zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Blinded Veterans Paired Organ Act of 2007 - Title I: Low-Vision Benefits Matters - (Sec. 101) Modifies the rate of service-connected total blindness in veterans required for the payment of veterans' disability compensation to a visual acuity of 20/200 (currently, 5/200) or less. (Sec. 102) Modifies the standard for awarding disability compensation to veterans for loss of vision to require payment of compensation for impairment of vision (under current law, blindness) involving both eyes due to a service-connected or non-service-connected disability. Defines such impairment as a visual acuity of 20/200 or less or of a peripheral field of vision of 20 degrees or less. (Sec. 103) Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to furnish to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) information on veterans under the age of 65 for comparison with information on such individuals in the National Directory of New Hires to determine eligibility for certain veterans' health care, compensation, and retirement benefits. Requires the Secretary to notify such veterans that the information is being furnished for such purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate, deny, suspend, or reduce any benefit or service by reason of information obtained from the HHS Secretary only if the Secretary independently verifies the information received. Requires the Secretary to allow an adversely affected individual an opportunity to contest such findings. Terminates, on September 30, 2012, the authority to obtain comparison information from the HHS Secretary. Title II: Burial and Memorial Affairs Matters - (Sec. 201) Authorizes the Secretary, upon request, to furnish in lieu of a headstone or marker a medallion or other device to signify a deceased's status as a veteran to be affixed to a headstone or marker purchased at private expense. (Sec. 202) States that, as of October 1, 2006, a specified federal regulation requiring a state or other political entity to apply to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for reimbursement of a veteran's interment costs within two years after the permanent burial cremation of the body shall have no force and effect as it pertains to unclaimed remains of a deceased veteran. Allows grants to states for establishing, expanding, or improving veterans' cemeteries to also be used for operating and maintaining such cemeteries. Limits to $5 million the aggregate amount of grants awarded in a fiscal year for such purposes. (Sec. 203) Repeals the December 31, 2007, termination date of the authority of the Secretary to furnish a government headstone or marker for the grave of certain veterans buried in private cemeteries, notwithstanding that the grave is marked by a headstone or marker furnished at private expense.

Date: 2007-04-19
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Danielle's Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require state Medicaid plans to require staff working with individuals with a developmental disability or traumatic brain injury to call emergency services in the event of a life-threatening situation.

Date: 2007-05-17
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Health
Pathways to Independence Act of 2007 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to deem individuals with disabilities complying with a modified employability plan to be meeting work participation requirements. Gives states the option to disregard in determining work participation rates any SSI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSA title XVI) and Social Security disability insurance applicants or recipients.

Date: 2007-06-28
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Social welfare
Americans with Disabilities Act Restoration Act of 2007 - Amends the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to remove from the definition of "disability" a reference to substantially limiting one or more major life activities. Prohibits, in determining whether an individual has an impairment, considering whether the individual uses a mitigating measure, the impact of any mitigating measures, or whether the impairment is episodic, in remission, or latent. Defines the term "mitigating measure." Defines "physical" and "mental" (used regarding an impairment), "record of physical or mental impairment," and "regarded as having a physical or mental impairment." Declares that an adverse action taken because of an individual's use of a mitigating measure constitutes discrimination under the Act. Prohibits employment discrimination against an individual on the basis of disability (currently, against a qualified individual with a disability because of the disability). Allows, as a defense to a charge of discrimination, that the individual alleging discrimination is not a qualified individual with a disability. Requires that the Act's provisions be broadly construed. Directs the Attorney General, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to issue guidelines to supplement the existing Minimum Guidelines and Requirements for Accessible Design. Entitles duly issued federal regulations and guidance to deference by administrative agencies or officers and courts.

Date: 2007-07-26
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Civil rights and liberties, minority issues
Blind Persons Earnings Fairness Act of 2008 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to increase, by specified increments over five years, the level of earnings demonstrating the ability of a blind person to engage in substantial gainful activity for purposes of determining disability insurance benefit payments.

