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

This bill excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, any amount received by a non-corporate taxpayer as a clean coal power grant, award, or allowance under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. To the extent that such grant, award, or allowance is related to depreciable property, the adjusted basis of such property is reduced by the amount excluded from gross income. Each non-corporate taxpayer allowed a tax exclusion under this Act must make a payment to the federal government of 1.18% of the value of the grant, award, or allowance received.

This bill is applicable to grant amounts received in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2011.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure bill excludes gross income income tax purposes received non corporate taxpayer clean coal power grant award allowance energy policy act extent grant award allowance related depreciable property adjusted basis property reduced excluded gross income non corporate taxpayer allowed tax exclusion act payment federal government value grant award allowance received bill applicable grant amounts received taxable years beginning december


Summary:
This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal: (1) the coal and related technologies program; (2) the carbon capture research, development and demonstration program; and (3) the Clean Coal Power Initiative.

In lieu of those programs the Department of Energy (DOE) shall establish a coal technology program encompassing: (1) research and development, (2) large-scale pilot projects, and (3) demonstration projects.

 DOE must develop performance standards that include:

 ensuring reliable, low cost power from new and existing coal plants; addressing carbon dioxide emissions through high efficiency platforms and carbon capture from new and existing coal plants; support flexible baseload operations for new and existing applications of coal generation; and validate geologic storage of large volumes of anthropogenic sources of carbon dioxide and the infrastructure needed to support a carbon dioxide use and storage industry.

bill amends energy policy act repeal coal related technologies program carbon capture research development demonstration program clean coal power initiative lieu programs department_of_energy doe shall establish coal technology program encompassing research development large scale pilot projects demonstration projects doe develop performance standards include ensuring reliable low cost power new existing coal plants addressing carbon dioxide emissions high efficiency platforms carbon capture new existing coal plants support flexible operations new existing applications coal generation validate geologic storage large volumes anthropogenic sources carbon dioxide infrastructure needed support carbon dioxide use storage industry


Summary:
Coal with Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act of 2015

This bill authorizes the Department of Energy to enter into 25-year binding contracts that provide price stabilization support for electricity generated at either an electric generation unit (that uses coal-based generation technology) or carbon dioxide captured from such unit and subsequently sold to a purchaser for either crude oil recovery or other commercial market purposes.

coal carbon capture sequestration act bill authorizes department_of_energy enter year binding contracts provide price stabilization support electricity generated electric generation unit uses coal based generation technology carbon dioxide captured unit subsequently sold purchaser crude oil recovery commercial market purposes


Summary:
This bill designates the Department of Energy (DOE) as the lead agency to coordinate all federal requirements under the Clean Air Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and the Safe Drinking Water Act regarding clean coal and advanced coal technology generating projects which:

 install and operate an advanced carbon capture and storage technology or carbon capture utilization and storage technology at a new or existing steam generating unit; or increase the efficiency of converting coal to either a useful energy, or to a feedstock for the manufacture of other products. DOE is also required to establish a schedule for all federal authorizations with respect to such projects, including:

 setting binding intermediate milestones and deadlines to ensure expeditious completion of all proceedings and final action on all pertinent federal authorizations, requiring all permit decisions and related environmental reviews to be completed within one year after the date on which a complete application for each environmental review is submitted, and coordinating state permitting and environmental requirements.

bill designates department_of_energy doe lead agency coordinate federal requirements clean air act federal_water_pollution_control_act endangered species act national_environmental_policy_act safe_drinking_water_act clean coal advanced coal technology generating projects install operate advanced carbon capture storage technology carbon capture utilization storage technology new existing steam generating unit increase efficiency converting coal useful energy feedstock manufacture products doe required establish schedule federal authorizations respect projects including setting binding intermediate milestones deadlines ensure expeditious completion proceedings final action pertinent federal authorizations requiring permit decisions related environmental reviews completed year date complete application environmental review submitted coordinating state permitting environmental requirements


Summary:
Coal Oversight and Leasing Reform Act of 2015 or the COAL Reform Act of 2015

This bill amends the Mineral Leasing Act to repeal the requirement that the Department of the Interior offer under a deferred bonus lease payment system at least 50% of total acreage offered for coal leasing in any one year.

 Any independent consultants used by Interior for lease sales shall be subject to a nondisclosure agreement and any other confidentiality requirements.

Licensees must certify the accuracy of exploration data they submit.

A proposed lease sale may not be held until Interior determines, and includes in a formal appraisal report, the fair market value of the coal to be extracted.

Interior must: (1) make publicly available appraisal reports, individual and total lease sales, high bids, royalty payments, and related revenues; and (2) find that a proposed coal leasing modification would not result in revenue reduction.

The total area of coal leasing modifications is reduced from 960 to 160 acres.

Interior shall prepare, periodically revise, and maintain a coal leasing program consisting of a schedule of proposed lease sales indicating the size, timing, and location of leasing activity that will best meet national needs for the five-year period following approval or reapproval of the program.

 Annual lease rentals must be for at least $100 per acre, adjustable every 5 years.

Lease terms are reduced from 20 to 10 years. A lease which is not producing in commercial quantities shall be terminated at the end of 5 years.

The minimum lease royalty is increased from 12.5% of the value of the coal to 18.75%.

BLM shall promulgate regulations for inspections and enforcement of coal operations, including oversight of state inspection and enforcement programs by its Washington, D.C. office. BLM may also assess civil penalties for noncompliance.

There shall be a moratorium on new coal lease sales until this Act has been implemented.

coal oversight leasing reform act coal reform act bill amends mineral_leasing_act repeal requirement department_of_the_interior offer deferred bonus lease payment system total acreage offered coal leasing year independent consultants interior lease sales shall subject nondisclosure agreement confidentiality requirements licensees certify accuracy exploration data submit proposed lease sale held interior determines includes formal appraisal report fair market value coal extracted interior publicly available appraisal reports individual total lease sales high bids royalty payments related revenues find proposed coal leasing modification result revenue reduction total area coal leasing modifications reduced acres interior shall prepare periodically revise maintain coal leasing program consisting schedule proposed lease sales indicating size timing location leasing activity best meet national needs year period following approval program annual lease rentals acre adjustable years lease terms reduced years lease producing commercial quantities shall terminated end years minimum lease royalty increased value coal blm shall promulgate regulations inspections enforcement coal operations including oversight state inspection enforcement programs washington office blm assess civil penalties noncompliance shall moratorium new coal lease sales act implemented


Summary:
Severe Fuel Supply Emergency Response Act of 2015

This bill amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to lead a coordinated federal response to severe fuel supply emergencies. A severe fuel supply emergency is a coal supply deficiency reported to DOE that has the potential to affect at least 500 megawatts of electricity generation or 100,000 electricity customers.

 DOE's duties are to:

 promptly investigate the circumstances of the emergency; notify the Surface Transportation Board and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) of the existence of the emergency; convene a meeting with the Board, FERC, and, as appropriate, the Electric Reliability Organization and affected Regional Entities and Reliability Coordinators; and submit in writing to the Board and to FERC, and publicize on the DOE website, recommendations for actions by either the Board or FERC to alleviate the emergency and to prevent future recurrences.

severe fuel supply emergency response act bill amends federal power act direct department_of_energy doe lead coordinated federal response severe fuel supply emergencies severe fuel supply emergency coal supply deficiency reported doe potential affect megawatts electricity generation electricity customers doe duties promptly investigate circumstances emergency notify surface_transportation_board federal_energy_regulatory_commission ferc existence emergency convene meeting board ferc appropriate affected reliability coordinators submit writing board ferc publicize doe website recommendations actions board ferc alleviate emergency prevent future


Summary:
Supporting Transparent Regulatory and Environmental Actions in Mining Act of 2015 or the STREAM Act of 2015

This bill amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to direct the Department of the Interior to make publicly available the scientific products used in developing a rule under the Act or any related environmental impact statement, environmental assessment, or economic assessment when the rule or assessment is published. If those scientific products received federal funds, Interior must also make publicly available the data used and the background information of its authors.

If Interior does not comply, the notice and comment period for the rules and assessments will be extended by specified periods. A rule or an assessment must be withdrawn if Interior fails to comply for more than 180 days.

