Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the tax deduction for charitable contributions of qualified wild game meat by the processing fees paid with respect to such contributions, and (2) exclude from the gross income of meat processors processing fees paid by a charitable organization for the processing of donated wild game meat. Defines "qualified wild game meat" as the meat of any animal typically used for human consumption but only if: (1) such animal is killed in the wild by the individual making the charitable contribution and is hunted or taken in accordance with all state and local laws, (2) the meat is processed for human consumption by a licensed processor, and (3) the meat is apparently wholesome as determined by regulations under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act.

amends internal revenue code increase tax deduction charitable contributions qualified wild game meat processing fees paid respect contributions exclude gross income meat processors processing fees paid charitable organization processing donated wild game meat defines qualified wild game meat meat animal typically human consumption animal killed wild individual making charitable contribution hunted taken accordance state local laws meat processed human consumption licensed processor meat apparently wholesome determined regulations bill emerson good samaritan food donation act


Summary: Volunteer Freedom Act - Repeals the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NCSA) and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (DVSA) one year after this Act's enactment. (The NCSA authorizes the Learn and Serve America, AmeriCorps, and National Civilian Community Corps [NCCC] programs. The DVSA authorizes the Volunteers in Service to America [VISTA] and National Senior Service Corps programs.) Preserves the educational awards volunteers earn before the NCSA and DVSA are repealed.

national_and_community_service_act domestic_volunteer_service_act dvsa year act enactment authorizes learn serve america americorps national_civilian_community_corps nccc programs dvsa authorizes vista programs preserves educational awards volunteers earn dvsa repealed


Summary: Supporting Emergency Responders Volunteer Efforts Act of 2011 or the SERVE Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a $1,000 refundable tax credit for individuals who are bona fide volunteer members of a qualified volunteer fire department who provide firefighting, ambulance, or emergency medical services.

supporting emergency responders volunteer efforts act serve act amends internal revenue code allow refundable tax credit individuals bona fide volunteer members qualified volunteer fire department provide firefighting ambulance emergency medical services


Summary: Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions allowing a tax exclusion for benefits paid to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical providers by states and local government by: (1) increasing the amount of benefits excludible, and (2) extending such tax exclusion through 2013.

amends internal revenue code provisions allowing tax exclusion benefits paid volunteer firefighters emergency medical providers states local government increasing benefits excludible extending tax exclusion


Summary: Medical-Legal Partnership for Health Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a nationwide demonstration project to: (1) award matching grants or enter into contracts with medical-legal partnerships to assist patients and their families in navigating health-related programs and activities, and (2) evaluate the effectiveness of such partnerships. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to grantees to support the establishment and sustainability of medical-legal partnerships. Requires amounts received under this Act to be used to achieve one or more of the following goals: (1) enhancing access to health care services, (2) improving health outcomes for low-income individuals, (3) reducing health disparities among health disparities populations, (4) enhancing wellness and prevention of chronic conditions and other health problems, (5) reducing cost of care to the health care system, (6) addressing the social determinants of health, and (7) addressing situational contributing factors. Prohibits funds under this Act from being used: (1) for any medical malpractice action or proceeding, (2) to provide any support to an alien who is not a qualified alien or a nonimmigrant under the Immigration and Nationality Act or an alien who is paroled into the United States under such Act for less than one year, (3) to provide legal assistance with respect to any proceeding or litigation which seeks to procure an abortion or to compel any individual or institution to perform or assist in the performance of an abortion, or (4) to initiate or participate in a class action lawsuit. Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the results of such project. to provide any state or local public benefit support to an alien who is ineligible for such a benefit

secretary health_and_human_services hhs establish nationwide demonstration project award matching grants enter contracts medical legal partnerships assist patients families navigating health related programs activities evaluate effectiveness partnerships authorizes secretary provide technical assistance grantees support establishment sustainability medical legal partnerships requires amounts received act achieve following goals enhancing access health care services improving health outcomes low income individuals reducing health disparities health disparities populations enhancing wellness prevention chronic conditions health problems reducing cost care health care system addressing social determinants health addressing situational contributing factors prohibits funds act medical malpractice action proceeding provide support alien qualified alien nonimmigrant immigration nationality act alien paroled united_states act year provide legal assistance respect proceeding litigation seeks procure abortion compel individual institution perform assist performance abortion initiate participate class action lawsuit requires secretary study report congress results project provide state local public benefit support alien ineligible benefit


Summary: Volunteer Emergency Services Recruitment and Retention Act of 2011- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow sponsors of certain deferred compensation plans to elect to include length of service award plans for bona fide volunteers providing firefighting and fire prevention services, emergency medical services, ambulance services, and emergency rescue services. Directs the Secretary of Labor to issue regulations exempting a length of service award program from treatment as an employee pension benefit plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

volunteer_emergency_services_recruitment retention act amends internal revenue code allow sponsors certain deferred compensation plans elect include length service award plans bona fide volunteers providing firefighting fire prevention services emergency medical services ambulance services emergency rescue services directs secretary labor issue regulations exempting length service award program treatment employee pension benefit plan employee retirement income security act erisa


Summary:
Universal National Service Act - Declares that it is the obligation of every U.S. citizen, and every other person residing in the United States, between the ages of 18 and 25 to perform a 2-year period of national service, unless exempted, either through military service or through civilian service in a federal, state, or local government program or with a community-based agency or entity engaged in meeting human, educational, environmental, or public safety needs. Requires induction into national service by the President. Allows persons to be inducted only: (1) under a declaration of war or national emergency, or (2) when members of the Armed Forces are engaged in a contingency operation. Requires each person, before induction, to be examined physically and mentally for classification for fitness to perform. Sets forth provisions governing: (1) induction deferments, postponements, and exemptions, including exemption of a conscientious objector from combatant training and military service; and (2) discharge following national service.

Amends the Military Selective Service Act to authorize the military registration of females.

obligation citizen person residing united_states ages perform year period national service exempted military service civilian service federal state local government program community based agency entity engaged meeting human educational environmental public safety needs requires induction national service president allows persons declaration war national emergency members armed_forces engaged contingency operation requires person induction examined physically mentally classification fitness perform sets forth provisions governing induction deferments exemptions including exemption conscientious combatant training military service discharge following national service amends military_selective_service act authorize military registration females


Summary:
Volunteer Emergency Services Recruitment and Retention Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow sponsors of certain deferred compensation plans to elect to include length of service award plans for bona fide volunteers providing firefighting and fire prevention services, emergency medical services, ambulance services, and emergency rescue services.

Directs the Secretary of Labor to issue guidance clarifying that a length of service award program is not an employee pension benefit plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

volunteer_emergency_services_recruitment retention act amends internal revenue code allow sponsors certain deferred compensation plans elect include length service award plans bona fide volunteers providing firefighting fire prevention services emergency medical services ambulance services emergency rescue services directs secretary labor issue guidance clarifying length service award program employee pension benefit plan employee retirement income security act erisa


Summary:
Directs (under current law, in each case authorizes) the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to: (1) lend equipment and supplies and furnish services in support of Boy Scout Jamborees, (2) provide transportation for attendees of any national or world Jamboree, and (3) provide personnel services and logistical support at any Jamboree held on a military installation.

Allows the Secretary to furnish such transportation to the extent it will not interfere with national security (under current law, with the requirements of military operations).

directs current law case authorizes secretary defense dod lend equipment supplies furnish services support provide transportation attendees national world provide personnel services logistical support held military installation allows secretary furnish transportation extent interfere national security current law requirements military operations


Summary: Charitable Driving Tax Relief Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that volunteers who use their automobiles for the benefit of a charitable organization may exclude from their gross income reimbursements for their automobile operating expenses at the same level as business employees (i.e., 56.5 cents per mile in 2013).

charitable driving tax relief act amends internal revenue code provide volunteers use automobiles benefit charitable organization exclude gross income reimbursements automobile operating expenses level business employees cents mile


Summary: Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Reauthorization Act of 2013 - Amends Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax exclusion for benefits paid to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical providers by states and local governments, to: (1) increase the amount of benefits excludible; and (2) make such tax exclusion available for taxable years beginning in 2014, 2015, or 2016.

amends internal revenue code respect tax exclusion benefits paid volunteer firefighters emergency medical providers states local governments increase benefits excludible tax exclusion available taxable years beginning


Summary:
Promoting National Service and Reducing Unemployment Act - Makes FY2014 supplemental appropriations to the Corporation for National and Community Service (Americorps) to provide additional funds for:

 operating expenses, salaries and administrative expenses, and the Office of Inspector General. Requires Americorps to: (1) use the funds to increase the number of national service positions approved under the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to 500,000, and (2) give preference to national service programs that propose to use full-time national service positions.

reducing unemployment act makes fy2014 supplemental appropriations provide additional funds operating expenses salaries administrative expenses office_of_inspector_general use funds increase number national service positions approved national_and_community_service_act preference national service programs propose use time national service positions


Summary:
Community Gardening and Nutrition Act of 2014 - Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to require the Director of the Corporation for National and Community Service to establish a Community Garden Pilot Program under the Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program.