Date: 2008-01-25
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Social welfare
Disability Savings Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax exemption for disability savings accounts that have a value of $250,000 or less and are established for beneficiaries under the age of 65 who are blind or disabled.Allows tax-free distributions from such accounts for certain services provided to account beneficiaries, including education services, respite care, clothing, therapy, nutritional management, and funeral and burial expenses.Allows tax credits for contributions of up to $2,000 made to a disability savings account and for certain entities that maintain disability savings accounts.Permits disability savings accounts to be disregarded in determining eligibility for Medicaid benefits and certain other means-tested federal programs.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program for marketing, outreach, and education related to disability savings accounts.

Date: 2008-03-11
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Taxation
Financial Security Accounts for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2008- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish tax-exempt financial security accounts for individuals with disabilities to pay certain expenses of such individuals, including expenses for education, medical care, and employment training.Allows individual taxpayers a tax deduction, up to $2,000 per year, for cash contributions to such an account.Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit the disregard of financial security accounts for disabled individuals in determining eligibility for Medicaid benefits. Permits the disregard of amounts in such accounts for purposes of determining eligibility for certain means-tested federal programs.

Date: 2008-03-11
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Taxation
Veterans Disability Fairness Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in order to carry out the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) quality assurance program with respect to the administration of veterans' disability compensation, to ensure the accuracy and consistency across VA offices of the treatment of claims for disability compensation, including disability rating determinations and whether a disability is service-connected. Requires the Secretary to conduct reviews and audits, at least annually, to identify and correct any inaccuracies or inconsistencies in disability ratings and the adjudication of disability compensation claims by VA regional offices and employees responsible for such ratings or adjudications.

Date: 2008-04-16
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Benefit Rating Acceleration for Veteran Entitlements Act of 2008 - Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to treat as a disability for OASDI and SSI disability payment purposes any service-connected disability rated and certified by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs as total by reason of unemployability, and expected to last at least one year. Applies the same treatment to related child's insurance and widow's and widower's insurance benefits. Makes medical findings by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of total service-connected disability by reason of unemployability conclusive evidence of disability for OASDI and SSI purposes. Requires treatment of any determination of a veteran's disability by the Commissioner of Social Security for OASDI and SSI purposes as a disability or a combination of disabilities rated as 100% disabling by reason of individual unemployability for veterans' benefits purposes. Cautions, however, that such requirement shall not be construed to establish a service-connection or presumption of service-connection with respect to any disability of a veteran.

Date: 2008-04-16
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Social welfare
Javits-Wagner-O'Day and Randolph-Sheppard Modernization Act of 2008 - Establishes the Committee for the Advancement of Individuals with Disabilities. Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act - Reauthorizes the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act program providing for government procurement of goods and services from qualified nonprofit agencies for individuals who are blind or with significant disabilities. Directs the Committee to designate central nonprofit agencies to: (1) facilitate government procurement of such goods and services; (2) establish permanent Javits-Wagner-O'Day Endowment Funds; and (3) makes grants or enter contracts with nonprofit agencies to carry out demonstration projects for the employment of students with significant disabilities. Randolph-Sheppard Act - Reauthorizes the Randolph-Sheppard Act program providing self-support opportunities to licensed vendors with disabilities through the operation of vending machines in federal facilities. (Currently, only blind individuals are provided such opportunities.) Directs the Committee to: (1) identify new vending facility sites for licensed vendors; and (2) provide for the designation of state licensing agencies to issue licenses to such vendors. Exempts contracts for the operation of full food service dining at Department of Defense (DOD) facilities from Javits-Wagner-O'Day program requirements. Gives equal priority to the award of such contracts to: (1) a state licensing agency bidding for the contract under the Randolph-Sheppard Act program; and (2) a small business concern, a HUBZone entity, an Alaska Native Corporation, and other socially-disadvantaged groups. Transfers to the Committee specified functions of the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration of the Department of Education (relating to the Randolph-Sheppard Act program). Repeals former provisions of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act and the Randolph-Sheppard Act.

