy; and (2) how Federal bankruptcy laws can be made more efficient in assisting small businesses to retain their viability. (Sec. 444) Revises the circumstance where a debtor has commenced monthly payments to each secured interest creditor to allow the debtor, in the debtor's sole discretion, to make such payments from rents or other income generated before or after the commencement of the case by or from the property. Requires such payments in an amount equal to the interest on the value of the creditor's interest in the real estate, determined at the then-applicable contract rate of interest (currently, at the fair market rate). Title V: Municipal Bankruptcy Provisions - Makes technical amendments to requirements for a municipal bankruptcy petition. Title VI: Improved Bankruptcy Statistics and Data - Amends the Federal judicial code to require each U.S. trustee to report to the Attorney General on audit results in bankruptcy cases. Requires the Attorney General to establish random audits of individual cases. (Sec. 602) Amends the Federal judicial code to require the clerk of each district to compile bankruptcy statistics for individual debtors with primarily consumer debts seeking relief under chapters 7, 11, and 13. Directs the Administrative Office of the United States Courts (Administrative Office) to make such statistics public and to report them annually to the Congress. (Sec. 603) Instructs the Attorney General to promulgate requirements for uniform forms for: (1) final reports by trustees in cases under chapters 7, 12, and 13; and (2) periodic reports by chapter 11 debtors or trustees in possession. Prescribes report contents. (Sec. 604) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the national policy should be that all public record data held in electronic form by bankruptcy clerks should be released in electronic form in bulk to the public subject to appropriate privacy concerns and safeguards as the Judicial Conference of the United States may determine; and (2) a bankruptcy data system should be established in which a single set of data definitions is used to collect data nationwide, and in which all data for any particular bankruptcy case are aggregated in the same electronic record. Title VII: Bankruptcy Tax Provisions - Amends the bankruptcy code to modify the treatment of certain tax liens. (Sec. 702) Provides that a claim for debtor's liability for fuel tax which is filed by the base jurisdiction designated under the International Fuel Tax Agreement shall be allowed as a single claim. (Sec. 703) Mandates that the clerk of each district maintain a listing under which a governmental entity responsible for the collection of taxes within such district may designate an address for service of requests and describe where further information for filing such requests may be found. (Sec. 704) Prescribes the rate of interest to be paid on mandatory interest payments on tax claims. (Sec. 705) Revises the specifications for income tax claims receiving eighth priority (allowed unsecured claims of governmental units). Provides for tolling of the time periods covering such tax claims for stays of proceedings in a prior bankruptcy case, and the pendency or effect of offers in compromise or installment agreements. (Sec. 708) States that confirmation of a bankruptcy plan does not discharge a corporate debtor from any debt for a tax or customs duty with respect to which the debtor made a fraudulent return or willfully attempted to evade or defeat such tax. (Sec. 709) Amends the automatic stay of U.S. Tax Court proceedings concerning the debtor to restrict such stay to tax liability for a taxable period ending before the order for relief. (Sec. 710) Includes among the requirements for court confirmation of a chapter 11 bankruptcy plan which includes tax claims, that the debtor, at the minimum, make regular cash installment payments over a period ending not later than five years after the date of entry of the order for relief, and in a manner not less favorable than the most favored nonpriority unsecured claim provided for in the plan. (Sec. 711) Prohibits the avoidance of statutory tax liens by certain purchasers. (Sec. 712) Amends the Federal judicial code to require officers and agents conducting any business under court authority to pay all Federal, State and local taxes when due in the course of the business, unless it is a property tax secured by a lien against estate property which is abandoned by the bankruptcy trustee, or payment of the tax is excused under a specific bankruptcy law. Cites circumstances in which payment of such taxes may be deferred in a case pending under chapter 7 until final distribution is made. Entitles to administrative expense priority payment certain secured and postpetition unsecured taxes incurred by the bankruptcy estate, including ad valorem property taxes. Declares that a governmental unit shall not be required to file a request for the payment of administrative expenses relating to a tax liability or tax penalty. Allows a trustee to recover from property securing a claim for the payment of all ad valorem property taxes relating to such property. (Sec. 713) Requires as a condition for payment of tardily filed priority tax claims that they be filed either before the trustee commences distribution or ten days following the mailing to creditors of the summary of the trustee's final report, whichever is earlier (currently, before the trustee commences distribution of the estate). (Sec. 714) Makes nondischargeable any obligations based on income tax returns or equivalent reports or notices prepared by tax authorities. (Sec. 715) Declares that an estate's liability for unpaid tax is discharged upon payment of such tax according to certain requirements. (Sec. 716) Conditions court confirmation of a chapter 13 bankruptcy plan upon filing by the debtor: (1) of all prepetition tax returns; and (2) before the day on which the first meeting of the creditors is convened, of all tax returns for taxable periods ending in the four-year period that ends on the date of the filing of the petition. Authorizes the court to dismiss a plan or convert it to chapter 7, whichever is in the best interests of the creditors and the estate, if a chapter 13 debtor fails to comply with such time frame. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Advisory Committee on Bankruptcy Rules of the Judicial Conference should propose for adoption amended Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure pertaining to objections to tax returns and to plan confirmation. (Sec. 717) Redefines "adequate disclosure," for postpetition disclosure and solicitation purposes, to include full discussion of the potential material Federal and State tax consequences of the plan to the debtor and to a hypothetical investor domiciled in the State in which the debtor resides or has its principal place of business typical of the holders of claims or interests in the case. (Sec. 718) Denies an automatic stay (unless specified conditions are met) to the setoff of an income tax refund for a taxable period which ended before the order for relief against an income tax liability for a taxable period which also ended before the order for relief. (Sec. 719) Revises special provisions related to the treatment of State and local taxes, including the creation of a separate taxable estate when such is done for Federal tax purposes. (Sec. 720) Provides that if the debtor fails to timely file a tax return or obtain an extension, a taxing authority may petition the court to convert or dismiss a case, whichever is in the best interests of creditors and the estate. Title VIII: Ancillary and Other Cross-Border Cases - Expands the scope of bankruptcy law to incorporate the Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency, and to establish a statutory mechanism for: (1) dealing with cases of cross-border insolvency; and (2) cooperation between U.S. courts, trustees, and debtors and their foreign counterparts. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) access of foreign representatives and creditors to Federal and State courts; (2) recognition of a foreign proceeding and relief; (3) cooperation and direct communication with foreign courts and representatives; and (4) concurrent proceedings and the coordination of foreign and domestic proceedings. Title IX: Financial Contract Provisions - Amends Federal bankruptcy law to: (1) deny an automatic stay to set-offs under certain swap agreements and netting agreements; and (2) restrict the avoidance power of the bankruptcy trustee regarding certain master netting agreement transfers to those transfers that are fraudulent in nature. (Sec. 901) Sets forth guidelines for: (1) the termination or acceleration of designated contracts and agreements; and (2) commodity broker and stockbroker liquidation with respect to the priority of unsecured claims, or customer property or distributions. (Sec. 902) Specifies the date for the measure of damages in connection with: (1) rejection by the bankruptcy trustee of swap agreements, securities contracts, forward contracts, commodity contracts, repurchase agreements, or master netting agreements; or (2) their liquidation, acceleration, or termination by a forward contract merchant, stockbroker, financial institution, securities clearing agency, repo participant, financial participant, master netting agreement participant, or swap participant. (Sec. 903) Declares that property of the bankrupt estate does not include any eligible asset (or its proceeds) to the extent that it was transferred by the debtor before commencement of the case to an eligible entity in connection with an asset-backed securitization (except to the extent that such asset, or its proceeds or value, may be recovered through avoidance by the bankruptcy trustee). Title X: Protection of Family Farmers And Family Fishermen - Amends the Federal bankruptcy code to: (1) reenact Chapter 12, Adjustment of Debts of a Family Farmer with Regular Annual Income (thereby reinstating family farmer bankruptcy relief); (2) define a family farmer as one more than 50 percent of whose gross income was received from a farming operation during at least one of the three taxable years (instead of the single taxable year) preceding the taxable year in which the bankruptcy petition was filed; and (3) cite circumstances under which the claim of a governmental unit that arises as a result of the disposition of a farm asset used in the debtor's farming operation shall be treated as an unsecured claim not entitled to priority. (Sec. 1005) Cites circumstances under which the court shall confirm a family farmer bankruptcy plan notwithstanding the objection of the trustee or holder of an allowed unsecured claim. Prohibits any post-confirmation modification of a bankruptcy plan that would increase the amount of payments that were due before such modification. Provides that, unless the debtor proposes the modification, a modified plan may not: (1) require payments to unsecured creditors in any particular month greater than debtor's disposable income for that month based on an increase in debtor's disposable income; and (2) require in its last year, payments that would leave the debtor with insufficient funds after plan completion to carry on the farming operation. (Sec. 1006) Establishes "family fisherman" within the category of debtors entitled to bankruptcy law protection. Title XI: Health Care and Employee Benefits - Amends bankruptcy provisions to prescribe guidelines for disposal of the patient records of a health care business (not including a health maintenance organization) that commences a proceeding for debtor relief and the trustee does not have sufficient funds to pay for the storage of patient records as required by law. (Sec. 1103) Allows an administrative expense claim for the costs of closing a health care business, including disposal of patient records and transfer of patients to another health care business. (Sec. 1104) Requires the bankruptcy court to appoint an ombudsman to represent the interests of the patients of a health care business within 30 days after commencement of a case under chapter 7 (Liquidation), 9 (Adjustment of Debts of a Municipality), or 11 (Reorganization). (Sec. 1105) Requires the bankruptcy trustee to use all reasonable and best efforts to transfer patients from the health care business in the process of being closed to an appropriate substitute. (Sec. 1106) Instructs the Attorney General to establish a policy and protocols for coordinating a response to bankruptcies of health care businesses, including time frame assessment for disposal of patient records. (Sec. 1107) Denies an automatic stay to a debtor's exclusion by the Secretary of Health and Human Services from participation in the Medicare program or any other Federal health care program (thus precluding the debtor's continuation or reinstatement in such a program). Title XII: Technical Amendments - Makes technical corrections to Federal bankruptcy, judicial, and criminal law. (Sec. 1201) Redefines single asset real estate to exclude family farms and to repeal the $4 million ceiling on the amount of noncontingent, liquidated secured debts on such property. Defines the term "transfer" to include: (1) creation of a lien; (2) retention of title as a security interest; (3) foreclosure of the debtor's equity of redemption; and (4) every mode of disposing of property or parting with an interest in property. (Sec. 1202) Requires triennial adjustment of: (1) the $5,000 value of certain implements, professional books, tools of the trade, farm animals, and crops which a debtor may exempt from the property of the estate (protecting them from creditors' liens); and (2) the national median household income calculated monthly. (Sec. 1206) Provides that a trustee or a creditors' and equity security holders' committee may pay a professional person they employ on a fixed or percentage fee basis, as well as on other bases already permitted. (Sec. 1208) Excludes from compensable professional services any expenses incurred by an individual member of a creditors' and equity security holders' committee. (Sec. 1209) Declares nondischargeable in bankruptcy a debt for death or personal injury caused by the debtor's operation of a watercraft or aircraft while intoxicated from alcohol, a drug, or other substance. Limits the nondischargeability of fees imposed by a court to fees so imposed on a prisoner. (Sec. 1213) Revises guidelines governing preferences to provide that, if the trustee avoids a security interest given between 90 days and one year before the date of the filing of the petition, by the debtor to a non-insider for the benefit of a creditor that is an insider, then such security interest shall be considered to be avoided only with respect to the insider creditor. (Sec. 1222) Permits the bankruptcy trustee to sell, use, or lease property in accordance with nonbankruptcy law governing the transfer of property by nonprofit charitable corporations, if doing so is not inconsistent with certain relief granted under the automatic stay. (Sec. 1223) Extends from 20 to 30 days the length of time after a debtor receives possession of property for perfection of a security interest in such property created by a transfer which the trustee may not avoid. (Sec. 1225) Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 2000- Amends the Federal judicial code to mandate appointments for additional temporary bankruptcy judgeships in California, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia. Provides that the first vacancy occurring in such district five years or more after a judge is appointed under this Act shall not be filled. Extends temporary bankruptcy judgeship positions authorized for the northern district of Alabama, the eastern district of Tennessee, and the districts of Delaware, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina. (Sec. 1226) Defines family fishermen debtors for bankruptcy purposes. (Sec. 1227) Prescribes compensation guidelines for the services and expenses of a trustee who has successfully petitioned the court to convert or dismiss a chapter 7 case. (Sec. 1229) Amends the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) to