Requires the Program to address the health and nutrition of individuals in low-income and underserved communities through activities that include:

 creating new community gardens and supporting and expanding existing community gardens; recruiting local community members to actively engage in community gardens and gardening projects; transforming vacant places into community garden plots; increasing community members' access to healthy foods and local foods while also encouraging them to stay active; expanding anti-poverty efforts by teaching basic nutrition and self-reliance through community gardening; and developing initiatives that increase the community's access to healthy, locally grown foods. Requires the Director to carry out at least 40 projects under the Program.

Requires the Director to give priority to: (1) volunteers with experience in health, nutrition, and gardening; (2) projects located in varied geographic regions; and (3) selecting a balance of urban and rural projects.

community nutrition act amends domestic volunteer service act require director corporation_for_national_and_community_service establish vista program requires program address health nutrition individuals low income underserved communities activities include creating new community gardens supporting expanding existing community gardens recruiting local community members actively engage community gardens projects transforming vacant places community garden increasing community members access healthy foods local foods encouraging stay active expanding anti poverty efforts teaching basic nutrition self reliance community developing initiatives increase community access healthy locally grown foods requires director carry projects program requires director priority volunteers experience health nutrition projects located varied geographic regions selecting balance urban rural projects


Summary: Humanitarian Firefighter Relief Act - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 and the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to grant duty-free treatment of donated fire-fighting and rescue and relief equipment and supplies imported by or on behalf of a qualified tax-exempt nonprofit charitable organization for purposes of the inspection and subsequent donation and export of those items to countries and organizations in need.

humanitarian firefighter relief_act_-_amends tariff act harmonized_tariff schedule united_states grant duty free treatment donated fire fighting rescue relief equipment supplies imported behalf qualified tax exempt nonprofit charitable organization purposes inspection subsequent donation export items countries organizations need


Summary: Good Samaritan Protection for Construction, Architectural, and Engineering Volunteers Act - Grants construction companies and architectural and engineering firms and their employees immunity from liability for negligence, except for gross negligence or willful misconduct, when providing emergency assistance on a voluntary basis in response to a declared emergency or disaster, in good faith, and without expectation of compensation.

good samaritan protection construction architectural engineering volunteers act grants construction companies architectural engineering firms employees immunity liability negligence gross negligence willful misconduct providing emergency assistance voluntary basis response declared emergency disaster good faith expectation compensation


Summary: Charitable Automobile Red-Tape Simplification Act of 2014 or the CARS Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax deduction for charitable contributions, to modify the substantiation rules for donations of qualified vehicles (i.e., motor vehicles manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads, and highways and boats or airplanes) to require: (1) a statement with respect to such qualified vehicles and a good faith estimate of their value at the time of donation; and (2) a contemporaneous written acknowledgement of the contribution by the donee organization, with information about the donor and the qualified vehicle.

cars act amends internal revenue code respect tax deduction charitable contributions modify substantiation rules donations qualified vehicles motor vehicles manufactured primarily use public streets roads highways boats airplanes require statement respect qualified vehicles good faith estimate value time donation contemporaneous written acknowledgement contribution donee organization information donor qualified vehicle


Summary:
Strengthening Charities Through Transparency Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require tax-exempt organizations to file their returns in electronic form and to make such returns available to the public in a machine readable format as soon as practicable.

Requires: (1) states, upon the request of the Attorney General, to make available information on charities or charity management officials who have been convicted of fraud, theft, or a financial offense; and (2) the Attorney General to establish a database that lists each such charity or charity management official.

strengthening charities transparency act amends internal revenue code require tax exempt organizations file returns electronic form returns available public machine readable format soon practicable requires states request attorney general available information charities charity management officials convicted fraud theft financial offense attorney general establish database lists charity charity management official


Summary: Volunteer Emergency Responders Tax Deduction Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat firefighting and prevention services, emergency medical services, ambulance services, civil air patrol, and emergency rescue services rendered by a bona fide volunteer as a charitable contribution to the organization for which such services are rendered for purposes of the tax deduction for charitable contributions. Limits to 300 the amount of hours of services which a volunteer may render to an organization in a taxable year.

internal revenue code treat firefighting prevention services emergency medical services ambulance services civil air patrol emergency rescue services rendered bona fide volunteer charitable contribution organization services rendered purposes tax deduction charitable contributions limits hours services volunteer render organization taxable year


Summary:
Volunteer Emergency Services Recruitment and Retention Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow sponsors of certain deferred compensation plans to elect to include length of service award plans for bona fide volunteers providing firefighting and fire prevention services, emergency medical services, ambulance services, and emergency rescue services.

Directs the Secretary of Labor to issue regulations exempting a length of service award program from treatment as an employee pension benefit plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on September 26, 2013. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act of 2013 - Amends the Congressional Award Act to extend the date for termination of the Congressional Award Board from October 1, 2013, to October 1, 2018.

measure amended passed senate september summary version repeated congressional award program reauthorization act amends congressional award act extend date termination october october


Summary: Notice for Organizations That Include Charities is Essential (NOTICE) Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Secretary of the Treasury to notify any tax-exempt organization, not later than 300 days after such an organization fails to file its annual tax return or other required information for two consecutive years, that: (1) the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has no record of its return or information for two consecutive years, and (2) a penalty will occur if the organization fails to file its return or information by the next filing deadline. Allows the reinstatement of the tax-exempt status of such an organization without the requirement of an application if: (1) the organization demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that it did not receive the notice required by this Act, and (2) it files an annual return or required information for the current year.

essential notice act amends internal revenue code require secretary treasury notify tax exempt organization later days organization fails file annual tax return required information consecutive years internal_revenue_service irs record return information consecutive years penalty occur organization fails file return information filing deadline allows reinstatement tax exempt status organization requirement application organization demonstrates satisfaction secretary receive notice required act files annual return required information current year


Summary: Philanthropic Enterprise Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt the holdings of a private foundation in any business enterprise that meet specified requirements relating to exclusive ownership, minimum distribution of net operating income for the charitable purpose (all profits to charity), and independent operation (i.e., not controlled by a substantial contributor or family members) from the excise taxes on excess business holdings and unrelated business income.

philanthropic enterprise act amends internal revenue code exempt holdings private foundation business enterprise meet specified requirements relating exclusive ownership minimum distribution net operating income charitable purpose profits charity independent operation controlled substantial contributor family members excise taxes excess business holdings unrelated business income


Summary:
Volunteer Emergency Responders Tax Deduction Act

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat firefighting and prevention services, emergency medical services, ambulance services, civil air patrol, and search and rescue services rendered by a bona fide volunteer as a charitable contribution to the organization for which such services are rendered for purposes of the tax deduction for charitable contributions. Limits to 300 the amount of hours of services which a volunteer may render to an organization in a taxable year.

amends internal revenue code treat firefighting prevention services emergency medical services ambulance services civil air patrol search rescue services rendered bona fide volunteer charitable contribution organization services rendered purposes tax deduction charitable contributions limits hours services volunteer render organization taxable year


Summary:
Volunteer Emergency Services Recruitment and Retention Act of 2015

 Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow sponsors of certain deferred compensation plans to elect to include length of service award plans for bona fide volunteers providing firefighting and fire prevention services, emergency medical services, ambulance services, and emergency rescue services.

Directs the Secretary of Labor to issue guidance clarifying that a length of service award program is not an employee pension benefit plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).