In carrying out the Act, Interior: (1) may not make any determination regarding certain agency action subject to specified mining and environmental Acts, and (2) shall defer to the determinations of an agency or state authority implementing those Acts with respect to any agency action under the jurisdiction of that agency or state.

supporting transparent regulatory mining act stream act bill amends surface_mining_control_and_reclamation_act direct department_of_the_interior publicly available scientific products developing rule act related environmental impact statement environmental assessment economic assessment rule assessment published scientific products received federal funds interior publicly available data background information interior comply notice comment period rules assessments extended specified periods rule assessment withdrawn interior fails comply days carrying act interior determination certain agency action subject specified mining environmental acts shall defer determinations agency state authority implementing acts respect agency action jurisdiction agency state


Summary:
Miners Protection Act of 2015

This bill amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to address potential shortages in the Multiemployer Health Benefit Plan for payment of health care benefits to retired coal miners by expanding the eligible uses of interest transferable to such plan from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund, and supplemental payments from the General Fund of the Treasury. The calculation of such interest and payments shall be made by taking into account only those beneficiaries who are actually enrolled in the plan as of the enactment of this Act, as well as those retirees whose health care benefits, payable directly by an employer in the bituminous coal industry under a coal wage agreement, would be denied or reduced as a result of a bankruptcy proceeding commenced in 2012.

The bill requires the Department of the Treasury to transfer to the trustees of the 1974 United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Pension Plan additional funds to pay pension benefits required under that plan, if the $490 million cap on certain transfers to the UMWA Combined Benefit Fund and distributions to states and Indian tribes exceed the aggregate amount required to be transferred to them.

The bill also expands the annual reporting requirements of the trustees of the 1974 UMWA Pension Plan on plan solvency and value of plan assets.

miners protection act bill amends surface_mining_control_and_reclamation_act address potential shortages multiemployer_health_benefit_plan payment health care benefits retired coal miners expanding eligible uses interest transferable plan abandoned_mine_reclamation_fund supplemental payments general_fund_of_the_treasury calculation interest payments shall taking account beneficiaries actually enrolled plan enactment act retirees health care benefits payable directly employer bituminous coal industry coal wage agreement denied reduced result bankruptcy proceeding commenced bill requires department_of_the_treasury transfer trustees united_mine_workers_of_america umwa pension plan additional funds pay pension benefits required plan million cap certain transfers distributions states indian tribes exceed aggregate required transferred bill expands annual reporting requirements trustees umwa pension plan plan solvency value plan assets


Summary:
Coal Royalty Fairness Act of 2015

Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to require the coal lease royalty to be at least 12.5% of the assessment value of federal coal (currently, 12.5% of the value of coal as defined by regulation), which value shall be established by the Secretary of the Interior within one year after enactment of this Act.

Defines "assessment value" as: (1) the price of federal coal paid by the purchaser at final sale, or (2) a price imputed by the Secretary based on the coal price index. Defines "coal price index" as the schedule of average market prices of federal coal paid by the purchaser at final sale, based on the quality and type of the federal coal, as determined by the Secretary.

Directs the purchaser of federal coal to annually submit a report containing such information as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to examine the records of any person engaged in the purchase, sale, transportation, or marketing of federal coal. Directs the Secretary to: (1) compile the assessment values of coal by type and quality of coal in the coal price index, and (2) publish such index at least quarterly.

Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) determining and assessing royalties for the export of federal coal, (2) compiling in a transportation cost index the average costs of transporting coal, and (3) determining the amount of any applicable transportation cost deduction on the basis of such index. Requires the Secretary to publish such index at least twice annually.

Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress every 3 years over a 15-year period on a review of the federal coal program.

coal royalty fairness act amends mineral leasing act require coal lease royalty assessment value federal coal currently value coal defined regulation value shall established secretary interior year enactment act defines assessment value price federal coal paid purchaser final sale price imputed secretary based coal price index defines coal price index schedule average market prices federal coal paid purchaser final sale based quality type federal coal determined secretary directs purchaser federal coal annually submit report containing information secretary determines necessary carry act authorizes secretary examine records person engaged purchase sale transportation marketing federal coal directs secretary compile assessment values coal type quality coal coal price index publish index quarterly sets forth provisions determining assessing royalties export federal coal compiling transportation cost index average costs transporting coal determining applicable transportation cost deduction basis index requires secretary publish index twice annually requires comptroller general report congress years year period review federal coal program


Summary:
This bill amends the the Mineral Leasing Act (MLA) to direct the Department of the Interior to require that coal lease royalty payments from a new or renewed coal lease on federal land be at least 50% of the value of coal.

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act is amended to direct the President to promulgate a rule prohibiting the export of coal produced in the U.S. on federal land.

Interior shall not conduct a new lease sale, or enter into a new lease, for coal subject to the MLA until it certifies to Congress that this Act and its amendments have been implemented.

bill amends mineral leasing act mla direct department_of_the_interior require coal lease royalty payments new renewed coal lease federal land value coal energy policy conservation act amended direct president promulgate rule prohibiting export coal produced federal land interior shall conduct new lease sale enter new lease coal subject mla certifies congress act amendments implemented


Summary:
San Juan County Settlement Implementation Act of 2016

This bill authorizes the Department of the Interior to retire any coal preference right lease application for which it has made an affirmative commercial quantities determination by:

 issuing bidding rights in exchange for relinquishment of the application, and making a payment to the relevant state of 50% of the dollar amount of any bidding right subsequently used in lieu of any monetary bonus in a coal lease sale or of rental or royalty under a federal coal lease. Interior shall make such payments from amounts that would otherwise be deposited in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts under the Mineral Leasing Act.

The bill declares such bidding rights fully transferable to any other person.

The bill cancels specified land selections made by the Navajo Nation pursuant to the Navajo-Hopi Land Settlement Act of 1974. Subject to specified exclusions, the Navajo Nation may make new land selections to replace those canceled.

The bill designates approximately 7,242 acres of land as the Ah-shi-sle-pah Wilderness and incorporates approximately 2,250 acres of specified federal land into the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness.

bill authorizes department_of_the_interior retire coal preference right lease application affirmative commercial quantities determination issuing bidding rights exchange relinquishment application making payment relevant state dollar bidding right subsequently lieu monetary bonus coal lease sale rental royalty federal coal lease interior shall payments amounts deposited treasury miscellaneous receipts mineral leasing act bill declares bidding rights fully transferable person bill cancels specified land selections navajo nation pursuant navajo hopi land settlement act subject specified exclusions navajo nation new land selections replace canceled bill designates approximately acres land wilderness incorporates approximately acres specified federal land


Summary:
Steel Industry Preservation Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend and modify the production tax credit for steel industry fuel.

(Under current law, steel industry fuel is a fuel which is: (1) produced through a process of liquefying coal waste sludge and distributing it on coal, and (2) used as a feedstock for the manufacture of coke.)

The bill modifies the tax credit for steel industry fuel to:

 extend the credit period and the placed-in-service date, revise the definition of "steel industry fuel" to allow blends of coal and petroleum coke or other coke feedstock in the fuel, set forth ownership requirements, and specify requirements for treating an owner as producing and selling steel industry fuel. A taxpayer that produces steel industry fuel may elect to accept an increased tax credit in lieu of certain deductions for expenses in connection with the production of steel industry fuel.

The bill specifies the treatment of the credit for the purpose of the alternative minimum tax. It also exempts transactions related to steel industry fuel from rules that restrict deductions and other tax benefits for activities that are not engaged in for profit or that do not have economic substance.

steel industry preservation act bill amends internal_revenue_code extend modify production tax credit steel industry fuel current law steel industry fuel fuel produced process coal waste sludge distributing coal feedstock manufacture coke bill modifies tax credit steel industry fuel extend credit period placed service date revise definition steel industry fuel allow blends coal petroleum coke coke feedstock fuel set forth ownership requirements specify requirements treating owner producing selling steel industry fuel taxpayer produces steel industry fuel elect accept increased tax credit lieu certain deductions expenses connection production steel industry fuel bill specifies treatment credit purpose alternative minimum tax exempts transactions related steel industry fuel rules restrict deductions tax benefits activities engaged profit economic substance


Summary:
Coal Cleanup Taxpayer Protection Act

This bill amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act to prohibit the Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation Enforcement (OSMRE)and state regulatory authoritiesfrom accepting new self-bonds for coal reclamation.In addition, any existing self-bonds or corporate bondsutilized for coal reclamationare required to be converted to surety or collateral bonds.

The OSMRE may approve state or federal alternative coal miningbond programs thatresult in no greater risk of financial liability to the federalgovernment than a surety or collateral bond program.

