Summary:
Indian Trust Asset Reform Act

TITLE I--RECOGNITION OF TRUST RESPONSIBILITY

 (Sec. 102) This bill reaffirms the federal government's fiduciary responsibilities to Indians.

TITLE II--INDIAN TRUST ASSET MANAGEMENT DEMONSTRATION PROJECT

Indian Trust Asset Management Demonstration Project Act of 2015

(Sec. 203) The Department of the Interior must establish an Indian trust asset management demonstration project that allows tribes to propose Indian trust asset management plans. To be approved by Interior, these plans must establish objectives and priorities for trust assets and allocate sufficient funding for asset management to meet the objectives and priorities.

(Sec. 205) Interior may approve a trust asset management plan that allows the Indian tribe to enter into, approve, and carry out a surface leasing transaction or forest land management activity without Interior's approval, under certain conditions.

The United States is not liable for losses that result from: (1) a forest land management activity or lease under a trust asset management plan, or (2) management standards under a trust asset management plan that are less-stringent than Interior otherwise requires.

TITLE III--IMPROVING EFFICIENCY AND STREAMLINING PROCESSES

 (Sec. 303) Interior may establish an Under Secretary for Indian Affairs who is to report directly to the Secretary of the Interior and coordinate with the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians (OST) to ensure an orderly transition of the functions of the OST to an agency or bureau within Interior.

(Sec. 304) Interior must prepare a transition plan and timetable for the termination of the OST.

(Sec. 305) Appraisals and valuations of Indian trust property must be administered by a single administrative entity within Interior.

Interior must establish minimum qualifications for individuals to prepare appraisals and valuations of Indian trust property. An appraisal or valuation by a qualified person is considered final without being reviewed or approved by Interior.

(Sec. 306) Representatives of entities that advise Interior on Indian program budget or funding issues may make recommendations regarding the use of savings realized from the transfer of the functions of the OST.

title recognition trust responsibility sec bill reaffirms federal government fiduciary responsibilities indians title indian trust asset management demonstration project project act sec department_of_the_interior establish indian trust asset management demonstration project allows tribes propose indian trust asset management plans approved interior plans establish objectives priorities trust assets allocate sufficient funding asset management meet objectives priorities sec interior approve trust asset management plan allows indian tribe enter approve carry surface leasing transaction forest land management activity interior approval certain conditions united_states liable losses result forest land management activity lease trust asset management plan management standards trust asset management plan stringent interior requires title iii improving efficiency streamlining processes sec interior establish secretary indian_affairs report directly secretary interior coordinate ensure orderly transition functions agency bureau interior sec interior prepare transition plan timetable termination sec appraisals valuations indian trust property administered single administrative entity interior interior establish minimum qualifications individuals prepare appraisals valuations indian trust property appraisal valuation qualified person considered final reviewed approved interior sec representatives entities advise interior indian program budget funding issues recommendations use savings realized transfer functions


Summary:
Empowering Mass Participation to Offset the Wealthy's Electoral Role Act of 2015 or the EMPOWER Act of 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to revise the system of public financing for presidential primary and general elections occurring after January 1, 2016.

Increases the amount of matching funds for presidential primaries from a one-to-one match to a six-to-one match for contributions of $250 or less from individuals, with a limit on aggregate individual contributions of $1,000. Limits the total amount of payments to a presidential primary candidate to $300 million. Provides for an inflation adjustment to matching contributions beginning after 2015.

Requires presidential primary candidates who opt to participate in the public financing system to certify to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) that they have raised $25,000 (currently, $5,000) in each of 20 states, with individual contributions limited to $250. Requires such candidates to commit to accept public financing in both the primary and general elections.

Prohibits presidential primary candidates or their authorized committees from accepting contributions or bundled contributions (i.e., combining small contributions into one large contribution) from lobbyists or political action committees (PACs).

Eliminates expenditure limitations for presidential primary and general elections.

Changes the period for payment of matching funds to presidential primary candidates from January 1 of the election year to six months prior to the date of the earliest state primary election.

Revises financing provisions for general elections to: (1) limit individual contributions to participating candidates to $1,000; and (2) extend matching payments to general elections at a six-to-one rate for contributions of $250 or less, to a maximum amount of $300 million in total matching payments to a publicly-financed general election candidate.

Increases to $100 million the limit on coordinated spending by a national party and its presidential candidate in a general election campaign.

Establishes a uniform date for the release of payments to eligible general election candidates.

empowering mass participation offset electoral role act empower act amends internal revenue code federal_election_campaign_act revise system public financing presidential primary general elections occurring january increases matching funds presidential primaries match match contributions individuals limit aggregate individual contributions limits total payments presidential primary candidate million provides inflation adjustment matching contributions beginning requires presidential primary candidates opt participate public financing system certify federal_election_commission fec raised currently states individual contributions limited requires candidates commit accept public financing primary general elections prohibits presidential primary candidates authorized committees accepting contributions bundled contributions combining small contributions large contribution lobbyists political action committees pacs eliminates expenditure limitations presidential primary general elections changes period payment matching funds presidential primary candidates january election year months prior date earliest state primary election revises financing provisions general elections limit individual contributions participating candidates extend matching payments general elections rate contributions maximum million total matching payments publicly financed general election candidate increases million limit coordinated spending national party presidential candidate general election campaign establishes uniform date release payments eligible general election candidates


Summary:
Lobbying and Campaign Finance Reform Act of 2015

 Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to declare that, for purposes of dollar limits on contributions, any bundled contribution forwarded by a currently registered lobbyist or a political committee established or controlled by one to an authorized committee of a candidate, a leadership political action committee, or a political party committee shall be treated as both a contribution made by the person forwarding it and as a contribution made by the contributor.

Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to revise the definition of "lobbyist" with respect to its exemption from coverage of certain individuals whose lobbying activities constitute less than 20% of the time engaged in the services provided to a client over a 3-month period. Extends the 3-month period into a 2-year period.

Amends FECA to prohibit House of Representatives and Senate candidates, Members, Senators, their agents, or any entities directly or indirectly established, financed, maintained, or controlled by or acting on behalf of one or more of them from soliciting funds from any registered lobbyist in connection with an election to the House or Senate during any period in which the chamber is in session (excluding adjournments or recesses for 10 calendar days or longer).

reform act amends federal_election_campaign_act feca declare purposes dollar limits contributions bundled contribution forwarded currently registered lobbyist political committee established controlled authorized committee candidate leadership political action committee political party committee shall treated contribution person forwarding contribution contributor amends lobbying disclosure act revise definition lobbyist respect exemption coverage certain individuals lobbying activities constitute time engaged services provided client month period extends month period year period amends feca prohibit house_of_representatives senate candidates members senators agents entities directly indirectly established financed maintained controlled acting behalf soliciting funds registered lobbyist connection election house senate period chamber session excluding calendar days longer


Summary:
Fair Elections Now Act

 Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) with respect to:

 eligibility and qualifying contribution requirements and benefits of fair elections financing of Senate election campaigns, establishment of a Fair Elections Fund, eligibility for Fund allocations, contribution and expenditure requirements, a public debate requirement, certification of whether or not a federal election candidate is a participating candidate, benefits for participating candidates, 600% matching payments to candidates for certain small dollar contributions, political advertising vouchers, establishment of a Fair Elections Oversight Board, civil penalties for violation of contribution and expenditure requirements, prohibition of joint fundraising committees with any political committee other than a candidate's authorized committee, and an exception to a specified limitation on coordinated expenditures by political party committees with participating candidates for any expenditure from a qualified political party-participating candidate coordinated expenditure fund. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to: (1) prohibit the preemption of the use of a broadcasting station by a legally qualified Senate candidate who has purchased and paid for such use, (2) revise Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authority to revoke licenses for broadcasting stations who fail to provide access to Senate candidates, and (3) revise the formula for determining reduced broadcast rates for participating candidates in certain circumstances.

Directs the FCC to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to establish a standardized form to be used by broadcasting stations to record and report the purchase of advertising time by or on behalf of a candidate for nomination for election, or for election, to federal elective office.