Date: 2008-06-11
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Health
Disability Benefit Fairness Act of 2009 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to eliminate: (1) the five-month waiting period for an individual (including a disabled widow or widower) to be eligible for benefits based on disability; and (2) any intervening reconsideration from the review process governing decisions on benefit entitlement.

Date: 2009-01-06
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Social welfare
Social Security and Medicare Improved Burn Injury Treatment Access Act of 2009 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to direct the Commissioner of Social Security to waive the application of the five-month Social Security disability waiting period in cases of individuals with disabling burn injuries. Eliminates the 24-month Medicare disability waiting period in cases of individuals with disabling burn injuries, except those with specified health care insurance coverage. Requires that, in determining when the entitlement or status of an individual with a disabling burn injury terminates, the status of the disability be reviewed at least once every three years.

Date: 2009-01-27
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Social welfare
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to provide for full benefits for disabled widows and widowers without regard to age or any previous reduction in OASDI benefits. Declares that there shall be no reduction in the widow's or widower's insurance benefit of an individual for any month in which such individual is under a disability.

Date: 2009-01-28
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Social welfare
Missing Alzheimer's Disease Patient Alert Program Reauthorization of 2009 - Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to reauthorize the Missing Alzheimer's Disease Patient Alert Program through FY2016 and to revise program requirements to: (1) provide for competitive grants to nonprofit organizations to assist in locating missing patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias; (2) expand such program to include locating other missing elderly individuals; (3) require the Attorney General to solicit grants for program applications in the Federal Register and on the Department of Justice (DOJ) website; and (4) establish a preference in awarding grants to national nonprofit organizations that have a direct link to patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and their families (currently, grants may be awarded to only such organizations).

Date: 2009-02-04
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2009 or the ABLE Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish tax-exempt ABLE accounts for individuals with a disability to pay certain expenses of such individuals, including expenses for education, housing, transportation, employment support, medical care, and certain life necessities. Defines "individual with a disability" as an individual who is eligible to receive certain supplemental security income benefits under the Social Security Act.Allows individual taxpayers a tax deduction, up to $2,000 per year, for contributions to an ABLE account. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to Congress on the use of ABLE accounts and the effect of the tax deduction for contributions to such accounts.Requires ABLE accounts to be disregarded in determining eligibility for Medicaid benefits and for purposes of determining eligibility for other means-tested federal programs.

Date: 2009-02-26
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Taxation
Prohibits any entity that receives funds from the federal government from using them to file a class action lawsuit against an intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded on behalf of any facility resident unless the resident (or the resident's legal representative), after receiving notice of the proposed class action lawsuit, has the opportunity to elect not to have the action apply to the resident.

Date: 2009-03-03
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Law
Inclusive Home Design Act of 2009 - Requires, with exceptions, newly constructed, federally assisted single family houses and town houses to include at least one level that complies with the following accessibility features for persons with disabilities: (1) accessible entrance; (2) accessible interior doors; (3) accessible environmental controls; and (4) accessible habitable space and an accessible bathroom. Requires: (1) each applicant for federal financial assistance to submit compliance assurances to the relevant federal agency; and (2) each person who arranges for design or construction of a covered dwelling to submit architectural and construction plans for state or local approval. Prohibits federal financial assistance to a state or local government unit unless the recipient is taking certain enforcement actions with regard to covered dwellings. Permits: (1) private civil actions in a U.S. district court or state court for violations under this Act; and (2) the Attorney General to commence civil actions or intervene in civil actions under this Act.