Summary:
Volunteer Organization Protection Act of 2015

Amends the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 to expand liability protections to volunteer nonprofit organizations for harm caused by an act or omission of a volunteer on behalf of the organization.

Prohibits such liability protections from applying if the organization: (1) would be liable under laws governing the direct or vicarious liability of organizations, and (2) expressly authorized the specific conduct constituting the act or omission.

Bars such an organization from liability for harm caused by the organization, or a volunteer acting on its behalf, if the act or omission was at the request of, or pursuant to an authorization by, a state, the United States, or another governmental subdivision, provided that: (1) the requesting or authorizing governmental entity would have been immune either from suit or from liability in damages if it had engaged in the acts or omissions itself or through employees or independent contractors; or (2) the governmental employee, agent, or contractor would have been immune either from suit or from liability in damages by virtue of immunity extended to individual governmental actors.

Prohibits punitive damages from being awarded against a volunteer nonprofit organization for the actions of a volunteer within the scope of the volunteer's responsibilities to the organization unless the claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the organization itself expressly authorized the volunteer's action with a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed.

amends volunteer protection act expand liability protections volunteer nonprofit organizations harm caused act omission volunteer behalf organization prohibits liability protections applying organization liable laws governing direct liability organizations expressly authorized specific conduct constituting act omission bars organization liability harm caused organization volunteer acting behalf act omission request pursuant authorization state united_states governmental subdivision provided requesting authorizing governmental entity immune suit liability damages engaged acts omissions employees independent contractors governmental employee agent contractor immune suit liability damages virtue immunity extended individual governmental actors prohibits punitive damages awarded volunteer nonprofit organization actions volunteer scope volunteer responsibilities organization claimant establishes clear convincing evidence organization expressly authorized volunteer action conscious flagrant indifference rights safety individual harmed


Summary: This bill amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem mortgage appraisal services donated by a fee appraiser to an organization eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions to be customary and reasonable.

bill amends truth lending act deem mortgage appraisal services donated fee appraiser organization eligible receive tax deductible charitable contributions customary reasonable


Summary:
Groundwork USA Trust Act of 2015

 Establishes the Groundwork USA Trust Program.

Authorizes the Department of the Interior to award grants to eligible nonprofit organizations to: (1) facilitate the inventory of brownfield sites, site assessments, remediation of brownfield sites, community involvement, or site preparation; (2) reclaim vacant and derelict lands; (3) cleanup and care for neglected areas; (4) return brownfields to productive use; (5) integrate environmental education, food security, health and fitness, resource management, and job training; (6) encourage and support business, local government, nonprofit, and community cooperation in sustainable environmental care and enhancement; (7) acquire, rehabilitate, and improve real property and buildings; and (8) develop programs that encourage partnering with other environmental organizations.

award grants eligible nonprofit organizations facilitate inventory brownfield sites site assessments remediation brownfield sites community involvement site preparation reclaim vacant derelict lands cleanup care neglected areas return brownfields productive use integrate environmental education food security health fitness resource management job training encourage support business local government nonprofit community cooperation sustainable environmental care enhancement acquire rehabilitate improve real property buildings develop programs encourage partnering environmental organizations


Summary: This bill amends the charter of the Gold Star Wives of America corporation to repeal the prohibition against any actions by the corporation or by a director or officer that contribute to, support, or participate in any political activity or in any manner attempt to influence legislation.

bill amends charter corporation repeal prohibition actions corporation director officer contribute support participate political activity manner attempt influence legislation


Summary:
Promoting National Service and Reducing Unemployment Act

This bill provides FY2016 supplemental appropriations to the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) for:

 Operating Expenses, Salaries and Expenses, and the Office of Inspector General. The CNCS must: (1) use the funds to increase the number of national service positions approved under the National and Community Service Act of 1990, and (2) give preference to programs which propose to use full-time national service positions.

reducing unemployment act bill provides fy2016 supplemental appropriations operating expenses salaries expenses office_of_inspector_general use funds increase number national service positions approved national_and_community_service_act preference programs propose use time national service positions


Summary:
Delivering Elderly Lunches and Increasing Volunteer Engagement and Reimbursements Act of 2016 or the DELIVER Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the standard mileage rate for the tax deduction for the charitable use of a passenger automobile to deliver meals to homebound individuals who are elderly, disabled, frail, or at risk. The bill increases the rate from the standard charitable rate of 14 cents per mile to the standard business mileage rate, which is 54 cents per mile for 2016.

delivering elderly lunches increasing volunteer engagement deliver act bill amends internal_revenue_code increase standard mileage rate tax deduction charitable use passenger automobile deliver meals homebound individuals elderly disabled frail risk bill increases rate standard charitable rate cents mile standard business mileage rate cents mile


Summary:
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax Relief Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any AmeriCorps educational awards provided under the National and Community Service Act of 1990.

americorps education award tax relief act bill amends internal_revenue_code exclude gross income americorps educational awards provided national_and_community_service_act


Summary:
Strengthening Charities Through Transparency Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to require tax-exempt organizations to file their returns in electronic form. The Internal Revenue Service must make the returns available to the public in a machine readable format as soon as practicable.

Upon the request of the Department of Justice (DOJ), states must make available information on charities or charity management officials who have been convicted of fraud, theft, or a financial offense. DOJ must: (1) establish a database that lists each such charity or charity management official, and (2) provide the information to state attorneys general for regulatory and law enforcement purposes.

strengthening charities transparency act bill amends internal_revenue_code require tax exempt organizations file returns electronic form internal_revenue_service returns available public machine readable format soon practicable request department_of_justice doj states available information charities charity management officials convicted fraud theft financial offense doj establish database lists charity charity management official provide information state attorneys general regulatory law enforcement purposes


Summary:
Philanthropic Enterprise Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt the holdings of a private foundation in any business enterprise that meet specified requirements relating to exclusive ownership, minimum distribution of net operating income for the charitable purpose (all profits to charity distribution requirement), and independent operation (not controlled by a substantial contributor or family members) from the excise taxes on excess business holdings.

philanthropic enterprise act bill amends internal_revenue_code exempt holdings private foundation business enterprise meet specified requirements relating exclusive ownership minimum distribution net operating income charitable purpose profits charity distribution requirement independent operation controlled substantial contributor family members excise taxes excess business holdings


Summary:
21st Century American Service Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any AmeriCorps educational awards provided under the National and Community Service Act of 1990.

The bill establishes within the Corporation for National and Community Service the 21st Century National Service Program Implementing Taskforce, which shall develop a 21st Century National Service Program to notify 18-year olds of opportunities to serve in a voluntary national service program.

The Taskforce shall develop a 10-year strategic implementation plan for the 21st Century National Service Program and publish it on the Corporation website.

The Corporation shall establish, with a certain number of participating states, a national service college compact pilot program under which eligible individuals may use an educational award to attend a public institution of higher education for a two- or four-year program of instruction, or a career or technical education program, at no additional charge.

 An eligible individual shall be one who completes successfully or agrees to complete:

 two required terms of full-time national service in an approved national service position for purposes of eligibility for two educational awards; and at least one calendar year of employment with a federal, state, or local government entity or a nonprofit organization. The Corporation and a state participating in the national service compact shall jointly select the individual eligible to receive an educational award for attending a public institution of higher education in the state.

21st century american service act bill amends internal_revenue_code exclude gross income americorps educational awards provided national_and_community_service_act bill establishes corporation_for_national_and_community_service 21st century national service program implementing shall develop 21st century notify year olds opportunities serve voluntary national service program shall develop year strategic implementation plan 21st century national service program publish corporation website corporation shall establish certain number participating states national service college compact pilot program eligible individuals use educational award attend public institution higher education two- year program instruction career technical education program additional charge eligible individual shall completes successfully agrees complete required terms time national service approved national service position purposes eligibility educational awards calendar year employment federal state local government entity nonprofit organization corporation state participating national service compact shall jointly select individual eligible receive educational award attending public institution higher education state


Summary:
America's Call To Improve Opportunities Now for National Service Act or the ACTION for National Service Act

This bill amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to reestablish the Corporation for National and Community Service as an independent executive agency called the National and Community Service Administration.