Amends FECA to: (1) empower the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to petition the U.S. Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari to appeal a civil action; (2) require all designations, statements, and reports required to be filed under FECA to be filed directly with the FEC, and in computer-accessible electronic form; and (3) reduce from 48 to 24 hours after their receipt the deadline for the FEC to make designations, statements, reports, or notifications available to the public in the FEC office and on the Internet.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable tax credit in the amount of 50% of the qualified My Voice Federal Senate campaign contributions paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year. Limits such credit to a maximum $50 (twice such amount in the case of a joint return). Prohibits any such credit to any taxpayer who made aggregate contributions in excess of $300 during the taxable year to any single federal Senate candidate or to any political committee established and maintained by a national party.

Imposes an excise tax on any payment made pursuant to a U.S. government contract to any person that is not a state or local government, a foreign nation, or a tax-exempt organization and that has contracts with the U.S. government in excess of $10 million. Sets the rate of such tax imposed on any payment to a qualified person under any such contract at 0.50% of the amount paid and limits the aggregate annual amount of tax so imposed for any calendar year to not more than $500,000.

Expresses the sense of the Senate that the tax revenues raised by this Act should be used for the financing of a Fair Elections Fund and the public financing of Senate elections.

fair elections act amends federal_election_campaign_act feca respect eligibility qualifying contribution requirements benefits fair elections financing senate election campaigns establishment fair_elections_fund eligibility fund allocations contribution expenditure requirements public debate requirement certification federal election candidate participating candidate benefits participating candidates matching payments candidates certain small dollar contributions political advertising vouchers establishment civil penalties violation contribution expenditure requirements prohibition joint fundraising committees political committee candidate authorized committee exception specified limitation coordinated expenditures political party committees participating candidates expenditure qualified political party participating candidate coordinated expenditure fund amends communications act prohibit preemption use broadcasting station legally qualified senate candidate purchased paid use revise federal_communications_commission fcc authority revoke licenses broadcasting stations fail provide access senate candidates revise formula determining reduced broadcast rates participating candidates certain circumstances directs fcc initiate rulemaking proceeding establish standardized form broadcasting stations record report purchase advertising time behalf candidate nomination election election federal elective office amends feca empower federal_election_commission fec petition writ certiorari appeal civil action require designations statements reports required filed feca filed directly fec computer accessible electronic form reduce hours receipt deadline fec designations statements reports notifications available public fec office internet amends internal revenue code allow refundable tax credit qualified campaign contributions paid incurred taxpayer taxable year limits credit maximum twice case joint return prohibits credit taxpayer aggregate contributions excess taxable year single federal senate candidate political committee established maintained national party imposes excise tax payment pursuant government contract person state local government foreign nation tax exempt organization contracts government excess million sets rate tax imposed payment qualified person contract paid limits aggregate annual tax imposed calendar year expresses sense senate tax revenues raised act financing fair_elections_fund public financing senate elections


Summary:
Stop Super PAC-Candidate Coordination Act

This bill amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to treat as a campaign contribution any payment made by any person (other than a candidate, an authorized committee of a candidate, or a political committee of a political party) for a coordinated expenditure which is not otherwise treated as a contribution.

(In effect, replaces and eliminates a prohibition against contributions by minors which the U.S. Supreme Court in McConnell v. Federal Election Commission ruled an unconstitutional violation of the First Amendment.)

Sets forth rules governing payments for coordinated expenditures, including special rule for payments by coordinated spenders for covered communications.

Defines "covered communication" as a public communication which: (1) expressly advocates the election of the candidate or the defeat of an opponent of the candidate (or contains the functional equivalent of express advocacy); (2) promotes or supports the candidate, or attacks or opposes an opponent of the candidate (regardless of whether the communication expressly advocates the election or defeat of a candidate or contains the functional equivalent of express advocacy); or (3) refers to the candidate or an opponent of the candidate in other ways, but only if the communication is disseminated during the applicable election period.

Prescribes penalties for knowing and willfull violation of this Act by a contribution which consists of a payment for a coordinated expenditure.

Prohibits candidates or individuals holding federal office, their agents, and certain related entities from soliciting, receiving, directing, or transferring funds to or on behalf of any political committee which accepts donations or contributions that do not comply with FECA limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements, or to or on behalf of any 527 organization which accepts such donations or contributions (other than a committee of a state or local political party or a candidate for election for state or local office).

(A 527 organization, tax-exempt in certain circumstances under Section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code, is created primarily to influence the selection, nomination, election, appointment or defeat of candidates to federal, state or local public office.)

stop super pac candidate coordination act bill amends federal_election_campaign_act feca treat campaign contribution payment person candidate authorized committee candidate political committee political party coordinated expenditure treated contribution effect replaces eliminates prohibition contributions minors federal_election_commission ruled unconstitutional violation amendment sets forth rules governing payments coordinated expenditures including special rule payments coordinated covered communications defines covered communication public communication expressly advocates election candidate defeat opponent candidate contains functional equivalent express advocacy promotes supports candidate attacks opposes opponent candidate regardless communication expressly advocates election defeat candidate contains functional equivalent express advocacy refers candidate opponent candidate ways communication disseminated applicable election period prescribes penalties knowing violation act contribution consists payment coordinated expenditure prohibits candidates individuals holding federal office agents certain related entities soliciting receiving directing transferring funds behalf political committee accepts donations contributions comply feca limitations prohibitions reporting requirements behalf organization accepts donations contributions committee state local political party candidate election state local office organization tax exempt certain circumstances section internal revenue code created primarily influence selection nomination election appointment defeat candidates federal state local public office


Summary:
Close the Revolving Door Act of 2015

This bill amends the federal criminal code to impose a lifetime ban on any former Senator, Member of the House of Representatives, or elected officer of the Senate or House of Representatives lobbying any current Member, officer, or employee of Congress or any employee of any other legislative office. (Currently the ban is for two years after a Senator leaves office and one year after a Member of the House of Representatives leaves office). The ban is extended from one to six years for officers and employees of the Senate, personal staff of Members, committee staff, leadership staff, and other legislative offices.

A registered lobbyist or agent of a foreign principal may not be hired for a six-year period by a Member of Congress or a congressional committee with which the lobbyist or agent has had a substantial lobbying contact.

This bill also amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to:

 direct the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives to maintain a joint lobbyist disclosure Internet database for information required to be publicly disclosed by that Act, require a substantial lobbying entity to file with Congress a list of each employee of, contractor with, or paid consultant to the substantial lobbying entity and who is a former Member of Congress or another highly-paid covered legislative branch official, and increase the civil penalty for violations of the disclosure or reporting requirements of such Act.

close revolving door act bill amends federal criminal code impose lifetime ban senator member house_of_representatives elected officer senate house_of_representatives lobbying current member officer employee congress employee legislative office currently ban years senator leaves office year member house_of_representatives leaves office ban extended years officers employees senate personal staff members committee staff leadership staff legislative offices registered lobbyist agent foreign principal hired year period member congress congressional committee lobbyist agent substantial lobbying contact bill amends lobbying disclosure act direct secretary senate clerk house_of_representatives maintain joint lobbyist disclosure internet database information required publicly disclosed act require substantial lobbying entity file congress list employee contractor paid consultant substantial lobbying entity member congress highly paid covered legislative branch official increase civil penalty violations disclosure reporting requirements act


Summary:
Real Time Transparency Act of 2015

 This bill amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to revise the requirement of a 48-hour notification of a campaign contribution of $1,000 or more to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and certain other officials by the principal campaign committee of a candidate for federal office.

(Currently, a candidate's principal campaign committee is required to give a written 48-hour notification to the Secretary of the Senate or the FEC, and the Secretary of State, as appropriate, after the receipt of any contribution of $1,000 or more by any authorized committee of such candidate after the 20th day, but more than 48 hours before, any election.)

This requirement, with certain additions, shall now apply to any political committee, not just a candidate's principal campaign committee, regarding cumulative contributions (instead of single contributions) of $1,000 or more from any contributor during a calendar year. A report shall now be made only to the FEC.

Any amount transferred by a joint fundraising committee established by a candidate's authorized committee to any other authorized committee of that candidate shall be treated as a contribution by the joint fundraising committee to such authorized committee (and thus subject to the 48-hour notification requirement).