Date: 2009-03-10
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Housing and community development
Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act or the CLASS Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to create a national, voluntary disability insurance program (CLASS program) under which: (1) all employees are automatically enrolled, but are allowed to waive enrollment; (2) payroll deductions pay monthly premiums; and (3) two-tiered benefits are provided, based on the level of disability, to purchase nonmedical services and supports that the beneficiary needs to maintain independence. Establishes the Independence Fund within the Treasury. Requires the CLASS program to be treated for tax purposes in the same manner as a qualified long-term care insurance contract. Amends the Social Security Act to require each state to: (1) assess the extent to which personal care services providers are serving or able to serve as fiscal agents, employers, and providers of employment-related benefits for personal care attendant workers, who provide personal care services to individuals receiving benefits under this Act; (2) designate or create entities to serve such purposes; and (3) ensure that such entities will not negatively alter or impede existing programs, models, methods, or administration of service delivery that provide for consumer controlled or self-directed home and community services, impede the ability of individuals to direct and control their home and community services, or inhibit individuals from relying on family members for such services. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a Personal Care Attendants Workforce Advisory Panel to examine and advise the Secretary and Congress on workforce issues related to personal care attendant workers. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a deduction for premiums paid for the CLASS program; (2) a credit CLASS program enrollees with low income; and (3) a credit for employers for the cost incurred to automatically enroll employees and withhold monthly premiums.

Date: 2009-03-25
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Health
Authorizes monthly annuity payments under the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to a supplemental or special needs trust established for the sole benefit of a disabled dependent child who is incapable of self-support because of mental or physical incapacity.

Date: 2009-04-23
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Timely Due Process for People with Disabilities Act of 2009 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to direct the Commissioner of Social Security to: (1) establish time frames, within specified limits, to ensure timely disability determinations; and (2) establish a program for the monitoring of disability determinations in reconsideration.

Date: 2009-07-31
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Social welfare
Amends the Americans with Disabilities Act to require that the same access to transportation and public accommodations be afforded to certified trainers of service animals as is afforded to individuals with disabilities who use such animals. Defines "service animal" as a guide dog, signal dog, or other animal trained or being trained to assist an individual with a disability regardless of whether such animal has been licensed or certified by a state or local government.

Date: 2009-12-16
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to study and report to Congress on methods by which blind consumers can gain nonvisual access to consumer electronic devices, electronic kiosks, home appliances, or office technology devices. Requires the Secretary to promulgate a minimum nonvisual access standard for each type of covered device that will ensure nonvisual access to such device by blind consumers. Applies a minimum nonvisual access standard to a covered device that is manufactured after the date that is two years after the date on which such standard is promulgated. Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Nonvisual Access Compliance to assist the Secretary, educate manufacturers, and conduct investigations. Imposes civil penalties in certain circumstances. Allows civil suits by blind consumers against manufacturers for monetary damages and equitable relief. Allows punitive damages for willful or repeated violations. Prohibits construing this Act to limit the rights of blind or low-vision individuals.

Date: 2010-01-27
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Commerce
Promoting Fair Work Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to deem individuals with disabilities complying with a modified employability plan to be meeting work participation requirements. Gives states the option to disregard in determining work participation rates any SSI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSA title XVI) and Social Security disability insurance applicants or recipients.

Date: 2010-04-20
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Social welfare
Seniors Purchasing Power Protection Act - Directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor to prepare and publish a monthly Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers (CPI) that indicates changes over time in expenditures for consumption which are typical for individuals aged 62 years of age or older. Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) to use such new CPI in the computation of cost-of-living increases for Social Security benefits.

Date: 2010-05-11
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Economics and public finance
CPI for Seniors Act of 2010 - Directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the Department of Labor to prepare and publish a monthly index, to be known as the Consumer Price Index for Seniors (CPI-S), that indicates monthly changes in expenditures for consumption that are typical for individuals in the United States who are 62 years of age or older.