The bill also requires the Department of Interior to issue rules establishing limitations on surety bondsto minimize the financial liability to the federal or stategovernment.

coal cleanup taxpayer protection act bill amends surface_mining_control_and_reclamation_act prohibit state regulatory accepting new self bonds coal reclamation addition existing self bonds corporate coal required converted surety collateral bonds osmre approve state federal alternative coal programs greater risk financial liability surety collateral bond program bill requires department_of_interior issue rules establishing limitations surety minimize financial liability federal


Summary:
Fairness, Accountability, and Certainty for Taxpayers in Coal Leasing Act

This bill establishes a deadline for the Department of the Interior to complete a comprehensive review of the federal coal leasing program.The review, in the form of a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement, is designed to ensure that the federal coal program is properly structured to provide a fair return to taxpayers and toreflect its impacts on the environment, while continuing to helpmeet energy needs.

In addition, Interior shall reestablish the Royalty Policy Committee to ensure consultation among state, tribal, environmental, energy, and federal stakeholders.The committee must provide advice to Interior on the management of federal and Indian mineral leases and shall be composed of federal and non-federal members.

The bill also requires Interior to authorize earlier emergency coal leasing than is currently authorized under federal regulations.

fairness accountability coal leasing act bill establishes deadline department_of_the_interior complete comprehensive review federal coal leasing program review form designed ensure federal coal program properly structured provide fair return taxpayers impacts environment continuing energy needs addition interior shall reestablish ensure consultation state tribal environmental energy federal stakeholders committee provide advice interior management federal indian mineral leases shall composed federal non federal members bill requires interior authorize earlier emergency coal leasing currently authorized federal regulations


Summary:
Revitalizing the Economy of Coal Communities by Leveraging Local Activities and Investing More Act of 2016 or the RECLAIM Act of 2016

This bill amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to make specified funds available to the Department of the Interior for each of FY2017-FY2021 for distribution to states and Indian tribes to promote economic revitalization, diversification, and development in economically distressed communities through the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by coal mining carried out before August 3, 1977.

The bill prescribes general requirements for projects to reclaim abandoned mine lands and waters that are likely to create favorable conditions for the economic development of the project site or promote the general welfare through economic and community development of the area in which the project is conducted. Any such project shall be located in a community affected by a recent decline in mining.

A state or Indian tribe that receives funds under this bill may retain a portion of them as necessary to supplement its acid mine drainage abatement and treatment fund for future operation and maintenance costs for the treatment of acid mine drainage associated with individual projects.

revitalizing economy coal communities reclaim act bill amends surface_mining_control_and_reclamation_act specified funds available department_of_the_interior fy2017-fy2021 distribution states indian tribes promote economic revitalization diversification development economically distressed communities reclamation restoration land water resources adversely affected coal mining carried august bill prescribes general requirements projects reclaim abandoned lands waters likely create favorable conditions economic development project site promote general welfare economic community development area project conducted project shall located community affected recent decline mining state indian tribe receives funds bill retain portion necessary supplement acid drainage abatement treatment fund future operation maintenance costs treatment acid drainage associated individual projects


Summary: Insuring Families for Their Future Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $50,000 to $320,000 the amount of employer-provided group term life insurance that an employee can exclude from gross income. Indexes the $320,000 amount for inflation for taxable years beginning after 2007.

insuring families future act amends internal revenue code increase employer provided group term life insurance employee exclude gross income indexes inflation taxable years beginning


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the requirement that individual retirement accounts (other than Roth IRAs) and elective deferrals under qualified cash or deferred arrangments must have a beginning date for mandatory distributions.

amends internal revenue code eliminate requirement individual retirement accounts roth iras elective deferrals qualified cash deferred beginning date mandatory distributions


Summary: Retirement Security for America's Domestic Workers Act of 2007 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to provide that compensation paid for domestic services in an employer's private home will not be exempt from employment taxes unless such compensation is less than the greater of $1,500 or the amount of wages and self-employment income required for a quarter of coverage under the Social Security Act.

retirement security america domestic workers act amends title old age survivors disability insurance social security act internal revenue code provide compensation paid domestic services employer private home exempt employment taxes compensation greater wages self employment income required quarter coverage social security act


Summary: Railroad Retirement Fairness Act - Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to provide that an individual who, at the time the individual makes an inquiry to the Railroad Retirement Board, has a current connection with the railroad industry shall not be deemed to have lost that current connection if: (1) the Board misleads or fails to properly inform that individual about that requirement; and (2) that conduct by the Board, according to the principles of equity, should stop the Board from deeming the individual to have lost that current connection. Makes such amendment applicable with respect to annuities applied for on or after February 3, 1989.

railroad retirement fairness act amends railroad retirement act provide individual time individual makes inquiry railroad_retirement_board current connection railroad industry shall deemed lost current connection board fails properly inform individual requirement conduct board according principles equity stop board deeming individual lost current connection makes amendment applicable respect annuities applied february


Summary: Freedom to Fly Act of 2007 - Allows a pilot who has attained 60 years of age to serve as a passenger airline pilot until the age of 65 years old only if the pilot serves: (1) as a required pilot in multi-crew aircraft operations; and (2) with another required pilot who has not yet attained 60 years of age. Terminates the age-60 rule (mandatory retirement age) 30 days after enactment of this Act. Declares that such requirements shall not provide the basis for a claim of seniority made under any labor bargaining agreement in effect between the pilots and an air carrier by any pilot who has attained age 60 before the effective date of this Act and who is seeking a position as a pilot with such carrier following that pilot's termination or cessation of employment or promotion or transfer to another position with such air carrier.

freedom fly act allows pilot attained years age serve passenger airline pilot age years old pilot serves required pilot multi crew aircraft operations required pilot attained years age terminates rule mandatory retirement age days enactment act declares requirements shall provide basis claim seniority labor bargaining agreement effect pilots air carrier pilot attained age effective date act seeking position pilot carrier following pilot termination cessation employment promotion transfer position air carrier


Summary: Amends the USEC Privatization Act to permit an employee of the U.S. Enrichment Corporation's operating contractor to bring suit in federal district court on or before June 30, 2009, for a violation of an agreement between an employer and a labor organization that occurred on or before December 31, 2000.

amends usec privatization act permit employee operating contractor bring suit federal district court june violation agreement employer labor organization occurred december


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include a bicycle commuting allowance as a qualified transportation fringe benefit, excludable from gross income.

amends internal revenue code include bicycle commuting allowance qualified transportation fringe benefit excludable gross income


Summary: Unemployment Compensation Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends Title III (Grants to States for Unemployment Compensation Administration) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to authorize the Secretary of Labor to enter into agreements with applicant states to allow them to conduct two-year demonstration projects to test and evaluate measures designed to: (1) expedite, such as through the use of a wage insurance program, the reemployment of individuals who establish initial eligibility for unemployment compensation under state law; or (2) improve the state's effectiveness in carrying out such law. Allow the Secretary to waive certain requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and the SSA concerning state law to enable the state to carry out a demonstration project.

unemployment compensation improvement act amends title iii grants states unemployment compensation administration social security act ssa authorize secretary labor enter agreements applicant states allow conduct year demonstration projects test evaluate measures designed expedite use wage insurance program reemployment individuals establish initial eligibility unemployment compensation state law improve state effectiveness carrying law allow secretary waive certain requirements internal_revenue_code ssa concerning state law enable state carry demonstration project


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore, make permanent, and eliminate the dollar limitation for the tax exclusion for amounts received under a qualified group legal services plan.

amends internal revenue code restore permanent eliminate dollar limitation tax exclusion amounts received qualified group legal services plan


Summary: Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2007 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt certain returning H-2B aliens (temporary nonagricultural worker) from annual numerical limitations.

save_our_small seasonal businesses act amends immigration nationality act exempt certain returning h-2b aliens temporary nonagricultural worker annual numerical limitations


Summary: Housing America's Workforce Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for up to 50 percent of the qualified housing expenses paid for the benefit of their employees. Defines "qualified housing expenses" to include homeownership assistance and rental assistance. Limits the amount of such credit to the lesser of $10,000 or six percent of an employee's home purchase price, or up to $2,000 for rental assistance. Excludes from employee gross income the value of employer-paid housing assistance.Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to award grants in FY2008-FY2010, on a competitive basis, to nonprofit housing organizations or local governments for certain costs, including operating costs and technical assistance costs, of employer-assisted housing programs. Requires the Secretary to establish a national clearinghouse, including a website, to provide information about employer-assisted housing programs to federal, state, and local governments and other interested entities. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a national evaluation of employer-assisted housing programs and provide to the Secretary an interim report by January 1, 2011, and final report by December 31, 2012.