Senate candidates must file designations, statements, and reports directly with the FEC (instead of via the Secretary of the Senate, as currently required).

real time transparency act bill amends federal_election_campaign_act revise requirement hour notification campaign contribution federal_election_commission fec certain officials principal campaign committee candidate federal office currently candidate principal campaign committee required written hour notification secretary senate fec secretary state appropriate receipt contribution authorized committee candidate 20th day hours election requirement certain additions shall apply political committee candidate principal campaign committee cumulative contributions instead single contributions contributor calendar year report shall fec transferred joint fundraising committee established candidate authorized committee authorized committee candidate shall treated contribution joint fundraising committee authorized committee subject hour notification requirement senate candidates file designations statements reports directly fec instead secretary senate currently required


Summary:
Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act

This bill prohibits a state that has been redistricted after an apportionment from being redistricted again until after the next apportionment of Representatives, unless the state is ordered by a court to conduct such a subsequent redistricting in order to: (1) comply with the U.S. Constitution, or (2) enforce the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Redistricting must be conducted through a plan developed by the independent redistricting commission established in the state, or if such plan is not enacted into law, the redistricting plan selected by the state's highest court or developed by a U.S. district court.

The bill prescribes requirements for: (1) establishment of a state independent redistricting commission (including provisions for holding each of its meetings in public and maintaining a public Internet website); (2) development of a redistricting plan (including soliciting and considering public comments) and its submission to the state legislature (with public notice of plans at least seven days prior to such submission); (3) selection of a plan, under specified conditions, by the state's highest court or the U.S. district court for the district in which the capital of the state is located; (4) special rules for redistricting conducted under a federal court order; and (5) Election Assistance Commission payments to states for carrying out redistricting.

fairness independence redistricting act bill prohibits state redistricted apportionment redistricted apportionment representatives state ordered court conduct subsequent redistricting order comply enforce voting rights act redistricting conducted plan developed independent redistricting commission established state plan enacted law redistricting plan selected state highest court developed district court bill prescribes requirements establishment state independent redistricting commission including provisions holding meetings public maintaining public internet website development redistricting plan including soliciting considering public comments submission state legislature public notice plans seven days prior submission selection plan specified conditions state highest court district court district capital state located special rules redistricting conducted federal court order election assistance commission payments states carrying redistricting


Summary:
Federal Election Administration Act of 2016

This bill amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to replace the Federal Election Commission with the Federal Election Administration (FEA).

The Government Accountability Office shall conduct: (1) a thorough examination of the Attorney General's enforcement of the criminal provisions of FECA and Internal Revenue Code requirements and prohibitions regarding the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account; and (2) an ongoing study on the level of funding that constitutes an adequate level of resources for the FEA to execute competently the responsibilities imposed on the FEA by this bill.

federal_election_administration_act bill amends federal_election_campaign_act feca replace federal_election_commission federal_election_administration fea government_accountability_office shall conduct thorough examination attorney general enforcement criminal provisions feca internal_revenue_code requirements prohibitions presidential_election_campaign_fund presidential_primary_matching_payment_account ongoing study level funding constitutes adequate level resources fea execute responsibilities imposed fea bill


Summary:
Political Intelligence Transparency Act of 2016

This bill amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA) to require the disclosure of political intelligence activities, particularly relating to information useful for analyzing securities or commodities markets.

Political intelligence consultants or their employing organizations must register with the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives and make quarterly reports on political intelligence activities. The bill exempts from such requirements an individual whose combined political intelligence and lobbying activities constitute less than 20% of the time engaged in such services to a client over a three-month period.

Persons or entities that make an oral or written political intelligence contact with a covered legislative branch or executive branch official must, on the official's request: (1) state whether such person or entity is registered under the LDA, (2) identify the client on behalf of whom the contact is made, and (3) state whether such client is a foreign entity and make any related disclosures.

The federal criminal code is amended to subject to a fine and/or imprisonment certain former officers, employees, and elected officials of the executive and legislative branches who knowingly make any communication to, or appearance before, any officer or employee of a federal or District of Columbia agency or court in violation of certain permanent or temporary restrictions and with the intent to gain information for use in: (1) analyzing securities or commodities markets, or (2) informing investment decisions in those markets.

The bill excludes from such prohibition any communication made by a representative of a media organization to gather and disseminate news and information to the public.

political intelligence transparency act bill amends lobbying disclosure act lda require disclosure political intelligence activities particularly relating information useful analyzing securities commodities markets political intelligence consultants employing organizations register secretary senate clerk house_of_representatives quarterly reports political intelligence activities bill exempts requirements individual combined political intelligence lobbying activities constitute time engaged services client month period persons entities oral written political intelligence contact covered legislative branch executive branch official official request state person entity registered lda identify client behalf contact state client foreign entity related disclosures federal criminal code amended subject fine imprisonment certain officers employees elected officials executive legislative branches knowingly communication appearance officer employee federal district_of_columbia agency court violation certain permanent temporary restrictions intent gain information use analyzing securities commodities markets informing investment decisions markets bill excludes prohibition communication representative media organization gather disseminate news information public


Summary:
Presidential Tax Transparency Act

This bill amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require any candidate of a major party for the office of President to file with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) a copy of the candidate's income tax returns for the three most recent taxable years for which such a return has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service as of the date of the nomination.

In any case in which such a candidate has not filed with the FEC such income tax returns within 30 days after the nomination date, the FEC shall request the Department of the Treasury to furnish the returns.

A tax return furnished to the FEC by a candidate or by Treasury shall be treated in the same manner as a report filed by the candidate and, except for the appropriate redaction of certain information, shall be made publicly available at the same time and in the same manner as other reports and statements.

The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the FEC to disclose to the public the applicable tax returns of any person who has been nominated as a candidate of a major party. Treasury shall furnish the FEC with copies of any requested returns.

presidential tax transparency act bill amends federal_election_campaign_act require candidate major party office president file federal_election_commission fec copy candidate income tax returns recent taxable years return filed internal_revenue_service date nomination case candidate filed fec income tax returns days nomination date fec shall request department_of_the_treasury furnish returns tax return furnished fec candidate treasury shall treated manner report filed candidate appropriate redaction certain information shall publicly available time manner reports statements bill amends internal_revenue_code authorize fec disclose public applicable tax returns person nominated candidate major party treasury shall furnish fec copies requested returns


Summary:
Preventing IRS Abuse and Protecting Free Speech Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit the Internal Revenue Service from requiring a tax-exempt organization to include in annual returns the name, address, or other identifying information of any contributor.

The bill includes exceptions for: (1) required disclosures regarding prohibited tax shelter transactions; and (2) contributions by the organization's officers, directors, or five highest compensated employees (including compensation paid by related organizations).

preventing irs abuse protecting free speech act bill amends internal_revenue_code prohibit internal_revenue_service requiring tax exempt organization include annual returns address identifying information contributor bill includes exceptions required disclosures prohibited tax shelter transactions contributions organization officers directors highest compensated employees including compensation paid related organizations


Summary:
Empowering Citizens Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to revise the public financing system for presidential primary and general elections occurring after January 1, 2018, and to establish a system of public financing of congressional elections.

With respect to presidential primary elections, the bill:

 increases the amount of matching payments from a one-to-one to a six-to-one match for contributions by individuals of $200 or less; limits aggregate contributions to publicly-financed candidates to $1,000; establishes a $300 million limit on payments to publicly-financed candidates; requires primary candidates to certify that they have received matching contributions exceeding $25,000 (currently, $5,000) in each of 20 states, based on individual contributions not exceeding $200; prohibits a candidate and the candidate's authorized committee from accepting bundled contributions; requires publicly-financed candidates nominated for the office of President to apply for and accept payments under the general election financing system; and eliminates the expenditure limitation for candidates under the FECA. With respect to presidential general elections, the bill:

 revises eligibility requirements for public financing of general election candidates; prohibits general election candidates and their authorized committees from accepting bundled contributions; sets forth requirements for the use of qualified campaign contributions by candidates and their authorized committees; eliminates the expenditure limitation for candidates under the FECA; increases the amount of matching payments to from a one-to-one to a six-to-one match for contributions by individuals giving $200 or less; limits aggregate contributions to publicly-financed candidates to $1,000; establishes a $300 million limit on payments to publicly-financed candidates; and establishes an uniform date for the release of payments to candidates. The bill establishes a system for public financing of congressional elections and sets forth eligibility requirements for participating candidates. Contributions made to a publicly-financed candidate for the House of Representatives which do not exceed $1,000 are excluded in determining the limit on coordinated expenditures by a national committee of a political party.

The bill amends the FECA to prohibit federal candidates or office holders from soliciting, receiving, directing, or transferring funds to or on behalf of any political committee that accepts donations or contributions that do not comply with FECA limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements (Super PACs), or to or on behalf of any Section 527 organization which accepts such donations or contributions (other than a committee of a state or local political party or a candidate for election for state or local office).