An individual who successfully completes a term of full-time national service shall be entitled to a national service educational award equal to twice the amount of tuition for the institution of higher education where the individual is enrolled, not to exceed twice the average in-state tuition. Current law limits the award's value to the maximum amount of a Federal Pell Grant that an individual is eligible to receive in the aggregate.

Within the administration, the bill establishes an interagency working group to evaluate specified issues related to: (1) eligibility for tuition and student loan repayment assistance with regard to participation in certain national or volunteer service programs, (2) the advisability of granting federal hiring preference to certain volunteer program participants, and (3) methods for increasing the participation of seniors in national service programs.

The National Service Foundation, a nonprofit corporation established by the bill, shall accept and administer gifts made in connection with the administration.

The bill expresses support for the authorization of appropriations sufficient to provide, within 10 years, volunteer service opportunities for at least 1 million volunteers in full-time national service annually.

The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude AmeriCorps educational awards from gross income.

america national service act bill amends national_and_community_service_act domestic_volunteer_service_act reestablish independent executive agency called individual successfully completes term time national service shall entitled national service educational award equal twice tuition institution higher education individual enrolled exceed twice average state tuition current law limits award value maximum federal pell grant individual eligible receive aggregate administration bill establishes interagency working group evaluate specified issues related eligibility tuition student loan repayment assistance regard participation certain national volunteer service programs advisability granting federal hiring preference certain volunteer program participants methods increasing participation seniors national service programs nonprofit corporation established bill shall accept administer gifts connection administration bill expresses support authorization appropriations sufficient provide years volunteer service opportunities million volunteers time national service annually bill amends internal_revenue_code exclude americorps educational awards gross income


Summary:
Sam Farr Peace Corps Enhancement Act

This bill increases the monthly pay rate for Peace Corps volunteers.

The Peace Corps shall provide initial medical care to a former volunteer for a service-related condition for 180 days after termination of service, which may be extended under specified circumstances.

The bill grants the government jurisdiction over, and imposes penalties upon, persons who commit certain crimes outside of the United States against a volunteer.

The bill sets forth provisions regarding the use of mefloquine and other anti-malaria drugs, including appropriate medical officer training.

The Peace Corps Act is amended to authorize the designation of a position as a critical management support position if the position requires specialized technical or professional skills and knowledge of Peace Corps operations. An appointment may not exceed five years.

The President shall ensure that each overseas post has appropriate medical services, including by detailing to such a post the licensed medical staff of other U.S. agencies.

Each volunteer applicant shall be provided with information regarding crime and health risks and volunteer satisfaction with respect to the country in which the applicant has been invited to serve.

The Office of Victim Advocacy in Peace Corps headquarters is made permanent.

The bill: (1) expands membership of the Sexual Assault Advisory Council from 8 to up to 14 members, (2) requires at least one council member to have mental health field expertise, (3) extends the council through October 1, 2023, and (4) requires the council to establish an email address to permit volunteers and former volunteers to communicate directly and confidentially with the council.

The President shall conduct annual volunteer surveys through September 30, 2023 (currently through September 30, 2018).

The Inspector General of the Peace Corps may hire an expert, consultant, or organization without regard to certain daily salary requirements.

enhancement act bill increases monthly pay rate peace_corps volunteers peace_corps shall provide initial medical care volunteer service related condition days termination service extended specified circumstances bill grants government jurisdiction imposes penalties persons commit certain crimes outside united_states volunteer bill sets forth provisions use anti malaria drugs including appropriate medical officer training peace corps act amended authorize designation position critical management support position position requires specialized technical professional skills knowledge peace_corps operations appointment exceed years president shall ensure overseas post appropriate medical services including detailing post licensed medical staff agencies volunteer applicant shall provided information crime health risks volunteer satisfaction respect country applicant invited serve peace_corps headquarters permanent bill expands membership members requires council member mental health field expertise extends council october requires council establish email address permit volunteers volunteers communicate directly confidentially council president shall conduct annual volunteer surveys september currently september inspector general peace_corps hire expert consultant organization regard certain daily salary requirements


Summary:
TechCorps Act

This bill requires the Office of Personnel Management to establish and maintain a database of job vacancies across the government relating to information technology (IT). The database shall be published on the USA Jobs website and describe such vacancies as TechCorps-eligible positions.

The National and Community Service Act of 1990 is amended to direct the Corporation for National and Community Service to enter into an agreement with a federal agency to carry out a TechCorps program, under which:

 individuals apply to service as TechCorps members prior to or after graduating from a program of study at an institution of education leading to a degree or certificate relating to IT, individuals are recruited by their last academic year in such a program, TechCorps members commit to employment with the federal agency in an IT-related job for at least two years, and individuals accepting such employment shall be TechCorps members for up to four years. The Higher Education Act of 1965 is amended to provide that a borrower of a loan under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program shall be eligible to defer payments for any period during which the borrower is serving as a TechCorps member. The Department of Education shall carry out a program of canceling a specified amount of the loan obligation amount of borrowers who serve as TechCorps members for at least two years and are not in default.

The Government Accountability Office shall study and report to Congress on projected staffing needs for IT-related jobs in government over the next 10 years.

act bill requires office_of_personnel_management establish maintain database job vacancies government relating information technology database shall published website describe vacancies eligible positions national_and_community_service_act amended direct corporation_for_national_and_community_service enter agreement federal agency carry program individuals apply service members prior graduating program study institution education leading degree certificate relating individuals recruited academic year program members commit employment federal agency related job years individuals accepting employment shall members years higher education act amended provide borrower loan shall eligible defer payments period borrower serving member department_of_education shall carry program canceling specified loan obligation borrowers serve members years default government_accountability_office shall study report congress projected staffing needs related jobs government years


Summary:
Notice for Organizations That Include Charities is Essential (NOTICE) Act

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Secretary of the Treasury to notify any tax-exempt organization, not later than 300 days after such an organization fails to file its annual tax return or other required information for two consecutive years, that: (1) the Internal Revenue Service has no record of its return or information for two consecutive years, and (2) a penalty will occur if the organization fails to file its return or information by the next filing deadline. Allows the reinstatement of the tax-exempt status of such an organization without the requirement of an application if: (1) the organization demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that it did not receive the notice required by this Act, and (2) it files an annual return or required information for the current year.

essential notice act amends internal revenue code require secretary treasury notify tax exempt organization later days organization fails file annual tax return required information consecutive years internal_revenue_service record return information consecutive years penalty occur organization fails file return information filing deadline allows reinstatement tax exempt status organization requirement application organization demonstrates satisfaction secretary receive notice required act files annual return required information current year


volunteer_emergency_services_recruitment retention act amends internal revenue code allow sponsors certain deferred compensation plans elect include length service award plans bona fide volunteers providing firefighting fire prevention services emergency medical services ambulance services emergency rescue services directs secretary labor issue guidance clarifying length service award program employee pension benefit plan employee retirement income security act erisa


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Notice for Organizations That Include Charities is Essential (NOTICE) Act

(Sec. 2) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Department of the Treasury to notify any tax-exempt organization, not later than 300 days after such an organization fails to file its annual tax return or other required information for 2 consecutive years, that: (1) the Internal Revenue Service has no record of its return or information for 2 consecutive years, and (2) a penalty will occur if the organization fails to file its return or information by the next filing deadline. Allows the reinstatement of the tax-exempt status of such an organization without the requirement of an application if: (1) the organization demonstrates to the satisfaction of Treasury that it did not receive the notice required by this Act, and (2) it files an annual return or required information for the current year. Makes this Act applicable to notices and returns required to be filed after December 31, 2014.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure notice organizations include charities essential notice act sec amends internal revenue code require department_of_the_treasury notify tax exempt organization later days organization fails file annual tax return required information consecutive years internal_revenue_service record return information consecutive years penalty occur organization fails file return information filing deadline allows reinstatement tax exempt status organization requirement application organization demonstrates satisfaction treasury receive notice required act files annual return required information current year makes act applicable notices returns required filed december


Summary:
Fair Treatment for All Gifts Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction from the taxable amount of gifts for gifts made to specified tax-exempt organizations, including: (1) social welfare organizations; (2) labor, agricultural, and horticultural organizations; and (3) business leagues, chambers of commerce, real-estate boards, boards of trade, and professional football leagues.

gifts act bill amends internal_revenue_code allow deduction taxable gifts gifts specified tax exempt organizations including social welfare organizations labor agricultural organizations business leagues chambers commerce real estate boards boards trade professional football leagues


Summary: Amends the Truth in Lending Act with respect to the compensation of fee appraisers to state that, in the case of an appraisal for which the appraiser voluntarily does not receive a fee, the appraiser is not, and shall not be construed to be, with respect to the donated appraisal, a fee appraiser subject to appraisal independence requirements.

amends truth lending act respect compensation fee appraisers state case appraisal appraiser voluntarily receive fee appraiser shall construed respect donated appraisal fee appraiser subject appraisal independence requirements


Summary:
Volunteer Organization Protection Act of 2015

Amends the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 to expand liability protections to volunteer nonprofit organizations for harm caused by an act or omission of a volunteer on behalf of the organization.

