Workforce Investment Partnership Act of 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Workforce Investment Systems Subtitle A: Workforce Investment Definitions Subtitle B: Statewide and Local Workforce Investment Systems Subtitle C: Job Corps Subtitle D: National Programs Subtitle E: Administration Subtitle F: Repeals and Conforming Amendments Title II: Adult Education and Literacy Subtitle A: Adult Education and Literacy Programs Subtitle B: Repeals Title III: Workforce Investment-Related Activities Subtitle A: Wagner-Peyser Act Subtitle B: Linkages with Other Programs Subtitle C: Twenty-First Century Workforce Commission Subtitle D: Application of Civil Rights and Labor-Management Laws to the Smithsonian Institution Title IV: Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998 Title V: General Provisions Workforce Investment Partnership Act of 1998 - Establishes a coordinated system of Federal aid programs for vocational education, adult education, and job training at State and local levels. Title I: Workforce Investment Systems - Replaces the Job Training Partnership Act and certain other Federal job training law with new workforce investment systems. Subtitle A: Workforce Investment Definitions - Sets forth definitions for such workforce investment programs. Subtitle B: Statewide and Local Workforce Investment Systems - Chapter 1: State Provisions - Directs State Governors to establish and appoint the members of a statewide partnership to assist in the development of the State plan. (Sec. 112) Sets forth requirements for State plans. Chapter 2: Local Provisions - Directs State Governors to designate local workforce investment areas in accordance with specified requirements. Provides for automatic designations in the case of large local governments, counties, and other local political subdivisions. Allows any small State eligible for minimum allotments to be designated as a single State local area. (Sec. 117) Requires that local workforce investment boards, and youth councils within such boards, be established in each local area of a State. (Sec. 118) Sets forth requirements for local plans. Chapter 3: Workforce Investment Activities Providers - Authorizes the local chief elected official and the local partnership to: (1) develop and implement operating agreements to appoint one-stop partners; (2) designate or certify one-stop operators; and (3) conduct oversight with respect to the one-stop delivery system in the local area. (Sec. 122) Requires certain procedures for determination and identification of eligible providers of training services by program. (Sec. 123) Authorizes local boards to identify eligible providers of youth activities. Chapter 4: Youth Activities - Directs the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary under this title) to make allotments to States with approved State plans, and grants to outlying areas, to assist them and their local areas in providing workforce investment activities for eligible youth. (Sec. 127) Sets forth formulas for determining amounts of such State allotments and grants to outlying areas for such activities. (Sec. 128) Sets forth requirements for within-State allocations. (Sec. 129) Sets forth requirements for State and local use of funds for youth activities. Requires the following local program elements: (1) tutoring, activities to promote study skills, and instruction to complete secondary school, including dropout prevention strategies; (2) alternative secondary school services; (3) summer employment opportunities; (4) appropriate paid and unpaid work experiences, including internships and job shadowing; (5) occupational skill training; (6) leadership development; (7) supportive services; (8) adult mentoring; (9) followup services; and (10) comprehensive guidance and counseling, which may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling and referral. Requires that at least 30 percent of funds for such youth activities be devoted to out-of-school youth. Chapter 5: Adult and Dislocated Worker Employment and Training Activities - Directs the Secretary to make allotments to States with approved State plans, and grants to outlying areas, to assist them and their local areas in providing workforce investment activities for adults and for dislocated workers. (Sec. 132) Sets forth formulas for determining amounts of such State allotments and grants to outlying areas for such activities. (Sec. 133) Sets forth requirements for within-State allocations. (Sec. 134) Sets forth both required and allowable statewide workforce investment activities, including mandatory: (1) rapid response activities; and (2) additional assistance to localities experiencing disasters, mass layoffs, plant closings, or other events that substantially increase unemployment. Sets forth both required and permissible local employment and training activities. Requires establishment of a one-stop delivery system at the State level, with at least one physical center in each local area. Requires such centers to provide specified core, intensive, and training services to participants. Gives priority to public assistance recipients and other low-income individuals for receipt of limited local adult intensive and training services. Sets forth customer choice requirements. Requires use of individual training accounts, with specified exceptions. Authorizes local areas to use certain funds for additional permissible local activities, including intensive and customized services and supportive services for certain participants, and needs-related payments for certain adults and dislocated workers who do not, or no longer, qualify for unemployment compensation. Chapter 6: General Provisions - Sets forth accountability requirements for: (1) State and local performance measures and sanctions; (2) reports and information dissemination; (3) State program evaluation; and (4) fiscal and management accountability information systems. (Sec. 137) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) youth activities; (2) adult employment and training activities; and (3) dislocated worker employment and training activities. Subtitle C: Job Corps - Revises provisions for the Job Corps (currently under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), which this title repeals and replaces.) (Sec. 145) Provides for Job Corps: (1) recruitment standards; (2) graduate readjustment allowances through local one-stop customer service centers; (3) industry councils; (4) management information. Revises Job Corps requirements for: (1) individual eligibility; (2) screening, selection, assignment, and enrollment; (3) Job Corps Centers; (4) program activities and continued services; (5) counseling and job placement; (6) support; (7) operating plan; (8) standards of conduct; (9) community participation; (10) advisory committees; and (11) experimental, research, and demonstration projects. (Sec. 161) Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for the Job Corps. Subtitle D: National Programs - Provides for workforce investment activities and supplemental services under programs for: (1) Indians, Native Alaskans, and Native Hawaiians; (2) migrant and seasonal farmworkers; and (3) veterans. (Replaces similar programs currently under JTPA.) (Sec. 169) Directs the Secretary to make youth opportunity grants to eligible local partnerships to provide specified activities to increase the long-term employment of eligible youth who live in empowerment zones, enterprise communities, and high poverty areas. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance to an entity to establish a role model academy for out-of-school youth in a residential center located on the site of a closed or realigned military installation. (Sec. 170) Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide technical assistance to States to help with transitions, general performance improvement, and dislocated worker training improvement. (Sec. 171) Directs the Secretary to publish a biennial plan for demonstration, pilot, multiservice, research, and multistate projects. Sets forth requirements for such projects under such plan, including competitive award procedures and peer review. (Sec. 172) Directs the Secretary to provide for continuing evaluation of programs and activities under this title. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct evaluations of other federally funded employment-related programs and activities. (Sec. 173) Authorizes the Secretary to make national emergency grants for: (1) employment and training assistance to workers affected by major economic dislocations; (2) disaster relief employment; and (3) additional assistance for dislocated workers, under certain conditions. (Sec. 174) Authorizes appropriations for specified programs and activities under this subtitle. Subtitle E: Administration - Sets forth requirements for: (1) labor standards, prohibitions on worker displacement, and other requirements relating to use of funds; (2) prompt allocation of funds; (3) monitoring; (4) fiscal controls and sanctions; (5) reports, recordkeeping, and investigations; (6) administrative adjudication; (7) judicial review; (8) nondiscrimination; (9) State legislative authority; (10) workforce flexibility partnership plans; (11) use of certain real property; and (12) continuation of State activities and policies. (Sec. 181) Declares that a State shall not be prohibited by the Federal Government from drug use testing of participants in subtitle B workforce investment programs and sanctioning those who test positive. Requires establishment of testing procedures that ensure maximum privacy for participants. Subtitle F: Repeals and Conforming Amendments - Repeals: (1) the JTPA; and (2) the Displaced Homemakers Self-Sufficiency Assistance Act. (Sec. 199) Repeals certain provisions relating to employment and training assistance under various Federal laws, including the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, and the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965. Title II: Adult Education and Literacy - Adult Education and Family Literacy Act - Replaces the Adult Education Act (AEA), the National Literacy Act of 1991, and other adult education and literacy programs. (Sec. 204) Provides that nothing in subtitle A of this title shall be construed to affect home schools, or to compel a parent engaged in home schooling to participate in an English literacy program, family literacy services, or adult education. (Sec. 205) Authorizes appropriations for adult education and literacy programs under subtitle A of this title. Subtitle A: Adult Education and Literacy Programs - Chapter 1: Federal Provisions - Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary under this title) to reserve certain portions of adult education and literacy funds for: (1) the National Institute for Literacy; (2) national leadership activities; and (3) incentive grants. Directs the Secretary to allot the remainder of such funds for grants to the eligible agencies of States. (Sec. 212) Directs the Secretary to publish specified performance measures to assess the progress of each eligible agency in enhancing and developing more fully the literacy skills of the adult population in the State or outlying area. Requires each eligible agency, in developing a State plan, to negotiate with the Secretary the expected levels of performance for such measures. Chapter 2: State Provisions - Makes each eligible agency responsible for State administration of programs under this subtitle. (Sec. 222) Specifies percentages for distribution of State grant funds to eligible providers (including programs for corrections education and other institutionalized individuals), State leadership activities, and administrative expenses of the eligible State agency. Sets the State share requirement at 25 percent of the total amount expended for adult education in the State. Authorizes the Secretary to decrease a 12 percent required share with respect to an outlying area. (Sec. 223) Requires the eligible agency to use reserved funds for one or more specified State leadership activities in adult education and literacy. (Sec. 224) Requires five-year State plans from eligible agencies as a condition for grants. Allows the eligible agency to submit such State plan as part of a comprehensive plan or application for Federal education assistance. Sets forth requirements for State plan contents and approval procedures. (Sec. 225) Sets forth requirements for adult education and literacy programs for corrections education and other institutionalized individuals. Chapter 3: Local Provisions - Directs each eligible agency to use State grant funds to award multiyear grants or contracts to eligible providers to develop, implement, and improve adult education and literacy activities. (Sec. 232) Sets forth local application requirements. (Sec. 233) Sets forth local administrative cost limits. Chapter 4: General Provisions - Sets forth administrative provisions relating to supplementation of other funds and maintenance of effort. (Sec. 242) Revises requirements for the National Institute for Literacy (currently under AEA), to be governed by an Interagency Group consisting of the Secretary and the Secretaries of Labor and of Health and Human Services. Renames the Institute's Board its Advisory Board. (Sec. 243) Directs the Secretary to establish a program of specified national leadership activities for adult education. Subtitle B: Repeals - Repeals the AEA, the National Literacy Act of 1991, and certain adult education and literacy program provisions of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980. Title III: Workforce Investment-Related Activities - Subtitle A: Wagner-Peyser Act - Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act to direct the Secretary to: (1) assist in the coordination and development of a nationwide system of public labor exchange services, provided as part of the one-stop customer service systems of the States; (2) assist in the development of continuous improvement models for such nationwide system that ensure private sector satisfaction and meet the demands of jobseekers; and (3) ensure, for individuals otherwise eligible for unemployment compensation, the provision of reemployment services and other activities in which they must participate to receive the compensation. (Sec. 306) Provides for coordination of State plans under the Wagner-Peyser Act and this Act. (Sec. 307) Repeals the mandate for a Federal Advisory Council on problems relating to employment. (Sec. 309) Sets forth requirements for a nationwide employment statistics system. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Linkages with Other Programs - Provides for linkages between programs under this title and specified employment and training assistance programs under: (1) the Trade Act of 1974; (2) veterans employment programs; and (3) the Older Americans Act of 1965. Subtitle C: Twenty-First Century Workforce Commission - Twenty-First Century Workforce Commission Act - Establishes the Twenty-First Century Workforce Commission to study and report to the President and the Congress on all matters relating to the information technology workforce in the United States. (Sec. 339) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Application of Civil Rights and Labor-Management Laws to the Smithsonian Institution - Applies to the Smithsonian Institution (SI) prohibitions on employment discrimination on the basis of: (1) race, color, religion, sex, and national origin, under the Civil Rights Act of 1964; (2) age, under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; and (3) disability, under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Applies to SI labor-management requirements under specified Federal civil service law. Title IV: Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998 - Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998 - Revises and extends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (RA). (Sec. 402) Provides for establishment of: (1) linkages between State vocational rehabilitation programs and workforce investment activities carried out under the Workforce Investment Partnership Act of 1998 (WIPA); and (2) special responsibilities for the Secretary of Education for coordination of all activities with respect to individuals with disabilities within and across programs administered by the Federal Government. (Sec. 403) Requires the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA, which is in the Office of the Secretary of Education) and the Director of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research to reserve specified funds to carry out certain activities for outreach to minorities. (Sec. 404) Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for Basic Vocational Rehabilitation Services programs. Revises requirements for State Vocational Rehabilitation Services plans, individual eligibility, individualized rehabilitation employment plans, vocational rehabilitation services, group services, non-Federal shares for establishment of programs, State Rehabilitation Councils, evaluation standards and performance indicators, and monitoring and review. Maintains formulas for State allotments for Basic Vocational Rehabilitation Services, but eliminates certain additional allotments and payments to States. Revises reallotment requirements. Revises the formula for reservation of funds for American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Revises requirements for title I payments to States. Requires a State Governor (or other appropriate State officer) to redesignate the agency conducting the client assistance program under certain conditions. Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for such program. Eliminates RA title I (current part C) authority for Innovation and Expansion Grants. Increases to 60 months the maximum effective duration of an approved application for an American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services grant. Revises requirements for vocational rehabilitation services client information. Directs the Secretaries of Education and of Health and Human Services to enter into a memorandum of understanding to exchange data of mutual importance that concern clients of designated State agencies, including data maintained either by the RSA or by the Social Security Administration from its Summary Earnings and Records and Master Beneficiary Records. Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide the RSA Commissioner with labor market information that facilitates evaluation of the Basic Vocational Rehabilitation Services program and allows comparison of the progress of individuals with disabilities who are assisted under such program in securing, retaining, regaining, and advancing in employment with the progress made by individuals who are assisted under this Act. (Sec. 405) Revises RA title II (Research and Training) to extend through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) expenses of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (Institute), including certain expenses of the Rehabilitation Research Advisory Council; and (2) research and other covered activities. Requires the Institute's Director to: (1) include in a public education program information on assistive technology services and devices, and disseminate engineering information about them; (2) provide for development and dissemination of models to address consumer-driven information needs related to assistive technology devices and services; and (3) publish for public comment drafts of five-year plans outlining and explaining priorities for rehabilitation research, demonstration projects, training, and related activities. Eliminates grant or contract assistance for: (1) a pediatric rehabilitation research program; (2) a Rehabilitation Research and Training Center in the Pacific Basin; and (3) a center for research and training concerning the delivery of rehabilitation services to rural areas. (Sec. 406) Revises RA title III (Professional Development and Special Projects and Demonstrations) to direct the Secretary to ensure that all title III grants and contracts are awarded on a competitive basis. Revises and extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for training programs. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the Commissioner's authority to make grants and contracts for personnel training. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants and contracts for training: (1) regarding related Federal statutes; (2) personnel providing services to individuals with disabilities under this Act (jointly funded with the Department of Labor); or (3) leading to an academic degree or certificate in various rehabilitation-related areas. Continues requirements for training grants for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other higher education institutions with minority enrollments of at least 50 percent. Includes hard-of-hearing individuals (as well as deaf or deaf-blind individuals) among those for whom interpreters may be trained under a discretionary grant program. Eliminates: (1) discretionary technical assistance to State rehabilitation agencies and community rehabilitation programs; (2) various grants and contracts relating to vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities; (3) loan guarantees for community rehabilitation programs; and (4) comprehensive rehabilitation centers. Revises and extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) special demonstration programs; (2) migrant and seasonal farmworkers programs; and (3) recreational programs. Eliminates certain title III discretionary grants for: (1) reader services for blind individuals; and (2) interpreter services for deaf individuals. Authorizes the Commissioner to require title III grant recipients to submit information to measure project outcomes and performance. (Sec. 407) Amends RA title IV (National Council on Disability) to revise the deadline for the Council's annual progress report on national disability policy. Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for the Council. (Sec. 408) Revises RA title V (Rights and Advocacy) to direct the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (the Access Board) to promulgate regulations for Federal agency procurement of electronic and information technology that allows individuals with disabilities to produce and have access to information and data in a manner comparable to that of individuals without disabilities. Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for title V with respect to protection and advocacy of individual rights. Reserves certain funds for a grant to the eligible system serving the American Indian consortium. Applies certain limitations under the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1997 to the use of RA allotments or grants for protection and advocacy of individual rights. (Sec. 409) Amends RA title VI (Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities) (the Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Act) to eliminate current part A (Community Service Pilot Programs for Individuals with Disabilities). Sets forth a new part A (Projects in Telecommuting and Self-Employment for Individuals with Disabilities). Directs the Commissioner to award competitive, one-time, time-limited grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible entities to establish and operate: (1) projects in telecommuting for individuals with disabilities; and (2) projects in self-employment for individuals with disabilities. Authorizes the Commissioner to establish procedures for dual-purpose applications. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2003. Revises and extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) part B (Projects with Industry); (2) part C (Supported Employment Services for Individuals with the Most Significant Disabilities). ("Most significant" replaces the term "severe" disabilities.) (Sec. 410) Amends RA title VII (Independent Living Services and Centers for Independent Living) to revise and extend through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) services to Individuals with Significant Disabilities, including Independent Living Services and Centers for Independent Living; and (2) Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind. (Sec. 411) Repeals RA title VIII (Special Demonstrations and Training Projects). (Sec. 412) Amends the Helen Keller National Center Act to extend through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the Helen Keller National Center for Youths and Adults Who Are Deaf-Blind; and (2) the Center's Federal Endowment Fund. Directs the Center to establish and maintain a national registry of individuals who are deaf-blind. (Sec. 413) Amends a specified Joint Resolution of the Congress to allow the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities to solicit, as well as accept, certain donations. Title V: General Provisions - Allows for State unified plans for two or more specified one-stop customer service system programs, including programs under titles I, II, or III of this Act, as well as specified programs under the Food Stamp Act of 1977, the Trade Act of 1974, the Wagner-Peyser Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Older Americans Act of 1965, State unemployment compensation and Federal unemployment insurance, and certain work programs under the Social Security Act, as well as activities of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, and training activities of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Sec. 502) Directs the Secretaries of Labor and of Education, after consultation with representatives of certain groups, to issue definitions for performance measures established under titles I and II of this Act and definitions for core indicators of performance for performance measures established under title III of this Act. (Sec. 503) Provides for incentive grants for States exceeding certain performance levels under titles I and II of this Act and under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act. (Sec. 504) Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to: (1) supersede the privacy protections afforded parents and students under the General Education Provisions Act as amended by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974; or (2) permit the development of a national database of personally identifiable information on individuals receiving services under title I of this Act. (Sec. 505) Sets forth Buy American requirements.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Vocational, Technological, and Tech-Prep Education Subtitle A: Vocational Education Subtitle B: Tech-Prep Education Subtitle C: General Provisions Subtitle D: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle E: Repeal Title II: Adult Education and Literacy Subtitle A: Adult Education and Literacy Programs Subtitle B: Repeal Title III: Workforce Investment and Related Activities Subtitle A: Workforce Investment Activities Subtitle B: Job Corps Subtitle C: National Programs Subtitle D: Administration Subtitle E: Repeals and Conforming Amendments Title IV: Workforce Investment-Related Activities Subtitle A: Wagner-Peyser Act Subtitle B: Linkages with Other Programs Subtitle C: Twenty-First Century Workforce Commission Title V: General Provisions Title VI: Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998 Workforce Investment Partnership Act of 1998 - Establishes a coordinated system of Federal aid programs for vocational education, adult education, and job training at State and local levels. Title I: Vocational, Technological, and Tech-Prep Education - Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998 - Replaces the current Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act (Perkins Act). (Sec. 103) Prohibits the use of funds under this title to: (1) require any secondary school student to choose or pursue a specific career path or major; or (2) mandate that any individual participate in a vocational education program, including a vocational education program that requires the attainment of a federally funded skill level or standard. (Sec. 104) Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize any Federal control over any aspect of a private, religious, or home school, regardless of whether a home school is treated as a private school or home school under State law. Allows students attending such schools to participate in programs or services under this Act. Subtitle A: Vocational Education - Chapter 1: Federal Provisions - Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary under this title) to reserve certain amounts of vocational education funds for: (1) assistance for the outlying areas (U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau); (2) Indian and Hawaiian Native programs; (3) grants to tribally controlled postsecondary vocational institutions; (4) incentive grants to States; (5) national activities; (6) national assessment of vocational education programs; and (7) national research centers. Sets forth