internal revenue code allow employers business tax credit percent qualified housing expenses paid benefit employees defines qualified housing expenses include homeownership assistance rental assistance limits credit lesser percent employee home purchase price rental assistance excludes employee gross income value employer paid housing assistance authorizes secretary housing_and_urban_development award grants fy2008 fy2010 competitive basis nonprofit housing organizations local governments certain costs including operating costs technical assistance costs employer assisted housing programs requires secretary establish national clearinghouse including website provide information employer assisted housing programs federal state local governments interested entities directs comptroller general conduct national evaluation employer assisted housing programs provide secretary interim report january final report december


Summary: Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation Pilots Equitable Treatment Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), with regard to both single-employer and multiemployer plan guaranteed benefits, to require the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, in the case of commercial airline pilots required by Federal Aviation Administration regulation to retire before age 65, to compute the actuarial value of monthly benefits in the form of a life annuity commencing at the required retirement age.

act amends employee retirement income security act erisa regard single employer multiemployer plan guaranteed benefits require pension_benefit_guaranty_corporation case commercial airline pilots required federal_aviation_administration regulation retire age compute actuarial value monthly benefits form life annuity commencing required retirement age


Summary: Automatic IRA Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) require certain small employers who do not offer qualified retirement plans or arrangements to their employees to allow eligible employees to participate in a payroll deposit individual retirement account (IRA) arrangement (automatic IRAs); (2) allow employers who do not have more than 100 employees a tax credit for costs associated with establishing a payroll deposit IRA arrangement; and (3) treat automatic IRAs as individual retirement accounts (and as Roth IRAs) for income tax purposes. Establishes in the executive branch the TSP II Board to establish policies and procedures relating to payroll deposit IRA arrangements.

automatic ira act amends internal revenue code require certain small employers offer qualified retirement plans arrangements employees allow eligible employees participate payroll deposit individual retirement account ira arrangement automatic iras allow employers employees tax credit costs associated establishing payroll deposit ira arrangement treat automatic iras individual retirement accounts roth iras income tax purposes establishes executive branch establish policies procedures relating payroll deposit ira arrangements


Summary: Worker Empowerment Act - Amends the Social Security Act to require each state to implement a reemployment adjustment assistance program that provides payment of 50% of the amount by which the wages received by an individual at the time of his or her separation from employment exceeds (if at all) the wages received by such individual from reemployment. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (relating to employment taxes) to impose a wage insurance contribution excise tax on every employer. Establishes a Wage Insurance Trust Fund in the Treasury, to which the equivalent of any such taxes received shall be appropriated to carry out this Act.

worker empowerment act amends social security act require state implement reemployment adjustment assistance program provides payment wages received individual time separation employment exceeds wages received individual reemployment amends internal revenue code relating employment taxes impose wage insurance contribution excise tax employer treasury equivalent taxes received shall appropriated carry act


Summary: Unemployment Insurance Modernization Act - Amends the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Labor to make unemployment compensation modernization incentive payments in FY2008-FY2012 by certain transfers from the federal unemployment account to the accounts of the states in the Unemployment Trust Fund. Prescribes a formula for determining the maximum allowable incentive payments. Specifies requirements state law must meet for the state to qualify for such a payment. Limits the use of transferred amounts to the payment of cash unemployment benefits to individuals (including for dependents' allowances and for unemployment compensation, exclusive of administrative expenses). Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to reserve specified funds out of the federal unemployment account for such incentive payments. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through FY2013 the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) excise tax imposed on every employer.

unemployment insurance modernization act amends social security act require secretary labor unemployment compensation modernization incentive payments fy2008 fy2012 certain transfers federal unemployment account accounts states unemployment_trust_fund prescribes formula determining maximum allowable incentive payments specifies requirements state law meet state qualify payment limits use transferred amounts payment cash unemployment benefits individuals including dependents allowances unemployment compensation exclusive administrative expenses requires secretary treasury reserve specified funds federal unemployment account incentive payments amends internal revenue code extend fy2013 federal unemployment tax act futa excise tax imposed employer


Summary: Prohibits a state from imposing a tax on the income earned in the state by nonresidents unless the tax is of substantial equality of treatment for the citizens of the state and the nonresidents so commuting.

prohibits state imposing tax income earned state nonresidents tax substantial equality treatment citizens state nonresidents commuting


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income distributions from individual retirement accounts for the purpose of making contributions to a qualified tuition program.

amends internal revenue code exclude gross income distributions individual retirement accounts purpose making contributions qualified tuition program


Summary: Seniors Financial Security Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the inclusion in gross income for income tax purposes of social security and tier 1 railroad retirement benefits.

seniors financial security act amends internal revenue code repeal inclusion gross income income tax purposes social security tier railroad retirement benefits


Summary: Equality for Workers under ERISA Act of 2007 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require any civil action brought by a beneficiary or participant of an employee benefit plan to be adjudicated as a de novo proceeding (without deference to any prior claim determination).

equality workers amends employee retirement income security act erisa require civil action brought beneficiary participant employee benefit plan adjudicated novo proceeding deference prior claim determination


Summary: Employee Benefits Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to prohibit employers from disqualifying employees from benefits under their pension and welfare plans by misclassifying or reclassifying employee status.

employee benefits protection act amends employee retirement income security act erisa prohibit employers disqualifying employees benefits pension welfare plans reclassifying employee status


Summary: Pension Security Act of 2007 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require the financial statement filed with the annual report for a defined benefit pension plan covered by ERISA to include a separate schedule identifying each hedge fund (i.e., unregistered investment pool) in which plan funds are invested and the amount invested.

pension security act amends employee retirement income security act erisa require financial statement filed annual report defined benefit pension plan covered erisa include separate schedule identifying hedge fund unregistered investment pool plan funds invested invested


Summary: Safety Net Enhancement Act - Amends the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 to revise the federal-state extended unemployment compensation program established under the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise the formula for "on" and "off" indicators on the state level used to determine extended unemployment compensation benefit periods. Amends the SSA to require: (1) an increase in earnings credited to a state account in the Unemployment Trust Fund when a state meets funding goals; and (2) a decrease in such earnings credited to a state account when the state fails to meet funding goals. Excludes any interest premium or penalty from such requirement to the extent that it would result in an increase or decrease of more than $2.5 million in the amount creditable to any state account for any calendar quarter. Amends the SSA to restrict interest-free advances to state accounts in the Fund to states which meet funding goals. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require: (1) state collection of federal unemployment tax; and (2) state distribution to unemployed individuals of state-specific information packets explaining unemployment insurance eligibility conditions. Repeals the tax on unemployment compensation. Requires the Secretary of Labor to establish a Safety Net Review Commission.

federal-state_extended_unemployment_compensation_act revise federal state extended unemployment compensation program established social security act ssa revise formula indicators state level determine extended unemployment compensation benefit periods amends ssa require increase earnings credited state account unemployment_trust_fund state meets funding goals decrease earnings credited state account state fails meet funding goals excludes interest premium penalty requirement extent result increase decrease million creditable state account calendar quarter amends ssa restrict interest free advances state accounts fund states meet funding goals amends internal revenue code require state collection federal unemployment tax state distribution unemployed individuals state specific information packets explaining unemployment insurance eligibility conditions repeals tax unemployment compensation requires secretary labor establish


Summary: 401(k) Fair Disclosure for Retirement Security Act of 2007 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to prohibit an administrator of an individual account plan that includes a qualified cash or deferred arrangement to enter into any contract for services to the plan without a written statement that identifies who will be performing such services, describes each such service, and specifies the expected total annual cost of such services. Requires the Secretary of Labor to prescribe a model statement that may be used for purposes of satisfying such requirements. Limits the requirements for such a statement to contracts for services if the total cost for such services equals or exceeds $1,000.Requires an administrator of an individual account plan that permits participants or beneficiaries to exercise control over their account assets to: (1) provide to each such participant or beneficiary a notice of the investment options available for election, including a fee menu and an annual benefit statement; and (2) include at least one investment option that is a nationally recognized market-based index fund that meets certain requirements. Requires the Secretary to make available to small employers: (1) educational and compliance materials to assist in selecting and monitoring service providers for individual account plans, investment options, and fees; and (2) services to assist in finding and understanding affordable investment options for such plans. Establishes in the Department of Labor (DOL) an Advisory Council on Improving Employer-Employee Retirement Practices. Requires the Council to issue an annual report on the state of U.S. retirement income security.Sets forth provisions regarding enforcement of this Act.

