Coats Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1998

enactedUnited States· United States Congress· EN

Introduced

23 June 1998

Last action

27 October 1998 · President

Status

Became Public Law No: 105-285.

Summary

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Head Start Programs Title II: Community Services Block Grant Program Title III: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Title IV: Assets for Independence Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1998 - Title I: Head Start Programs - Head Start Amendments of 1998 - Amends the Head Start Act to reauthorize and revise its programs. (Sec. 103) Revises the statement of purpose to promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of low income children. (Sec. 104) Revises definitions of family literacy services, of full-working-day, and of migrant or seasonal Head Start program. Adds definitions of child with a disability and of reliable and replicable research. (Sec. 105) Provides for financial assistance to Head Start programs that enable children to attain school readiness (as well as to attain their full potential). (Sec. 106) Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for Head Start program activities. Directs the Secretary of Education to make available certain amounts for such program activities, transition activities, impact studies, and other research and evaluation activities. (Sec. 107) Revises requirements for allotment of funds. Allows set-aside funds to be used for: (1) activities related to correcting deficiencies and conducting proceedings to terminate the designation of Head Start agencies; and (2) research and evaluation. Revises funding for Indian and migrant and seasonal Head Start programs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) continue the administrative arrangement for meeting the needs of migrant and Indian children; and (2) assure that appropriate funds are provided to meet the needs of such children. Revises requirements relating to use of quality improvement funds for: (1) children with disabilities; (2) encouraging staff training; and (3) staff training related to promotion of language skills and literacy growth of children and the acquisition of English for children from non-English-speaking backgrounds. Requires that each State initially receive an amount of Head Start funds equal to the amount received in FY 1998. Revises various requirements for collaboration grants. Directs the Secretary to provide supplemental funding to: (1) States that develop unified plans for early childhood education and child care that include participation of Head Start agencies; and (2) States that engage in other innovative collaborations. Requires the Secretary to: (1) review barriers to collaboration; (2) develop initiatives to eliminate such barriers; and (3) develop a mechanism to resolve conflicts between programs. Increases the amount of funds set-aside for Early Head Start. Authorizes the Secretary to reduce these amounts, if necessary to avoid a reduction in Head Start services or quality, subject to certain conditions. Revises requirements relating to enrollment of children with disabilities. Directs the Secretary to consider specified factors concerning applicants in awarding expansion funds. (Sec. 108) Revises requirements relating to designation of Head Start agencies. Allows designation of for-profit organizations. Directs the Secretary, in making such designations, to: (1) consult with the State Governor; (2) give priority to existing Head Start grantees or their successors, unless the agency has failed to meet certain requirements; (3) give priority to Head Start agencies that have met or exceeded performance standards and performance measures; and (4) consider an applicant's plan to seek parent involvement and meet the needs of non-English background children and children with disabilities. Authorizes the Secretary to designate an interim Head Start grantee until a qualified applicant from the community is designated. (Sec. 109) Requires education performance standards to ensure children's school readiness and development of a minimum level of literacy awareness and understanding. Requires performance measures to assess the impact of the services provided to children and their families. Revises monitoring provisions to require: (1) review teams to include individuals knowledgeable about the needs of children with disabilities; and (2) reviews to include a review and assessment of program effectiveness in accordance with outcome-based performance measures and performance standards. Requires Head Start agencies to: (1) immediately correct any identified deficiencies that threaten health or safety or the integrity of Federal funds; (2) correct a deficiency within 90 days of being informed, if the Secretary determines that 90 days is reasonable; and (3) develop and obtain approval for a quality improvement plan, if required by the Secretary. (Sec. 110) Revises powers and