mandate inclusion of an electronic version of or link to a Federal Trade Commission pamphlet on choosing and using credit cards in any electronic transaction or transmission concerning a credit card account under an open end consumer credit plan. (Sec. 1230) Amends the bankruptcy code to: (1) prohibit a political committee subject to Federal Election Commission (FEC) jurisdiction from filing for bankruptcy; and (2) include among nondischargeable debts any fines or penalties imposed under Federal election law. (Sec. 1232) Amends TILA to prohibit certain retroactive finance charges to a credit card account under an open end credit plan for payments made during a grace period applicable to any new extension of credit under the account. (Sec. 1233) Instructs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to report to certain congressional committees as to whether and how financial institutions consider the residential location of a credit card applicant in deciding whether an applicant should be granted such credit card. (Sec. 1234) Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to develop materials and conduct training useful to courts in implementing this Act. (Sec. 1235) Amends Federal bankruptcy law to modify the right of the seller of goods to the debtor to reclaim such goods if the debtor received such goods while insolvent. Limits the period of receipt to 45 days before commencement of the case, and the time during which the seller may demand reclamation to 45 days after receipt, or before 20 days after commencement of the bankruptcy case. (Sec. 1236) Prohibits a court from granting a discharge in a chapter 7 case, or from confirming a reorganization plan in a chapter 11 or 13 case, unless requested tax documents are filed with or otherwise provided to the court. (Sec. 1238) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) consumer credit may sometimes be offered indiscriminately without lender action to ensure consumer repayment capacity, and in a manner which may encourage additional debt accumulation; and (2) resulting consumer debt may increasingly be a major contributing factor to consumer insolvency. Instructs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to study indiscriminate solicitation and extension of credit by the credit industry. Authorizes the Board to: (1) promulgate regulations requiring additional disclosures to consumers; and (2) take measures to ensure responsible industrywide practices and prevent resulting consumer debt and insolvency. (Sec. 1239) Cites circumstances in which property of the estate in bankruptcy does not include tangible personal property pledged or sold by the debtor as collateral for a loan or money advance, and the pledgee or transferee possesses such property. (Sec. 1240) Amends TILA to require a creditor that maintains a toll-free telephone number informing customers of the actual number of months needed to repay an outstanding balance to declare on each billing statement: "Making only the minimum payment will increase the interest and the time to repay the balance. For more information, call this toll-free number." Title XIII: General Effective Date; Application of Amendments - Sets forth the effective date of this Act and the application of its amendments. Title XIV: Financial Institutions Insolvency Improvement - Financial Institutions Insolvency Improvement Act of 2000 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to redefine specified contracts, agreements, and transfers entered into with an insolvent insured depository institution before the appointment of a conservator or receiver. (Sec. 1402) Declares that no person shall be stayed or prohibited from exercising any right to cause the acceleration of any qualified financial contract with an insured depository institution which arises upon the appointment of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver at any time after such appointment. (Sec. 1403) Declares that no provision of law shall be construed as limiting the right or power of the FDIC, or authorizing any court or agency to limit or delay, in any manner, the FDIC's right or power to transfer, disaffirm, or repudiate any qualified financial contract of a failed institution. Prohibits enforcement of a walkaway clause in a qualified financial contract of a failed insured depository institution (a clause that either does not create a payment obligation of a party, or extinguishes it solely because of such party's status as a nondefaulting party). (Sec. 1404) Revises guidelines governing transfers of qualified financial contracts of an insolvent institution to include: (1) transfers to a foreign bank or foreign financial institution (including its branch or agency) (but only when the contractual rights of the parties to such qualified financial contracts are enforceable substantially to the same extent as permitted under such Act); and (2) transfers of contracts subject to the rules of a clearing organization. Defines financial institution to include a broker or dealer, a depository institution, a futures commission merchant, or any other institution as determined by FDIC regulation. Suspends certain termination rights of counterparties to a qualified financial contract with an insolvent insured depository institution until after the receiver's appointment, or after receipt of notice that the contract has been transferred. Declares that none of the following institutions shall be considered a financial institution for which a conservator, receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, or other legal custodian has been appointed or which is otherwise the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding: (1) a bridge bank; or (2) an FDIC-organized depository institution for which a conservator is appointed either immediately upon organization, or at the time of a purchase and assumption transaction between such institution and the FDIC as receiver for a depository institution in default. (Sec. 1405) Prescribes guidelines for: (1) the disaffirmance or repudiation of qualified financial contracts by the conservator or receiver for a failed depository institution; and (2) the treatment of a master agreement as a single agreement and as a single qualified financial contract. (Sec. 1407) Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 to make conforming amendments with respect to: (1) bilateral netting contracts; (2) security agreements; (3) clearing organization netting contracts; (4) contracts with uninsured national banks; and (5) contracts with uninsured Federal branches or agencies. (Sec. 1408) Amends the FDIA to authorize the FDIC to prescribe more detailed recordkeeping requirements for qualified financial contracts (including market valuations) by insured depository institutions. (Sec. 1409) Exempts specified collateralization agreements from the contemporaneous execution requirement that renders invalid certain agreements against FDIC interests in certain asset acquisitions. (Sec. 1410) Amends the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970 to provide that neither the filing of a protective decree by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, nor any court protective order, shall operate as a stay of a creditor's contractual rights to liquidate, terminate, or accelerate designated contracts and agreements. Allows such application, order, or decree, however, to operate as a stay of foreclosure on securities collateral pledged by the debtor, whether or not with respect to one or more of such contracts, agreements, or securities sold by the debtor under a repurchase agreement. (Sec. 1411) Amends the Federal Reserve Act to increase the types of acceptances eligible to meet Federal Reserve collateral requirements. Title XV: Methamphetamine and Other Controlled Substances - Methamphetamine Anti-Proliferation Act of 2000 - Subtitle A: Methamphetamine Production, Trafficking, and Abuse - Chapter 1: Criminal Penalties - Directs the United States Sentencing Commission (the Commission) to amend the Federal sentencing guidelines with respect to any offense relating to the manufacture, importation, exportation, or trafficking in amphetamine (including an attempt or conspiracy to do any of the foregoing) in violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (CSIEA), or the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act (MDLEA), by reviewing and amending its guidelines to provide for increased penalties such that those penalties are comparable to the base offense level for methamphetamine. (Sec. 1511) Directs the Commission to: (1) ensure that the sentencing guidelines for offenders of such offenses reflect the heinous nature of such offenses, the need for aggressive law enforcement, and the extreme dangers associated with unlawful activity involving amphetamines; and (2) promulgate amendments pursuant to this Act in accordance with the procedure set forth in the Sentencing Act of 1987, as though the (emergency) authority of that Act had not expired. (Sec. 1512) Directs the Commission to: (1) amend the guidelines to increase the base offense level, with respect to any offense relating to the manufacture, attempt to manufacture, or conspiracy to manufacture amphetamine or methamphetamine in violation of the CSA, the CSIEA, or the MDLEA, by specified amounts if the offense created a substantial risk of harm to human life or the environment, or to the life of a minor or incompetent; and (2) promulgate amendments pursuant to this Act in accordance with the procedure set forth in the Sentencing Act of 1987, as though the authority of that Act had not expired. (Sec. 1513) Provides for mandatory (currently discretionary) restitution for CSA and CSIEA violations. Expands provisions regarding restitution for cleanup of clandestine laboratory sites to cover offenses involving, and reimbursement for costs incurred for the cleanup associated with, the manufacture of amphetamine (currently limited to methamphetamine), and to include reimbursement to States and local governments, as well as to the United States. Amends the Federal judicial code to provide for the deposit of certain sums from a reimbursement order into the Department of Justice (DOJ) Assets Forfeiture Fund. Makes mandatory restitution provisions applicable to the prohibition against the establishment of manufacturing operations with respect to controlled substances. Treats illicit substance manufacturing operations as crimes against property. (Sec. 1514) Amends CSA to include items primarily intended or designed for use in introducing methamphetamine into the body within the definition of "drug paraphernalia." Chapter 2: Enhanced Law Enforcement - Amends the judicial code to make sums in the DOJ Assets Forfeiture Fund available for payment for costs incurred by or on behalf of: (1) DOJ in connection with the removal, for purposes of Federal forfeiture and disposition, of any hazardous substance or pollutant or contaminant associated with the illegal manufacture of amphetamine or methamphetamine; and (2) a State or local government in connection with such removal in any case in which such State or local government has assisted in a Federal prosecution relating to amphetamine or methamphetamine, to the extent such costs exceed equitable sharing payments made to such State or local government in such case. (Sec. 1521) Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to make funds under the drug control and system improvement (Byrne) grant program available to remove any hazardous substance or pollutant or contaminant associated with the illegal manufacture of amphetamine or methamphetamine. Requires that any sums made available from the DOJ Assets Forfeiture Fund for purposes of this section in a fiscal year supplement and not supplant any other amounts made available to DOJ in such fiscal year from other sources. (Sec. 1522) Amends CSA to modify the definition of "regulated transaction" to reduce the retail sales transaction threshold for non-safe harbor products containing pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine. (Sec. 1523) Directs the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to carry out specified programs (advanced mobile clandestine laboratory training teams, basic clandestine laboratory certification training, and clandestine laboratory recertification and awareness training) with respect to the law enforcement personnel of States and localities determined by the Administrator to have significant levels of methamphetamine- or amphetamine-related crime or projected by the Administrator to have the potential for such levels of crime in the future. Limits the duration of any such program to three years. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1524) Requires the Director of National Drug Control Policy to: (1) use amounts available under this section to combat the trafficking of methamphetamine and amphetamine in areas designated as high intensity drug trafficking areas; and (2) provide funds for employing additional Federal law enforcement personnel, or facilitating the employment of additional State and local law enforcement personnel. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Director to apportion amounts appropriated for a fiscal year pursuant to such authorization of appropriations for activities under this section among and within areas designated by the Director as high intensity drug trafficking areas based on: (1) the number of methamphetamine and amphetamine manufacturing facilities discovered by Federal, State, or local law enforcement officials in the previous fiscal year; (2) the number of methamphetamine and amphetamine prosecutions in Federal, State, or local courts in the previous fiscal year; (3) the number of methamphetamine and amphetamine arrests by Federal, State, or local courts in the previous fiscal year; (4) the amounts of methamphetamine, amphetamine, or listed chemicals seized by Federal, State, or local law enforcement officials in the previous fiscal year; and (5) intelligence and predictive data from the DEA and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) showing patterns and trends in abuse, trafficking, and transportation in methamphetamine, amphetamine, and listed chemicals. Requires the Director, before apportioning any funds under this section to a high intensity drug trafficking area, to certify that the law enforcement entities responsible for clandestine methamphetamine and amphetamine laboratory seizures in that area are providing laboratory seizure data to the national clandestine laboratory database at the El Paso Intelligence Center. Sets limits on administrative costs. (Sec. 1525) Authorizes the Administrator of the DEA to: (1) assist State and local law enforcement in small and mid-sized communities in all phases of investigations related to such manufacturing and trafficking; (2) staff additional regional enforcement and mobile enforcement teams related to such manufacturing and trafficking; (3) establish additional resident offices and posts of duty to assist State and local law enforcement in rural areas in combating such manufacturing and trafficking; (4) provide the Special Operations Division of DEA with additional agents and staff for specified purposes; (5) enhance the investigative and related functions of DEA's Chemical Control Program; (6) design an effective means of requiring an accurate accounting of the import and export of list I chemicals and coordinate investigations relating to their diversion; (7) develop a computer infrastructure sufficient to receive, process, analyze, and redistribute time-sensitive enforcement information from suspicious order reporting to DEA field offices and other law enforcement and regulatory agencies; and (8) establish an education, training, and communication process to alert the industry to current trends and emerging patterns in illegal amphetamine and methamphetamine manufacturing. Authorizes the Administrator to establish in DEA, and appoint personnel, for not more than: (1) 50 full-time positions, including up to 31 special agent positions; and (2) 15-full time additional positions, including up to ten diversion investigator positions, with respect to activities specified in paragraphs five through eight in the previous paragraph. Authorizes appropriations. Chapter 3: Abuse Prevention and Treatment - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to authorize the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse to make grants to enter into cooperative agreements to expand the current and on-going interdisciplinary research and clinical trials with treatment centers of the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network relating to methamphetamine abuse and addiction and other biomedical, behavioral, and social issues related to methamphetamine abuse and addiction. Sets forth provisions regarding permissible uses of grant funds and dissemination of research results. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1532) Amends PHSA to authorize the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment to make grants to States and Indian tribes recognized by the United States that have a high rate, or have had a rapid increase, in methamphetamine or amphetamine abuse or addiction to permit such States and tribes to expand activities in connection with treatment in specific geographical areas. Sets forth grant requirements and responsibilities of the Director. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1533) Amends PHSA to authorize the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to make grants to and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with public and nonprofit private entities to carry out: (1) school-based programs concerning the dangers of abuse of and addiction to methamphetamine and other illicit drugs, using methods that are effective and science-based, including initiatives that give students the responsibility to create their own anti-drug abuse education programs for their schools; and (2) community-based abuse and addiction prevention programs relating to methamphetamine and other illicit drugs that are effective and science-based. Sets forth provisions regarding permissible grant uses, priorities in making grants, program evaluation, and reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations for expansion of abuse prevention efforts and for practitioner registration requirements. (Sec. 1534) Directs the Secretary of HHS to: (1) conduct a study on the development of medications for the treatment of addiction to amphetamine and methamphetamine; and (2) report to the Senate and House Judiciary Committees. Authorizes appropriations. Chapter 4: Reports - Directs the Secretary to include in each National Household Survey on Drug Abuse appropriate prevalence data and information on the consumption of methamphetamine and other illicit drugs in rural areas, metropolitan areas, and consolidated metropolitan areas. (Sec. 1542) Directs the Attorney General to: (1) conduct a study of the use of ordinary, over-the-counter pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine products in the clandestine production of illicit drugs; and (2) report to Congress the findings and any recommendations on the need to establish additional measures to prevent diversion. Subtitle B: Controlled Substances Generally - Chapter 1: Criminal Matters - Directs the Sentencing Commission to amend the sentencing guidelines to provide for enhanced penalties for CSA and CSIEA violations involving: (1) ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, and pseudoephedrine; and (2) other list I chemicals to reflect the dangerous nature of such offenses, the need for aggressive law enforcement action to fight such offenses, and the extreme dangers associated with unlawful activity involving methamphetamine and amphetamine. (Sec. 1551) Directs the Commission to promulgate amendments pursuant to this Act in accordance with the procedure set forth in the Sentencing Act of 1987, as though the authority of that Act had not expired. (Sec. 1552) Revises CSA mail order provisions to: (1) require that each regulated person who engages in an export transaction (currently, limited to each regulated person who engages in a transaction with a non-regulated person) submit a monthly report of each such transaction to the Attorney General; and (2) make specified exemptions from such reporting requirement, such as for certain distributions of sample packages of drug products and distributions of drug products pursuant to a valid prescription. Authorizes the Attorney General to revoke any such exemptions if drug products distributed by the regulated person are being used in violation of CSA requirements, subject to specified notification and right to an expedited hearing. (Sec. 1553) Amends CSA to increase the minimum sentences: (1) from one year to three years for a first offense of distributing controlled substances to persons under age 21, and from one to five years for a second offense; and (2) from one year to three years for a first offense of distributing them in or near a school, and from three to five years for a second offense. (Sec. 1555) Amends CSA to prohibit advertisements for the sale of drug paraphernalia and of schedule I controlled substances. (Sec. 1556) Amends CSA to prohibit and set penalties for the theft of anhydrous ammonia, or the transportation of stolen anhydrous ammonia across State lines, knowing, intending, or having reasonable cause to believe that such ammonia will be used to manufacture a controlled substance in violation of the Act. Requires the DEA Administrator to seek to enter into an agreement with Iowa State University to permit the University to expand its current research into the development of inert agents that, when added to anhydrous ammonia, eliminate its usefulness as an ingredient in methamphetamine production. Authorizes such agreement to provide $500,000, on a reimbursable basis, for such activities. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1557) Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit, and set penalties for, teaching or demonstrating: (1) the manufacture of a controlled substance, or distributing by any means information pertaining to, the manufacture of a controlled substance, with the intent that the teaching, demonstration, or information be used for, or in furtherance of, an activity that constitutes a Federal crime; or (2) to any person the manufacture of a controlled substance, or to distribute to any person, by any means, information pertaining to, such manufacture, knowing that such person intends to use the teaching, demonstration, or information for, or in furtherance of, an activity that constitutes a Federal crime. Chapter 2: Other Matters - Amends CSA to waive the requirement that practitioners who dispense narcotic drugs to individuals for maintenance or detoxification treatment annually obtain a separate registration for that purpose, and that the Attorney General register an applicant to dispense narcotic drugs to individuals for such treatment, in the case of the dispensing by a practitioner of narcotic drugs in schedule III, IV, or V, or combinations of such drugs (schedule III-V drugs) if the practitioner and the drugs meet specified conditions. Requires that: (1) the practitioner, before dispensing schedule III-V drugs to patients for maintenance or detoxification treatment, submit to the Secretary of HHS and the Attorney General a notification of intent to begin dispensing such drugs for that purpose, including certifications that the practitioner is licensed under State law and has the ability to treat and manage opiate-dependent patients, has the capacity to refer the patients for appropriate counseling and other appropriate ancillary services, and meets other specified requirements; and (2) the schedule III-V drugs have been approved for use in maintenance or detoxification treatment and have not been the subject of an "adverse determination" (i.e., requires additional standards regarding the qualifications of practitioners to provide such treatment, or requires standards regarding the quantities of the drugs that may be provided for unsupervised use). (Sec. 1561) Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations through notice and comment rulemaking or practice guidelines to address the following: (1) approval of additional credentialing bodies and the responsibilities of additional credentialing bodies; and (2) additional exemptions from the requirements and any regulations under this section. Directs the Secretary to issue a Treatment Improvement Protocol containing best practice guidelines for the treatment and maintenance of opiate-dependent patients. Sets forth: (1) provisions regarding physician training and experience for purposes of the regulations or practice guidelines; and (2) procedural waiver requirements. Requires the Secretary to notify the physician and the Attorney General upon determining that a physician meets specified conditions. Directs the Attorney General, upon receiving such notice, to assign the physician an identification number for inclusion with the physician's current registration to prescribe narcotics. Specifies that an identification number assigned a physician shall be appropriate to preserve the confidentiality of a patient prescribed narcotic drugs by the physician. Requires the Secretary and the Attorney General, during the three-year period beginning on the date of this Act's enactment, to make determinations regarding whether: (1) treatments provided under such waivers have been effective forms of maintenance and detoxification treatment in clinical settings; (2) such waivers have significantly increased the availability of such treatment; and (3) such waivers have adverse public health consequences. Authorizes the Secretary to collect data from the practitioners for whom waivers are in effect. Sets forth further requirements with respect to the Secretary and the Attorney General, and further procedural requirements. Prohibits a State, during the three-year period, from precluding a practitioner from dispensing schedule III-V drugs to patients for maintenance or detoxification treatment in accordance with this Act unless, before the expiration of such period, the State enacts a law prohibiting a practitioner from dispensing such drugs. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Cocaine Powder - Powder Cocaine Sentencing Act of 2000 - Amends CSA and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to reduce the threshold amount of cocaine powder that constitutes a felonious possession and subject to mandatory criminal penalties. (Sec. 1572) Instructs the Sentencing Commission to amend Federal sentencing guidelines to reflect the amendments made by this Act. Subtitle D: Education Matters - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (the Act) to redesignate the Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994 as the Safe Schools Act of 1999. (Sec. 1581) Revises the minimum one-year expulsion requirement for weapon possession on school property to include as an expellable offense possession of felonious quantities of an illegal drug on school property under the jurisdiction of, or in a vehicle operated by an employee or agent of, a local educational agency in that State. Revises compliance reporting datelines. (Sec. 1582) Authorizes a local educational agency to use certain Federal education program funds to pay the supplementary costs of attending another school (including a religious school) for any public elementary or secondary school student victim of a violent criminal offense committed on school grounds. Subtitle E: Miscellaneous - Modifies Federal criminal code provisions regarding additional grounds for issuing a warrant to specify that any notice required to be given may be delayed, pursuant to specified standards, terms, and conditions set forth elsewhere in the code, unless otherwise expressly provided by statute. (Sec. 1592) Directs the Federal Bureau of Investigation to study and report to Congress on specified issues regarding the Fuerzas Armadas de Liberacion Nacional Puertorriquena (FALN) and Los Macheteros terrorist organizations. (Sec. 1593) Requires the head of each Federal department, agency, and establishment to place anti-drug messages on appropriate Internet websites controlled by such department, agency, or establishment, an electronic hyperlink to the Internet website, if any, of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. (Sec. 1594) (This section and Sec. 1595 repeat Secs. 1581 and 1582) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (the Act) to redesignate the Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994 as the Safe Schools Act of 1999. Revises the minimum one-year expulsion requirement for weapon possession on school property to include as an expellable offense possession of felonious quantities of an illegal drug on school property under the jurisdiction of, or in a vehicle operated by an employee or agent of, a local educational agency in that State. Revises compliance reporting datelines. (Sec. 1595) Authorizes a local educational agency to use certain Federal education program funds to pay the supplementary costs of attending another school (including a religious school) for any public elementary or secondary school student victim of a violent criminal offense committed on school grounds. (Sec. 1597) (Repeats Secs. 1553 and 1554) Amends CSA to increase the minimum sentences: (1) from one year to three years for a first offense of distributing controlled substances to persons under age 21, and from one to five years for a second offense; and (2) from one year to three years for a first offense of distributing them in or near a school, and from three to five years for a second offense. Title XVI: Protection From the Impact of Bankruptcy of Certain Electric Utilities - Emergency Imported Electric Power Price Reduction Act of 2000 - Declares that the Firm Power and Energy Contract with Hydro-Quebec dated December 4, 1987, as it exists on the date of enactment of this Act, shall be void 180 days after such date. (Sec. 1603) States that the parties to such contract are not precluded from amending it, or entering into a new contract after the date of enactment of this Act in a manner that is consistent with specified findings and purposes of this Act. (Sec. 1604) Grants only the Attorney General of a State in which electric power is provided under such contract standing to bring a civil enforcement action in U.S. district court. Title XVII: Consumer Credit Disclosure - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require: (1) specified minimum payment warnings governing an open end credit plan on which finance charges are accruing; and (2) disclosure of a toll-free number to call for an estimate of the time required to repay the balance making only minimum payments. Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish a toll-free number for the same purpose in the case of a creditor with respect to which the FTC is enforcing compliance with such Act. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Board) to promulgate implementing regulations. (Sec. 17101) Authorizes the Board to study and report to Congress on whether consumers have adequate information regarding borrowing activities that may result in financial problems. (Sec. 1702) Mandates additional disclosures where credit extensions secured by a dwelling exceed the dwelling's fair market value, stating that the interest on the excess portion of such extension is not tax deductible for Federal income tax purposes. (Sec. 1703) Requires specified additional disclosures for: (1) introductory rates and temporary annual percentage rates of interest; (2) Internet-based credit card solicitations; and (3) late payment deadlines and penalties. (Sec. 1706) Prohibits a creditor from terminating an open end consumer credit account before its expiration date solely because finance charges have not been incurred on such account. (Sec. 1707) Authorizes the Board to study and report to Congress on certain consumer protections limiting consumer liability for unauthorized use of a debit card or similar access device. (Sec. 1708) Instructs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the impact that credit extensions to dependent students have upon the rate of bankruptcy cases filed under Federal law.