State allotment formulas for the remainder of vocational education funds. (Sec. 112) Directs the Secretary to establish and publish performance measures to assess the progress of each eligible agency in achieving certain goals for students with respect to academic, job readiness, and vocational skills, postsecondary degrees or certificates, secondary and postsecondary education, employment, military service, and nontraditional vocational education programs. Requires each eligible agency, in developing a State plan, to negotiate with the Secretary the expected levels of performance for such measures. (Sec. 113) Sets forth requirements for use of reserved funds for assistance for the outlying areas, Indian and Hawaiian Native programs, grants to tribally controlled postsecondary vocational institutions, and incentive grants to States. Chapter 2: State Provisions - Makes each eligible agency responsible for State administration of programs under this title. (Sec. 122) Requires State reservation of certain portions of vocational education funds for: (1) State leadership activities; (2) technical assistance for gender equity; (3) State planning, review of local applications, program evaluation, and compliance; and (4) criminal offenders programs. Requires distribution of the remainder to local secondary school and postsecondary vocational education programs, at the eligible agency's discretion. Requires the eligible agency to match Federal funds dollar-for-dollar. (Sec. 123) Sets forth mandatory and permissible State leadership activities. (Sec. 124) Requires coordination of the three-year State plan under this title with the period for the State plan under title III of this Act. Sets forth requirements for State plan development, contents, approval, and reports. Chapter 3: Local Provisions - Sets forth formulas for State distribution of funds for: (1) secondary school vocational education; and (2) postsecondary vocational education. Allows alternative allocation formulas for postsecondary programs if the eligible agency demonstrate that certain conditions are met. (Sec. 133) Sets forth mandatory and permissible local activities. (Sec. 134) Sets forth minimum requirements for local applications. (Sec. 135) Allows a local educational agency and an eligible institution to form a consortium to carry out programs under this chapter if the consortium receives a specified minimum combined amount for secondary and postsecondary programs for a fiscal year. Subtitle B: Tech-Prep Education - Tech-Prep Education Act - Revises requirements for tech-prep programs (which are currently under the Perkins Act replaced by this title). (Sec. 154) Retains the mandate for the Secretary's discretionary grants to specified local consortia for such programs when program funding is below a specified minimum. Prescribes the formula for allotments to States for State competitive and formula grants to such programs. (Sec. 155) Revises requirements for the content of tech-prep education programs and for additional authorized activities. (Sec. 156) Requires the eligible State agency (currently a State board) to approve applications for State grants by eligible entities. (Sec. 157) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 158) Directs the Secretary to award demonstration grants to consortia to carry out tech-prep education programs that: (1) involve the location of a secondary school on the site of a community college; (2) involve a business as a member of the consortium; and (3) require the voluntary participation of secondary school students in the program. Allows such programs to provide summer internships at a business for students or teachers. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: General Provisions - Provides for program and funds administration, evaluation, improvement, and accountability for programs under this title. (Sec. 163) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out research, development, dissemination, evaluation, capacity-building, and technical assistance activities under this title. (Sec. 164) Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a national assessment of vocational education programs assisted under this title, through studies and analyses conducted independently through competitive awards; (2) appoint an independent advisory panel on the implementation of such assessment; and (3) report to the Congress. (Sec. 165) Authorizes the Secretary to establish one or more national centers in the areas of: (1) applied research and development; and (2) dissemination and training. (Revises and replaces requirements for such centers which are in the current Perkins Act.) (Sec. 166) Directs the Secretary to: (1) maintain a data system to collect information about, and report on, the condition of vocational education and on the effectiveness of State and local programs, services, and activities carried out under this title; and (2) report annually to Congress an analysis of performance data collected each year. (Sec. 167) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to make permanent the program of discretionary grants to promote scholar-athlete games. (Sec. 168) Defines gender equity for purposes of this title. Subtitle D: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E: Repeal - Repeals the Perkins Act. Title II: Adult Education and Literacy - Adult Education and Literacy Act - Replaces the Adult Education Act (AEA), the National Literacy Act of 1991, and other adult education and literacy programs. Subtitle A: Adult Education and Literacy Programs - Chapter 1: Federal Provisions - Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary under this title) to reserve certain portions of adult education and literacy funds for: (1) national leadership activities; (2) incentive grants; (3) the National Institute for Literacy; and (4) grants to States. (Sec. 212) Directs the Secretary to publish specified performance measures to assess the progress of each eligible agency in enhancing and developing more fully the literacy skills of the adult population in the State or outlying area. Requires each eligible agency, in developing a State plan, to negotiate with the Secretary the expected levels of performance for such measures. (Sec. 213) Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program of specified national leadership activities for adult education. Chapter 2: State Provisions - Makes each eligible agency responsible for State administration of programs under this title. (Sec. 222) Specifies percentages for distribution of State grant funds to eligible providers (including programs for corrections education and other institutionalized individuals), State leadership activities, and administrative expenses of the eligible State agency. Sets the State share requirement at 25 percent of the total amount expended for adult education in the State. Authorizes the Secretary to decrease such amount with respect to an outlying area. (Sec. 223) Requires the eligible agency to use reserved funds for one or more specified State leadership activities in adult education and literacy. (Sec. 224) Requires three-year State plans from eligible agencies as a condition for grants. Allows the eligible agency to submit such State plan as part of a comprehensive plan or application for Federal education assistance. Sets forth requirements for State plan contents and approval procedures. (Sec. 225) Sets forth requirements for adult education and literacy programs for corrections education and other institutionalized individuals. Chapter 3: Local Provisions - Directs each eligible agency to use State grant funds to award multiyear grants or contracts to eligible providers to develop, implement, and improve adult education and literacy activities. (Sec. 232) Sets forth local application requirements and local administrative cost limits. Chapter 4: General Provisions - Provides for program and funding administration, priorities and preferences, incentive grants for States, and evaluation, improvement, and accountability for programs under this title. (Sec. 245) Revises requirements for the National Institute for Literacy (currently under AEA), to be governed by an Interagency Group consisting of the Secretary and the Secretaries of Labor and of Health and Human Services. Renames the Institute's Board as its Advisory Board. (Sec. 246) Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Repeal - Repeals the AEA, the National Literacy Act of 1991, and certain adult education and literacy program provisions of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980. Title III: Workforce Investment and Related Activities - Replaces the Job Training Partnership Act and certain other Federal job training law. Subtitle A: Workforce Investment Activities - Chapter 1: Allotments to States for Adult Employment and Training Activities, Dislocated Worker Employment and Training Activities, and Youth Activities - Directs the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary under this title) to make allotments to States with approved State plans, and grants to outlying areas, to assist local areas in providing through a statewide workforce investment system: (1) adult employment and training activities; (2) dislocated worker employment and training activities; and (3) youth activities, including summer employment opportunities, tutoring, activities to promote study skills, alternative secondary school services, employment skill training, adult mentoring, and supportive services. (Sec. 302) Sets forth formulas for determining amounts of such State allotments and grants to outlying areas for such activities. (Sec. 303) Directs State Governors to establish and appoint the members of a statewide partnership to assist in the development of the State plan. (Sec. 304) Sets forth requirements for State plans. Chapter 2: Allocations to Local Workforce Investment Areas - Sets forth formulas for within-State allocations to local workforce investment areas. (Sec. 307) Directs State Governors to designate local workforce investment areas in accordance with State plan requirements. Provides for automatic designations in the case of large local governments, counties, and other local political subdivisions. Allows any small State eligible for minimum allotments to be designated as single State local area. (Sec. 308) Requires that local workforce investment partnerships and youth partnerships be established in each local area of a State. (Sec. 309) Sets forth requirements for local plans. Chapter 3: Workforce Investment Activities and Providers - Authorizes the chief elected official and the local partnership to: (1) develop and implement operating agreements to appoint one-stop partners; (2) designate or certify one-stop customer service center operators; and (3) conduct oversight with respect to the one-stop customer service system in the local area. (Sec. 312) Requires certain State and local procedures for determination and identification of eligible providers of training services by program. (Sec. 313) Authorizes youth partnerships to identify eligible providers of youth activities. (Sec. 314) Sets forth both required and allowable statewide workforce investment activities, including mandatory statewide rapid response activities. (Sec. 315) Sets forth both required and permissible local employment and training activities. Requires establishment of a one- stop customer service system at the State level and one-stop customer service centers in each local area. Requires such centers to provide specified core services and required training services to participants. Gives priority to disadvantaged adults for receipt of limited local adult employment and training activities. Sets forth customer choice requirements. Authorizes local areas to use certain funds for additional permissible local activities, including intensive and customized services and supportive services for certain participants, and needs-related payments for dislocated workers. (Sec. 316) Sets forth certain required elements in the provision of local youth activities. Requires that at least 50 percent of funds for such youth activities be devoted to out-of-school youth. Chapter 4: General Provisions - Sets forth accountability requirements for: (1) State and local performance measures; (2) reports and information dissemination; (3) State program evaluation; and (4) fiscal and management accountability information systems. (Sec. 321) Authorizes the Secretary to make incentive grants to States that exceed State performance measures. (Sec. 322) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) adult employment and training activities; (2) dislocated worker employment and training activities; and (3) youth activities. Subtitle B: Job Corps - Revises provisions for the Job Corps (currently under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), which this title repeals and replaces.) (Sec. 335) Provides for Job Corps: (1) recruitment standards; (2) graduate readjustment allowances through local one-stop customer service centers; (3) industry councils; (4) management information. (Sec. 334) Revises Job Corps requirements for: (1) individual eligibility; (2) screening, selection, assignment, and enrollment; (3) Job Corps Centers; (4) program activities and continued services; (5) counseling and job placement; (6) support; (7) operating plan; (8) standards of conduct; (9) community participation; (10) advisory committees; and (11) experimental, research, and demonstration projects. (Sec. 351) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Job Corps. Subtitle C: National Programs - Provides for workforce investment activities and supplemental services under programs for: (1) Native Americans and Native Hawaiians; (2) migrant and seasonal farmworkers; and (3) veterans. (Replaces similar programs currently under JTPA.) (Sec. 364) Directs the Secretary to make youth opportunity grants to eligible local partnerships to provide specified activities to increase the long-term employment of eligible youth who live in empowerment zones, enterprise communities, and high poverty areas. (Sec. 365) Authorizes the Secretary to make incentive grants to States that exceed the State performance measures established under this title. (Sec. 366) Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide technical assistance to States to help with transitions, general performance improvement, and dislocated worker training improvement. (Sec. 367) Directs the Secretary to publish a biennial plan for demonstration, pilot, multiservice, research, and multistate projects. Sets forth requirements for such projects under such plan, including competitive award procedures and peer review. (Sec. 368) Directs the Secretary to provide for continuing evaluation of programs and activities under this title. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct evaluations of other federally funded employment related programs and activities. (Sec. 369) Authorizes the Secretary to make national emergency grants for: (1) employment and training assistance to workers affected by major economic dislocations; (2) disaster relief employment; and (3) additional assistance for dislocated workers, under certain conditions. (Sec. 370) Authorizes appropriations for specified programs and activities under this subtitle. Subtitle D: Administration - Sets forth requirements for: (1) labor standards, prohibitions on worker displacement, and other requirements relating to use of funds; (2) prompt allocation of funds; (3) monitoring; (4) fiscal controls and sanctions; (5) reports, recordkeeping, and investigations; (6) administrative adjudication; (7) judicial review; (8) nondiscrimination; (9) State legislative authority; (10) workforce flexibility partnership plans; (11) use of certain real property; (12) continuation of State activities and policies; and (13) drug testing limitations on participants in training services. Subtitle E: Repeals and Conforming Amendments - Repeals: (1) the JTPA; and (2) the Displaced Homemakers Self-Sufficiency Assistance Act. (Sec. 391) Repeals certain provisions relating to employment and training assistance under various Federal laws, including the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, and the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965. Title IV: Workforce Investment-Related Activities - Subtitle A: Wagner-Peyser Act - Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act to direct the Secretary to: (1) assist in the coordination and development of a nationwide system of public labor exchange services, provided as part of the one-stop customer service systems of the States; (2) assist in the development of continuous improvement models for such nationwide system that ensure private sector satisfaction and meet the demands of jobseekers; and (3) ensure, for individuals otherwise eligible for unemployment compensation, the provision of reemployment services and other activities in which they must participate to receive the compensation. (Sec. 406) Provides for coordination of State plans under the Wagner-Peyser Act and this Act. (Sec. 407) Repeals the mandate for a Federal Advisory Council on problems relating to employment. (Sec. 409) Sets forth requirements for a system of labor market information. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Linkages with Other Programs - Provides for linkages between programs under this title and specified employment and training assistance programs under: (1) the Trade Act of 1974; (2) veterans employment programs; and (3) the Older Americans Act of 1965. Subtitle C: Twenty-First Century Workforce Commission - Twenty- First Century Workforce Commission Act - Establishes the Twenty-First Century Workforce Commission to study and report to the President and the Congress on all matters relating to the information technology workforce in the United States. (Sec. 439) Authorizes appropriations. Title V: General Provisions - Allows for State unified plans for two or more specified one-stop customer service system programs, including programs under titles I, II, or III of this Act, as well as specified programs under the Food Stamp Act of 1977, the Trade Act of 1974, the Wagner-Peyser Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Older Americans Act of 1965, State unemployment compensation and Federal unemployment insurance, and certain work programs under the Social Security Act, as well as activities of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, and training activities of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Sec. 502) Directs the Secretaries of Labor and of Education, after consultation with representatives of certain groups, to issue definitions for performance measures established under titles I and II of this Act and definitions for core indicators of performance for performance measures established under title III of this Act. (Sec. 504) Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to supersede the privacy protections afforded parents and students under the General Education Provisions Act as amended by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. (Sec. 505) Prohibits the use of funds made available under this Act to carry out activities authorized under the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994. Title VI: Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998 - Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998 - Revises and extends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (RA). (Sec. 603) Requires the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA, which is in the Office of the Secretary of Education) and the Director of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research to reserve specified funds to carry out certain activities for outreach to minorities. (Sec. 604) Extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for Basic Vocational Rehabilitation Services programs. Revises requirements for State Vocational Rehabilitation Services plans, individual eligibility, individualized rehabilitation employment plans, vocational rehabilitation services, group services, non-Federal shares for establishment of programs, State Rehabilitation Councils, evaluation standards and performance indicators, and monitoring and review. Maintains formulas for State allotments for Basic Vocational Rehabilitation Services, but eliminates certain additional allotments and payments to States. Revises reallotment requirements. Revises the formula for reservation of funds for American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Revises requirements for title I payments to States. Requires a State Governor (or other appropriate State officer) to redesignate the agency conducting the client assistance program under certain conditions. Extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for such program. Eliminates RA title I (current part C) provisions for Innovation and Expansion Grants. Increases to 60 months the maximum effective duration of an approved application for an American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services grant. Revises requirements for vocational rehabilitation services client information. Directs the Secretaries of Education and of Health and Human Services to enter into a memorandum of understanding to exchange data of mutual importance that concern clients of designated State agencies, including data maintained either by the RSA or by the Social Security Administration from its Summary Earnings and Records and Master Beneficiary Records. Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide the RSA Commissioner with labor market information that facilitates evaluation of the Basic Vocational Rehabilitation Services program and allows comparison of the progress of individuals with disabilities who are assisted under such program in securing, retaining, regaining, and advancing in employment with the progress made by individuals who are assisted under this Act. (Sec. 605) Revises RA title II (Research and Training). Extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) expenses of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (Institute), including certain expenses of the Rehabilitation Research Advisory Council; and (2) research and other covered activities. Requires the Institute's Director to: (1) include in an public education program information on assistive technology services and devices, and disseminate engineering information about them; (2) provide for development and dissemination of models to address consumer-driven information needs related to assistive technology devices and services; and (3) publish for public comment drafts of five-year plans outlining and explaining priorities for rehabilitation research, demonstration projects, training, and related activities. Eliminates grant or contract assistance for: (1) a pediatric rehabilitation research program; (2) a Rehabilitation Research and Training Center in the Pacific Basin; and (3) a center for research and training concerning the delivery of rehabilitation services to rural areas. (Sec. 606) Revises RA title III (Professional Development and Special Projects and Demonstrations). Directs the Secretary to ensure that all title III grants and contracts are awarded on a competitive basis. Revises and extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for training programs. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the Commissioner's authority to make grants and contracts for personnel training. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants and contracts for training: (1) regarding related Federal statutes; (2) personnel providing services to individuals with disabilities under this Act (jointly funded with the Department of Labor); or (3) leading to an academic degree or certificate in various rehabilitation-related areas. Continues requirements for training grants for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other higher education institutions with minority enrollments of at least 50 percent. Includes hard-of-hearing individuals (as well as deaf or deaf-blind individuals) among those for whom interpreters may be trained under a discretionary grant program. Eliminates: (1) discretionary technical assistance to State rehabilitation agencies and community rehabilitation programs; (2) various grants and contracts relating to vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities; (3) loan guarantees for community rehabilitation programs; and (4) comprehensive rehabilitation centers. Revises and extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) special demonstration programs; (2) migrant and seasonal farmworkers programs; and (3) recreational programs. Eliminates certain title III discretionary grants for: (1) reader services for blind individuals; and (2) interpreter services for deaf individuals. Authorizes the Commissioner to require title III grant recipients to submit information to measure project outcomes and performance. (Sec. 607) Amends RA title IV (National Council on Disability) to revise the deadline for the Council's annual progress report on national disability policy. Extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for the Council. (Sec. 608) Revises RA title V (Rights and Advocacy). Directs the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (the Access Board) to promulgate regulations for Federal agency procurement of electronic and information technology that allows individuals with disabilities to produce and have access to information and data in a manner comparable to that of individuals without disabilities. Extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for title V with respect to protection and advocacy of individual rights. Reserves certain funds for a grant to the eligible system serving the American Indian consortium. Applies certain limitations under the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1997 to the use of RA allotments or grants for protection and advocacy of individual rights. (Sec. 609) Amends RA title VI (Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities) (the Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Act). Eliminates current part A (Community Service Pilot Programs for Individuals with Disabilities). Sets forth a new part A (Projects in Telecommuting and Self-Employment for Individuals with Disabilities). Directs the Commissioner to award competitive, one-time, time-limited grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible entities to establish and operate: (1) projects in telecommuting for individuals with disabilities; and (2) projects in self-employment for individuals with disabilities. Authorizes the Commissioner to establish procedures for dual-purpose applications. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2004. Revises and extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) part B (Projects with Industry); (2) part C (Supported Employment Services for Individuals with the Most Significant Disabilities). ("Most significant" replaces the term "severe" disabilities.) (Sec. 610) Amends RA title VII (Independent Living Services and Centers for Independent Living). Revises and extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) Individuals with Significant Disabilities, including Independent Living Services and Centers for Independent Living; and (2) Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind. (Sec. 611) Amends the Helen Keller National Center Act to extend through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the Helen Keller National Center for Youths and Adults Who Are Deaf-Blind; and (2) the Center's Federal Endowment Fund. Directs the Center to establish and maintain a national registry of individuals who are deaf-blind. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2000 for such registry. (Sec. 612) Amends a specified Joint Resolution of the Congress to allow the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities to solicit, as well as accept, certain donations.