Date: 2010-05-13
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Independent Living Centers Technical Adjustment Act - Directs the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration of the Department of Education, in awarding funds in a state during FY2010 to existing centers for independent living for people with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, if certain conditions are satisfied, to distribute such funds among such centers according to a proportional allocation, disregarding any funds previously distributed from appropriations by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Sets as such conditions that: (1) the Commissioner receives from the state, by August 5, 2010, a request to disregard ARRA funds, jointly signed by the designated state unit that receives and disburses funds to such centers and the state's Statewide Independent Living Council; and (2) the Commissioner is not conducting a competition to establish a new center for independent living in the state with ARRA funds. Requires the distribution of funds among such centers in a state for FY2010 (except under ARRA) to be in the same proportion as the regular funds appropriated for FY2009 for such centers, disregarding any ARRA funds. Requires continued disregard of ARRA funds in the allocation of funds for such centers in FY2011 and subsequent fiscal years. Authorizes the director of the designated state unit with approval to award funds to existing centers for independent living in the state to: (1) distribute non-ARRA funds among such centers during FY2010 in the same proportion as such funds were distributed in FY2009, disregarding ARRA funds; and (2) continue disregarding ARRA funds in distributions for FY2011 and subsequent fiscal years.

Date: 2010-06-28
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Social welfare
Training and Research for Autism Improvements Nationwide Act or the TRAIN Act of 2010 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service to provide individuals (including children and adults on the autism spectrum, families of such children and adults, health professionals, and vocational training and educational professionals) with interdisciplinary training, continuing education, technical assistance, and information for the purpose of improving services rendered to such children and adults and their families to address unmet needs related to autism spectrum disorder. Sets forth application requirements for a Center desiring to receive a grant, which shall include providing assurances that activities under the grant will be planned and designed with the participation of such individuals and their families. Authorizes the Secretary to reserve not more than 2% of the amount appropriated for this Act for a fiscal year to make a grant to a national organization with a demonstrated capacity for providing training and technical assistance, including to: (1) assist in national dissemination of information from interdisciplinary training programs; (2) compile and disseminate effective strategies and materials for the provision of training and technical assistance; (3) assist in the coordination of activities of grantees; (4) develop or enhance a web portal that will provide links to individual training initiatives and access to training modules, promising training, and technical assistance practices and other materials developed by grantees; and (5) serve as a resource for federal and state policymakers. Requires the Secretary to award multiyear grants to not more than four Centers to: (1) collaborate with minority institutions to provide services to individuals on the autism spectrum who are from racial and ethnic minority populations and their families and to conduct research and education focused on racial and ethnic minority populations, and (2) build capacity within such institutions to enable such institutions to apply to become Centers capable of providing services, research, and education. Directs the Secretary to give priority to applicants that demonstrate collaboration with minority institutions that: (1) have demonstrated capacity to meet the requirements of this Act and provide services to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, or (2) are located in a state with one or more underserved populations.

Date: 2010-07-15
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Health
Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act of 2010 - Establishes as an independent federal entity the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or People With Other Significant Disabilities. (Effectively replacing the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled.) Requires the Committee to establish and publish in the Federal Register a list of products and services suitable for federal government procurement which are provided by qualified nonprofit agencies for people who are blind or for people with other significant disabilities. Requires federal agencies to procure from such qualified nonprofit agencies, at a Committee-established price, products (except prison-made products) or services essentially the same as those on the procurement list. Requires the Committee to designate a tax-exempt central nonprofit agency or agencies for people who are blind and one or more for people with other significant disabilities, which shall evaluate their respective nonprofit agencies and recommend suitable products or services to add to the procurement list. Authorizes the Committee to conduct pilot or demonstration projects on methods to increase the use of: (1) such products or services by the federal government; as well as (2) people who are blind and people with other significant disabilities. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to require the Committee Chairman to: (1) appoint an Inspector General for the Committee; and (2) establish a Panel on the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or People With Other Significant Disabilities. Establishes in the general fund of the Treasury in a separate account a Committee for Purchase Fund for the collection and deposit of fees from each central nonprofit agency. Repeals the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act.