Small Business Liability Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2000

Small Business Liability Relief Act - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to provide that certain small businesses shall be liable for response costs as non-owners or operators only if the total of material containing a hazardous substance that the business arranged for disposal, transport, or treatment of, or accepted for transport, was greater than 110 pounds of liquid material or 200 pounds of solid material. Makes such exemption to liability inapplicable in cases where the substance could contribute significantly to response costs or where the business has failed to comply with an administrative subpoena or request for information or has impeded a response action. Applies this exemption only to activities taking place before this Act's enactment date. Makes a person liable for response costs for municipal solid waste (MSW) as a non-owner or operator only if the person is not an owner, operator, or lessee of residential property from which all of the person's MSW was generated, or a certain small business or tax-exempt organization that generated all its MSW, with respect to the facility concerned. Provides for liability if a person has failed to comply with an administrative subpoena or request for information or has impeded a response action. Makes persons that commence a contribution action liable to the defendant for all reasonable costs of defending the action if the defendant is not liable based on the above- described exemptions. Adds to the list of parties eligible for expedited final settlements certain persons and small businesses that demonstrate an inability or limited ability to pay response costs. Revises conditions of eligibility for such settlements for de minimis parties. Establishes a moratorium on litigation under CERCLA for recovery or contribution of response costs from any person eligible for an expedited settlement within a specified time frame.

Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2000

Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation Act - Amends Federal transportation law to require a manufacturer, not later than five days after determining (or after receiving notification that the government of a foreign country has determined) to conduct a safety recall or other safety campaign in a foreign country on a motor vehicle, tire, or motor vehicle equipment that is also offered for sale in the United States, to report such determination to the Secretary of Transportation. Sets forth similar requirements with respect to the reporting of possible defects in such vehicle or equipment that have resulted in a significant number of serious injuries or fatalities in a foreign country. Directs the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to promulgate a rule requiring manufacturers of tires to report periodically to the Administration data on claims submitted to it for personal injury (including death) and property damage from alleged defects in the manufacturer's tires. Declares that a remedy provided without charge by a dealer of new motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment does not apply if such vehicle or replacement equipment was bought by the first purchaser more than eight years, or the tire (including an original equipment tire), was bought by the first purchaser more than five years (currently, three years), before notice of a defect or of noncompliance with motor vehicle safety standards with respect to such equipment is given by the manufacturer to the Secretary or an order is issued by the Secretary with respect to such defect or noncompliance, whichever is earlier. Revises provisions to increase civil penalties for a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer who violates requirements prohibiting the manufacture, sale, or importation of motor vehicles and equipment that do not comply with Federal motor vehicle safety standards. Sets forth a civil penalty for such persons who violate certain inspection, investigation, and records requirements with respect to such standards. Requires the Administrator to conduct a rulemaking to revise and update the tire standard published at 49 CFR 571.109 and 49 CFR 571.119. Authorizes appropriations to the Office of Defects and Investigation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Health Care Safety Net Oversight Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2000

Health Care Safety Net Oversight Act of 2000 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to add a new part D to establish the Safety Net Organizations and Patient Advisory Commission to: (1) study the health care safety net programs; and (2) report annually to Congress, the Comptroller General, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the health care needs of the uninsured and the financial and infrastructure stability of the core health care safety net of the United States based on such review. Authorizes appropriations.

Health Care Safety Net Oversight Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2000

Health Care Safety Net Oversight Act of 2000 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to add a new part D to establish the Safety Net Organizations and Patient Advisory Commission to: (1) study the health care safety net programs; and (2) report annually to Congress, the Comptroller General, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the health care needs of the uninsured and the financial and infrastructure stability of the core health care safety net of the United States based on such review. Authorizes appropriations.

Aid for the coordination of transport by rail, road and inland waterway (Regulation 1107/70/EEC)

European Union · European Parliament · 8 September 2000

To direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to treat certain property boundaries as the boundaries of the Lawrence County Airport, Courtland, Alabama, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2000

Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to treat certain property boundaries (as shown on an airport layout drawing produced by Garver, Inc., dated March 8, 1999, and approved by the Jackson Airport District Office of the FAA) as the boundaries of the Lawrence County Airport, Courtland, Alabama (formerly known as the George C. Wallace Airport).

Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the application by the Member States of Council Directive 95/50/EC on uniform procedures for checks on the transport of dangerous goods by road

European Union · European Commission · 6 September 2000

Schuhwerk von KraftfahrzeuglenkerInnen

Austria · National Council · 5 September 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Theresia Haidlmayr, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend Schuhwerk von Kraftfahrzeuglenkern/innen

Autofahren und Telekommunikation

Austria · National Council · 5 September 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Johann Maier, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend Autofahren und Telekommunikation

Erhaltung der Mariazellerbahn mit Mitteln des Bundes

Austria · National Council · 5 September 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Anton Heinzl, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend Sicherung von Erhaltung, Sanierung und Modernisierung der Infrastruktur der Mariazellerbahn mit Mitteln des Bundes

grenzüberschreitenden Studie über die Verkehrsentwicklung im unteren Rheintal

Austria · National Council · 5 September 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Manfred Lackner, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend Österreichs Ausstieg aus der grenzüberschreitenden Studie über die Verkehrsentwicklung im unteren Rheintal

verbesserte Sicherheit im Lkw-Verkehr

Austria · National Council · 5 September 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Gabriele Binder, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend verbesserte Sicherheit im Lkw-Verkehr

der Erhöhung der Strafen von "Rasern" im Verkehr

Austria · National Council · 5 September 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Beate Schasching, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Inneres betreffend der Erhöhung der Strafen von "Rasern" im Verkehr

Lenkerberechtigung für Mopedautos

Austria · National Council · 5 September 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Johann Maier, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Inneres betreffend Lenkerberechtigung für Mopedautos

Lenkerberechtigung für Mopedautos

Austria · National Council · 5 September 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Johann Maier, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend Lenkerberechtigung für Mopedautos

Autofahren und Telekommunikation

Austria · National Council · 5 September 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Johann Maier, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Inneres betreffend Autofahren und Telekommunikation

Pipeline Integrity, Safety, and Reliability Research and Development Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2000

Pipeline Integrity, Safety, and Reliability Research and Development Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, to develop and implement an accelerated cooperative research and development program to ensure the integrity of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines. Requires the Secretary to: (1) arrange with the National Academy of Sciences for the establishment of a Pipeline Integrity Technical Advisory Committee; and (2) prepare, along with the Committee, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, and submit to Congress a five-year research and development program plan. Authorizes appropriations.

Procurement procedures of entities operating in the water, energy and transport sectors

European Union · European Parliament · 4 September 2000

Gesetz zu dem Zusatzabkommen vom 19. Mai 1999 zum Europipe-Abkommen vom 20. April 1993 zwischen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland und dem Königreich Norwegen über den Transport von Gas durch eine neue Rohrleitung (Europipe II) vom Königreich Norwegen in die Bundesrepublik Deutschland (G-SIG: 14019427)

Germany · German Bundestag · 18 August 2000

<b>Inhalt:</b> Ratifikation des Abkommens vom 19.05.1999: Sicherung der Erdgasaufkommen aus der norwegischen Nordsee und anderen Gebieten für den deutschen Energiemarkt durch Bau einer neuen Erdgasleitung (Europipe II). Es entstehen keine Kosten. <br><br><b>Nebenschlagwörter:</b> Norwegen/Deutsch-norwegisches Abkommen zum Bau einer neuen Erdgasleitung (Europipe II) * Erdgasversorgung/Deutsch-norwegisches Abkommen zum Bau einer neuen Erdgasleitung (Europipe II) * Erdgasleitung/Deutsch-norwegisches Abkommen zum Bau einer neuen Erdgasleitung (Europipe II)

Port and Maritime Security Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000