Prohibits such liability protections from applying if the organization: (1) would be liable under laws governing the direct or vicarious liability of organizations, and (2) expressly authorized the specific conduct constituting the act or omission.

Bars such an organization from liability for harm caused by the organization, or a volunteer acting on its behalf, if the act or omission was at the request of, or pursuant to an authorization by, the federal government, a state government, or another governmental subdivision, provided that: (1) the requesting or authorizing governmental entity would have been immune from suit or from liability in damages if the entity had engaged in the act or omission itself or through an employee, agent, or independent contractor; or (2) any governmental employee, agent, or contractor who had engaged in the act or omission on behalf of the requesting or authorizing governmental entity would have been immune from suit or from liability in damages by virtue of immunity extended to individual governmental actors.

Prohibits punitive damages from being awarded against a volunteer nonprofit organization for the actions of a volunteer within the scope of the volunteer's responsibilities to the organization unless the claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the organization itself expressly authorized the volunteer's action with a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed.

Sets forth factors to be considered to determine whether a nonprofit organization is presumed to be a volunteer nonprofit organization.

amends volunteer protection act expand liability protections volunteer nonprofit organizations harm caused act omission volunteer behalf organization prohibits liability protections applying organization liable laws governing direct liability organizations expressly authorized specific conduct constituting act omission bars organization liability harm caused organization volunteer acting behalf act omission request pursuant authorization federal government state government governmental subdivision provided requesting authorizing governmental entity immune suit liability damages entity engaged act omission employee agent independent contractor governmental employee agent contractor engaged act omission behalf requesting authorizing governmental entity immune suit liability damages virtue immunity extended individual governmental actors prohibits punitive damages awarded volunteer nonprofit organization actions volunteer scope volunteer responsibilities organization claimant establishes clear convincing evidence organization expressly authorized volunteer action conscious flagrant indifference rights safety individual harmed sets forth factors considered determine nonprofit organization presumed volunteer nonprofit organization


Summary: This bill amends the Truth in Lending Act to deem mortgage appraisal services donated by a fee appraiser to an organization eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions to be customary and reasonable.

bill amends truth lending act deem mortgage appraisal services donated fee appraiser organization eligible receive tax deductible charitable contributions customary reasonable


Summary: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Act of 2007 - Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, which shall be an agency composed of a Director (who shall be an agricultural researcher and scientist) and a Standing Council of Advisors. Authorizes the Director to establish standing committees. Requires the Director to establish: (1) an Office of Advanced Science and Application which shall monitor national needs and advances in research to identify problems for which solutions are realistically achievable through research; (2) an Office of Scientific Assessment and Liaison which shall monitor programs and expenditures; and (3) an Office of Scientific Personnel which shall assess the number of, and need for additional, agricultural scientists in the United States. Directs the Institute to provide grants to support and promote the highest quality of fundamental agricultural research, including grants to fund research proposals submitted by: (1) individual scientists; (2) research centers composed of a single institution or multiple institutions; and (3) other individuals and entities from the private and public sectors, including Department and other federal researchers.

establishes shall agency composed director shall agricultural scientist authorizes director establish standing committees requires director establish office advanced science application shall monitor national needs advances research identify problems solutions achievable research office scientific assessment liaison shall monitor programs expenditures shall assess number need additional agricultural scientists united_states directs institute provide grants support promote highest quality fundamental agricultural research including grants fund research proposals submitted individual scientists research centers composed single institution multiple institutions individuals entities private public sectors including department federal researchers


Summary: Creating Research Extension and Teaching Excellence for the 21st Century Act of 2007 or CREATE-21 Act of 2007 - Establishes the National Institutes for Food and Agriculture, which shall be located in Washington, DC. Transfers specified authorities of the Department of Agriculture and other authorities to the Institutes. Sets forth organizational and funding provisions. Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to repeal authority for the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board. Eliminates specified funding provisions respecting agricultural research at 1890 land-grant colleges. Extends and revises specified agricultural programs, including research, extension, and education programs. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program to provide fellowships for scientific training in the United States to individuals from eligible countries who specialize in agricultural education and research and extension.

21st century act act establishes shall located transfers specified authorities department_of_agriculture authorities institutes sets forth organizational funding provisions amends teaching policy act repeal authority economics_advisory_board eliminates specified funding provisions respecting agricultural research land grant colleges extends revises specified agricultural programs including research extension education programs directs secretary agriculture establish provide fellowships scientific training united_states individuals eligible countries specialize agricultural education research extension


Summary: Allows the state of Idaho, notwithstanding provisions of the First Morrill Act, to: (1) invest and manage earnings and proceeds derived from land granted for use as an agricultural college in accordance with the standards applicable to a trustee under Idaho law; (2) deduct from earnings and proceeds generated from granted land any expenses that a trustee is authorized to deduct pursuant to Idaho law; and (3) use earnings and proceeds generated by the granted land for any uses and purposes described in that Act without regard to limitations prohibiting the state from exceeding 10% on the purchase of land and from purchasing, erecting, preserving, or repairing buildings.

allows state idaho notwithstanding provisions act invest manage earnings proceeds derived land granted use agricultural college accordance standards applicable trustee idaho law deduct earnings proceeds generated granted land expenses trustee authorized deduct pursuant idaho law use earnings proceeds generated granted land uses purposes described act regard limitations prohibiting state exceeding purchase land purchasing preserving repairing buildings


Summary: Genetically Engineered Safety Act - Genetically Engineered Pharmaceutical and Industrial Crop Safety Act of 2007 [sic] - Prohibits: (1) a pharmaceutical crop or industrial crop from being grown, raised, or otherwise cultivated until the final regulations and tracking system required by this Act are in effect; and (2) cultivation of a pharmaceutical crop or industrial crop in an open air environment, or in a food commonly used for human food or domestic animal feed. Directs the Department of Agriculture to establish a tracking system to regulate the growing, handling, transportation, and disposal of all pharmaceutical and industrial crops and their byproducts to prevent contamination. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to assess civil penalties for violations of such provisions. Genetically Engineered Food Safety Act - Directs the National Academy of Sciences to report on alternative methods to produce pharmaceuticals or industrial chemicals that may be conducted in controlled production facilities without the risk of contamination. Defines: (1) "genetically engineered plant"; (2) "genetically engineered material"; (3) "genetically engineered seed"; (4) "pharmaceutical crop"; and (5) "industrial crop." Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to include genetically engineered food in the definition of "food additive." Sets forth requirements governing petitions to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for a regulation prescribing the conditions of safe use of a genetically engineered food additive, including information to be included in the petition and factors to be considered by the Secretary in making a decision. Authorizes civil actions against: (1) a person alleged to have violated FFDCA provisions regulating genetic food additives; and (2) the Secretary for failure to perform a mandatory act or duty related to genetic food additives. Requires the Secretary to collect a filing fee for petitions to: (1) defray costs related to such petitions under this Act; and (2) provide for research on the safety of genetic food additives. Authorizes an officer or employee conducting an inspection to order the detention of food if such person has reason to believe that such food violates the FFDCA. Requires all food retailers to register with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expedite recalls, embargoes, and seizures. Prohibits: (1) the growing, raising, or cultivation of a pharmaceutical crop or industrial crop until the final regulations and tracking system required by this Act are in effect; and (2) cultivation of a pharmaceutical crop or industrial crop in an open air environment, or in a food commonly used for human food or domestic animal feed. Directs the Department of Agriculture to establish a tracking system to regulate the growing, handling, transportation, and disposal of all pharmaceutical and industrial crops and their byproducts to prevent contamination. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to assess civil penalties for violations of such provisions. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to report on alternative methods to produce pharmaceuticals or industrial chemicals that may be conducted in controlled production facilities without the risk of contamination. Defines: (1) "genetically engineered plant"; (2) "genetically engineered material"; (3) "genetically engineered seed"; (4) "pharmaceutical crop"; and (5) "industrial crop."