Date: 2010-07-30
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Preventing Social Security Fraud Act of 2010 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to require an insurance issuer providing private disability insurance coverage, at the time at which the issuer takes specified action which constitutes a presumed entitlement benefit reduction, to certify to the Commissioner of Social Security that there is reasonable cause to assume that the individual covered by the disability insurance is under a disability and is, or upon application would be, entitled to disability insurance benefits. Specifies such an action as one which has the effect of reducing an individual's covered benefits by reason of the individual's failure to: (1) apply for disability insurance benefits or child's, widow's, or widower's insurance benefits based on disability; or (2) timely request a hearing (or an administrative review prior to such a hearing) with respect to such benefits. Requires the Commissioner to include on any benefits application form a question as to whether the applicant has been requested by the insurance issuer, or any other person on the issuer's behalf, to file the application. Provides penalties for furnishing or causing to be furnished false information in such a certification or failing to timely provide such certification in order to willfully, knowingly, and with intent to deceive the Commissioner.

Date: 2010-07-30
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Social welfare
Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers an income tax credit of up to $500 for the purchase of a hearing aid for the use of the taxpayer or a dependent.

Date: 2009-05-11
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Taxation
Office of Disability Coordination Act of 2009 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to: (1) establish within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) an Office of Disability Coordination, to be headed by the Disability Coordinator; (2) require the Coordinator's position to be established as a Senior Executive Service position to be filled by a career appointee; (3) direct the Administrator of FEMA, in appointing the Coordinator, to give special consideration to emergency management experience and knowledge of issues relating to individuals with disabilities; and (4) require the Administrator to appoint a Regional Disability Coordinator for each regional office and for the Office of National Capital Region Coordination.

Date: 2009-06-25
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Emergency management
Wounded Veteran Job Security Act of 2009 - Entitles a person who is absent from employment by reason of the receipt of medical treatment for a service-connected disability (absent employee) to: (1) be retained by the person's employer; (2) the seniority and other rights and benefits determined by seniority that the person had on the commencement of such treatment plus the additional seniority and rights and benefits that the person would have attained if the person had remained continuously employed; and (3) be considered on furlough or leave of absence during such treatment and therefore entitled to other rights and benefits not determined by seniority as are other persons of similar seniority, status, and pay who are on furlough or leave of absence. Terminates such entitlement when a person knowingly provides written notice of the intent not to return to such position following treatment. Allows the absent employee to use any vacation, annual, medical, or similar leave with pay accrued before the commencement of the treatment. Provides that an employer shall not be required to comply with the requirements of this Act if: (1) the employer's circumstances have so changed as to make such compliance impossible or unreasonable; (2) such compliance would pose an undue hardship on the employer; or (3) the employment in question is for a brief, nonrecurring period without a reasonable expectation of continuing indefinitely or for a significant period. Applies health insurance continuation requirements to absences from employment described in this Act. Prohibits any employer discrimination or acts of reprisal against an absent employee.

Date: 2009-08-06
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Reengaging Americans in Serious Education by Uniting Programs Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to award competitive, renewable, five-year grants to eligible partnerships to assist them in providing disadvantaged youth with the support needed to: (1) graduate from secondary school; (2) attain a postsecondary credential, including those offered by institutions of higher education, industry groups, or registered apprenticeship programs; and (3) secure and succeed in a family-supporting career. Requires each eligible partnership to include: (1) the head of the local government assisted by the grant; (2) disadvantaged youth and their caregivers; (3) representatives from certain state and local service agencies; (4) representatives from certain educational entities; and (5) a representative from a community-based organization, a youth-serving nonprofit agency, a labor-management committee, and a business. Requires grantees to award subgrants and contracts to community-based organizations and other entities for the provision of a comprehensive array of coordinated services to disadvantaged youth that include workforce preparation, education support, and youth support services. Establishes an accountability system for measuring the performance of each grantee against specified interim, transitional, and long-term indicators of success. Directs the Secretary to: (1) award a grant or contract to an entity outside the Department of Labor for an evaluation of grant-assisted activities; (2) disseminate best practices that emerge from the partnership grant program; and (3) provide training, technical assistance, and professional development for organizations serving disadvantaged youth, including organizations that do not receive funding under this Act.