Port and Maritime Security Act of 2000 - Directs the Commandant of the Coast Guard, in cooperation with the Maritime Administration and the U.S. Customs Service, to establish a Port Security Task Force to: (1) coordinate programs to enhance the security and safety of U.S. seaports; (2) coordinate the security operations of local seaport security committees; (3) develop standards and procedures for the conduct and triennial review and revision, if necessary, of seaport security threat assessments for U.S. seaports, including collection, maintenance, and dissemination of seaport infrastructure and overt-security equipment maps and charts; and (4) develop voluntary minimum security guidelines, linked to the U.S. Coast Guard Captain-of-the-Port controls for maritime trade, which include a model seaport concept and a set of recommended best practices guidelines for the use of maritime terminal operators. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 6) Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to guarantee loans for seaport security infrastructure improvements at any U.S. seaport involved in international trade. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 7) Requires the U.S. Customs Service to establish a competitive matching grant program for half the cost of developing technology to enhance security at U.S. seaports. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 8) Amends the International Maritime and Post Security Act to require the Secretary to report annually on maritime security and terrorism. (Sec. 9) Requires the Secretary, acting through the Maritime Administration, to publish a revised version of the "Port Security: A National Planning Guide" and make it available on the Internet. (Sec. 10) Directs the U.S. Coast Guard to establish seaport security committees to: (1) utilize the information made available under this Act; (2) implement port security threat assessments; and (3) implement security guidelines. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 11) Directs the Attorney General to coordinate the collection of port-related crime data. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 12) Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Attorney General to work with each other, the Task Force, and the States to establish shared dockside inspection facilities at U.S. seaports for Federal and State agencies. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 13) Directs the U.S. Customs Service to: (1) require all ocean manifests to be transmitted to the Service in electronic form in sufficient time for its effective use; (2) require all entries of goods, including in-bond entries, to provide to the Service the same information required for entries of goods released into U.S. commerce before the goods are released for shipment from the seaport of first arrival; and (3) distribute such information on a real-time basis to any Federal, State, or local government agency with a regulatory or law-enforcement interest in the goods. (Sec. 14) Amends Federal shipping law to reauthorize specified tonnage duties.

Medicare Fairness in Reimbursement Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000

Medicare Fairness in Reimbursement Act of 2000 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with regard to payments to Medicare+Choice organizations concerning the calculation of annual Medicare+Choice capitation rates. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promptly conduct a new survey of levels of wages and wage-related costs for different occupational categories of hospital employees and to use the survey data in computing a certain hospital wage index for discharges occurring on or after October 1, 2001. Provides that, in applying any wage-related geographic area adjustment to a portion of a payment amount or rate under Medicare, the portion to which the adjustment is applied shall be 75 percent of the portion otherwise computed, and 25 percent of such portion shall not be subject to any such geographic area adjustment. Applies such provision to geographic adjustments made under specified Medicare provisions, including those with regard to home health and clinical laboratory services. Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII to permanently remove application of the budget neutrality factor under the Medicare+Choice program beginning in 2002. Allows a Medicare+Choice organization to elect to apply an area-specific percentage of 50 percent and a national percentage of 50 percent for 2002 rather than the rate currently applicable for that year in determining the blended capitation rate used in determining the calculation of annual Medicare+Choice capitation rates. Amends SSA title XVIII to require the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to review the extent to which the adjustments made in payment rates on a geographical basis for variations in costs accurately reflect the actual costs of items and services in low reimbursement areas and the impact of such adjustments on the health infrastructure in such areas.

Federal Information Policy Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000

Federal Information Policy Act of 2000 - Amends Federal law to revise provisions regarding Federal information policy. Removes a provision which excludes the General Accounting Office from the definition of "agency" for purposes of applying such policy. Establishes an Office of Information Policy in the Executive Office of the President to be headed by a Chief Information Officer (Officer) of the United States who shall be the principal adviser to the President on matters relating to the efficient and effective development, use, and management of information technology and resources by the Federal Government. Outlines the Officer's duties and grants the Officer certain authorities and duties currently given to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under existing law. Incorporates certain provisions of the Government Paperwork Elimination Act concerning the use and acceptance of electronic signatures by executive agencies. Grants the Officer duties under such provisions currently given to the Director. Requires the Officer to monitor the implementation of electronic signature requirements of this Act and related laws to ensure that the Federal Government: (1) maintains an efficient and effective information infrastructure for undertaking Government operations using electronic information processes; (2) provides efficient and effective means for the public to interact with the Government by means other than such processes; and (3) manages its increasing reliance on information technology in a manner consistent with this Act. Directs the Officer to review the Federal information systems standards setting process and report to the President on its efficiency and effectiveness and any recommendations for improvement. Requires the Officer to establish minimum evaluation criteria to be used for independent evaluations of: (1) agency implementation of information technology management processes and capabilities; (2) cost, schedule, risk, and return status of major information management and technology initiatives; and (3) results of major information technology investments and programs in achieving progress toward improvements in mission performance and programmatic outcomes. Requires annual submissions of agency evaluations to the Officer, Director, and Congress. Establishes a Chief Information Officers Council in the executive branch to assist and advise in, and carry out other related activities with respect to, Federal information resource management. Requires the Officer to report annually to Congress on: (1) efforts undertaken to improve the development, application, and management of information resources; and (2) results of major activities undertaken by the Council. Authorizes appropriations to carry out Federal information policy provisions for FY 2001 through 2005. (Sec. 4) Incorporates provisions similar to those under existing law with respect to paperwork reduction. Requires the Director to extend the annual Governmentwide goal for the reduction of information collection burdens by at least five percent through FY 2005. Requires the Director to encourage the use of the Government Information Locator Service to provide information regarding agency information collection activities and opportunities to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of agency collections of information and the reduction of paperwork burdens on the public. Authorizes appropriations to carry out paperwork reduction activities for FY 2001 through 2005. (Sec. 5) Establishes an Office of Information Security and Technical Protection in the Office of Information Policy (established by this Act). Requires the Officer to establish Government-wide policies for the management of programs that: (1) support the cost-effective security of Federal information systems by promoting security as an integral component of each agency's business operations; and (2) include information technology architectures(integrated frameworks for evolving or maintaining existing information technology and acquiring new technology to achieve strategic goals and information resources management goals). Requires such policies to: (1) be founded on a continuous risk management cycle; (2) implement controls that adequately address the risk; (3) promote continuing awareness of information security risks; (4) continually monitor and evaluate information security policy; and (5) control effectiveness of information security practices. Outlines information security responsibilities of each agency, including the development and implementation of an agency-wide security program for the operations and assets of such agency. Makes each program subject to Officer approval and annual review by agency program officials. Requires each agency to annually undergo an independent evaluation of its information security program and practices. Requires related reports. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 through 2005 to carry out information security provisions. (Sec. 6) Requires the: (1) Secretary of Commerce to develop, issue, review, and update standards and guidance for the security of Federal information systems; (2) Secretary of Defense and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to develop and issue more stringent information security policies for mission critical systems of such entities and ensure the implementation of such policies; (3) Department of Justice to review and update guidance to agencies on legal remedies regarding security incidents and coordination with law enforcement agencies concerning such incidents; (4) General Services Administration to review and update guidance on addressing security considerations relating to the acquisition of information technology; and (5) Office of Personnel Management to review and update regulations concerning computer security training for Federal civilian employees. Allows mission critical information security policies developed by the Department of Defense, CIA, and other agencies to be adopted by the Officer and heads of other Federal agencies with respect to mission critical systems of such agencies. Allows agencies to develop and implement more stringent information security policies than those required under this Act. (Sec. 7) Incorporates provisions of the Clinger-Cohen Act with respect to management of information technology. Grants the Officer certain authorities currently granted to the Director. Makes certain information technology provisions inapplicable to national security systems. (Sec. 8) Makes conforming amendments to specified Acts.

To provide for a delayed effective date for the implementation of regulations requiring audible warnings at high-way-rail grade crossings, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000

Amends Federal transportation law to delay the effective date for implementing regulations requiring that a locomotive horn be sounded by each train that approaches and enters upon each public highway-rail grade crossing. Amends the definition of supplementary safety measure which does not require the sounding of a locomotive horn for the prevention of highway-rail casualties. Excludes from such definition adequate median barriers that prevent movement around crossing gates. Repeals the exclusion from (thus including in) the meaning of supplementary safety measure any flashing lights with gates that do not completely block travel over the line of railroad.

Local Participation in Railroad Operations Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000

Local Participation in Railroad Operations Act - Amends Federal transportation law to prohibit rail carriers from constructing, developing, or expanding railroad maintenance facilities, intermodal rail transfer facilities, railroad sidings, railroad bridges, railroad yards, or other railroad facilities unless the Surface Transportation Board determines that the rail carrier has provided affected local communities with notice and an opportunity to be heard with respect to such activities. Sets forth requirements with respect to such public meetings. Prohibits the Board from approving the consolidation, merger, and acquisition of control of a rail carrier by one or more rail carriers unless it has received assurances that the rail carriers have addressed adequately and will continue to address adequately problems identified with respect to the quality of life and safety of persons who live, work, or are for any other reason near railroad tracks. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to publish in the Federal Register proposed regulations for reducing noise pollution generated from railroad operations and railroad facilities. Sets forth certain regulation requirements. Repeals a section of the Noise Control Act of 1972 regarding railroad noise emission standards upon the issuance of the final regulations under this Act.