genetically engineered safety act genetically engineered pharmaceutical safety act sic prohibits pharmaceutical crop industrial crop grown raised cultivated final regulations tracking system required act effect cultivation pharmaceutical crop industrial crop open air environment food commonly human food domestic animal feed directs department_of_agriculture establish tracking system regulate growing handling transportation disposal pharmaceutical industrial crops byproducts prevent contamination authorizes secretary agriculture assess civil penalties violations provisions national_academy_of_sciences report alternative methods produce pharmaceuticals industrial chemicals conducted controlled production facilities risk contamination defines genetically engineered plant genetically engineered material genetically engineered seed pharmaceutical crop industrial crop amends cosmetic act ffdca include genetically engineered food definition food additive sets forth requirements governing petitions secretary health_and_human_services regulation prescribing conditions safe use genetically engineered food additive including information included petition factors considered secretary making decision authorizes civil actions person alleged violated ffdca provisions regulating genetic food additives secretary failure perform mandatory act duty related genetic food additives requires secretary collect filing fee petitions defray costs related petitions act provide research safety genetic food additives authorizes officer employee conducting inspection order detention food person reason believe food violates ffdca requires food retailers register food_and_drug_administration fda expedite recalls seizures prohibits growing raising cultivation pharmaceutical crop industrial crop final regulations tracking system required act effect cultivation pharmaceutical crop industrial crop open air environment food commonly human food domestic animal feed directs department_of_agriculture establish tracking system regulate growing handling transportation disposal pharmaceutical industrial crops byproducts prevent contamination authorizes secretary agriculture assess civil penalties violations provisions directs national_academy_of_sciences report alternative methods produce pharmaceuticals industrial chemicals conducted controlled production facilities risk contamination defines genetically engineered plant genetically engineered material genetically engineered seed pharmaceutical crop industrial crop


Summary: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Act of 2007 - Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, which shall be an agency composed of a Director (who shall be a scientist) and a Standing Council of Advisors. Authorizes the Director to establish standing scientific committees. Requires the Director to establish: (1) an Office of Advanced Science and Application which shall monitor national needs and advances in research to identify problems for which solutions are realistically achievable through research; (2) an Office of Scientific Assessment and Liaison which shall monitor programs and expenditures; (3) an Office of Scientific Personnel which shall assess the number of, and need for additional, agricultural scientists in the United States. Directs the Institute to provide grants to support and promote the highest quality of fundamental agricultural research, including grants to fund research proposals submitted by: (1) individual scientists; (2) research centers composed of a single institution or multiple institutions; and (3) other individuals and entities from the private and public sectors, including Department and other federal researchers.

establishes shall agency composed director shall scientist authorizes director establish standing scientific committees requires director establish office advanced science application shall monitor national needs advances research identify problems solutions achievable research office scientific assessment liaison shall monitor programs expenditures shall assess number need additional agricultural scientists united_states directs institute provide grants support promote highest quality fundamental agricultural research including grants fund research proposals submitted individual scientists research centers composed single institution multiple institutions individuals entities private public sectors including department federal researchers


Summary: Pollinator Protection Act of 2007 - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Agricultural Research Service, for: (1) personnel, facilities improvement, and additional research at Department of Agriculture Bee Research Laboratories; (2) research on honey bee physiology, insect pathology, insect chemical ecology, and honey and native bee toxicology at other Department facilities in New York, Florida, California, Utah, and Texas; and (3) research to identify causes and solutions for Colony Collapse Disorder, with specified amounts for research at the Agricultural Research Services in Beltsville, Maryland, and Tucson, Arizona. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary, through the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, for research grants to investigate: (1) honey bee immunology, genomics, biology, ecology, and bioinformatics; (2) pollination biology; and (3) the effects of genetically modified crops, insecticides, herbicides, parasites, and fungicides on honey bees and other beneficial insects and pollinators.

pollinator protection act authorizes appropriations secretary agriculture agricultural_research_service personnel facilities improvement additional research research honey insect pathology insect chemical ecology honey native toxicology department facilities new_york florida california utah texas research identify causes solutions specified amounts research maryland tucson arizona authorizes appropriations secretary extension_service research grants investigate honey biology ecology biology effects genetically modified crops herbicides parasites honey bees beneficial insects pollinators


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Energy to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to: (1) develop recommendations for evaluation measures and criteria for programs under this Act; and (2) evaluate the feasibility of prize and best practices award programs as tools to promote self-powered farms. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a research and technology grant program for self-powered farm development; (2) establish an award program for up to 30 state agricultural research programs for self-powered farm demonstrations; (3) provide low-cost revolving loans and loan guarantees for the commercial application of energy or other technologies that will contribute to establishing self-powered farms, with preference given to applicants who propose to meet their energy needs from biobased feedstocks or other renewable farm-produced energy sources; and (4) enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences for a review of the programs under this Act.

directs secretary energy enter arrangement national_academy_of_sciences develop recommendations evaluation measures criteria programs act evaluate feasibility prize best practices award programs tools promote self powered farms directs secretary establish research technology grant program self powered farm development establish award program state agricultural research programs self powered farm demonstrations provide low cost revolving loans loan guarantees commercial application energy technologies contribute establishing self powered farms preference given applicants propose meet energy needs biobased feedstocks renewable farm produced energy sources enter arrangement national_academy_of_sciences review programs act


Summary: National Sustainable Offshore Aquaculture Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish an Office of Sustainable Offshore Aquaculture in the National Marine Fisheries Service at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) headquarters and at satellite offices in each of NOAA's regional fisheries offices. Requires the Office to establish a Sustainable Offshore Aquaculture Advisory Board. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and maintain in the Office an aquaculture database; and (2) make the database available to the public but protect proprietary information of owners and operators of offshore aquaculture facilities. Requires, for permit issuance, a regional programmatic environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) for each Regional Fishery Management Council and a separate environmental review under NEPA. Prohibits engaging in offshore aquaculture without a permit under this Act and authorizes the Secretary to issue such permits. Requires the Secretary to: (1) assess application and annual fees with respect to such permits that are sufficient to pay the costs of issuing, monitoring, and enforcing such permits; and (2) assess resource rental fees to recover from permittees a reasonable portion of the value of the use under the permits of ocean resources held in public trust. Directs the Secretary to establish and conduct a research program to guide the sustainable development of offshore aquaculture, including regarding: (1) industry expansion that ensures ecological sustainability and functional ecosystems and fisheries; and (2) cost-effective solutions to environmental and socioeconomic impacts. Requires a related competitive, peer-reviewed grant program. Prohibits permit issuance: (1) for a species having a fishery management plan under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson Act) or in a Regional Fishery Management Council's jurisdiction unless all relevant Councils recommend approval; or (2) if opposed by the nearest coastal state. Regulates the relationship of this Act to the Magnuson Act, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, and the Coastal Zone Management Act. Regulates the assessment and liability for natural resource damages associated with offshore aquaculture.

aquaculture act directs secretary commerce establish national_marine_fisheries_service national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa headquarters satellite offices noaa regional fisheries offices requires office establish directs secretary establish maintain office aquaculture database database available public protect proprietary information owners operators offshore aquaculture facilities requires permit issuance regional programmatic environmental impact statement national_environmental_policy_act nepa regional_fishery_management_council separate environmental review nepa prohibits engaging offshore aquaculture permit act authorizes secretary issue permits requires secretary assess application annual fees respect permits sufficient pay costs issuing monitoring enforcing permits assess resource rental fees recover permittees reasonable portion value use permits ocean resources held public trust directs secretary establish conduct research program guide sustainable development offshore aquaculture including industry expansion ensures ecological sustainability functional ecosystems fisheries cost effective solutions environmental socioeconomic impacts requires related competitive peer reviewed grant program prohibits permit issuance species having fishery management plan magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act regional_fishery_management_council jurisdiction relevant councils recommend approval opposed nearest coastal state regulates relationship act magnuson act outer_continental_shelf_lands_act coastal_zone_management_act regulates assessment liability natural resource damages associated offshore aquaculture