functions of Head Start agencies. (Sec. 111) Revises Head Start transition provisions to require each Head Start agency to coordinate with the local education agency and schools in which participating Head Start children will enroll. (Sec. 112) Allows State Governors 45 days in which to disapprove any plan to carry out a Head Start program within the State through contract, agreement, grant, or other assistance. Prohibits the Secretary from overruling a Governor's disapproval in cases in which the disapproval is because of failure to comply with State health, safety and child care laws and regulations applicable to comparable programs within the State. (Sec. 113) Revises requirements for participation in Head Start regarding: (1) continuing eligibility of children who have participated in the Head Start program and whose families have met the low-income criteria; (2) use of a sliding fee scale for extended day services in full-day programs that operate through collaborations with other agencies or entities; and (3) continuous recruitment and acceptance of applications for Head Start throughout the year. (Sec. 114) Revises requirements for Early Head Start programs for families with infants and toddlers. Adds a reference to infants and toddlers with disabilities. Limits eligibility to pregnant women and families with children under age three. Directs the Secretary to use a portion of Early Head Start funds for monitoring, training, technical assistance, and evaluation. (Sec. 115) Directs the Secretary to: (1) ensure provision of technical assistance to Head Start agencies, other entities and States in collaborative efforts to promote full-day, full-year services; and (2) assist Head Start agencies and programs in expediting information sharing about innovative models for providing full-day, full-year services, and in ensuring school readiness of children and meeting education performance standards. (Sec. 116) Requires each Head Start classroom to have a teacher with demonstrated competency to perform certain functions (in addition to certificate and degree requirements already contained in current law). Directs the Secretary to grant a 180-day waiver of degree requirements for Head Start teachers, upon request, if the Head Start agency has unsuccessfully attempted to recruit an individual with the required credential, certificate or degree. (Sec. 117) Requires: (1) comparative studies of children participating in Head Start with eligible children who did not participate; and (2) a national Head Start impact research and a quality improvement study. Title II: Community Services Block Grant Program - Amends the Community Services Block Grant Act to reauthorize and revise its programs. (Sec. 201) Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for community services block grants. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reserve specified portions of annual appropriations for payments to territories, training and technical assistance and other activities, and discretionary activities. Revises or adds provisions relating to: (1) program authorization; (2) apportionment of funds to territories; (3) allotment and payment of funds to States; (4) use of funds by States for grants to eligible entities; (5) State applications and plans; (6) designation and redesignation by States of eligible entities in unserved areas of the State; (7) tripartite boards for eligible entities; (8) direct payment of funds by the Secretary to Indian tribes and tribal organizations; (9) the Secretary's carrying out certain functions of the Act through the Office of Community Services, and through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements; (10) the Secretary's use of set-aside funds for training, technical assistance, planning, evaluation, and data collection activities; (11) State monitoring of eligible entities to determine whether such entities meet performance goals, administrative standards, financial management requirements, and other State requirements; (12) corrective action, termination and reduction of funding, in cases where a State determines that an eligible entity materially fails to comply with the terms of an agreement or the State plan, or to meet appropriate standards, goals, and other State requirements; (13) fiscal controls, audits, and withholding of Federal funds; (14) Federal and State accountability and reporting on the performance of eligible entities; (15) limitations on the use of funds; (16) participation of faith-based organizations in programs under the Act; and (17) the Secretary's use of set-aside funds for discretionary activities involving community economic development, rural community development, and neighborhood innovation projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for: (1) community food and nutrition programs; and (2) national or regional programs designed to provide instructional activities for low-income youth. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 203) Repeals provisions of the Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1986 relating to: (1) interest rates payable on certain rural development loans, and assignment of loan contracts; and (2) demonstration partnership agreements addressing the needs of the poor. Title III: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance - Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to reauthorize and revise its programs. (Sec. 301) Extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) low-income home energy assistance programs (LIHEAP) in general; and (2) the incentive program for leveraging non- Federal resources. (Reduces the authorized amount for the incentive program except in fiscal years when appropriations for the general program reach a specified minimum level.) (Sec. 303) Provides for release of LIHEAP funds in response to emergencies, including a natural disaster, any other event meeting criteria the Secretary determines appropriate, or a significant increase in: (1) home energy supply shortages or disruptions; (2) the cost of home energy; (3) home energy disconnections; (4) participation in a public benefit program such as the food stamp program; or (5) a significant increase in unemployment or layoffs. (Sec. 304) Includes the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the combined Freely Associated States as participants in LIHEAP. (Sec. 306) Prohibits certain transfers out of LIHEAP. (Sec. 307) Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate and report to the Congress on the Residential Energy Assistance Challenge program. (Sec. 308) Increases the amount of funds available for technical assistance, training, and compliance reviews. Authorizes the Secretary to use such funds for: (1) onsite program reviews; and (2) interagency agreements, including agreements with Federal agencies. Title IV: Assets for Independence - Assets for Independence Act - Provides for the establishment of individual development account (IDA) demonstration projects designed to determine: (1) the social, civic, psychological, and economic effects of providing to individuals and families with limited means an incentive to accumulate assets by saving a portion of their earned income in an individual development account; (2) the extent to which an asset-based policy that promotes saving for education, home ownership, and microenterprise development may be used to enable individuals and families with limited means to increase their economic self-sufficiency; and (3) the extent to which an asset-based policy stabilizes and improves families and the community in which they live. (Sec. 404) Limits the use of IDA distributions to specified postsecondary educational, first-home purchase, and business capitalization expenses, as well as transfers to IDAs of family members. (Sec. 405) Allows not-for-profit organizations, State or local government agencies, and tribal governments to apply to the Secretary of HHS for grants for such demonstration projects. Directs the Secretary to publicly announce funding for such projects and make applications widely available to qualified entities. Sets forth criteria for application approval, including project sufficiency, administrative ability, ability to assist participants, commitment of non-Federal funds, and adequacy of information for evaluation. (Sec. 406) Directs the Secretary to make annual grants for four project years for such demonstration projects to entities with approved applications. Limits the amount of such a grant to any qualified entity in a single year to the lesser of $1 million or an amount equal to the amount of non-Federal matching funds. (Sec. 407) Requires each qualified not-for-profit organization receiving a grant to establish a reserve fund for deposit of private and public funds provided for the demonstration project, as well as proceeds from investments. (Sec. 408) Makes an individual eligible for assistance under a demonstration project if the individual is a member of a household that: (1) is eligible for assistance under part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) of title IV of the Social Security Act; or (2) meets certain income and net worth tests. (Sec. 410) Allows IDAs, to which qualified individuals may contribute, to be matched from grant funds by the qualified entity conducting the demonstration project, according to a certain formula, in an amount up to $2,000 per individual ($4,000 per household). (Sec. 411) Provides for local control over such demonstration projects. (Sec. 412) Requires annual progress reports by qualified entities. (Sec. 413) Directs the Secretary to terminate a demonstration project upon determination of noncompliance with requirements and failure to implement corrective recommendations. (Sec. 415) Prohibits considering funds in the IDA of a demonstration project participant as income for purposes of any Federal or federally-assisted program based on need. (Sec. 416) Authorizes appropriations.