The bill: (1) increases to $100 million the limit on coordinated expenditures for publicly-financed presidential candidates by a national committee of a political party; (2) increases the tax return check-off amount to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund; (3) prohibits an authorized committee of a candidate from establishing or participating in a joint fundraising committee; (4) expands reporting requirements for the disclosure of bundled contributions; and (5) sets forth new requirements for judicial review of campaign finance laws and FEC actions.

empowering citizens act bill amends internal_revenue_code federal_election_campaign_act feca revise public financing system presidential primary general elections occurring january establish system public financing congressional elections respect presidential primary elections bill increases matching payments match contributions individuals limits aggregate contributions publicly financed candidates establishes million limit payments publicly financed candidates requires primary candidates certify received matching contributions exceeding currently states based individual contributions exceeding prohibits candidate candidate authorized committee accepting bundled contributions requires publicly financed candidates nominated office president apply accept payments general election financing system eliminates expenditure limitation candidates feca respect presidential general elections bill revises eligibility requirements public financing general election candidates prohibits general election candidates authorized committees accepting bundled contributions sets forth requirements use qualified campaign contributions candidates authorized committees eliminates expenditure limitation candidates feca increases matching payments match contributions individuals giving limits aggregate contributions publicly financed candidates establishes million limit payments publicly financed candidates establishes uniform date release payments candidates bill establishes system public financing congressional elections sets forth eligibility requirements participating candidates contributions publicly financed candidate house_of_representatives exceed excluded determining limit coordinated expenditures national committee political party bill amends feca prohibit federal candidates office holders soliciting receiving directing transferring funds behalf political committee accepts donations contributions comply feca limitations prohibitions reporting requirements super pacs behalf section organization accepts donations contributions committee state local political party candidate election state local office bill increases million limit coordinated expenditures publicly financed presidential candidates national committee political party increases tax return check presidential_election_campaign_fund prohibits authorized committee candidate establishing participating joint fundraising committee expands reporting requirements disclosure bundled contributions sets forth new requirements judicial review campaign finance laws fec actions


Summary:
Presidential Tax Transparency Act

This bill amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require each candidate of a major party for the office of President to file with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) a copy of the candidate's income tax returns for the three most recent taxable years for which such a return has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service as of the date of the nomination.

If a candidate has not filed with the FEC such income tax returns within 30 days after the nomination date, the FEC shall request the Department of the Treasury to furnish the returns.

A tax return furnished to the FEC by a candidate or by Treasury shall be treated in the same manner as a report filed by the candidate and, except for the appropriate redaction of certain information, shall be made publicly available at the same time and in the same manner as other reports and statements.

The bill sets forth a special rule for disclosure of tax returns in 2016 by a presidential candidate who is nominated for the general election in November 2016 and was so nominated before the enactment of this bill.

The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the FEC to disclose to the public the applicable tax returns of any person who has been nominated as a candidate of a major party. Treasury shall furnish the FEC with copies of any requested returns.

presidential tax transparency act bill amends federal_election_campaign_act require candidate major party office president file federal_election_commission fec copy candidate income tax returns recent taxable years return filed internal_revenue_service date nomination candidate filed fec income tax returns days nomination date fec shall request department_of_the_treasury furnish returns tax return furnished fec candidate treasury shall treated manner report filed candidate appropriate redaction certain information shall publicly available time manner reports statements bill sets forth special rule disclosure tax returns presidential candidate nominated general election november nominated enactment bill bill amends internal_revenue_code authorize fec disclose public applicable tax returns person nominated candidate major party treasury shall furnish fec copies requested returns


Summary:
SuperPAC Elimination Act of 2017

 This bill amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to: (1) eliminate the limitations on direct contributions from individuals and political committees to candidates in federal elections; and (2) require 24-hour notification to the Secretary of the Senate or the Federal Election Commission, and the Secretary of State, as appropriate, for all direct contributions to candidates in excess of $200.

elimination act bill amends federal_election_campaign_act eliminate limitations direct contributions individuals political committees candidates federal elections require hour notification secretary senate federal_election_commission secretary state appropriate direct contributions candidates excess


Summary: Citizens' Self-Defense Act of 2007 - Declares that a person not prohibited under the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act from receiving a firearm shall have the right to obtain firearms for security and to use firearms in defense of: (1) self or family against a reasonably perceived threat of imminent and unlawful infliction of serious bodily injury; (2) self or family in the course of the commission by another person of a violent felony against the person or a member of the person's family; and (3) the person's home in the course of the commission of a felony by another person. Authorizes persons whose rights under this Act have been violated to bring an action in U.S. district court against the United States, any state, or any person for damages, injunctive relief, and such other relief as the court deems appropriate.Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the award of attorney's fees; and (2) the statute of limitations.

citizens self defense act declares person prohibited brady_handgun_violence_prevention_act receiving firearm shall right obtain firearms security use firearms defense self family reasonably perceived threat imminent unlawful bodily injury self family course commission person violent felony person member person family person home course commission felony person authorizes persons rights act violated bring action district court united_states state person damages injunctive relief relief court deems appropriate sets forth provisions award attorney fees statute limitations


Summary: Gun Show Loophole Closing Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to provide for regulation of firearms transfers at special firearms events (events at which 75 or more firearms are offered or exhibited for sale, exchange, or transfer if one or more of the firearms has been shipped or transported in, or otherwise affects, interstate or foreign commerce, excluding an offer or exhibit of firearms: (1) by an individual, from that individual's personal collection, at that individual's private residence, if the individual is not required to be licensed; and (2) at events conducted and attended by permanent or annual dues paying members of private, not-for-profit organizations whose primary purpose is owning and maintaining real property for hunting activities). Prohibits any person from operating a special firearms event without notifying the Attorney General. Sets forth: (1) responsibilities of special firearms events operators and of firearms licensees and transferors other than licensees at such events, including with regard to criminal background checks; (2) special firearms event license application requirements; and (3) penalties for violation of this Act. Authorizes a state to apply to the Attorney General for, and sets forth criteria for, certification of the 24-hour verification authority of that state with respect to criminal background checks. Increases penalties for: (1) serious record keeping violations by licensees; and (2) violations of criminal background check requirements.

gun loophole closing act amends federal criminal code provide regulation firearms transfers special firearms events events firearms offered sale exchange transfer firearms shipped transported affects interstate foreign commerce excluding offer exhibit firearms individual individual personal collection individual private residence individual required licensed events conducted attended permanent annual dues paying members private profit organizations primary purpose owning maintaining real property hunting activities prohibits person operating special firearms event notifying attorney general sets forth responsibilities special firearms events operators firearms licensees transferors licensees events including regard criminal background checks special firearms event license application requirements penalties violation act authorizes state apply attorney general sets forth criteria certification hour verification authority state respect criminal background checks increases penalties record keeping violations licensees violations criminal background check requirements


Summary: Law Enforcement Officers Flag Memorial Act - Allows the family of a deceased law enforcement officer to request, and the Attorney General to provide, a U.S. flag flown over the Capitol in honor of the officer, to be supplied by the Architect of the Capitol. Directs that the family pay the cost of such flag, including shipping.

law enforcement officers flag memorial act allows family deceased law enforcement officer request attorney general provide flag flown capitol honor officer supplied directs family pay cost flag including shipping


Summary: Amends the federal criminal code to establish a national standard for the carrying of certain concealed firearms by non-residents. Authorizes a person who has a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm in one state and who is not prohibited from carrying a firearm under federal law to carry a concealed firearm in another state in accordance with the restrictions of that state or as specified under this Act.

amends federal criminal code establish national standard carrying certain concealed firearms non residents authorizes person valid permit carry concealed firearm state prohibited carrying firearm federal law carry concealed firearm state accordance restrictions state specified act