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division A: Employment, Training, and Literacy Programs Title I: Amendments to General Provisions and Program Requirements Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: State and Local Administrative Provisions Subtitle C: Program and Fiscal Provisions Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions Title II: Amendments to Employment and Training Programs for Disadvantaged Youth Title III: Amendments to Employment and Training Programs for Adults Title IV: Amendments to Federally Administered Programs Subtitle A: Employment and Training Programs for Native Americans and Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers Subtitle B: Job Corps Subtitle C: National Activities Subtitle D: Repealers Title V: Amendments to Adult Education Programs Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions Title VII: Amendments to State Human Resource Investment Council Title VIII: Amendments to Wagner-Peyser Act Title IX: Technical and Conforming Amendments Subtitle A: Amendments to the Job Training Partnership Act Subtitle B: Amendments to Other Acts Title X: Effective Date and Transition Provisions Division B: Vocational Rehabilitation Programs Title XXI (sic): Amendments to General Provisions Title XXII: Amendments to Vocational Rehabilitation Services Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Basic Vocational Rehabilitation Services Title XXIII: Amendments to Research and Training Title XXIV: Amendments to Training and Demonstration Projects Subtitle A: Training Programs and Community Rehabilitation Programs Subtitle B: Special Projects and Supplementary Services Title XXV: Amendments to National Council on Disability Title XXVI: Amendments to Rights and Advocacy Title XXVII: Amendments to Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Title XXVIII: Amendments to Independent Living Services and Centers for Independent Living Title XXIX: Amendments to Special Demonstrations and Training Projects Title XXX: Amendments to the Helen Keller National Center Act Title XXXI: Effective Date Employment, Training, and Literacy Enhancement Act of 1997 - Division A: Employment, Training, and Literacy Programs - Title I: Amendments to General Provisions and Program Requirements - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to extend through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for various JTPA programs. Subtitle B: State and Local Administrative Provisions - Requires State Governors to establish a collaborative process, including representatives of the State legislature, State agencies, local governments, education and training experts, business leaders, and labor representatives, to develop: (1) a single State plan for the three new block grants under this Act and for Wagner-Peyser Act programs; (2) a performance measurement system for the three block grants program; and (3) criteria for the statewide full-service employment and training delivery system, designation of local workforce development areas, and appointment of local workforce development boards. (Sec. 112) Requires establishment of local Workforce Development Boards (replacing the Private Industry Councils which currently run local programs). Requires such boards to: (1) provide policy guidance and oversight over local systems (rather than directly running programs); and (2) establish local full service employment and training delivery systems to be easily accessible, single points of entry into the employment and training system. Requires selection of service providers eligible to provide training services under the Adult Employment and Training Block Grant. Subtitle C: Program and Fiscal Provisions - Chapter 1: General Provisions - Revises JTPA general program requirements as well as requirements for trainee or employee benefits, labor standards, grievance procedures, identification of additional imposed requirements, authority of State legislatures, and interstate agreements. Chapter 2: Performance Accountability Provisions - Requires each State receiving JTPA funds to implement a statewide performance accountability system with negotiated benchmarks, including core indicators of performance, performance reports, incentive grants, and sanctions. Chapter 3: Other Provisions - Revises JTPA requirements relating to: (1) data for prompt allocation of funds; (2) fiscal controls and sanctions; (3) reports, recordkeeping, and investigations; (4) administrative adjudication; (5) nondiscrimination; and (6) administrative provisions. Repeals specified provisions relating to: (1) judicial review; (2) Presidential awards for outstanding private sector involvement in job training programs; and (3) construction of certain JTPA provisions. Establishes limits on certain administrative costs. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals specified JTPA provisions, including certain criminal provisions. Title II: Amendments to Employment and Training Programs for Disadvantaged Youth - Consolidates: (1) adult training programs with those for disadvantaged workers under a new title III; and (2) summer youth employment and training programs with year-round youth training programs into a new title II disadvantaged youth employment and training opportunities block grants program. (Sec. 203) Revises requirements for the allotment of funds within States. Provides for allocation of funds to local areas under a State-determined formula developed through the collaborative process. Sets forth individual eligibility requirements. Gives service priority to individuals who, in addition to being economically disadvantaged, are determined to be hard to serve, including school dropouts. Requires the use of disadvantaged youth program funds for specified activities, including: (1) assessments and service strategies for participants; (2) integration of academic, occupational, and work-based learning; (3) comprehensive guidance and counseling; (4) postsecondary education and training opportunities, where appropriate; (5) involvement of employers and parents in program design and implementation; and (6) adult mentoring. Authorizes use of program funds for: (1) direct training services; (2) tutoring and study skills training; (3) instruction leading to completion of high school or the equivalent; (4) alternative high school services; (5) paid and unpaid work experience, including summer employment opportunities, which are directly linked to academic, occupational, and work-based learning; (6) mentoring; (7) training-related supportive services; (8) peer-centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social behaviors during non-school hours; and (9) other locally determined appropriate training and transition services that assist disadvantaged youth in making the transition to employment. Title III: Amendments to Employment and Training Programs for Adults - Consolidates the current dislocated worker grant program and economically disadvantaged adult training program, as well as various other training programs for adults, into an adult employment and training opportunities block grant program for all adults. Provides for allocation of funds, under both the adult and dislocated worker funding streams, to local workforce development areas based upon State-determined formulas developed through the collaborative process. Makes such funds available to local workforce development areas for establishing full-service employment and training delivery, and for providing core, intensive, and training (as well as supportive) services for adults and for dislocated workers. (Sec. 301) Allows individuals to receive further training beyond core services if: (1) they are unable, through core services, to obtain initial employment, or employment that will lead to self-sufficiency; and (2) they have been determined, after an interview, evaluation, or assessment and counseling, to be in need of training services. Requires, under the adult funding stream, that priority for intensive and training services be given to welfare recipients and other economically disadvantaged individuals with multiple barriers to employment. Requires provision (except in certain circumstances) of training services for adults: (1) through service delivery methods that maximize consumer choice in the selection of eligible training service providers; and (2) through the use of skill grants distributed through the full-service employment and training delivery system. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to award national emergency grants to: (1) certain entities to provide employment and training to workers in areas affected by major economic dislocations; and (2) State Governors to provide disaster relief employment assistance to areas that have suffered specified emergencies and disasters. Authorizes the award of grants, also, to assist projects that provide training to upgrade the skill of employed workers who reside and are employed in enterprise zones or empowerment communities. Title IV: Amendments to Federally Administered Programs - Subtitle A: Employment and Training Programs for Native Americans and Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers - Revises JTPA employment and training programs for Native Americans. Requires eligible Indian tribal, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian entities to submit program plans to the Secretary for grant and contract assistance. Eliminates the Native American Employment and Training Council. Allows entities receiving such assistance to consolidate it with assistance received from related programs in accordance with the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act of 1992. (Sec. 402) Revises JTPA employment and training programs for migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Requires eligible entities to submit program plans to the Secretary for grant and contract assistance. Directs the Secretary to consult with State Governors and local boards in making such grants and contracts. Subtitle B: Job Corps - Revises JTPA Job Corps provisions relating to: (1) individual eligibility; (2) screening and selection of applicants; (3) Job Corps centers; (4) standards of conduct; (5) counseling and job placement; and (6) experimental and developmental projects and coordination with other programs. Subtitle C: National Activities - Revises JTPA with respect to research, demonstration, evaluation, and capacity building, including: (1) national partnerships and special training; (2) technical assistance, dissemination, and replication activities; and (3) incentive grants. (Sec. 422) Repeals the mandate for a nontraditional employment demonstration program. Subtitle D: Repealers - Repeals JTPA provisions for: (1) the National Commission on Employment Policy; (2) training to fulfill affirmative action obligations; (3) the Youth Fair Chance Program; (4) the Microenterprise Grants Program; and (5) disaster relief employment assistance (while making provisions for such disaster assistance under title III). Title V: Amendments to Adult Education Programs - Consolidates various adult education and literacy programs into a block grant program. Requires program funds distributed through the States to local adult education providers to be used to provide adult education and family literacy services to qualifying adults. Establishes a framework to ensure that adult education programs are aligned with job training programs. (Sec. 501) Repeals authority for the current Jobs for Employable Dependent Individuals Incentive Bonus Program. Adult Education and Family Literacy Act - Establishes a new JTPA title V, Adult Education Programs, to be cited as the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA), by transferring a renamed and revised Adult Education Act from the Elementary and Secondary Education Amendments of 1996. Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations under AEFLA. Revises provisions for grants to eligible agencies, including initial and additional allotments, fund uses, competitive grant requirements, and adult education and literacy activities. Directs eligible agencies to require local providers to use their competitive grant funds for one or more programs in one or more of these categories: (1) adult education and literacy services; (2) family literacy services; and (3) English literacy programs. Sets forth fiscal requirements and restrictions on uses of funds. Revises provisions for: (1) the National Institute for Literacy (NIL); (2) NIL's authority to make certain grants, contracts, agreements, and literacy leadership fellowships; (3) an NIL Advisory Board; and (4) NIL funding from the Secretaries of Education, Labor, and Health and Human Services. Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out a program of national leadership activities to enhance the quality of adult education and family literacy programs nationwide. (Sec. 503) Repeals the National Literacy Act of 1991. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals JTPA provisions relating to specified amendments to: (1) the Wagner-Peyser Act; and (2) the Social Security Act, regarding certain required training and employment services and regarding an earnings disregard. Title VII: Amendments to State Human Resource Investment Council - Revises JTPA provisions for State Human Resource Investment Councils. Title VIII: Amendments to Wagner-Peyser Act - Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act with respect to: (1) functions of the Secretary of Labor; (2) designation of State agencies; (3) disposition of allotted funds; and (4) State plans. Repeals the mandate for a Federal advisory council. Requires the provision of all job search, placement, recruitment, labor market information, and other authorized labor exchange services as part of the full service employment and training delivery system established by the State. Title IX: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Subtitle A: Amendments to the Job Training Partnership Ac t - Renames JTPA as the Employment, Training, and Literacy Enhancement Act, and makes various technical and conforming amendments. (Sec. 906) Provides that nothing in this Act, the amendments made by this Act, or any law amended by this Act shall be construed to supplant or modify the requirements for registration of an apprenticeship program under the National Apprenticeship Act. Subtitle B: Amendments to Other Acts - Makes technical and conforming amendments to other specified Federal laws. Title X: Effective Date and Transition Provisions - Sets forth an effective date and transition provisions for Division A of this Act. Division B: Vocational Rehabilitation Programs - Title XXI(sic): Amendments to General Provisions - Revises Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (RA) general provisions, including those relating to the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). (Sec. 2103) Directs the Commissioner of RSA to collect information annually on administrative costs and other expenditures under the RA vocational rehabilitation services program. (Sec. 2104) Adds certain Buy-American requirements to RA. Title XXII: Amendments to Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for grants to States for basic vocational rehabilitation services. Revises provisions relating to: (1) State plans; (2) individualized plans of treatment; (3) scope of vocational rehabilitation services; (4) State Rehabilitation Advisory Councils; (5) evaluation standards and performance indicators; and (6) monitoring and review. Subtitle B: Basic Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Extends