Date: 2009-08-06
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Education
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2011 the increased rehabilitation tax credit for buildings located in the Gulf Opportunity Zone.

Date: 2009-10-22
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 to extend through 2012 the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to use physicians other than VA employees to conduct medical disability evaluations of VA benefit applicants.

Date: 2010-07-19
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Disability Benefit Fairness Act of 2011 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to eliminate: (1) the five-month waiting period for an individual (including a disabled widow or widower) to be eligible for benefits based on disability; and (2) any intervening reconsideration from the review process governing decisions on benefit entitlement.

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Social welfare
Social Security Fairness for the Terminally Ill Act of 2011 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the waiting period for disability insurance benefits for terminally ill individuals.

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Social welfare
Transition toward Excellence, Achievement, and Mobility through Empowerment Act of 2011 or the TEAM-Empowerment Act of 2011 - Amends the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award competitive grants to states for the development and implementation of an individual transition plan (ITP) for each individual with a developmental disability in the state who is transitioning from secondary school into adulthood. Requires ITPs to assist the developmentally disabled achieve integrated employment, postsecondary education, independent living, and community engagement. Requires each grantee to establish a transition planning and services (TPS) administrative unit within its intellectual and developmental disabilities agency to develop, and assist in the implementation of, ITPs. Requires that unit to offer strategies, training, and information to the developmentally disabled and their families that facilitates their participation in the transition process. States that ITPs are to: (1) apply until an individual's 26th birthday; (2) be reviewed annually and updated as needed; (3) be developed during in-person meetings that include the individual and his or her family; and (4) address the individual's needs in the areas of postsecondary education, career preparation and work-based learning, development and leadership, connecting activities, and family involvement and supports. Requires the TPS administrative unit to use transition brokers to: (1) facilitate coordination among state agencies in the development of ITPs; and (2) assist the developmentally disabled, consistent with their ITPs, in navigating the complex system of supports and services available through federal and state programs.

Date: 2011-02-10
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Education
Transition toward Excellence, Achievement, and Mobility through Employment Act of 2011 or TEAM-Employment Act of 2011 - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to extend from 18 to 48 months the length of time a designated state unit may provide supported employment services, including: (1) activities related to customized employment, or (2) a set of activities implemented during the search for employment leading to an integrated employment outcome for an individual with a disability. Authorizes the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration of the Department of Education to make up to ten grants to or contracts with eligible entities to pay all or part of the cost of special demonstration programs that expand and improve rehabilitation, employment, and other services for adults and youths with disabilities. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary of Education for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to provide, for FY2012-FY2016, grants to eligible entities to carry out certain activities to help youths between the ages of 14 and 26 with significant disabilities to transition to adulthood. Includes among such activities development and provision of: (1) innovative and effective practices through person-centered planning processes for attaining integrated employment experiences, including customized employment, supported employment services, and employment experiences after school, on weekends, and in the summer months; (2) certain educational-, work-, and family-related objectives and activities based upon the highest expectations of such youths; (3) appropriate and effective curricula and the deployment of professionals with expertise to provide training to school personnel to assist such youths to obtain integrated employment at the greater of minimum or competitive wages; and (4) assistance to such youths and their families to help determine appropriate services under federal and state programs. Limits an eligible entity to one grant or contract during a five-year period. Prohibits the use of grant funds for activities that result in such youths being placed in facility-based segregated services as an employment outcome or post-secondary outcome. Establishes a National Coordination Center on Systems Change and Transformation in the Transition of Youths with Significant Disabilities into Adulthood.