Summary: Child Gun Safety and Gun Access Prevention Act of 2007 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to: (1) raise the age of handgun eligibility to 21 (currently, 18); and (2) prohibit persons under age 21 from possessing semiautomatic assault weapons or large capacity ammunition feeding devices, with exceptions. Increases penalties for: (1) a second or subsequent violation by a juvenile of Brady Act provisions or for a first violation committed after an adjudication of delinquency or after a State or Federal conviction for an act that, if committed by an adult, would be a serious violent felony; and (2) transferring a handgun, ammunition, semiautomatic assault weapon, or large capacity ammunition feeding device to a person who is under age 21, knowing or having reasonable cause to know that such person intended to use it in the commission of a crime of violence.Prohibits any licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer from transferring a firearm to any person (other than a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer) unless the transferee is provided with a secure gun storage or safety device. Authorizes the Attorney General to suspend or revoke any firearms license, or to subject the licensee to a civil penalty of up to $10,000, if the licensee has knowingly violated this prohibition.Prohibits keeping a loaded firearm or an unloaded firearm and ammunition within any premises knowing or recklessly disregarding the risk that a child: (1) is capable of gaining access to it; and (2) will use the firearm to cause death or serious bodily injury.Requires the parent or legal guardian of a child to ensure that a child attending a gun show is accompanied by an adult.Authorizes the Attorney General to provide grants to enable local law enforcement agencies to develop and sponsor gun safety classes for parents and children.Expresses the sense of Congress that each school district should provide or participate in a firearms safety program for students.

child gun safety gun access prevention act amends brady handgun violence prevention act raise age handgun eligibility currently prohibit persons age possessing semiautomatic assault weapons large capacity ammunition feeding devices exceptions increases penalties second subsequent violation juvenile provisions violation committed adjudication delinquency state federal conviction act committed adult violent felony transferring handgun ammunition semiautomatic assault weapon large capacity ammunition feeding device person age knowing having reasonable cause know person intended use commission crime violence prohibits licensed importer manufacturer dealer transferring firearm person licensed importer manufacturer dealer transferee provided secure gun storage safety device authorizes attorney general suspend revoke firearms license subject licensee civil penalty licensee knowingly violated prohibition prohibits keeping loaded firearm unloaded firearm ammunition premises knowing recklessly disregarding risk child capable gaining access use firearm cause death bodily injury requires parent legal guardian child ensure child attending gun accompanied adult authorizes attorney general provide grants enable local law enforcement agencies develop sponsor gun safety classes parents children expresses sense congress school district provide participate firearms safety program students


Summary: Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 to authorize trafficking victims-related appropriations for activities of: (1) the Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking; (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services; (3) the Secretary of State; (4) the President; (5) the Secretary of Labor; (6) the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; (7) the Secretary of Homeland Security; and (8) the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development. Makes juvenile victims of trafficking in persons eligible for interim assistance under such Act. Directs the Attorney General to prepare model legislation for state use to define and prohibit all acts relating to prostitution of children and trafficking in children for the purpose of labor or sexual exploitation.

trafficking_victims_protection_reauthorization_act amends trafficking victims protection act authorize trafficking victims related appropriations activities interagency_task_force monitor combat_trafficking secretary health_and_human_services secretary state president secretary labor director federal_bureau_of_investigation secretary homeland_security administrator united_states_agency international_development makes juvenile victims trafficking persons eligible interim assistance act directs attorney general prepare model legislation state use define prohibit acts relating prostitution children trafficking children purpose labor sexual exploitation


Summary: NICS Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to require: (1) the head of each federal agency that has records relating to persons for whom receipt of a firearm would violate federal or state law to provide that information to the Attorney General for inclusion in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS); (2) the agency, upon being made aware that the basis under which a record was made available no longer applies, to correct the record and notify the Attorney General; and (3) the Secretary of Homeland Security to make available to the Attorney General records relevant to a determination that a person is disqualified from possessing or receiving a firearm and information about a change in such person's status for removal from NICS, where appropriate.Directs the Attorney General to make grants to: (1) states and Indian tribal governments to establish or upgrade information and identification technologies for firearms eligibility determinations; and (2) states for use by the state court system to improve the automation and transmittal to federal and state record repositories of criminal history dispositions, records relevant to determining whether a person has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, court orders, and mental health adjudications or commitments.Requires: (1) the Director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics to study and evaluate NICS operations and to report annually to Congress and to specified states regarding best practices; and (2) the Comptroller General to conduct an audit of the expenditure of all funds appropriated for criminal records improvement to determine how the funds were expended.

nics improvement act amends brady handgun violence prevention act require head federal agency records relating persons receipt firearm violate federal state law provide information attorney general inclusion national_instant_criminal_background_check_system nics agency aware basis record available longer applies correct record notify attorney general secretary homeland_security available attorney general records relevant determination person disqualified possessing receiving firearm information change person status removal nics appropriate directs attorney general grants states indian tribal governments establish upgrade information identification technologies firearms eligibility determinations states use state court system improve automation transmittal federal state record repositories criminal history dispositions records relevant determining person convicted misdemeanor crime domestic violence court orders mental health adjudications commitments requires director bureau_of_justice_statistics study evaluate nics operations report annually congress specified states best practices comptroller general conduct audit expenditure funds appropriated criminal records improvement determine funds expended


Summary: Kristen's Act Reauthorization of 2007- Directs the Attorney General, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, to make grants to public agencies and/or nonprofit private organizations to: (1) maintain a national resource center and information clearinghouse for missing and unidentified adults; (2) maintain a national, interconnected database for tracking missing adults who are determined by law enforcement to be endangered due to age, diminished mental capacity, or the circumstances of disappearance, when foul play is suspected or circumstances are unknown; (3) coordinate public and private programs that locate or recover missing adults or reunite missing adults with their families; (4) provide assistance and training to law enforcement agencies, State and local governments, elements of the criminal justice system, nonprofit organizations, and individuals in the prevention, investigation, prosecution, and treatment of cases involving missing adults; (5) provide assistance to families in locating and recovering missing adults; and (6) assist in public notification and victim advocacy related to missing adults.Directs the Attorney General, through the Director, to: (1) coordinate Government-funded programs relating to missing adults; and (2) provide the public agencies or nonprofit private organizations receiving grants to maintain a national resource center and information clearinghouse for missing and unidentified adults with access to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Crime Information Center.

directs attorney general acting director bureau_of_justice_assistance grants public agencies nonprofit private organizations maintain national resource center information clearinghouse missing unidentified adults maintain national interconnected database tracking missing adults determined law enforcement endangered age diminished mental capacity circumstances play suspected circumstances unknown coordinate public private programs locate recover missing adults missing adults families provide assistance training law enforcement agencies state local governments elements criminal justice system nonprofit organizations individuals prevention investigation prosecution treatment cases involving missing adults provide assistance families locating recovering missing adults assist public notification victim advocacy related missing adults directs attorney general director coordinate government funded programs relating missing adults provide public agencies nonprofit private organizations receiving grants maintain national resource center information clearinghouse missing unidentified adults access


Summary: State and Local Law Enforcement Discipline, Accountability, and Due Process Act of 2007 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to set forth the due process rights, including procedures, that shall be afforded a law enforcement officer (officer) who is the subject of an investigation or disciplinary hearing. Declares that an officer shall not be: (1) prohibited from engaging in political activity or be denied the right to refrain from engaging in such activity, except when on duty or acting in an official capacity; and (2) prohibited from being a candidate for an elective office or from serving in such elective office solely because of the officer's status as an officer, with exceptions.Requires that: (1) each agency adopt and thereafter comply with a written complaint procedure that meets specified requirements; and (2) an investigation based on a complaint from outside the agency commence not later than 15 days after receipt of the complaint by the agency employing the officer against whom the complaint has been made, or any other agency charged with investigating such complaint.Directs that any officer who is the subject of an investigation be notified of the investigation 24 hours before the commencement of questioning. Establishes rights of officers before and during questioning, including the right to counsel. Requires questioning to be conducted at reasonable hours. Prohibits an officer from being compelled to submit to the use of a lie detector.

state local law enforcement discipline accountability process act amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act set forth process rights including procedures shall afforded law enforcement officer officer subject investigation disciplinary hearing declares officer shall prohibited engaging political activity denied right refrain engaging activity duty acting official capacity prohibited candidate elective office serving elective office solely officer status officer exceptions requires agency adopt comply written complaint procedure meets specified requirements investigation based complaint outside agency commence later days receipt complaint agency employing officer complaint agency charged investigating complaint directs officer subject investigation notified investigation hours commencement questioning establishes rights officers questioning including right counsel requires questioning conducted reasonable hours prohibits officer compelled submit use lie detector


Summary: National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to establish a national standard for the carrying of concealed firearms (other than a machinegun or destructive device) by non-residents. Authorizes a person who has a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm in one state and who is not prohibited from carrying a firearm under federal law to carry a concealed firearm in another state in accordance with the restrictions of that state or as specified under this Act.