To amend title 49, United States Code, to waive federal preemption of State law providing for the awarding of punitive damages against motor carriers for engaging in unfair or deceptive trade practices in the processing of claims relating to loss, damage, injury, or delay in connection with transportation of property in interstate commerce.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000

Amends Federal transportation law to declare that no provision of Federal law shall limit the liability of a motor carrier for punitive damages authorized under State law for any act or omission in connection with the investigation, settlement, adjudication, or other aspect of a claim for loss, damage, injury, or delay of transported property that constitutes an unfair or deceptive trade practice.

Maritime Safety Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000

Maritime Safety Act of 2000 - Amends Federal shipping law to prohibit any nontank (and non- fishing) vessel over 300 gross tons carrying oil as fuel from operating on U.S. navigable waters without an approved response plan for the prevention, containment, and cleanup of oil spills and for the protection from such a spill of fisheries and wildlife, natural resources, and public and private property. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to issue minimum requirements for such plans. Prescribes procedures for submittal, review, and the Secretary's approval of such plans. Increases the maximum liability of nontank vessels for oil spills to the greater of : (1) $806 (currently $600) per gross ton; or (2) $672,000 (currently $500,000). Requires any passenger vessel, small passenger vessel, and freight vessel (including a foreign vessel) subject to inspection to be equipped with a voyage data recorder of a type prescribed by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations for the immediate investigation of responses to marine casualties. Requires certain vessels, including small passenger and towing vessels, to be equipped with a position indicating transponder and an appropriate situation display or other device suitable for accessing information made available by the transponder system. Authorizes the Secretary to prohibit the loading or unloading of a vessel in any port or place subject to U.S. jurisdiction if the vessel is registered in a country that fails to adequately enforce safety standards prescribed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on: (1) the five such countries with the greatest number of registered vessels detained by the Coast Guard in 1999 for violation of such safety standards; and (2) whether those countries have, since December 31, 1999, adequately enforced such standards. Directs the Secretary to seek to negotiate at the IMO the elimination of single hull bunker tanks on commercial vessels capable of carrying more than 1,000 barrels of fuel on board.

To direct the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration to issue standards for the use of motorized skate boards.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000

Directs the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration to issue standards for the use of motorized skate boards.

Recognizing the historic significance of the 100th anniversary of the AAA Ohio Motorists Association, and extending best wishes for the continued success of the organization.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2000

Recognizes the historic significance of the 100th anniversary of the AAA Ohio Motorists Association.

Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Bulgaria establishing certain conditions for the carriage of goods by road and the promotion of combined transport

European Union · EUR-Lex · 26 July 2000

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the proposed merger of United Airlines and US Airways is in consistent with the public interest and public convenience and necessity policy set forth in section 40101 of title 49, United States Code.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2000

Expresses the sense of the Senate about its concern about the proposed United Airlines-U.S. Airways merger because of its potential to leave consumers with fewer travel options, higher fares, and lowered levels of service. Declares that the potential consumer detriments from the proposed merger outweigh the potential consumer benefits.

Airline Competition Preservation Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2000

Airline Competition Preservation Act of 2000 - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize the Secretary of Transportation, on his or her own initiative or on a complaint, to: (1) investigate to determine whether an air carrier is charging a fare or an average fare for interstate air transportation on a route that is unreasonably high; and (2) upon an affirmative finding, order the carrier to reduce the fare, offer the reduced fare for a specific number of seats on the route, and offer rebates to individuals who have been charged the fare. Provides for a situation where, with respect to an interstate route to or from a hub airport, a dominant air carrier (which accounts for more than 50 percent of total annual boardings) at the airport: (1) institutes or changes its fares in a manner that results in fares lower than or comparable to those offered by a new entrant air carrier; and (2) increases the passenger capacity at which such fares are offered to a level which is two or more times the capacity previously offered by the carrier at such fares on the route, and two or more times the total capacity offered by the new entrant air carrier on the route. Requires the dominant air carrier in such a situation, in the two-year period beginning when such fares and additional capacity are instituted, to continue to offer such fares with respect to at least 80 percent of the highest number of seats per week for which the dominant air carrier has offered them. Authorizes the Secretary, on his or her own initiative or on a complaint, to: (1) investigate to determine whether a dominant air carrier at a hub airport is charging higher than average fares at the airport; and (2) upon an affirmative finding, order the carrier to take specified actions to increase opportunities for competition at the hub airport. Makes this Act effective immediately upon the Secretary's determination that three or fewer air carriers account for 70 percent or more of the scheduled revenue passenger miles in interstate air transportation as a result of specified consolidations, mergers, or acquisitions.

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the granting of aid for the co-ordination of transport by rail, road and inland waterway

European Union · European Commission · 26 July 2000

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on action by Member States concerning public service requirements and the award of public service contracts in passenger transport by rail, road and inland waterway

European Union · European Commission · 26 July 2000

To amend title 49, United States Code, to allow States to regulate tow truck operations.

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2000

Amends Federal transportation law to exempt from Federal preemption (thus allowing) States to regulate tow truck operations whether or not they are performed without the prior consent or authorization of the transported motor vehicle's owner or operator. (Currently, State regulation of the price of for-hire motor vehicle transportation by a tow truck is permitted only if the transportation is performed without such prior consent.)

Community Environmental Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2000

Community Environmental Equity Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to define "covered substance" to mean hazardous contaminants, chemicals, materials, wastes, and substances listed, identified, or defined in specified laws or designated by the President. Prohibits any entity that handles, manages, treats, releases, disposes, stores, transports, or delivers covered substances from disproportionately exposing any individual or community, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, to any covered substance. Authorizes enforcement: (1) by denial or termination of authorization to handle, manage, treat, release, discharge, dispose, store, transport, remove, move, or deliver covered substances; (2) by any other means authorized by law; and (3) for entities receiving Federal financial assistance, through specified compliance provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Broadband Internet Regulatory Relief Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2000

Broadband Internet Regulatory Relief Act of 2000 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to state that an incumbent local exchange carrier (carrier) shall not be subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations with respect to: (1) the duty to provide to other requesting carriers interconnection with or notice of changes regarding any packet-based functionality of the carrier's network; (2) any network element that consists of or is created by a packet-switched or successor technology; (3) the provision of advanced service; (4) any premises or structure used solely for packet-switched or successor network elements; or (5) any optical fiber in the carrier's distribution network that is used exclusively to provide telecommunications services to residential subscribers that is or was either deployed: (i) where previously no outside telephone distribution plant existed; (ii) as a replacement for such a plant; or (iii) from a remote terminal to a customer premises (with an added requirement that such facilities be capable of providing certain services through the upgrade of electronics). Requires such carrier to make advanced service available: (1) to 80 percent of its customers in a State within three years after enactment of this Act, where such services can be provided using an industry-approved standard and existing loop facilities; and (2) within five years of such date, upon request of any customer. Allows carriers that meet such time limits to continue to receive the regulatory relief provided under this Act, while discontinuing such relief for failure to do so. Prohibits advanced service offered by such carriers from being subject to common carrier regulation by the FCC or a State in any exchange where advanced service is being provided by an unaffiliated advanced service provider. Allows for a petition to the FCC for such regulatory relief. Prohibits Federal or State regulation in any geographic area in which the carrier was not the local incumbent exchange carrier on February 8, 1996. States that, for services not found to be subject to unaffiliated competition, the carrier furnishing advanced service must file with the FCC a schedule of charges and practices. Discontinues the regulatory relief provided under this Act for a carrier for which a State makes a final determination of failure to comply with FCC or State rules concerning collocation or loop provisioning (with authorized reinstatement). Requires carriers using equipment located in a remote terminal to provide to any requesting telecommunications carrier access to subloop elements at such terminal for the provision of advanced services and rights-of- way for such purposes. Mandates that no carrier shall be required to: (1) make any payment for the transport, delivery, or termination of telecommunications to the Internet or any Internet service provider (making such actions subject to exclusive FCC jurisdiction); or (2) provide network elements on an unbundled basis unless those elements are to be used predominately to provide telephone exchange service.