fair disclosure retirement security act amends employee retirement income security act erisa prohibit administrator individual account plan includes qualified cash deferred arrangement enter contract services plan written statement identifies performing services describes service specifies expected total annual cost services requires secretary labor prescribe model statement purposes satisfying requirements limits requirements statement contracts services total cost services equals exceeds administrator individual account plan permits participants beneficiaries exercise control account assets provide participant beneficiary notice investment options available election including fee menu annual benefit statement include investment option nationally recognized market based index fund meets certain requirements requires secretary available small employers educational compliance materials assist selecting monitoring service providers individual account plans investment options fees services assist finding understanding affordable investment options plans establishes department_of_labor dol advisory_council improving employer employee retirement practices requires council issue annual report state retirement income security sets forth provisions enforcement act


Summary: Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Fairness and Simplification Act of 2007- Limits state or local taxation of the compensation of any employee who performs duties in more than one state or locality to: (1) the state or locality of the employee's residence; and (2) the state or locality in which the employee is physically present performing duties for more than 60 days.

simplification act limits state local taxation compensation employee performs duties state locality state locality employee residence state locality employee physically present performing duties days


Summary: Pension Protection Technical Corrections Act of 2008 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code, as amended by the Pension Protection Act of 2006, to make changes to rules governing defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. (Sec. 2) Modifies rules relating to increases in pension plan benefits while a waiver or amortization extension is in effect or with respect to retroactive amendments to such plans. Revises the definition of "target normal cost" with respect to increases and decreases in such costs. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe rules for quarterly contributions to pension plans with a shortfall in 2008. (Sec. 3) Revises the criteria for use of the shortfall funding method for multiemployer defined benefit plans. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to establish criteria for required notices relating to multiemployer plans in endangered or critical status. Revises: (1) criteria for implementation and enforcement of a multiemployer plan default schedule; (2) the definition of plan sponsor for purposes of multiemployer plan funding rules; and (3) the method for calculating the excise tax on trustees of multiemployer plans for failure to adopt a timely rehabilitation plan. (Sec. 4) Extends until 2009 the temporary interest rate for pension plan funding. (Sec. 5) Limits the coverage of the missing participant rules to qualified plans that did not provide for employer contributions. (Sec. 6) Revises requirements relating to: (1) annual funding notices for single and multiemployer defined benefit plans; (2) termination information for pension plan participants; (3) periodic pension benefit statements; and (4) notices to pension plan participants or beneficiaries of blackout periods (i.e, restrictions on plan operations, including investment changes).(Sec. 7) Modifies pension plan requirements relating to investment advice, prohibited transactions, and fiduciary rules. (Sec. 8) Provides that failure to meet pension plan preservation of capital requirements constitutes a violation of ERISA age discrimination rules.(Sec. 9) Modifies rules relating to: (1) the deduction limit for single-employer pension plans; (2) deductions for employer contributions to one or more defined contribution plans; (3) rollovers from retirement plans to Roth individual retirement accounts (IRAs); (4) rollovers by nonspouse beneficiaries of retirement plans; (5) distributions from public pension plans for health and long-term care insurance for public safety officers; and (6) survivor annuity plans of special trial judges of the U.S. Tax Court. Exempts assets transfers from health accounts to maintain a pension plan's funded status from the excise tax on reversions.(Sec. 10) Revises the definition of "one-participant retirement plan" for purposes of ERISA diversification and participation requirements.Expands rules allowing automatic contributions to employer pension plans. Requires the administrator of a combined pension plan (consisting of a defined benefit plan and a qualified cash or deferred arrangement) to treat such plans separately upon termination.(Sec. 11) Provides that former spouses shall be entitled to survivor benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act if: (1) the employee completed 10 years of service in the railroad industry (or five years of service after December 31, 1995); (2) the spouse or former spouse has attained age 62; and (3) the employee attains age 62 (or if deceased, would have attained age 62). Makes such provision effective for payments due after August 2007.(Sec. 12) Prohibits states from reducing unemployment compensation by the amount of pension rollovers.

amends employee retirement income security act erisa internal_revenue_code amended pension_protection_act changes rules governing defined benefit defined contribution pension plans sec modifies rules relating increases pension plan benefits waiver amortization extension effect respect retroactive amendments plans revises definition target normal cost respect increases decreases costs requires secretary treasury prescribe rules quarterly contributions pension plans shortfall sec revises criteria use shortfall funding method multiemployer defined benefit plans requires secretary treasury consultation secretary labor establish criteria required notices relating multiemployer plans endangered critical status revises criteria implementation enforcement multiemployer plan default schedule definition plan sponsor purposes multiemployer plan funding rules method calculating excise tax trustees multiemployer plans failure adopt timely rehabilitation plan sec extends temporary interest rate pension plan funding sec limits coverage missing participant rules qualified plans provide employer contributions sec revises requirements relating annual funding notices single multiemployer defined benefit plans termination information pension plan participants periodic pension benefit statements notices pension plan participants beneficiaries blackout periods restrictions plan operations including investment modifies pension plan requirements relating investment advice prohibited transactions fiduciary rules sec failure meet pension plan preservation capital requirements constitutes violation erisa age discrimination modifies rules relating deduction limit single employer pension plans deductions employer contributions defined contribution plans rollovers retirement plans roth individual retirement accounts iras rollovers beneficiaries retirement plans distributions public pension plans health long term care insurance public safety officers survivor annuity plans special trial judges exempts assets transfers health accounts maintain pension plan funded status excise tax revises definition participant retirement plan purposes erisa diversification participation requirements expands rules allowing automatic contributions employer pension plans requires administrator combined pension plan consisting defined benefit plan qualified cash deferred arrangement treat plans separately provides spouses shall entitled survivor benefits railroad retirement act employee completed years service railroad industry years service december spouse spouse attained age employee attains age deceased attained age makes provision effective payments august prohibits states reducing unemployment compensation pension rollovers


Summary: Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to allow the filing of a petition with the Secretary of Labor for certification of eligibility to apply for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) by adversely affected workers in a service sector firm or subdivision. Defines "service sector firm" as an entity engaged in the business of providing information technology or other high technology services. Revises group eligibility requirements for TAA to cover: (1) a shift, by such workers' firm or subdivision to a foreign country, in provision of services, like or directly competitive with services which are provided by such firm or subdivision; and (2) instances where such workers' firm or subdivision obtains or is likely to obtain such services from a foreign country. Provides for the certification for TAA of adversely affected secondary workers in a service sector firm or subdivision.

amends trade act allow filing petition secretary labor certification eligibility apply trade adjustment assistance taa adversely affected workers service sector firm subdivision defines service sector firm entity engaged business providing information technology high technology services revises group eligibility requirements taa cover shift workers firm subdivision foreign country provision services like directly competitive services provided firm subdivision instances workers firm subdivision obtains likely obtain services foreign country provides certification taa adversely affected secondary workers service sector firm subdivision


Summary: Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law to increase the maximum amount per individual or corporationof unsecured claims ranked in the fourth (wages, salaries, or commissions) and fifth (employee benefit plan contributions) order of priority. Includes within the scope of a claim in bankruptcy certain equity securities held in a defined contribution plan for the benefit of certain individuals.Ranks in sixth order of priority the diminished value of debtor's equity securities held in a defined contribution plan if the employer or plan sponsor committed fraud regarding the plan.Permits within administrative expenses certain severance pay for termination or layoffs.Prohibits certain senior executive compensation from being disproportionate in light of economic concessions by debtor's nonmanagement workforce.Disallows as an administrative expense specified executive compensation enhancements. Revises requirements governing: (1) rejection of collective bargaining agreements; (2) insurance benefits for retired employees; and (3) the status of certain employee benefits in a sale of business assets. Allows defined benefit plan participants to file claims for certain shortfalls in pension benefits.Permits inclusion within the necessary costs and expenses of preserving property the mandatory recovery of unpaid obligations owed to employees.Directs the court to consider the extent to which alternative reorganization plans maintain: (1) jobs; (2) defined benefit plans; and (3) retiree health benefits.Prohibits assumption of deferred compensation for the benefit of insiders or senior management if an employee defined benefit plan has been terminated. Limits the recovery of executive compensation if the debtor has reduced its contractual obligations under either a collective bargaining agreement or retiree benefits plan. Excepts from an automatic stay: (1) a dispute resolution proceeding established by a collective bargaining agreement prior to commencement of bankruptcy; or (2) an award or settlement under such proceeding.Authorizes the bankruptcy trustee to avoid transfers made for the benefit of an insider or certain consultants in anticipation of bankruptcy. Revises prerequisites to court confirmation of a business reorganization plan which continues retiree benefits.