national right carry reciprocity act amends federal criminal code establish national standard carrying concealed firearms destructive device non residents authorizes person valid permit carry concealed firearm state prohibited carrying firearm federal law carry concealed firearm state accordance restrictions state specified act


Summary: Witness Security and Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the federal judicial code to establish in the U. S. Marshals Service a Short Term State Witness Protection Section to provide protection for witnesses in state and local trials involving homicide or a serious violent felony or serious drug offense, pursuant to cooperative agreements with state and local district attorneys and the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. Directs the Section to give priority in awarding grants and providing services to prosecutor's offices in states with an average of at least 100 murders per year during the five-year period immediately preceding an application for protection. Authorizes: (1) the Attorney General to make grants to state and local district attorneys and to the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia for providing such witness protection; and (2) each recipient to use the grant to provide witness protection or to credit the grant to the Section to cover the Section's costs of providing witness protection. Permits grants to be awarded only in states with an average of not less than 100 murders per year during the most recent five-year period.

witness security protection act amends federal judicial code establish short term state witness protection section provide protection witnesses state local trials involving homicide violent felony drug offense pursuant cooperative agreements state local district attorneys attorney district_of_columbia directs section priority awarding grants providing services prosecutor offices states average murders year year period immediately preceding application protection authorizes attorney general grants state local district attorneys attorney district_of_columbia providing witness protection recipient use grant provide witness protection credit grant section cover section costs providing witness protection permits grants awarded states average murders year recent year period


Summary: Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income and to exempt from social security, unemployment taxes, and withholding of tax requirements rebates of real or personal property taxes or any other benefit provided by a State or local government to a member of a volunteer emergency response organization providing firefighting or emergency medical services.

amends internal revenue code exclude gross income exempt social security unemployment taxes withholding tax requirements rebates real personal property taxes benefit provided state local government member volunteer emergency response organization providing firefighting emergency medical services


Summary: Assault Weapons Ban and Law Enforcement Protection Act of 2007 - Reinstates for ten years repealed criminal provisions regarding assault weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding devices (the assault weapons ban).Revises the definition of "semiautomatic assault weapon" to include conversion kits (for converting a firearm to such a weapon) and any semiautomatic rifle or pistol that has an ability to accept a detachable magazine and that has specified characteristics, including a telescoping stock. Prohibits the transfer of such a weapon except through a licensed dealer or a state or local law enforcement agency, subject to specified requirements. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish and maintain a record of the make, model, and date of manufacture of any such weapon which the Attorney General is made aware has been used in relation to a crime, and of the nature and circumstances of the crime involved; and (2) annually submit the record to Congress and make it available to the public. Prohibits: (1) the transfer of any assault weapon with a large capacity ammunition feeding device; and (2) a licensed manufacturer, importer, or dealer who transfers such a device that was manufactured on or before this Act's enactment from failing to certify to the Attorney General, within 60 days of the transfer date, that the device was manufactured on or before that date. Sets forth penalties for violations.Prohibits: (1) the transfer of such a weapon or device to a juvenile; and (2) the importation of such a device.

law enforcement protection act years repealed criminal provisions assault weapons large capacity ammunition feeding devices assault weapons definition semiautomatic assault weapon include conversion kits converting firearm weapon semiautomatic rifle pistol ability accept detachable magazine specified characteristics including stock prohibits transfer weapon licensed dealer state local law enforcement agency subject specified requirements directs attorney general establish maintain record model date manufacture weapon attorney general aware relation crime nature circumstances crime involved annually submit record congress available public prohibits transfer assault weapon large capacity ammunition feeding device licensed manufacturer importer dealer transfers device manufactured act enactment failing certify attorney general days transfer date device manufactured date sets forth penalties violations prohibits transfer weapon device juvenile importation device


Summary: Establishes a Rural Policing Institute to be administered by the Office of State and Local Training of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in the Department of Homeland Security. Requires the Institute to: (1) evaluate the needs of law enforcement agencies of local and tribal governments in rural areas; (2) develop expert training programs to address the needs of such agencies regarding combating methamphetamine addiction and distribution, domestic violence, and response to school shootings; and (3) conduct outreach to ensure that its training programs reach law enforcement officers of such agencies. .

establishes administered local training federal_law_enforcement_training_center department_of_homeland_security requires institute evaluate needs law enforcement agencies local tribal governments rural areas develop expert training programs address needs agencies combating methamphetamine addiction distribution domestic violence response school shootings conduct outreach ensure training programs reach law enforcement officers agencies


Summary: Second Amendment Protection Act of 2007 - Repeals the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act and the Federal Firearms License Reform Act of 1993. Restores and revives any provisions amended or repealed by such Acts as if such Acts had not been enacted. Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and the federal criminal code distinguishing firearms used or suitable for sporting, recreational, or cultural purposes from firearms used generally.Repeals the Child Safety Lock Act of 2005 and other provisions of the federal criminal code relating to gun storage and gun safety devices.

second amendment protection act repeals brady handgun violence prevention act restores revives provisions amended repealed acts acts enacted repeals provisions internal_revenue_code federal criminal code distinguishing firearms suitable sporting recreational cultural purposes firearms generally repeals child safety lock act provisions federal criminal code relating gun storage gun safety devices


Summary: Veterans' Heritage Firearms Act of 2007 - Provides a 90-day amnesty period during which veterans and their family members can register in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record any firearm acquired before October 31, 1968, by a veteran while a member of the Armed Forces stationed outside the continental United States. Grants such an individual limited immunity under the federal criminal code and the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the acquisition, possession, transportation, or alteration of such firearm before or concurrent with such registration. Extends such immunity to a veteran who attempts to register a qualifying firearm outside of the amnesty period if the veteran surrenders the firearm within 30 days after being notified of potential criminal liability for continued possession.Requires the Attorney General to: (1) transfer each firearm qualifying as a curio or relic which has been forfeited to the United States to the first qualified museum that requests it; and (2) publish information identifying each such firearm which is available to be transferred to a museum. Prohibits the Attorney General from destroying any such firearm which has been forfeited until five years after the forfeiture. Requires that any firearm transferred to a qualified museum be registered to the transferee.Makes a prohibition against transfer or possession of a machine-gun inapplicable to a transfer to or by, or possession by, a museum which is open to the public and incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation under applicable state law.

provides day amnesty period veterans family members register firearm acquired october veteran member armed_forces stationed outside continental united_states grants individual limited immunity federal criminal code internal revenue code respect acquisition possession transportation alteration firearm concurrent registration extends immunity veteran attempts register qualifying firearm outside amnesty period veteran firearm days notified potential criminal liability continued possession requires attorney general transfer firearm qualifying forfeited united_states qualified museum requests publish information identifying firearm available transferred museum prohibits attorney general destroying firearm forfeited years forfeiture requires firearm transferred qualified museum registered transferee makes prohibition transfer possession machine gun inapplicable transfer possession museum open public incorporated profit corporation applicable state law


Summary: Justice for Public Safety Officers Act - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit and impose enhanced criminal penalties for: (1) killing (or attempting or conspiring to kill) a federally protected safety officer (or former officer) while such officer is engaged in official duties or on the account of the performance of such duties; and (2) interstate or foreign flight to avoid prosecution, custody, or confinement for killing a federally protected safety officer. Defines "federally protected safety officer" as a public safety officer for a public agency that receives annual federal assistance of more than $10,000. Includes within the definition of "federally protected safety officer" judicial officers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, chaplains, and members of a rescue squad or ambulance crew.

officers act amends federal criminal code prohibit impose enhanced criminal penalties killing attempting conspiring kill federally protected safety officer officer officer engaged official duties account performance duties interstate foreign flight avoid prosecution custody confinement killing federally protected safety officer defines federally protected safety officer public safety officer public agency receives annual federal assistance includes definition federally protected safety officer judicial officers law enforcement officers firefighters chaplains members rescue squad ambulance crew


Summary: No Fly, No Buy Act of 2007 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prohibit: (1) the sale or other disposition of a firearm or ammunition to any person knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that such person is an individual required to be prevented from boarding an aircraft; and (2) the shipment, transport, possession, or receipt of a firearm or ammunition by such individuals.

fly buy act amends brady handgun violence prevention act prohibit sale disposition firearm ammunition person knowing having reasonable cause believe person individual required prevented boarding aircraft shipment transport possession receipt firearm ammunition individuals