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to make grants to states and tribal governments to support the domestic maple syrup industry through the promotion of related research, education, natural resource sustainability, and marketing, as well as the expansion of maple-sugaring activities.

authorizes secretary agriculture usda grants states tribal governments support domestic maple syrup industry promotion related research education natural resource sustainability marketing expansion maple sugaring activities


Summary: Genetically Engineered Technology Farmer Protection Act - Genetically Engineered Crop and Animal Farmer Protection Act - Requires a biotech company that sells any genetically engineered animal, plant, or seed that will be used in the United States to: (1) provide the purchaser with written notice of possible legal and environmental risks of such article's use (such disclosure shall neither relieve the company from liability, nor be construed to create purchaser liability); and (2) disclose any technology fees to the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA), and not charge fees that are higher than those outside the United States. Sets forth related contract prohibitions and limitations. Directs the Secretary to: (1) identify which plants are outcrossed pollinators and make such information available to affected sellers and purchasers; and (2) issue rules to require mitigation strategies for predominately outcrossed crops. Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) establish the best achievable resistance plan for plant-incorporated pesticides engineered to include toxins derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); (2) revoke Bt registrations not in plan compliance; (3) reduce a pesticide's use if it is determined to be facilitating Bt-toxin resistance in pests; and (4) establish an advisory panel. Prohibits: (1) labeling seeds as non-genetically engineered if the Secretary determines such seeds contains genetically engineered material; (2) manufacture, sale, or planting of genetically engineered or chemically induced non-fertile seeds; and (3) loan discrimination against a producer who refuses to use genetically engineered plants or animals. Authorizes, with respect to violations under this Act: (1) the Secretary to assess civil penalties; and (2) citizen suits against the Secretary, a federal agency, or an individual. Genetically Engineered Organism Liability Act of 2010 - States that: (1) a biotech company shall be liable to any party injured by the release of a genetically engineered organism into the environment if the injury results from such genetic engineering; and (2) liability may not be waived or otherwise avoided by contract.

genetically engineered technology farmer protection act genetically engineered crop company sells genetically engineered animal plant seed united_states provide purchaser written notice possible legal environmental risks article use disclosure shall relieve company liability construed create purchaser liability disclose technology fees secretary agriculture usda charge fees higher outside united_states sets forth related contract prohibitions limitations directs secretary identify plants pollinators information available affected sellers purchasers issue rules require mitigation strategies predominately crops amends federal_insecticide fungicide rodenticide_act direct administrator environmental_protection_agency epa establish best achievable resistance plan plant incorporated pesticides engineered include toxins derived revoke registrations plan compliance reduce pesticide use determined facilitating toxin resistance pests establish advisory panel prohibits labeling seeds non genetically engineered secretary determines seeds contains genetically engineered material manufacture sale planting genetically engineered chemically induced non seeds loan discrimination producer refuses use genetically engineered plants animals authorizes respect violations act secretary assess civil penalties citizen suits secretary federal agency individual genetically engineered organism liability act 2010_-_states company shall liable party injured release genetically engineered organism environment injury results genetic engineering liability waived avoided contract


Summary: Citrus Disease Research and Development Trust Fund Act of 2010 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to establish the Citrus Disease Research and Development Trust Fund, consisting of revenues from duties paid on imported citrus and citrus products, to support scientific research, technical assistance, and development activities to combat both domestic and invasive citrus diseases and pests harming the United States. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to issue an order to: (1) subject domestic citrus producers to the requirements of this Act; and (2) establish a Citrus Research and Development Board. Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants to the Board to develop a coordinated program of research and product development relating to: (1) scientific research of both domestic and invasive diseases and pests afflicting the citrus industry; and (2) support for the dissemination and commercialization of relevant information, techniques, and technologies discovered through Fund research or other research projects intended to solve problems caused by citrus production diseases and invasive pests. Requires the President to notify certain congressional committees before entering into a trade agreement that could result in a decrease in the amount of: (1) duties paid on imported citrus and citrus products; and (2) funds transferred into the Fund.

amends trade act establish consisting revenues duties paid imported citrus citrus products support scientific research technical assistance development activities combat domestic invasive citrus diseases pests harming united_states requires secretary agriculture issue order subject domestic citrus producers requirements act establish authorizes secretary provide grants board develop coordinated program research product development relating scientific research domestic invasive diseases pests citrus industry support dissemination commercialization relevant information techniques technologies discovered fund research research projects intended solve problems caused citrus production diseases invasive pests requires president notify certain congressional committees entering trade agreement result decrease duties paid imported citrus citrus products funds transferred fund


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Energy to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to: (1) develop recommendations for evaluation measures and criteria for programs under this Act; and (2) evaluate the feasibility of prize and best practices award programs as tools to promote self-powered farms. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an award program for up to 30 state agricultural research programs for self-powered farm demonstrations; (2) provide low-cost revolving loans and loan guarantees to eligible entities for the commercial application of energy or other technologies that will contribute to establishing self-powered farms, with highest preference given to applicants who propose to meet their energy needs from biobased feedstocks or other renewable energy sources produced on that farm; and (3) enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences for a review of the programs under this Act.

directs secretary energy enter arrangement national_academy_of_sciences develop recommendations evaluation measures criteria programs act evaluate feasibility prize best practices award programs tools promote self powered farms directs secretary establish award program state agricultural research programs self powered farm demonstrations provide low cost revolving loans loan guarantees eligible entities commercial application energy technologies contribute establishing self powered farms highest preference given applicants propose meet energy needs biobased feedstocks renewable energy sources produced farm enter arrangement national_academy_of_sciences review programs act


Summary: Eva M. Clayton Fellows Program Act - Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to require the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to establish the Eva M. Clayton Fellows Program to provide for fellowships to conduct research and education on the eradication of world hunger and malnutrition. Requires the President to use U.S. influence at the United Nations (U.N.) to urge the creation within the Food and Agriculture Organization of fellowship positions for Clayton Fellows to conduct research and education programs on the eradication of world hunger and malnutrition.

teaching policy act require secretary agriculture usda establish clayton fellows program provide fellowships conduct research education eradication world hunger malnutrition requires president use influence united_nations urge creation fellowship positions conduct research education programs eradication world hunger malnutrition


Summary: Veterinarian Services Investment Act - Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to carry out a matching grant program with qualified entities to develop, implement, and sustain veterinary services. Requires a qualifying entity to carry out programs that: (1) relieve veterinarian shortage situations, (2) support private veterinary practices engaged in public health activities, or (3) support practices of veterinarians who are participating in or have successfully completed a specified service requirement. Makes such grants available for: (1) assistance for establishing or expanding veterinary practices or establishing mobile veterinary facilities; (2) veterinarian, technician, and student recruitment; (3) grants to attend training programs in food safety or food animal medicine; (4) grants to establish or expand accredited education, internship, residency, and fellowship programs; (5) grants to assess veterinarian shortage situations; and (6) grants for continuing education and extension, including veterinary telemedicine and other distance-based education.

investment act amends teaching policy act direct secretary agriculture usda carry matching grant program qualified entities develop implement sustain veterinary services requires qualifying entity carry programs relieve veterinarian shortage situations support private veterinary practices engaged public health activities support practices veterinarians participating successfully completed specified service requirement makes grants available assistance establishing expanding veterinary practices establishing mobile veterinary facilities veterinarian technician student recruitment grants attend training programs food safety food animal medicine grants establish expand accredited education internship residency fellowship programs grants assess veterinarian shortage situations grants continuing education extension including veterinary telemedicine distance based education


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to establish the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research to: (1) advance USDA's research mission by supporting agricultural research focused on addressing key problems of national and international significance; and (2) foster collaboration with agricultural researchers from the federal government, institutions of higher education, industry, and nonprofit organizations. Directs the Foundation to: (1) award grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, scientists and entities to advance Foundation goals; (2) identify and coordinate existing and proposed federal research and development programs relating to Foundation purposes; (3) identify unmet and emerging agricultural research needs; (4) facilitate technology transfer and information release to the agricultural research community; and (5) promote the development of the next generation of agricultural research scientists.