protecting_employees retirees business bankruptcies act amends federal bankruptcy law increase maximum individual unsecured claims ranked fourth wages salaries commissions fifth employee benefit plan contributions order priority includes scope claim bankruptcy certain equity securities held defined contribution plan benefit certain individuals ranks sixth order priority diminished value debtor equity securities held defined contribution plan employer plan sponsor committed fraud plan permits administrative expenses certain severance pay termination layoffs prohibits certain senior executive compensation disproportionate light economic concessions debtor workforce disallows administrative expense specified executive compensation enhancements revises requirements governing rejection collective bargaining agreements insurance benefits retired employees status certain employee benefits sale business assets allows defined benefit plan participants file claims certain shortfalls pension benefits permits inclusion necessary costs expenses preserving property mandatory recovery unpaid obligations owed employees directs court consider extent alternative reorganization plans maintain jobs defined benefit plans retiree health benefits prohibits assumption deferred compensation benefit insiders senior management employee defined benefit plan terminated limits recovery executive compensation debtor reduced contractual obligations collective bargaining agreement retiree benefits plan excepts automatic stay dispute resolution proceeding established collective bargaining agreement prior commencement bankruptcy award settlement proceeding authorizes bankruptcy trustee avoid transfers benefit insider certain consultants anticipation bankruptcy revises prerequisites court confirmation business reorganization plan continues retiree benefits


Summary: Tax Free Tips Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt tips from the income tax, social security and railroad retirement taxes, unemployment taxes, and tax withholding. Defines "tips" as any gratuity provided to a salaried employee by a customer or client of the employer's business.

tax free tips act amends internal revenue code exempt tips income tax social security railroad retirement taxes unemployment taxes tax withholding defines tips gratuity provided employee customer client employer business


Summary: Defined Contribution Plan Fee Transparency Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose penalties on: (1) employers and multi-employer defined contribution plans for the failure of their plan administrators to provide to plan participants or beneficiaries written notices of plan fees and expenses and investment alternatives; and (2) providers of services to defined contribution plans for failure to provide certain information to plan administrators, including an estimate of total fees and expenses expected to be paid under a service contract and an itemization of the services to be provided under such contract.

defined contribution plan fee transparency act amends internal revenue code impose penalties employers multi employer defined contribution plans failure plan administrators provide plan participants beneficiaries written notices plan fees expenses investment alternatives providers services defined contribution plans failure provide certain information plan administrators including estimate total fees expenses expected paid service contract itemization services provided contract


Summary: Trade Adjustment Assistance Improvement Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to allow the filing of a petition with the Secretary of Labor for certification of eligibility to apply for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) by adversely affected workers in a service sector firm, its subdivision, or a public agency. Revises group eligibility requirements for TAA to cover: (1) a shift, by a public agency to a foreign country, of production of articles or in provision of services, like or directly competitive with articles which are produced, or services which are provided by the workers' firm, subdivision, or public agency; and (2) instances where the workers' firm, subdivision, or public agency obtains or is likely to obtain such services from a foreign country. Provides for industry-wide certification of adversely affected workers for TAA. Increases the amount of payments for training of adversely affected workers under the Act. TAA Health Coverage Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax credit for the health insurance costs of certain TAA workers and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) pension recipients. Sets forth requirements to prevent a lapse of health care coverage for TAA workers and their families. Replaces alternative trade adjustment assistance for older workers provisions with eligibility requirements for wage insurance benefits to older workers who have received an industry-wide certification to apply for TAA. Increases the maximum allowance to cover costs of an adversely affected worker for job search expenses and relocation expenses. Establishes an Office of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Ombudsman. Extends the TAA program for workers through FY2012. Revises the TAA program for communities negatively impacted by trade. Establishes a TAA for communities program to coordinate the federal response. Allows the filing of a petition with the Secretary of Commerce for certification of eligibility to apply for TAA by a service sector firm. Extends the TAA program for firms through FY2012. Extends the TAA program for farmers through FY2012.

trade adjustment assistance improvement act amends trade act allow filing petition secretary labor certification eligibility apply trade adjustment assistance taa adversely affected workers service sector firm subdivision public agency revises group eligibility requirements taa cover shift public agency foreign country production articles provision services like directly competitive articles produced services provided workers firm subdivision public agency instances workers firm subdivision public agency obtains likely obtain services foreign country provides industry wide certification adversely affected workers taa increases payments training adversely affected workers act taa health coverage improvement act amends internal revenue code increase tax credit health insurance costs certain taa workers pension_benefit_guaranty_corporation pbgc pension recipients sets forth requirements prevent lapse health care coverage taa workers families replaces alternative trade adjustment assistance older workers provisions eligibility requirements wage insurance benefits older workers received industry wide certification apply taa increases maximum allowance cover costs adversely affected worker job search expenses relocation expenses extends taa program workers fy2012 revises taa program communities negatively impacted trade establishes taa communities program coordinate federal response allows filing petition secretary commerce certification eligibility apply taa service sector firm extends taa program firms fy2012 extends taa program farmers fy2012


Summary: Amends the Pension Protection Act of 2006, the Internal Revenue Code, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to delay until January 1, 2009, the implementation of pension plan funding rules enacted by the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

amends pension protection act internal revenue code employee retirement income security act delay january implementation pension plan funding rules enacted pension_protection_act