Summary: Foreign Felon Gun Prohibition Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to extend prohibitions against the sale, disposition, shipment, possession, transfer, or receipt of a firearm or ammunition by convicted felons to felons convicted in a foreign court.

foreign felon gun prohibition act amends federal criminal code extend prohibitions sale disposition shipment possession transfer receipt firearm ammunition convicted felons felons convicted foreign court


Summary: Fallen Heroes Flag Act of 2007 - Allows the Representative of the immediate family of a deceased fire fighter, law enforcement officer, emergency technician, or other rescue worker who died in the line of duty to provide the family, at their request, with a Capitol-flown flag, together with a certificate, signed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Representative providing the flag, which contains an expression of sympathy for the family.

fallen heroes flag act allows representative immediate family deceased fire fighter law enforcement officer emergency technician rescue worker died line duty provide family request capitol flown flag certificate signed speaker house_of_representatives representative providing flag contains expression family


Summary: Firefighters Special Operation Task Force Act - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize the Administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration to award up to 100 grants for task forces (two or more fire services that collectively consist of at least 50 firefighting personnel, operating under a cooperative agreement to coordinate incident response) each fiscal year for: (1) salary and benefits to hire firefighting personnel; (2) training; (3) equipment or support systems; (4) communications between task force members and a local police department or hospital or with any other appropriate governmental or private sector entity; and (5) compatibility and interoperability of training and equipment. Requires the Administrator to give priority to task forces serving geographic areas that have a high population density or that are located within 50 miles of: (1) a nuclear power facility; (2) a large facility that produces, treats, or refines chemicals or petroleum products; (3) a business district of national significance; or (4) a location with one or more critical infrastructures. Requires grantees to obtain non-federal matching funds of at least 55% of the amount awarded by the Administrator for each fiscal year.

firefighters special operation task force act amends federal_fire_prevention control act authorize administrator award grants task forces fire services collectively consist firefighting personnel operating cooperative agreement coordinate incident response fiscal year salary benefits hire firefighting personnel training equipment support systems communications task force members local police department hospital appropriate governmental private sector entity compatibility interoperability training equipment requires administrator priority task forces serving geographic areas high population density located miles nuclear power facility large facility produces treats chemicals petroleum products business district national significance location critical infrastructures requires grantees obtain non federal matching funds awarded administrator fiscal year


Summary: Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Defines "hate crime" as a violent act causing death or bodily injury because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability of the victim. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Attorney General, at the request of a state, local, or Tribal law enforcement agency, to provide technical, forensic, prosecutorial, or other assistance in the criminal investigation or prosecution of any crime that: (1) constitutes a crime of violence; (2) constitutes a felony under state, local, or Tribal laws; and (3) is motivated by prejudice based on the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability of the victim or is a violation of the state, local, or Tribal hate crime laws. Requires the Attorney General to give priority for assistance to crimes committed by offenders who have committed crimes in more than one state and to rural jurisdictions that have difficulty covering extraordinary investigation or prosecution expenses.Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to state, local, and Indian law enforcement agencies for extraordinary expenses associated with the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes. Requires the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs to work closely with grant recipients to ensure that the concerns and needs of all affected parties under the grant program are addressed. Sets forth requirements and deadlines for grant applications. Limits grant amounts to $100,000 for any single jurisdiction in any one-year period. Requires the Attorney General to submit a report to Congress on the grant program by December 31, 2008. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2009.(Sec. 5) Authorizes the Office of Justice Programs to award grants to state, local, or Tribal programs designed to combat hate crimes committed by juveniles. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 6) Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2010 for additional personnel to prevent and respond to hate crime violations. (Sec. 7) Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to 10 years on any person who willfully causes bodily injury to any person, or who, through the use of fire, a firearm, or an explosive or incendiary device, attempts to cause bodily harm to any person, because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability of such person.Requires certification by the Attorney General or other Department of Justice official of certain findings relating to an alleged hate crime prior to initiating a prosecution for such crime.Excludes evidence of expression or association of a defendant in a hate crime prosecution at trial, unless such evidence specifically relates to the offense being prosecuted.(Sec. 8) Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit expressive conduct or activities protected by the First Amendment.

local law enforcement hate crimes prevention act sec defines hate crime violent act causing death bodily injury actual perceived race color religion national origin sexual orientation gender gender identity disability victim sec authorizes attorney general request state local tribal law enforcement agency provide technical forensic prosecutorial assistance criminal investigation prosecution crime constitutes crime violence constitutes felony state local tribal laws motivated prejudice based actual perceived race color religion national origin gender sexual orientation gender identity disability victim violation state local tribal hate crime laws requires attorney general priority assistance crimes committed offenders committed crimes state rural jurisdictions difficulty covering extraordinary investigation prosecution expenses authorizes attorney general award grants state local indian law enforcement agencies extraordinary expenses associated investigation prosecution hate crimes requires work closely grant recipients ensure concerns needs affected parties grant program addressed sets forth requirements deadlines grant applications limits grant amounts single jurisdiction year period requires attorney general submit report congress grant program december authorizes appropriations fy2008 authorizes office_of_justice_programs award grants state local tribal programs designed combat hate crimes committed juveniles authorizes appropriations sec authorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2010 additional personnel prevent respond hate crime violations sec amends federal criminal code impose fine prison term years person willfully causes bodily injury person use fire firearm explosive device attempts cause bodily harm person actual perceived race color religion national origin gender sexual orientation gender identity disability person requires certification attorney general department_of_justice official certain findings relating alleged hate crime prior initiating prosecution crime excludes evidence expression association defendant hate crime prosecution trial evidence specifically relates offense act shall construed prohibit expressive conduct activities protected amendment


Summary: Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Personnel Job Protection Act - Prohibits any employee from being terminated, demoted, or discriminated against in the terms or conditions of employment because the employee is absent or late as a result of serving as a volunteer firefighter or providing volunteer emergency medical services as part of a response to an emergency or major disaster. Excludes absences for which the employee: (1) is absent for more than 14 days per calendar year; (2) responds to an emergency or major disaster without being official deployed in accordance with a coordinator national deployment system; or (3) fails to provide written verification within a reasonable period of time. Allows employers to: (1) reduce the employee's regular pay for such time as the employee is absent; and (2) require the employee to provide written verification from the supervising Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state, or local official that such employee responded in an official capacity at a specified time and date. Requires such an employee to make a reasonable effort to notify his or her employer that he or she may be absent or late. Gives such an employee a private cause of action for discrimination which violates this Act.

ems personnel job protection act prohibits employee terminated demoted discriminated terms conditions employment employee absent late result serving volunteer firefighter providing volunteer emergency medical services response emergency major disaster excludes employee absent days calendar year responds emergency major disaster official deployed accordance coordinator national deployment system fails provide written verification reasonable period time allows employers reduce employee regular pay time employee absent require employee provide written verification supervising federal_emergency_management_agency fema state local official employee responded official capacity specified time date requires employee reasonable effort notify employer absent late gives employee private cause action discrimination violates act


Summary: Personnel Reimbursement for Intelligence Cooperation and Enhancement of Homeland Security Act (PRICE of Homeland Security Act) - Allows financial assistance provided to state, local, or tribal governments by the Secretary of Homeland Security under the Homeland Security Grant Program for terrorism prevention activities to be used to pay the salaries of current staff, and hire new staff, who serve as intelligence analysts to facilitate information and intelligence sharing activities.

personnel reimbursement intelligence cooperation enhancement homeland security act price homeland security act allows financial assistance provided state local tribal governments secretary homeland_security homeland security grant program terrorism prevention activities pay salaries current staff hire new staff serve intelligence analysts facilitate information intelligence sharing activities


Summary: Rural Law Enforcement Training Act of 2007 - Establishes a Rural Policing Institute within the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center of the Department of Homeland Security to: (1) evaluate the needs of rural law enforcement agencies; (2) develop training programs for such agencies; (3) provide the training programs developed under this Act; and (4) conduct outreach efforts to ensure that such training programs are made available to rural law enforcement agencies.

rural law enforcement training act establishes evaluate needs rural law enforcement agencies develop training programs agencies provide training programs developed act conduct outreach efforts ensure training programs available rural law enforcement agencies