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Timeline

23 June 1998
Introduced
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.
Source: IntroReferral
23 June 1998
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
Source: IntroReferral
24 June 1998
Reported
Committee on Labor and Human Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Source: Committee
21 July 1998
Calendars
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 483.
Source: Calendars
21 July 1998
Reported
Committee on Labor and Human Resources. Reported to Senate by Senator Jeffords with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 105-256. Additional views filed.
Source: Committee
21 July 1998
Reported
Committee on Labor and Human Resources. Reported to Senate by Senator Jeffords with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 105-256. Additional views filed.
Source: Committee
27 July 1998
Passed
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S9067-9087)
Source: Floor
27 July 1998
Passed
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S9067-9087)
Source: Floor
28 July 1998
Floor
Held at the desk.
Source: Floor
28 July 1998
Floor
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Source: Floor
28 July 1998
Floor
Received in the House.
Source: Floor
14 September 1998
Passed
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Source: Floor
14 September 1998
Vote
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): 346 - 20 (Roll No. 426).
Source: Floor
14 September 1998
Vote
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): 346 - 20 (Roll No. 426).
Source: Floor
14 September 1998
Floor
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H7620-7643, H7671)
Source: Floor
14 September 1998
Vote
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 5, rule I, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Source: Floor
14 September 1998
Floor
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.
Source: Floor
14 September 1998
Floor
Mr. Sensenbrenner moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Source: Floor
15 September 1998
Floor
Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate bill.
Source: Floor
18 September 1998
Passed
Senate disagreed to House amendment requested conference and appointed conferees. Jeffords; Coats; Gregg; Kennedy; Dodd. (consideration: CR S10617-10633)
Source: ResolvingDifferences
22 September 1998
Floor
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Source: Floor
24 September 1998
Passed
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Source: ResolvingDifferences
24 September 1998
ResolvingDifferences
The Speaker appointed conferees: Goodling, Castle, Souder, Clay, and Martinez.
Source: ResolvingDifferences
24 September 1998
Passed
On motion that the House insist upon its amendment, and agree to a conference Agreed to without objection. (consideration: CR H8602)
Source: ResolvingDifferences
24 September 1998
ResolvingDifferences
Mr. Goodling asked unanimous consent that the House insist upon its amendment, and agree to a conference.
Source: ResolvingDifferences
29 September 1998
ResolvingDifferences
Conference held.
Source: ResolvingDifferences
29 September 1998
ResolvingDifferences
Conference committee actions: Conference held.
Source: ResolvingDifferences
6 October 1998
Passed
Mr. Goodling asked unanimous consent that managers on the part of the House have until midnight on Oct. 6 to file a conference report on S. 2206. Agreed to without objection.
Source: Committee
6 October 1998
Passed
Conferees agreed to file conference report.
Source: ResolvingDifferences
6 October 1998
Passed
Conference committee actions: Conferees agreed to file conference report.
Source: ResolvingDifferences
6 October 1998
ResolvingDifferences
Conference report H. Rept. 105-788 filed. Filed late, pursuant to previous special order. (text of conference report: CR H9697-9719)
Source: ResolvingDifferences
6 October 1998
ResolvingDifferences
Conference report filed: Conference report H. Rept. 105-788 filed. Filed late, pursuant to previous special order.(text of conference report: CR H9697-9719)
Source: ResolvingDifferences
8 October 1998
Floor
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Source: Floor
8 October 1998
ResolvingDifferences
Conference papers: Senate report and managers' statement held at the desk in Senate.
Source: ResolvingDifferences
8 October 1998
Passed
Conference report agreed to in Senate: Senate agreed to conference report by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S11865-11872)
Source: ResolvingDifferences
9 October 1998
Passed
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the conference report Agreed to by voice vote. (consideration: CR 10/8/1998 H10201-10207)
Source: ResolvingDifferences
9 October 1998
Passed
Motions to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Source: ResolvingDifferences
9 October 1998
Passed
Conference report agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the conference report Agreed to by voice vote.(consideration: CR 10/8/1998 H10201-10207)
Source: ResolvingDifferences
9 October 1998
Floor
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the conference report.
Source: Floor
9 October 1998
ResolvingDifferences
Mr. Goodling moved to suspend the rules and agree to the conference report, H. Rept. 105-788.
Source: ResolvingDifferences
15 October 1998
Floor
Presented to President.
Source: Floor
15 October 1998
President
Presented to President.
Source: President
27 October 1998
Became law
Became Public Law No: 105-285.
Source: President
27 October 1998
Became law
Signed by President.
Source: BecameLaw
27 October 1998
President
Signed by President.
Source: President

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

Enrolled Bill · undated · Official file
Public Law · 27 October 1998 · Official file
Engrossed Amendment House · 14 September 1998 · Official file
Engrossed in Senate · 27 July 1998 · Official file
Reported to Senate · 21 July 1998 · Official file
Introduced in Senate · 23 June 1998 · Official file

Documents

16 official files

Enrolled Bill (text)

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Enrolled Bill (text)
Enrolled Bill · EN
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Enrolled Bill (PDF)
Enrolled Bill · EN
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Public Law (text)
Public Law · EN · 27 October 1998
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Public Law (PDF)
Public Law · EN · 27 October 1998
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Conference report filed in House
summary · EN · 6 October 1998
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Engrossed Amendment House (text)
Engrossed Amendment House · EN · 14 September 1998
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Engrossed Amendment House (PDF)
Engrossed Amendment House · EN · 14 September 1998
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Passed House amended
summary · EN · 14 September 1998
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Engrossed in Senate (text)
Engrossed in Senate · EN · 27 July 1998
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Engrossed in Senate (PDF)
Engrossed in Senate · EN · 27 July 1998
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Passed Senate amended
summary · EN · 27 July 1998
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Reported to Senate (text)
Reported to Senate · EN · 21 July 1998
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Reported to Senate (PDF)
Reported to Senate · EN · 21 July 1998
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Introduced in Senate (text)
Introduced in Senate · EN · 23 June 1998
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Introduced in Senate (PDF)
Introduced in Senate · EN · 23 June 1998
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Introduced in Senate
summary · EN · 23 June 1998
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Related records

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Sources

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Official source: https://www.congress.gov/bill/105th-congress/senate-bill/2206
Open data entity: https://api.congress.gov/v3/bill/105/s/2206
us · 105-s-2206 · source updated 21 April 2025