Summary: Trade and Globalization Assistance Act of 2007 - Title I: Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers - Subtitle A: Trade Adjustment Assistance for Service Sector Workers; Expansion of Covered Shifts in Production; Expansion of Downstream Secondary Worker Eligibility - (Sec. 101) Amends the Trade Act of 1974 (the Act) to allow the filing of a petition with the Secretary of Labor for certification of eligibility to apply for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) by adversely affected workers in a service sector firm or a public agency. Revises group eligibility requirements for TAA to cover: (1) a shift, by such workers' firm or subdivision to a foreign country, of production of articles or in provision of services, like or directly competitive with articles which are produced, or services provided by the workers' firm or subdivision; or (2) instances where the workers' firm or subdivision obtains or is likely to obtain such articles or services from a foreign country. Provides for the certification for TAA of: (1) adversely affected workers in a public agency or its subdivision; and (2) adversely affected secondary workers in a service sector firm or its subdivision. (Sec. 102) Requires certification determinations of the Secretary of Labor to be published on the Department of Labor's website. (Sec. 103) Requires the Secretary of Labor to: (1) implement a system to collect certain data on adversely affected service sector workers; and (2) conduct a study, and report to Congress, on ways to improve the timeliness and coverage of data on trade in services. Subtitle B: Industry-Wide Trade Adjustment Assistance - (Sec. 111) Provides for certification for TAA of adversely affected workers in a domestic industry. (Sec. 112) Requires the International Trade Commission (ITC) to notify the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Commerce of affirmative determinations of: (1) serious injury or market disruption, or threat of serious injury or market disruption, to a domestic industry; and (2) injury, or threat of injury, to a domestic industry by reason of imports which have been provided a countervailing or antidumping subsidy. Requires the ITC in cases of an affirmation determination to notify the firms of the affected industry of the allowances, training, employment services, assistance in filing petitions, and other benefits provided under the Act. Requires the Secretary of Labor to notify the Secretary of Commerce of the identity of firms that have been certified as eligible for TAA. Subtitle C: Program Benefits - (Sec. 121) Revises certain qualifying requirements for TAA for adversely affected workers. (Sec. 122) Increases: (1) the length of time and amount of TAA payments for training of adversely affected workers; and (2) the maximum allowance to cover costs of such workers for job search expenses and relocation expenses. (Sec. 126) Revises employment services provisions to require the Secretary of Labor to provide, directly or through the states, delineated employment and case management services to adversely affected workers. (Sec. 127) Increases the training cap for FY2008-FY2010. Requires a new allocation formula. (Sec. 128) Includes, as part of an approved training program for adversely affected workers, any program of prerequisite education or coursework required to enroll in an approved training program. (Sec. 129) Provides that an adversely affected worker shall not be ineligible or disqualified for unemployment insurance or TAA program benefits due to a break in or delay in the commencement of training by such worker. (Sec. 130) Provides additional payments to states participating in the training of adversely affected workers under the TAA program for administrative expenses incurred and employment and case management services provided by the state. Subtitle D: Health Care Provisions - (Sec. 141) Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to increase the credit for health insurance costs of an eligible: (1) TAA recipient, (2) alternative TAA recipient, or (3) Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) pension recipient. Sets forth requirements to provide continued eligibility for the first 36 months after the event for the credit for qualifying family members if the eligible individual: (1) becomes entitled to Medicare; (2) is divorced; or (3) dies. Sunsets such credit after December 31, 2009. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study, and report to Congress, on the health insurance tax credit. (Sec. 142) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the IRC, and the Public Health Service Act to set forth requirements providing for the extension of Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) continuation coverage for certain qualified TAA-eligible individuals and PBGC recipients. Subtitle E: Wage Insurance - (Sec. 151) Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to replace provisions providing for a demonstration project for alternative trade adjustment assistance for older workers with a program establishing reemployment TAA program eligibility requirements for the payment of reemployment TAA (or wage insurance) to eligible older workers. Subtitle F: Other Matters - (Sec. 161) Prohibits TAA program benefits from being provided to an alien worker unless such worker is a lawful permanent resident living in the United States. (Sec. 162) Imposes additional requirements upon state agencies advising and interviewing adversely affected workers. (Sec. 163) Requires (currently, authorizes) a state agency or the Secretary of Labor to waive the repayment of TAA paid mistakenly to a person in cases where it was not fault of the person and it would cause a financial hardship for the person. (Sec. 165) Establishes in the Department of Labor the Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance. (Sec. 166) Directs the Secretary of Labor to implement a system to collect, and make publicly available on the Department of Labor's website, data on all adversely affected workers who apply for or receive TAA. Requires the Secretary of Labor to report to Congress on whether changes to TAA eligibility requirements, benefits, or training should be made based on such collected data. (Sec. 167) Extends through FY2012 the TAA program for workers and farmers. (Sec. 168) Gives the United States Court of International Trade authority to either remand a case to take further evidence or reverse the action of the appropriate Secretary. (Sec. 169) States that provisions relating to adjustment assistance for workers and provisions relating to adjustment assistance for firms shall be liberally construed in favor of certifying workers for assistance. Title II: Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms - (Sec. 201) Allows the filing of a petition with the Secretary of Commerce for certification of eligibility to apply for TAA by a service sector firm. (Sec. 202) Extends the TAA program for firms through FY2012. (Sec. 203) Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to provide technical assistance for the establishment of industry-wide programs for the development of new services. (Currently, such assistance is available only for new product development.) (Sec. 204) Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) conduct a demonstration project that will allow small- and medium-sized U.S. manufacturers to gain access to resources that will help them better compete domestically and globally; (2) establish an advisory board; and (3) report to Congress on such project. Earmarks amounts through FY2012. Title III: Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers - (Sec. 301) Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to publish petitions for certification for TAA by a group of agricultural commodity producers on the Department of Agriculture's website. (Currently, publication is only required in the Federal Register.) Authorizes an agricultural commodity producer or group of producers that resides outside of the state or region identified in a petition to file a request to become a party to such petition. Title IV: Unemployment Insurance - Unemployment Insurance Modernization Act - (Sec. 402) Amends the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Labor to make unemployment compensation modernization incentive payments in FY2008-FY2012 by certain transfers from the federal unemployment account to the accounts of the states in the Unemployment Trust Fund. (Sec. 403) Amends the IRC to extend the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) excise tax imposed on every employer through 2011. (Sec. 404) Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish the Safety Net Review Commission. Title V: Manufacturing Redevelopment Zones - (Sec. 501) Authorizes the designation of 24 nominated areas as manufacturing redevelopment zones and limits the maximum aggregate population of all such zones to 2,000,000. Sets forth eligibility criteria for nominated areas. Provides for the issuance of manufacturing redevelopment bonds (qualified tax credit bonds) and tax-exempt facility bonds and requires the proceeds to be used for promoting development or other economic activity in such zones, including environmental remediation and public infrastructure improvements. Increases the state low-income housing credit for buildings located in such zones. Allows a credit to holders of such qualified tax credit bonds. Provides the state housing credit ceiling of a state which includes such a manufacturing redevelopment zone shall be increased by a specified amount. Provides for a tax credit to holders of qualified tax credit bonds. (Sec. 502) Delays until 2012 the application of special rules for the worldwide allocation of interest for purposes of computing the limitation on the foreign tax credit. Title VI: Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification - Early Warning and Health Care for Workers Affected by Globalization Act - (Sec. 602) Amends the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (the Act) to redefine the terms "employer," "plant closing," "mass layoff", and "employees" for purposes of the Act. Requires an employer to: (1) give 90-day written notice (currently, 60-day) to employees (including part-time employees) and appropriate state and local governments before ordering a plant closing or mass layoff; (2) notify the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) of such closing or layoff; and (3) provide affected employees with information regarding benefits and services available to them, including unemployment compensation, trade adjustment assistance, COBRA benefits, and certain other services. Requires the Secretary to notify the appropriate U.S. Senators and Members of the House of Representatives who represent the area where such closing or mass layoff is to occur. Makes an employer who violates such notice requirements liable to the employee for, among other things, two days pay (under current law, back pay for each day of violation) multiplied by the number of days short of the required 90 day notice that was not given, including interest on such pay. Authorizes an affected employee to file a complaint against the employer individually and/or with the Secretary alleging a violation of the notice requirements. Requires the Secretary to investigate and attempt to resolve complaints of violations committed by an employer. Requires an employer to post conspicuously upon its premises pertinent provisions of this Act and information on the filing of a complaint. Sets forth a civil penalty for willful violation of such requirement. Prohibits the rights and remedies provided under this Act from being waived, deferred, or lost pursuant to any agreement or settlement other than an agreement or settlement negotiated by the Secretary, an attorney general of any State, or a private attorney on behalf of affected employees. Requires the Secretary to maintain a guide on the benefits and services available to affected employees.

trade assistance act title trade adjustment assistance workers subtitle trade adjustment assistance service sector workers expansion covered shifts production expansion downstream secondary worker eligibility sec amends trade act act allow filing petition secretary labor certification eligibility apply trade adjustment assistance taa adversely affected workers service sector firm public agency revises group eligibility requirements taa cover shift workers firm subdivision foreign country production articles provision services like directly competitive articles produced services provided workers firm subdivision instances workers firm subdivision obtains likely obtain articles services foreign country provides certification taa adversely affected workers public agency subdivision adversely affected secondary workers service sector firm subdivision sec requires certification determinations secretary labor published department_of_labor website sec requires secretary labor implement system collect certain data adversely affected service sector workers conduct study report congress ways improve timeliness coverage data trade services subtitle sec provides certification taa adversely affected workers domestic industry sec requires international_trade_commission itc notify secretary labor secretary commerce affirmative determinations injury market disruption threat injury market disruption domestic industry injury threat injury domestic industry reason imports provided countervailing antidumping subsidy requires itc cases affirmation determination notify firms affected industry allowances training employment services assistance filing petitions benefits provided act requires secretary labor notify secretary commerce identity firms certified eligible taa subtitle program benefits sec revises certain qualifying requirements taa adversely affected workers sec increases length time taa payments training adversely affected workers maximum allowance cover costs workers job search expenses relocation expenses sec revises employment services provisions require secretary labor provide directly states delineated employment case management services adversely affected workers sec increases training cap fy2008 fy2010 requires new allocation formula sec includes approved training program adversely affected workers program prerequisite education coursework required enroll approved training program sec provides adversely affected worker shall ineligible disqualified unemployment insurance taa program benefits break delay commencement training worker sec provides additional payments states participating training adversely affected workers taa program administrative expenses incurred employment case management services provided state subtitle health care provisions sec amends internal revenue code irc increase credit health insurance costs eligible taa recipient alternative taa recipient pension benefit guaranty corporation pbgc pension recipient sets forth requirements provide continued eligibility months event credit qualifying family members eligible individual entitled medicare divorced dies sunsets credit december directs comptroller general conduct study report congress health insurance tax credit sec amends employee retirement income security act erisa irc public_health_service_act set forth requirements providing extension consolidated_omnibus_budget reconciliation act cobra continuation coverage certain qualified taa eligible individuals pbgc recipients subtitle wage insurance sec amends trade act replace provisions providing demonstration project alternative trade adjustment assistance older workers program establishing reemployment taa program eligibility requirements payment reemployment taa wage insurance eligible older workers subtitle matters sec prohibits taa program benefits provided alien worker worker lawful permanent resident living united_states sec imposes additional requirements state agencies advising interviewing adversely affected workers sec requires currently authorizes state agency secretary labor waive repayment taa paid person cases fault person cause financial hardship person sec establishes sec directs secretary labor implement system collect publicly available department_of_labor website data adversely affected workers apply receive taa requires secretary labor report congress changes taa eligibility requirements benefits training based collected data sec extends fy2012 taa program workers farmers sec gives international trade authority remand case evidence reverse action appropriate secretary sec states provisions relating adjustment assistance workers provisions relating adjustment assistance firms shall liberally construed favor certifying workers assistance title trade adjustment assistance firms sec allows filing petition secretary commerce certification eligibility apply taa service sector firm sec extends taa program firms fy2012 sec authorizes secretary commerce provide technical assistance establishment industry wide programs development new services currently assistance available new product development sec directs secretary commerce conduct demonstration project allow small- medium sized manufacturers gain access resources help better compete domestically globally establish advisory board report congress project earmarks amounts fy2012 title iii trade adjustment assistance farmers sec requires secretary agriculture publish petitions certification taa group agricultural commodity producers department_of_agriculture website currently publication required federal_register authorizes agricultural commodity producer group producers resides outside state region identified petition file request party petition title unemployment insurance unemployment insurance modernization act sec amends social security act require secretary labor unemployment compensation modernization incentive payments fy2008 fy2012 certain transfers federal unemployment account accounts states unemployment_trust_fund sec amends irc extend federal unemployment tax act futa excise tax imposed employer sec directs secretary labor establish title manufacturing redevelopment zones sec authorizes designation nominated areas manufacturing redevelopment zones limits maximum aggregate population zones sets forth eligibility criteria nominated areas provides issuance manufacturing redevelopment bonds qualified tax credit bonds tax exempt facility bonds requires proceeds promoting development economic activity zones including environmental remediation public infrastructure improvements increases state low income housing credit buildings located zones allows credit holders qualified tax credit bonds provides state housing credit ceiling state includes manufacturing redevelopment zone shall increased specified provides tax credit holders qualified tax credit bonds sec delays application special rules worldwide allocation interest purposes computing limitation foreign tax credit title retraining notification early warning sec amends act redefine terms employer plant closing mass layoff employees purposes act requires employer day written notice currently day employees including time employees appropriate state local governments ordering plant closing mass layoff notify secretary labor secretary closing layoff provide affected employees information benefits services available including unemployment compensation trade adjustment assistance cobra benefits certain services requires secretary notify appropriate senators members house_of_representatives represent area closing mass layoff occur makes employer violates notice requirements liable employee things days pay current law pay day violation multiplied number days short required day notice given including interest pay authorizes affected employee file complaint employer individually secretary alleging violation notice requirements requires secretary investigate attempt resolve complaints violations committed employer requires employer post conspicuously premises pertinent provisions act information filing complaint sets forth civil penalty willful violation requirement prohibits rights remedies provided act waived deferred lost pursuant agreement settlement agreement settlement negotiated secretary attorney general state private attorney behalf affected employees requires secretary maintain guide benefits services available affected employees