Summary: Managing Arson Through Criminal History (MATCH) Act of 2007 - Requires jurisdictions (i.e., states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories and possessions, and federally recognized Indian tribes) to establish and maintain a jurisdiction-wide arsonist registry.Requires a criminal arsonist to register, and keep such registration current, in each jurisdiction in which such arsonist resides, is an employee, or is a student. Sets forth other registration requirements and information required to be included in a registry, including the name, address, and social security number of the arsonist, a physical description of the arsonist, a set of fingerprints and palm prints, and a photocopy of the arsonist's driver's license or identification card. Permits expungement of registry information for certain juveniles not convicted of any other criminal felony during the registration period. Requires criminal arsonists to verify information in the registry annually. Requires appropriate officials to notify criminal arsonists of their duty to register before release from custody.Requires each jurisdiction to make all information about each criminal arsonist available to law enforcement personnel and fire safety officers through the Internet. Prohibits public access to such information. Prohibits jurisdictions from disclosing information about other convictions involving the arsonist not requiring registration and allows jurisdictions to exempt from disclosure information about an arsonist's employer and enrollment at an educational institution. Requires the Attorney General to maintain a national database at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to be known as the National Arsonist Registry and a national arsonist Internet site containing information on each criminal arsonist registered in a jurisdiction's registry or listed on a jurisdiction's Internet site, respectively. Requires jurisdictions to comply with the requirements of this Act within three years after its enactment or one year after registry management and website software is provided to such jurisdictions by the Attorney General. Withholds 10% of grant funds under the Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Program from states that fail to comply with requirements of this Act. Directs the Attorney General to establish and implement a Criminal Arsonist Management Assistance program for awarding grants to jurisdictions to offset the costs of implementing this Act.

managing arson criminal history match act requires jurisdictions states district_of_columbia territories possessions federally recognized indian tribes establish maintain jurisdiction wide registry requires criminal register registration current jurisdiction resides employee student sets forth registration requirements information required included registry including address social security number physical description set fingerprints palm prints driver license identification card permits expungement registry information certain juveniles convicted criminal felony registration period requires criminal verify information registry annually requires appropriate officials notify criminal duty register release custody requires jurisdiction information criminal available law enforcement personnel fire safety officers internet prohibits public access information prohibits jurisdictions disclosing information convictions involving requiring registration allows jurisdictions exempt disclosure information employer enrollment educational institution requires attorney general maintain national database atf known national internet site containing information criminal registered jurisdiction registry listed jurisdiction internet site respectively requires jurisdictions comply requirements act years enactment year registry management website software provided jurisdictions attorney general withholds grant funds local law enforcement assistance program states fail comply requirements act directs attorney general establish implement program awarding grants jurisdictions offset costs implementing act


Summary: Protect Law Enforcement Armor Act or the PLEA Act - Amends the federal criminal code to expand the definition of "armor piercing ammunition" to include a projectile that: (1) may be used in a handgun; and (2) the Attorney General determines to be capable of penetrating body armor. Directs the Attorney General to promulgate standards for the uniform testing of projectiles against Body Armor Exemplar (i.e., body armor that the Attorney General determines meets minimum standards for the protection of law enforcement officers), taking into account variations in performance related to the type of handgun used, the length of the barrel, the amount and kind of powder used to propel the projectile, and the projectile's design.Prohibits the manufacture, sale, possession, or transfer of the Fabrique Nationale Herstal Five-SeveN Pistol, 5.7 x 28mm SS190 and SS192 cartridges, or any other handgun that uses armor piercing ammunition, except: (1) where manufactured and sold exclusively to U.S. military, law enforcement, or intelligence agencies; and (2) by a licensed manufacturer or contractor for the purpose of examining and testing to determine whether such prohibition applies.

protect law enforcement plea act amends federal criminal code expand definition armor piercing ammunition include handgun attorney general determines capable penetrating body armor directs attorney general promulgate standards uniform testing projectiles body armor body armor attorney general determines meets minimum standards protection law enforcement officers taking account variations performance related type handgun length barrel kind powder design prohibits manufacture sale possession transfer handgun uses armor piercing ammunition manufactured sold exclusively military law enforcement intelligence agencies licensed manufacturer contractor purpose examining testing determine prohibition applies


Summary: Fairness in Firearm Testing Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to make a video recording of the entire process of its examination and testing of an item for the purpose of determining whether the item is a firearm (and if so, the type of firearm) or ammunition. Bars the Bureau from editing or erasing any such recording.Directs the Bureau to make available a digital video disc that contains a copy of the recording: (1) at the request of a person who claims an ownership interest in such item; and (2) to a defendant in a criminal proceeding involving such item. Provides that an item which the Bureau has determined is a firearm or ammunition shall not be admissible as evidence unless: (1) the Bureau has complied with the requirements of this Act to make its digital video disc available; or (2) such compliance has been waived in writing by the person against whom the item is offered as evidence.

fairness homeland security act direct explosives video recording entire process examination testing item purpose determining item firearm type firearm ammunition bars bureau editing recording directs bureau available digital video contains copy recording request person claims ownership interest item defendant criminal proceeding involving item provides item bureau determined firearm ammunition shall admissible evidence bureau complied requirements act digital video available compliance waived writing person item offered evidence


Summary: Anti-Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act of 2007 - Reinstates repealed criminal provisions prohibiting the possession or transfer of large capacity ammunition feeding devices (the assault weapons ban), except provisions exempting possession by an individual to whom such a device is transferred upon retirement from service with a law enforcement agency.Prohibits: (1) the transfer of a semiautomatic assault weapon with a large capacity ammunition feeding device; and (2) a licensed manufacturer, importer, or dealer who transfers such a device that was manufactured on or before enactment of this Act to fail to certify to the Attorney General (before the end of the 60-day period that begins with the date of transfer) that the device was manufactured on or before the enactment date. Sets penalties for violations.

feeding device act reinstates repealed criminal provisions prohibiting possession transfer large capacity ammunition feeding devices assault weapons ban provisions exempting possession individual device transferred retirement service law enforcement agency prohibits transfer semiautomatic assault weapon large capacity ammunition feeding device licensed manufacturer importer dealer transfers device manufactured enactment act fail certify attorney general end day period begins date transfer device manufactured enactment date sets penalties violations


Summary: Technological Resource to Assist Criminal Enforcement (TRACE) Act - Amends the federal criminal code to require the Attorney General to: (1) revoke the license of an importer who imports or a manufacturer who manufactures a firearm that is not microstamped (i.e., the make, model, and serial number etched onto an internal surface of the firearm); (2) conduct ballistics testing of any firearm in federal custody believed to be involved in a federal or state crime and establish an electronic database with the results of such testing; (3) report to the Judiciary Committees of Congress on the use of ballistics records in federal and state criminal investigations, arrests, indictments, and prosecutions.

technological resource assist criminal enforcement trace act amends federal criminal code require attorney general revoke license importer imports manufacturer manufactures firearm model serial number internal surface firearm conduct testing firearm federal custody believed involved federal state crime establish electronic database results testing report judiciary_committees congress use records federal state criminal investigations arrests prosecutions


Summary: Anti-Gun Trafficking Penalties Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Science, State, Justice, Commerce, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 to repeal restrictions on disclosure of the content of the Firearms Trace System database (database). Directs the Attorney General to provide state and local governments or law enforcement agencies with information from such database upon receipt of a written request.Requires federal law enforcement agencies investigating a crime to provide information about firearms stolen or used in such crime to the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives (BAFTE) for inclusion in the database. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require state and local law enforcement agencies investigating a crime to provide information about firearms stolen or used in such crime to BAFTE for inclusion in the database. Amends the federal criminal code to include illegal firearms sales and trafficking in the definition of racketeering activity.

anti gun trafficking penalties enhancement act amends science state justice commerce related agencies appropriations act repeal restrictions disclosure content firearms_trace_system database database directs attorney general provide state local governments law enforcement agencies information database receipt written request requires federal law enforcement agencies investigating crime provide information firearms stolen crime explosives inclusion database amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act require state local law enforcement agencies investigating crime provide information firearms stolen crime inclusion database amends federal criminal code include illegal firearms sales trafficking definition racketeering activity


Summary: National Park Second Amendment Restoration and Personal Protection Act of 2007 - Prohibits any federal regulation from restricting any individual from possessing or carrying a firearm if that restriction is based upon the fact that the individual is in a unit of the National Park System.

prohibits federal regulation restricting individual possessing carrying firearm restriction based fact individual unit national_park_system