directs secretary agriculture usda establish advance usda research mission supporting agricultural research focused addressing key problems national international significance foster collaboration agricultural researchers federal government institutions higher education industry nonprofit organizations directs foundation award grants enter contracts cooperative agreements scientists entities advance foundation goals identify coordinate existing proposed federal research development programs relating foundation purposes identify unmet emerging agricultural research needs facilitate technology transfer information release agricultural research community promote development generation agricultural research scientists


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to lease the South Central Agricultural Laboratory in Clay County, Nebraska, to the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska to allow the Board to undertake capital improvements in order to conduct a cooperative state and federal agricultural research program.

authorizes secretary agriculture lease nebraska allow board undertake capital improvements order conduct cooperative state federal agricultural research program


Summary:
Charitable Agricultural Research Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax deduction for charitable contributions to agricultural research organizations directly engaged in the continuous active conduct of research in conjunction with an agricultural college or university, and (2) extend to such organizations the prohibition against expenditures by public charities to influence legislation.

bill amends internal_revenue_code allow tax deduction charitable contributions agricultural research organizations directly engaged continuous active conduct research conjunction agricultural college university extend organizations prohibition expenditures public charities influence legislation


Summary: Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act of 2007 - Prohibits any person who is a licensed health care service provider but who is not a medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathic medicine from making any statement or engaging in any act that deceives or misleads the public or a prospective or current patient into believing that such person is a doctor or has the same or equivalent education, skills, or training. Requires any such person to identify in any advertisement the license under which such person is authorized to provide services. Treats such statements or acts as unfair or deceptive acts or practices prescribed under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to conduct an investigation of health care providers engaging in such acts to: (1) identify specific acts and practices constituting a violation of this Act; (2) determine the frequency of such acts and practices; (3) identify instances of harm or injury resulting from such acts and practices; (4) determine the extent to which such providers comply with state laws or regulations requiring disclosure of the type of license to patients or in advertisements; and (5) identify instances where any state public policy has permitted such acts and practices.

transparency_act prohibits person licensed health care service provider medical doctor doctor osteopathic medicine making statement engaging act public prospective current patient believing person doctor equivalent education skills training requires person identify advertisement license person authorized provide services treats statements acts unfair deceptive acts practices prescribed federal_trade_commission act requires federal_trade_commission ftc conduct investigation health care providers engaging acts identify specific acts practices constituting violation act determine frequency acts practices identify instances harm injury resulting acts practices determine extent providers comply state laws regulations requiring disclosure type license patients advertisements identify instances state public policy permitted acts practices


Summary: Protecting Every Health Center Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to deem all federally-qualified health centers and their officers, employees, and contractors to be employees of the Public Health Service for whom any remedy for any civil action that may arise for services provided shall be exclusively against the United States.

amends public_health_service_act deem federally qualified health centers officers employees contractors employees public_health_service remedy civil action arise services provided shall exclusively united_states


Summary: Fair and Reliable Medical Justice Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award up to ten demonstration grants to states for the development, implementation, and evaluation of alternatives to current tort litigation for resolving disputes over injuries allegedly caused by health care providers or health care organizations. Requires such states to: (1) develop such an alternative to current tort litigation; and (2) promote a reduction of health care errors by allowing for patient safety data related to such disputes to be collected and analyzed by organizations that engage in efforts to improve patient safety and the quality of health care.

fair reliable medical justice act_-_amends public_health_service_act authorize secretary health_and_human_services award demonstration grants states development implementation evaluation alternatives current tort litigation resolving disputes injuries allegedly caused health care providers health care organizations requires states develop alternative current tort litigation promote reduction health care errors allowing patient safety data related disputes collected analyzed organizations engage efforts improve patient safety quality health care


Summary: Psychological Kevlar Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a plan to incorporate preventive and early-intervention measures, practices, or procedures that reduce the likelihood that personnel in combat will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other stress-related psychopathologies, including substance use conditions. Requires the Secretary to: (1) update the plan periodically; (2) develop and implement a training program to educate and promote awareness among commissioned and noncommissioned officers, front-line medical professionals and primary care providers, and military personnel and their families about the signs and risks of combat stress and stress-related psychopathology; (3) establish a working group to research and develop measures that reduce the likelihood of PTSD or other pathologies in combat veterans; and (4) establish a new Peer-Reviewed Research program for such research and development.

psychological act directs secretary defense develop implement plan incorporate preventive early intervention measures practices procedures reduce likelihood personnel combat develop post traumatic stress disorder ptsd stress related including substance use conditions requires secretary update plan periodically develop implement training program educate promote awareness commissioned officers line medical professionals primary care providers military personnel families signs risks combat stress stress related establish working group research develop measures reduce likelihood ptsd combat veterans establish new program research development


Summary: Freedom From Unnecessary Litigation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax credit for insurance purchased to cover the costs of a negative outcome from surgery, including negative outcomes caused by physician malpractice; and (2) exclude from gross income medical malpractice awards granted in binding arbitration.

freedom unnecessary litigation act amends internal revenue code allow tax credit insurance purchased cover costs negative outcome surgery including negative outcomes caused physician malpractice exclude gross income medical malpractice awards granted binding arbitration


Summary: Medical Justice Act of 2007 - Sets forth provisions regulating civil actions for an injury or death as the result of health care.Limits the non-economic damages that an individual may recover to: (1) $250,000 from health care practitioners; (2) $250,000 from any single health care institution; and (3) $500,000 from the class of liable health care institutions.Limits the total damages, including compensatory damages, that a person may recover from any single liable health care practitioner to $1,400,000. Provides that an insurer of a health care practitioner or health care institution is not liable for damages in excess of the liability of the insured for rejecting a reasonable settlement offer within policy limits.Sets forth requirements for qualified expert reports.Allows periodic or accrual payment for future damages.Prohibits a jury from awarding punitive or exemplary damages against a health care practitioner or health care institution unless the jury is unanimous.Makes each person liable only for a proportionate share of the total damages that directly corresponds to that person's responsibility.Makes a person seeking damages liable for litigation costs incurred after rejection of a settlement offer if such person receives a judgment at trial that is significantly less favorable than the terms of the settlement offer.Requires claims to be brought: (1) within two years after the act or omission if the affected individual is over the age of 12; or (2) before an affected individual under 12 attains the age of 14. Sets the statute of repose at no later than 10 years after the act or omission. Makes a health care practitioner or health care institution that provides emergency health care on a Good Samaritan basis immune from liability for damages caused by that care, except for willful or wanton negligence or more culpable misconduct.

medical justice act sets forth provisions regulating civil actions injury death result health care limits non economic damages individual recover health care practitioners single health care institution class liable health care institutions limits total damages including compensatory damages person recover single liable health care practitioner provides insurer health care practitioner health care institution liable damages excess liability insured rejecting reasonable settlement offer policy limits sets forth requirements qualified expert reports allows periodic accrual payment future damages prohibits jury awarding punitive exemplary damages health care practitioner health care institution jury unanimous makes person liable proportionate share total damages directly corresponds person responsibility makes person seeking damages liable litigation costs incurred rejection settlement offer person receives judgment trial significantly favorable terms settlement offer requires claims brought years act omission affected individual age affected individual attains age sets statute later years act omission makes health care practitioner health care institution provides emergency health care good samaritan basis immune liability damages caused care willful wanton negligence misconduct


Summary: Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor Program Moratorium Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to effect a one-year moratorium on the Medicare recovery audit contractor program, under which the Secretary contracts with recovery audit contractors to identify underpayments and overpayments, and recoup overpayments, with respect to all services for which payment is made under part A or B of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Requires: (1) the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to evaluate the program for Congress; and (2) the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the use of recovery audit contractors in the Medicare Integrity program.

medicare moratorium act directs secretary health_and_human_services effect year moratorium medicare recovery audit contractor program secretary contracts recovery audit contractors identify underpayments overpayments recoup overpayments respect services payment title xviii medicare social security act requires administrator centers evaluate program congress comptroller general report congress use recovery audit contractors program