Summary: Trade Adjustment Assistance and Training Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to revise requirements with respect to the filing of a petition for certification of eligibility to apply for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) by a group of adversely affected workers in a firm or subdivision (including agricultural firm or subdivision). Revises TAA group eligibility requirements for such workers and for adversely affected secondary workers. Sets forth a process for administrative reconsideration of Secretary of Labor determinations that deny certification of eligibility to apply for TAA by a group of adversely affected workers. Revises: (1) trade readjustment allowance (TRA) eligibility requirements for adversely affected workers (including to provide for the the payment of an additional TRA provided certain conditions are met); and (2) training program requirements for adversely affected workers. Establishes a program where adversely affected workers that have been certified for TAA may alternatively elect to receive wage supplement and health insurance costs tax credit benefits from the state provided certain requirements are met. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to community colleges or entities that provide training for occupations in demand in order to expand available training slots and prepare adversely affected workers for occupations in demand. Extends the TAA program for firms and farmers through FY2012. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) authorize the reduction of the credit against the federal unemployment tax liability of a state that fails to meet certain benchmark requirements in the provision of reemployment services and training to adversely affected workers under the TAA program; and (2) make TAA wage supplement recipients eligible for a health insurance costs tax credit.

trade adjustment assistance training improvement act amends trade act revise requirements respect filing petition certification eligibility apply trade adjustment assistance taa group adversely affected workers firm subdivision including agricultural firm subdivision revises taa group eligibility requirements workers adversely affected secondary workers sets forth process administrative reconsideration secretary labor determinations deny certification eligibility apply taa group adversely affected workers revises trade readjustment allowance eligibility requirements adversely affected workers including provide payment additional provided certain conditions met training program requirements adversely affected workers establishes program adversely affected workers certified taa elect receive wage supplement health insurance costs tax credit benefits state provided certain requirements met authorizes secretary award grants community colleges entities provide training occupations demand order expand available training slots prepare adversely affected workers occupations demand extends taa program firms farmers fy2012 amends internal revenue code authorize reduction credit federal unemployment tax liability state fails meet certain benchmark requirements provision reemployment services training adversely affected workers taa program taa wage supplement recipients eligible health insurance costs tax credit


Summary: Allows employees of commercial passenger airlines who receive payments from a bankruptcy case filed between September 11, 2001, and January 1, 2007, as compensation for lost pension plan benefits to rollover such payments into an individual retirement account (IRA), except for a Roth IRA, without tax or tax penalty.

allows employees commercial passenger airlines receive payments bankruptcy case filed september january compensation lost pension plan benefits rollover payments individual retirement account ira roth ira tax tax penalty


Summary: Securing Medicare and Retirement for Tomorrow Act of 2007, or SMART Act of 2007 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part B (Personal Social Security Savings Program) under which each employer shall establish and maintain for each participating employee a personal Social Security account under a Social Security payroll deduction plan. Provides for the participation by self-employed individuals and the investment of personal Social Security account funds in one qualified Social Security mutual fund designated by the participating individual. Establishes the Personal Accounts Management and Review Board, and requires it to establish a program for designating qualified Social Security mutual funds. Provides for election of SSA title II part A (Insurance Benefits) in lieu of part B benefits at retirement. Establishes in the Treasury the Social Security Escrow Fund and provides for investment of its holdings. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) with respect to personal Social Security accounts. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on the failure of Medicare retirees to obtain qualified health insurance coverage. Provides for a reduction in rate of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax on employers if the Fund is ever projected to have excess funds during the ensuing calendar year, and will have no need to borrow funds for the next 10 calendar years. Prohibits collection of the FICA tax with respect to individuals who have attained retirement age. Excludes from an individual's gross income any distributions from a personal Social Security account or any amount received under a qualified Social Security annuity. Provides for budget reform transfers from the general fund of the Treasury to the Social Security Escrow Fund of any tax revenues in excess of specified target revenue amounts (if any) for the fiscal year. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to provide for dedication of Social Security surpluses to reduction in the public debt.

securing medicare retirement tomorrow act amends title old age survivors disability insurance oasdi social security act ssa add new employer shall establish maintain participating employee personal social_security account social_security payroll deduction plan provides participation self employed individuals investment personal social_security account funds qualified social_security mutual fund designated participating individual establishes requires establish program designating qualified social_security mutual funds provides election ssa title insurance benefits lieu benefits retirement establishes treasury provides investment holdings amends ssa title xviii medicare respect personal social_security accounts amends internal revenue code impose tax failure medicare retirees obtain qualified health insurance coverage provides reduction rate federal_insurance_contributions_act fica tax employers fund projected excess funds ensuing calendar year need borrow funds calendar years prohibits collection fica tax respect individuals attained retirement age excludes individual gross income distributions personal social_security account received qualified social_security annuity provides budget reform transfers general fund treasury tax revenues excess specified target revenue amounts fiscal year amends congressional_budget_act provide dedication social_security surpluses reduction public debt


Summary: Working Families Flexibility Act - Authorizes an employee to request from an employer a change in the terms or conditions of the employee's employment if the request relates to: (1) the number of hours the employee is required to work; (2) the times when the employee is required to work; or (3) where the employee is required to work. Sets forth certain employer duties with respect to such requests. Makes it unlawful for an employer to interfere with any rights provided to an employee under this Act. Authorizes an employee to file a complaint with the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division of the Employment Standards Administration of the Department of Labor for any violations of such rights. Provides for the investigation and assessment of civil penalties or the award of relief for alleged violations, including the review in federal courts of appeal of orders of the Administrator. Requires the Secretary of Labor to carry out a research, education, and technical assistance program for employers, labor organizations, and the general public regarding compliance with this Act. Applies the requirements of this Act to certain classes of employees, including employees of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Library of Congress.

working_families flexibility act authorizes employee request employer change terms conditions employee employment request relates number hours employee required work times employee required work employee required work sets forth certain employer duties respect requests makes unlawful employer interfere rights provided employee act authorizes employee file complaint administrator wage hour division department_of_labor violations rights provides investigation assessment civil penalties award relief alleged violations including review federal courts appeal orders administrator requires secretary labor carry research education technical assistance program employers labor organizations general public compliance act applies requirements act certain classes employees including employees government_accountability_office gao library_of_congress