"Sofia Connection III - Rumänische Leihverträge"

Austria · Federal Council · 19 July 2000

Anfrage der Bundesräte Albrecht Konecny und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend "Sofia Connection III" - Rumänische Leihverträge <i>(Verdacht illegaler Praktiken von Spediteuren und Frächtern</i> <i>bei grenzüberschreitenden Transporten)</i>

Flugrettung

Austria · Federal Council · 19 July 2000

Anfrage der Bundesräte Klaus Gasteiger und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Inneres betreffend Privatisierung der Flugrettung

Air Travelers Fair Treatment Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2000

Air Travelers Fair Treatment Act of 2000 - Amends Federal transportation law to make it an unfair or deceptive practice and an unfair method of competition for an air carrier or foreign air carrier to fail to provide a passenger with an accurate explanation of the reasons for a flight delay, cancellation, or diversion from a ticketed itinerary. (Sec. 2) Makes it an unfair or deceptive practice and an unfair method of competition for an air carrier or foreign air carrier to: (1) prohibit a person (including a governmental entity) that purchases air transportation from only using a portion of the air transportation purchased (including only for one-way travel instead of round-trip travel); or (2) assess an additional fee on or charge to such a person or any ticket agent that sold the air transportation to such person. Makes it an unfair or deceptive practice and an unfair method of competition for an air carrier or foreign air carrier, in the case of a termination, cancellation, nonrenewal, or substantial change in the competitive circumstances of the appointment of a ticket agent by an air carrier or foreign air carrier, to fail: (1) to provide the ticket agent with written notice, and a full statement of reasons for the action, on or before the 90th day preceding the action; and (2) to provide the ticket agent with at least 60 days to correct any deficiency claimed. Exempts from this rule cases of insolvency, an assignment for the benefit of creditors, bankruptcy, or nonpayment of sums due under the appointment. (Sec. 3) Modifies Federal preemption of State authority over air transportation prices, routes, and service to preempt only direct State prescription of such prices, routes, or levels of service. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations to establish minimum standards for resuscitation, emergency medical, and first-aid equipment and supplies to be carried on board an aircraft capable of carrying at least 30 passengers. Prohibits air carriers or foreign air carriers from preventing, hindering, or failing to assist any passenger from exiting an aircraft (under the same circumstances as any flight crew member may exit) if: (1) the aircraft is parked over an hour past its scheduled departure time at an airport terminal gate with access to ramp or other boarding and deplaning facilities; and (2) the aircraft captain has not been informed by air traffic control authorities that the aircraft can be cleared for departure within 15 minutes. (Sec. 5) Establishes the National Commission to Ensure Consumer Information and Choice in the Airline Industry to study and report policy recommendations to the President and the Congress on: (1) consumer access to information about airline industry products and services; and (2) the impediments imposed by the airline industry on distributors of the industry's products and services, including travel agents and Internet-based distributors.

Lärmbelästigung durch Motorräder

Austria · Federal Council · 18 July 2000

Anfrage der Bundesräte Ing. Walter Grasberger und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend Lärmbelästigung durch Motorräder

Tariff Suspension and Trade Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2000

Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2000 - Title I: Tariff Provisions - Subtitle A: Temporary Duty Suspensions and Reductions - Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to provide for temporary duty suspensions through December 31, 2003 for: (1) certain HIV-AIDS drugs; (2) specified chemicals and dyes; (3) instant print film in rolls; (4) certain compound optical microscopes; (5) certain cathode-ray tubes; (6) certain categories of raw cotton; (7) rhinovirus drugs; (8) tungsten concentrates; (9) certain ion-exchange resin; (10) vision inspection systems; (11) anode presses; (12) trim and form for forming capacitor leads; (13) certain assembly machines; (14) certain herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides; (15) rackers used for attaching raw anodes to process bars; (16) certain self-adhesive sheets; (17) certain polyamides; (18) certain plastic additives; (19) a certain organic surface-active agent; (20) monochrome glass envelopes; and (21) ceramic coater for laying down and drying ceramic. Reduces the duty through December 31, 2003 on: (1) color instant print film; (2) certain cathode-ray tubes; (3) a certain herbicide and fungicide; and (4) specified chemicals. Reduces the duty on a certain chemical for the period December 31, 2000, through December 31, 2003. Reduces the duty on certain dyes for the period December 31, 2000, through December 31, 2002. Extends the existing suspension of duty through December 31, 2003 for: (1) certain chemicals and dyes; (2) a certain polymer; and (3) certain semi-manufactured forms of gold. Grants duty-free treatment to certain chemicals through December 31, 2003. Subtitle B: Other Tariff Provisions - Directs the U.S. Customs service to liquidate or reliquidate (refund duty on) specified entries with respect to: (1) certain telephone systems; (2) certain color television receivers; (3) copper and brass sheet and strips; and (4) certain antifriction bearings. Product Development and Testing Act of 2000 - Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to grant duty-free treatment to imports of prototypes used to promote product development, testing, product evaluation or quality control in the United States. Dog and Cat Protection Act of 2000 - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to make it unlawful for any person to: (1) import into, or export from, the United States any dog or cat fur product; or (2) introduce into interstate commerce, manufacture for introduction into interstate commerce, sell or offer to sell, trade, advertise, or transport or distribute in interstate commerce, any dog or cat fur product. Sets forth certain exceptions. Subjects a person to civil penalties for violations of this Act. (Sec. 1431) Changes from discretionary to mandatory the Secretary of the Treasury's authority to prescribe an alternative mid-point interest accounting methodology with respect to the assessment of interest due to an underpayment of duties, fees, or interest. (Sec. 1432) Exempts from provisions requiring the arrival of certain vessels to make formal entry at a U.S. customhouse any vessel required to anchor at the Belle Isle Anchorage, Michigan, for purposes of awaiting the availability of cargo or berthing space or for taking on a pilot or awaiting pilot services, or at the direction of the Coast Guard, before proceeding to the Port of Toledo, Ohio, where the vessel makes entry or obtains clearance to enter a customhouse. (Sec. 1433) Directs the Commissioner of the Customs Service to designate the San Antonio International Airport in San Antonio, Texas, as an airport at which certain private aircraft arriving in the United States from a foreign area may land for processing by the Customs Service. (Sec. 1434) Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish by regulation a separate class of bonded warehouse for the storage and manipulation of international travel merchandise (duty-free or domestic merchandise which is placed on board aircraft on international flights for sale to passengers, but which is not merchandise incidental to the operation of a duty-free sales enterprise) pending its placement on board aircraft departing for foreign destinations. Sets forth specified requirements with respect to the treatment of such merchandise stored at bonded warehouses and staging areas (outside of the warehouse). (Sec. 1435) Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to decrease the rate of duty, over a specified period of time, on goods purchased abroad and brought back into the United States by U.S. travelers. (Sec. 1436) Grants duty-free treatment to the personal effects of, and other equipment imported and used by, participants, their families and associated members, and officials involved in an athletic event held in the United States like the Olympics, the Goodwill Games, the Special Olympics World Games, the World Cup Soccer Games, or any similar international athletic event. Declares that such articles shall be: (1) free of applicable taxes and fees; but (2) not exempt from routine customs inspections. (Sec. 1437) Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to permit collection of customs fees for the arrival of certain ferries. (Sec. 1438) Directs the U.S. Customs Service to treat N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazolesulfenamide and N-tert-Butyl-2-benzothiazolesulfenamide as 'commercially interchangeable" for purposes of allowing a drawback (refund of duty) on imports of N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazolesulfenamide (certain rubber vulcanized accelerators). (Sec. 1439) Exempts gum arabic and other byproducts (other than balsams, tragacanth, and karaya) from the prohibition on the import of products from Sudan. (Sec. 1440) Directs the Commissioner of Customs to implement a fee-for-service agreement with Broward County, Florida, to provide personnel and infrastructure necessary to conduct cargo clearance, inspection, and other customs services in order to accommodate international air cargo carriers for a two year period if and when such county enters into a contract with one or more such carriers for services at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. (Sec. 1441) Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to substitution of finished petroleum derivatives. (Sec. 1442) Authorizes the U.S. Customs Service, upon application of an importer, to treat as a single entry for tariff treatment purposes two or more entries of merchandise that are part of a single commercial transaction but are imported into the United States in such multiple separate entries due to the size or nature of the merchandise or due to the inability of the carrier to include all of the merchandise in a single shipment. (Sec. 1443) Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report to Congress on U.S. customs procedures. Subtitle C: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act. Title II: Other Trade Provisions - Declares that a worker shall be certified by the Secretary of Labor as eligible to apply for trade adjustment assistance under the Trade Act of 1974 if such worker was: (1) determined to be covered under Trade Adjustment Assistance Certification TA-W-31,402; and (2) necessary for the environmental remediation or closure of a copper mining facility. (Sec. 2002) Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to cigarettes manufactured for export, but which nevertheless are sold domestically. Sets additional restrictions on tobacco products labeled for export. (Sec. 2004) Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to set forth certain restrictions with respect to the importation of certain cigarettes. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of such requirements.

Kürzung der Bundesstraßenbaumittel für das Bundesland Tirol

Austria · Federal Council · 17 July 2000

Anfrage der Bundesräte Klaus Gasteiger und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend Kürzung der Bundesstraßenbaumittel für das Bundesland Tirol

Transport Bill

United Kingdom · House of Lords · 17 July 2000

Transport Bill

United Kingdom · House of Lords · 17 July 2000