Recent Legislation Affecting Families

Public Law 104-65 (enacted December 19, 1995)--the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 requires that each person who spends at least 20 percent of his/ her time lobbying Members of Congress, their staff members, or executive branch officials must register as a lobbyist with the Clerk of the House and the Secretary of the Senate. Any person who lobbies on behalf of a foreign government must also register. The registration must identify the lobbyist's client, the issue lobbied, and the amount of money spent on the effort.

Public Law 104-70 (enacted December 23, 1995)--amends the Clean Air Act to provide for an optional provision for the reduction of work-related vehicle trips and miles traveled in ozone non-attainment areas designated as severe. Previously, implementation of a trip reduction program was voluntary rather than mandatory. Under the new law, employers must implement trip reduction programs in non-attainment areas. The State containing the non-attainment area can adopt any program it deems appropriate.

Public Law 104-71 (enacted December 23, 1995)--the Sex Crimes Against Children Prevention Act of 1995 increases the penalties for certain sexual crimes against children. This law includes increased penalties for certain conduct involving the sexual exploitation of children, for use of computers in sexual exploitation of children, and for transportation of children with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. In addition, the law requires the U.S. Sentencing Commission to submit a report to Congress concerning offenses involving child pornography and other sex offenses against children within 180 days.

Public Law 104-72 (enacted December 23, 1995)--authorizes the Director of the U.S. Information Agency to continue to administer an au pair program, which operates on a worldwide basis, through fiscal year 1997.

Public Law 104-73 (enacted December 26, 1995)--the Federally Supported Health Centers Assistance Act of 1995 amends the Public Health Service Act to permanently extend and clarify malpractice coverage for health centers. Federally supported health centers and their doctors, employees, officers, and contractors were insured against loss based upon malpractice under the Federal Tort Claims Act through December 31, 1995. Under this law, coverage is extended through December 31, 1998.

Public Law 104-76 (enacted December 28, 1995)--the Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995 amends the Fair Housing Act by modifying the exemption from certain familial status discrimination prohibitions granted to housing for older persons. Under this amendment, a housing facility will be deemed a senior housing facility if 80 percent of its units are occupied by persons 55 years of age or older, without reference to the facilities and services provided. In addition, a person cannot be held personally liable for monetary damages for a violation of this title if the person reasonably relied, in good faith, on the application of the exemption under this subsection relating to housing for older persons; that is, the person has no actual knowledge that the facility or community was not eligible for such exemption, and the facility or community has stated formally in writing that they comply with the requirements for the exemption.

Public Law 104-95 (enacted January 10, 1996)--amends Title IV of the U.S. Code to limit State taxation of certain pension income. The amendment specifies that no State may impose an income tax on any retirement income of an individual who is not a resident or domiciliary of the State.

Public Law 104-104 (enacted February 8, 1996)--the Telecommunications Act of 1996 rewrites the Nation's telecommunications laws, promoting competition and removing some regulations on telephone, cable, and broadcast companies. New regulations open the local telephone monopolies to competition and place restraints on the regional Bell telephone companies as they enter the long-distance and equipment markets now forbidden to them by court order. In addition, new rules shape competition in video services among telephone companies, cable carriers, satellite services, and broadcasters.

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