Date: 2011-02-10
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Labor and employment
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based tax credit, up to $5,000 in a taxable year, for legal expenses paid to establish a legal guardianship of a disabled individual.

Date: 2011-03-02
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Taxation
ADA Notification Act of 2011 - Amends the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to deny jurisdiction to a state or federal court in a civil action a plaintiff commences for remedies for disability discrimination in public accommodations and certain services provided by private entities unless: (1) the plaintiff notified the defendant in writing of the alleged violations prior to filing the complaint, (2) the notice identified the specific facts that constitute the alleged violation, (3) a remedial period of 90 days elapses after the notice, (4) the notice informed the defendant that the civil action could not be commenced for 90 days, and (5) the complaint states that the defendant has not corrected the alleged violation.

Date: 2011-03-02
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Law
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act - Reauthorizes the Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004 for FY2012-FY2016.Directs the Secretary of State to act through the Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs in awarding grants or entering agreements with Special Olympics for activities outside the United States. Includes community-based prevention among the activities for which the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) may award grants or enter into agreements with Special Olympics. Requires grant or agreement applications to include a description of specific measurable annual benchmarks, as well as long-term goals and objectives, to be achieved through specified activities, which must include: (1) activities to increase the full participation of people with intellectual disabilities in inclusive school and community activities with people without disabilities, (2) education programs that dispel negative stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities, and (3) activities to increase the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in Special Olympics outside of the United States. Requires annual reports by Special Olympics to describe demographic data about Special Olympics participants.Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements to promote the expansion of Best Buddies, including activities to increase the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in social relationships and other aspects of community life, including education and employment, within the United States. Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to institutions of higher education to establish Eunice Kennedy Shriver Institutes for Sport and Social Impact. Requires recipients to use grant funds to advance the quality of life and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities through research and evaluation, technical assistance, training, data collection, evaluation, collaboration, and dissemination of evidence-based best practices.

Date: 2011-06-13
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Social welfare
Disability Integration and Coordination Improvement Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to: (1) establish an Office of Disability Integration and Coordination; (2) use such Office to implement strategies and activities in support of the responsibilities of the Disability Coordinator, who shall serve as the head of the Office; and (3) establish specific, measurable, achievable, and relevant performance measures for the Office, including to ensure the integration of people with disabilities into emergency, preparedness, protection, mitigation, evacuation, sheltering, transition, resiliency, and recovery plans.

Date: 2011-09-07
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Emergency management
ACCESS (ADA Compliance for Customer Entry to Stores and Services) Act of 2011 - Amends the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to prohibit an aggrieved person from commencing a civil action for discrimination based on the failure to remove a structural barrier to entry into an existing public accommodation unless the owner or operator of such accommodation: (1) is provided a written notice specific enough to identify such barrier; and (2) has, within specified time periods, either failed to provide the aggrieved person with a written description outlining improvements that will be made to remove such barrier or provided such description and failed to remove such barrier.

Date: 2011-11-03
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Law
Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2011 or the ABLE Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish tax-exempt ABLE accounts to assist an individual with a disability in building an account to pay for qualified disability expenses. Defines "qualified disability expenses" to include expenses for education, a primary residence, transportation, obtaining and maintaining employment, health and wellness, and other personal support expenses. Treats a qualified ABLE program and an ABLE account in the same manner as a qualified tuition program for income tax purposes (i.e., allowing a tax exemption for such program and an exclusion from gross income of amounts attributable to a contributor to or a beneficiary of a program account). Defines "qualified ABLE program" as a program established and maintained by a state agency under which a person may make contributions to an ABLE account established to pay for qualified disability expenses. Requires amounts in ABLE accounts to be disregarded in determining eligibility for Medicaid and other means-tested federal programs. Suspends the payment of supplemental security income benefits under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to an individual during any period in which such individual has excess resources attributable to an ABLE account.

Date: 2011-11-15
Topic: Social Welfare (Disabled Assistance)
Subject: Taxation