through FY 2000 the reservation of funds from State allotments for American Indian vocational rehabilitation services. (Sec. 2213) Extends through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for the client assistance program. Title XXIII: Amendments to Research and Training - Extends through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and the Rehabilitation Research Advisory Council; and (2) specified research programs and centers. Repeals the mandate for a Deputy Director of the Institute, and the authority to appoint technical and professional employees. Title XXIV: Amendments to Training and Demonstration Projects - Subtitle A: Training Program s and Community Rehabilitation Programs - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for various training programs. Repeals the mandate for grants for career advancement and competency-based training. (Sec. 2233) Repeals specified RA provisions for: (1) certain grants and contracts for vocational rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities; (2) loan guarantees for community rehabilitation programs; (3) comprehensive rehabilitation centers; and (4) general grant and contract requirements. (Sec. 2234) Extends through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for Special Projects and Supplementary Services (sic). Subtitle B: Special Projects and Supplementary Services - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) special demonstration programs; (2) migratory workers programs; and (3) special recreational programs. Repeals RA provisions for: (1) transitional planning services for youth with severe disabilities; and (2) educational and vocational rehabilitation projects for individuals who are low-functioning and deaf or hard-of-hearing. Title XXV: Amendments to National Council on Disability - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for the National Council on Disability. Title XXVI: Amendments to Rights and Advocacy - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations to support a system in each State to protect the legal and human rights of individuals with disabilities who: (1) need services beyond the scope of those under the client assistance program; and (2) are ineligible for protection and advocacy programs under specified Acts. (Sec. 2264) Revises RA provisions for electronic and information technology accessibility guidelines. Requires Federal agencies to submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) written certification of compliance with such guidelines. Requires the OMB Director to: (1) establish uniform procedures for such certification; (2) review such certifications and notify such agencies of their compliance or noncompliance; and (3) assist and monitor agencies not in compliance in reaching compliance. Title XXVII: Amendments to Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) projects with industry; and (2) supported employment services for individuals with disabilities. (Sec. 2272) Repeals RA provisions for: (1) community service pilot programs for individuals with disabilities; and (2) business opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Title XXVIII: Amendments to Independent Living Services and Centers for I ndependent Living - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) independent living services, and centers for independent living, for individuals with disabilities; and (2) independent living services for older individuals who are blind. Title XXIX: Amendments to Special Demonstrations and Training Projects - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for special demonstrations and training projects. (Sec. 2292) Revises provisions for demonstration activities to continue only the program of discretionary RSA grants for demonstration projects to increase client choice. Repeals the mandate or authority for other demonstration programs, including those relating to: (1) transportation services grants; (2) projects to achieve high quality placements; (3) early intervention in furnishing vocational rehabilitation and counseling services to working adults with chronic and progressive diseases; (4) transition of individuals with disabilities from rehabilitation hospital or nursing home programs to independent living service programs; (5) barriers to successful rehabilitation outcomes for minorities; and (6) management and service delivery systems, studies, and projects. Repeals the establishment of the National Commission on Rehabilitation Services. (Sec. 2293) Revises provisions for training activities to continue: (1) mandatory grants for Braille training projects; and (2) discretionary grants for parent information and training programs. Eliminates grants for: (1) distance learning through telecommunications; (2) training for impartial hearing officers; and (3) recruitment and retention of urban personnel. Title XXX: Amendments to the Helen Keller National Center Act - Amends the Helen Keller National Center Act to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for the Helen Keller National Center Federal Endowment program. Title XXXI: Effective Date - Sets forth an effective date for Division B of this Act.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division A: Employment, Training, and Literacy Programs Title I: Amendments to General Provisions and Program Requirements Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: State and Local Administrative Provisions Subtitle C: Program and Fiscal Provisions Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions Title II: Amendments to Employment and Training Programs for Disadvantaged Youth Title III: Amendments to Employment and Training Programs for Adults Title IV: Amendments to Federally Administered Programs Subtitle A: Employment and Training Programs for Native Americans and Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers Subtitle B: Job Corps Subtitle C: National Activities Subtitle D: Repealers Title V: Amendments to Adult Education Programs Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions Title VII: Amendments to State Human Resource Investment Council Title VIII: Amendments to Wagner-Peyser Act Title IX: Technical and Conforming Amendments Subtitle A: Amendments to the Job Training Partnership Act Subtitle B: Amendments to Other Acts Title X: Effective Date and Transition Provisions Division B: Vocational Rehabilitation Programs Title XXI (sic): Amendments to General Provisions Title XXII: Amendments to Vocational Rehabilitation Services Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Basic Vocational Rehabilitation Services Title XXIII: Amendments to Research and Training Title XXIV: Amendments to Training and Demonstration Projects Subtitle A: Training Programs and Community Rehabilitation Programs Subtitle B: Special Projects and Supplementary Services Title XXV: Amendments to National Council on Disability Title XXVI: Amendments to Rights and Advocacy Title XXVII: Amendments to Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Title XXVIII: Amendments to Independent Living Services and Centers for Independent Living Title XXIX: Amendments to Special Demonstrations and Training Projects Title XXX: Amendments to the Helen Keller National Center Act Title XXXI: Effective Date Employment, Training, and Literacy Enhancement Act of 1997 - Division A: Employment, Training, and Literacy Programs - Title I: Amendments to General Provisions and Program Requirements - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to extend through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for various JTPA programs. Subtitle B: State and Local Administrative Provisions - Requires State Governors to establish a collaborative process, including representatives of the State legislature, State agencies, local governments, education and training experts, business leaders, and labor representatives, to develop: (1) a single State plan for the three new block grants under this Act and for Wagner-Peyser Act programs; (2) a performance measurement system for the three block grants program; and (3) criteria for the statewide full-service employment and training delivery system, designation of local workforce development areas, and appointment of local workforce development boards. (Sec. 112) Requires establishment of local Workforce Development Boards (replacing the Private Industry Councils which currently run local programs). Requires such boards to: (1) provide policy guidance and oversight over local systems (rather than directly running programs); and (2) establish local full service employment and training delivery systems to be easily accessible, single points of entry into the employment and training system. Requires selection of service providers eligible to provide training services under the Adult Employment and Training Block Grant. Subtitle C: Program and Fiscal Provisions - Chapter 1: General Provisions - Revises JTPA general program requirements as well as requirements for trainee or employee benefits, labor standards, grievance procedures, identification of additional imposed requirements, authority of State legislature, and interstate agreements. Chapter 2: Performance Accountability Provisions - Requires each State receiving JTPA funds to implement a statewide performance accountability system with negotiated benchmarks, including core indicators of performance, performance reports, incentive grants, and sanctions. Chapter 3: Other Provisions - Revises JTPA requirements relating to: (1) data for prompt allocation of funds; (2) fiscal controls and sanctions; (3) reports, recordkeeping, and investigations; (4) administrative adjudication; (5) nondiscrimination; and (6) administrative provisions. Repeals specified provisions relating to: (1) judicial review; (2) Presidential awards for outstanding private sector involvement in job training programs; and (3) construction of certain JTPA provisions. Establishes limits on certain administrative costs. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals specified JTPA provisions, including certain criminal provisions. Title II: Amendments to Employment and Training Programs for Disadvantaged Youth - Consolidates: (1) adult training programs with those for disadvantages workers under a new title III; and (2) summer youth employment and training programs with year-round youth training programs into a new title II disadvantaged youth employment and training opportunities block grants program. (Sec. 203) Revises requirements for the allotment of funds within States. Provides for allocation of funds to local areas under a State-determined formula developed through the collaborative process. Sets forth individual eligibility requirements. Gives service priority to individuals who, in addition to being economically disadvantaged, are determined to be hard to serve, including school dropouts. Requires the use of disadvantaged youth program funds for specified activities, including: (1) assessments and service strategies for participants; (2) integration of academic, occupational, and work-based learning; (3) comprehensive guidance and counseling; (4) postsecondary education and training opportunities, where appropriate; (5) involvement of employers and parents in program design and implementation; and (6) adult mentoring. Authorizes use of program funds for: (1) direct training services; (2) tutoring and study skills training; (3) instruction leading to completion of high school or the equivalent; (4) alternative high school services; (5) paid and unpaid work experience, including summer employment opportunities, which are directly linked to academic, occupational, and work-based learning; (6) mentoring; (7) training-related supportive services; (8) peer-centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social behaviors during non-school hours; and (9) other locally determined appropriate training and transition services that assist disadvantaged youth make the transition to employment. Title III: Amendments to Employment and Training Programs for Adults - Consolidates the current dislocated worker grant program and economically disadvantaged adult training program, as well as various other training programs for adults, into an adult employment and training opportunities block grant program for all adults. Provides for allocation of funds, under both the adult and dislocated worker funding streams, to local workforce development areas based upon State-determined formulas developed through the collaborative process. Makes such funds available to local workforce development areas for establishing full-service employment and training delivery, and for providing core, intensive, and training (as well as supportive) services for adults and for dislocated workers. (Sec. 301) Allows individuals to receive further training beyond core services if: (1) they are unable, through core services, to obtain initial employment, or employment that will lead to self-sufficiency; and (2) they have been determined, after an interview, evaluation, or assessment and counseling, to be in need of training services. Requires, under the adult funding stream, that priority for intensive and training services be given to welfare recipients and other economically disadvantaged individuals with multiple barriers to employment. Requires provision (except in certain circumstances) of training services for adults: (1) through service delivery methods that maximize consumer choice in the selection of eligible training service providers; and (2) through the use of skill grants distributed through the full-service employment and training delivery system. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to award national emergency grants to: (1) certain entities to provide employment and training to workers in areas affected by major economic dislocations; and (2) State Governors to provide disaster relief employment assistance to areas that have suffered specified emergencies and disasters. Authorizes the award of grants, also, to assist projects that provide training to upgrade the skill of employed workers who reside and are employed in enterprise zones or empowerment communities. Title IV: Amendments to Federally Administered Programs - Subtitle A: Employment and Training Programs for Native Americans and Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers - Revises JTPA employment and training programs for Native Americans. Requires eligible Indian tribal, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian entities to submit program plans to the Secretary for grant and contract assistance. Eliminates the Native American Employment and Training Council. Allows entities receiving such assistance to consolidate it with assistance received from related programs in accordance with the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act of 1992. (Sec. 402) Revises JTPA employment and training programs for migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Requires eligible entities to submit program plans to the Secretary for grant and contract assistance. Directs the Secretary to consult with State Governors and local boards in making such grants and contracts. Subtitle B: Job Corps - Revises JTPA Job Corps provisions relating to: (1) individual eligibility; (2) screening and selection of applicants; (3) Job Corps centers; (4) standards of conduct; (5) counseling and job placement; and (6) experimental and developmental projects and coordination with other programs. Subtitle C: National Activities - Revises JTPA with respect to research, demonstration, evaluation, and capacity building, including: (1) national partnerships and special training; (2) technical assistance, dissemination, and replication activities; and (3) incentive grants. (Sec. 422) Repeals the mandate for a nontraditional employment demonstration program. Subtitle D: Repealers - Repeals JTPA provisions for: (1) the National Commission on Employment Policy; (2) training to fulfill affirmative action obligations; (3) the Youth Fair Chance Program; (4) the Microenterprise Grants Program; and (5) disaster relief employment assistance (while making provisions for such disaster assistance under title III). Title V: Amendments to Adult Education Programs - Consolidates various adult education and literacy programs into a block grant program. Requires program funds distributed through the States to local adult education providers to be used to provide adult education and family literacy services to qualifying adults. Establishes a framework to ensure that adult education programs are aligned with job training programs. (Sec. 501) Repeals authority for the current Jobs for Employable Dependent Individuals Incentive Bonus Program. (Sec. 502) Adult Education and Family Literacy Act - Establishes a new JTPA title V, Adult Education Programs, to be cited as the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA), by transferring a renamed and revised Adult Education Act from the Elementary and Secondary Education Amendments of 1996. Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations under AEFLA. Revises provisions for grants to eligible agencies, including initial and additional allotments, fund uses, competitive grant requirements, and adult education and literacy activities. Directs eligible agencies to require local providers to use their competitive grant funds for one or more programs in one or more of these categories: (1) adult education and literacy services; (2) family literacy services; and (3) English literacy programs. Sets forth fiscal requirements and restrictions on uses of funds. Revises provisions for: (1) the National Institute for Literacy (NIL); (2) NIL's authority to make certain grants, contracts, agreements, and literacy leadership fellowships; (3) an NIL Advisory Board; and (4) NIL funding from the Secretaries of Education, Labor, and Health and Human Services. Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out a program of national leadership activities to enhance the quality of adult education and family literacy programs nationwide. (Sec. 503) Repeals the National Literacy Act of 1991. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals JTPA provisions relating to specified amendments to: (1) the Wagner-Peyser Act; and (2) the Social Security Act, regarding certain required training and employment services and regarding an earnings disregard. Title VII: Amendments to State Human Resource Investment Council - Revises JTPA provisions for State Human Resource Investment Councils. Title VIII: Amendments to Wagner-Peyser Act - Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act with respect to: (1) functions of the Secretary of Labor; (2) designation of State agencies; (3) disposition of allotted funds; and (4) State plans. Repeals the mandate for a Federal advisory council. Requires the provision of all job search, placement, recruitment, labor market information, and other authorized labor exchange services as part of the full service employment and training delivery system established by the State. Title IX: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Subtitle A: Amendments to the Job Training Partnership Act - Renames JTPA as the Employment, Training, and Literacy Enhancement Act, and makes various technical and conforming amendments. (Sec. 906) Provides that nothing in this Act, the amendments made by this Act, or any law amended by this Act shall be construed to supplant or modify the requirements for registration of an apprenticeship program under the National Apprenticeship Act. Subtitle B: Amendments to Other Acts - Makes technical and conforming amendments to other specified Federal laws. Title X: Effective Date and Transition Provisions - Sets forth an effective date and transition provisions for Division A of this Act. Division B: Vocational Rehabilitation Programs - Title XXI (sic): Amendments to General Provisions - Revises Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (RA) general provisions, including those relating to the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). (Sec. 2103) Directs the Commissioner of RSA to collect information annually on administrative costs and other expenditures under the RA vocational rehabilitation services program. Title XXII: Amendments to Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for grants to States for basic vocational rehabilitation services. Revises provisions relating to: (1) State plans; (2) scope of vocational rehabilitation services; (3) State Rehabilitation Advisory Councils; (4) evaluation standards and performance indicators; and (5) monitoring and review. Subtitle B: Basic Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Extends through FY 2000 the reservation of funds from State allotments for American Indian vocational rehabilitation services. (Sec. 2213) Extends through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for the client assistance program. Title XXIII: Amendments to Research and Training - Extends through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and the Rehabilitation Research Advisory Council; and (2) specified research programs and centers. Repeals the mandate for a Deputy Director of the Institute, and the authority to appoint technical and professional employees. Title XXIV: Amendments to Training and Demonstration Projects - Subtitle A: Training Programs and Community Rehabilitation Programs - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for various training programs. Repeals the mandate for grants for career advancement and competency-based training. (Sec. 2232) Repeals specified RA provisions for: (1) certain grants and contracts for vocational rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities; (2) loan guarantees for community rehabilitation programs; (3) comprehensive rehabilitation centers; and (4) general grant and contract requirements. (Sec. 2233) Extends through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for Special Projects and Supplementary Services (sic). Subtitle B: Special Projects and Supplementary Services - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) special demonstration programs; (2) migratory workers programs; and (3) special recreational programs. Repeals RA provisions for: (1) transitional planning services for youth with severe disabilities; and (2) educational and vocational rehabilitation projects for individuals who are low-functioning and deaf or hard-of-hearing. Title XXV: Amendments to National Council on Disability - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for the National Council on Disability. Title XXVI: Amendments to Rights and Advocacy - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations to support a system in each State to protect the legal and human rights of individuals with disabilities who: (1) need services beyond the scope of those under the client assistance program; and (2) are ineligible for protection and advocacy programs under specified Acts. Title XXVII: Amendments to Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) projects with industry; and (2) supported employment services for individuals with disabilities. (Sec. 2272) Repeals RA provisions for: (1) community service pilot programs for individuals with disabilities; and (2) business opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Title XXVIII: Amendments to Independent Living Services and Centers for Independent Living - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) independent living services, and centers for independent living, for individuals with disabilities; and (2) independent living services for older individuals who are blind. Title XXIX: Amendments to Special Demonstrations and Training Projects - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for special demonstrations and training projects. (Sec. 2292) Revises provisions for demonstration activities to continue only the program of discretionary RSA grants for demonstration projects to increase client choice. Repeals the mandate or authority for other demonstration programs, including those relating to: (1) transportation services grants; (2) projects to achieve high quality placements; (3) early intervention in furnishing vocational rehabilitation and counseling services to working adults with chronic and progressive diseases; (4) transition of individuals with disabilities from rehabilitation hospital or nursing home programs to independent living service programs; (5) barriers to successful rehabilitation outcomes for minorities; and (6) management and service delivery systems, studies and projects. Repeals the establishment of the National Commission on Rehabilitation Services. (Sec. 2293) Revises provisions for training activities to continue: (1) mandatory grants for Braille training projects; and (2) discretionary grants for parent information and training programs. Eliminates grants for: (1) distance learning through telecommunications; (2) training for impartial hearing officers; and (3) recruitment and retention of urban personnel. Title XXX: Amendments to the Helen Keller National Center Act - Amends the Helen Keller National Center Act to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for the Helen Keller National Center Federal Endowment program. Title XXXI: Effective Date - Sets forth an effective date for Division B of this Act.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division A: Employment, Training, and Literacy Programs Title I: Amendments to General Provisions and Program Requirements Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: State and Local Administrative Provisions Subtitle C: Program and Fiscal Provisions Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions Title II: Amendments to Employment and Training Programs for Disadvantaged Youth Title III: Amendments to Employment and Training Programs for Adults Title IV: Amendments to Federally Administered Programs Subtitle A: Employment and Training Programs for Native Americans and Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers Subtitle B: Job Corps Subtitle C: National Activities Subtitle D: Repealers Title V: Amendments to Adult Education Programs Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions Title VII: Amendments to State Human Resource Investment Council Title VIII: Amendments to Wagner-Peyser Act Title IX: Technical and Conforming Amendments Subtitle A: Amendments to the Job Training Partnership Act Subtitle B: Amendments to Other Acts Title X: Effective Date and Transition Provisions Division B: Vocational Rehabilitation Programs Title XXI: Amendments to General Provisions Title XXII: Amendments to Vocational Rehabilitation Services Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Basic Vocational Rehabilitation Services Title XXIII: Amendments to Research and Training Title XXIV: Amendments to Training and Demonstration Projects Subtitle A: Training Programs and Community Rehabilitation Programs Subtitle B: Special Projects and Supplementary Services Title XXV: Amendments to National Council on Disability Title XXVI: Amendments to Rights and Advocacy Title XXVII: Amendments to Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Title XXVIII: Amendments to Independent Living Services and Centers for Independent Living Title XXIX: Repeal of Special Demonstrations and Training Projects Title XXX: Effective Date Employment, Training, and Literacy Enhancement Act of 1997 - Division A: Employment, Training, and Literacy Programs - Title I: Amendments to General Provisions and Program Requirements - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to extend through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for various JTPA programs. Subtitle B: State and Local Administrative Provisions - Requires State Governors to establish a collaborative process, including representatives of the State legislature, State agencies, local governments, education and training experts, business leaders, and labor representatives, to develop: (1) a single State plan for the three new block grants under this Act and for Wagner-Peyser Act programs; (2) a performance measurement system for the three block grant programs; and (3) criteria for the statewide full-service employment and training delivery system, designation of local workforce development areas, and appointment of local workforce development boards. (Sec. 112) Requires establishment of local Workforce Development Boards (replacing the Private Industry Councils which currently run local programs). Requires such boards to: (1) provide policy guidance and oversight over local systems (rather than directly run programs); and (2) establish local full service employment and training delivery systems to be easily accessible, single points of entry into the employment and training system. Requires selection of service providers eligible to provide training services under the Adult Employment and Training Block Grant. Subtitle C: Program and Fiscal Provisions - Chapter 1: General Provisions - Revises JTPA general program requirements as well as requirements for trainee or employee benefits, labor standards, grievance procedures, identification of additional imposed requirements, authority of State legislatures, and interstate agreements. Chapter 2: Performance Accountability Provisions - Requires each State receiving JTPA funds to implement a statewide performance accountability system with negotiated benchmarks, including core indicators of performance, performance reports, incentive grants, and sanctions. Chapter 3: Other Provisions - Revises JTPA requirements relating to: (1) data for prompt allocation of funds; (2) fiscal controls and sanctions; (3) reports, recordkeeping, and investigations; (4) administrative adjudication; (5) nondiscrimination; and (6) administrative provisions. Repeals specified provisions relating to: (1) judicial review; (2) Presidential awards for outstanding private sector involvement in job training programs; and (3) construction of certain JTPA provisions. Establishes limits on certain administrative costs. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals specified JTPA provisions, including certain criminal provisions. Title II: Amendments to Employment and Training Programs for Disadvantaged Youth - Consolidates: (1) adult training programs with those for disadvantages workers under a new title III; and (2) summer youth employment and training programs with year-round youth training programs into a new title II disadvantaged youth employment and training opportunities block grants program. (Sec. 203) Revises requirements for the allotment of funds within States. Provides for allocation of funds to local areas under a State-determined formula developed through the collaborative process. Sets forth individual eligibility requirements. Gives service priority to individuals who, in addition to being economically disadvantaged, are determined to be hard to serve, including school dropouts. Requires the use of disadvantaged youth program funds for specified activities, including: (1) assessments and service strategies for participants; (2) integration of academic, occupational, and work-based learning; (3) comprehensive guidance and counseling; (4) postsecondary education and training opportunities, where appropriate; (5) involvement of employers and parents in program design and implementation; and (6) adult mentoring. Authorizes use of program funds for: (1) direct training services; (2) tutoring and study skills training; (3) instruction leading to completion of high school or the equivalent; (4) alternative high school services; (5) paid and unpaid work experience, including summer employment opportunities, which are directly linked to academic, occupational, and work-based learning; (6) mentoring; (7) training-related supportive services; (8) peer-centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social behaviors during non-school hours; and (9) other locally determined appropriate training and transition services that assist disadvantaged youth make the transition to employment. Title III: Amendments to Employment and Training Programs for Adults - Consolidates the current dislocated worker grant program and economically disadvantaged adult training program, as well as various other training programs for adults, into an adult employment and training opportunities block grant program for all adults. Provides for allocation of funds, under both the adult and dislocated worker funding streams, to local workforce development areas based upon State-determined formulas developed through the collaborative process. Makes such funds available to local workforce development areas for establishing full-service employment and training delivery, and for providing core, intensive, and training (as well as supportive) services for adults and for dislocated workers. (Sec. 301) Allows individuals to receive further training beyond core services if: (1) they are unable, through core services, to obtain initial employment, or employment that will lead to self-sufficiency; and (2) they have been determined, after an interview, evaluation, or assessment and counseling, to be in need of training services. Requires, under the adult funding stream, that priority for intensive and training services be given to welfare recipients and other economically disadvantaged individuals with multiple barriers to employment. Requires provision (except in certain circumstances) of training services for adults: (1) through service delivery methods that maximize consumer choice in the selection of eligible training service providers; and (2) through the use of skill grants distributed through the full-service employment and training delivery system. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to award national emergency grants to: (1) certain entities to provide employment and training to workers in areas affected by major economic dislocations; and (2) State Governors to provide disaster relief employment assistance to areas that have suffered specified emergencies and disasters. Authorizes the award of grants, also, to assist projects that provide training to upgrade the skill of employed workers who reside and are employed in enterprise zones or empowerment communities. Title IV: Amendments to Federally Administered Programs - Programs - Subtitle A: Employment and Training Programs for Native Americans and Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers - Revises JTPA employment and training programs for Native Americans. Requires eligible Indian tribal, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian entities to submit program plans to the Secretary for grant and contract assistance. Eliminates the Native American Employment and Training Council. Allows entities receiving such assistance to consolidate it with assistance received from related programs in accordance with the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act of 1992. (Sec. 402) Revises JTPA employment and training programs for migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Requires eligible entities to submit program plans to the Secretary for grant and contract assistance. Directs the Secretary to consult with State Governors and local boards in making such grants and contracts. Subtitle B: Job Corps - Revises JTPA Job Corps provisions relating to: (1) individual eligibility; (2) screening and selection of applicants; (3) Job Corps centers; (4) standards of conduct; (5) counseling and job placement; and (6) experimental and developmental projects and coordination with other programs. Subtitle C: National Activities - Revises JTPA with respect to research, demonstration, evaluation, and capacity building, including: (1) national partnerships and special training; (2) technical assistance, dissemination, and replication activities; and (3) incentive grants. (Sec. 422) Repeals the mandate for a nontraditional employment demonstration program. Subtitle D: Repealers - Repeals JTPA provisions for: (1) the National Commission on Employment Policy; (2) training to fulfill affirmative action obligations; (3) the Youth Fair Chance Program; (4) the Microenterprise Grants Program; and (5) disaster relief employment assistance (while making provisions for such disaster assistance under title III). Title V: Amendments to Adult Education Programs - Consolidates various adult education and literacy programs into a block grant program. Requires program funds distributed through the States to local adult education providers to be used to provide adult education and family literacy services to qualifying adults. Establishes a framework to ensure that adult education programs are aligned with job training programs. (Sec. 501) Repeals authority for the current Jobs for Employable Dependent Individuals Incentive Bonus Program. (Sec. 502) Adult Education and Family Literacy Act - Establishes a new JTPA title V, Adult Education Programs, to be cited as the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA), by transferring a renamed and revised Adult Education Act from the Elementary and Secondary Education Amendments of 1996. Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations under AEFLA. Revises provisions for grants to eligible agencies, including initial and additional allotments, fund uses, competitive grant requirements, and adult education and literacy activities. Directs eligible agencies to require local providers to use their competitive grant funds for one or more programs in one or more of these categories: (1) adult education and literacy services; (2) family literacy services; and (3) English literacy programs. Sets forth fiscal requirements and restrictions on uses of funds. Revises provisions for: (1) the National Institute for Literacy (NIL); (2) NIL's authority to make certain grants, contracts, agreements, and literacy leadership fellowships; (3) an NIL Advisory Board; and (4) NIL funding from the Secretaries of Education, Labor, and Health and Human Services. Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out a program of national leadership activities to enhance the quality of adult education and family literacy programs nationwide. (Sec. 503) Repeals the National Literacy Act of 1991. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals JTPA provisions relating to specified amendments to: (1) the Wagner-Peyser Act; and (2) the Social Security Act, regarding certain required training and employment services and regarding an earnings disregard. Title VII: Amendments to State Human Resource Investment Council - Revises JTPA provisions for State Human Resource Investment Councils. Title VIII: Amendments to Wagner-Peyser Act - Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act with respect to: (1) functions of the Secretary of Labor; (2) designation of State agencies; (3) disposition of allotted funds; and (4) State plans. Repeals the mandate for a Federal advisory council. Requires the provision of all job search, placement, recruitment, labor market information, and other authorized labor exchange services as part of the full service employment and training delivery system established by the State. Title IX: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Subtitle A: Amendments to the Job Training Partnership Act - Renames JTPA as the Employment, Training, and Literacy Enhancement Act, and makes various technical and conforming amendments. Subtitle B: Amendments to Other Acts - Makes technical and conforming amendments to other specified Federal laws. Title X: Effective Date and Transition Provisions - Sets forth an effective date and transition provisions for Division A of this Act. Division B: Vocational Rehabilitation Programs - Title XXI: Amendments to General Provisions - Revises Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (RA) general provisions, including those relating to the Rehabilitation Services Administration. Title XXII: Amendments to Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for grants to States for basic vocational rehabilitation services. Revises provisions relating to: (1) State plans; (2) individualized written rehabilitation programs; (3) scope of vocational rehabilitation services; (4) State Rehabilitation Advisory Councils; (5) evaluation standards and performance indicators; and (6) monitoring and review. Subtitle B: Basic Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Extends through FY 2000 the reservation of funds from State allotments for American Indian vocational rehabilitation services. (Sec. 2213) Extends through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for the client assistance program. Title XXIII: Amendments to Research and Training - Extends through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and the Rehabilitation Research Advisory Council; and (2) specified research programs and centers. Repeals the mandate for a Deputy Director of the Institute, and the authority to appoint technical and professional employees. Title XXIV: Amendments to Training and Demonstration Projects - Subtitle A: Training Programs and Community Rehabilitation Programs - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for various training programs. Repeals the mandate for grants for career advancement and competency-based training. (Sec. 2232) Repeals specified RA provisions for: (1) certain grants and contracts for vocational rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities; (2) loan guarantees for community rehabilitation programs; (3) comprehensive rehabilitation centers; and (4) general grant and contract requirements. (Sec. 2233) Extends through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for Special Projects and Supplementary Services (sic). Subtitle B: Special Projects and Supplementary Service s - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) special demonstration programs; (2) migratory workers programs; and (3) special recreational programs. Repeals RA provisions for: (1) transitional planning services for youth with severe disabilities; and (2) educational and vocational rehabilitation projects for individuals who are low-functioning and deaf or hard-of-hearing. Title XXV: Amendments to National Council on Disability - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for the National Council on Disability. Title XXVI: Amendments to Rights and Advocacy - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations to support a system in each State to protect the legal and human rights of individuals with disabilities who: (1) need services beyond the scope of those under the client assistance program; and (2) are ineligible for protection and advocacy programs under specified Acts. Title XXVII: Amendments to Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) projects with industry; and (2) supported employment services for individuals with disabilities. (Sec. 2272) Repeals RA provisions for: (1) community service pilot programs for individuals with disabilities; and (2) business opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Title XXVIII: Amendments to Independent Living Services and Centers for Independent Living - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) independent living services, and centers for independent living, for individuals with disabilities; and (2) independent living services for older individuals who are blind. Title XXIX: Repeal of Special Demonstrations and Training Projects - Repeals RA provisions for special demonstrations and training projects. Title XXX: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date for Division B of this Act.